Tom Davidoff, Director of UBC's Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate, discusses the proposal to add more housing to Shaughnessy, and whether that can be achieved while preserving the character of the community.A Vancouver city staff report will be discussed at a public hearing Thursday night regarding increasing housing density in the
The report proposes council should allow up to six dwelling units on all lots in the first Shaughnessy District and up to eight dwelling units for secured market rentals.Bill 44, adopted by the Provincial Legislature in November 2023, will allow for increased maximum densities to create new “small-scale, multi-unit housing.”The proposed changes by city staff go beyond the B.C.’s minimum requirements, which is the reason for a public hearing.
While Davidoff said the proposal is moderate, it is still encouraging for him to see the city doing something about one of the least dense neighbourhoods in the city. “Hey, the city’s doing something. At least it’s saying, ‘No more single family mansion zoning.’ They’re four, six, maybe eight units on a large lot,” he said. “You’re still leaving it at a very low density but what the city is proposing is a step in the right direction.”
The public hearing is scheduled for Thursday night, and it will also be discussing increasing allowable density in some areas in Kitsilano as well, to make sure that neighbourhood is aligned with the new provincial legislation.