Density Done Right: What Vancouver Can Teach Other Cities About Urban Living

As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urban sprawl and its detrimental impacts, Vancouver has emerged as a global model for successful high-density development. This coastal Canadian city has demonstrated that it is possible to double urban density while maintaining the character and quality of life that residents cherish¹.

Vancouver’s metropolitan area boasts nearly twice the population density per square kilometre compared to Auckland, New Zealand¹. Since the 1960s, the city has implemented policies favouring consolidation and reinvestment within the existing city over urban sprawl. This strategic approach has enabled Vancouver to become a shining example of how to achieve ‘density done right’.

The city’s EcoDensity Initiative and its commitment to becoming the world’s greenest city by 2020 showcase Vancouver’s unwavering dedication to sustainable urban development¹. This comprehensive approach to urban planning has garnered global attention, as cities around the world seek to emulate Vancouver’s success in managing density and creating vibrant, liveable communities.

• Vancouver has doubled its urban density while maintaining the city’s character and quality of life.
• The city’s strategic policies favouring consolidation and reinvestment within the existing city have been key to its success.
• Vancouver’s EcoDensity Initiative and its goal to become the world’s greenest city by 2020 demonstrate its commitment to sustainable urban development.
• Other cities are actively seeking to learn from Vancouver’s approach to high-density development and density management.
• Vancouver serves as a global model for successful, liveable density that cities worldwide aspire to emulate.

Vancouver, a bustling West Coast city in Canada, has long been regarded as a global model for liveable, high-density urban development². The city’s metropolitan area is home to approximately 2.5 million residents², with the neighbouring Surrey area expected to surpass Vancouver’s population of around 600,000 in the coming decade². This vibrant, diverse city has embraced a unique approach to urban planning that prioritises walkability, green spaces, and transit-oriented design.

At the heart of Vancouver’s urban design philosophy is the idea of creating dense, mixed-use neighbourhoods that prioritise the needs of residents³. The city’s Vancouver Plan emphasises adding more housing options and increasing housing density throughout the city³, with a focus on protecting the city’s waterfront and supporting sustainable transportation and green buildings³. This holistic approach has transformed Vancouver into a model of liveable, high-density urban living.

Vancouver’s success in urban living stems from its commitment to aligning land uses with transportation, maintaining high urban design standards, and providing amenities that make density enjoyable³. Currently, 50% of jobs in the city are located in just 10% of the land base³, underscoring the importance of compact, mixed-use development that brings people, jobs, and services closer together³. The city’s focus on restoring and expanding its tree canopy, green spaces, and parks further enhances the liveability of its high-density neighbourhoods³.

Vancouver’s urban design principles have created a city of walkable, compact, and mixed-use communities that serve as a model for other cities around the world³. By prioritising sustainable transportation, green infrastructure, and community-oriented development, Vancouver has transformed itself into a truly liveable and resilient urban centre³.

Vancouver’s high-density development has yielded numerous benefits for the city’s urban spaces⁴. The focus on creating communities that prioritise sustainable transportation modes, building a city with vibrant street life, and protecting historically important buildings, sites, and trees through the Heritage Program has been instrumental in shaping the city’s thriving urban landscape⁴. Moreover, community plans in Vancouver act as road maps guiding positive change and development in neighbourhoods, while new developments contribute to funding infrastructure, services, and public amenities⁴.

With a population of over 680,000 residents within 44 square miles⁵, Vancouver has embraced the benefits of high-density living. This approach has led to more affordable housing choices, reduced sprawl, and improved public health. Furthermore, high-density development has played a crucial role in climate change mitigation and decreased energy costs for residents⁴.

Vancouver’s innovative zoning policies, such as the EcoDensity Charter introduced in 2008, have been instrumental in increasing density while preserving the character of its neighbourhoods. These policies include ‘invisible density’ (secondary suites within existing houses), ‘hidden density’ (laneway cottages), and ‘gentle density’ (low-rise developments along commercial streets)⁴. Since 2009, over 1,500 laneway houses have been approved, showcasing the success of these initiatives⁴. The city also acquires, on average, $220 million annually through community amenity contributions (CACs), development cost levies (DCLs), and density bonus zoning, which are reinvested into infrastructure, services, and public amenities⁵.

“Vancouver acquires, on average, $220 million annually through community amenity contributions (CACs), development cost levies (DCLs), and density bonus zoning, which are reinvested into infrastructure, services, and public amenities.”⁵

The city’s commitment to high-density development has been further recognised through the Urban Design Awards, which celebrate excellence in architecture and urban design⁴. Additionally, Vancouver’s Regional Context Statement demonstrates the city’s alignment with Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy, ensuring a cohesive approach to sustainable urban planning⁴.

In Vancouver, the integration of nature within the urban fabric has been a cornerstone of the city’s sustainable living model. The city’s strategic approach to urban forestry and the creation of green spaces has significantly contributed to its renowned liveability⁶.

Vancouver’s urban design prioritises the incorporation of parks, urban forests, and green corridors, providing residents with ample recreational spaces, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity⁶. The bioretention system at the junction of 63rd and Yukon streets, for instance, removes 2.2 million litres of rainwater per year from the city’s pipes⁶. This integration of blue-green infrastructure aims to enhance urban water management, reduce urban heat, and increase equity and well-being⁶.

Vancouver’s commitment to urban forestry is exemplified by its efforts to expand the city’s tree canopy⁶. Within the first five years of the Rain City Strategy, Vancouver added 80 new green infrastructure assets, totalling over 300 citywide⁶. This strategic approach to urban forestry not only beautifies the city but also contributes to improved air quality, carbon sequestration, and the overall ecological value of the urban environment⁶.

The integration of nature within Vancouver’s urban areas has become a collaborative effort, involving the public and private sectors, the development community, and professionals from diverse fields, such as architects, landscape architects, and engineers⁶. This holistic approach ensures that the city’s green spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally integrated to address the challenges of urban living⁶.

In contrast, other cities around the world are also recognising the importance of integrating nature within their urban environments⁷. For example, Singapore has planted over 55,000 trees within a span of five years to create a lush urban environment⁷. Similarly, pioneering cities are establishing dedicated urban forests as strategic zones where trees and greenery are purposefully planted, contributing to improved air quality, biodiversity, and the overall well-being of urban residents⁷.

The integration of nature within Vancouver’s urban design has become a model for other cities to emulate, showcasing the benefits of harmonising the built environment with the natural world⁶⁷.

Vancouver’s public transportation system plays a pivotal role in the city’s urban design. The SkyTrain rapid transit network supports and encourages residential and employment density along its corridors, embodying the principles of transit-oriented development⁸. This comprehensive public transit infrastructure has been instrumental in shaping the compact, walkable communities surrounding the city’s transit hubs.

Vancouver’s strategic decision to forgo freeways in the late 1960s paved the way for a multi-modal transportation system that prioritises walking, cycling, and public transit. This approach underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable transport and its belief that “the best transportation plan is a great land use plan.”⁸

As Metro Vancouver anticipates over a million new residents in the coming decade⁹, the city’s transit system serves as a model for integrating transportation and housing policies. The SkyTrain, the largest automated rail system in North America, provides service at 2-3 minute headways⁹, seamlessly connecting residents to their destinations. Vancouver’s innovative funding models, including density bonuses for transit infrastructure development⁹, have further bolstered its transit-oriented approach to urban planning.

Vancouver’s transit system outpaces the rest of Canada in ridership⁹, demonstrating the public’s embrace of sustainable transportation. The city’s refusal of freeways has been a catalyst for this modal shift, with a mere 20% of Bogotá’s population owning cars⁸, prompting the implementation of an effective Bus Rapid Transit system. In contrast, car-centric urbanism in Phoenix has led to a staggering 100,000 vacant homes at one point⁸.

Meanwhile, cities like Copenhagen have seen remarkable success in encouraging bicycle commuting, with 36% of people in Denmark using bicycles to travel to work or school⁸. And in Strasbourg, France, a population of about 900,000 is served by an extensive tram network within the city centre⁸. These global examples demonstrate the transformative power of prioritising public transportation and sustainable mobility in urban design.

⁸⁹

Vancouver’s urban planning practices are firmly rooted in the principles of sustainability and reducing the city’s carbon footprint¹⁰. The urban planning in Vancouver focuses on creating a city of neighbourhoods where people can work, play, and shop, emphasising liveability¹⁰. The Zoning and Development By-law 3575 establishes regulations for land development in the City of Vancouver, with a strong emphasis on sustainable forms of transit, many parks, walkable streets, and public spaces¹⁰.

Sustainable urban planning in Vancouver includes aspects such as green spaces, wide sidewalks, bike paths, and low-emission zones to encourage non-vehicular modes of transportation¹¹. The city has adopted stringent green building standards and encourages innovative design solutions to minimise environmental impact, including promoting energy-efficient buildings and implementing renewable energy systems¹⁰. These efforts are part of Vancouver’s goal to become the greenest city in the world by 2020¹⁰.

Vancouver is known for “Vancouverism,” a concept that combines respect for nature with urban living, featuring tall slim towers for density, widely separated by low-rise buildings¹⁰. The city’s urban planning includes extensive citizen involvement and consultation to ensure liveable, high-quality urban design¹⁰. Vancouver has launched the process to develop the Vancouver (City-wide) Plan that will guide the city to 2050 and beyond, with a focus on sustainable development¹⁰.

City planners and urban designers from around the world come to Vancouver to find inspiration for re-imagining their inner cities in more sustainable ways¹⁰. Vancouver’s approach to sustainable urban planning serves as a model for other cities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and create more liveable, environmentally-conscious communities¹¹.

The City of Vancouver has long recognised the importance of community engagement in urban planning and development. By actively involving residents in the decision-making process, the city has been able to create more inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven projects¹³.

Vancouver’s approach to community engagement is based on the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2)’s core values, which emphasise the public’s right to be involved, the influence of public contributions on decisions, and sustainable decisions through inclusive communication and involvement¹³.

The city follows a spectrum of public participation, from informing residents to empowering them to take a lead role in shaping their neighbourhoods. This ensures that community members have a genuine voice in the planning process, with their input directly influencing the final outcomes¹³.

To promote inclusivity, the city makes concerted efforts to engage with under-represented and hard-to-reach communities, addressing barriers to participation such as physical, economic, or language constraints¹³.

The community engagement approach has led to numerous success stories, where residents have come together to address local issues and drive positive change. One example is the creation of a community garden in a low-income neighbourhood, providing access to fresh produce and fostering social cohesion¹⁴.

Another successful initiative was the establishment of a local business incubator, supporting entrepreneurship and enhancing the diversity of the commercial landscape¹⁴.

These community-led projects demonstrate the power of participatory planning, as they directly address the needs and aspirations of the people who live in these neighbourhoods¹⁴.

Vancouver’s commitment to community engagement in urban development has been a key factor in the city’s successful and liveable urban environment. By empowering residents to play an active role in shaping their communities, the city has been able to create more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient neighbourhoods that reflect the diverse needs and values of their inhabitants¹³¹⁴.

Vancouver has embraced mixed-use developments as a key strategy for creating vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods. These developments combine residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces within the same area or building, fostering a thriving live-work-play community¹⁵. The transformation of former industrial areas into these live-work-play communities has proven to be a resounding success, leading to more efficient land use, reduced commute times, and enhanced neighbourhood vitality¹⁵.

The integration of residential and commercial spaces within mixed-use developments offers numerous advantages¹⁵. These all-in-one experiences reduce time spent in traffic, provide freedom in choosing workstations, and improve crowd management within urban areas¹⁵. Additionally, the implementation of technology in these developments helps automate systems, reducing physical contact with surfaces and potential virus spread¹⁵. By accommodating individuals’ everyday needs while adhering to new norms and life habits, mixed-use developments create smaller, interconnected communities that enhance crowd control in major cities¹⁵.

Vancouver boasts several successful mixed-use development case studies that serve as models for other cities. The Oakridge Micro-city development showcases a trend towards self-sustaining buildings that offer mixed-use experiences for residents¹⁵. The Woodward’s Building exemplifies the integration of market and non-market housing, retail, community spaces, and educational facilities¹⁵. These projects demonstrate the potential strategies to manage and protect citizens in the face of future global disasters¹⁵.

As urban zoning continues to evolve, the popularity of mixed-use developments is expected to rise, transforming the way we live, work, and play within our cities¹⁶¹⁵¹⁷.

As cities around the world grapple with the challenge of maintaining affordable housing, Vancouver has emerged as a leader in pioneering innovative strategies to tackle this pressing issue. The city’s housing initiatives offer valuable lessons for urban centres striving to strike a balance between density and affordability, ensuring their communities remain diverse and inclusive.

Vancouver has implemented a range of policies to promote affordable housing. The city’s inclusionary zoning policies mandate that new developments set aside a percentage of units for low-income residents¹⁸. Furthermore, Vancouver introduced a 1 percent tax on empty homes that are unoccupied for more than 180 days per year¹⁸, aiming to discourage speculative real estate investments and free up housing stock for local residents.

Recognising the need for a multi-pronged approach, Vancouver has also forged partnerships with developers to create purpose-built rental housing and co-operative living spaces¹⁹. These initiatives allow for the construction of mixed-income social, supportive, and co-operative housing without the need for rezoning, with a focus on proximity to transit and commercial centres¹⁹.

Vancouver’s experience offers valuable insights for other cities grappling with housing affordability. The city’s shift in government from the conservative B.C. Liberals to the social-democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) was driven in part by growing concerns over housing costs¹⁸. This political shift has enabled a renewed focus on affordable housing initiatives, underscoring the importance of political will and community engagement in driving lasting change.

Collaboration among stakeholders is also crucial, as evidenced by Vancouver’s efforts to encourage downsizing among seniors and cater to the housing needs of younger generations²⁰. By working together to address the diverse needs of the city’s residents, Vancouver is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable urban landscape.

Despite the progress made, challenges remain in ensuring affordable housing remains accessible in high-density urban environments like Vancouver¹⁸. Ongoing efforts to measure and address speculative real estate activities, while balancing the needs of homeowners, renters, and developers, will be crucial for the city’s continued success.

“Affordable housing is not just about providing a roof over someone’s head – it’s about creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Walkability is a cornerstone of Vancouver’s urban design philosophy. The city prioritises creating pedestrian-friendly environments through wide sidewalks, street-level retail, and human-scale architecture²¹. Vancouver’s approach focuses on the “power of nearness,” ensuring that daily needs are within walking distance for residents²¹. This emphasis on walkability has led to improved community health, reduced car dependency, and enhanced social interaction, making Vancouver a model for other cities seeking to create more liveable urban environments.

At the heart of Vancouver’s walkability strategy is a comprehensive plan to address gaps in the city’s sidewalk network²¹. The City’s 2023 to 2027 Active Mobility Plan aims for two-thirds of all trips to be by active transportation and transit by 2030²¹. To achieve this, the plan identifies critical sidewalk gaps and prioritises curb ramp installations, particularly near essential destinations like hospitals and community centres²¹. Major active transportation corridors integrate walking, cycling, and public realm improvements, creating a seamless network for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Urban walking is a significant element for creating successful communities.” – Sandy James, planner and blogger in Vancouver²². Walkable cities like Vancouver have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of their residents²². Neighbourhoods with more destinations and recreational facilities lead to higher levels of transport-related physical activity and social connections²³. Vancouver’s goal of having 90% of residents live within walking distance or bike ride of their daily needs by 2030²³ underscores the city’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles and fostering vibrant, connected communities.

The City of Vancouver’s investment in walkability is not just about improving infrastructure; it’s about creating a more liveable, sustainable, and equitable urban environment²³. By prioritising pedestrian-friendly design and active transportation, Vancouver is setting an example for other cities around the world to follow²¹²²²³.

As Vancouver continues to innovate in urban design and planning, the city is at the forefront of shaping the future of urban living. Emerging trends in the field point towards further integration of smart city technologies, increased focus on climate resilience, and more flexible, adaptable urban spaces²⁴.

The era of rigid zonal segregation in cities is coming to an end, as urban planners embrace a more blended approach to urban spaces. Workers are seeking closer proximity to their workplaces, with easy access to amenities such as theatres, museums, shops, restaurants, cafés, and parks²⁴. Cities like Minneapolis are eliminating single-family zoning, while Birmingham, Alabama, is abolishing parking standards to reshape the built environment, signalling a shift towards more sustainable and versatile urban planning²⁴.

Alexandra Steed, who opened a Vancouver office in 2024, brings fresh perspectives to urban design and masterplanning. Her vision for urban planning emphasises creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities that can adapt to future challenges. Steed’s approach recognises the vital role of open space in reimagining city downtown areas, especially after the pandemic, by offering blended indoor and outdoor spaces²⁴. With a focus on economic development, resilience, and market forces, Steed’s team of city planners work to meet the increasing demand for flexibility from clients in an era of uncertain market conditions and evolving policies²⁴.

Vancouver’s ongoing evolution and openness to new ideas position it as a leader in shaping the future of urban living. As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of climate change, demographic shifts, and economic uncertainty, the innovations and lessons from Vancouver offer valuable insights for urban planners and decision-makers²⁵.

1. Making Density a Cornerstone for Successful City-Making – https://www.planetizen.com/node/60925
2. Living in Vancouver: a guide for newcomers | Moving2Canada – https://moving2canada.com/planning/destination-guides/vancouver/living-in-vancouver/
3. Vancouver Plan: Implementing the Plan – https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/vancouver-plan.aspx
4. Planning a liveable, sustainable city – https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/urban-planning.aspx
5. Committed and “Won Over” Parents in Vancouver’s Dense Family-Oriented Urbanism – https://www.planning.org/blog/9224993/committed-and-won-over-parents-in-vancouvers-dense-family-oriented-urbanism/
6. The Secrets of Vancouver’s Rain City Strategy | CityChangers.org – https://citychangers.org/citychanger-melina-scholefield/
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8. The World In Transit – Vancouver Magazine – https://www.vanmag.com/city/general/the-world-in-transit/
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11. GCT Guide to Green Urban Planning | Green City Times – https://www.greencitytimes.com/urban-planning/
12. Sustainable Urban Development | asla.org – https://www.asla.org/sustainableurbandevelopment.aspx
13. How we do community engagement – https://vancouver.ca/your-government/how-we-do-community-engagement.aspx
14. Strategic Plan – – https://www.cityofvancouver.us/government/strategic-plan/
15. The Rise of Mixed-use Architecture in a Post-pandemic World – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-mixed-use-architecture-post-pandemic-world-mahtab-kiani
16. Two tales of one city: Vancouver’s housing industry is both booming and struggling – https://vancouversun.com/business/real-estate/vancouver-housing-industry-booming-struggling
17. Vancouver – The Skyscraper Center – https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/city/vancouver/news
18. What Vancouver, B.C., can teach us about housing – https://www.cascadepbs.org/2017/12/vancouver-bc-housing-teach-seattle-affordability
19. Vancouver’s social housing initiative – https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/social-housing
20. Generational Shifts in Urban Living are Impacting Vancouver’s Real Estate Landscape – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/generational-shifts-urban-living-impacting-vancouvers-mitchell-harpur
21. Walking and accessibility – https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/pedestrian-accessibility.aspx
22. Why Cities and Walking Go Hand in Hand – https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2016/8/22/why-cities-and-walking-go-hand-in-hand
23. Study finds Vancouver is within reach of implementing the 15-minute city model – https://the-peak.ca/2022/06/study-finds-vancouver-is-within-reach-of-implementing-the-15-minute-city-model/
24. Trends to Watch Reshaping the Future of Cities and Urban Living – https://www.gensler.com/blog/trends-reshaping-future-of-cities-urban-living
25. PDF – https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2022/07/chapter_6_wcr_2022.pdf