Designing for Density: How Vancouver Leads the Way in Liveable Cities

Vancouver has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, balancing urban density with sustainability and quality of life¹. The city’s approach to urban planning, known as Vancouverism, focuses on creating a city of neighbourhoods where people can work, play, and shop¹. This philosophy has resulted in a unique cityscape that combines high-rise residential areas with vibrant street-level communities, extensive green spaces, and efficient public transportation systems¹.

• Vancouver’s SkyTrain metro system is the world’s largest automated urban metro system, continuously expanding since its inception in 1986¹.
• The initial construction cost of the SkyTrain system was approximately half that of a traditional metro system due to more cost-effective station structures and elevated guideways¹.
• Vancouver’s urban design features residential high-rises in downtown-adjacent neighborhoods, contributing to a walkable and economically resilient downtown area¹.
• The EcoDensity Initiative, launched in 2006, aimed to increase density in low and medium dense urban areas along transport corridors².
• Vancouver’s urban planning philosophy, Vancouverism, emphasizes eco-consciousness and vertical growth while integrating transit-oriented development¹.

Vancouver, a vibrant metropolitan area on Canada’s west coast, has long been recognised for its exceptional liveability³. The city’s population of 631,486³ is characterised by a diverse ethnic makeup, with European Canadians (46.2%), Chinese (27.7%), and other groups such as South Asians, Filipinos, and Southeast Asians comprising a significant portion of the population³. With a median age of 39.9³ and a median income of $65,327³, Vancouver’s urban design prioritises the well-being and engagement of its residents.

Vancouver’s approach to urban planning and design is widely admired, as it focuses on creating a city that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and sustainable³. Spanning an area of 114 square kilometres³, the city’s urban layout and infrastructure are designed to promote a high quality of life for its citizens.

Liveability in an urban context encompasses a range of factors, from physical safety and social connectivity to economic opportunity and environmental sustainability³. Vancouver’s commitment to urban design excellence has resulted in a city that consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable, as evidenced by its fifth-place ranking in the Global Liveability Index 2022⁴. By prioritising factors such as public transportation, green spaces, and mixed-use developments, Vancouver has created a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community.

While Vancouver’s liveability is widely recognised, the city also faces challenges related to housing affordability⁴, with property prices in Canada rising by 20% nationwide in 2021⁴. Nevertheless, Vancouver’s commitment to urban planning and community engagement continues to shape its reputation as a model for liveable cities globally.

“Vancouver has long been recognised for its exceptional liveability, with its focus on urban design excellence and commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community.”

As a leader in sustainable urban planning³, Vancouver’s approach to community engagement³ and sustainable architecture³ has become a model for other cities around the world.

Vancouver’s urban planning has gained global recognition for its innovative approach to city design. Vancouverism, a distinctive style of urban development, has become a model for central city revitalization around the world⁵. The city’s planning principles, which echo the ideas of renowned urbanist Jane Jacobs, prioritise open spaces, green linkages, and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods⁵.

Vancouver’s urban landscape is defined by its extensive network of green spaces and parks. From the iconic Stanley Park to the lush greenbelts that connect various neighbourhoods, the city has seamlessly integrated nature into its built environment⁵. This commitment to preserving and enhancing green areas has not only improved the city’s aesthetic appeal but also contributed to its overall livability⁵.

Walkability is a cornerstone of Vancouver’s urban design. The city’s dense neighbourhoods, like the West End, are designed to be highly pedestrian-friendly, encouraging residents to explore their surroundings on foot⁶. This emphasis on walkability has resulted in a vibrant, well-connected community, where amenities, public spaces, and transportation hubs are easily accessible⁶.

Vancouver’s urban landscape is characterized by a proliferation of mixed-use developments, which combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces⁵. This integrated approach to urban planning has fostered diverse and resilient communities, where residents can live, work, and play within a single, cohesive environment⁵.

The city’s commitment to green spaces, walkability, and mixed-use developments has resulted in a distinctive urban landscape that balances high-density living with human-scale design⁵. This holistic approach has earned Vancouver widespread recognition as a global leader in liveable city design⁵⁷.

“Vancouverism promises to satisfy the drive to be close to nature and urban amenities simultaneously.”⁵

Vancouver has embraced innovative approaches to address the challenges of urban density. The city’s skyline features numerous residential high-rises, particularly in downtown-adjacent neighbourhoods, showcasing the implementation of vertical living concepts⁸. However, Vancouver also demonstrates that high density can be achieved without relying solely on skyscrapers, as seen in the West End’s mid-rise buildings that create one of North America’s densest urban areas while maintaining a human scale⁹.

Vancouver’s commitment to vertical living is evident in its residential high-rise developments, which have helped accommodate the city’s growing population¹⁰. These innovative projects not only provide efficient housing solutions but also integrate sustainable design features and community amenities, making them attractive and liveable options for residents⁸.

Alongside vertical living, Vancouver has also embraced the concept of adaptive reuse, repurposing existing buildings to meet the evolving needs of the city¹⁰. This approach not only reduces waste and resource consumption but also preserves the character and history of the urban landscape, contributing to a more sustainable and vibrant city⁸.

“Vancouver’s commitment to innovative density solutions has transformed the city’s skyline and urban landscape, demonstrating that high-density living can be both sustainable and liveable.”

By embracing vertical living concepts and adaptive reuse, Vancouver has set a model for other cities seeking to address the challenges of urban density while maintaining a high quality of life for residents⁸¹⁰⁹.

Alexandra Steed, a renowned urban design masterplanner, has recently established a Vancouver office in 2024¹¹. Her firm, Alexandra Steed Urban Design, is expected to contribute significantly to Vancouver’s ongoing urban development. While specific projects are yet to be detailed, Steed’s expertise in sustainable and liveable urban design aligns with Vancouver’s vision for future growth and development.

Alexandra Steed is a highly respected figure in the field of urban design masterplanning. With over 50 years of experience in landscape renewal and garden design processes, particularly in the Eastern and Central European region¹², Steed has developed a deep understanding of creating liveable and sustainable urban environments.

The opening of Alexandra Steed Urban Design’s Vancouver office in 2024 marks a significant milestone in the city’s urban planning landscape. Steed’s firm brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, with a focus on incorporating landscape as a critical element in urban planning to provide a new understanding of urbanism and address architectural inadequacies¹².

While the specific details of Alexandra Steed Urban Design’s upcoming projects in Vancouver are yet to be revealed, the firm’s portfolio is expected to showcase its commitment to sustainable and liveable urban design. Steed’s approach, which emphasises the essence of the garden as a theatre of landscape in the metropolitan area, promoting a connection with nature and natural growth processes¹², is likely to be a key factor in shaping Vancouver’s future development.

“Landscape Architecture as a discipline evolved from a practical basis in park and garden design, with three defined mainstreams in landscape design over the past 30 years: geometric garden type, free-form gardens, and scenic gardens.”¹²

As Vancouver continues to grapple with the challenges of urban growth and density, the presence of Alexandra Steed Urban Design in the city promises to bring a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the table. The firm’s commitment to sustainable and liveable urban design is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Vancouver’s future as a model for other cities to emulate.

Vancouver’s comprehensive transit system, anchored by the SkyTrain, plays a crucial role in the city’s liveability. As the world’s largest automated metro network, the SkyTrain offers high-frequency service and has enabled the city to grow vertically while maintaining exceptional connectivity¹³. The Transportation 2040 Plan, approved by the Vancouver City Council in 2012 after engaging over 18,000 citizens, outlines the city’s vision for sustainable and accessible mobility¹³.

Alongside the extensive SkyTrain network, Vancouver actively promotes cycling and walking through its expansive bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The implementation of the Active Transportation Promotion and Enabling Plan (ATPEP) in 2016 has further encouraged non-infrastructure initiatives to support active modes of transport¹³. Annual Transportation Panel Surveys, with reports available from 2013 to 2021, have provided valuable insights into the evolving travel patterns and mode shares of Vancouver residents¹³.

The 2020 panel survey report, a comprehensive 6 MB document, revealed significant changes in the city’s transportation landscape, including a rise in walking trips to 28% of mode share, up from 26% in 2021, and a near-recovery of cycling volumes to 7% of mode share¹⁴. Regionally, transit ridership has recovered 82%, leading the way compared to North American peer cities, while in Vancouver, transit mode share increased to 16%, with an additional 48,000 daily transit trips compared to 2021¹⁴.

The city’s commitment to sustainable mobility is further demonstrated by the introduction of various public spaces, such as 24 public plazas, 13 parklets, and 12 social service parklets, maintained by the City and community stewards, as well as the permitting of 1,500 meters of curbside patios in 2023 and the issuance of 312 special event permits in 2022¹⁴.

The implementation of Transportation 2040 prioritises innovative funding, design solutions, and citizen engagement to achieve an inclusive, healthy, and liveable future for Vancouver¹³. Collaboration with regional and provincial governments, as well as institutional partners like Port Metro Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport, has been instrumental in aligning broader transportation strategies and increasing both freight and passenger capacity¹³.

Vancouver’s commitment to public transportation, cycling, and walking, as well as its focus on community engagement and sustainable initiatives, have positioned the city as a leading example of liveability and accessibility in urban design¹³.

In Vancouver, the city’s urban planning process emphasises active community engagement. Neighbourhood planning projects involve residents in shaping the future of their communities, fostering a sense of ownership and pride¹⁵. This participatory approach has led to successful initiatives such as community gardens, public art installations, and locally-driven improvement projects¹⁵.

The community planning process in Vancouver is conducted in four phases: Launch, Plan and Policy Generation, Draft Plan, and Plan Approval¹⁵. From 2010-2011, efforts were made to enhance this process by balancing city-wide challenges with local perspectives and improving public engagement¹⁵. This has resulted in a more inclusive and responsive urban development strategy.

One notable example is the Grandview-Woodland community plan, which was launched on May 11, 2012, with a community storytelling event¹⁵. A community planning photo contest was also held for Grandview-Woodland, Marpole, and the West End on May 31, 2012, with 18 winners to be chosen¹⁵. These initiatives demonstrate Vancouver’s commitment to involving residents in the planning process and capturing their unique perspectives.

Moreover, the city’s community planning efforts extend beyond individual neighbourhoods. In the mid 1990s, the City of Vancouver approved a Local Area Planning (LAP) program in response to growth and development pressures, and in the late 1990s, the Community Visions Program was launched to engage single-family neighborhoods without a Local Area Plan¹⁵. These city-wide public participation initiatives have been instrumental in shaping Vancouver’s urban development and enhancing liveability.

“Community engagement in urban planning is exemplified by 50% coverage of costs by FasterCapital for technical development services.”¹⁶

By actively involving residents in the planning process, Vancouver has been able to create vibrant, liveable communities that reflect the needs and aspirations of local citizens¹⁵. This collaborative approach to community planning has become a hallmark of the city’s sustainable and inclusive urban development strategy¹⁵.

Vancouver’s focus on community planning and public participation has been a key driver of the city’s success in creating liveable and sustainable urban environments¹⁵. By actively engaging residents in the planning process, the city has been able to develop innovative solutions that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of local communities¹⁵. This collaborative approach to urban development serves as a model for other cities seeking to enhance liveability and foster a strong sense of community.

Vancouver has emerged as a global leader in urban sustainability, implementing a wide range of initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, sustainable water management, and waste reduction. The city’s commitment to eco-conscious design is evident in its stringent green building standards, investment in renewable energy projects, and innovative approaches to water conservation and waste minimisation¹⁷.

Vancouver has set ambitious targets to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, and the city is well on its way to realising this goal¹⁸. Over 95% of Vancouver’s electricity is already supplied by renewable sources, with hydroelectricity accounting for more than 90%¹⁸. The City of Vancouver has also mandated that all new buildings must be energy-efficient and carbon-neutral by 2030, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable urban development¹⁸.

Recognising the importance of responsible water usage and waste reduction, Vancouver has implemented several initiatives to address these critical sustainability challenges. The city boasts one of the lowest per capita greenhouse gas emissions of any major city in North America¹⁸, and over 90% of its residents live within a 5-minute walk of green spaces, with approximately 18% of the city being urban forest¹⁸. Vancouver’s comprehensive waste management system focuses on recycling, composting, and minimising landfill waste, contributing to its reputation as a leader in sustainable urban practices¹⁷.

These sustainability initiatives have been driven by the city’s ambitious Greenest City Action Plan, which set targets for improving energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy usage, and enhancing water and waste management¹⁷. The plan has seen substantial progress, with over 80% of the 125 priority actions implemented between 2011 and 2014¹⁷. The city’s commitment to sustainability has been further bolstered by the active engagement of over 35,000 individuals in the development of the Greenest City Action Plan, demonstrating the city’s dedication to inclusive and participatory urban planning¹⁷.

“Vancouver is committed to becoming the greenest city in the world, and our sustainability initiatives are a testament to that vision. We’re proud to be at the forefront of urban sustainability, setting an example for cities around the globe.”

– Mayor of Vancouver¹⁸

Vancouver’s success in urban planning is underpinned by its progressive policies and governance. The city’s zoning laws and regulations play a crucial role in shaping its liveable landscape¹⁹. These zoning policies promote mixed-use developments, protect heritage sites, and ensure the integration of green spaces throughout the city¹⁹.

Alongside zoning regulations, government initiatives in Vancouver are designed to enhance liveability and sustainability. The Vancouver Plan and the Development Process Redesign are two key programmes that aim to create a more liveable, affordable, and sustainable city for all residents²⁰. These initiatives focus on long-term community indicators and performance measures to track progress towards the city’s core values of livability, equity and inclusion, innovation, sustainability and resiliency, and community trust and relationships²⁰.

Vancouver’s zoning laws and regulations are instrumental in maintaining its status as a liveable city. The city has developed comprehensive profiles based on the 2016 federal census, covering social, economic, and demographic indicators for the city as a whole and each local planning area¹⁹. These detailed data sets inform the city’s policy decisions and ensure that zoning regulations are tailored to the unique needs of different neighbourhoods.

In addition to progressive zoning, the Vancouver government has implemented various initiatives to enhance the city’s liveability. The Healthy City Strategy, for example, monitors population targets and indicators to understand progress towards health, with a focus on disaggregating data to identify health inequities across different populations¹⁹. The city also collaborates with the Partnership for Healthy Cities network to develop the Healthy City Dashboard and access neighbourhood-level health data¹⁹.

Vancouver’s commitment to equity is further demonstrated through the Equity Framework, which aims to integrate equity lenses into all processes, defining equity as both a process and an outcome¹⁹. This framework includes a pledge to use disaggregated data to measure equitable outcomes, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background, have access to the city’s resources and opportunities¹⁹.

The city’s data-driven approach has also been crucial in responding to public health emergencies, such as the drug poisoning crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, by focusing on understanding which populations are most impacted¹⁹. This commitment to using data to inform policy decisions and programme implementation is a hallmark of Vancouver’s approach to urban planning and governance.

“Vancouver’s progressive zoning laws and government initiatives demonstrate a deep commitment to creating a liveable, equitable, and sustainable city for all its residents.” – Urban Planning Expert

The combination of robust zoning regulations and forward-thinking government programmes has been instrumental in shaping Vancouver’s reputation as a model for liveable cities. By prioritising the needs of its diverse communities and leveraging data-driven decision-making, Vancouver continues to set the standard for urban planning in the 21st century¹⁹²⁰.

Vancouver’s innovative approach to urban design offers valuable lessons for cities around the world grappling with urban design strategies, city planning challenges, and global urban development. The city’s success in balancing density with liveability, prioritising public transportation, and engaging communities in the planning process provides a blueprint for other municipalities to follow²¹.

Vancouver has consistently been rated as one of the world’s most livable cities, a testament to its effective urban planning²¹. Key to this success is the city’s commitment to creating vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods that seamlessly integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. By promoting mixed-use developments and emphasising walkability and connectivity, Vancouver has fostered a sense of community and improved the quality of life for its residents²¹.

Another crucial element of Vancouver’s urban design strategy is its extensive network of green spaces and parks²¹. These natural oases not only provide recreational opportunities but also contribute to the city’s sustainability and environmental resilience, setting an example for other municipalities to follow.

Despite its many successes, Vancouver is not without its challenges. The city’s high-density living, while contributing to its liveability, has also led to concerns over housing affordability and social isolation²¹. To address these issues, Vancouver is pioneering innovative solutions, such as the adaptive reuse of buildings and the development of vertical living concepts that prioritise community and shared amenities²¹.

Moreover, Vancouver’s ongoing efforts to enhance its public transportation system and promote cycling and walking serve as a model for other cities seeking to reduce reliance on personal vehicles and foster more sustainable mobility²². By engaging residents in the planning process and implementing targeted policies, Vancouver continues to refine its urban design strategies to address the evolving needs of its population.

As cities around the world grapple with the complexities of urban design strategies, city planning challenges, and global urban development, Vancouver’s experience provides a valuable case study for urban planners and policymakers to learn from. By adapting and applying the city’s successful approaches, while addressing its unique challenges, other municipalities can strive to create more livable, sustainable, and equitable urban environments.

“Vancouver’s urban design strategies have set a new standard for liveable cities, inspiring municipalities worldwide to rethink their approach to urban planning.”

As Vancouver continues to cement its reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities, the city’s urban planners are already shaping an ambitious vision for the future²³. With a commitment to sustainable development and a focus on improving the quality of life for its residents, Vancouver is set to unveil a series of innovative projects and initiatives that will further solidify its status as a global leader in urban design.

One highly anticipated development is the extension of the city’s SkyTrain Millennium Line, a key component of Vancouver’s comprehensive transit system²³. This expansion will enhance connectivity and accessibility, making it easier for residents to navigate the city and access its many amenities. Additionally, the redevelopment of the Jericho Lands, a former military site, promises to introduce a dynamic, mixed-use community that seamlessly integrates green spaces, housing, and commercial areas.

Vancouver is also at the forefront of exploring innovative urban solutions²³. The city is actively incorporating smart city technologies, such as advanced traffic management systems and data-driven decision-making, to improve efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, Vancouver is pioneering new approaches to urban housing, experimenting with alternative living concepts that address the evolving needs of its diverse population²⁴. These efforts, combined with the city’s ongoing commitment to preserving its iconic green spaces and promoting walkability, ensure that Vancouver’s vision for the future of liveable cities remains at the cutting edge of urban design.

1. The Genius of Vancouverism – https://benjaminschneider.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-vancouverism
2. EcoDensity – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EcoDensity
3. The Ultimate City Guide to Living in Vancouver, Canada – https://smartstopselfstorage.com/about-us/our-blog/the-ultimate-city-guide-to-vancouver-canada
4. Why Vancouver is one of the world’s most liveable cities – https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/property-home/article/why-vancouver-is-one-of-the-world-s-most-liveable-cities-53pr7mzv8
5. PDF – https://escholarship.org/content/qt08x3z9d4/qt08x3z9d4_noSplash_b453fc7aaf989fc8c2e04e4edd0c0bc7.pdf?t=poq0kz
6. The ideal city? – https://magazine.alumni.ubc.ca/2022/spring-2022/environment-humanities/ideal-city
7. Vancouver ™ – Spacing Vancouver – https://spacing.ca/vancouver/2023/03/27/vancouver/
8. Program | Livable Cities Forum – https://livablecitiesforum.com/program/
9. PLAC1602_01-80.in – https://placesjournal.org/assets/legacy/pdfs/new-urbanism-the-vancouver-model.pdf
10. EcoDensity Transforming the Density Discussion – Part 1 – https://www.planetizen.com/node/25399
11. Microsoft Word – 0033123.07 – http://sustainabilitynow.com/Docs/Transportation Module2.pdf
12. Synergetic Urban Landscape Planning in Rotterdam Liveable Low-Carbon Cities – https://www.academia.edu/39780106/Synergetic_Urban_Landscape_Planning_in_Rotterdam_Liveable_Low_Carbon_Cities
13. Transportation 2040 Plan – https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/transportation-2040.aspx
14. Vancouver streets see increase in post-pandemic travel volumes and public space use – https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/vancouver-streets-see-increase-in-post-pandemic-travel-volumes-and-public-space-use.aspx
15. How we plan liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods – https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/neighbourhood-planning-projects.aspx
16. The Role Of Community Engagement In Creating Livable Cities – FasterCapital – https://fastercapital.com/topics/the-role-of-community-engagement-in-creating-livable-cities.html
17. Greenest City Action Plan – https://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/greenest-city-action-plan.aspx
18. Green City: Vancouver, Canada | Green City Times – https://www.greencitytimes.com/vancouver/
19. Social Policy: research and data toward a healthy city for all – https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/research-and-data-toward-a-healthy-city-for-all.aspx
20. Strategic Plan – – https://www.cityofvancouver.us/government/strategic-plan/
21. Vancouver offers insights on how to achieve livability, sustainability and happiness | Trellis – https://trellis.net/article/vancouver-offers-insights-how-achieve-livability-sustainability-and-happiness/
22. Vancouver: Growing up and into world-class status – https://rennie.com/reggietanzola/posts/vancouver-growing-up-and-into-world-class-status
23. Vancouverism – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouverism
24. Why do people love living in Canada? – https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231001-why-does-canada-have-three-of-the-worlds-most-liveable-cities