Urbanism Vancouver

Uytae Lee from the YouTube channel About Here, joins Helen Lui to chat about storytelling in urban planning, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies to drive public engagement. They also advocate for diverse voices in advocating for inclusive urban environments. About Here: https://www.youtube.com/@AboutHere Show Credits: Host: Helen Lui Producer: Aaron Johnson Cover Art By: th...

Helen Lui interviews Fern Hahn, a transit advocate and urban planning student, who shares experiences that shaped their perspective on public transit. Fern discusses advocating for better transit and their interest in transit network design. Next, Helen speaks with Matthew and Emma from UBC CAPACity, focusing on engaging university students in urban planning discussions. They discuss the club's ev...

The conversation continues with Houssam Elokda from Happy Cities , as Helen Lui explores the impact of the built environment on communities, emphasizing the importance of creating livable and sustainable cities. They discuss the subjective nature of happiness and well-being in urban settings, also highlighting the significance of social connections, community, and meaningful interactions in foster...

Density is a hotly debated topic in urban centres. Is it good? Is it bad? Does it make us more isolated, more lonely, or can it improve our happiness? Helen Lui speaks with Houssam Elokda , from Happy Cities . Their research explores the connection between urban design and happiness, striving to enhance the quality of life in cities through sustainable long-term happiness. By prioritizing people's...

Helen Lui speaks with Mark Boardman and Alyssa Sacal from Minivillage , a Vancouver-based company fostering social connections within neighbourhoods. Mark discusses transforming neighbours into friends, while Alyssa emphasizes combating loneliness. The conversation explores authentic community bonds, the impact of physical environments on social connections, and practical tips for fostering relati...

Helen Lui is joined by architects Amit Price Patel and Jill Robertson from DIALOG, to discuss the design of great public spaces. They share insights on the political power of design, the intersection of science and art in shaping communities, and the significance of community engagement in creating inclusive spaces. The conversation emphasizes inclusivity, considering diverse perspectives, and the...

Helen Lui is joined by Urban Sketch Artist Nishant Jain, also known as "the Sneaky Artist" to discuss the concept of 'Third Spaces'—the places between home and work where social bonds are forged and community enriched. We explore how these spaces, from parks to cafes, are not just physical locations but also platforms for cultural expression and social interaction. We also discuss the transformati...

Reece Martin from the YouTube channel RMTransit joins Helen Lui to discuss the evolving landscape of urban mobility and public transit. Explore the cutting-edge developments and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of our cities. Reece, who grew up in the Lower Mainland, and now a resident of Toronto, shares his expert insights on the challenges urban planners face and the potential tr...

Helen Lui explores the critical need for safer, more sustainable urban transportation with Lucy Maloney, a fervent cycling advocate who leads the organization " Love The Lane " and is also a HUB Cycling member. Lucy discusses the ongoing efforts to promote safer streets in Vancouver, addressing the broader challenges of shifting public policy. She highlights the changes in infrastructure that can...

Helen Lui discusses the interconnectedness of urban development, climate initiatives, and public safety with guest, environmental scientist Rhiannon Fox. Highlighting the benefits of dense, less car-dependent cities, the discussion emphasizes community involvement and personal action as catalysts for change. Rhiannon shares how individual efforts can influence broader societal shifts towards susta...

Host Helen Lui welcomes Ravi Kahlon, MLA for North Delta and British Columbia’s Housing Minister, to discuss transformative approaches to the housing crisis. Minister Kallon shares his political journey and the personal experiences fueling his commitment to driving positive change. They delve into the shift towards embracing density, the introduction of innovative policies under Kahlon's leadershi...

We delve into the pressing issues of housing and city building, revisiting discussions with guests Michelle Cyca and Khelsilem , who have underlined the need for immediate action. We explored root causes of the housing crisis, such as the historical supply limitations as well as city planning that excluded many from accessing housing. Michelle and Khelsilem also addressed attitudes around apartmen...

Michelle Cyca , a seasoned freelance journalist, joins Helen Lui and delves into the complexities of the housing market, touching upon themes like home ownership and the evolving notion of housing wealth. The episode features a candid reflection on the soaring housing prices in Vancouver, discussing the impact on families and the generational wealth disparities it creates. Key topics include the f...

This episode explores the importance of including First Nations and Indigenous communities in urban development conversations. Khelsilem , the chairperson of the Squamish Nation Council , shares their insights on land use planning, housing development, including the Sen̓áḵw development , and partnerships with First Nations. The episode explores the unique considerations in First Nations-led initia...

Host Helen Lui continues the conversation with Denis Agar, they unpack the dynamic relationship between housing and public transportation. They delve into the critical role of urban density in shaping transit service needs and discuss the intricate political maneuvers influencing rail network expansions. The conversation also highlights the influential power of grassroots movements in propelling i...

We explore the impact of zoning on housing and communities. Denis Agar is our guest and we discuss the need for more equitable zoning laws and the importance of considering renter density when adding new housing. Join us as we delve into the potential benefits of increased density near transit stations and ponder the ethical justification for maintaining low-density neighbourhoods during a housing...

Albert Huang , a seasoned expert in affordable housing development is the guest on this episode of Urbanism Vancouver. He unravels the multifaceted issues surrounding Vancouver's housing affordability crisis, and the complexities of defining "affordable," influenced by varying income levels, government programs, and housing entities. The episode dives deep into the intricacies of constructing affo...

In this episode of Urbanism Vancouver , Helen Lui and Aaron Johnson discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, and their backgrounds in urbanism and broadcasting. They explain their goal of providing accessible information about housing and development and shedding light on the complexities of the process. They hope to inspire curiosity and action from their listeners and encourage them t...

Urbanism Vancouver explores the built environment of Vancouver, Canada - how we got to where we are, and what our history tells us about how we look forward to the future. We share insights not only from industry experts, but also from passionate advocates, and residents like you. With each episode, we'll look at different components that shape our urban experience in Vancouver, and we'll discuss...