"Ecodensity" in Vancouver

Check out this article about the evolution of Vancouver's much-touted Ecodensity Initiative, created in 2006.

Density is considered the "D Word" in planning, certain to create alarm among some citizens. For that reason, most local governments in North America would be reluctant to advocate increased densities. But Vancouver, the only major city in the U.S. or Canada which does not have a downtown highway, is not the typical North American city. They should be commended for addressing some common misperceptions and bringing their case to the public.

While increased residential density is not appropriate for all communities, it is good public policy in many. Increased residential density can offer many benefits to urban communities (e.g. more density leads to more stores, restaurants, and other amenities within walking distance); that is why medium- and high-density neighborhoods are often extremely popular. Furthermore, and contrary to popular perception, dense communities tend to be be very environmentally sustainable. After all, if Chicago's 2.8 million residents did not live in its 220 square miles, they would have no choice but to spread out on former farms and wilderness—and drive wherever they needed to go.

The City seems to be learning, through trial and error, how to make density politically popular. Kudos to Vancouver for taking the lead on this issue.