Ecotopia on the Fraser
I sort of hoped that the term "EcoDensity" -- a word coined to describe Vancouver's plan for new development within city limits -- would grow on me. But it still sounds pretty clunky to my ears.
That said, it's a pretty apt description. If the greater Vancouver region is going to add more residents over the next few decades -- as seems pretty much inevitable -- by far the most environmentally friendly path is to create more housing in places that are already developed. The alternative is to put more people in places that aren't developed -- "greenfield" development on farmland and open space -- which can create all sorts of fiscal problems (see, e.g., this interesting lit review) as well as environmental ones.
Sure, when people see high-rise condos or big apartment buildings, they don't often think of "unspoiled nature." That's understandable. But it's also an error: person for person, living in a high rise neighborhood (or a similar compact community) can help dramatically reduce your environmental footprint -- particularly for energy, since you're sharing walls (and heating bills) with neighbors, and often can drive less to get to stores, services, and jobs.
The aim of the EcoDensity plan is to spread new, denser development across the city, not just in the downtown core. That could bring some of the benefits of density -- easier access to stores and services, frequent and cost effective transit service -- to even more Vancouver residents.
But, to some people, the big issue in this plan has nothing to do with the environment. Instead, it's all about the housing market -- and in particular, whether EcoDensity will help make Vancouver's housing more affordable.
