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A period of relative calm has arrived in Vancouver following a real estate whirlwind that has forever changed this city. Nearly every week the headlines in 2016 told the tale: Red hot prices. Affordability crisis. Foreign buyers.

But now, with the arrival of a new year and a moderating real estate market, perhaps it is time for some reflection, a time to ask ourselves what kind of city we want for ourselves, our children and our parents.

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Many say they want to live in vibrant neighbourhoods, with a mix of residents, housing types and retail amenities. Leafy streets. Cafes. Lots of families. A place where it’s comfortable to grow old. And, of course, they need it to be affordable.

But how do we get there? How can we create inclusive, welcoming and affordable communities when single-family home prices keep shooting upward?

It begins by reimagining Vancouver, thinking beyond the single-family home to a place that welcomes alternate housing options like duplexes, triplexes and homes specially built for seniors.