Article content continued

While I do not disagree with these propositions, with the exception of taxing unoccupied houses, which is easier said than done, in my opinion Todd’s most important recommendations were to increase zoning density and build more social housing.

Unfortunately, for many Vancouver residents, increasing zoning density is a euphemism for allowing high-rise buildings. However, we can increase density without building high-rises in ways that would also create new housing choices appealing to those hoping to rent or buy their first home, and others ready to move out of a larger property into something less expensive and more manageable.

Inspired by Todd’s column, I would like to offer 10 more ways to cool housing prices.

• Reduce municipal parking requirements

Most parking by-laws are outdated and often result in more expensive parking spaces than necessary. By reducing resident parking requirements and increasing car-share spaces, we can lower the cost of housing and help reduce greenhouse gases and traffic congestion. Reduced parking standards could also facilitate development of underutilized parking lots.

• Allow more laneway and coach houses for rent and sale

Laneway houses are now permitted in Vancouver and some other Metro municipalities. Located at the rear of single-family properties, they result in new housing without significantly altering neighbourhood character. The size of the home is generally quite small and related to the size of the lot. These homes cannot be sold. It is now time for all Metro municipalities to permit laneway housing. Moreover, family-sized laneway houses for sale should be permitted on larger corner lots, and lots with smaller character homes that are to be conserved.