Article content continued

Exclusionary zoning is why, when we do finally allow more homes, we get huge towers and luxury condos seeking profit off pent-up demand. It’s why tenants in older buildings face a constant threat of displacement from developers looking to build in the only places we let them. It contributes to speculation by making it so onerous and restrictive to build that only deep-pocketed developers can assemble enough land to be profitable.

Vancouver’s affordability crisis is, at its heart, self-inflicted. We are doing this to ourselves by creating an artificial scarcity of housing enforced through exclusionary zoning.

Luckily, we’ve always known the cure.

We could end exclusionary zoning and support an inclusive city-wide plan. We could allow four floors and corner stores in every neighbourhood. We could revitalize areas becoming too expensive for even their own children with new people and new businesses. We could support diverse and livable development. And we could do this all while maintaining the leafy, quiet streets that people love.

We will only achieve these goals if we speak up and tell councillors and staff to end exclusionary zoning and support more homes in every neighbourhood. If you’re having trouble seeing your future in this city, get involved in the city-wide plan. Attend an event or council meeting. Fill out a survey. Send a letter. Make your voice heard.

You won’t be alone. Seventy-one per cent of Vancouverites support more forms of housing in their own neighbourhoods. More and more we are recognizing that true neighbourhood character comes from the characters in the neighbourhood, not the slopes of roofs or facades of buildings.