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As well as introducing more affordable housing options, we need to start a dialogue about “YIMBYism.” YIMBYism means ‘Yes In My Back Yard’ to housing development. If we’re to provide homes for people of all income levels, we need to agree on the places and spaces for this development. While parties agree that there is a pressing need for more affordable housing, where this housing is built, and in which communities, can be contentious.

Vancouver’s diversity and inclusivity is part of the city’s charm. Many Vancouverites support a future where people of all income levels have a home within a vibrant and healthy community, and we see YIMBYism as supporting this goal. YIMBYism is required if our communities are to evolve, not dissolve. And, as a community, we need to find collective solutions that support all groups in society.

We regularly hear about families having to move out of the city because housing isn’t affordable. Our city needs families, not only for cultural diversity, but for economic reasons too. Parents are a key segment of Vancouver’s workforce. We know from our own management of 27 buildings and more than 900 homes, that units with three bedrooms are in huge demand and rarely become available. This is because the options for affordable accommodation for families are scarce in our city.

If Vancouver is to retain families, the city needs to provide significant incentives for developers and non-profits to build affordable, multi-bedroom family homes, which are notoriously difficult to make financially viable. Communities need to support YIMBYism so the homes that are urgently needed can be built, before we lose more residents to neighbouring communities.