Is Gregor Robertson Right? Achieving Affordable Housing Without A Price Crash

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

4.8

Share

Gregor Robertson's Key Affordable Housing Initiatives

Gregor Robertson's approach to affordable housing in Vancouver involved a multi-pronged strategy focused on increasing housing supply, investing in social housing, and targeting speculation.

Increased Density and Zoning Changes

Robertson's administration pushed for significant zoning changes, aiming to increase density in specific areas to boost housing supply. This involved allowing for taller buildings and more diverse housing types in previously low-density neighborhoods. The intended impact was to increase the overall number of housing units, thereby potentially lowering prices through increased competition.

• Examples of specific zoning changes: Upzoning in certain neighborhoods allowed for the construction of six-story buildings where only two were previously permitted. Changes to secondary suite regulations made it easier to create rental units within existing homes.
• Impact on construction costs: Increased density potentially lowered per-unit construction costs through economies of scale. However, land costs remained a significant challenge.
• Impact on neighborhood character: This was a major point of contention. While proponents argued that increased density revitalized neighborhoods, critics raised concerns about overcrowding and the loss of green space.
• Successes and failures: While density increases did lead to some new housing construction, it's debatable whether this alone sufficiently addressed the affordable housing crisis. Many new units remained unaffordable for low- and middle-income earners.

Investment in Social Housing and Rental Development

Robertson's administration also invested heavily in social housing and rental development projects. This involved partnerships with private developers and non-profit organizations to create affordable rental units.

• Specific examples of social housing projects: The City partnered with BC Housing to develop several large-scale social housing projects, providing units for low-income families and individuals.
• Funding sources: Funding came from a mix of municipal, provincial, and federal sources.
• Number of units created: While a significant number of units were added, critics argue that the increase was insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
• Effectiveness in alleviating the affordable housing shortage: These initiatives provided vital affordable housing options for some, but the overall impact on the broader affordability crisis remains debated.

Empty Homes Tax

Introduced to combat speculation, the empty homes tax aimed to incentivize property owners to either occupy their properties or rent them out. The tax revenue was earmarked for affordable housing initiatives.

• Revenue generated: The tax generated millions of dollars, contributing to affordable housing programs.
• Number of properties impacted: A significant number of properties were registered under the tax, suggesting a level of success in targeting vacant homes.
• Challenges in implementation: Challenges included determining what constituted a "vacant" home, enforcing the tax, and dealing with appeals.
• Success in addressing vacancy and increasing housing availability: The tax contributed to increasing housing availability, but its long-term impact on affordability remains a subject of ongoing debate.

Criticisms of Robertson's Approach and Alternative Solutions

While Robertson's initiatives aimed to improve housing affordability, they faced significant criticisms.

Concerns about Gentrification and Displacement

Increased density, while aiming to increase supply, also raised concerns about gentrification and displacement. Higher-income residents moving into revitalized neighborhoods could displace lower-income residents who could no longer afford the rising rents and property values.

• Specific examples of displacement: Several anecdotal and some research-based examples illustrate the displacement of long-term residents in formerly low-income neighborhoods.
• Strategies for mitigating displacement: Policies like rent control and tenant protection measures could have been implemented to mitigate displacement, but weren't implemented to the degree many advocates desired.

Insufficient Supply to Meet Demand

Critics argued that even with increased density and social housing projects, the supply of affordable housing remained far below the demand.

• Statistics illustrating the housing shortage: Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the least affordable cities in North America.
• Comparison with other cities: Comparing Vancouver's housing policies with those of other cities facing similar challenges is crucial to identify best practices.

Exploring Alternative Housing Policies

Alternative policies could have offered a more comprehensive approach to affordable housing.

• Rent control: Strict rent control policies can protect existing tenants, but may stifle new construction.
• Inclusionary zoning: Requiring new developments to include a percentage of affordable units can increase the supply of affordable housing directly.
• Land value taxes: Taxing the value of land rather than improvements could discourage land speculation and make land more accessible for housing development.
• Examples of cities successfully implementing these policies: Many cities around the world have experimented with these policies with varying degrees of success. Analyzing their successes and failures could inform future policies in Vancouver.

Conclusion

Gregor Robertson's approach to affordable housing in Vancouver, while ambitious, had both successes and limitations. Increased density and investments in social housing provided some affordable units but weren't sufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. Concerns about gentrification and displacement highlight the complexities of addressing the housing crisis. A multifaceted solution incorporating various strategies, including rent control, inclusionary zoning, and land value taxes, alongside continued investment in social housing, may offer a more comprehensive path to achieving affordable housing without a price crash. The conversation about sustainable housing solutions must continue, incorporating lessons learned from past initiatives and exploring innovative and adaptable approaches. Share your thoughts on effective affordable housing policies in the comments below.