The Missing Middle: Alternatives to single family houses or towers

Townhouses and rowhouses are common in cities. They’re part of the charm of many European cities. If common here, they could help address Vancouver’s need to house more people, reduce sprawl and threats to the regional Agricultural Land Reserve, and perhaps even ease housing costs. Mayor Gregor Robertson says we need more of them. But here, some call them ’The Missing Middle.’ Often, where they have been proposed, they’ve been bitterly fought against existing residents. So the message to politicians? Tread carefully.

How much additional housing might mid-sized buildings potentially create? Where might it be built? Why the resistance? Which communities have succeeded in building townhouses and rowhouses, and how have they done it? We’ll start by framing the topic from three viewpoints. From planning, Brent Toderian, Vancouver’s former Director of Planning. From development, Nic Paolella of Marcon Developments. And from government, we’ve invited a senior Vancouver politician.

Then it’s your turn to ask questions, make observations, offer opinions. Feel free to bring your lunch.

Registration is not required but seating is limited. Please try to arrive early to ensure a seat.