Connect With Us To Talk Real Estate: 📆 calendly.com/thevancouverlife _________________________________ In this episode, we dive into one of the most significant housing policy changes in British Columbia's history: the Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation and the province-wide densification of single-family home lots - but this time, with 3 different Architectural firms. This is likely the largest rezoning initiative we’ll witness in our lifetimes, and with such a massive shift comes a lot of uncertainty. What does this mean for housing affordability, development timelines, and the future of our cities? To help unpack these complex topics, we are joined by leading voices from three prominent architectural firms in BC, all members of the FIELD COLLECTIVE, a collaborative group of small architecture practices. Together, they will share their insights on the SSMUH initiative, its implications for housing design, and how their industry is responding to these new policies. Our guests today include Tony from TOAD Design, Jenny and David from 2 by 2, and Daichi from Bobo Arch. We’ll hear about their personal journeys in architecture, as well as how their firms are navigating this new legislative landscape. One of the central issues of this conversation revolves around the province’s recent introduction of pre-approved housing designs. These designs are intended to streamline the development process, cutting down on costly and lengthy permitting times. But will this initiative actually drive down housing costs? Or could it result in more uniform, less site-specific designs that lack creativity and adaptability? Tony, Jenny, David, and Daichi will explore whether these pre-approved models offer real solutions or if they’re just another example of top-down policy lacking industry consultation. We also explore the broader implications of the SSMUH initiative. How will these changes impact housing supply and affordability? What are the wins for architects and developers, and what challenges still lie ahead? Each of our guests brings a unique perspective to the table, shedding light on the surprising aspects of the new zoning rules and their potential to reshape neighborhoods across BC. In addition to the rezoning conversation, we touch on another critical policy shift: changes to the BC Building Code that now allow single egress stair designs in low and mid-rise buildings. This new regulation could have a significant impact on housing density and affordability, and our experts weigh in on the potential outcomes. A topic frequently raised by new developers and builders is whether it’s more cost-effective to work with a designer instead of an architect. Our panelists will break down the differences between the two, providing valuable advice on when it makes sense to invest in the expertise of an architect versus opting for a designer. Finally, we’ll get a preview of PLEX APPEAL, an open-air exhibition organized by the FIELD COLLECTIVE as part of the upcoming Design Vancouver Festival. This event will showcase innovative designs enabled by the new multiplex zoning rules, offering the public a firsthand look at what the future of housing in BC could look like. Tune in to this episode for an insightful conversation on one of the most pressing topics in housing today. Learn how the SSMUH legislation and pre-approved designs could reshape the real estate landscape, and gain valuable insights from some of the brightest minds in BC’s architecture community. Plus, get all the details on PLEX APPEAL, and find out how you can attend this exciting event later this month! - Plex Appeal Exhibition September 28 - 29, 2024 Main & 21st Public Plaza www.plexappeal.ca -
What was good about the Vancouver Special is that anyone wanting to build themselves a house were well aware of the costs and could negotiate with knowledge. So many identical homes were being built that someone could find out the cost from someone they knew. It was very transparent for owners. Not so today. Contractors are wildly apart on their estimates and bids. We won't see relief until the price of labor and profit come down. Home owners need transparency. Then they can approach several contractors and say build me this house for $500,000. It's just crazy how contractors have been able to mark up material and labor. They charge you $50 an hour for the guy they are paying $25 and hour and then add their profit on top. It isn't just the plans, people should be able to get access to the amount the contractor has estimated for the construction. That should be on all permits for the public to see.
That's capitalism baby. Screws you every possible way they can. Layers upon layers of scams, ripoffs and price gouging. We could have a government run builder that runs at cost with no rip offs and affordable housing as the result, but nooooooo
I appreciated 2x2’s approach with broad consideration for local aesthetics , lifestyle and geotechnical issues but isn’t the larger issue the cost to build and cost of land?😊
Great show today, but what about those affordable profit killers: DCCs, ACCs, pad mounted transformers, sewer connection and potential upgrades,etc. would like to hear more about that. Thanks again.
There's no doubt the costs can rise dramatically depending on the type of development you're pursuing. ACC's and DCC's in particular have shot up. Sewer connections are tough too because they have to be a city approved vendor to make the connection. Unfortunately those costs are going anywhere but up.
@@DummMoney-rr1fi At least bill Ferguson isn't afraid to stand behind his criticism - this kind of commentary is useless and rather cowardly, but alas we are in the age of keyboard warriors and we'll take each comment as it helps push the algorithm. So thank you @boneyn3661 for helping us reach more people who will positively benefit from our efforts.
What the SSMUH will do to existing neighbourhoods and new, but fully-planned neighbourhoods, is to throw all of the community planning out the window. Ideally neighbourhoods should be planned with multi-use lots (single-family, duplex, townhouses, apartments) with all of the supporting infrastructure (roads, sewer, water, etc.), as well as parks, schools and community use areas for the expected population and traffic in that area. When a well planned neighbourhood is designed and approved, then unplanned-for multiple units are placed on single residential lots, you will end up with a neighbourhood that does not support it's resident's needs.
To add onto the cutting out the designer and architect costs on future projects. Why not do the same thing but for a builder/trades and materials. Why not bid out 10 ADU’s for private citizens, get a bulk discount and reliable trades. Everyone pays the same $/sqft as that ADU has been built already but the same builder and material suppliers.
Guys have you figured it out. Lower interest rates is going to have little or no effect. Cause if you don’t have a job, who cares. Unemployment is shooting up. GDP per capital has been in negative territory for past 2 years. Credit cards, mortgages and other loans delinquencies are climbing higher. Canadians are financially stress and desperately hanging on to their homes. Banks have already extended amortization to a persons lifetime and re-fi to accommodate those who got caught in variable rate. New Buyers are not going to play that game and zero trust in BOC cause they pivot every 2-3 years. It’s a rollercoaster rate policy. BOC is reducing rates not because they want to party like it’s 1999, it’s cause they’ve F upped again and trying to cover up recession all abiet too late to the party. Just like 1990s, 2000 and 2008 recessions. Check the historical charts online.
I’m not surprised that a group of architects are offended with the new regulations. As someone in construction, Im a believer that architects and engineers don’t even need to be in the business of simple home design. Next time I would love to see a round table including permitting offices, architects, developers, contractors and tradespeople.
@stevenvanderheide6472, I'm not an architect, engineer, developer nor construction contractor, just a regular joe. Without architects and engineers, how could we ensure certain level of standard are met? I'm very interested to hear your reasons.
I really don't see the value in preserving the aesthetic of the single family home. Personally I think the 55+ tailor parks have a better aesthetic. The houses are closer together, and generally there is more sense of community. If I as a home buyer could purchase on of those pint sized plots and the manufactured home on top of it, I'd be all over it.
Tony noted it's great to increase housing this year or next year but where will neighbourhoods be in 20 years? I think we may regret the style, density, and demographics of the new communities in 2045. I'm a firm believer in let the free market run, and I think that this could be another huge black eye for the current NDP dreamers. Very good choice on guests, they were very informative!
There’s always trade offs. If we built at pace with immigration over the last twenty years we wouldn’t have to take such drastic measures. Overall, I’m a fan of fully utilizing laneways. NIMBYs can 😮🍆.
Why do you think denser walkable urban areas is bad? Most of Europe is like this and it's far better than what we have. NDP is right on building density.
Densification: increasing density after infrastructure is built, is the most wasteful and thus costly way to build. Ironic to hear them pushing densification as a way to reduce costs. Do they ever work on low cost homes for low cost land, land that isn't already developed?
@@TheVancouverLifeCanada is the 2nd largest country in the world don’t tell me there isn’t land we have tons of it! Gov’t just needs to build the infrastructure and start planning new cities to be built out over the never 20-30 years. Suggest you look at what China has been able to do with planned cities!
Building dense urban areas where there is infrastructure IS efficient. Why do you think building fresh infrastructure AND housing in a new area better than what they're doing? Density is efficiency.
@@jamesmillar5951 lets say infrastructure has a lifetime of 50 years. Digging it up and throwing it out after 10 year just to increase capacity is wasteful. Being wasteful with expensive things is not cost efficient.
Very interesting but no one is talking about the real solution! 😢 Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world there is no excuse for this housing crisis. Both China & Russia have over 90% homeownership rates vs Canada at 66%. China who does have 1.4B pop built 300,000,000 apartments in 30 years including designing whole cities from the ground up. China builds the infrastructure first then the buildings as it’s way cheaper. You build the subway all planned then you build the apartments/townhomes/homes 👍
100% correct. China is lapping north america in city design. Go to one of China's major cities then come back here you'll feel like you went back in time 30 years.
@@jamesmillar5951 Completely agree with you and you don’t even have to go to China there are endless videos on Twitter showing how amazing China cities are vs those in the West! 😱 Their heavy focus on transportation both HSR/Subways/Buses/driverless taxis/Highways/roads makes the cities very efficient for their size. This increases productivity! 😊
Connect With Us To Talk Real Estate:
📆 calendly.com/thevancouverlife
_________________________________
In this episode, we dive into one of the most significant housing policy changes in British Columbia's history: the Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation and the province-wide densification of single-family home lots - but this time, with 3 different Architectural firms. This is likely the largest rezoning initiative we’ll witness in our lifetimes, and with such a massive shift comes a lot of uncertainty. What does this mean for housing affordability, development timelines, and the future of our cities?
To help unpack these complex topics, we are joined by leading voices from three prominent architectural firms in BC, all members of the FIELD COLLECTIVE, a collaborative group of small architecture practices. Together, they will share their insights on the SSMUH initiative, its implications for housing design, and how their industry is responding to these new policies.
Our guests today include Tony from TOAD Design, Jenny and David from 2 by 2, and Daichi from Bobo Arch. We’ll hear about their personal journeys in architecture, as well as how their firms are navigating this new legislative landscape.
One of the central issues of this conversation revolves around the province’s recent introduction of pre-approved housing designs. These designs are intended to streamline the development process, cutting down on costly and lengthy permitting times. But will this initiative actually drive down housing costs? Or could it result in more uniform, less site-specific designs that lack creativity and adaptability? Tony, Jenny, David, and Daichi will explore whether these pre-approved models offer real solutions or if they’re just another example of top-down policy lacking industry consultation.
We also explore the broader implications of the SSMUH initiative. How will these changes impact housing supply and affordability? What are the wins for architects and developers, and what challenges still lie ahead? Each of our guests brings a unique perspective to the table, shedding light on the surprising aspects of the new zoning rules and their potential to reshape neighborhoods across BC.
In addition to the rezoning conversation, we touch on another critical policy shift: changes to the BC Building Code that now allow single egress stair designs in low and mid-rise buildings. This new regulation could have a significant impact on housing density and affordability, and our experts weigh in on the potential outcomes.
A topic frequently raised by new developers and builders is whether it’s more cost-effective to work with a designer instead of an architect. Our panelists will break down the differences between the two, providing valuable advice on when it makes sense to invest in the expertise of an architect versus opting for a designer.
Finally, we’ll get a preview of PLEX APPEAL, an open-air exhibition organized by the FIELD COLLECTIVE as part of the upcoming Design Vancouver Festival. This event will showcase innovative designs enabled by the new multiplex zoning rules, offering the public a firsthand look at what the future of housing in BC could look like.
Tune in to this episode for an insightful conversation on one of the most pressing topics in housing today. Learn how the SSMUH legislation and pre-approved designs could reshape the real estate landscape, and gain valuable insights from some of the brightest minds in BC’s architecture community. Plus, get all the details on PLEX APPEAL, and find out how you can attend this exciting event later this month!
-
Plex Appeal Exhibition
September 28 - 29, 2024
Main & 21st Public Plaza
www.plexappeal.ca
-
What was good about the Vancouver Special is that anyone wanting to build themselves a house were well aware of the costs and could negotiate with knowledge. So many identical homes were being built that someone could find out the cost from someone they knew. It was very transparent for owners. Not so today. Contractors are wildly apart on their estimates and bids. We won't see relief until the price of labor and profit come down. Home owners need transparency. Then they can approach several contractors and say build me this house for $500,000. It's just crazy how contractors have been able to mark up material and labor. They charge you $50 an hour for the guy they are paying $25 and hour and then add their profit on top.
It isn't just the plans, people should be able to get access to the amount the contractor has estimated for the construction. That should be on all permits for the public to see.
That's capitalism baby. Screws you every possible way they can. Layers upon layers of scams, ripoffs and price gouging. We could have a government run builder that runs at cost with no rip offs and affordable housing as the result, but nooooooo
Finally a real estate channel puts out some USEFUL and VALUABLE content.
Thank you so much for your feedback - delivering valuable content is our main goal!
I appreciated 2x2’s approach with broad consideration for local aesthetics , lifestyle and geotechnical issues but isn’t the larger issue the cost to build and cost of land?😊
what lot sizes are needed for say six plex at minimum? and four plex?
Great show today, but what about those affordable profit killers: DCCs, ACCs, pad mounted transformers, sewer connection and potential upgrades,etc. would like to hear more about that. Thanks again.
There's no doubt the costs can rise dramatically depending on the type of development you're pursuing. ACC's and DCC's in particular have shot up. Sewer connections are tough too because they have to be a city approved vendor to make the connection. Unfortunately those costs are going anywhere but up.
Hey if it isn't Mr. & Mrs. Doom & Gloom! Try to enjoy your weekend, Negative Nick & Nancy!
Did Bill Ferguson recreate himself and take on a new TH-cam name?
@@DummMoney-rr1fi At least bill Ferguson isn't afraid to stand behind his criticism - this kind of commentary is useless and rather cowardly, but alas we are in the age of keyboard warriors and we'll take each comment as it helps push the algorithm. So thank you @boneyn3661 for helping us reach more people who will positively benefit from our efforts.
What the SSMUH will do to existing neighbourhoods and new, but fully-planned neighbourhoods, is to throw all of the community planning out the window. Ideally neighbourhoods should be planned with multi-use lots (single-family, duplex, townhouses, apartments) with all of the supporting infrastructure (roads, sewer, water, etc.), as well as parks, schools and community use areas for the expected population and traffic in that area. When a well planned neighbourhood is designed and approved, then unplanned-for multiple units are placed on single residential lots, you will end up with a neighbourhood that does not support it's resident's needs.
To add onto the cutting out the designer and architect costs on future projects. Why not do the same thing but for a builder/trades and materials. Why not bid out 10 ADU’s for private citizens, get a bulk discount and reliable trades. Everyone pays the same $/sqft as that ADU has been built already but the same builder and material suppliers.
The small apartment buildings wont be built here due to the cost of the elevator requirement. Eliminate that requirement and they could be affordable
Guys have you figured it out. Lower interest rates is going to have little or no effect. Cause if you don’t have a job, who cares. Unemployment is shooting up. GDP per capital has been in negative territory for past 2 years. Credit cards, mortgages and other loans delinquencies are climbing higher. Canadians are financially stress and desperately hanging on to their homes. Banks have already extended amortization to a persons lifetime and re-fi to accommodate those who got caught in variable rate. New Buyers are not going to play that game and zero trust in BOC cause they pivot every 2-3 years. It’s a rollercoaster rate policy. BOC is reducing rates not because they want to party like it’s 1999, it’s cause they’ve F upped again and trying to cover up recession all abiet too late to the party. Just like 1990s, 2000 and 2008 recessions. Check the historical charts online.
I’m not surprised that a group of architects are offended with the new regulations. As someone in construction, Im a believer that architects and engineers don’t even need to be in the business of simple home design. Next time I would love to see a round table including permitting offices, architects, developers, contractors and tradespeople.
@stevenvanderheide6472, I'm not an architect, engineer, developer nor construction contractor, just a regular joe. Without architects and engineers, how could we ensure certain level of standard are met? I'm very interested to hear your reasons.
That's a pretty expensive hourly round table. Don't think we haven't asked..
Where is the voice of the community transit in suburbs non existent no kids activities, seniors, thousands of trees cut
I can build a house out of only thin veneer stones. It's cheap, only $50,000 to build a house this way.. why doesn't anyone hire me???
I really don't see the value in preserving the aesthetic of the single family home. Personally I think the 55+ tailor parks have a better aesthetic. The houses are closer together, and generally there is more sense of community. If I as a home buyer could purchase on of those pint sized plots and the manufactured home on top of it, I'd be all over it.
Tony noted it's great to increase housing this year or next year but where will neighbourhoods be in 20 years? I think we may regret the style, density, and demographics of the new communities in 2045. I'm a firm believer in let the free market run, and I think that this could be another huge black eye for the current NDP dreamers. Very good choice on guests, they were very informative!
Really appreciate your feedback!
There’s always trade offs. If we built at pace with immigration over the last twenty years we wouldn’t have to take such drastic measures. Overall, I’m a fan of fully utilizing laneways. NIMBYs can 😮🍆.
Why do you think denser walkable urban areas is bad? Most of Europe is like this and it's far better than what we have. NDP is right on building density.
Sorry, but are we TRYING to repeat the Vancouver Specials?? Those were horrible designs for so many reasons.
Densification: increasing density after infrastructure is built, is the most wasteful and thus costly way to build. Ironic to hear them pushing densification as a way to reduce costs. Do they ever work on low cost homes for low cost land, land that isn't already developed?
Where is this land you speak of?! Vancouver doesn't have any left!
@@TheVancouverLife Vancouver might be the center of the universe but there are other areas. Beautiful cities all over the country.
@@TheVancouverLifeCanada is the 2nd largest country in the world don’t tell me there isn’t land we have tons of it!
Gov’t just needs to build the infrastructure and start planning new cities to be built out over the never 20-30 years.
Suggest you look at what China has been able to do with planned cities!
Building dense urban areas where there is infrastructure IS efficient. Why do you think building fresh infrastructure AND housing in a new area better than what they're doing? Density is efficiency.
@@jamesmillar5951 lets say infrastructure has a lifetime of 50 years. Digging it up and throwing it out after 10 year just to increase capacity is wasteful. Being wasteful with expensive things is not cost efficient.
31:30 34:53 Her vocal fry is very annoying
The Asian guy is correct as Japan has a great system!
and no private land! GO figure!
@ Do you have a source for that claim as I believe you can own land in Japan?
Very interesting but no one is talking about the real solution! 😢
Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world there is no excuse for this housing crisis.
Both China & Russia have over 90% homeownership rates vs Canada at 66%.
China who does have 1.4B pop built 300,000,000 apartments in 30 years including designing whole cities from the ground up.
China builds the infrastructure first then the buildings as it’s way cheaper. You build the subway all planned then you build the apartments/townhomes/homes 👍
100% correct. China is lapping north america in city design. Go to one of China's major cities then come back here you'll feel like you went back in time 30 years.
@@jamesmillar5951 Completely agree with you and you don’t even have to go to China there are endless videos on Twitter showing how amazing China cities are vs those in the West! 😱
Their heavy focus on transportation both HSR/Subways/Buses/driverless taxis/Highways/roads makes the cities very efficient for their size. This increases productivity! 😊
Nobody wants to raise a family in an apartment.