Is Gregor Robertson Right? A Realistic Path To More Affordable Housing

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Assessing Gregor Robertson's Housing Policies

Gregor Robertson's tenure saw a multi-pronged approach to affordable housing, focusing on increased density, developer incentives, and investment in social housing. Let's delve into each aspect.

Focus on Density Increases

Robertson's administration pushed for significant zoning changes to increase housing density, particularly in areas near transit. The goal was to create more housing units within existing infrastructure, thereby increasing supply and theoretically lowering prices.

• Examples: Rezoning of certain neighbourhoods to allow for taller buildings and more multi-family dwellings; creation of secondary suites and laneway houses.
• Impact: While some neighbourhoods experienced noticeable increases in housing units, the impact on overall affordability remains debated. Data suggests an increase in housing supply, but the pace of construction failed to keep up with the soaring demand, driven by factors beyond the city’s control.
• Drawbacks: Increased density also brought concerns about gentrification, displacement of existing residents, and strain on existing infrastructure.

Incentives for Developers

The city implemented various incentives to encourage developers to build affordable housing units.

• Examples: Density bonuses, allowing developers to build taller buildings in exchange for including a percentage of affordable units; tax breaks for affordable housing projects; expedited permitting processes.
• Effectiveness: While some projects benefited significantly from these incentives, leading to a small increase in affordable housing options, the number of units created through these programs remained relatively limited compared to the overall housing shortage. The balance between affordability and developer profitability proved a constant challenge. Many developers found it more lucrative to construct market-rate housing.

Investment in Social Housing

Robertson's administration also invested in publicly funded social housing projects.

• Examples: Funding for the construction of new social housing units and renovation of existing ones; initiatives focusing on supportive housing for vulnerable populations (e.g., those experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges).
• Impact: The investment, while significant, proved insufficient to meet the scale of the housing crisis. Waiting lists for social housing remained extensive.

Challenges and Obstacles

Several significant challenges hindered the success of Robertson's affordable housing policies.

Land Costs and Development Constraints

High land costs in Vancouver presented a significant barrier. Bureaucratic processes also delayed projects.

• Examples: The prohibitive cost of land acquisition made it difficult for developers to build affordable housing without substantial government subsidies; lengthy approval processes contributed to delays and increased project costs.
• Impact: The high land costs and regulatory hurdles significantly impacted the feasibility of affordable housing projects, leading to fewer units being built than initially projected. NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) attitudes from some residents further complicated the process.

The Role of Market Forces

Market forces played a substantial role in shaping housing affordability, often working against the city's efforts.

• Examples: Strong demand combined with limited supply drove prices upward; speculation in the real estate market contributed to inflated prices.
• Impact: Robertson's policies, while aiming to address the supply side, proved insufficient to counteract the powerful effects of market demand and speculation, particularly the influence of foreign investment.

Alternative Approaches and Future Directions

To improve the current situation, Vancouver needs a multi-faceted strategy.

Policy Recommendations

Several adjustments to the current approach could yield better results.

• Increased Funding for Social Housing: A substantial increase in public funding is critical to address the massive social housing shortage.
• Stronger Tenant Protections: Measures to prevent renovictions and ensure fair rental rates are vital for protecting existing residents.
• Streamlining Development Approvals: Reducing bureaucratic delays would accelerate the creation of new housing units.

Community Involvement

Effective community engagement is paramount to fostering a shared vision for affordable housing.

• Community-Based Initiatives: Empowering community groups and incorporating their perspectives into planning processes is essential.

Conclusion: Is Gregor Robertson Right? A Balanced Perspective on Affordable Housing

Gregor Robertson's approach to affordable housing in Vancouver showed some success in increasing housing supply and investing in social housing, but ultimately fell short of addressing the city's affordability crisis comprehensively. High land costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and powerful market forces posed significant challenges. While his initiatives provided a foundation for future work, a more robust, multi-pronged strategy is essential. This requires increased funding, stronger tenant protections, streamlined development approvals, and, crucially, meaningful community engagement. To achieve truly affordable housing, we must continue to explore and adapt innovative solutions, learn from past experiences, and foster a collaborative approach that prioritizes the needs of all residents. Let's work together to find a better path to affordable housing solutions for everyone.