Downtown living: for families? : the Vancouver, BC urban livability experience and lessons for other cities

Abstract

Across North America, downtowns are experiencing revitalization and population growth, as "urban pioneers" are making their homes in city centers. While downtowns are typically thought of as places for empty nesters and young, single professionals, some North American cities are experiencing recent growth in families moving downtown, despite its tradeoffs, and others are working to attract families with children to their downtowns. With an increasing number of families living in central city neighborhoods, cities are presented with unique opportunities and challenges. Initiatives to make cities more family-friendly for residents of all backgrounds and income levels will help attract and retain families downtown, as well as contribute to healthy, thriving cities overall. Using Vancouver, BC as a case study, this thesis explores urban livability in general and with specific reference to Vancouver's family-oriented downtown as one component of livability. Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities and has been a pioneer city in embracing family-friendly urban living, beginning its efforts several decades ago, while many other cities have only recently begun to address issues of livability. This thesis investigates how Vancouver has accommodated families living downtown and what elements have contributed to its world-renowned status as a model city. However, the story of this perceived "urban utopia" is not complete without consideration of the dilemmas that have come hand-in-hand with Vancouver's success, such as increasing housing prices that are unaffordable to many. These challenges reveal potential implications for other cities hoping to emulate the "Vancouver Model."

(cont.) Lessons learned consider under what circumstances the elements attributable to Vancouver's "success" are applicable and realizable in other cities in North America, with a focus on Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. Recommendations are offered for both how Vancouver can improve and other cities can create more family-friendly urban environments, while avoiding the pitfalls that have come with Vancouver's success. As the case of Vancouver has demonstrated, downtown living is a complex issue and perceived successes can create powerful externalities that may diminish the city's achievements in the long-term if challenges are not properly addressed.