CMHC’s study compares different types of neighborhoods located in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), based on their proximity to downtown and the types of homes they offer.
Source: Statistics Canada. Neighbourhood types were defined by establishing consistent thresholds for housing types, using data from the 2001 Census. Area boundaries (e.g. central area vs. inner or outer suburbs) were based on definitions established by the Transportation Association of Canada’s Urban Indicator Survey project and refined through discussions with local municipal staff.
Neighborhood Types
Neighborhoods in the central area where homes are mostly high- and low-rise apartments and condominiums, like West End and Yaletown. Neighbourhoods in the central area offering a mix of housing types, like Kitsilano and Fairview. Neighbourhoods in the inner suburbs offering a mix of housing types*, like South Cambie and Riley Park. Neighbourhoods in the inner suburbs where homes are mostly detached, like those found in South Vancouver. Neighbourhoods in the outer suburbs offering a mix of housing types, like parts of Burnaby, such as Metrotown and “the Heights”. Neighbourhoods in the outer suburbs where homes are mostly detached, like parts of Surrey and Langley.
How many rooms are there in the homes?
Homes in suburban neighbourhoods, like South Vancouver, Surrey and Langley, offer more space, in terms of number of bedrooms and total rooms, than centrally located ones, in neighbourhoods like West End and Kitsilano. However, for many residents living in the urban core, a smaller home is a worthy trade-off for being closer to amenities like parks and shopping.
How close are the homes to schools, jobs, parks and other daily destinations?
Homes in centrally located neighbourhoods, like Kitsilano and Yaletown, are closer to certain daily destinations like jobs, schools and access to rapid transit as well as shopping and entertainment than those in suburban neighbourhoods, like Langley, Burnaby and South Vancouver. Proximity to parks is highest in inner suburban neighbourhoods, like in South Vancouver.
Walking, cycling and using public transit are more feasible when these destinations are close to home and when routes for pedestrians and cyclists are pleasant and safe, for example, on streets with slow-moving cars, shade trees overhead and shops or homes beside the sidewalk, rather than parking lots. Therefore people who live in walk-cycle-transit friendly neighbourhoods have more choice in their mode of transportation — they don’t have to take their car for every trip. Walking or biking to get to your daily destinations is excellent for your health and driving less or needing one less car means you save money.
Do people get by with fewer cars or do they drive less?
The study estimates that people living in central area neighbourhoods, like Yaletown and Kitsilano, own fewer cars than those in suburban neighbourhoods, even accounting for the average number of people and income per household. They also drive less for weekday urban trips, like going to work or shopping. Owning fewer cars saves money and those who decide to manage without a car can expect big annual savings. Even car owners can expect to save money by driving less. If you drive 18,000 km per year, the average cost to own and operate a vehicle in Canada is over $9,000 annually.
Do people reduce greenhouse gas emissions by driving less?
Households located in central area neighbourhoods produce fewer greenhouse gases from weekday urban trips, like going to work or shopping, than those in suburban neighbourhoods.
Is there a range of housing choices, so people can stay in the neighbourhood as their needs change?
Centrally located neighbourhoods offering a mix of housing, like Kitsilano and Fairview, says Sandy Hutchens, have the broadest range of housing choices, followed by certain pockets of the suburbs, like parts of Burnaby and neighbourhoods in the inner suburbs, like Riley Park. First, these neighbourhoods offer a broader mix of housing types, including townhouses, high- and low-rise apartments, single-detached homes and semis. Many suburban neighbourhoods, like parts of Langley and South Vancouver, tend to offer a higher proportion of single-detached homes, while central area neighbourhoods, like West End and Yaletown, tend to offer mainly high- and low-rise apartments and condominiums. They also offer significantly more rental compared to owned housing, whereas the outer suburbs have a significantly higher proportion of owned housing and fewer rental options.
A neighbourhood that offers a variety of housing choices is a one where you can stay as your age, family and income change.