A couple of articles on the David Suzuki Foundation website caught my eye.
I’m often looking at the connections between housing and climate change, e.g. these five posts about building in the right places – near transit stops, near protected bike and roll routes, in walkable, complete communities, and overall. Building in areas that are not car-dependent means reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause climate change.
The two DSF articles discuss a wider range of benefits.
“Density is a housing and climate solution for more inclusive communities” notes that allowing more homes in existing neighbourhoods brings, among other things:
- Affordability. More homes at a variety of price points means homes that are attainable for middle income people. And this means that lower-income people won’t have to compete with them to get the more affordable housing.
- Inclusive, diverse, vibrant communities. Post-WWII suburban sprawl areas were sometimes designed to promote “homogeneity in race, culture and socio-economic status.” Including a wider range of homes and people brings diversity and vibrancy.
- Financially sustainable for cities, residents and businesses. More homes means more properties contributing taxes (a broader “tax base”), and thus relatively lower property tax rates for everyone.
- More choice and options. What happens when a person or a couple needs to downsize? Will they have to sacrifice community ties and move to another neighbourhood? Providing smaller housing options in all neighbourhoods can allow seniors and others who are downsizing to remain a part of their community and keep seeing their friends.
“Infill zoning: Missed opportunities and untapped potential” opens by noting that more homes in built-out areas can reduce GHG emissions:
Infill zoning is essential for constructing cities and communities that significantly lower greenhouse emissions. With more townhouses, apartments and other housing options we can reduce transportation emissions.
The article notes that single-detached only zoning codes, which had their origin in racial segregation “are still exclusionary, and folks are segregated based on income.”
Mixed-use development and greater housing choices offer way to undo discriminatory exclusionary zoning, reduce urban sprawl and preserve natural ecosystems.
What community members can do
The article closes with some tips on what each of us can do. Hearing from residents is important for municipal and regional decision-makers.
As members of your community, your voice and involvement are crucial. Advocate for infill zoning policies at local council meetings, participate in public consultations and support initiatives that prioritize sustainable urban development and more housing options. By engaging, you help ensure that our cities are not only built for today but are also prepared for a more sustainable tomorrow. Together, we can transform our urban landscapes into thriving, equitable low-carbon communities that serve future generations as well as our own.
Image: City of Kelowna, reproduced at www.davidsuzuki.org