Some call it “The Missing Middle”. Others might say “multiplexes”. Regardless of the name, more housing is on its way to Vancouver.
After years of study, City Council met on September 14th in relation to a report written earlier this summer. In it, a proposal was made for Council to consider several items, including:
Allowing a larger range of housing choice within the Single family RS zones in the form of larger multi-unit buildings
Simplify and reduce the number of zoning regulations that apply to low density (RS) residential zones; and to consolidate the nine RS residential zones (RS 1, RS-1A, RS-1B, RS-2, RS-3, RS-3A, RS-5, RS-6 and RS-7) into a single new R1-1 Residential Inclusive zone
After a Public Hearing that lasted 8 hours, Council unanimously voted to approval the proposal. Under the new R1-1 Residential Inclusive Zone, a multiplex is now permitted to include up to 6 strata units or up to 8 rental units on a 50 ft. wide lot.
Our Founder Khang Nguyen shared his thoughts on the decision:
“The decision is a small, but first step in the right direction to provide the housing needed in the city in the coming years. The policy could have done more, however, and falls short of providing a long-term and audacious path to fast and more affordable housing. The policy is a band-aid solution as a mere gesture of action. My prediction is that these units will be expensive, small, undesirable, and the years of study, not to mention cost, will have been for naught because it is too little, too late. That said I am hopeful that this strategy will evolve and adjust to meet the needs of our housing demand as it is better late than never when seeking change.”
What does this all mean for the future of Vancouver?
The City may have missed the mark on providing desirable and relatively affordable housing for their intended demographic: the middle-income, family-oriented occupant. While other cities such as Burnaby, North Vancouver and Coquitlam are offering opportunities to build housing that are less expensive or more cost-effective, Vancouver seems to fall behind on the needs of “The Missing Middle”. Parking, storage, yard space and amenities are key factors that should be considered when planning and designing a home.
The approved reduction of FSR, or floor space ratio, in single family homes also warrants further evaluation. Reducing FSR may have the potential side effect of decreasing the quantity and quality of basement suites, a significant portion of housing rental stock in Vancouver.
Only time will tell how the story of “The Missing Middle” will play out. We are hopeful that the new policy will eventually prove to be successful and with time grow into practices that are truly transformative for the City.
Architrix Studio is no stranger to multiplexes. Check out one of our completed projects, a modern duplex in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood at 1030 E.14th Avenue.
Images and graphics courtesy of the City of Vancouver.