Issues and Challenges

INSIGHT SPECIALTY CONSULTING

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Economics 101

High demand and low supply equals

upward pressure on prices

This applies to every commodity, even

real estate

Governments attempt to correct market

imbalances

Always battling against these market

forces

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The Market Speaks

You can’t make purchasers buy what

they don’t want

You can’t make developers build what

they can’t sell

The market has very high expectations

Market demands may not align to best

urban design practices

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Density is a Good Idea

Good for health

Good for the environment

Convenient

Encourages a more engaged community

Transit services more feasible

Public amenities accessible to more

citizens

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But...

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Market Considerations

Trade offs

Travel / commute time

Access to amenities

Lifestyle factors

Life circumstances

Family size

Purchaser expectations

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Policy Options

Development friendly environment

Land use regulations

Direct provision of services

Pricing of externalities

Constrained by public opinion

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Arbutus Corridor

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Arbutus Corridor

Single family homes?

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Arbutus Corridor

Higher density development?

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Arbutus Corridor

Transportation or park?

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Options

Acquire – at what cost?

Leave it – at what risk?

What do you think?

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In Closing...

Density makes for good public planning

Market will dictate what is supplied

Economic formula applies, despite best

efforts from elected officials

Public policy options constrained by

public opinion

Balancing competing interests is

challenging