Best Vancouver Urban Development Podcasts (2025)

1
Michael Audain, Chairman, Polygon Homes: How a left-wing activist became one of BC’s most accomplished business leaders and philanthropists 56:22

Play Pause

2M ago56:22

56:22

For this episode of the Goodman Report podcast, you’ll hear the unlikely and riveting story of how a left-wing activist became one of BC’s most accomplished business leaders and philanthropists, championing projects in the visual arts and innovation in Canadian wildlife protection and sustainability. Freedom rider. Student radical. Academic. Social…

1
Brent Sawchyn, PC Urban Properties CEO: A Generational Talent Tackling Multi-Generational Challenges 58:42

4M ago58:42

58:42

It’s always great when a single conversation makes you smarter, and that’s how I felt after sitting down with Brent Sawchyn, CEO of PC Urban Properties Corp., for this episode of the Goodman Report podcast. Brent is a generational talent. He has spent 35 years in the development business, earning his spurs alongside high performers like Ian Gillesp…

1
Solving mini city mysteries 34:44

5M ago34:44

34:44

This week on City Space, our team attempts to unravel a few puzzling urban enigmas. Can anything be a street name? Does a patch of grass qualify as a park? What does this unique house reveal about the development of the area? Irene and our producers guide you through different neighborhoods as they try to solve the mini-mysteries that define a city…

1
How Frederick G. Gardiner shaped modern Toronto, for better or worse 38:16

5M ago38:16

38:16

If you drive in Toronto you know the name “Gardiner”. The waterfront expressway was named after the man who dominated Toronto politics at a crucial point in its history: Frederick Goldwyn Gardiner, or “Big Daddy” as he was known. In 1953 Gardiner became the first chair of Metropolitan Toronto, a trailblazing experiment in two-tier municipal governa…

1
How an Indigenous-led development is forcing Vancouver to face tough questions on reconciliation 28:11

5M ago28:11

28:11

Across Canada, more and more First Nations are turning to real estate and housing development as money makers, shaping the future of Canadian cities. This is especially visible in Vancouver with projects like Sen̓áḵw, a development by the Squamish Nation that is set to become one of Canada’s densest neighbourhoods. It’s a project that carries a lot…

1
Kerry Gold: The Trusted Voice of The Globe and Mail 58:19

6M ago58:19

58:19

Kerry Gold has been a full-time professional journalist for the last 30 years, and for more than half that time she’s been covering the real estate and housing beat for the Globe and Mail. She got her start at the Courier community newspaper and after a couple of years caught the attention of the Vancouver Sun editor-in-chief, who hired the young c…

1
The Parisian Calgary that could have been 40:28

6M ago40:28

40:28

In 1977, a 100-page hand-painted plan for a white, stone, European-style Calgary was discovered in the walls of a garage. The illustrations show a totally different vision for the city, with wide, stone boulevards, artificial lagoons and grand, classical buildings. While the plan was expensive for a frontier town of 80,000 people and was swiftly sh…

1
City Builders: How Vancouver punished the Maleks for building Olympic Village 53:55

6M ago53:55

53:55

Our latest podcast is with Richard Littlemore on his new book, City Builders, a family and corporate history of the Maleks and Millennium Development and a blistering review of the grimy politics and catastrophic political intervention that marred their development of Olympic Village. Vancouver developers Peter and Shahram Malek have lost two great…

1
Is expropriation the solution to a housing crisis? The majority of Berliners think so 35:13

6M ago35:13

35:13

Is expropriation, or forcing corporations to sell apartments to the government, a way to ease the housing crisis? Berlin seems to think so. In a landmark referendum back in 2021, the majority of Berliners voted ‘yes’ to forced sales, calling for the government to buy 240,000 apartments owned by some of Berlin’s mega landlords - whether they want to…

1
Pedal politics: How Toronto’s bike lanes became so divisive 38:56

7M ago38:56

38:56

Study after study shows that bike lanes make roads safer for everyone and have a minimal effect on traffic congestion. Yet, in Canadian cities, they’re not always popular. In Toronto, they’re arguably the most divisive piece of road infrastructure, with the Ontario government introducing a plan to remove bike lanes on three major streets in the cit…

1
Coming soon: Season 5 of City Space 1:44

7M ago1:44

1:44

The decisions that cities make now - on housing, transit, and development - will shape how we live for decades to come. These aren't just policy issues: they reveal the fundamental debates driving how we live in cities. In the new season of City Space, join host Irene Galea as she examines the divides that shape our urban landscapes, tells the stor…

1
The Greatest Challenges Facing Vancouver's Housing Sector with Cressey’s Hani Lammam 39:51

8M ago39:51

39:51

In episode 2, Mark Goodman sits down with Hani Lammam, Executive VP of Cressey Development Group, to discuss his journey from a high school laborer to leading one of Vancouver's top development firms. With over 25 years in the real estate industry, Hani shares his insights into the challenges and opportunities in today’s market. “The institutions a…

1
Goodman Interviews Legendary New York City Powerhouse Broker Bob Knakal 40:03

9M ago40:03

40:03

In the inaugural episode of Goodman Report Podcast, host Mark Goodman interviews Bob Knakal, a veteran in the New York City commercial real estate industry with over 40 years of experience. We dive into Bob's incredible career and his strategies for success in one of the world's most competitive real estate markets. Bob is a true titan in commercia…

1
Goodman Report Podcast - Official Trailer 1:21

9M ago1:21

1:21

Welcome to the Goodman Report Podcast! I’m Mark Goodman, principal at Goodman Commercial – a leading force in Vancouver's real estate market. Our firm has been a trusted name in rental apartment buildings, development land, and commercial investment properties for over 40 years. Now, we’re bringing the insights that have shaped our success directly…

1
Storytelling to Inspire Engagement in Urban Planning (with Uytae Lee) 48:35

1y ago48:35

48:35

Uytae Lee from the YouTube channel About Here, joins Helen Lui to chat about storytelling in urban planning, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies to drive public engagement. They also advocate for diverse voices in advocating for inclusive urban environments. About Here: https://www.youtube.com/@AboutHere Show Credits: Host: …

1
The Future of Urban Planning 46:56

1y ago46:56

46:56

Helen Lui interviews Fern Hahn, a transit advocate and urban planning student, who shares experiences that shaped their perspective on public transit. Fern discusses advocating for better transit and their interest in transit network design. Next, Helen speaks with Matthew and Emma from UBC CAPACity, focusing on engaging university students in urba…

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Designing for Happiness (with Houssam Elokda) 47:32

1y ago47:32

47:32

The conversation continues with Houssam Elokda from Happy Cities, as Helen Lui explores the impact of the built environment on communities, emphasizing the importance of creating livable and sustainable cities. They discuss the subjective nature of happiness and well-being in urban settings, also highlighting the significance of social connections,…

1
Does Density Impact Happiness? (with Houssam Elokda) 35:35

1+ y ago35:35

35:35

Density is a hotly debated topic in urban centres. Is it good? Is it bad? Does it make us more isolated, more lonely, or can it improve our happiness? Helen Lui speaks with Houssam Elokda, from Happy Cities. Their research explores the connection between urban design and happiness, striving to enhance the quality of life in cities through sustainab…

1
A conversation with Justin Trudeau on Canada’s housing crisis 32:36

1+ y ago32:36

32:36

Earlier this month, the City Space team met Prime Minister Trudeau for a sit-down interview to get his thoughts on the biggest challenges facing our cities: housing affordability, a labour shortage, population growth and the need for densification. Trudeau and the Federal Liberals unveiled a new housing policy in April of this year, a plan that the…

1
From Neighbours to Community 45:14

1+ y ago45:14

45:14

Helen Lui speaks with Mark Boardman and Alyssa Sacal from Minivillage, a Vancouver-based company fostering social connections within neighbourhoods. Mark discusses transforming neighbours into friends, while Alyssa emphasizes combating loneliness. The conversation explores authentic community bonds, the impact of physical environments on social con…

1
Designing Public Spaces 48:29

1+ y ago48:29

48:29

Helen Lui is joined by architects Amit Price Patel and Jill Robertson from DIALOG, to discuss the design of great public spaces. They share insights on the political power of design, the intersection of science and art in shaping communities, and the significance of community engagement in creating inclusive spaces. The conversation emphasizes incl…

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The Evolution of Third Spaces (with the Sneaky Artist) 54:59

1+ y ago54:59

54:59

Helen Lui is joined by Urban Sketch Artist Nishant Jain, also known as "the Sneaky Artist" to discuss the concept of 'Third Spaces'—the places between home and work where social bonds are forged and community enriched. We explore how these spaces, from parks to cafes, are not just physical locations but also platforms for cultural expression and so…

1
How Do We Improve Public Transportation? (with RMTransit) 44:23

1+ y ago44:23

44:23

Reece Martin from the YouTube channel RMTransit joins Helen Lui to discuss the evolving landscape of urban mobility and public transit. Explore the cutting-edge developments and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of our cities. Reece, who grew up in the Lower Mainland, and now a resident of Toronto, shares his expert insights on the c…

1
Getting there Safely (with Lucy Maloney) 37:20

1+ y ago37:20

37:20

Helen Lui explores the critical need for safer, more sustainable urban transportation with Lucy Maloney, a fervent cycling advocate who leads the organization "Love The Lane" and is also a HUB Cycling member. Lucy discusses the ongoing efforts to promote safer streets in Vancouver, addressing the broader challenges of shifting public policy. She hi…

1
Will the cost of hosting the FIFA World Cup pay off for Toronto? 43:07

1+ y ago43:07

43:07

The men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada. Out of 106 games, Toronto will host just six. The city is facing a bill of $380 million or more for things like security and a stadium expansion. Huge sporting events like this are sold as being good for the hosts, boosting tourism and local business while also leaving a legacy of better transit. S…

1
Cities for People and the Planet (with Rhiannon Fox) 33:14

1+ y ago33:14

33:14

Helen Lui discusses the interconnectedness of urban development, climate initiatives, and public safety with guest, environmental scientist Rhiannon Fox. Highlighting the benefits of dense, less car-dependent cities, the discussion emphasizes community involvement and personal action as catalysts for change. Rhiannon shares how individual efforts c…

1
Can Chinatown, Vancouver, survive the neighbourhood's revitalization? 40:58

1+ y ago40:58

40:58

Canada’s largest Chinatown has been under siege for over a century: first by race riots, then by poverty and most recently by the threat of development. We’re telling the story of why Chinatown, Vancouver, is one of Canada’s most resilient neighbourhoods, forced to evolve and adapt in the face of horrific racism. The future of Chinatowns everywhere…

1
Prohibition's 100-year hangover in a Toronto neighbourhood 36:26

1+ y ago36:26

36:26

At the turn of the 20th century, a murder, a bar brawl and a sermon led to a 100-year ban on booze in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. The Junction was Toronto’s last “dry” neighbourhood — meaning no alcohol was allowed to be sold — until 2000. While other nearby areas saw business booming as bars and restaurants opened, The Junction declined and …

1
Halifax is allowing homeless encampments in its parks. Should other cities do the same? 39:57

1+ y ago39:57

39:57

On August 18, 2021, downtown Halifax made international news when the city erupted in a sprawling protest against the removal of illegal homeless shelters from a park. Compared to other Canadian cities, Halifax’s homeless population has tripled in the last three years. Emergency shelters aren’t doing enough. Building new housing takes time. It take…

1
BC Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon 44:45

1+ y ago44:45

44:45

Host Helen Lui welcomes Ravi Kahlon, MLA for North Delta and British Columbia’s Housing Minister, to discuss transformative approaches to the housing crisis. Minister Kallon shares his political journey and the personal experiences fueling his commitment to driving positive change. They delve into the shift towards embracing density, the introducti…

1
Does heritage preservation stand in the way of housing? 43:39

1+ y ago43:39

43:39

The Van Horne Mansion was a classic greystone house in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile. It was the home of Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, the man who built the Canadian Pacific Railway. Despite public outcry, the mansion was demolished in 1973. This lit a fire amongst conservationists, thus initiating the heritage conservation movement in Canada. T…

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Was the Spadina Expressway a crisis averted or a missed opportunity? 42:10

1+ y ago42:10

42:10

The Spadina Expressway was one of five urban highways that were nearly built in Toronto in the 70s. The plan would have bulldozed neighbourhoods so that suburban commuters had a direct route to drive downtown. But campaigners like Bobbi Speck and Jane Jacobs stopped it, saving iconic neighbourhoods like The Annex. Today, Toronto is one of the worst…

1
Coming soon: Season 4 of City Space 1:45

1+ y ago1:45

1:45

Who decides what progress means to a city? In the new season of City Space, join host Irene Galea as she delves into the stories of changing cities and how they're holding on to their identities in the face of 21st century problems. Season 4 will tell stories of progress and preservation — and look for common ground in city spaces across Canada.…

1
The Future of Housing 47:23

1+ y ago47:23

47:23

We delve into the pressing issues of housing and city building, revisiting discussions with guests Michelle Cyca and Khelsilem, who have underlined the need for immediate action. We explored root causes of the housing crisis, such as the historical supply limitations as well as city planning that excluded many from accessing housing. Michelle and K…

1
Another Point of View 33:55

2y ago33:55

33:55

Michelle Cyca, a seasoned freelance journalist, joins Helen Lui and delves into the complexities of the housing market, touching upon themes like home ownership and the evolving notion of housing wealth. The episode features a candid reflection on the soaring housing prices in Vancouver, discussing the impact on families and the generational wealth…

1
Community Building 38:20

2y ago38:20

38:20

This episode explores the importance of including First Nations and Indigenous communities in urban development conversations. Khelsilem, the chairperson of the Squamish Nation Council, shares their insights on land use planning, housing development, including the Sen̓áḵw development, and partnerships with First Nations. The episode explores the un…

1
Structural Supports 30:31

2y ago30:31

30:31

Host Helen Lui continues the conversation with Denis Agar, they unpack the dynamic relationship between housing and public transportation. They delve into the critical role of urban density in shaping transit service needs and discuss the intricate political maneuvers influencing rail network expansions. The conversation also highlights the influen…

1
Framing Density 30:08

2y ago30:08

30:08

We explore the impact of zoning on housing and communities. Denis Agar is our guest and we discuss the need for more equitable zoning laws and the importance of considering renter density when adding new housing. Join us as we delve into the potential benefits of increased density near transit stations and ponder the ethical justification for maint…

1
Building Affordability 28:48

2y ago28:48

28:48

Albert Huang, a seasoned expert in affordable housing development is the guest on this episode of Urbanism Vancouver. He unravels the multifaceted issues surrounding Vancouver's housing affordability crisis, and the complexities of defining "affordable," influenced by varying income levels, government programs, and housing entities. The episode div…

1
Ground Work 25:48

2y ago25:48

25:48

In this episode of Urbanism Vancouver, Helen Lui and Aaron Johnson discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, and their backgrounds in urbanism and broadcasting. They explain their goal of providing accessible information about housing and development and shedding light on the complexities of the process. They hope to inspire curiosity and…

1
Show Trailer 1:36

2y ago1:36

1:36

Urbanism Vancouver explores the built environment of Vancouver, Canada - how we got to where we are, and what our history tells us about how we look forward to the future. We share insights not only from industry experts, but also from passionate advocates, and residents like you. With each episode, we'll look at different components that shape our…

1
Who are city festivals for? 30:17

2y ago30:17

30:17

Festivals can transform cities by making space for overlooked people and cultures. Cities all over the world are facing major crises — from mounting inequalities to climate emergencies. And arts and culture have a surprisingly critical role in tackling these urban challenges. How do we make sure festivals remain authentic and true to their communit…

1
Tell us what you think about our show! 0:32

2y ago0:32

0:32

City Space is now in its third season and we’d really love to hear how you feel about our show and what we can do to make it better. Visit cityspace-survey.ca and fill out the brief survey to give us more info. As a token of our thanks, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of three online retailer gift cards worth $100.…

1
Will Canada be able to house all the immigrants it hopes to welcome by 2025? 28:55

2y ago28:55

28:55

Last year, the federal government set an ambitious new immigration target — to bring in half a million permanent residents a year by 2025. While the country is already dealing with a pretty profound housing crisis, it’s likely everyone will feel the housing crunch even more as a record number of immigrants move to Canadian cities in the near future…

1
Urban wildlife: How humans and animals can better coexist in cities 28:51

2+ y ago28:51

28:51

Whether we really think about it or not, cities are habitats for animals. Beyond a flock of pigeons or dogs on a leash, cities are home to all manner of wildlife - depending where you are, you might have bats, coyotes or even bobcats roaming around. How can cities better accommodate the land we share with our beastie brethren and what might be some…

1
How can cities prepare for a rapidly aging population? 23:44

2+ y ago23:44

23:44

We’re now in our third season and we’d really love to hear how you feel about our show and what we can do to make it better. Visit cityspace-survey.ca and fill out the brief survey to give us more info. As a token of our thanks, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of three online retailer gift cards worth $100.…

1
Why are ER wait times so bad in Canadian cities? 26:20

2+ y ago26:20

26:20

Burning hours in an ER waiting room has long been a fact of Canada’s public health care system, but that wait time is starting to spike. Now, in Ontario it hovers at around 20 hours on average. And our cities, home to more people and more various determinants of health than anywhere else in the country, bear the brunt of it. In this episode, we’re …

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Are smart cities really such a smart idea? 26:21

2+ y ago26:21

26:21

The smart city movement — driven by the idea that we can leverage data and technology to optimize life in our cities — is attractive for many reasons. But critics say that smart cities may not be so wise, and in some cases, they’ve proven to be dangerous for democracy. In the first episode of season three, we’re doing a deep dive into this very con…

1
Coming soon: Season three of City Space 0:53

2+ y ago0:53

0:53

Canadian cities are evolving – and quickly. City Space, The Globe and Mail’s future of cities podcast, is back for another season to make sense of it all. Join host Adrian Lee over the course of six episodes as he speaks with global experts and those close to home as we learn what our cities are doing right and what can be improved. Up this season:…

1
Supply alone won’t fix our housing crisis. Here are three other factors 29:11

3y ago29:11

29:11

If we want great cities, people from all walks of life need to be able to live in them. But even with experts predicting that rising interest rates will drive national housing prices down by as much as 23 per cent by the end of this year, most of us would still consider those adjusted prices totally unaffordable. While most of the housing crisis co…