A City Built for Change: VCPC 2007-2008

The Politics of Change – November 27, 2007 A lecture by Metro Portland Councilor Robert Liberty In his endearing introduction to a lecture about the best practices of smarter growth and the experience of his native Metro Portland, Councilor Robert Liberty described the similarities Vancouver shares with their Cascadian cousins to the south. Our port cities built their economies as hewers of wood and drawers of water.

His gift of smoked salmon to his Vancouver hosts even symbolized what brings us together.

Liberty's presentation began our A City Built for Change program. It drew upon his experiences with growth and density controversies in Portland and he provided lessons for future debates on the topics. The talk detailed important challenges that Portland faced and these same ones may soon be faced by Vancouver as the City charts its future growth. He urged well-planned communities, open dialogue that welcomes respectful disagreements as well as controversy. When there is controversy, Liberty noted, you know the people are paying attention, which is all our civic leadership can ask for.

After the dust settles from a controversy, significant social capital is created to accomplish positive and productive change. Liberty says it is critical to help citizens understand the issues, and involve them in the solutions. He says neighbourhoods must be comfortable with rate of change. And increased density and better transit will help solve out-of-control sprawl and consumption patterns.

Speaking to our topic, Liberty responded that adaptable buildings may offer an attractive, alternative housing type. He also argued that a “green building on the edge has less value than a remodel without any green features in the centre.� He sees green buildings and adaptable buildings as parts of a sustainable future.