What Happened

B.C. NDP prezoning for fourplex and sixplex dwellings on single-detached lots was enacted more than two years ago, yet resistance to new building types persists across Metro Vancouver. Bryn Davidson, founder of Lanefab Design/Build and a climate-crisis activist, continues to advocate for increased density through small apartment buildings and laneway houses. Davidson, originally from California, has influenced Vancouver city councillors and planners to support these forms of housing for years. He argues that the transition from car-dependent suburbs to dense, walkable neighborhoods naturally involves awkward architectural juxtapositions. Despite the provincial policy shift, Davidson notes that housing remains unusually expensive due to delayed upzoning and restrictive zoning practices. He recently addressed concerns about oversized apartment buildings, advising residents to accept change rather than block new developments. Davidson also criticized the federal government's inconsistent immigration policies while acknowledging Canada's benefit from immigration. He condemns 'single-family' zoning despite many single-detached lots allowing secondary suites and laneway houses for decades. Davidson identifies as part of the YIMBY movement and opposes 'tall 'n' sprawl' planning with tower clusters surrounded by lowrise neighborhoods. He believes that much of the land-value bubble was due to money seeking good returns rather than upzoning itself. Davidson frequently consults with civic and provincial planners to advocate for small apartment buildings on side streets. He has good working relationships with several Vancouver councillors and former councillor Christine Boyle, now B.C.'s housing minister. Lanefab Design/Build constructed the first laneway house in Vancouver 16 years ago. Vancouver alone has approved more than 540 fourplex and sixplex houses. Davidson is proud of a 'very boxy' zero-carbon-emission fourplex his company built at 4263 Elgin St. in Vancouver. He calls fourplex and sixplex dwellings the 'teenage awkward years' of housing. Davidson disagrees with experts who say upzoning caused land value and housing price increases. He identifies as part of the YIMBY movement advocating widespread upzoning, especially in Vancouver. He condemns 'single-family' zoning despite many single-detached lots allowing secondary suites and laneway houses for decades. Davidson acknowledges Canada benefits from immigration but criticizes the federal government's inconsistent immigration policies. He says record migration and transnational wealth inflows are only part of housing demand. He opposes 'tall 'n' sprawl' planning with tower clusters surrounded by lowrise neighborhoods. He believes that much of the land-value bubble was due to money seeking good returns.