A ‘Special’ Solution to the Housing Crisis: Uytae Lee's Stories About Here

From the 1960s to the 1980s, one specific house was constructed in Vancouver over 10,000 times. Known today as the Vancouver Special, these houses could offer solutions to the current housing crises in cities across Canada.

‘Stories About Here’ explores the urban planning challenges that communities across Canada face today. In each episode we dig into the often overlooked issues in our own backyards - whether it’s the shortage of public bathrooms, sewage leaking into the water, or the bureaucratic roots of the housing crisis. Through it all, we hope to inspire people to become better informed and engaged members of their communities.

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[james.atkins]

Because so many people overpaid for homes even while loan rates were low, I believe there will be a housing catastrophe because these people are in debt. If housing costs continue to drop and, for whatever reason, they can no longer afford the property and it goes into foreclosure, they have no equity since, even if they try to sell, they will not make any money. I believe that many individuals will experience this, especially given the impending mass layoffs and rapidly rising living expenses.

[Schlabbeflicker]

Literally all of these problems are caused by zoning and permitting rules. Building the same, repetitive building is infinitely better than having people sleep on the streets. If zoning and permitting were cheaper and faster, people would have more money to build unique buildings in the first place.

[Goldsavergamer]

Growing up, my mom called our house a “Vancouver special “ I really thought she was lying and just wanted us to feel unique… haha she was right…

[somethingsomething]

I love how urban planning is becoming something people actually care about
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[thrillho]

The Vancouver special is so iconic. Thanks for giving us some context for it's place in our history!

[elijaha]

Thank you for making another one of Uytae's great videos public for people outside of Canada!

[nicolasbenson]

Great video! For 2023, it’s hard to nail down specific predictions for the housing market is because it’s not yet clear how quickly or how much the Federal Reserve can bring down inflation and borrowing costs without tanking buyer demand for everything from homes to cars.

[kelvinjohnson]

In order to buy cheaply, I'm waiting for a housing crisis after selling a few houses in 2020. I've been considering buying stocks as a fallback. Do you have any advice on when is the greatest time to make a purchase? On one hand, I continue to see and read about traders making more than $$$k per week. On the other hand, I constantly hear that the market is crazy and in the midst of a dead cat bounce. What causes this?

[crystalmeier]

Whomever this young man was giving this narration, well done! I've rarely heard a presentation given with such clarity and precise inflection. Also, whomever wrote this presentation did a great job!

[lolalee]

Since moving to Canada, I’ve lived in basement suites. It’s not a fun experience. There’s almost always pressure to use less utilities. I had one landlord frequently go into my kitchen although he lived upstairs to make sure everything was tidy. One landlord tried to hike my rent by 300 dollars because she mistakenly believed another person had moved in with me. None of these antics are legal but usually the upstairs landlord is too amaturish to know this. There’s also a general sense of being watched. It could be that my experience is particular but I think renters perspectives are almost always missing from these kinds of think pieces.

[Ernest]

American style zoning is a major reason why housing is so expensive, yet at the same time, amenities and services are so far away from everyone's home. But it also ensure property value to increase overtime (by limiting the supply) so many home owners don't want it to be changed.

[huyphamngoc]

Uytae's content is one of the best in my urban design, housing binge. It's so informative with great storytelling! Also CBC Vancouver has been uploading some great stories.

[DownieLive]

Can't wait to see what the next special has in store for us.

[martyzeenyc]

Why doesn't Vancouver host a competition for a dozen templates of "Vancouver Specials" so that they don't look all the same but adhere to the same specifications (lot size, square footage, and levels, etc)? I believe this will stifle most critics and provide quick housing to newcomers.

[zabmcauley]

Having multiple options of quick approval housing would increase the longevity of the designs. More options also allow for different sizes of builds, especially important for infill that is a net gain for income for the city. More upfront work, and more payoff in the future.

[robadr]

One of the interesting twists on the history of Special has been the surge in popularity of 'mid-century design', and the ability of this very simple form to work with that aesthetic. Some judicious application of quality cladding materials, and better windows and landscaping, have transformed many of these ugly ducklings into homes that are now seen as attractive by many. A video on some of the best transformations would be fun to see.

[danrai]

you have to do a a "part 2". Punjabi people from Vancouver's Eastside near Ross street moved to Surrey in late 1980s. The doubled the size of the Vancouver Special and it became the Surrey Mega House. if you look close enough you can see the Vancouver Special in the design.
Tons of great examples of this behind the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Surrey

[SomeNerd]

The answer to the "too many and too bland" problem is so blindingly simple that it actually has me fear for society since it's not being talked about (not even by Uytae)

...Have more the one "Special"... that's it. Let the builder/homeowner choose which model of "Special" to go with that meets their needs.

[JaySinghIsImmature]

This journalist is a brilliant presenter. I don't watch TV and have never seen him before. Super informative, easy to understand, excellent graphics.

[daletidy.]

So well produced! I’m definitely keen for a new Vancouver special!