Plans to densify a busy Vancouver corridor have prompted concern among public health experts.
In response to plans by the city of Vancouver to add 18,000 new housing units to the high-traffic Cambie corridor over the next 25 years, public health experts discuss the impact of living near high traffic.
CBC spoke to one professor, Michael Brauer, from the University of British Columbia. He noted the benefits of density near transit, but also said that dense residential building in high-traffic areas means more prolonged exposure to air pollution. The emissions, particulates, and even noise caused by traffic can increase rates of lung cancer, heart attacks, and asthma in residents nearby, as well as birth difficulties.
Because the effects of air pollution are so localized—with even a block or two significantly reducing the risks—Brauer proposes mitigating exposure in dense areas by building housing a block or two off the busiest streets and locating retail on the lowest two floors.
FULL STORY: Dense development: is building along busy corridors unhealthy?
Study: Poor Air Quality Fuels COVID Transmission
Communities exposed to higher levels of air pollution experience higher rates of infection, particularly in areas with high population density.
Vancouver's Ride-Hail-Free Mobility Landscape
While ride-hailing is on the horizon for the Canadian city, the experience so far without the mode provides useful insight into its effects on regional mobility.
Can Density Prevent Diabetes?
In Australia, a new study will determine the best ways to make high-density developments healthy places to live.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service