“I don’t know why Vancouver is so behind the 8-ball on this, despite our affordability challenge,” says Jon Stovell, President of Reliance Properties, a developer in Vancouver. Barbara Yaffe says in the Vancouver Sun  that “In 2011, Reliance refurbished the Burns Block on Hastings, transforming it from a vacant single-occupancy residence hotel into 30 microsuites. At monthly rates of $850 per suite, the building was rented out in a week.”

Stovell points out that the young and those earning $38,000-$50,000 a year need an affordable place to live. Microsuites like the one shown in the photo are popular in parts of Europe and Asia. The city relaxed its 320 square foot minimum standard to allow Reliance to build units of 226 to 291 square feet.

Vancouver’s planning director Brian Jackson admits that the city is not approving more such units in their downtown’s east side, over concerns about impact on city services, including community centers, libraries and land values. Stovell says talks are moving at a glacial pace.

British Columbia (B.C.) Housing, the Real Estate Institute of B.C., the Urban Development Institute and the Manufactured Housing Association of B.C. Is investing $30,000 in a survey through December focused on small housing options.

Yaffe state the study will “explore best practices and lessons learned in small-market unit design.” She also says it will explore views of developers, individuals or couples living in units of 500 square feet or less and families of three or more in 750 square feet or less.

The study group observes: “With land available for residential development becoming more scarce and home prices growing at a faster pace compared with incomes, small homes are becoming increasingly popular among builders and buyers.”

The groups work may reveal ways to break through the impasse between city planners and developers like Stovell who believe they offer a solution for high cost urban living.

Tien Sher Homes, which redeveloped another building with 290 and 653 square foot units from $130,900 and up has a brochure that touts they are for those “people who chose quality construction and intelligent design over sprawling square footage.” Units “maximize every square inch for the stylish comfort you require, and the vibrant lifestyle you crave.”

But isn’t it possible that some, like those getting into the Tiny House movement, are turning to such micro-units simply because of necessity and affordability?

The need for businesses, associations and government to work together to overcome barriers to affordability is clear. ##

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(Photo credit: Vancouver Sun/Glenn Baglo)