CITY102

Housing Policy Fundamentals

Housing policy in Metro Vancouver can be a maze of complicated terminologies and confusing characteristics, face a vacuum of empirical data, and become prone to misunderstanding and misinformation. Amongst the most contentious have been debates on what constitutes affordable housing, who should be responsible, and how and where to make affordable housing happen.

In this course, you will learn about the foundational concepts and debates of housing Metro Vancouver.

The course will lay the foundation for explaining the local and regional housing landscape, survey the strengths and weaknesses of different housing policy responses and, in particular, the affordability crisis. It will look specifically at some of the innovative policy-making coming out of BC.

This introductory course will transform the way you view housing and offer new opportunities to understand the affordable housing crisis. It will be of interest to community leaders, students of urban issues, housing providers, land use planners and related professionals, and anyone interested in elevating the discourse surrounding this complex problem.

Overview

Location: Online
Duration: 4 evenings
Tuition: $367.50

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Upcoming Offerings

Start Date
Schedule
Location
Instructor
Cost
Seats Available
Action
Start DateWe will offer this course in Spring 2025. Registration will open once the details are finalized.
Schedule
LocationOnline
Cost$367.50
Seats Available35
Action

What you will learn

After completing this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Describe Canada’s housing system, the regional housing market, government’s fundamental role in the housing system, key terminology, why housing policy is important, and the role of other actors in the country’s housing system
  • Explain debates on the nature and causes of postwar housing problems in Canada
  • Describe common housing market problems and myths
  • Identify housing policy tools that can be used to address these problems and their outcomes

How you will learn and be evaluated

  • Expect instructor-led presentations and class discussions
  • Prepare to discuss, debate and formulate your own opinions

You will be evaluated on:

  • Final assignment (pass/fail) due 1 week after the last session

Who should take this course?

This introductory course is for both professionals and engaged citizens with an interest in learning more about housing policy in Metro Vancouver and Canada.

Learning Materials

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.

Technical Requirements

For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.

Professional Development Credits

AIBC CES participants, PIBC members and BCSLA members may self-report for continuing education learning unit consideration.