In recent decades, Vancouver, like many large cities around the world, has experienced an increase in overall population, as well as dramatic increases in population densities in many areas. The effects of these increases on residents’ quality of life have not been comprehensively explored. Of particular interest to my research, are the effects, if any, of high-density environments on residents’ sense of community in their neighborhoods. Residents in Vancouver are under several housing-related pressures, including housing availability, proximity to employment, affordability, and limited housing options (limited ability to choose preferred building and neighborhood typologies). These limitations may affect some demographic groups more than others. For example, families with small children may be particularly susceptible to environments, such as high-rise buildings, that limit opportunities for semi-supervised outdoor play and peer interaction for their children. While dense urban environments may afford increased opportunities for engagement, they may also inhibit neighborhood relationship formation by limiting suitable common spaces where neighbors experience informal encounters. Such environments may thereby reduce residents’ sense of neighborhood community, possibly resulting in unwanted feelings of isolation. If dense urban environments do incur a lowered sense of neighborhood community, potential mitigating factors may include improved public space, presence of neighborhood associations, local events, homogeneity of the population, or other considerations.
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