Portfolio
We’ve worked with nations, cities, developers and non-profits around the world to build happier, healthier and more inclusive communities.
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Tysons, Virginia placemaking framework
The Tysons Community Alliance is creating a sense of place through low-cost, colourful, and creative placemaking initiatives.
North Vancouver active design study
Happy Cities, Hey Neighbour Collective, and SFU evaluated the impact of the City of North Vancouver’s Active Design Guidelines, uncovering valuable insights for promoting social connection in multi-unit housing.
Cowichan Valley arts and culture master plan
Happy Cities is collaborating with the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) to create its inaugural arts and culture master plan. This plan will steer investment in arts and culture for the next five years, fostering creative growth and enriching opportunities for both residents and visitors in the Cowichan Valley.
Halifax arts venues needs assessment
Happy Cities is spearheading the Performing and Visual Arts Venues Study for Halifax Regional Municipality. This initiative aims to provide the municipality with insights to invest in spaces that foster a thriving local arts scene, promoting inclusivity and ensuring accessibility to arts and culture for all residents of Halifax.
Mary Anne’s Place community engagement and design audit
Happy Cities is spearheading community engagement and conducting design reviews to optimize well-being at Mary Anne’s Place, a forthcoming mixed-use development in Port Moody, BC.
Richmond, BC accessibility plan
Happy Cities and Meaningful Access Consulting are collaborating to gather community input and craft the City of Richmond and Richmond Public Library's 2023-2033 Accessibility Plan. The plan aims to:
North Vancouver open streets: Public life study
In 2020, the City of North Vancouver launched the Open Streets initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program repurposed vehicle lanes into pedestrian-friendly spaces to bolster economic recovery and social connection. Over time, Open Streets have enhanced the public realm, providing additional outdoor areas for neighbors and strangers to connect and socialize.
Building social connections: Housing design policies to support wellbeing for all
Happy Cities, in collaboration with Hey Neighbour Collective and Simon Fraser University, is partnering with six local governments in Metro Vancouver. Together, they are co-creating policies aimed at promoting social well-being in multi-unit housing.
Power of placemaking research and engagement
Exploring the role that placemaking plays in supporting community wellbeing, with the Healthy Communities Initiative and Canadian Urban Institute.
Regina accessibility plan
Happy Cities and Meaningful Access Consulting worked with the City of Regina to create an Accessibility Plan, to ensure that everyone can participate fully in community life.
Dementia-inclusive planning and design guidelines
Happy Cities, in collaboration with researchers from Simon Fraser University, has developed a new guide on how neighborhoods can better support individuals living with dementia.
My home, my neighbourhood wellbeing study
In response to Metro Vancouver's housing crisis, British Columbia announced new legislation in November 2023. This includes legalizing three to six units per lot province-wide and designating areas near rapid transit stations as "transit-oriented development" zones. Cities in these areas must allow taller residential buildings and eliminate parking minimums.
Community wellbeing assessment tool
Happy Cities has dedicated over a decade to researching the connections between urban design and well-being. Our efforts culminated in a cutting-edge community assessment tool. This tool evaluates four design realms and tracks over 80 evidence-based criteria to gauge a project's impact on well-being.
Fort St. John community arts & culture framework
In aspiring to become the region's creative hub, Fort St. John aims to ensure everyone can engage in arts and culture. Tasked with crafting its inaugural Arts & Culture Framework, Happy Cities will steer the city's efforts in supporting events, facilities, funding, and more over the next decade.
Rossland economic data visualization and communications
Rossland, nestled in BC's interior, boasts world-class skiing, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community. With a charming town center, it's becoming an increasingly popular choice for residents seeking a close-knit community and picturesque surroundings.
Sea2City: Envisioning a resilient future for False Creek
The City of Vancouver initiated an international design challenge to address the vulnerability of waterfront areas, such as False Creek, to climate change impacts like sea level rise and flooding. This aims to envision a more resilient future for the area.
Olde Town Hills master plan: A new mixed-use community for rural Nova Scotia
Amid rural Nova Scotia's population decline, Bridgewater bucks the trend with growth, thanks in part to its cohesive, human-scale town core.
Richmond permanent patio program development
Amid the pandemic, Richmond swiftly implemented the Expedited Temporary Outdoor Patio Program, enabling local businesses to expand seating areas safely. This innovative measure supported businesses, ensuring compliance with COVID-19 public health orders.