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.

Happy Cities collaborates with the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Alberta to engage communities on potential accessibility legislation.

Happy Cities is working with Entro to create a new community wayfinding strategy for the City of Richmond, BC.

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.

Campus spaces serve as vibrant hubs for student life, accommodating diverse activities from picnics to concerts. Designing these spaces to support such varied uses enhances their role as central community gathering spots.

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, 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.

Indeed, some of the most creative ideas often originate from the youngest members of the community.

In 2021, Halifax's iconic Spring Garden Road underwent a $10-million streetscape reconstruction project, central to the city's identity as a vibrant hub. Happy Cities was commissioned to develop a methodology to assess the project's impact on enhancing people's well-being.

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.

Amid rural Nova Scotia's population decline, Bridgewater bucks the trend with growth, thanks in part to its cohesive, human-scale town core.

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.

Halifax grapples with a housing crisis exacerbated by low-density, car-centric suburbs lacking transit and public spaces. Happy Cities aims to design a model, transit-oriented, walkable community in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, offering a sustainable solution for suburban development nationwide.

Temporary modular housing (TMH) offers a rapid, cost-effective solution for homelessness, with over 2,000 units built in British Columbia since 2017. However, prioritizing resident wellbeing is crucial for creating truly safe and supportive homes.

In 2021, the City of New Westminster initiated projects in the Uptown neighborhood to create safe, comfortable, and accessible walking, wheeling, and cycling corridors and public spaces for people of all ages and abilities.

Boost usage of your city's greenway or bike lane by involving residents and stakeholders in creating eye-catching activations along the route, such as art installations. Transform streets into vibrant public spaces!

Happy Cities partnered with New Westminster and Glenbrook Middle School, installing student-designed curb bump-outs supported by Spin. The project aimed to enhance safety near the school and raise awareness of the Glenbrook/Rotary Crosstown Greenway.

Amid COVID-19's economic strain, Vancouver businesses innovate to ensure safe and comfortable reopening experiences.