Happy Cities conducted background research and engagement with city planners to make the case for social infrastructure.

Happy Cities and Hey Neighbour Collective offer evidence-based design strategies for improving social connection and health through shared spaces in multi-unit housing.

Six community stories provide practical tips on how placemaking can support health, reconciliation, economic resilience, climate action, safe spaces for youth, and more.

A missing middle cohousing project offers a promising solution to Vancouver’s housing and social isolation crises.

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.

Design strategies and research to support aging in the right place.

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.

Happy Cities and Hey Neighbour Collective worked with five cities and one First Nation to co-create policies for social well-being in multi-unit housing.

Exploring the role that placemaking plays in supporting community wellbeing, with the Healthy Communities Initiative and Canadian Urban Institute.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Denser cities offer potential for stronger social networks but also pose challenges like overcrowding and loneliness, especially in multi-unit housing. Effective design and social programs can alleviate these issues and mitigate high living costs.

COVID-19 hit Canada's main streets hard, with closures devastating small businesses. Immediate action is needed, but inclusive planning is crucial for safer, stronger, and more inclusive long-term improvements.