Metrics for scaling up social infrastructure
Happy Cities conducted background research and engagement with city planners to make the case for social infrastructure.
Social infrastructure—such as parks, libraries, and community programs and services—creates a foundation for happy, healthy, resilient communities. (Happy Cities)
Happy Cities is working with Vancouver Coastal Health to identify metrics for social infrastructure in communities of all sizes. This multi-phase project involves collaboration with local municipalities, health authorities, community-serving organizations, and academic researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU). Key goals of the project include building a shared understanding and definition of social infrastructure, developing measures of access to guide social infrastructure planning, and assessing the impact of current planning approaches.
This research aims to inform policy tools and a decision-making framework that municipalities across B.C. and beyond can use to inform their social infrastructure planning and support a high quality of life for all residents.
In the first phase of this project, Happy Cities conducted background research and a policy and data scan of municipalities across B.C. Our team led engagement with several local government partners and health authorities, in addition to provincial and community-based organizations.
What do we mean by social infrastructure?
Broadly, social infrastructure encompasses a range of public spaces—including parks, community centres, libraries, child care facilities—as well as social programs and networks operate at a local scale. However, most mapping and research efforts focus on physical spaces, often overlooking the social connections, services, and programs that bring these shared spaces to life.
A holistic approach recognizes that social infrastructure is more than just buildings. It includes diverse types of shared spaces, networks, and activities—creating the foundation for vibrant, connected, resilient communities.
Our work will explore infrastructure such as:
Non-profit and community-serving organizations (e.g. neighbourhood houses; senior, youth, and family centres; Indigenous services; newcomer settlement services; social enterprise; food programs; etc.)
Arts and culture facilities and spaces
Recreation facilities and spaces, such as community centres and sports facilities
Public spaces, parks, and natural areas
Child care facilities
Libraries
Public washrooms
Next steps
The second phase of this partnership project will involve deeper collaboration with researchers at SFU and UBC to develop and refine metrics, conduct in-depth analysis and case studies of current planning approaches, and explore policy tools and resources for municipalities. The resources will equip municipalities to scale up social infrastructure as they grow, supporting liveable, healthy, equitable communities at all sizes.
Project partners
This background research included engagement with several B.C. municipalities, health authorities, and other organizations that are involved in providing or advocating for social infrastructure in the province.
Academic partners include:
Kelly Clifton, Professor, UBC
Andrew Binet, Assistant Professor, UBC
Meg Holden, Professor, SFU
Lyana Patrick, Assistant Professor and Faculty Teaching Fellow, SFU
