Sign in

Russil Wvong

@russilwvong.bsky.social
927 followers 293 following 77 posts

Canadian. Interested in housing, and everything that goes with it: jobs, transportation, schools, community centres. Vancouver needs more housing.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Steve Lafleur @stevelafleur.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
What the "don't build towers" people are actually saying is "move to Alberta," even if they don't know it.
48512
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Denis Agar (he/him) @denisagar.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Density gives you the option of a better life. Here's how. [Thank you NSW government for this awesome graphic! and @russilwvong.bsky.social for finding it.] www.nsw.gov.au/sites/defaul...
Infographic comparing 'growing out' (floor space ratio 0.7) with 'growing up' (FSR 1.5) in Sydney's established areas. Growing up is modelled to lower housing costs by 24%, allow dwellings 20 to 60 m² larger, shorten commutes by 5 km, and raise household welfare by the equivalent of 7% of income.
1203
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Kathryn @kmsheps.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Man, @onecityvan.bsky.social is just heads and shoulders above the rest when it comes to housing in Vancouver. Credible, innovative and focussed on buidling a welcoming city where everyone belongs.
1209
Reposted by Russil Wvong
OneCity Vancouver @onecityvan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Do you live in Vancouver, do you want a home of your own? What about just the dignity of renting without the fear of eviction? OneCity has a team and a plan for that, The Way Home & Housing for All www.onecityvancouver.ca/news/housing... #VanPoli
23615
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Bryn Davidson - Lanefab @lanefab.com · 21/09/2026
What comes after the Villages Plan? There's a lot we can/should do city-wide in our R1 zones. * Allow strata lane houses * Allow more plex units per lot (on big lots) * Allow corner stores * Allow smaller lots * Allow Accessory Commercial Units * Allow 'Affordable-Ownership' Small Apt. Buildings
12 unit small lot apartment building, 50x122, 1.6 FSR.
We could allow this citywide, for rental and non market ownership in our R1 plex zones.
3427
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Brendan Dawe @dawe.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I had a moment of wanting to periodize BC political by party system History so let’s do it
174
Russil Wvong @russilwvong.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In Vancouver's Oct 17 election, it looks like a choice between Pete Fry and a progressive coalition, or Ken Sim and ABC. If it's a progressive coalition, and we want more housing, then we need to elect as many pro-housing OneCity councillors as possible.
morehousing.ca
Pete Fry and a progressive coalition vs. Ken Sim and ABC
If we want more housing, we need to elect pro-housing politicians
0101
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Vision Zero Vancouver @visionzerovancouver.ca · 13/09/2026
Looking for something to do this Sunday? Look no further, it's Car Free Day on Main St! We'll have a booth between 16-17th Ave, come say hi!
2137
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Mo Zhu @moinmybackyard.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
We are at 3PM Chicago time, which means it's time for the PMG CAC to hear proposals from interested parties. This segment will feature a major pro-housing supply plumbing proposal from @pipedreaming.bsky.social. Following it live.
184
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Justin McElroy 🇨🇦 @jmcelroy.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I think it's cool that all political parties like to go "I DON'T TRUST THE PUBLIC FACTS" when it's convenient to their narrative. We have reams of data from government and private sources, along with endless anecdotes of people negotiating down their rent over the last two years. but whatever man
610318
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Blake Shaffer 🇨🇦 @blakeshaffer.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
It’s all going to come down to turnout, and the 70% “Stay” vote is at a significant disadvantage there. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/fe4f74c...
theglobeandmail.com
The cash-strapped, disorganized fight to keep Alberta in Canada
Separatist voters are in the minority, polls show, but their motivation is putting pressure on a pro-Canada campaign struggling to find its footing
1103
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Leo Spalteholz @leospalteholz.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Victoria asking rents stable with a down month in September
073
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Denis Agar (he/him) @denisagar.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
reddit.com
From the Edmonton community on Reddit: Canada transit ridership: Edmonton is the only city above pre-pandemic levels
Posted by KosmicEye - 329 votes and 108 comments
3101
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Stephen Jacob Smith @stephenjacobsmith.com · 10/09/2026
There seems to be a consensus building at the ICC that the 2030 I-Codes are going to allow four-unit buildings in the IRC, and now it’s just a matter of the details. One proposal presented today would only allow two units stacked on top of each other, so no three-fams/triple-deckers/three-flats.
4488
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders @movementyvr.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Mayor Buchanan led the way to make sure the R2 extension would be a priority, and that it would receive funding to actually exist! She joined us Monday on the very first ride to celebrate! Thank you Mayor Buchanan! 😊
0155
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Stephen Jacob Smith @stephenjacobsmith.com · 08/09/2026
The Coalition for Elevator Reform, led by The Kelsey, is up and running. Join if you have any interest in advocacy to bring down elevator costs! Especially if you are a member of a YIMBY group or have the ear of any politician. Email hello@elevatorreform.org, ask to join the mailing list.
911328
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Stephen Jacob Smith @stephenjacobsmith.com · 08/09/2026
I’ll believe it when I see Canada accept the European elevator standard, *like every other country on earth except the US and Japan already does*
611312
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Bryn Davidson - Lanefab @lanefab.com · 08/09/2026
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
B.C. municipality pushes for European-style elevators to cut costs, boost accessibility | CBC News
A Vancouver Island municipality is pushing the province to make changes to its elevator rules in a bid to make homes more accessible and affordable.
2153
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Bryn Davidson - Lanefab @lanefab.com · 08/09/2026
bsky.app/profile/lane...
151
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Push The Needle @pushtheneedle.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Taxing the thing you want more of (housing) just reduces the consumption of it. Isn’t this the point of our Soda Tax?
1374
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Max Dubler 🏳️‍🌈 @maxdubler.com · 08/09/2026
This one is also excellent: bsky.app/profile/msat...
0232
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Max Dubler 🏳️‍🌈 @maxdubler.com · 08/09/2026
And finally, Conor Dougherty’s masterful profile of Marin County anti-housing activist Susan Kirsch: www.nytimes.com/2022/06/05/b...
nytimes.com
Twilight of the NIMBY (Gift Article)
Suburban homeowners like Susan Kirsch are often blamed for worsening the nation’s housing crisis. That doesn’t mean she’s giving up her two-decade fight against 20 condos.
87111
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Max Dubler 🏳️‍🌈 @maxdubler.com · 08/09/2026
Second, @jerusalem.bsky.social on the environmentalist movement’s generational conflict over urban housing and other climate infrastructure. (Gift link) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
theatlantic.com
The Culture War Tearing American Environmentalism Apart
In Minneapolis, the housing shortage has fractured the green community.
16310
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Max Dubler 🏳️‍🌈 @maxdubler.com · 08/09/2026
Three great reported essays on the inter generational conflict over housing and active transportation, particularly in Northern California: First, a Berkeley-raised writer’s exploration of his parents’ generation’s complicated feelings about the proposed apartments and the Hopkins bike lane:
nytimes.com
A Tale of Paradise, Parking Lots and My Mother’s Berkeley Backyard (Gift Article)
Plans to build apartments have sparked a fight between progressive newcomers and nostalgic old-timers — with surprising allegiances in a writer’s hometown.
411823
Reposted by Russil Wvong
William Azaroff @wazaroff.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Dear friends, Today I'm ending my campaign for Mayor of Vancouver. OneCity and I promised you that only one progressive candidate would be on the ballot this election. I'm keeping that promise. Here's why. 🧵
9855
Reposted by Russil Wvong
GRIDS Vancouver @grids.reillywood.com · 27/08/2026
this is my latest very scientific chart
chart with 2 axes: "New housing is usually good/bad" vs "Left/Right"
4394
Reposted by Russil Wvong
John Michael McGrath @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Between Schumer introducing a tariff reversal bill and Gallego here I think folks really need to drop the cool-for-Bluesky presumption that the Democrats would be just as bad as Trump. We are going to win.
14509
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Eric Lombardi (EricForOLP.ca) @ericlombardi.ca · 02/09/2026
5 DAYS LEFT If you live in Ontario and are 14+ years old, you can help pick the next Ontario Liberal leader. Last election, the average riding had ~150 people vote in it. Every vote makes a big difference when so few people participate. Sign up today: action.ontarioliberal.ca/f/eric
063
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Randall Munroe @xkcd.com · 02/09/2026
Trade xkcd.com/3290/
Comic. [Person standing holding hammer above raised knee.] PERSON: Listen up, leg. I’ve been sending you rich, oxygenated blood for years, while you send me worthless used-up blood with no oxygen. Time to teach you a lesson about not ripping me off! [caption] Tariffs
56113802493
Reposted by Russil Wvong
William Azaroff @wazaroff.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
163
Reposted by Russil Wvong
OneCity Vancouver @onecityvan.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Introducing a new way to thrive in the city, VPL+ will bring the cities art, culture, amenities, and events to you with pre-loaded tickets and discounts to the things that make Vancouver fun. If you want more from your library card, add your name at act.onecityvancouver.ca/library-card...
OneCity Vancouver policy announcement graphic. Headline: 'Ask More of your Library Card, With Library Card Plus.' Subtext: 'Museums, pools, theatres, and more — pre-loaded on the library card you already have.' Two illustrated people hold up a card labeled 'VPL+ Library Card Plus.' A red 'Learn More' button appears in the bottom corner.OneCity Vancouver 'Key Facts' slide. Text reads: Vancouver used to have the Inspiration Pass, a free library pass into museums, galleries, and rec centres that people loved. The flaw: limited passes and months-long waitlists led to a lottery won by whoever could plan furthest ahead. Library Card Plus pre-loads opportunities onto every free VPL card: culture and rec passes, printing credits, Wi-Fi hotspots, and free meeting rooms. Delivered through all 21 library branches, with deeper benefits for seniors, youth, newcomers, and low-income residents. Illustration shows a person standing before a neighborhood streetscape with houses, trees, and a small shop.OneCity Vancouver 'Let's make it happen' slide. Text reads: A family outing in this city shouldn't cost a day's pay. The library is one of the last places in Vancouver where everyone belongs without opening their wallet, and joy isn't a luxury to us, it's part of what makes a city worth living in. If you think the free library card in your pocket should unlock museums, pools, theatres, and more, sign your name below, or using the link in bio. A QR code and a red 'Sign Your Name' button are shown, alongside an illustration of a person holding a takeout coffee cup.
03610
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Robert Farley @drfarls.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Where do you even go with this?
1027275
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Iona Bonamis | 陶思穎 (she/her) @ionabonamis.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Here's the truth behind Ken Sim and ABC's public safety plebiscite - it will waste up to $560k to ask voters' opinion on two non-binding questions on matters that are in the provincial and federal governments' jurisdiction, not the city's.
1144
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Iona Bonamis | 陶思穎 (she/her) @ionabonamis.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
We need a serious and effective mayor and council that will implement real and proven solutions. Vote for me, @wazaroff.bsky.social, and the rest of the @onecityvan.bsky.social team on Oct. 17th!
142
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Lucy Maloney @lucymaloney.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I'm proud to be running with @wazaroff.bsky.social for Mayor. Not only does he have the experience to hit the ground running, but he also has a clear vision for the future of Vancouver. Join us at a OneCity social event soon to meet him and share your ideas!
1213
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Tom Davidoff @tomdavidoff.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
We are hosting our third Vancouver Mayoral debate the evening of September 8th at Robson Square. All are welcome to register, this will be a great opportunity to learn and discuss. Details and (free!) registration are here. www.sauder.ubc.ca/event/cuere-...
sauder.ubc.ca
CUERE Forum: Vancouver Mayoral Debate: Real Estate, Housing Affordability, and Related Issues
UBC Sauder's Centre for Urban Economics is hosting its third Vancouver Mayoral Debate in coordination with the Allard School of Law and UBC's Housing Research Collaborative. As always, our focus will ...
0103
Russil Wvong @russilwvong.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
As someone who respects both Bret and Matt, I think Matt's argument makes more sense. (1) Trump is a threat to democracy. (2) Defeating Trump is the highest priority. (3) So it's critical to pay close attention to what voters want, *even if you disagree with them*. It's descriptive, not normative.
111
Reposted by Russil Wvong
William Azaroff @wazaroff.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
City Hall needs to stop tying the shoelaces together of people starting a business. It’s time to bet on Vancouverites & make it easier to start, grow & scale your business. OneCity will build a city that leads B.C. in prosperity, good jobs & fair wages for every one of our neighbours. 🧵1/11
1197
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Oh The Urbanity! @ohtheurbanity.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
NIMBYs online: “there’s no point legalizing more housing, developers will never build enough to lower prices” Edmonton landlords: “help, developers built too much, putting downward pressure on rents”
014333
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Colleen @cbailey6.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Congratulations to CMHC, Edmonton City Council and all of the YIMBYs who "ruined" real estate investing in Edmonton. If we don't want housing to be primarily treated as an investment, we need to end the shortage. www.instagram.com/reel/DbmApzb...
Instagram post from wayne_hillier_rei. Video is linked. Text alongside video:
CMHC MLI Select financing helped create a massive development boom in Edmonton, but investors overdid it.

In 2024, Edmonton had low vacancy, strong rental demand and some of the best real estate investment opportunities in Canada. Then investors flooded the market and started building infill multiplexes everywhere.

All that new rental supply increased vacancy and created downward pressure on rents, especially among similar new-build units competing for the same tenants.

Just because financing makes a development possible doesn’t automatically make it a good investment. Edmonton real estate investors need to understand current supply, vacancy rates, realistic rents and tenant demand before buying or building.

Do you think Edmonton’s multiplex rental market is oversaturated?
312331
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Michelle Cyca @michellecyca.com · 31/07/2026
two days after Vancouver city council voted down their own Villages Plan, west side residents who opposed the plan en masse are complaining that Dunbar (!!) doesn’t have any wine bars, boutiques or gyms — the kind of amenities that require neighbourhood density to support
Hi fellow neighbours. Have you ever wondered why Dunbar has been so slow to develop decent shops and restaurants? Dunbar & King Ed; Dunbar & W 16th; Dunbar & W 41st - all pretty well trafficed intersections yet theres no decent pub, restaurant or wine bar. No boutique shops or decent shopping. There's also no decent gym besides the community centres which are fine but not if you like specialized equipment.
What gives? I've been in Dunbar for over 10 years & more recently moved to Southlands. Before that was in Kits. Kits is vibrant but a different crowd.
Would love to see some better business development in Dunbar / Southlands & area.
Closest thing is Kerrisdale - concentrated to a few blocks, still only one decent wine bar - not much selection.
917339
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Peter Waldkirch 華彼德 @pwaldkirch.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
What the heck do "villages" have to do with Vancouver housing policy?! We're a CITY aren't we?!! Turns out it's the largest Vancouver land use plan of this council's term! 4-6 floor apartments off arterial roads! 🎉 Mixed use commercial streets! 🏪 Let's see how the public hearing goes!
16311
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Peter Waldkirch 華彼德 @pwaldkirch.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Thanks to the Mike Smyth show for having me on today! Robin Gill was hosting, and we had a great chat about whether there is too much rental housing being built. Obviously, that's a view I disagree with, and it's easy to see why: THE RENT IS STILL WAY TOO HIGH! megaphone.link/CORU3905564191
megaphone.link
Is there such a thing as TOO much rental housing? by The Mike Smyth Show
0123
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Simon Little 🍁 @simonplittle.ca · 08/06/2026
CBC uncovers 14 accounts from India, Pakistan, Indonesia posting on popular Alberta separatist groups www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Facebook is paying people overseas promoting Alberta separatism | CBC Music
A CBC News investigation found a number of Facebook accounts run by people overseas impersonating real Albertan separatists.
24228
Russil Wvong @russilwvong.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Risk = probability x impact. Over the next 50 years, there's a 20% chance of a major earthquake hitting Vancouver. And the city of Vancouver has a lot of pre-1990 buildings, built before modern seismic standards. morehousing.ca/earth...
170
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Christine Boyle @christineboyle.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
From 2007-2016 the average number of new purpose built rental units across BC was ~2,500 per year. In 2025 it was 26,000! 🎉 Asking rents are going down ⬇️ Vacancy rates are going up, creating more choice for renters ⬆️ We’re delivering #HomesForPeople, in communities they love. ❤️ #BCPoli
2165
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Stephen Jacob Smith @stephenjacobsmith.com · 29/05/2026
E24-24, my proposal to raise the IBC’s single-stair apartment building height limit from three stories to four, has passed the final membership vote, and will now officially make it into the 2027 IBC 🎉
2737965
Reposted by Russil Wvong
Owen @oweninvan.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Coriolis' report says single-stair on single lots isn't viable even at 1.75 fsr, but 1.2 FSR townhouses may be in some places. Not a good sign for building SES in general.
062
Reposted by Russil Wvong
William Azaroff @wazaroff.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
I am proud to accept the endorsement of the Vancouver and District Labour Council. Every single Vancouverite deserves an affordable home, strong public services, a good job, and a living wage. We’ll return respect for workers to City Hall when we retake the Mayor’s Office on October 17 #vanpoli
13914