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Course:GEOG350/2024/The Legacy of Shaughnessy

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Introduction

For this project, the section chosen is Section 4: The psychological nature of cities: humans at the forefront of creation. This section was chosen as the psychology behind the city being a social construct shaped by the creativity of its citizens can be fascinating. Specifically, the focus will be on the exclusive neighbourhood of Shaughnessy. Additionally, there will be a brief discussion of class segregation, as this neighbourhood has become reserved for high class individuals, and how it relates to income inequality.

In this chapter, there will be a lay out of the history of the neighbourhood and how its identity has changed over time. The objective is to illustrate the psychology behind the decision to create such a prestigious neighbourhood and the importance of its status to Vancouver. It will focus on the decision to build the neighbourhood, the construction itself and how its identity was first shaped, as well as present a timeline of Shaughnessy’s evolution. This timeline will illustrate how Shaughnessy has changed over the years and what the government did to maintain its exclusive status. The timeline will end at present day, discussing the recent development of townhouses outside the perimeter of the neighbourhood and whether or not they will shift the identity of Shaughnessy. It will present the initial decision to construct the townhouses, the debate between officials and how the proposition was turned down, and the events that led to the approval of the project. Regarding the section discussing class segregation, there will be an explanation of what it is, the reason for why it exists and how it connects with Shaughnessy and Vancouver as a whole. This is to explain Shaughnessy’s exclusiveness and whether or not this separation has any benefits.

The goal of this chapter is to first showcase the why behind the decision to build such an exclusive neighbourhood. Instead of choosing an already built neighbourhood and shaping it into the prestigious vision, a new neighbourhood was built from scratch. Was this intentional? Why choose a specific piece of land to build a new neighbourhood? Secondly, it is perceived to be a neighbourhood reserved for the rich. Who is responsible for presenting this image? Is it the government? The residents? Or those who live outside the region? Thirdly, What is the identity of Shaughnessy, and how has it changed over time? Although this area is known to be prestigious, everything is not what it seems. Fourthly, will the development of the new townhouses change its identity? The townhouses are a drastic contrast to the housing within the border of Shaughnessy. What are the consequences of these townhouses being so close to the neighbourhood? And fifthly, this chapter will show how class segregation is linked to Shaughnessy and how income inequality is responsible for the separation. All these questions will be answered in this chapter.

Additionally, it will present whether or not other cities can learn lessons from Shaughnessy’s history and how they can prevent similar issues from occurring in their own neighbourhood.

Overview

Shaughnessy is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Vancouver. It is situated on the West side from 16th Avenue to the North to 41st Avenue to the South, Arbutus to the West and Oak Street to the East.[1] Its history has spanned for decades and is viewed by many with fondness. To better understand the history of the neighbourhood, one must rewind to the beginning.

In 1907, Richard Marpole, general superintendent and executive assistant of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, suggested the idea of building an exclusive, prestigious neighbourhood in the heart of Vancouver.[2] With 6,000 acres of land, Shaughnessy was designed and built by Frederick Todd and L.A Davik. To ensure the neighbourhood maintained its prestige, each house costed 6,000 dollars, which was 5,000 dollars more than estates in other neighbourhoods at the time.[2]

By 1914, there were over 200 houses, most of which were inhabited by high-standing individuals, such as the “wealthy and socially elite of Vancouver.”[3] This success of Shaughnessy led to the expansion of the neighbourhood, building Shaughnessy 2 and Shaughnessy 3.[2] Realizing its appeal, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company wanted to maintain the prestige of the district. This was done through the implementation of several legal acts.

The first act enacted was the Shaughnessy Settlement Act of 1914. This act restricted the construction of houses to only single-family houses.[3] Unlike Shaughnessy, the rest of Vancouver was not restricted and could construct any type of estate, including smaller, cheaper homes. With this new act, an image was put in place: Shaughnessy is reserved for the rich, elite families of Vancouver.

By 1922, the Shaughnessy Heights Building Restrictions Act was established. This act did not allow lots to be subdivided, as well as limit one single-family house per lot.[2] This also helped maintain Shaughnessy’s exclusiveness. The district became unique to itself, creating distance between itself and the rest of Vancouver. It gave the impression that this neighbourhood was a place to experience luxury. There were many parties and events during this time, with guest lists reserved for the elite.[3] This is the most explicit display of how grandiose and prestigious Shaughnessy was in the early 20th century. The neighbourhood was always bursting with life, as those from high society were constantly mingling with one another. This is when Shaughnessy cemented its reputation as a prestigious neighbourhood.

It was until the Great Depression and World War II that change began. In the Great Depression, a lot of individuals became bankrupt, and by World War II, many houses in Shaughnessy were left empty.[3] This lead many individuals to become more conscientious about spending their money.

The 1970s saw a notable shift in the neighborhood. Slowly, the population steadily decreased. It has not been able to recover its population, meaning not enough people are moving in to replace those who have moved out. Unfortunately, the exclusivity of Shaughnessy became too expensive to afford. In order to save the neighbourhood from becoming a ghost town, the acts issued upon Shaughnessy were terminated. The single-family homes were renovated into suites in the hopes that more people would be able to live in the district.[3]  

Fast forwarding to 2019, discussions for building townhouses by the border of the area began. This topic will be elaborated further in the chapter, however, it is important to mention it now as it is a part of Shaughnessy’s long history. This project faced some push back and rejection, yet the project has since been completed. One thing is for certain: Shaughnessy is no longer the neighbourhood it once was.

It is important to understand the history of Shaughnessy because it aims to explain why it is isolated from the rest of the city. One can believe this seclusion is a major aspect of its identity. It is widely known that this neighbourhood is reserved for the rich. In relation to class, the rich are have the highest standing compared to everyone else.  

It is at this point that we discuss class segregation. With the prices of houses in Shaughnessy being more expensive than those in the rest of Vancouver, there is an intention to separate the rich from the rest of the population of the city. The reason behind this division is due to income inequality. “Not only has income inequality increased over the past several decades, but economic segregation— the spatial or geographic separation of different groups—has worsened."[4] In the economic context, very few are paid large incomes, while everyone else is paid much less. Those few individuals with a higher income can afford to live in a prestigious neighbourhood like Shaughnessy. Everyone else, unfortunately, is unable to live in these neighbourhoods. This is how different individuals are separated. The rich stay together, and the poor stay together, separated by the districts they live in due to their income.[5]  

The objective of this focus is to illustrate that Shaughnessy has not always been a prestigious neighbourhood. It presented an illusion that individuals outside of the “bubble” could not see through. It is only now that this illusion is at risk of fading away due to the development of the townhouses. The public was made aware of this development, and this awareness can change the perspective one has about the district. What once was an exclusive neighbourhood can now possibly be interpreted as a ‘normal’ neighbourhood. The scale of this topic is relatively small, as Shaughnessy’s history mostly affects itself, however, this also has a smaller effect on the whole city.

This is a local phenomenon in Vancouver. Shaughnessy is an important part of the city due to its history. The changes the neighbourhood has faced over time also affect Vancouver as a whole. Because of the many people who have moved out of the neighbourhood over the past decades, these individuals are moving into cheaper neighbourhoods. Not enough people are moving into Shaughnessy, which is causing an increase in empty homes in the neighbourhood.[6] This can result in Shaughnessy losing its value. The rise of prices in the housing market has become a large issue for everyone in Vancouver, including the rich. This can possibly change its complexion and, indirectly, Vancouver as a whole.

Case Study

As of recently, there has been development of townhouses outside the perimeter of Shaughnessy. In a neighbourhood where every house is a mansion, these townhouses present a different image. The townhouses do not fit into the aesthetic of this district. Mansions exude glamour and wealth. On the other hand, townhouses exude normalcy. To put it simply, there are many townhouses all throughout Vancouver, compared to the few mansions in select neighbourhoods. Due to there being fewer mansions, it is more likely that one will look at them in awe as opposed to a townhouse. The townhouses do not fit into Shaughnessy’s image; they, in fact, clash with it. While the mansions are hidden within the walls of the neighbourhood, the townhouses will be easily visible. Additionally, mansions are built with unique architecture, while all townhouses look similar to one another. There are many different spaces in Vancouver where townhouses could be constructed. Why near Shaughnessy?

The main reason for this project is due to the housing crisis in Vancouver. Prices have increased to unaffordable levels, making Vancouver one of the least affordable cities in the developing world.[7] The prices are so high that some people have moved out of the city away from friends and family and are moving to other cities, such as Richmond and Burnaby.[7] These cities are more affordable, however, it would not be surprising if these individuals moved to neighbourhoods that are not as convenient as the neighbourhoods in Vancouver.

With the development of townhouses in Shaughnessy, it can lead to more affordable housing in a beautiful neighborhood.  But how does this affect its identity? It can be argued that the townhouses being close to the border of the neighbourhood can lower its status. Its presence juxtaposes the identity of the area. The exclusive neighbourhood is no longer reserved for the rich but is becoming a neighbourhood for everyone, regardless of status. The area is becoming more accepting of different classes, something that was not done in the beginning. The separation of the rich and the poor no longer exists and can greatly change the complexion of the area. With this being said, trying to solve the housing crisis is a more pressing issue than being concerned with the mingling of different social classes.

It is fair to assume that no one involved in the inception of Shaughnessy ever imagined such a change in the neighbourhood. However, a lot has happened since 1907. The construction of townhouses near Shaughnessy is acknowledging how very few individuals can afford a wealthy lifestyle. By building townhouses near this district, people will have convenient access to many business establishments as well as parks. This is an optimal space for everyone, and the construction of townhouses will provide a larger demographic with better access to this space.

Discussions over the construction of townhouses began in 2019. The first proposition for the townhouses was rejected by the city counsellors of Vancouver. This came from the concern that the rent for the townhouses would be too high.[8] There was also concern that there would be a lack of privacy for those living in the Vancouver Hospice Society area.[8] In this case, the reasons for rejecting this proposition are valid. The privacy of the neighbours is very important. A lack of privacy can lead someone to feel unsafe. If someone feels unsafe, their health and well-being can be put at risk. Also, the goal of this plan is to build housing that is affordable. If a plan is unable to achieve this, then it is fair for the plan to be rejected. Although this plan was initially rejected, more effort was put into creating a plan to satisfy any and all concerns of the counsellors.

Plans to build the townhouses continued in 2021, when Grosvenor and Citimark partnered together and bought eight lots in the Shaughnessy area located on Oak Street and 37th Avenue, which would be able to fit 70 townhomes.[9] This would provide housing for many people. Due to the location, the goal was to bring as many individuals to the neighbourhood as possible. Additionally, the townhouses are being developed by two companies that have partnered together for 20 years, developing more than 500 homes.[9] It is evident that these companies are reliable and will ensure the construction is of high quality. Everything seemed to be falling into place, however, not everything worked out smoothly.

It is clear that building more affordable housing is the City of Vancouver’s solution to the housing crisis. Which is why, in 2023, the Council of Vancouver proposed another plan, listing several reasons to support this project. Firstly, they acknowledge that more and more people are moving out of the neighbourhood, despite the population of the city increasing. They recognize that Shaughnessy’s population decrease “has put added pressure on more affordable neighbourhoods across Vancouver, leading to higher housing costs and displacement from Vancouver."[10] Neighbourhoods known to be affordable are forced to increase housing prices. Individuals who can no longer afford their estate are put in an unfortunate position. If they are unable to find another home, there is the risk of displacement and homelessness. Also, the increase in buyers from Shaughnessy is adding to the already large number of individuals trying to buy a home in Vancouver. It is clear that the City of Vancouver is trying to keep Shaughnessy residents within the area with the hopes of decreasing the number of buyers in cheaper neighbourhoods. Additionally, due to the decreasing population in Shaughnessy, there is more space for more individuals to live in the area. This, in turn, is a reason for discussions about constructing the townhouses.

Secondly, the City of Vancouver believes that this solution will benefit Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy is near many essential establishments within the city, such as transit, schools, etc., which decreases commute time and increases convenience. This could benefit many people who live in cheaper neighbourhoods, as they are usually farther away from their daily needs.[10] By living near Shaughnessy, this will allow for shorter commutes while also living in a beautiful district. The inclusion of townhouses may decrease Shaughnessy’s prestige, but it can be argued that this development will benefit the neighbourhood in the end.

Although this was a great plan, it was not accepted right away. In that same year, the ABC caucus voted against the construction of the townhouses, stating it, “would have been a waste of city resources.”[11] Although this is a reasonable reason, a compromise could have been made. This compromise could be a discussion on which resources can and cannot be used for this project. The ABC caucus wants to save these resources for broader plans that focus on building affordable housing in more areas than just a singular neighbourhood.[11] A solution may be to divide resources, reserving some for the townhomes in Shaughnessy and saving the rest for these broader projects. This way, the construction of the townhouses can still be approved, as long as it uses the approved resources. This could also mean that those broader plans can also progress.

However, in September 2023, several changes were made to zoning and development bylaws to permit “multi-unit dwellings” in single-home neighbourhoods.[12] This affects Shaughnessy greatly, as it was known to be one of the few neighbourhoods to have only single-family homes. This bylaw granted the ability for townhouses to be built in the Shaughnessy area. Since then, the project has been completed, and there are still some townhouses up for sale.

There are two ways someone can perceive this situation. The first being that the inclusion of townhouses at the edge of the neighbourhood muddies Shaughnessy’s exclusivity, as it allows more diverse demographics to live near the neighbourhood. It ruins its reputation as a prestigious neighbourhood. Although it may diminish the identity of Shaughnessy, there is a very high chance that it will save the neighbourhood from becoming abandoned.

With that being said, the second way to perceive this situation is to view this development as a good thing for Shaughnessy. It will allow more individuals to live in an area of the city that is surrounded by daily-needs establishments. This also houses more individuals who may want to move out of an unsuitable home or who are looking for a new place to live. This can also aid in increasing the population of Shaughnessy, as this project can give the impression that this district is affordable. It can encourage those who are looking for more affordable housing to move to the neighbourhood. As mentioned before, its population has been slowly declining, for decades, giving the impression that it is not as prestigious as it once was or that it is too difficult to live in such an exclusive district.[6] Although Shaughnessy’s identity may shift, it will not change completely. Instead, it will become a prestigious neighbourhood that is no longer exclusive but welcoming to everyone.

Lesson Learned

What other cities can learn from this case study is that it is more important to solve pressing issues, such as the increasing housing market, than to be concerned over the status of a particular neighbourhood. A way in which other cities can follow in Vancouver’s footsteps is to build townhouses in areas that are near many different daily accommodations. Additionally, it should be emphasized that the location of the townhouses is not of immense importance. In other words, there should be little to no concern about the reputation of an exclusive neighbourhood diminishing.

Proof of this possibility is what Vancouver is doing right now. Regardless of the status of the area, it is building more housing. Many individuals are trying to find a home but are unable to afford it. Not only this, but they are considering other factors, such as commute times to work and school, neighbourhood safety, and overall convenience. Shaughnessy is an area that accommodates all these concerns and more. It is situated in one of the best sections of the city. The objective is to provide housing in desired areas. Shaughnessy, no doubt, is a desirable area to live in. It is also fair to assume that other cities also have neighbourhoods reserved for the rich. Provided there is enough space to construct these buildings, these neighbourhoods are great locations for new estates. This can provide more affordable housing, especially during a time when it could be difficult.

It would also be important to listen to the opinions of the population, especially those who live in single-family neighbourhoods. Individuals tend to have concerns relating to privacy and traffic when new infrastructure is built.[13] These concerns should be strongly considered, and all efforts should be made to ensure expectations are met. This is important to satisfy not only those who live in the neighbourhood but also those who will be moving in.

One could argue that solving the income inequality issue would make living more affordable for everyone. Those who are poor have much greater difficulty acquiring shelter, food, and clothing than those who are wealthy.[14] However, this seems to be an impossible task. The issue of income inequality is complex and nuanced. Reasons why someone may be poor may be due to race, gender, and employment, just to name a few. These issues have lasted for the majority of human history with little improvement. In order to find a solution for income inequality, racial and gender inequality in the workforce needs to be solved first. Once this is accomplished, it will be easier to solve income inequality.

It is understandable to not want to change the identity of an old, historic neighbourhood, especially a district like Shaughnessy, which is known for housing “old upper class families.”[15] However, when the world changes, everything has to change with it. Everything must adapt to change. The construction of the townhouses near Shaughnessy was a form of adaptation to the circumstances of the housing market. It would be wise if other cities did the same.

References

  1. ↑ "About Shaughnessy: Vancouver Neighbourhood Profil".
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Shaughnessy".
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 First Shaughnessy Heritage Conservation Area Historic Context and Statement of Significance, Appendix A2, City of Vancouver, 2015. https://bylaws.vancouver.ca/ODP/HCA_4of7.pdf. Accessed 2024.
  4. ↑ Florida, Richard, and Charlotta Mellander. “The geography of economic segregation.” Social Sciences, vol. 7, no. 8, 27 July 2018, p. 123, https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci7080123.
  5. ↑ Chen, Wen-Hao, et al. “Why have poorer neighbourhoods stagnated economically while the richer have flourished? neighbourhood income inequality in Canadian cities.” Urban Studies, vol. 49, no. 4, 6 June 2011, pp. 877–896, https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098011408142.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 2020 Shaughnessy Social Indicators Profile  . City of Vancouver, 2020, https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/social-indicators-profile-shaughnessy.pdf, Accessed 2024.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Gordon , Josh. Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, pp. 1–56, Vancouver’s Housing Affordability Crisis:  Causes, Consequences and Solutions, https://www.google.com/url?q=https://fraseropolis.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-housing-affordability-crisis-report-sfu.pdf&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1719255830252633&usg=AOvVaw2HC1LXGNt4qoyN3LuV-Gu_. Accessed 2024.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Vancouver council rejects townhouse development next door to hospice". CBC News.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Grosvenor and Citimark Partner to Build 70 Townhomes in Shaughnessy".
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Boyle. City of Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, 2023, pp. 1–4, Unlocking Shaughnessy: Building Affordable Housing Options for All of Us, https://council.vancouver.ca/20231115/documents/cfscmotion2.pdf. Accessed 2024.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Vancouver council rejects motion that sought to add more housing to Shaughnessy neighbourhood".
  12. ↑ "Multi-unit housing is coming to Vancouver's single-home neighbourhoods".
  13. ↑ Battles, Robert. “Townhouses in Single Family Areas: An Analysis of Public Attitudes Towards Increasing Density.” University of Victoria , University of Victoria, 1976, pp. ii–125, file:///C:/Users/17788/Downloads/UBC_1976_A8%20B38.pdf. Accessed 2024.
  14. ↑ Berkman, Lisa F., et al. Social Epidemiology. Oxford University Press, 2014.
  15. ↑ Cooper, Marion. “Residential Segregation of Elite Groups in Vancouver, British Columbia .” University of St. Andrews, University of British Columbia, 1971, pp. ii–95, Accessed 2024.
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