Six B.C. Cities Rated ‘Most Livable,’ Yet Lack Affordability
Recent rankings have highlighted six cities from Metro Vancouver as the “most livable” in Canada. However, these same cities struggle with housing affordability, raising concerns for residents.
Top Six Most Livable Cities in B.C.
The Globe and Mail assessed 454 Canadian cities, ranking them based on numerous variables. The top six cities from Metro Vancouver are:
- 1. North Vancouver
- 2. West Vancouver
- 3. Pitt Meadows
- 5. New Westminster
- 9. Vancouver
- 10. White Rock
These rankings were derived from a comprehensive evaluation using 58 parameters across ten categories. These categories included economy, housing, demographics, health care, safety, education, community, amenities, transportation, and climate.
Cities that Shine and Struggle
The City of Pitt Meadows expressed pride in its recognition. The Mayor noted, “Pitt Meadows offers residents a unique balance of natural beauty and urban convenience. Nestled between the Fraser River and the Golden Ears Mountains, it combines accessible urban amenities with abundant greenspace and farmland.”
Despite their livability, none of these cities excel in housing affordability. In fact, no British Columbia city made it into the top 100 for this crucial aspect. Nearly all top ten cities noted for housing affordability are located in Quebec, including:
- Mont-Laurier
- Thetford Mines
- Rivière-du-Loup
Understanding Livability versus Affordability
While livability encompasses various quality-of-life factors, housing affordability remains a significant concern for residents of Metro Vancouver. This disparity raises important discussions about community planning and the balance between urban growth and housing accessibility.
What factors contribute to your choice of a livable city? Share your thoughts in the comments section on Filmogaz.com.
