And we're back!

It has been said that the definition of a habit is that you don't feel normal until you do it, and that's certainly how I've been feeling over the last few days without writing this blog. I've been unusually preoccupied. At the end of the day, you don't write a daily blog for 13 years without being someone who enjoys routine and consistency. I'm assuming I've written over 4,600 posts at this point.

Anyway, I just listened to this podcast by Malcolm Gladwell.

It starts with Malcolm proudly declaring himself a YIMBY. This is a recent thing for him, and so he goes on to say that he has "all the zeal of the recently converted." Then comes Stephen Smith, Executive Director of the Center for Building in North America, and they talk about the great American elevator tragedy.

It has been well documented that elevators in Canada and the US generally cost many multiples more than elevators in other developed countries. The result is that we tend to have fewer elevators per capita. Only certain projects and building types can afford and/or physically accommodate them. In the words of Malcolm, aiming for perfection comes with costs — fewer elevators and more expensive housing.

If you're interested in this topic, the Center for Building in North America has an extensive report titled Elevators that you can download here. But even if you aren't particularly interested in the trials and tribulations of elevators, all of this is an important reminder that the challenges facing new housing are fundamentally multifaceted.

If we want to unlock as much housing as possible and make it as affordable as possible, it's not just a question of zoning. It's also a question of utilities, environmental regulations, levies, construction methods, building codes and, yes, elevators.

Cover photo by Bagzhan Sadvakassov on Unsplash