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WCEL
> Issues > Urban Growth and
Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part
3 > Density > What are the Benefits of
Density?
Smart Bylaws Guide – What are the Benefits of Density?
Increasing densities in neighbourhoods and using densities of 25
dwelling units per hectare (10 per acre) in new neighbourhoods helps
meet a variety of smart growth goals.
Density Costs Less for Municipalities
Municipalities can make better use of existing infrastructure by
increasing densities in built areas, often at no extra cost for
infrastructure for the municipality. Increasing densities in new
areas also means that the cost of each unit per metre of
infrastructure is less than for low density developments.
One study of the land and infrastructure needs for the Central
Okanagan over the next forty years found that conventional
residential development would require 20,645 acres and cost $1.57
billion to service. Using a more compact development scenario, the
total acreage needed could be cut in half, and cost $1.04 billion to
service.
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Density Helps Create Great Neighbourhoods
One of the hallmarks of great neighbourhoods are destinations to
travel to within the neighbourhood. These include markets, cafes,
restaurants, corner stores, schools, parks and other neighbourhood
commercial uses. Because of the proximity of these destinations,
dense neighbourhoods usually invite walking and street level
interaction amongst neighbours.
The economic viability of a corner store depends on neighbourhood
densities of 25 units per hectare (10 per acre). A supermarket
requires 45 units per hectare (18 per acre).
[Source: Designing for Transit: A Manual for Integrating Public
Transportation and Land Development in the San Diego Metropolitan
Area (1993).]
Density Helps Improve Safety
A welcoming pedestrian environment and more residents in an area
increases social interaction and thus safety on the street. Building
design also influences safety as porches, housing close to the
street and windows facing out to the street allow for surveillance
of neighbourhood activities and greater interaction amongst
neighbours. Housing diversity, and thus diversity in the age and
activities of residents, means more people are present in the
neighbourhood at different times rather than the entire
neighbourhood leaving in the morning and returning at night.
Density Supports Housing Affordability and Choice
Density encourages diversity in housing where residents can
choose to stay in the same neighbourhood to meet their changing
housing needs. This means providing a range of housing options in
terms of family size and income. Including a balance of low, medium
and high density options in a neighbourhood accommodates a wider
range of lifestyles and incomes. Higher densities also put more
units on less land, which lowers per unit infrastructure and
development costs.
Density Increases Transportation Choices
When destinations, including employment, are close to residences,
transportation choices increase because it is enjoyable and
effective to walk or bicycle. Higher densities also generate enough
riders to make bus and train service viable and efficient.
Density Protects the Environment
Concentrating development means that towns and cities do not have
to sprawl onto farmland and ecologically significant areas. Land
consumption per person is decreased, while increasing transportation
options improves air quality.
Please see A
Case for Smart Growth for more detailed information on the
benefits of more compact development.
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