In our recent episode of the SiteVisit podcast we sat down for an eye-opening conversation with Corrie Okell, General Manager of Development, Buildings, and Licensing at the City of Vancouver. This discussion pulled back the curtain on how municipal departments are navigating the intense pressures of development, policy, and public perception in one of Canada’s most dynamic and expensive cities.
🎧 Tune in to the full conversation here.
A City Under Pressure
Vancouver is in the midst of a complex transformation. Between a critical housing crisis, rising interest rates, and skyrocketing construction costs, developers and city planners alike are feeling the squeeze. Corrie acknowledged these overlapping pressures, describing a daily balancing act between supporting growth and maintaining livability.
“We’re in a housing crisis,” she shared. “And every day, it’s about asking: how can I serve the people of Vancouver and support the future of this city?”
Rebuilding Public Trust
Public perception of city government is often shaped by day-to-day frustrations—potholes, permit delays, and zoning decisions all tend to be seen as “the city’s fault,” regardless of which department is actually responsible. While internal collaboration among departments has improved significantly, there’s a growing recognition that more needs to be done on the public-facing side.
Efforts are underway to rebuild trust by enhancing transparency and making it easier for residents and businesses to understand what’s happening behind the scenes. Whether it’s streamlining development permits or clarifying business licensing processes, the city is pushing to communicate more clearly and consistently. There’s progress, but also a shared understanding that earning public confidence is a long-term commitment.
A Surprising Demand for Multiplex Housing
One example of forward-thinking policy? The city’s multiplex housing initiative. When it launched, officials expected around 100 applications per year. Instead, they’ve seen over 390 already in the queue. It’s a clear signal that developers and homeowners alike are embracing more diverse housing forms, a trend that could reshape residential neighborhoods for the better.
Digital Transformation in Action
In recent years, one of the most impactful improvements has been the shift to digital processes for business licensing and permits. What once involved stacks of paperwork, long wait times, and multiple in-person visits has been transformed into a streamlined online experience. The results are tangible—backlogs that once slowed progress have been nearly eliminated.
Now, applications can be submitted online, payments made instantly, and approvals tracked digitally. The process is faster, more efficient, and more accessible. City staff and inspectors continue to play a crucial role, offering professional, helpful support that makes the system function smoothly when everything clicks into place.
Looking Ahead
While there are still frustrations and bottlenecks—some of which are beyond the city’s immediate control—this conversation painted a hopeful picture. With improved systems, new leadership, and a clear focus on service, Vancouver is working behind the scenes to be more responsive, efficient, and future-ready.
As Corrie put it: “A lot of the hard work is underway. Soon, the results will be more visible—and felt—across the city.”
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Catch the full conversation on the SiteVisit podcast. Available now on:
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🎵 Spotify
