Ryan Jabs
@ryanjabs.bsky.social
Dad who's fascinated by urban planning. Runner of a small #YYJ home development company. Trying to build the right things. www.lapishomes.com
Art by Elizabeth Upton (https://www.instagram.com/living.whimsically.rocks?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&)
Art by Elizabeth Upton (https://www.instagram.com/living.whimsically.rocks?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&)
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
Congrats on the approval! Although you might set a world record for lowest-risk building to have a pressurized stairway. I doubt there is a single three-story, small residential building in the world with one.
November 21, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Congrats on the approval! Although you might set a world record for lowest-risk building to have a pressurized stairway. I doubt there is a single three-story, small residential building in the world with one.
Might be the first single-stair, multi-family building that’s less than four storeys permitted to be built in Canada in the last century.
B.C. still does not allow this size of single egress buildings, despite allowing it in larger buildings. @christineboyle.bsky.social @bcndpcaucus.bsky.social
B.C. still does not allow this size of single egress buildings, despite allowing it in larger buildings. @christineboyle.bsky.social @bcndpcaucus.bsky.social
Update on my single exit stair ASP: we have an approval!
Thanks to sixplex and single stair supporters Mayor Olivia Chow, Cllr Jamaal Myers, @joshmatlow.bsky.social and others who get why single exit stairs are key to creating livable, accessible, small scale housing. 1/6
Thanks to sixplex and single stair supporters Mayor Olivia Chow, Cllr Jamaal Myers, @joshmatlow.bsky.social and others who get why single exit stairs are key to creating livable, accessible, small scale housing. 1/6
After TO Council passed a motion indicating the City was open to Alternative Solution Proposals for a single stair in apts up to 4 storeys, I applied for a single stair in a 3 storey Part 9 6plex.
I’m told it’s the first one, so it’s a test case. Here’s how it’s going.
#singlestair #sixplex
I’m told it’s the first one, so it’s a test case. Here’s how it’s going.
#singlestair #sixplex
November 21, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Might be the first single-stair, multi-family building that’s less than four storeys permitted to be built in Canada in the last century.
B.C. still does not allow this size of single egress buildings, despite allowing it in larger buildings. @christineboyle.bsky.social @bcndpcaucus.bsky.social
B.C. still does not allow this size of single egress buildings, despite allowing it in larger buildings. @christineboyle.bsky.social @bcndpcaucus.bsky.social
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
Our letter to BC MLAs in support of @georgeandersonbc.bsky.social's private members' bill to streamline housing approvals.
November 17, 2025 at 4:21 AM
Our letter to BC MLAs in support of @georgeandersonbc.bsky.social's private members' bill to streamline housing approvals.
Church challenges Sidney mayor to spend night outdoors after shelter plans nixed
www.timescolonist.com/local-news/c...
www.timescolonist.com/local-news/c...
Church challenges Sidney mayor to spend night outdoors after shelter plans nixed
St. Andrew Anglican Church members are planning to camp out at Beacon Avenue and Highway 17 to raise funds for a group that hands out aid to the homeless, and they want Sidney’s mayor and council to j...
www.timescolonist.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Church challenges Sidney mayor to spend night outdoors after shelter plans nixed
www.timescolonist.com/local-news/c...
www.timescolonist.com/local-news/c...
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
Fantastic article by @dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social in @Sightline.org
What I am most struck by is that ALL of my favourite buildings in Vancouver's residential neighbourhoods are ~4-6 storey apartments! Beautiful - I wish we would embrace heritage zoning laws!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
What I am most struck by is that ALL of my favourite buildings in Vancouver's residential neighbourhoods are ~4-6 storey apartments! Beautiful - I wish we would embrace heritage zoning laws!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
To Build Fast, Think Small | Sightline Institute
How re-legalizing small apartment buildings would spur the homes city dwellers need now.
www.sightline.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Fantastic article by @dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social in @Sightline.org
What I am most struck by is that ALL of my favourite buildings in Vancouver's residential neighbourhoods are ~4-6 storey apartments! Beautiful - I wish we would embrace heritage zoning laws!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
What I am most struck by is that ALL of my favourite buildings in Vancouver's residential neighbourhoods are ~4-6 storey apartments! Beautiful - I wish we would embrace heritage zoning laws!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
I cannot recommend this piece by @maxdubler.com enough. It articulates very well some of the key differences between the YIMBY and Strong Towns movements regarding housing. It mostly comes down to state preemption and political strategy. Ideology vs. pragmatism.
On The Tension Between YIMBYism and Strong Towns — Max Dubler
Special thanks to those who gave their thoughtful feedback on this piece. The past couple of months have seen quite a bit of Discourse about the differences between Strong Towns and YIMB...
www.maxdubler.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:52 PM
I cannot recommend this piece by @maxdubler.com enough. It articulates very well some of the key differences between the YIMBY and Strong Towns movements regarding housing. It mostly comes down to state preemption and political strategy. Ideology vs. pragmatism.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
"E-bike owners are reminded to leave their bikes at home on Halloween."
When have the cops ever — EVER — advised drivers to leave their cars at home for the sake of kids' safety? Give me a single example.
When have the cops ever — EVER — advised drivers to leave their cars at home for the sake of kids' safety? Give me a single example.
Very frustrating to still see public campaigns like this from Delta PD telling kids to wear bright reflectors on their costumes and people to leave their bikes at home.
The risk to pedestrians on Halloween comes from drivers, not cyclists.
The risk to pedestrians on Halloween comes from drivers, not cyclists.
October 28, 2025 at 10:02 PM
"E-bike owners are reminded to leave their bikes at home on Halloween."
When have the cops ever — EVER — advised drivers to leave their cars at home for the sake of kids' safety? Give me a single example.
When have the cops ever — EVER — advised drivers to leave their cars at home for the sake of kids' safety? Give me a single example.
With all the talk & some of the actions the @bcndpcaucus.bsky.social has tried on housing, it surprises me that they’re yet to make small apartments buildable under the building code or legal in any neighbourhood.
Small builders are very nimble if governments provide a path.
Small builders are very nimble if governments provide a path.
To people looking for a home today, writes @dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social, it matters a great deal whether that home is built next year, or in ten. Re-legalizing small apartment buildings throughout our cities would create more homes faster. www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
To Build Fast, Think Small | Sightline Institute
How re-legalizing small apartment buildings would spur the homes city dwellers need now.
www.sightline.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:32 PM
With all the talk & some of the actions the @bcndpcaucus.bsky.social has tried on housing, it surprises me that they’re yet to make small apartments buildable under the building code or legal in any neighbourhood.
Small builders are very nimble if governments provide a path.
Small builders are very nimble if governments provide a path.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
To people looking for a home today, writes @dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social, it matters a great deal whether that home is built next year, or in ten. Re-legalizing small apartment buildings throughout our cities would create more homes faster. www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
To Build Fast, Think Small | Sightline Institute
How re-legalizing small apartment buildings would spur the homes city dwellers need now.
www.sightline.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:37 PM
To people looking for a home today, writes @dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social, it matters a great deal whether that home is built next year, or in ten. Re-legalizing small apartment buildings throughout our cities would create more homes faster. www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
It's as important as anything. I worry a lot about kids not spending time with other kids now, and to a lesser degree, adults. Find other people.
It makes me value/treasure/get fierce about time spent in a room with other people.
I think the royal 'we' are getting worse at that, too, with so many separate (and competing) realities available via social media but it's fundamental. We need time with people, in person, comfortable or no.
I think the royal 'we' are getting worse at that, too, with so many separate (and competing) realities available via social media but it's fundamental. We need time with people, in person, comfortable or no.
October 28, 2025 at 8:14 PM
It's as important as anything. I worry a lot about kids not spending time with other kids now, and to a lesser degree, adults. Find other people.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
Imagine a city of great apartments where everyone knows their neighbours. The Neptis Foundation has a vision: www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/art-...
A dense, urban Canada? It’s possible
A specific, provocative proposal for how Toronto might evolve offers good ideas
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Imagine a city of great apartments where everyone knows their neighbours. The Neptis Foundation has a vision: www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/art-...
Unfortunately, courtyard housing is no longer supported by the city of @victoria.ca’s recently adopted official community plan.
I don’t get why staff don’t want this type of socially connected housing. #yyj
Our project near Beacon Hill park might end up being the last in a long while.
I don’t get why staff don’t want this type of socially connected housing. #yyj
Our project near Beacon Hill park might end up being the last in a long while.
October 27, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Unfortunately, courtyard housing is no longer supported by the city of @victoria.ca’s recently adopted official community plan.
I don’t get why staff don’t want this type of socially connected housing. #yyj
Our project near Beacon Hill park might end up being the last in a long while.
I don’t get why staff don’t want this type of socially connected housing. #yyj
Our project near Beacon Hill park might end up being the last in a long while.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
Fascinating article. This really stood out to me: smaller cars are more popular in Canada than in the U.S., but due to Transport Canada tying its safety standards to the U.S., Canada gets stuck with our huge cars instead of smaller European models. I wonder if the same is true of U.S. cities 🤔
October 23, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Fascinating article. This really stood out to me: smaller cars are more popular in Canada than in the U.S., but due to Transport Canada tying its safety standards to the U.S., Canada gets stuck with our huge cars instead of smaller European models. I wonder if the same is true of U.S. cities 🤔
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
Victoria has a *lot* of cargo bikes. More than Montreal maybe? Certainly more than you’d see in downtown Montreal.
October 20, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Victoria has a *lot* of cargo bikes. More than Montreal maybe? Certainly more than you’d see in downtown Montreal.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
Enough.
Awesome to see this billboard up in Vancouver.
Was really incredible to work with the people at @visionzerovancouver.ca to bring this to life.
Awesome to see this billboard up in Vancouver.
Was really incredible to work with the people at @visionzerovancouver.ca to bring this to life.
October 16, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Enough.
Awesome to see this billboard up in Vancouver.
Was really incredible to work with the people at @visionzerovancouver.ca to bring this to life.
Awesome to see this billboard up in Vancouver.
Was really incredible to work with the people at @visionzerovancouver.ca to bring this to life.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
@jwhiteyvr.bsky.social kicks it off.
“We have a [vancouver] planning system that is great at extracting $ from development, but not as good at delivering enough housing “
Talks about all the knock on impacts of housing shortages, everything from hiring to people staying in abusive relationships.
“We have a [vancouver] planning system that is great at extracting $ from development, but not as good at delivering enough housing “
Talks about all the knock on impacts of housing shortages, everything from hiring to people staying in abusive relationships.
October 14, 2025 at 7:33 PM
@jwhiteyvr.bsky.social kicks it off.
“We have a [vancouver] planning system that is great at extracting $ from development, but not as good at delivering enough housing “
Talks about all the knock on impacts of housing shortages, everything from hiring to people staying in abusive relationships.
“We have a [vancouver] planning system that is great at extracting $ from development, but not as good at delivering enough housing “
Talks about all the knock on impacts of housing shortages, everything from hiring to people staying in abusive relationships.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
What an unforgettable afternoon with
#BensonBoone on the
#BikeBus!
The energy, the smiles, and the singing made it a ride we'll never forget.
#BensonBoone on the
#BikeBus!
The energy, the smiles, and the singing made it a ride we'll never forget.
October 8, 2025 at 5:21 PM
What an unforgettable afternoon with
#BensonBoone on the
#BikeBus!
The energy, the smiles, and the singing made it a ride we'll never forget.
#BensonBoone on the
#BikeBus!
The energy, the smiles, and the singing made it a ride we'll never forget.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
The rationale behind our 154% duty is to protect local manufacturing. I get that.
But even with that in place there is just very little manufacturing of panels in Canada. Its around 1000 jobs in the whole country vs tens of thousands in install / servicing we could gain if solar was a lot cheaper
But even with that in place there is just very little manufacturing of panels in Canada. Its around 1000 jobs in the whole country vs tens of thousands in install / servicing we could gain if solar was a lot cheaper
This is how cheap our solar could be if we didn’t tax it like cigarettes
This system would cost over $30k in Canada vs $8500 in Australia
This system would cost over $30k in Canada vs $8500 in Australia
October 10, 2025 at 4:52 PM
The rationale behind our 154% duty is to protect local manufacturing. I get that.
But even with that in place there is just very little manufacturing of panels in Canada. Its around 1000 jobs in the whole country vs tens of thousands in install / servicing we could gain if solar was a lot cheaper
But even with that in place there is just very little manufacturing of panels in Canada. Its around 1000 jobs in the whole country vs tens of thousands in install / servicing we could gain if solar was a lot cheaper
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
I can't stop thinking about this. We're pursuing zero fire risk in multifam, while tolerating much more in single-fam. People respond by building and living in single-fam, where they're exposed to not only one of the highest fire death risks in the developed world, but also TONS more car crash risk
Love this new report on buildings' relative fire safety from @alexhrwtz.bsky.social and Pew colleagues.
www.pew.org/en/research-...
www.pew.org/en/research-...
October 8, 2025 at 12:59 AM
I can't stop thinking about this. We're pursuing zero fire risk in multifam, while tolerating much more in single-fam. People respond by building and living in single-fam, where they're exposed to not only one of the highest fire death risks in the developed world, but also TONS more car crash risk
I still don’t quite understood why, but this is the type of building still very much frowned upon in @victoria.ca’s newly adopted official community plan.
12 family sized homes in one smaller building would allow community to form, but the city unfortunately does not want it.
12 family sized homes in one smaller building would allow community to form, but the city unfortunately does not want it.
The New Vancouver Special - 50' lot edition.
Accessible single stair flats on a 50x122 lot.
12 family size homes (or) 24 small units.
Accessible single stair flats on a 50x122 lot.
12 family size homes (or) 24 small units.
October 4, 2025 at 12:55 AM
I still don’t quite understood why, but this is the type of building still very much frowned upon in @victoria.ca’s newly adopted official community plan.
12 family sized homes in one smaller building would allow community to form, but the city unfortunately does not want it.
12 family sized homes in one smaller building would allow community to form, but the city unfortunately does not want it.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
“Modern apartments have a fire death rate … six times lower than older apartments… (or) single-family homes…”
Aka why new single stair flats would be among the safest buildings in your city.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-bu...
Aka why new single stair flats would be among the safest buildings in your city.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-bu...
Why Building Modern Apartments Can Solve the Housing Shortage and Improve Fire Safety
State and local policymakers across the country are exploring ways to expand housing options as communities face a persistent shortage that has driven costs to record highs. One way to close the gap i...
www.linkedin.com
September 30, 2025 at 8:35 PM
“Modern apartments have a fire death rate … six times lower than older apartments… (or) single-family homes…”
Aka why new single stair flats would be among the safest buildings in your city.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-bu...
Aka why new single stair flats would be among the safest buildings in your city.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-bu...
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
The fact that BC planners feel the need to invent a new word to indicate that a zoning change is government-initiated is very telling.
Delta puts together a proposal for townhouse-only zoning... and gets in on the game of trying to explain BC municipalities' newest planning concept of "pre-zoning"
(perhaps inadvertently explaining a key portion of how we got into housing shortage in the first place) letstalk.delta.ca/pre-zoning
(perhaps inadvertently explaining a key portion of how we got into housing shortage in the first place) letstalk.delta.ca/pre-zoning
September 25, 2025 at 2:04 AM
The fact that BC planners feel the need to invent a new word to indicate that a zoning change is government-initiated is very telling.
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
Ok, I've been pondering some of the ways that BC's new housing minister @christineboyle.bsky.social might build on the expansive work championed by @ravikahlon.bsky.social and her previous work as a @cityofvancouver.bsky.social councillor.
So - here's a first draft: 🧵
So - here's a first draft: 🧵
September 5, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Ok, I've been pondering some of the ways that BC's new housing minister @christineboyle.bsky.social might build on the expansive work championed by @ravikahlon.bsky.social and her previous work as a @cityofvancouver.bsky.social councillor.
So - here's a first draft: 🧵
So - here's a first draft: 🧵
Reposted by Ryan Jabs
ANALYSIS: Standard home plans aren’t ‘performative’ — they’re illuminating
Government-approved home designs teach bureaucrats, not builders
The plans absolutely confirm what the private sector has been saying for years: the building code and zoning are problems
www.tvo.org/article/anal...
Government-approved home designs teach bureaucrats, not builders
The plans absolutely confirm what the private sector has been saying for years: the building code and zoning are problems
www.tvo.org/article/anal...
TVO Today | Current Affairs Journalism, Documentaries and Podcasts
www.tvo.org
August 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
ANALYSIS: Standard home plans aren’t ‘performative’ — they’re illuminating
Government-approved home designs teach bureaucrats, not builders
The plans absolutely confirm what the private sector has been saying for years: the building code and zoning are problems
www.tvo.org/article/anal...
Government-approved home designs teach bureaucrats, not builders
The plans absolutely confirm what the private sector has been saying for years: the building code and zoning are problems
www.tvo.org/article/anal...