Green Metropolis and New Yorker Writer David Owen in Vancouver to Discuss Contrarian Theory on Urban Density

On Thursday, March 17, writer David Owen will speak to Urban Development Institute (UDI) members about his contrarian theory that ‘environmentally responsible’ living is actually harmful to the environment. Together with former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan, Owen will also launch the Lower Mainland’s Sprawl Meter and the new Centre for Market Urbanism, a project of Sullivan’s Global Civic Policy Society.

Owen’s book, The Green Metropolis, has been described as an “eco-urbanist manifesto” and propagates the unconventional view that New York City is actually the greenest city in the United States. Due to the city’s density, New Yorkers have the smallest carbon footprint in the country, Owen argues, because they drive less, walk more and live in small apartments.

Vancouver wants to be the greenest city in the world by 2020. However, outside the downtown core our density still needs to be approved. It’s a lofty goal but I don’t see our transit system getting any improvements in the near future, since the regional mayors believe that serving future demand (Surrey) is more important than serving existing demand (Broadway to UBC line).

There will be a media table set up at the event. Interested media are asked to contact Lindsay Marett of Peak Communicators for more information.

Owen will also be giving a free public lecture titled ‘Why Manhattan Is the Greenest City in North America’ on Thursday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre.

Date: Thursday, March 17, 2011

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Four Seasons Hotel, Park Ballroom

791 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver

Parking: Underground parking available