Designing Communities That Thrive: A Conversation with Dr. Victoria Barr

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we wrap up our special series on 1789 Emerson — Victoria’s first six-unit Missing Middle development — by zooming out and asking a bigger question: What makes a community truly livable?We’re joined by Dr. Victoria Barr, an urban planner with 30 years of experience connecting equity, public health, and community design. Victoria brings a thoughtful, human-centred lens to how cities grow, who housing is built for, and why good planning goes far beyond density debates.Together, we explore:Why well-being and equity are often overlooked in developmentWhat a “complete community” actually looks likeHow design choices can unintentionally exclude peopleWhy Missing Middle housing matters for Victoria’s futureWhat 1789 Emerson represents in the bigger picture of smart growthHow affordability, health, and livability intersectWhat an equitable Victoria could look like 10 years from nowIf you’ve ever wondered how planning, people, and real estate all fit together — or what it takes to build homes and neighbourhoods that genuinely support quality of life — this episode is for you.For more information about 1789 Emerson: https://www.1789emerson.ca/250-800-4555 / Email: [email protected] Developer: https://missingmiddlesolutions.ca/Your Hosts:Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate GroupCitynest.caAdrian Maclaren:[email protected]@adrianrealestatevictoriaVincent Baart:[email protected]