2024 SDA Capstone Projects

This year the SDA 490 students explored issues surrounding housing, population and quality of life.  

The SDA Capstone Excellence Award 

Each year one presentation is chosen as the winner of the SDA Capstone Excellence Award. Congratulations to this year's winners Jia He and Gabrielle Wong for their project The Long-term Impact of Short-term Rentals.

* Short-Term Rentals Group (Spring 2024).pdf
Project Report: Impact of Short-term Rentals

The Long-term Impact of Short-term Rentals

by Jia He & Gabrielle Wong

How are AirBnB rentals affecting the availability and affordability of long-term rental units in Canadian cities, particularly Vancouvr and Victoria? 

* Immigration and Housing Group (Spring 2024).pdf
Project Report: Immigration, Population Growth and Canadian Rental Prices

Immigration, Population Growth and Canadian Rental Prices

by Lucas Chan, Sonia Ma, Nathan Tesan and James Zhang

Over the past 3 years Canada has experienced a sharp increase in its population growth, as well as rises in inflation, housing and rental costs. This project looks at the relationships between immigration, population growth and Canadian rental prices. 

* Quality of Life Group (Spring 2024).pdf
Project Report: Comparative Analysis, Calgary vs Vancouver

Impacts of Housing Crisis on Quality of Life: A Comparative Analysis, Calgary vs Vancouver

by Olivia Calton, Mithula Barua, Monisha Mohandas and Tosh Turner 

The affordability of housing in Vancouver has been an issue of escalating concern, particularly following a dramatic spike in rental costs in 2021. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the public sentiment on housing affordability in Vancouver and the migration patterns that have emerged as a consequence, with an emphasis on the migration to Calgary, Alberta.

* Social Housing Group (Spring 2024).pdf
Project Report: Vancouver's Housing Crisis

Addressing Vancouver's Housing Crisis: The Role of Non-Market Housing in Supporting the Middle Class

by Justin Achadinha, Anandjot Hothi and Sonia Doanjh

It's no secret that Vancouver is facing an affordability crisis in the rental market, with rental prices now outpacing income growth, making it a challenge for residents to afford rent (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2014). Despite various solutions proposed by residents and policymakers, such as the vacancy tax or provincial rent caps, there still seems to be a struggle for the everyday working person to afford rent in the city. This becomes especially concerning when essential workers such as teachers, nurses, and police officers are struggling to afford housing. It begs the question: if the middle class are struggling to afford rent and are dedicating a significant portion of their income towards it, who will be left to take care of the city of Vancouver and what are the long-term consequences for the city's stability and growth?