Vancouver's temporary modular housing program and the challenge of public engagement in an era of urban crisis

Vancouver's Temporary Modular Housing (TMH) program was meant as an intervention to help address the housing needs of those experiencing homelessness; however, it faced significant community opposition. This research investigates the discrepancies between the public's expectations for involvement in decision-making and the government's stance toward engagement in this case and, more broadly, the role of public engagement in crisis response. The study revealed that, although the City of Vancouver made efforts to minimize engagement to expedite the delivery of TMH and prioritize what they considered equitable outcomes, these decisions resulted in heightened public mistrust in local government and opposition to the program. The research also suggests that while public engagement may be just one factor in delivering emergency supportive housing projects such as TMH, a municipal commitment to sustained public dialogue, transparency, and an explicit declaration of the public's level of influence can support the creation of enduring housing policies.