Nathan Lauster
@lausterna.bsky.social
UBC sociologist, demographer, housing & urban regulation scholar, author, immigrant, blogs at https://homefreesociology.com/
Nuanced piece on transforming construction industry in US.
e.g. the contrast in the retired American-born roofer poetically describing how the work suited his soul, then several paragraphs down noting his broken back & pelvis after years of bad falls.
(gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
e.g. the contrast in the retired American-born roofer poetically describing how the work suited his soul, then several paragraphs down noting his broken back & pelvis after years of bad falls.
(gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
Where Did All the American-Born Roofers Go?
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Nuanced piece on transforming construction industry in US.
e.g. the contrast in the retired American-born roofer poetically describing how the work suited his soul, then several paragraphs down noting his broken back & pelvis after years of bad falls.
(gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
e.g. the contrast in the retired American-born roofer poetically describing how the work suited his soul, then several paragraphs down noting his broken back & pelvis after years of bad falls.
(gift link)
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
I really want ppl w/o Minneapolis connections to understand
You might've heard that Mpls public schools went hybrid bc so many families are in hiding. Well, a coworker just told me that today, during his kid's hybrid class, a kid's apt building was raided onscreen
*Everyone has stories like this*
You might've heard that Mpls public schools went hybrid bc so many families are in hiding. Well, a coworker just told me that today, during his kid's hybrid class, a kid's apt building was raided onscreen
*Everyone has stories like this*
January 13, 2026 at 6:06 PM
I really want ppl w/o Minneapolis connections to understand
You might've heard that Mpls public schools went hybrid bc so many families are in hiding. Well, a coworker just told me that today, during his kid's hybrid class, a kid's apt building was raided onscreen
*Everyone has stories like this*
You might've heard that Mpls public schools went hybrid bc so many families are in hiding. Well, a coworker just told me that today, during his kid's hybrid class, a kid's apt building was raided onscreen
*Everyone has stories like this*
Looks like Minto REIT is going private, so no more public reports, e.g. www.mintoapartmentreit.com/annual-reports
These at least seemed pretty transparent about deriving their profit expectations from the "tailwinds" of "Canada’s structural housing supply shortage." dailyhive.com/vancouver/mi...
These at least seemed pretty transparent about deriving their profit expectations from the "tailwinds" of "Canada’s structural housing supply shortage." dailyhive.com/vancouver/mi...
Major Canadian rental housing landlord going private in $2.3 billion deal | Urbanized
Minto Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has agreed to be taken private in an all-cash deal valued at about $2.3 billion.
dailyhive.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:23 AM
Looks like Minto REIT is going private, so no more public reports, e.g. www.mintoapartmentreit.com/annual-reports
These at least seemed pretty transparent about deriving their profit expectations from the "tailwinds" of "Canada’s structural housing supply shortage." dailyhive.com/vancouver/mi...
These at least seemed pretty transparent about deriving their profit expectations from the "tailwinds" of "Canada’s structural housing supply shortage." dailyhive.com/vancouver/mi...
“We know our Indian reservations were the government’s first attempts at detention centres... We must ask ourselves why we would ever participate in something that mirrors the harm and trauma once done to our people."
Interesting reporting on corporate structures here.
www.cbc.ca/news/indigen...
Interesting reporting on corporate structures here.
www.cbc.ca/news/indigen...
2 Native American-owned corporations cancel contracts with ICE | CBC News
Last week, a second Native American-owned corporation announced it was severing a multi-million dollar contract with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after community pressure.
www.cbc.ca
January 12, 2026 at 11:11 PM
“We know our Indian reservations were the government’s first attempts at detention centres... We must ask ourselves why we would ever participate in something that mirrors the harm and trauma once done to our people."
Interesting reporting on corporate structures here.
www.cbc.ca/news/indigen...
Interesting reporting on corporate structures here.
www.cbc.ca/news/indigen...
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
Introducing CanViz, my little side project over the break to make StatCan tables more accessible.
CanViz - Canadian Data Visualization Tool
Interactive data visualization tool for exploring and analyzing Statistics Canada data tables. Browse thousands of Canadian statistics, create custom plots, and download data in multiple formats.
canviz.mountainmath.ca
January 12, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Introducing CanViz, my little side project over the break to make StatCan tables more accessible.
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
NEW VIDEO: North America’s Elevator’s Problem
Elevators are absolutely essential to modern cities..... and it turns out North America kind of sucks at them. We partnered with @sightline.org to look into the many issues plaguing our elevator industry, and what it might take to fix it.
Elevators are absolutely essential to modern cities..... and it turns out North America kind of sucks at them. We partnered with @sightline.org to look into the many issues plaguing our elevator industry, and what it might take to fix it.
The United States has the fewest elevators in the rich world, with Canada only a bit ahead. We teamed up with @uytaelee.bsky.social of About Here Videos to investigate why, exactly, North America sucks at elevators.
North America's Elevator Problem
YouTube video by About Here
youtu.be
January 11, 2026 at 11:02 PM
NEW VIDEO: North America’s Elevator’s Problem
Elevators are absolutely essential to modern cities..... and it turns out North America kind of sucks at them. We partnered with @sightline.org to look into the many issues plaguing our elevator industry, and what it might take to fix it.
Elevators are absolutely essential to modern cities..... and it turns out North America kind of sucks at them. We partnered with @sightline.org to look into the many issues plaguing our elevator industry, and what it might take to fix it.
I would say "Land Value Tax would solve this," but given exclusions for Agricultural Land are part of actual proposals like Commonwealth's (www.commonwealth.ca/bclvt), I'm not actually sure that's the case!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Big Bang Cider in Nanaimo could face massive tax hike after property reclassified | CBC News
The owner of Big Bang Cidery in Nanaimo says a recent notice from B.C. Assessment has put his farm in a legal grey area that could increase his taxes significantly. However, the agency cites specific ...
www.cbc.ca
January 11, 2026 at 11:29 PM
I would say "Land Value Tax would solve this," but given exclusions for Agricultural Land are part of actual proposals like Commonwealth's (www.commonwealth.ca/bclvt), I'm not actually sure that's the case!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
they want you to think minneapolis is dangerous. more of brass solidarity band performing today at powderhorn park at the anti ICE protest after their agent killed renee good. the band is made up of community members around george floyd square and they bring joy to every action they appear at
January 11, 2026 at 2:29 AM
they want you to think minneapolis is dangerous. more of brass solidarity band performing today at powderhorn park at the anti ICE protest after their agent killed renee good. the band is made up of community members around george floyd square and they bring joy to every action they appear at
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
i will never get over this rebecca tiffany quote: the goal of yimbyism is a world where "every trans eighteen-year-old who is stuck living with unsupportive family [is] able to afford an apartment in a vibrant urban space with transit on a minimum wage job."
www.liberalcurrents.com/feminism-wit...
www.liberalcurrents.com/feminism-wit...
January 11, 2026 at 12:38 AM
i will never get over this rebecca tiffany quote: the goal of yimbyism is a world where "every trans eighteen-year-old who is stuck living with unsupportive family [is] able to afford an apartment in a vibrant urban space with transit on a minimum wage job."
www.liberalcurrents.com/feminism-wit...
www.liberalcurrents.com/feminism-wit...
All solidarity with Minneapolis. Where old friends may be happy to note CBC coverage (international observers!) on the ground.
www.cbc.ca/news/world/l...
www.cbc.ca/news/world/l...
Thousands converge on Minneapolis and across U.S. to protest ICE enforcement after shootings | CBC
www.cbc.ca
January 11, 2026 at 1:44 AM
All solidarity with Minneapolis. Where old friends may be happy to note CBC coverage (international observers!) on the ground.
www.cbc.ca/news/world/l...
www.cbc.ca/news/world/l...
"Basically what the court has said to Mississauga is...you have to go through the exercise, as a government, to figure out what is actually the threat here, what is actually the risk? What is the thing we need to stop?"
Many such cases!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Many such cases!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
A Mississauga man took the city to court over not mowing his lawn — and won | CBC News
A Mississauga man has won a Superior Court challenge against the city over a weed control bylaw that prevents homeowners from growing some plants and grass over a certain height.
www.cbc.ca
January 10, 2026 at 7:20 PM
"Basically what the court has said to Mississauga is...you have to go through the exercise, as a government, to figure out what is actually the threat here, what is actually the risk? What is the thing we need to stop?"
Many such cases!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Many such cases!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
"Victim of Nanaimo, B.C., RV fire faces long and painful road to rehabilitation" www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reminded by this story of how those unsheltered in the Vancouver Homeless Count results were MOST likely to report they "felt safe" if they stayed in a vehicle.
Reminded by this story of how those unsheltered in the Vancouver Homeless Count results were MOST likely to report they "felt safe" if they stayed in a vehicle.
January 9, 2026 at 6:02 PM
"Victim of Nanaimo, B.C., RV fire faces long and painful road to rehabilitation" www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reminded by this story of how those unsheltered in the Vancouver Homeless Count results were MOST likely to report they "felt safe" if they stayed in a vehicle.
Reminded by this story of how those unsheltered in the Vancouver Homeless Count results were MOST likely to report they "felt safe" if they stayed in a vehicle.
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
🧵In my expert opinion as a researcher of vehicle ramming attacks, what has been publicly described in the video evidence does not support the claim that Renee Nicole Good was attempting a deliberate ramming attack when she was shot in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. 1/7
January 8, 2026 at 9:13 PM
🧵In my expert opinion as a researcher of vehicle ramming attacks, what has been publicly described in the video evidence does not support the claim that Renee Nicole Good was attempting a deliberate ramming attack when she was shot in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. 1/7
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
This year the BC government set the wealth test for the HOG at above $2M, while renters get income tested at around $65k (adjusted net family income) for the full tax credit and get less money than the HOG for e.g. my condo.
(Yes, this is my annual call to get rid of the HOG)
(Yes, this is my annual call to get rid of the HOG)
January 7, 2026 at 5:33 AM
This year the BC government set the wealth test for the HOG at above $2M, while renters get income tested at around $65k (adjusted net family income) for the full tax credit and get less money than the HOG for e.g. my condo.
(Yes, this is my annual call to get rid of the HOG)
(Yes, this is my annual call to get rid of the HOG)
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
I cannot emphasize enough what a bad assumption this is
January 6, 2026 at 9:47 PM
I cannot emphasize enough what a bad assumption this is
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
The cities that built the most new housing consistently saw the biggest price drops in older rental units. What can it mean?!?1?
www.statesforum.org/january-book...
www.statesforum.org/january-book...
January 6, 2026 at 9:13 PM
The cities that built the most new housing consistently saw the biggest price drops in older rental units. What can it mean?!?1?
www.statesforum.org/january-book...
www.statesforum.org/january-book...
Reposted by Nathan Lauster
NEW POST
While cities across North America struggle with housing shortages, Edmonton is proving that zoning reform works.
In 2025, for the first time in history, the number of homes permitted in 5-8 unit rowhomes surpassed detached homes. 🧵
#yeg #yegcc #yimby
www.jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/zb...
While cities across North America struggle with housing shortages, Edmonton is proving that zoning reform works.
In 2025, for the first time in history, the number of homes permitted in 5-8 unit rowhomes surpassed detached homes. 🧵
#yeg #yegcc #yimby
www.jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/zb...
2025: The year Edmonton built the missing middle – Jacob Dawang
Edmonton’s zoning reform is working. In 2025, newly legalized eight-home rowhomes drove a record increase in homebuilding, achieved by redeveloping only 0.39% of properties in mature neighbourhoods.
www.jacobdawang.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM
NEW POST
While cities across North America struggle with housing shortages, Edmonton is proving that zoning reform works.
In 2025, for the first time in history, the number of homes permitted in 5-8 unit rowhomes surpassed detached homes. 🧵
#yeg #yegcc #yimby
www.jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/zb...
While cities across North America struggle with housing shortages, Edmonton is proving that zoning reform works.
In 2025, for the first time in history, the number of homes permitted in 5-8 unit rowhomes surpassed detached homes. 🧵
#yeg #yegcc #yimby
www.jacobdawang.com/blog/2026/zb...
I have way too many thoughts on the FCM advocacy paper on why property taxes aren't enough for municipal revenue: fcm.ca/en/resources...
But wanted to highlight the $107k "municipal investment per dwelling" metric for weirdness (p. 19-20). Like, that's not just supporting dwellings, folks!
But wanted to highlight the $107k "municipal investment per dwelling" metric for weirdness (p. 19-20). Like, that's not just supporting dwellings, folks!
January 6, 2026 at 7:29 PM
I have way too many thoughts on the FCM advocacy paper on why property taxes aren't enough for municipal revenue: fcm.ca/en/resources...
But wanted to highlight the $107k "municipal investment per dwelling" metric for weirdness (p. 19-20). Like, that's not just supporting dwellings, folks!
But wanted to highlight the $107k "municipal investment per dwelling" metric for weirdness (p. 19-20). Like, that's not just supporting dwellings, folks!
New year, new bog.
January 4, 2026 at 1:04 AM
New year, new bog.
Huh. Mild winter so far, so I guess we're doing a little lavender bloom to bring in the New Year?
December 29, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Huh. Mild winter so far, so I guess we're doing a little lavender bloom to bring in the New Year?
"Hey buddy, don't you think you've had enough?" I say to the starling pecking at the suet feeder, while working through my third butter cookie of the morning.
December 26, 2025 at 7:33 PM
"Hey buddy, don't you think you've had enough?" I say to the starling pecking at the suet feeder, while working through my third butter cookie of the morning.
The tall evergreens really stand out like Christmas trees against Vancouver's skyline now, with the latest snow blending to sky in the mountains beyond.
For its part, Sen̓áḵw (under the crane) continues to look like a present nearly ready to be unwrapped. senakw.com
For its part, Sen̓áḵw (under the crane) continues to look like a present nearly ready to be unwrapped. senakw.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:17 AM
The tall evergreens really stand out like Christmas trees against Vancouver's skyline now, with the latest snow blending to sky in the mountains beyond.
For its part, Sen̓áḵw (under the crane) continues to look like a present nearly ready to be unwrapped. senakw.com
For its part, Sen̓áḵw (under the crane) continues to look like a present nearly ready to be unwrapped. senakw.com
This was always the right approach.
Target the predatory private colleges feeding off international students as part of BROADENING Canada's welcome to those students rather than curtailing it.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Target the predatory private colleges feeding off international students as part of BROADENING Canada's welcome to those students rather than curtailing it.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C.'s Pacific Link College shut down for misleading international students | CBC News
The province has revoked Pacific Link College's certification — just weeks after students came forward to CBC News alleging the school required them to participate in a political campaign for course c...
www.cbc.ca
December 19, 2025 at 5:47 PM
This was always the right approach.
Target the predatory private colleges feeding off international students as part of BROADENING Canada's welcome to those students rather than curtailing it.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Target the predatory private colleges feeding off international students as part of BROADENING Canada's welcome to those students rather than curtailing it.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
"She says that some people who live on their boats do so because they lost their jobs and couldn't afford to live elsewhere..." but those tossed on the shores were mostly abandoned.
Either way, oof. It was a rough night for folks living on their boats. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Either way, oof. It was a rough night for folks living on their boats. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Boats run aground in False Creek after overnight windstorm | CBC News
A number of boats ran aground in Vancouver's False Creek early Wednesday morning amid a windstorm, and it's led to calls for governments to step up and deal with the problem of derelict boats along th...
www.cbc.ca
December 18, 2025 at 3:31 AM
"She says that some people who live on their boats do so because they lost their jobs and couldn't afford to live elsewhere..." but those tossed on the shores were mostly abandoned.
Either way, oof. It was a rough night for folks living on their boats. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Either way, oof. It was a rough night for folks living on their boats. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
December 18, 2025 at 1:47 AM