Day one session videos from the Living Together Symposium
This symposium was presented by Hey Neighbour Collective, Happy Cities, SFU Urban Studies and SFU Public Square.

Watch these three symposium sessions from June 7th, the first day of the Living Together Symposium. We had a diverse gathering of housing professionals, municipal planners, public health professionals, architects, non-profits, funders, emergency management professionals, academics and students.
Tackling loneliness: Lessons from near and far
Learn from a fantastic panel of Indigenous, local, national and international leaders, and then join fellow participants to share ideas for tackling loneliness and social isolation together. Presenters:
- Sarah Silva, CEO, Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society | Slides (PDF) | website
- Joan Ramon Riera Alemany, Councillor, City of Barcelona | Slides (PDF) | Barcelona Against Loneliness (PDF)
- Ruth Toribio, Staff advisor, City of Barcelona
- Ashley Flanagan, Research Fellow, National Institute on Ageing | Slides (PDF) | website
FLUID Sociability tool: Demonstration and panel discussion
Learn about the FLUID Sociability tool, a public good agent-based online simulation tool that allows for quantitative sociability comparisons of different options while buildings are in the early design stages. We discuss its potential impact for architects, developers and municipalities and its ability to provide quantitative and comparative data to support design for social connection. Presenters:
- Bruce Haden, Co-Founder, Human Studio | website
- Madyson McKay, Project Manager, City of Calgary
- Sadhu Johnston, Former City Manager, City of Vancouver
- Iris Lok, Ph.D. Student, University of British Columbia
Towards Metro 2050: Equity report and mapping tools
As part of its work to inform Metro 2050—this region’s draft updated regional growth strategy—Metro Vancouver commissioned a social equity report and produced a set of 49 social equity maps for the region based on different indicators of equity including demographic, housing, environmental, economic, and social development data. These maps will be updated with 2021 census data next year.
In 2022/2023 research into social equity and regional planning will continue with a series of “case studies” looking at how spatial equity analysis can support planning decisions that foster equitable outcomes.
Participants learn about these resources and tools and to take part in a conversation about what types of future case studies might be useful as we work towards more equitable, complete, socially connected and resilient communities. Presenters:
- Erin Rennie, Senior Regional Planner, Metro Vancouver
- Laurie Bates-Frymel, Senior Planner (Environment), Metro Vancouver
Thank you sponsors
