Thanks for your explanation. I feel you make good points.
Regarding affordability of living downtown, I think that the laws of supply and demand will dictate this for the most part. If there are many more options (i.e. more residential buildings) built downtown then the price will come down. However, with the caveat that it will only attract the type of buyer who wants to live in a highrise. It doesn't matter how cheap it is, if you do not desire appartment or condo living you will not live there, IMHO. I've lived in all of these, and have to say I like aspects of both styles of living but if I have a choice I prefer to live in a house, as I like the privacy, lack of noise, I enjoy gardening and working on projects in a workshop, etc. Apartment living doesn't typically allow you these things, though sound deadening in the newer buildings has improved vastly over recent years.
The 'mcmansion' deal isn't something I desire, but I can appreciate people who have worked hard to make a good living for themselves wanting to have a larger property for their families. Again, much like an expensive luxury condo, it's a choice that is made, but it's not for everybody.
I've always looked at the downtown area as one that should be available for all of the public. It should be the centre of public entertainment, i.e. good restaurants, interesting shops, performance arts, public spaces (i.e. the waterfront walk), etc. and therefore it should be accessible to everybody. I've never really agreed with the thought that it should be considered the "turf" of downtown dwellers, but that's just my opinion.
To bring it back to topic, until LRT is brought into play, everything possible should be done to make the bus service as efficient as possible, but this winter shows it will always be limited by the weather.
Good discussion.
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