Michael Geller

Vancouver

Writer and Blogger at Freelance

registered community planner, real estate consultant, retired architect, educator and blogger at https://t.co/RhiJPXMpQY

Articles

Vancouver's new rental apartments are not very 'livable'

1 week ago | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller

I read today's Douglas Todd column in the Vancouver Sun about the poor design of so many new apartments with considerable interest. While I disagree with the headline: Hunger for profit has led to insufficient housing', I agree with the comments from Brian Palmquist that many new studio and one-bedroom units are not livable. They are designed for selling, or to get approvals, not for living.
How undervaluation of Vancouver sites could cost millions in property taxes - Canadian Press June 12, 2025

2 weeks ago | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller

Readers of this blog may recall that earlier this year I initiated a third-party appeal of the BC Property Assessment of the Dunsmuir Hotel property after the owner, Holborn Properties allowed it to deteriorate to such a degree that the city ordered it demolished. And I was successful.
Lock-off Suites gaining increased popularity - CBC- June 9th 2025

2 weeks ago | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller

Last week I had a call from Jon Hernandez, a video journalist with CBC. He was doing a story about a developer who had decided to include 8 lock-off suites in a new Surrey highrise. Jon was told by SFU's Andy Yan to talk to me since the concept was my 'brainchild' when I was president of the SFU Community Trust overseeing the development of UniverCity on Burnaby Mountain two decades ago. Lock-off suites are essentially a portion of a larger apartment similar to a second or third ensuite bedroom.
Conversations that Matter. Careers that Matter - Stu McNish, Vancouver Sun May 31, 2025

3 weeks ago | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller

Last week I did an interview with Stu McNish who producesConversations that Matter as well as Conversations Live, regarding the federal governments new housing policies and the selection of GregorRobertson as the new housing minister. Yesterday the interview went live in theVancouver Sun. Another interview I taped with Stu discussing my career as anarchitect, planner, developer, and failed politician, accompanied the maininterview. You can find the two interviews here.
EXPO 2025 OSAKA - MORE IMAGES FROM AROUND THE SITE

1 month ago | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller
Bill Belichick’s girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, wears ring on THAT finger during NYC outing post-interview spectacle

1 month ago | newsini.com | Michael Geller |Jordan Hudson

Marriage might be in Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson’s future. A photo obtained by Page Six showed the 24-year-old flaunting a ring on that finger while at an American Museum of Natural History luncheon in New York City on Tuesday. Hudson, who donned a blue outfit, was seen attentively looking at the legendary NFL coach, 73, as he talked to another man at their table.
CANADA - ONE OF 158 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AT EXPO 2025 OSAKA

2 months ago | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller

Ever since the first modern exposition was held in London in 1851, world fairs have allowed countries to showcase their achievements, cultures, and technologies, oftentimes with surprising long-lasting results. Canadians do not need to be told this. Many of us remember Montreal’s EXPO 86, aka Man and his World.
From CITY HALL WATCH - BC Assessment Review Panel approves threefold increase in Dunsmuir Hotel property assessment

2 months ago | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller

The following was published yesterday on CityHallWatch CityHallWatch has just learned that an unusual third-party appeal to the BC Property Assessment Review Panel has resulted in a threefold increase in the assessed value for the Dunsmuir Hotel at 500 Dunsmuir Street. Readers will recall this historic building was ordered to be demolished by the City of Vancouver in late 2024 after years of neglect by its owner.
April Fool's Day is cancelled in Vancouver and Odessa

2 months ago | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller

April Fool's Day has always been one of my favourite days of the year, perhaps because I have always enjoyed being a fool. Over the years I have celebrated the occasion with various pranks. Below are three of my favourites. In 1998, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his sons Prince William and Prince Harry participated in official engagements in Vancouver and had a private holiday in Whistler.
World Obesity Day - March 4, 2025 - The Nature of Things - Weight of the World

Mar 8, 2025 | gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com | Michael Geller

This past Tuesday was World Obesity Day. Like many people, I struggle with maintaining my weight at an acceptable level. But my interest in obesity is as much professional as it is personal. That is because in 2003, I participated in the production of a documentary film featured on David Suzuki's The Nature of Things that examined how good planning can reduce obesity. I would like to share some background as to how this came about.