Our 10 Most Popular Stories of 2016

10 stories that got our readers talking this past year.

It’s always interesting to look back at the stats and see what exactly got our readers fired up this year. No surprises here: Vancouverites love to talk about real estate, restaurants and their dogs. We’ve compiled the 10 most-read stories of 2016 here—let the countdown begin.

10. Q&A: Ian Young on Racism and Real Estate

The Vancouver correspondent for the South China Morning Post is perhaps the most outspoken commentator on the influence of foreign money in (and on) this city’s real estate market.

 9. How Vancouver Became Canada’s Least Pet-Friendly City

The rental market is impossible. Landlords are unsympathetic. Stratas aren’t helping, and neither is TransLink. Vancouver’s pets are being abandoned. But it doesn’t need to be this way.

8. The Power 50 List 2016: Vancouver’s Most Powerful People

Each year we debate the meaning of power in this city. How do activists measure up against real estate magnates? How does a restaurant designer (who’s putting Vancouver’s culinary set on the map) compare to B.C.’s commander-in-chief (whose real estate tax has the power to change a lot of our futures)? It’s David versus Goliath, money versus ideas, and real estate above all. Let the debating begin.

7. Why are Young, Educated People Leaving Vancouver in Droves?

They earn less, owe more, and can only dream about owning a home. Is it any wonder that Vancouver’s young and educated are leaving town for good?

6. Vancouver’s Newest Car Share: No Driver’s Licence Required

While local company VeloMetro considers Car2Go and Evo as competitors, its vehicles aren’t like those other ones that Vancouverites have become so familiar with. In fact, legally, Veemos are bikes. In practice, well, that’s another matter.

5. How a Vancouver Lawyer Spends her $110,000 Income

With travel and eating out a priority, Julia Lin stretches her impressive income widely.

4. Why Parents are Abandoning Vancouver (It’s Not Just About Real Estate)

How high childcare costs are driving young families out of the city.

3. When Will the Vancouver Real Estate Bubble Burst?

It’s tempting to think that Vancouver real estate prices are some kind of new normal, but there are still a few people left who believe that this is a bubble that’s just waiting to burst.

2. The Best (and Worst) Neighbourhoods in Vancouver

Everything you needed to know about all 39 of Vancouver’s top ‘hoods.

1. Vancouver Magazine’s 2016 Restaurant Awards

Our judges’ top picks for 2016, from the best casual room to the top dim sum in the city. 

What VanMag story did you find most intriguing in 2016? Let us know in the comments!