[eemy]

That's not entirely true - far more housing has been constructed in the core than in the past (true for most Canadian cities). That's progress.

In terms of the suburban built form though, you're absolutely right. I don't think a good solution has really been put forward though. On the whole, the density of suburban development has never been as high as it is now, which is a good thing (greenfields aren't consumed as quickly). I just don't really know what you can do short of having a dressed up version of what already exists. (New Urbanism)