iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I'm at Peterborough Pride Parade with my daughter's school. Happy to see Gavin Muir here! Vote for him as Northcrest Councillor, he'll be great!

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

New Zealand will require drivers to give way to buses leaving bus stops. One of those rules that makes you realize how weird the status quo is.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

It's Doors Open Peterborough today, when people can check out interesting places that are normally closed to public. Here I am at the hydro generation station downstream of the zoo. Powers about 1000-2000 local homes!

Water exciter on left and generator wheel on right.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Remember all the coverage about the trucker convoy in Ottawa? There are WAAAAAY more people in this Toronto bike protest. And their reason for protest is core: they might die because of provincial decisions. This isn't going away. Photo by Richard Seck: www.richardseck.com/criticalmass...

Aerial shot of a never-ending crowd of people on bikes along the Bloor Street viaduct.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I love the random local sponsors for youth rec soccer.

Pink soccer jersey with sponsor Plumbing Wiz.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

I know nothing about this Ontario Liberal leadership candidate. But he now has my attention!

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dcurbanist.bsky.social @dcurbanist.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

A pet theory of mine is that one reason the Netherlands are so good at so many sports relative to their population because the kids are able to independently go to practices growing up and don’t rely on parents driving them places, and the population density allows for more niche activities

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Are you interested in Canadian urbanism? But you're not an accountant and all the $ stuff seems mysterious? THERE IS A BOOK FOR YOU! "You'll Pay for This: How we can afford a great city for everyone, forever" by Michel Durand-Wood. @greatplainspress.bsky.social Short. Informal, fun writing style.

Cover page of the book, showing its title and infrastructure.

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The War on Cars @thewaroncars.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

One more lane, bro. Just one more lane and traffic will be fixed forever.

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Dr Alex Bond @thelabandfield.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

PSA: your avocado is trans. What an absolutely wonderfully fantastical world we live in!

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

It's refreshing to read some serious issues about Alto high speed rail, not just for vs opposed. This article looks at the Kingston station site being considered. It's distance from the via station could be a problem for Alto and Via. www.transportaction.ca/regions/onta...

transportaction.ca

We represent the interests of rail and bus passengers and advocate for public transport services in Canada.

Transport Action Canada, founded as Transport 2000 Canada in 1977, is the nation’s leading citizen transportation advocacy group. We represent the interests of consumers or users of public transport s...

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

This is where the current debate about transportation in Peterborough is so outdated. Car-focused. If we are to grow (and we will whether you like it or not), we must expand non-car options. It allows faster travel and leaves more space for stores, parks, etc.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

I have now played this game as Nixon and as the newspapers. I've lost in both roles. The game must be imbalanced against me personally.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

It's exhausting to constantly fight for good things against the combination of money and status quo. The victories deserve celebration! Congrats to all those involved in opposing the Toronto Island airport expansion!

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

I bet more people would visit Peterborough's downtown cafes and restaurants if their patios weren't right next to traffic. Vibes matter (such as the vibe of not wanting a truck to hit your table). Well-planned pedestrianization benefits business and people.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Played the 2-player board game Watergate for the first time. One player is Nixon's office, the other is the newspaper linking him to key evidence. Really fun, and learned about the famous scandal too. Highly recommend! My son President Nixon won.

My son president Nixon celebrating over the game while I am sad.

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Matt Zoller Seitz @mattzollerseitz.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

This is a politician who understands that this is not an indulgence, it's an investment. Every public space where you can have fun and not spend any money is probably more of a crimebuster than 100 cops.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Apparently there's a show called Hot Ones where celebrities have potent hot sauce. My friend just had a Hot Ones party. It was friggin excruciating. Such pain with the hottest sauces! Loved it. #BadDecisionsAreFunSometimes

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Pedestrian and transit improvements in World Cup cities (Toronto, Vancouver) has been measurable and widely loved. But corporate media gonna corporate media. We can have nice things if the politicians allow it.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Those dang kids left even MORE messages of joy today. Kids these days.

Chalk drawings with message You Are Loved.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Joyful chalk art by local kids on the footpath in Peterborough's north end. Happy summer!

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

I'm proud of #CanMNT. It would have been depressing if they'd lost by playing poorly. But they lost despite playing well. It's a shame the final score was 3-0, as that does not reflect the gameplay. The players are surely sad now, but soon I hope they will feel proud of their historic journey.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Started watching Stand By Me with the family this evening. This movie is nostalgic for me. My girls are Not into it. "Why do they swear so much?" "They're smoking but they're only twelve!" "That vomit scene was disgusting!" sigh.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

With #ElectoralReform, you don't get as much of these awful policies. You need multiple parties' support.

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Rodney 🚧🚇 @chanface.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

It’s surreal seeing it come full circle. The people stuck in the crowded Church Street sidewalk are now free to roam the streets! (At least during the 2 month pedestrianization pilot) Streets are for the people!

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Once in a while the algorithm is not evil.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

It's gut-check time at the printer. Optimism vs preparedness. I'll be reffing a soccer tournament this weekend. Exactly how many yellow and red card discipline sheets should I print? "Anti racism incident form" thankfully I've never needed that. Better print 2 just in case. ⚽🟨🟥 #RefsNeedLoveToo

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

I couldn't watch yesterday's #CanMNT World Cup game because ... I was coaching my son's soccer game. Honestly it was a great game. Lots of fun, a 1-1 draw (with an olympico goal from one of my guys). Still got to watch the beauty highlights of Canada's game afterwards. 10/10 - no regrets.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Culture isn't about art galleries. It's the everyday vibe of people. If people just drive from x to y and don't interact, that's minimal culture. A bustling pedestrianized street like Montreal has (and Toronto's Church Street this summer thanks to @chanface.bsky.social), that's great culture.

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Robert Jago @rjjago.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Granville is this right now with every 50 meters a different scene - all organized by the shops. Like the barber shop that put in giant screens to watch the game, or the shawarma place / street disco. The city's doing a good job, but the best thing they're doing is getting out of people's way.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

I listened to a podcast that opened my eyes to the problem of Canadian elevator regulation. It's kinda obscure but holy frig it's one of the reasons housing construction is so expensive, and why our elevators are too few and often busted. We should adopt the global standard. pca.st/episode/097e...

pca.st

Inside the Elevator Oligopoly Reshaping Canadian Cities

Canada has some of the most expensive elevators in the world — and as a result, we have far fewer of them per capita than most countries in the world. It’s a symptom of a much larger problem…

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Well that's sad news #Ptbo. Peterborough Weekly is ending this week. It's been a great local paper, focused on stories about community. Its demise is related to Canada Post carrying flyers now, which eliminates the paper's major revenue stream. It's been nice delivering with my daughter.

Story in newspaper about the paper ending.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

This is way cheaper than tickets to the games.

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Chad Leddy @chadleddy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

The Toronto Police caught only 2.3% of proven speeding last year (that driving caught by speed cameras in clearly marked camera zones - let alone rampant speeding in other areas) Seems like deploying scarce police resources to tackle this problem is not the most efficient or effective solution.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Aging is mostly a continuum. But sometimes the ratchet of age goes up a tangible click. Today's click: I just increased the font size for all the main programs of my work computer.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

I'm happy. Friggin emotional even. Tonight was my first real bike ride in months. Fractured my tibia playing soccer a while ago, and healing was slow. As though middle age is a real thing. Now I'm biking and I've got my freedom back!! Life is beautiful right now.

Me happy with bike as if it's been a while.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

It wasn't until I was a parent that I appreciated Raffi's musical prowess. Like the RANGE of instruments he uses! You know his Christmas song "Up on the house-top"? It's got a beastly bass harmonica. youtu.be/G0w2iyRf9cY?... [I also appreciate how he enunciates lyrics to help sing-along] #Raffi

youtu.be

Raffi - Up On The House-Top (Official Audio)

YouTube video by Raffi

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

This is #TorontoDanforth From 2008 to 2019 anti-Black racism was behind the removal basketball nets from schools and parks across our ward. Started in Withrow Park Ended in Phin Park. Hello ‘Orange Functional’ h/t @thegreenlineto.bsky.social @kngprry.bsky.social @morganpcampbell.bsky.social

LANRICK BENNETT JR., CREATOR OF #HEARTHIS BLACK HISTORY IN THE #EASTEND (PICTURED LEFT) TALKS TO LUKE GALATI, A GUEST SPEAKER ON THE TOUR (PICTURED RIGHT).
Li: AMANDA SERAPHINA/THE GREEN LINE.
Led by Bennett Jr., the tours began on Aug. 2, 2024, and featured guest speakers such as Galati, who in 2019 advocated to bring basketball nets back to his alma mater, Earl Grey Senior Public School.
"The area has a lot of Black residents, and I think sometimes their stories don't get amplified as much as they deserve. I also think that through exploring Black history, you're also learning the history of other people, too,"
Galati tells The Green Line.

But Ms. Fletcher said it takes much more to keep "problem parks" up to date. She gave the example of Withrow Park, where a spate of anti-police graffiti required daily cleanup, at a cost of an additional $8,000 over four months.
"There's a deeper problem when people are defacing a basketball court," she said. "Something is broken in the neighbourhood.

The Case of the Disappearing School
Yard Hoops
Basketball can be a really cheap activity. You need a ball, but most schoolyards can provide the backboard and rims. Or can they?
In 2019, journalist Luke Galati noticed his local schoolyard, Earl Grey Sr, had a backboard with no rim.
Galati did some digging and it turns out schools across the city had been removing them to discourage the presence of people on public property during evenings and weekends. In response, Galati posted an online petition that called for the permanent reinstallation of the rims so people could play outside of school hours. While some of the hoops returned, Galati and others are still waiting for a wider solution to keep the kids playing.

SPORTS
Toronto Removed Basketball Hoops From Parks Every Day. Then A Tweet Called It Out
JUNE 28, 2019 • 3:52 PM ET
Laurel Wamsley
City workers in Toronto removed basketball hoops each evening from some city parks because of noise complaints. After an outcry, the city says the rims will stay up.
Hakan Dahlstrom/Flickr
The Toronto Raptors won the NBA Championship earlier this month, and the team's thrilling run has boosted the city's excitement about basketball to a new level.
But you wouldn't know it, watching a video posted this week of a Toronto city worker removing a basketball hoop from an outdoor court at one of the city's parks.

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Fietser Brandon @americanfietser.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Let me remind everyone that fierce debate exists over the different classes of ebikes allowed in cities.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

This is drastic. And I love it.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

I did not know this. One of the most valuable wildlife-based items for trade & trafficking per gram is ... sawfish teeth for cockfighting?? The teeth are prized by cockfighting practitioners (galleros) in Latin America. conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

Sawfish rostral tooth spurs offered for sale on social media pages from Peru under the name “espina de pez sierra” (in Spanish). (A) Sawfish rostral teeth; (B) holders used to attach the spurs to the roosters’ legs; (C) rostral tooth sawfish spur, front view; (D) rostral tooth sawfish spur, lateral view; and (E) highly rated “caramelo” spurs. “Caramelo” spurs are characterized by having an overall caramel-like (light brownish) color and by a darker (dark gray to blackish-colored) vein near their base and/or running longitudinally along the teeth. They are made from the central part of the rostral tooth, which is considered the hardest in terms of resistance, with the greatest potential to inflict injuries to opponents, and with less risk of breaking during fights. For these reasons, “caramelo” spurs reach higher market prices, and according to galleros, they are often attributed to female sawfish, which are thought to produce higher-quality spurs. This alt text is from the figure caption in the linked article.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Fractured my right ankle a couple months ago in soccer. Now I'm easing out of the air cast. My challenge: where did I throw all my right-foot shoes??

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Some good news! The TTC official recommendations for streetcar and LRT reliability are good ones. These routes are used by so many people, they deserve to run smoothly for everyone's benefit.

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Strong Towns Ottawa @strongtownsottawa.ca · 13/04/2026

"Heritage" 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

A picture of the building at 267 O'Connor, which is mostly just a rectangular brick building with a very large parking lot sitting beside it.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Thank you to City of Peterborough for holding this information session for people interested in pursuing city council. Happy to see so many people in attendance! (I'm not running, just curious)

Nigel speaking at podium. Slide in background about municipal powers.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

WOOHOOO! City Council voted unanimously to exclude the Kinsmen Park road from the next steps of transportation study. Great news for our city and our kids. Thank you all councillors for being receptive to this amendment. And thanks @alexbierk.bsky.social @joylachica.bsky.social for the amendment!

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Phew. I succeeded in speaking to City Council tonight. My Newfie accent came out a bit, as it does when I'm nervous (or tipsy but it wasn't that). The councillors asked good questions and were encouraging.

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Jay Fitzsimmons @jayfitz.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Getting ready to give my first-ever delegation to City Council. Speaking on behalf of the Peterborough Youth Soccer Club. The Clonsilla Area Transportation Study proposes putting a road through Kinsmen Park, between the soccer fields, arena, ballpark, and splashpad. We think that's dangerous.

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