iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

That is why it could appropriately be included as a consent style agenda item. Now, the rumours. I've heard people claim that the mayor led the charge to increase compensation and implied that it was raised 33%, for all of them. This is just flat out not true.

City's portion of mayoral salary going up by 13%

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 16/10/2026

In Waterloo, the only candidate who is addressing some of the policy actions featured in this episode is Jeyas Balaskanthan. His platform recognizes the need for expanded as-of-right gentle density in established neighbourhoods, modeled after the City of Edmonton's success story.

Municipalities can help
address affordable housing. but we cannot do it at the scale needed to permanently address it. The most
important thing the city can do is malke it easy for senior levels of governnment to build affordable housing:
responsive permitting and approvals; allowing enough density to ensure projects are viable; flexible land use rules that make their projects easy to build; and reducing
parking minimums.

Our message to senior levels of government will be clear: we will make Waterloo the easiest city in Canada to partner with on affordable hous

The City of Edmonton has
provided a blueprint for slowing market rate rent increases by expanding gentle density. We will examine expanded as-of-right
permissions for missing middle housing within established neighbourhoods, in close consultation with residents.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Municipalities do need to change the way public consultation works in terms of how it engages marginalized groups, but the idea that Kitchener didn't do enough consultation on their new official plan is ludicrous. The city has won awards for their public engagement on planning processes.

Wazhma Frogh, an international human rights lawyer, said she was concerned to hear from residents that many were unaware such a plan existed.
"We need to bring in more people into these consultations, not just the people who have always been there," Frogh said.
The plan also faced criticism from Alton, who believed the city could be doing more to make housing more affordable and attainable.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

We're facing a similar problem in Waterloo but a different pattern: older suburbs are losing population as younger families leave. Some of these neighbourhoods (ex. Westvale) have seen opposition to allowing religious congregations to build missing middle that their kids could start families in.

A map of suburbs in Waterloo with declining populations

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

One thing I've been desperately looking for in regional platforms is any idea on alternative emergency responses for people experiencing mental health/addictions issues. @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social is the only candidate I've seen discuss this. Please consider voting for him Kitchener neighbours!

Develop community-based alternative response pilot for mental health and addiction-related emergency calls by partnering with local care providers and frontline organizations

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Hey so it's kind of insane the former leader of the provincial social democrat party was a) looking forward to doing a preemptive end run around the constitution to clear homeless encampments b) was upset they would face obvious criticism for how obtusely reckless this would be

The conversations do, indeed, get bumpy. In 2024, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath appeared to accuse one of her peers of leaking a draft of a joint proposal to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, in which the mayors planned to ask the province to use the notwithstanding clause to clear homeless encampments. "Congratulations to whoever decided to leak the draft motion and sabotage a campaign that we could all get behind ... and break the trust of colleagues," she wrote. "Also as predicted the heat has shifted to us and off the other orders of government as predicted. Great move."

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Ok you know what, let him cook

Brad Bradford announcing real change equals a zipline from the CN Tower to Toronto Islands

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

One of Waterloo's most distinct landmarks is our beloved vintage "Welcome to Waterloo" sign that demarcates the border with Kitchener as Midtown transitions to Uptown. Those retro "Welcome to Cambridge" signs have always given me the same feeling.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Wow, can't belive psychologists are already writing full length studies on the average Bluesky user

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

@alexbozikovic.bsky.social has written what is now my favourite succinct analysis of why Alto is such a vital national project.

The value of cities is not merely that they concentrate people and transactions. It is that they create a shared
world: places where strangers encounter one another, where ideas circulate, and where commerce emerges from proximity and
exchange. Even now, the economic power of cities is inseparable from their social and cultural life. Yet this is poorly understood by many
governments.

Alto promises to remedy that, while
protecting Canada against a future in which high oil
prices and climate politics make roads and airports much less accessible. If done right - with well-located downtown terminal stations
- Alto would remake the cultural and economic
geography of Canada.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Ok we are upgrading him to urbanism king because here he is on pedestrian safety advocacy

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Due to the Reels algorithm I have become far too invested in the city council election of Danville, Virginia, population 41.5k, and it's all thanks to housing king Dr. Gary Miller

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Lake Ontario forever problems for now

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Lake Ontario forever problems for now

Lake Ontario, one of the world's most majestic inland seas

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

If the day trip to the city doesn't rack up 40k steps I don't want it

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Does the Liberal party understand how ludicrous it sounds to the average Canadian that "boss asks employees to do their jobs and deliver tangible results" is seen as a form of oppression by cabinet ministers?

Sources say some ministers are unaccustomed to this type of "report card" metric and are Worried about the appearance of a lack of progress, and what implications that may have for their department in the budget, describing the process as "more than a little chaotic." Two sources close to ministers tell CTV News some staff are "panicked" and there is a widespread sentiment that this kind of practice is further evidence of the prime minister running government like a CEO.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Huge missed opportunity to not make a certain retiring Parkdale-High Park councillor the face of this

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Without being an expert in Seattle land use politics, this stood out as a highlight to me from the press release: acknowledging that cities can't do everything on housing, but they must make change on things that are *within their control*.

Today, Mayor Katie B. Wilson
announced actions outlined in Executive Order 2026-4 to address housing production and housing affordability. The order is designed to spur both affordable and market-rate housing by streamlining permitting and launching a Housing Production Task Force to advise her housing agenda. "Housing that people can afford is critical to a city that works for everyone," said Mayor Wilson. "We can't control every force that drives up the cost of building homes, but we can act where it counts. This Executive Order is about clearing the path, cutting the delays, and building the housing Seattle needs now."

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

"woke 1 went too far" sir the only card available for non-heterosexual weddings at the big card store looks like a logo a bank would slap on their Pride branding

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I think reasonable Canadians know that Carney is in a Kobayashi Maru scenario and some concessions may be inevitable (alcohol) or even wanted (selling more oil is bad for the planet but good for national unity), but some of this defence related stuff smacks of "you should be our vassal state."

Washington has also made several defence and
security-related demands, including that Canada give the U.S. the right of first refusal on buying critical minerals,
complete a deal to buy F-35
fighter jets, buy American military equipment to join the Golden Dome missile defence shield, and export more oil to the U.S.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

We have to call BS on this false dichotomy between worrying about cost of living and discrimination against trans and gender diverse people, as if they're competing policy agendas. It is an excuse that distracts from the fact that these organizations simply want to trample on their human rights.

Confusion and fear are possible reasons why people are becoming less accepting of gender diversity, said Wayne Bernakevitch, founder of the Regina Civic Awareness Action Network, an organization that lobbied in favour of the Parents' Bill of Rights.
"They're concerned with finding a house to live in, you know, how do you pay for the next week's groceries? And so getting into all of this is just a great distraction in their life," Bernakevitch said in an interview with CBC's Blue Sky.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

POV you run a 24/7 grift factory

BIKES
BRADFORD OP-ED:
BIKE LANES ARE
THE PATH TO
MAIN STREET
RECOVERY ON
THE DANFORTH
AND ACROSS THE CITY

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

We must protect the public from the scourge of *squints* curiosity, touching grass, and not assuming the worst of other people before we've even gotten to know them.

That Bourdain never uttered these words makes them only more interesting. In this
collection of fictional commands, you can see the contours of the nascent Bourdainian cult, its constant exhortation to betterment through discovery,
open-mindedness, slowing down and hedonic

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

There's nothing that a walk in a brilliant public space next to a Great Lake can't cure tbh

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

It is not an understatement to say that the promenade at Biidaasige Park is one of the best new public spaces in North America.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Ontario if Naama Blonder was Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

That classic 2013 stock photo of a futuristic city with flying vehicles and shiny glass buildings

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

The unspoken thing is the regional chair thought the benefits of signing an NDA, & keeping the public completely in the dark about how we're being governed on this matter, is worth the trade-off for (maybe) bringing good jobs to the region. At the very least it'd be nice to see this acknowledged.

On multiple occasions, regional councillors and Regional Chair Karen Redman stated they are unable to divulge or speak about information relating to the land assembly due to a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) signed with the province regarding the land assembly.
"I understand that the public wants more information than they're getting" Redman said in an interview with The Record in 2025. "I also understand that I take this job, and I take the NDA, and I take the agreements that I signed on behalfof council, who have all agreed to this, I take that seriously.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I am forever dreaming of the "potential ION stage 3 line" that would connect Conestoga Mall to the Boardwalk via King, University, and Erb, which would connect Waterloo's most dense population corridor to suburban areas in west Waterloo that would have massively benefit from incremental infill.

pixelated image showing what is described in the post (Boardwalk to Conestoga Mall via Erb-University-King

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

A sizeable group of NIMBYs in Waterloo doesn't want to see up to a small midrise apartment building on land the city bought for affordable housing in Lincoln Heights. Anyways, here's a 6 storey building on a side street in a nearby neighbourhood that has, shockingly, not caused the sky to fall.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

I like to call this one "The Highlights"

Big ol loop of KW's central neighbourhoods

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Average National Post editorial board op-ed when they run out of ideas:

Democratic socialist is socialist, and socialist is communist

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Disappointed in your position on this Scott. I think you have a lot of reasoned analysis for why you take this position, which I respect, but it's clear to me residents in this neighbourhood are not making these arguments in good faith. (cont)

"Neighbours want housing that matches to the character of our neighbourhood," said Wendy Ridgway, who is helping lead the charge against new housing taller than three storeys.
*We have a great neighbourhood.
We are more than happy to share it with others of modest income, but (we want) neighbours that want to give to the community and are here for the long term."

City officials assured residents that the housing council wants on the site is not transitional or shelter housing for people without jobs. Rather, redevelopment targets working people such as shop
clerks, personal support workers, nurses, teachers and electricians who have incomes but can't afford market rents and costs.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

As a side note, this may be one of the best passages Coyne has ever written, and articulates a more healthy form of patriotism for those who may feel hesitancy or skepticism of the concept.

You love your country, in the end, because it is your country. You love it out of gratitude for what has been handed down to us by our ancestors. You love it out of solidarity with those who are living here now. And you love it out of ambition for what it might mean to generations yet to Come.
That's not a moral obligation. It's just a healthier way of being.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

I appreciate the sentiments from the head of Restaurants Canada here in trying to be diplomatic about the pros/cons of patios, but they're being a bit too generous. Taking space away from bike lanes? Agreed that's a trade-off that merits striking a balance. Taking space away from cars? Fine.

"One of the things that we're challenged with now is that fight between infrastructure and construction, but people still want to have their patio space and finding that balance" she said. "We've got different cities doing, whether it's CaféTO in Toronto or different patio initiatives throughout the country, but how do we do it where we aren't frustrating drivers and taking over certain bike lanes and all of these other issues?"

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

How lucky we are to live within the greatest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. Lake Huron forever problems for now.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Me watching this afternoon's game

Distracted boyfriend meme, I'm looking at Senegal while Cabo Verde looks on in annoyance

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

For several years, I've had to cross the road in the winter, or traipse through mud in the spring or fall, for a section on my favourite walking route that didn't have a sidewalk. Well, today it appears the city put in this beauty *and* spruced up the crosswalk. It really is the little things!

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Mbappe is the kind of player that you can't just text a friend and say "did you see that?", because he can put away multiple otherworldly goals in one game

Mbappes goal was disgusting, I am in shock watching these highlights

My friend: which one

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

The virgin Europe vs the Chad North America on A/C

The AC us NOT the solution! We need to stop being so egoistic and individualistic! Says one person while another says you're so right, we can defeat heat stroke through the power of personal values

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Love what Waterloo is doing with these hanging plants on Regina in Uptown - the pedestrian experience in certain spots on this street is... not great, so the bright pops of colour are a nice placemaking touch. It's the little things!

A utility pole with pink flowers in planters

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Imagine telling someone pre-2016 that the leader of the world's most powerful country is the kind of guy who think it's vital the prime minister of Canada knows the grievances he has about his birthday party

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Kingston proving that even if it's only a few dozen meters, a thoughtfully designed pedestrian street space can become a downtown haven that works for people of all ages (this one even features a play space for kids!)

A wide lens view of a pedestrianized road space in downtown Kingston Ontario - there are nice tables in the foreground, shade, and a play area for kids and pets in the back

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Folks: the Mill Race Path in St. Jacob's is pretty dang neat

Sad, albeit bucolic little waterfall. In Kitchener-waterloo this would be considered quite the water feature.

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Phil @philmarfisi.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

I am begging the Record to give column inches to more diverse viewpoints that at least attempt critical thinking

Over that time, the intersection of Fairway Avenue and Wilson Road in Kitchener would be deemed the most dangerous because it had the most such collisions, with a total of four collisions reported between pedestrians and drivers making a right turn.
Four collisions over five years. By contrast, another recent statistic reminds us that there were 74 collisions last year alone involving Ion light rail trains. Yet, nobody is suggesting we take the trains off the road.

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