Ottawa's transport issues stem from prioritizing road repairs due to low property tax promises, which impede city maintenance and growth. Rising costs necessitate budget cuts to transit services, worsening public transportation.

The emergence of cars in urban planning, while initially seen as a big win for convenience, has led to significant negative consequences. Safety for non-drivers has diminished, environmental impacts persist, and urban designs have prioritized car storage and traffic flow, ultimately harming community livability and financial sustainability.

Car-dependent design of suburban neighbourhoods and our cities creates a frustrating trade-off. Because driving is built as the default way to get anywhere, any desirable destination automatically becomes a magnet for vehicle traffic and a parking crunch.

Car-dependent design of suburban neighbourhoods and our cities creates a frustrating trade-off. Because driving is built as the default way to get anywhere, any desirable destination automatically becomes a magnet for vehicle traffic and a parking crunch.

The 'Village Test' for Convent Glen North reveals a severe lack of essential services like gyms, banks, and post offices, highlighting the area's reliance on car transportation. With only a few barber shops and salons available, the audit underscores the necessity for improved local amenities, advocating for more accessible options for residents.

Allowing small independent shops within residential neighbourhoods can enhance community livability and sustainability. We need to change zoning rules to foster walkable, vibrant communities while addressing potential concerns about noise and traffic.

The emergence of cars in urban planning, while initially seen as a big win for convenience, has led to significant negative consequences. Safety for non-drivers has diminished, environmental impacts p...

Each year, I share my thoughts on the winter maintenance network in Convent Glen North. This year, I'm taking it public and I'd love your ideas for paths that could enable critical connectivity in the winter months. By contacting city councillors and raising awareness, community members can advocate for better maintenance of these vital pathways.

I’ll continue to update this article as things with this project progress. Meanwhile, you can go back and read the main article about city projects getting hung up on the tiniest details and from smal...

A reflection on the importance of community maintenance, from shared personal experiences of living in Convent Glen North. Active participation in local associations fosters relationships and improves community well-being.

Life in the Modern Village So, it’s time to let the cat of our the bag. Yep, I am writing a new book about how we can build better, friendlier neighbourhoods. In case you don’t know me, my name is Rob...

City needs to make changes to ensure cyclists are safe in sharing the road with vehicles

YouTube video by Safe By Design

Ottawa's transport issues stem from prioritizing road repairs due to low property tax promises, which impede city maintenance and growth. Rising costs necessitate budget cuts to transit services, worsening public transportation.

Ottawa's budget prioritizes spending tens of millions on a small handful of suburban road projects, while allocating much less for pedestrian and cycling improvements across the whole city.

YouTube video by Rob Attrell

The narrative explores how a simple idea, like providing a mouse with a bike lane, evolves into a series of requests that enhance a community. Each element, from paint to benches, illustrates the interconnectedness of urban planning and the pursuit of a vibrant, walkable neighbourhood that fosters connection and accessibility.

City Hall spend vastly more time talking about Ottawa's public transit than they do about deteriorating roads. That should change. | Opinion

Ottawa struggles to shift its transportation focus from car-centric infrastructure to more sustainable options. The city's budgeting, mandated by Ontario laws, prioritizes road maintenance, consuming most funds. Consequently, insufficient investment in alternatives like cycling paths and sidewalks hampers progress towards a more sustainable transportation network.

An update on upcoming events and activities from the Urbanism Club includes a meetup on June 10 at The Bad Alibi Restaurant. The next monthly meeting is on June 24. A new video addresses pedestrian crossings on Jeanne d'Arc Blvd, and there will be family bike rides on June 13, with volunteer opportunities available.

Cassie Smith's Master's thesis examines non-work trips in Ottawa, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban mobility. Using a feminist lens, she highlights the gap between proposed reforms and their execution very clearly. Her findings urge for decisive action to reshape community transport habits away from car dependency.

YouTube video by Rob Attrell

A new report from the City of Ottawa says a new tax levy could help fill an infrastructure funding gap, though it stops short of explicitly recommending the idea.

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