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William van Geest

@wvangeest.bsky.social
799 followers 305 following 485 posts

Settler on unceded, unsurrendered Algonquin territory. Sustainable transportation, ecology, social justice, Ottawa. ED @ecologyottawa.bsky.social. Skeets my responsibility.

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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
There’s something painfully fitting about a Petro Canada truck rolling by and interrupting the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation ceremony on Parliament Hill. #NDTR #FossilFuelDeath
Photo of a Petro-Canada tanker truck rolling past a crowd toward East Block on Canada’s Parliament Hill.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
OK, historical urbanists et co.: what used to be here—that is, before it became waste storage? Feels too small for a commercial display and too large for a shrine… #Ottawa
Photo of a small covered area with an arch and lights over top in front of a brick house. 
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Walking Eagle News @theeagleist.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Feds tout trickle down reconciliation
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Sometimes I wonder why #OttBike facilities are so bumpy and uneven. Anyway, cool trucks, eh?
Photo of two large trucks parked in the middle of a cycle track while two lanes for cars remain wide open next to them.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Something about these curbs tells me a couple are @ncc-ccn.gc.ca and others @en.ottawa.ca… #OttBike
Photo of a cycling facility with curbs in foreground concrete and those in middleground granite.
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Katie Hodges-Kluck, PhD @klhkhistorian.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
**Lights Out Alert Sunday & Monday Nights** Birdcast is estimating 300-400 million birds will be in flight.
From meteorologist Eric Snitil

**Lights Out Alert Sunday & Monday Nights**

"Heads up birders, I would not be surprised if the biggest bird migration night of the year happens over the next 2 nights. Birdcast is estimating 300-400 million birds will be in flight. That is a lot, but the pattern could not be better for migratory birds. A massive area of high pressure will turn the low level winds from the northeast to the southwest across most of the US. The last time we had anything similar to this in the fall was early October last year when a record 1.25 billion birds were in flight. I doubt we get to that level, but I suspect the number will top 500 million especially Monday night which looks to be the bigger of the two nights. You can help by turning off those outdoor lights on big migration nights, and the next 2 nights is about as big as it gets."
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Walking Eagle News @theeagleist.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
In bid to spur investment, Carney offers businesses chance to screw over Indigenous community of their choice
Canadian PM Carney appears to wink
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Um, how about we don’t?
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It’s kinda hilarious/sad when traffic planners assume only a handful—or fewer—people will use infrastructure at once. This is one downfall of (#OttCity-style) protected intersections: usually the queuing area fits 1-3 people without blocking those passing through. One of the most generous:
Overhead shot of an oversized intersection (stroad v. stroad) with cross rides and crosswalks and room for 1-3 people queuing, depending on the corner.
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Matthew Lewis -- living in the era of cults and consequences @mateosfo.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
If the climate movement paid more attention to what Americans want, it would realize that we don't even need subsidies to dramatically reduce the average carbon footprint. Americans will *pay much more money to drive less.* But the climate movement needs them to drive more for EV math to work.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Cool thing about ecological metaphors is they’re essentially not metaphors: everything is always already participating in an ecosystem, the ecosystem.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
New one for me: a pedestrian lane. Sure beats having to pour cement and all! Strangely, I haven’t seen many people use it…
Photo of a standard suburban stroad with a narrow painted lane with the marked “PED ONLY” and an image of a person.
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The Beaverton @thebeaverton.com · 19/08/2026
Carney promises clean energy investment will almost make up for 1-2 days of new pipeline emissions
thebeaverton.com
Carney promises clean energy investment will almost make up for 1-2 days of new pipeline emissions
OTTAWA – After announcing the “largest clean energy investment in North American history” this week, PM Mark Carney advised that the environmental benefits of the 70 billion dollar taxpayer investment...
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Senator Chris Larson @senchrislarson.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Instead of fighting senseless wars, we should be fighting climate change. Instead of building data centers, we should be building housing. Instead of corporate welfare give us universal healthcare.
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 17/08/2026
The same climate experts whose model overestimated the potential of geological carbon storage have repeatedly underestimated solar power — one of the energy technologies that would allow more oil to remain in the ground. ➡️ Read our full story w/ @drilledmedia.bsky.social: propub.li/4gdTCBc
Two line charts are depicted. At the top, the line chart is labeled "Carbon Capture Capacity." The y-axis is "megatons" and the x-axis is years (2010-2040). More than a dozen blue lines show a steady increase from the left edge of the chart to the right edge of the chart. Some of the blue lines exceed 4,000 megatons between years 2030 and 2040. The blue lines are labeled "Projections". A maroon line is at around 0 megatons from 2010 to 2025. The maroon line is labeled "Actual carbon storage". 

The second chart is labeled "Solar Power". The y-axis is "terawatt-hour" and the x-axis is years (2010-2040). Dozens of blue lines increase from around 0 on the left side of the chart, showing moderate growth from 2010 to 2040. The blue lines are labeled "Projections". A maroon line starts at 0 in 2010 and rises sharply to over 2,000 in 2024. The maroon line is obviously increasing much faster than the blue lines. The maroon line is labeled "Actual solar electricity production."
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Ah, so people who bike should just stay home—got it 👍 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
So @viarailcanada.bsky.social trains really do hit 160 km/h! Wish they did a bit more often. Incidentally, I do like the public speedometers…
Photo of a screen attached to a ceiling in a train that shows train information, including a speed at 160 km/h.
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The Beaverton @thebeaverton.com · 05/08/2026
Carney vows to fast-track West Coast Pipeline before entire West Coast burns to the ground
thebeaverton.com
Carney vows to fast-track West Coast Pipeline before entire West Coast burns to the ground
OTTAWA - Mark Carney has officially given notice that his government will be designating Danielle Smith’s West Coast pipeline a project of national interest, allowing the massive oil and gas project t...
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Something I’ve increasingly noticed in photos of Ottawa past is the awnings. There’s every reason for them—principally shelter from rain, sun, and snow. Why don’t we do awnings anymore? (Photo of Elgin south from Wellington, and posted on Old Ottawa and Bytown Pics FB group.)
Old photo of a street lined with 3- and 4- storey buildings, several of which with awnings.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
A couple things I think AI got right for query responses but I haven’t heard acknowledged is a) the right level of detail (eg, Wikipedia is usually TMI), and b) a simple format—none of this graphics and ads and flashing crap, just some legible and clearly articulated (if questionably reliable) info.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
A couple things I think AI got right for query responses but I haven’t heard acknowledged is a) the right level of detail (eg, Wikipedia is usually TMI), and b) a simple format—none of this graphics and ads and flashing crap, just some legible and clearly articulated (if questionably reliable) info.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
When the city said they would pursue innovative car-parking solutions to ease commute pressures downtown, it didn’t occurr to me to open lots under bridges. Points to #Autowa for creativity! 🫠
Photo of cars parked under a bridge.
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Jordan Moffatt @jordanmoffatt.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
These homes on Sherwood Drive look normal, sure. But did you know they’re the site of the only residential zoning appeal in Ottawa to reach the Supreme Court of Canada? It’s a wild story of secret council meetings, expropriations, fake highways—and a side of mustard. 🧵Thread…
Two houses on a residential street
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Bro drone shows are infinitely cooler than fireworks (which are admittedly zero cool, so it checks out).
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The Beaverton @thebeaverton.com · 18/07/2026
5 tips for reporting on unprecedented weather without mentioning climate change
thebeaverton.com
5 tips for reporting on unprecedented weather without mentioning climate change
So here are 5 handy tips for finding your inner coward when it comes to writing articles about the effects of the climate crisis while avoiding mentioning the climate crisis.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Um, were we scheduled for a fireworks display in #Centretown at 11 pm?
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
I’m glad @en.ottawa.ca allows upcycling street parking to patio use, but given #Autowa’s propensity to drive into structures, it also makes me nervous. Like, how many people don’t ise the patio bc of this risk? Far better if #OttCity provided angled jersey barriers, as does Toronto.
Photo of a rectangular wooden structure on the street, adjacent to a restaurant. A few orange pylons are in front.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Normalize doing literally anything with waterfront land other than storing a few large objects horizontally.
Photo from high up of a riverfront completely paved over with a few buoys lying out.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Amazing #Autowa painting equipment problem that it apparently took from Kent to Chinatown to discover.
Photo of a street lined by houses with a large splatter of yellow paint in the car lane that continues far into the horizon.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Top-notch reporting system here from @en.ottawa.ca: some intersections aren’t recognized at all, some intersections twice. I’m no coder, but…is it really that difficult?
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Nice to see some new activations in the Byward Market, but so sad—and yet wholly predictable—that it entails the loss of not a single precious car-parking spot. 🤦‍♂️ #Autowa
Photo of a number of small vendors at the base of an unwindowed building in a pedestrian area with a couple planter boxes in front.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
All right, I’m date-stamping this bad boy. Any bets on how long it takes to fix? #OttBike #Centertown
Photo of a cycle track with pinned curbs, and a pylon in the middle.
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 25/06/2026
Leaders around the world are banking on tech advances to solve climate change. One leading idea involves capturing carbon pollution from the air and then burying it underground forever. It sounds practical. Here’s why there's no conceivable way it can work: (THREAD)
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Fun to see an email from @en.ottawa.ca about Canada Day transportation where biking is only mentioned to observe that key #OttBike facilities are closed… Given it’s in literally everyone’s interest that people bike, you’d think they’d at least beg people to do so, let alone not close facilities.
Screenshot of a newsletter from the city of Ottawa that reads, “Plan your travels ahead on Canada Day
Getting around downtown on Canada Day will be complicated with numerous road closures and parking restrictions, especially near Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court of Canada and LeBreton Flats. Plan your route ahead of time and expect delays.

If you’re planning on seeing the fireworks downtown, be sure to arrive as early as possible. Events sites and areas with views of the fireworks usually fill up quickly and travel options will be limited due to road closures and transit impacts in those locations.

OC Transpo
OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across the city, with free service all day on trains, buses and…”Screenshot of a newsletter from the city of Ottawa that reads, 
“Booth Street from Albert Street to Somerset Street West

Multi-use pathways and cycling routes in the areas surrounding LeBreton Flats will be closed from Wednesday, July 1 at 6 am to Thursday, July 2 at 2 am.

The Chief William Commanda Bridge will be closed from Tuesday, June 30 at 8 pm to Thursday, July 2 at 2 am.

Impacted bridges
Downtown bridges between Ontario and Quebec will be affected:
Alexandra Bridge: Open to pedestrians and northbound vehicles; the southbound lane will be closed from Wednesday, July 1 at 6 am to midnight.
Chaudière Crossing: Closed in both
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Six people biking and no people driving—during rush hour downtown. Remind me again why we have car lanes on Laurier W? #OttBike #Centretown
Photo of a street with six people biking in a cycle track and no cars being driven.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Hintonburg! Why aren’t you planting these boulevards up with native wildflowers?? They’re just waiting to nourish and home pollinators. (Also: do we really need all these car facilities? I don’t see anyone using them…)
Photo of a cycling facility ordered by a boulevard filled with low weeds.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Real winner of a detour by @en.ottawa.ca here: sidewalk blocked in the middle of a long bridge, and an arrow instructing #OttWalk to cross in the middle of said four-lane bridge with no curb cut or ramp provided. At least #OttBike gets a couple pylons before they’re directed into car traffic...
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Don’t kill the messenger, but I think that might be it for skating this year. @rideaucanalskate.bsky.social
Photo of a tree-line canal with the water very much in liquid form.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Hot dang, I knew someday we’d find out how the money comes out. Tbh, I was sure it was leprechauns.
Photo of a bank machine with the screen popped out and someone behind it, looking at a cell phone.
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It's Jamie @sjamieit.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
I (quickly) threw the city's road resurfacing dataset into an interactive webmap. This is the data that the city used for the 2025 Asset Management Plan. The map shows all the roads that need to be resurfaced in the next 10 years, most are already overdue for resurfacing according to the city.
sjamieit.github.io
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Mary Grace @emgeekay.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
If we really want "nation-building" projects, let's start with affordable childcare and improve our healthcare system. Caring for Canadians is nation building. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
5 years on, Ontario says long-term viability of federal daycare program at risk | CBC News
It’s been five years since the federal government launched its plan for a $10-a-day daycare program. While the move has been described as life-changing by parents who have been able to access more aff...
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
A couple kinda cool things happening here: 1) A dedicated channel for people biking #OttBike. 2) filling the median with not just vegetation, but trees—albeit they were there first. So maybe it’s @en.ottawa.ca going to length to preserve trees. I wish it were all good news, but 👇
Photo of a dedicated channel for people biking, with cement on either side, and construction signage and pylons around.Photo of a median, apparently freshly created, with two trees and some stray construction signage in the middle, which is a bed.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
*Finally* getting a modicum of protection for people biking on Lyon N—but really, a modicum, and very overdue. #OttBike
Photo of a street with a bike line and a pinned curb separating it from car lanes.
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
First time I’ve seen “public transit” among the cash back categories on a credit card. Bravo, TD Bank. Now to get a) gas removed from this list and b) grocery stores to reimburse transit fares at the cash.
Photo of a list of categories offering cash back on a credit card that reads, “Grocery, Gas & Electric Vehicle Charging, Public Transit:
3% Cash Back Dollars
Recurring Bill Payments,
Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media:
3% Cash Back Dollars
All other purchases:
1% Cash Back Dollars”
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Nobody was using this parking lot this afternoon, they should probably replace it with housing or trees or literally anything else.
Photo of a vast car-parking lot with a only couple cars parked in it.
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The Beaverton @thebeaverton.com · 14/05/2026
Carney announces environment to be eliminated as cost-cutting measure
thebeaverton.com
Carney announces environment to be eliminated as cost-cutting measure
EDMONTON - I addition to his announcement lowering industrial carbon pricing specifically just for Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a plan to eliminate all of Canada's environment in o...
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Wait till they hear about car infrastructure.
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Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌 @christaggart.com · 14/05/2026
Ever wonder how cities can tackle sneaky "Scope 3" emissions? 🏗️ Ottawa’s community carbon footprint includes third-party contractors doing road work. Right now, most crews rely on loud, continuously idling diesel generators. There's a much cleaner, quieter way to build.👇 (1/5)
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Domenick @domenick-ev.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Using Jesus to sanctify an industry built on environmental destruction isn’t faith, it’s marketing. The Bible consistently warns against leaders who “call evil good” to serve their own interests. Christians should be the first to challenge this spiritual manipulation. www.desmog.com/2026/05/13/o...
desmog.com
Oil Pipelines Align With Jesus, Danielle Smith Tells Christian Leaders
Building a new oil pipeline to the west coast of Canada is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told a gathering of Christian leaders and organizations from across th...
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William van Geest @wvangeest.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
I…don’t even know what to say. Somehow feels like a good illustration of our current governments’ thinking on energy.
Photo of a Facebook marketplace add entitled “gasoline powered laptop.” The photo shows a laptop with a sort of mechanical contraption attached to it. Price is $150.
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