Transportation planning
European Cities Commit to More Cycling
By James Kanter, Green Inc. New York TImes More than half of the global population now lives in urban environments, and many people who formerly relied on bicycles for transport now have access to cars and motorbikes. Motorization has brought surges in congestion, pollution and other safety risks.
But Manfred Neun, the president of the European Cyclists’ Federation, said many of the present trends can be reversed.
Metro Vancouver's growth strategy hits interference
Most of the time, municipal politicians follow the advice of senior staff. So whenever an elected official publicly disagrees with a civil servant's recommendation at a public meeting, it has the potential to create some tension.
Taxes and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Whistler
Tax time in WhistlerBy Bob Barnett
It's probably not a coincidence that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) holds its annual meeting a week after most homeowners receive their tax notices. The meeting gives municipal politicians a chance to get out of town and escape the wrath of voters seething over tax increases - and this year they are all convening and commiserating in Whistler.
Toronto Makes Green Roofs the Law, Approves Controversial Bike Lanes
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.28.09Roofs make up 21% of the area of Toronto, so it is logical that they should be put to good use. Now they will be green; by a stunning 36-2 vote, council approved new rules that require green roofs on residential buildings next year and on industrial buildings in two years. Like most good legislation, people at both ends don't like it;
'Greenest city' plan touts economic growth
On a couch in the spacious living room of his heritage home, nestled among trees in a quiet corner of Dunbar, University of B.C. professor Bill Rees adjusts his eyeglasses, strokes his salt-and-pepper beard and leans forward to speak.
"Society hasn't faced the fact that the economy has to shrink," says Rees, in the rehearsed manner of a veteran lecturer. "We should be in a planned recession, not the full blown uncontrolled collapse as it is right now."
Vancouver merchant awarded $600,000 in lawsuit over transit line
CBC Online, May 28, 2009
A Vancouver merchant who moved her business because of problems caused by the construction of a rapid transit line has won a $600,000 judgment against two B.C. government agencies and a construction consortium.
Susan Heyes, who owns the maternity wear store Hazel and Co., sued three levels of government, two government agencies and the company building the line after she said she lost $900,000 and had to remortgage her home because construction of the Canada Line route stopped customers from visiting her shop.
Recession drives more commuters to transit
TransLink reported 9 million more rides last year while ICBC claims costs fell $26 millionMore long-haul commuters are buying monthly transit passes and riding the West Coast Express as they start to feel the squeeze of the recession.
Peterborough Council Votes to Recognize Transition Town Status
City council votes to recognize Transition TownPosted By BRENDAN WEDLEY/Examiner Municipal Writer
City council voted last night to recognize Transition Town Peterborough, a grassroots organization that focuses on peak oil issues and climate change.
