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A Tangent About Cars
Cars (and other motor vehicles), in the way we’ve designed and built cities these days, are typically the most convenient and flexible way to get places. The key here is to think about how monumental a task it has been to get out of the way of cars to have that be the case. Cars…
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What a Difference Accessible Infrastructure Makes
I want to give a massive shoutout to the city of Ottawa for continuing to maintain the parts of this path system that they’ve committed to, to the best of their ability (and it has really been solid!). This has made school drop-off every day this winter on foot way easier (not to mention getting…
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What to Expect When You’re Expecting… to Drive Everywhere
In many North American communities, the prevailing expectation is that driving is the primary, if not the only, way to get around. This assumption has shaped our transportation infrastructure in ways that often go unnoticed but have significant impacts on accessibility and livability. Streets and even whole suburban neighbourhoods are designed with cars in mind.…
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In the Suburbs, Everything Looks Like a Drive
The title of this post references the old adage, “When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” This saying is especially true when it comes to transportation in suburban Ottawa. If all you have is a car, everything looks like a drive. I have come to reject this car-dependent framing, not…
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Rethinking Suburban Living – A Path to Resilience and Affordability
As a resident of our suburban neighborhood with family roots here since the early 90s, I’ve come to appreciate the tranquility, space, and sense of calm that comes with living outside the hustle and bustle of the inner city. The wide streets, ample yards, and peaceful environment are some of the things people cherish most…
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Restoring the Heart of the Suburbs
Today, I’d like to share an idea with you. This might be something you have never thought about before, and in fact it may be a lot of work up front to convince you that thinking about this is even worth your time. If you’ve felt at one time or another – over the last…
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A Weekend in the Suburbs With No Car
For many suburban parents, reading the title of this article might send shivers down your spine. For a lot of families, one car per adult in the household is pretty typical, unless a car is in the shop or out of commission for some other reason. In my case, one of the reasons we are…
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In Ontario Transportation Hobby News
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Bike Commute and Errands – August 7, 2024
In a single, normal day, I biked over 41 km on my ebike. Starting in Orleans, I went downtown for work, then from downtown to the Ottawa Hospital (main campus), and finally from the hospital home. This trip was absolutely made possible (and was much cheaper and less physically demanding) by my ebike. And the…
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Orleans Blvd Overpass Design
I am writing today about the Orleans Blvd overpass design updates (Stage 2 LRT Station Connectivity Enhancement Study | Convent Glen Station (Orléans Boulevard)) which sort of came and went quietly since last year (and I was even trying to pay attention!). I understand that the solution proposed last year had its issues (namely conflict…
This site is full of ideas, each of which aim for just a little less car. LessCar.ca is a part of and supports the mission of Strong Towns Ottawa, check that out for a broader view at improving the places people live. I am also a Director on the Board of the Convent Glen / Orleans Wood Community Association, trying to do what I can to enact the Orleans Corridor Secondary Plan. I’m also on the board of Bike Ottawa, doing my part to make the suburbs friendlier to cycling and active transportation.
Send a message to mail [at] lesscar [dot] ca if you would like to share an idea or write something to post here. I’m based in Orleans, Ontario (suburb of Ottawa), but less car is a good thing anywhere.