How a city organizes its space—its land use and population density—has a profound impact on its financial health and the daily lives of its residents. Denser, more compact urban areas are better able to generate tax revenue to pay for amenities and services because they accommodate more homes and businesses on less land. A single …
Category: Column
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/28/orleans-untapped-potential-st-joseph-vs-centretown/#new_tab
Jun 27
My Delegation and Comments on the Transportation Master Plan – Rob Attrell – June 26, 2025
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to speak to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC; formerly the Transportation Committee) about the final draft of Ottawa’s Transportation Master Plan. When you do this (which I had never done before), you get 5 minutes to speak on the item, and councillors can then ask you questions …
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/27/my-delegation-and-comments-on-the-transportation-master-plan-june-26-2025/#new_tab
Jun 17
The Vacation Paradox: What Our Getaways Reveal About the Places We Build
As summer approaches, the annual ritual of vacation planning begins. For many, this means dreaming of destinations that offer a distinct break from the everyday. But as you map out your getaway to a bustling resort, a vibrant theme park, or a luxurious cruise ship, consider a curious paradox: for many who cherish the quiet, …
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/17/the-vacation-paradox-what-our-getaways-reveal-about-the-places-we-build/#new_tab
Jun 16
A Community for Small Businesses
We had our first two Community Cafés on Sunday, June 8 and 15, and the event has been a great success. Arnold’s coffee trike is working quite well, and I look forward to seeing how it will evolve to serve more people as this event grows. The event provided me with an opportunity to …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/a-community-for-small-businesses
May 29
Reflections as a Road Victim
Matthieu Gagnon was injured in a serious collision between his bicycle and a pick-up truck on a busy roadway in April. Photo by JEAN LEVAC /POSTMEDIA The Crash On April 7, while riding on Beechwood to get to work, I suddenly ended up in an ambulance with no recollection of how I got there. According to the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/reflections-as-a-road-victim
May 29
Who I Am and Why I’m Here – Matthieu
Who I Am I grew up the hill in Chateauneuf. My family has been in Orléans for generations. According to SFOPHO, my maternal grandmother’s family arrived in 1864. I grew up hearing stories about Orléans before the developers arrived. I have experienced being a child, a teenager, and an adult in this community. Growing …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/who-i-am-and-why-im-here-matthieu
May 28
The Problems with St-Joseph
Matthieu Gagnon, Vice-President A couple of weeks ago, after the fatality on Innes Boulevard, a journalist reached out to our association to get a community perspective on the collision, which led to this piece by that journalist on the road safety issues of stroads like Innes. I wanted to take the opportunity to …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/the-problems-with-st-joseph
Apr 29
Who Are Bike Lanes For?
Matthieu Gagnon, Vice-President There has been a lot of talk about bike lanes recently because the province got involved in municipal affairs with Bill 212. I have also been expecting plans for bike lanes on and near Orléans Boulevard between the river and Notre-Dame for a long time. Whenever I post something on Facebook, …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/who-are-bike-lanes-for