By focusing on active mobility and becoming a transit-first city, Ottawa has enormous potential to shift away from car dependence by reorienting infrastructure, policy, and land use toward walking, cycling, and transit. Below are ten revolutionary interventions that could reshape how Ottawa moves—dramatically reducing car mode share and making sustainable options the default choice for …
Category: Urbanism
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/04/30/10-ways-to-reduce-car-dependence-in-ottawa/#new_tab
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
Apr 29
Injured For a Driver’s Convenience
Matthieu Gagnon, Vice-President On April 7, 2025, as I was riding to work from Orléans, I was cut off by a vehicle at Beechwood and Acacia. I am not sure exactly what happened since the collision robbed me of those memories. However, I do know that someone decided to turn left without making sure the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/injured-for-a-drivers-convenience
Apr 29
Ideas For A More Green and Resilient City
Engage Ottawa just launched a new wave of public consultations on making the city more green and resilient. I’m sure I won’t be pitching any new ideas, but I went through the exercise of putting together a few key thoughts on this. Go ahead and steal any of these ideas when you …
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/04/29/ideas-for-a-more-green-and-resilient-city/#new_tab
Apr 16
Sprints and Marathons: What Track Meets Can Teach Us About Cars, Bikes, and Better Cities
When we talk about city planning and transportation, the conversation often turns into a battle of extremes—cars versus bikes, highways versus bike lanes, speed versus sustainability. But maybe we’re framing the issue all wrong. What if, instead of pitting one against the other, we thought of our transportation network the way we think about a …
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/04/16/sprints-and-marathons-what-track-meets-can-teach-us-about-cars-bikes-and-better-cities/#new_tab
Apr 12
You’ve Tried “Buy Local.” Next, Try “Live Local.”
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Most of us have heard the phrase “Buy Local.” It’s a feel-good reminder that shopping close to home supports small businesses and keeps money circulating in our community. And in Convent Glen – Orléans Wood, we’re lucky to have a growing number of independent shops, markets, and services …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/youve-tried-buy-local-next-try-live-local
Apr 10
City Zoning FAQ – Neighbourhood Change
🏘️ Why consider more flexible zoning in our suburban community? After posting lots of content talking up gentle neighbourhood urbanization over the last 6 months or so, I’ve put all of the big questions and concerns raised by residents over zoning and community character in one place. I’ve also provided some information in response to …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/city-zoning-faq-neighbourhood-change
Apr 04
A Superpowered City
In the bustling city of Metropolis, a groundbreaking research project promised to change the world. The project, funded by the wealthiest citizens, aimed to replicate the powers of Superman. For a hefty fee, participants could gain super strength, flight, and other extraordinary abilities. As more people joined the project, Metropolis began to transform.
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/04/04/a-superpowered-city/#new_tab