Category: Urbanism

CA is for Change Agent

woman wearing teal dress sitting on chair talking to man

Photo by Jopwell on Pexels.com Matthieu Gagnon, Vice-President Since I joined the community association, I have been thinking about what role we should take when it comes to advocating for our community needs, which is one of the elements of our new strategic plan. The community association is in a weird spot …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/ca-is-for-change-agent

New Urbanism in Troubled Times

houses near road

Photo by Michael Tuszynski on Pexels.com Matthieu Gagnon, Vice-President I am currently writing this in the wake of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The tableau made it clear that our closest neighbour has been captured by oligarchs who do not have the best interests of their citizens in mind let alone the interests of foreigners …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/new-urbanism-in-troubled-times

What to Expect When You’re Expecting… to Drive Everywhere

bicycle lane on asphalt road of residential district

In many North American communities, the prevailing expectation is that driving is the primary, if not the only, way to get around.

Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/01/25/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-to-drive-everywhere/#new_tab

Building a Stronger Sense of Community: Why It Matters

high angle shot of suburban neighborhood

Photo by David McBee on Pexels.com In today’s digitally connected world, it’s easy to feel isolated despite being surrounded by people. Building closer relationships with our neighbors can counteract this isolation and bring numerous benefits to our lives. As a member of the community association, I believe fostering a sense of community cohesiveness …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/building-a-stronger-sense-of-community-why-it-matters

Learning About Roundabouts: Steering Towards a Safer, More Efficient Community

aerial view of cars on the road

Photo by Altaf Shah on Pexels.com As a proud member of the board of our community association in Convent Glen Orleans Wood, I am a huge proponent of the maintaining the charm and tranquility of our neighbourhood. We all cherish the sense of familiarity and the ease of getting around without needing to …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/learning-about-roundabouts-steering-towards-a-safer-more-efficient-community

In the Suburbs, Everything Looks Like a Drive

landscape photography of cars

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2024/12/29/in-the-suburbs-everything-looks-like-a-drive/#new_tab

Rethinking Suburban Living – A Path to Resilience and Affordability

high angle photography of village

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2024/12/22/rethinking-suburban-living-a-path-to-resilience-and-affordability/#new_tab

Third places in Convent Glen Orléans Wood

people inside bar

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com Matthieu Gagnon, Vice-President The Pumpkin Alley organized by my fellow community association board member, Arnold van den Hoeven, made me realize two important things, our neighbours are generally awesome and we need more of these types of things. The highlight of the event to me was …

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Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/third-places-in-convent-glen-orleans-wood