Ontario
Toronto's New Building Code Adds Height for Wood-Framed Buildings
The beginning of 2015 saw changes to Toronto's building code that will allow wood construction up to six stories. Supporters of the code change see multiple potential benefits from the code change.
Parking Meter Revenues Donated to Santa Claus Fund for Low Income Families
A small town in Northern Ontario, Canada, annually gives its parking meter revenues over a two-week period to a fund providing aid for low income families over the holidays.
Food Deserts Won't be Quenched by Mobile Markets
While mobile food markets can bring healthy produce to neighborhoods without grocery stores, their current model for driving food around cities is not financially sustainable.
Toronto to Narrow its Traffic Lanes
Toronto will begin rolling out a program to narrow traffic lanes on the city's streets. The new lane policy, recently completed, was in the works for the past year.
Great Lakes Leaders Call for Drinking Water Protections
In light of August's drinking water catastrophe in Toledo, Ohio, Great Lakes mayors gathered this week to call for policy action to protect water resources round the Great Lakes.
Ottawa Offers Lessons in Transitioning from BRT to Light Rail
Nour Aoude examines the planning efforts behind Ottawa's new Confederation light rail line, which will replace sections of the over-used Transitway bus rapid transit line.
Chicago Metra Rail Struggles with High Rates of Suicide
Chicago's Metra commuter rail service has a big problem on its hands: Distressed people are resorting to using train tracks to end their lives at a higher rate than in other major cities. Would partnering with a suicide-hotline agency stem the tide?
How Toronto is Making its Commuter Rail More Like Rapid Transit
Fifteen years in the making, Toronto is finally seeing increased ridership of its main commuter rail system, GO Transit, by changing its model from primarily serving suburban commuters to providing "all-day regional transit service."
Examining the Ottawa Cycling Plan for Lessons of Suburban Biking Success
An article by Nour Aoude begins with the premise: "Leaving suburbs out of the biking conversation risks turning biking into a privilege of the few who can afford to live in dense, downtown neighbourhoods."
How Tall is Too Tall?
What is the best height to promote good urban living? It needs to be high to attain necessary density but not so high that it detracts from the quality of life, particularly for existing residents. In short, what is the Goldilocks height level?
Engage; Don’t Rage: Use a Design Charrette to Negotiate Your Next Development Proposal
Despite the investments required of a design charrette, Robert Freedman makes the case that the process can save time and money on complex projects by way of three primary benefits.
Toronto Asks Its 'Hidden Experts' How to Improve Transit
Laura Kane listens to the ideas of three of Toronto’s ‘hidden’ transit experts – those who have spent their careers on it's front-lines. A streetcar driver, repair worker, and a transit app developer share their pragmatic insights.
Mid-Rise: Density at a Human Scale
All growing cities must find ways to develop at appropriate, transit-supporting densities without overwhelming the surrounding context. The human-scaled, mid-rise building can be a solution—but achieving a good neighbourhood “fit” is not easy.
Canadian Housing Market on Shaky Ground
Real estate experts believe that a market correction is overdue for Canada’s inflated real estate market, however, prices are expected to continue rising in the short-and medium-term.
Why Privatizing Transit Won’t Get Toronto Anywhere
Full or partial privatization of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) would likely result in diminished service and a less expansive transit network.
Developer Bows in Downtown Toronto Big Box Battle
Torontonians who have been fighting a Walmart in Downtown’s belovedly indie Kensington Market neigbourhood appear to have won their battle against a goliath developer. A revised development proposal features significantly scaled-down retail units.
Condo Developers Respond to Demand for Dog Amenities
As Toronto's condo-boom continues, condo buyers and councillors alike are calling for developments to be designed with canines in mind. Developers are now looking to include amenities like “pet spas” and rooftop 'dog runs' in their developments.
Researchers Link Density, Destinations to Active Transportation Habits
What, exactly, makes a neighborhood walkable? A new study published in the science journal PLOS-ONE begins to answer that question.
Report Favours Razing Portion of Toronto's Gardiner Expressway
A new report examines Toronto’s options for the crumbling Gardiner Expressway and speaks favourably to the city-building and economic benefits of demolishing the elevated eyesore, a view not shared by Mayor Rob Ford.
Why New Transfer Rules Would Benefit Toronto’s Most Marginalized
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is considering switching its single-trip transfer system to a more flexible time-based system allowing short return trips to be made without paying twice. Low-income and marginalized riders stand to benefit most.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
