Policy Options Facing Canadian Cities

Canadian cities are renowned for their livability, but they still face many difficult challenges.

1 minute read

February 15, 2004, 11:00 AM PST

By Zvi Leve


The latest issue of the Canadian public policy magazine 'Policy Options' is all about Canada's cities. This issue contains articles describing: the growing importance of Canada's metropolitan regions, and the oft-forgotten importance of well-designed civic spaces; the problems of sprawl, congestion, and gridlock; the need for a new urban policy paradigm; and much more.Policy Options is Canada's premier public policy magazine. Its goal is to encourage an informed debate on the important public policy issues of today, and of tomorrow. [Editors note - links are to the individual articles in PDF format.]

Thanks to Zvi Leve

Saturday, February 14, 2004 in Policy Options

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 20, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Cars driving under automatic congestion pricing toll machines on Broadway next to the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, New York City.

Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off

After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.

October 13, 2026 - Marcelo Remond

A row of tiny homes in Denver

Denver is solving homelessness. Why aren't the rest of us?

Since 2023, Denver's street homeless population has decreased by 64%, proving that effective tools exist to support those in need of housing.

October 14, 2026 - New York Times

A flooded street in Michigan. A car is driving away from the camera. The water is up past the car's tires.

Michigan needs billions to save its water infrastructure. The state won't fund it

Michigan needs to invest $2.8 billion per year over the next 20 years to fix its water infrastructure. The FY 2027 budget allocates only $27.9 million.

October 22 - University Of Michigan

Trump in a navy suit frowns at the camera.

Trump asks Supreme Court to allow border wall through Texas national park

Judge Kathleen Cardone previously blocked the Big Bend border wall project, and Texas’ Land Commissioner has spoken out against it as well.

October 22 - New York Times

A yellow, two-story building named Ferns with two American flags.

This MA town is drowning in its own sewage — and residents like it that way

Susan Murcott, a waste water expert, said if Carlisle didn't address their leaking sewage, the problem could turn “deadly.”

October 22 - Boston Globe