Waterfront Toronto is a public advocacy group formed in 2001 to plan the city's extensive waterfront revitalization. In early Sept., Mayor Rob Ford announced he was taking over and turning the land into a giant mall park. Urbanists to the rescue!
Urbanist powers, activate! Richard Florida (a resident of Toronto) and 147 urbanist professionals and academics wrote a letter to the Toronto City Council asking them to prevent the power grab. Yesterday, 9/22, Royson James reports that the urbanists' message was heard:
"In an unprecedented, mind-bending political reversal, Toronto City Council dismissed the Rob Ford administration's planned takeover of the waterfront, leaving Waterfront Toronto in charge of the multi-billion-dollar revitalization."
Richard Florida comments: "It is a tremendous victory for urbanism-and for a greener, more prosperous, and more sustainable tomorrow."
FULL STORY: Toronto's Waterfront Moment
Why Toronto Will Never Be A Great City
Toronto Star architecture critic Christopher Hume writes that a recent controversy in the city over a proposed waterfront sports complex highlights why Toronto will never be a great city.
High Rising Along Toronto's Lakefront
Officials in Toronto have announced plans to densify the city's waterfront with a redevelopment effort that stands to create high rises along the lakefront.
Toronto Condo Sales Drop 75%
In two of Canada’s most expensive cities, more condos were built than ever — and sales are plummeting.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.
Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
Toronto Condo Sales Drop 75%
In two of Canada’s most expensive cities, more condos were built than ever — and sales are plummeting.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)