Ottawa's Greenbelt may be a "paradise" for its residents but some planner believe that it is a mistake and contributes to sprawl.
It is the capital's "emerald necklace," a green belt of farms, fields, woodland, wetlands and wildlife around the city that Ottawa residents love and defend jealously...While a treasure to residents, many urban planners, historians and academics view the Greenbelt as a $40-million boondoggle, a vast belt that is choking the city, fuelling urban sprawl and draining millions of dollars from taxpayers... But for what it was established primarily to do -- curb sprawl, minimize servicing costs and protect rural areas -- most planners say it has been a bust."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Ottawa's 'emerald necklace'

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

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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