That's true, but then that would require a reduction in what we invest in cars...good luck with that, haha.
The best way for this region as a whole to continue to evolve in a positive, progressive manner would be by having younger and more progressive people get involved with politics. Most of the council - whether it's regional or in the 3 different cities - are old people. There's nothing wrong with that, but certain generations tend to think certain ways and they understand the game a lot more (i.e. how to appeal to their constituents so they stay in power). Younger politicians, on the other hand, are from a newer generation who tend to have much better understandings of various problems and issues. They can also be much more willing to take chances in terms of how they vote on things, what they do with money, how they deal with bad PR from angry NIMBYS etc.
But yeah. There's a lot involved, but most of all regardless of how the region/cities tackle projects, it takes a bold, new, progressive vision for things. Fresh ideas, new minds, broader understandings/theories/goals. This entire Northfield thing is a disaster, but I was surprised to read Bytor's comment that "I've been looking at the satellite photos of Northfield over the Expressway, and I must admit that I just don't see away to do that bike lane any differently.". For me, one look at the satellite photos and my architect mind is overlaying mental sketches on what I'm seeing and thinking of all sorts of creative ways you could safely get people across this awful stretch of road. The biggest issues are things like a lack of vision, money (where it comes from, how much would be willing to be spent, not pissing off tax-conscious residents when something has a high price tag) and political will power - or in our local case, a general lack of it.
I should just become Regional Chair and the mayor of all 3 cities...why not president of GRT while we're at it. I'll turn us into the best (and best looking) North American city there ever has been. :^P
The best way for this region as a whole to continue to evolve in a positive, progressive manner would be by having younger and more progressive people get involved with politics. Most of the council - whether it's regional or in the 3 different cities - are old people. There's nothing wrong with that, but certain generations tend to think certain ways and they understand the game a lot more (i.e. how to appeal to their constituents so they stay in power). Younger politicians, on the other hand, are from a newer generation who tend to have much better understandings of various problems and issues. They can also be much more willing to take chances in terms of how they vote on things, what they do with money, how they deal with bad PR from angry NIMBYS etc.
But yeah. There's a lot involved, but most of all regardless of how the region/cities tackle projects, it takes a bold, new, progressive vision for things. Fresh ideas, new minds, broader understandings/theories/goals. This entire Northfield thing is a disaster, but I was surprised to read Bytor's comment that "I've been looking at the satellite photos of Northfield over the Expressway, and I must admit that I just don't see away to do that bike lane any differently.". For me, one look at the satellite photos and my architect mind is overlaying mental sketches on what I'm seeing and thinking of all sorts of creative ways you could safely get people across this awful stretch of road. The biggest issues are things like a lack of vision, money (where it comes from, how much would be willing to be spent, not pissing off tax-conscious residents when something has a high price tag) and political will power - or in our local case, a general lack of it.
I should just become Regional Chair and the mayor of all 3 cities...why not president of GRT while we're at it. I'll turn us into the best (and best looking) North American city there ever has been. :^P