We need more of this real-world analysis - complex issues, presented in easy to understand terms. There are consequences to our policy choices - the solutions to which need to start to appeal to the full spectrum of Ottawa residents or else we risk losing what we have built in this community. This is an excellent start in terms of positioning the challenge
This summary also lends more credibility to a number of Neil's other posts. Because much of what is proposed in other posts doesn't work without changes to provincial laws that effectively mandate greenfield development (e.g. requirements for land supply).
For example, opposing all road widenings, as Neil has done in other posts, isn't realistic as long as we're going to keep piling more people into nearby greenfields. The crux here is that in Ontario, provincial law doesn't give cities a choice.
While not anywhere near as undersupplied as public transit anywhere outside the core, road capacity in a number of previously greenfield areas is severely undersupplied in Ottawa.
This is precisely the kind of argument that will resonate with the average Ottawa resident who is otherwise not involved in municipal affairs. Nobody likes a 2-3% tax hike with nothing to show for it.
We need more of this real-world analysis - complex issues, presented in easy to understand terms. There are consequences to our policy choices - the solutions to which need to start to appeal to the full spectrum of Ottawa residents or else we risk losing what we have built in this community. This is an excellent start in terms of positioning the challenge
Interesting angle (and numbers) to contemplate.
Follow the incentives....
Excellent summary of a poorly understood phenomenon. Thanks for this.
This summary also lends more credibility to a number of Neil's other posts. Because much of what is proposed in other posts doesn't work without changes to provincial laws that effectively mandate greenfield development (e.g. requirements for land supply).
For example, opposing all road widenings, as Neil has done in other posts, isn't realistic as long as we're going to keep piling more people into nearby greenfields. The crux here is that in Ontario, provincial law doesn't give cities a choice.
While not anywhere near as undersupplied as public transit anywhere outside the core, road capacity in a number of previously greenfield areas is severely undersupplied in Ottawa.
This is precisely the kind of argument that will resonate with the average Ottawa resident who is otherwise not involved in municipal affairs. Nobody likes a 2-3% tax hike with nothing to show for it.