Quote:
Originally Posted by SebC
You're missing the point. It's not about patting ourselves on the back. It's genuinely about improving our communities, since more people in the inner city = more retail, more services, better hours, taller condos, etc. It's also altruistic because those people who haven't tried it don't realize how much awesomer their lives would be without their "20 minute" communtes unless we tell them!I would argue that walking to downtown beats it.
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I grew up in a Calgary suburb and I didn't realize how awesome higher-density living and walkable communities were until I moved to Vancouver for school. I have a my car with me but on average I only drive it once a week. The last couple I've only driven it once. Where I live, there are 3 -5 different buses I can take that go to UBC, dowtown etc. I can walk to safeway, 5 different fruit/veggie shops, lots of pubs, tons of restaurants, boutique shops, doctor, dentist... etc. Beach is just 5 min bus away. Basically everything you need! Only time I really drive is if I want to go to Costco or go to North Van for a hike.
I've even found that I've lost a decent amount of weight just because of how much walking I do here.
If I ever move back to Calgary, I definitely won't be going to the burbs. I'm glad Nenshi is trying to alter the attitude in Calgary. If Calgary wants to become a truly world class city, we need to improve our urban living. On another note I read that the city hired a fairly renowned urban planner. Another great step!
/cool story bro