2010 Mayors Race

[Muta]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

Also, I wonder if anyone will propose the Stephen Avenue Subway.

It's funny that we debate a single stretch of subway line in Calgary, like it's a life or death situation.

Here in Toronto, one of the candidates for the mayoral election is promising apprx. 2 km's of new subway track PER YEAR under his platform. And people here love the idea. People want the subway expanded, and yes, it's pricey to build, but it's an essential service. In fact, all the candidates want to expand the subway system.

I use it everyday, and it's hugely important - and EFFICIENT - for Torontonians. Especially in a northern climate like Canada's. I can go anywhere in this city without owning a vehicle, and it's a huge city.

For the record, I am all for installing subway track in Calgary. I, personally, would like to see a subway system installed in this city, with inital plans to link downtown tio all the major semi-inner city neighbourhoods. Have your downtown stations, have a station in Kensington and at SAIT, have a station at Mount Royal, have a station at Chinook Centre, have a station at the Zoo / new Science Centre location. And that's just off the top of my head.

Will it happen? Not likely in my lifetime. Atleast, until a philosophical shift in urban planning comes from some new minds down at City Hall. Fortunately, I do think that Kent Hehr, judging by some of his early comments, seems to believe in a vision for Calgary that expands beyond pulling from our own limited, municipal borders and braintrusts.

[frinkprof]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Well whats the definition of inner city?

This is open to interpretation. Here's my (sort of) interpretation (along with other areas of the city) that I posted in another thread.





Google Maps Link

Other interpretations I've heard are to basically draw a line where the gridded road pattern ends and everything inside is more or less "inner city" or at least is different in a way from everything outside the line.

Really though, I'm not a fan of the "inner city vs. suburbs" arguments. It's a false dichotomy and doesn't have much practical use. I should note that I made the map above for another purpose, not to argue inner city vs. suburbs.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by nik-

I was referring to Tyler demanding infrastructure because he doesn't have it in the deep SE.

Yes, how dare he demand something.

Ah well, forget it. People in the inner city have all the amenities, there's no cost for upkeep, there's no upgrading of infrastructure going on there at all, and therefore all the taxes you pay somehow end up paying for roads elsewhere, even though there's a massive gas tax of 50%, some of which actually goes to paying those roads.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

Really though, I'm not a fan of the "inner city vs. suburbs" arguments. It's a false dichotomy and doesn't have much practical use.

Well, I'm glad someone else besides me understands that.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by nik-

I was referring to Tyler demanding infrastructure because he doesn't have it in the deep SE.

We don't have an LRT in pretty much the ENTIRE SE.

That's an entire quadrant, and probably a few hundred thousand people, that have no direct line servicing their communities.

I don't think that it's unreasonable for people living in this area to be DEMANDING that vital infrastructure in our area catch up with the rest of the city's.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Shazam

Yes, how dare he demand something.

Ah well, forget it. People in the inner city have all the amenities, there's no cost for upkeep, there's no upgrading of infrastructure going on there at all, and therefore all the taxes you pay somehow end up paying for roads elsewhere, even though there's a massive gas tax of 50%, some of which actually goes to paying those roads.

It's his right to buy where he wants, he's not guaranteed anything and should know what's there when he buys.

Police will come to his house, so will Firemen, he's not promised a fancy interchange or an LRT line right away.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by nik-

It's his right to buy where he wants, he's not guaranteed anything and should know what's there when he buys.

Police will come to his house, so will Firemen, he's not promised a fancy interchange or an LRT line right away.

Well exactly, so how can you fault him for asking for something?

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by nik-

That's your choice, and you have the right to make it. However, it costs more and takes time to get the infrastructure to those extremes of the city. People should learn this before they make their choices.

That's sort of the issue. People support guys like Blinky because his whole agenda to keep costs down, but don't realize that their own lifestyle is not the most efficient one for a city to have either.

They rail against an inner city bridge being a waste of money, but then when you call them out on construction in neighborhoods nobody but them visits, it then suddenly becomes a lifestyle/freedom argument. Can't have it both ways....you either accept the lifestyle argument and realize that others want nice things that you have to pitch in for.... or you support cost-cutting for infrastructure but also realize that denser living situations are more sustainable financially.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Table 5

That's sort of the issue. People support guys like Blinky because his whole agenda to keep costs down, but don't realize that their own lifestyle is not the most efficient one for a city to have either.

They rail against an inner city bridge being a waste of money, but then when you call them out on construction in neighborhoods nobody but them visits, it then suddenly becomes a lifestyle/freedom argument. Can't have it both ways....you either accept the lifestyle argument and realize that others want nice things that you have to pitch in for.... or you support cost-cutting for infrastructure but also realize that denser living situations are more sustainable financially.

How are denser living situations more sustainable financially? Realize that you live in NYC, which is very dense and the most expensive city in NA to live in.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Shazam

How are denser living situations more sustainable financially? Realize that you live in NYC, which is very dense and the most expensive city in NA to live in.

You're mistaking infrastructure costs for cost of living.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by nik-

You're mistaking infrastructure costs for cost of living.

So there's no link between the two?

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Shazam

How are denser living situations more sustainable financially? Realize that you live in NYC, which is very dense and the most expensive city in NA to live in.

From a city perspective, theres much less to pay for per citizen. When you stack people 20 floors high, you need to build much fewer roads, pipes etc. You can build more subways/higher quality roads because there's less distance to build and maintain.

Don't get me wrong though, NYC has it's money issues, but thats a whole other conversation!

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Table 5

From a city perspective, theres much less to pay for per citizen. When you stack people 20 floors high, you need to build much fewer roads, pipes etc. You can build more subways/higher quality roads because there's less distance to build and maintain.

Don't get me wrong though, NYC has it's money issues!

So if it's not infrastructure costs that makes their budget so untenable, what is it?

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Shazam

So if it's not infrastructure costs that makes their budget so untenable, what is it?

Well among many things, New York was founded in 1664.....just imagine that sheer amount of old infrastructure and stuff that is underground. It takes decades to build a subway line here....and it's extremely expensive to do anything of that nature. There's a bridge not too far from me, that they are estimating will cost one BILLION dollars to replace. America is in the midst of an infrastructure nightmare. NY metro has 19 million people.....not sure if comparing it to Calgary is a smart path to go down. There are way too many differences.

Btw, I don't think Calgary is very cost effective any more either. It used to be, but when it takes 400-500k to buy a dinky house, that's not that great on the wallet.

[frinkprof]

Originally Posted by Table 5

America is in the midst of an infrastructure nightmare.

Parts of Canada too. Just look at Montreal, Quebec City, cities in the maritimes, etc.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

Parts of Canada too. Just look at Montreal, Quebec City, cities in the maritimes, etc.

I'm pretty sure most large urban centers in North America are suffering from infrastructure problems.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Please name a neighbourhood a stones throw from downtown that isnt older than dirt or filled with overpriced infills.

Besides whats not fun about using sarcasm in an argument?

We got into North Glenmore Park last year for under 400k. 1100 sq ft bungalow with triple detached car garage on a 55' x 125' lot on a quiet cul-de-sac.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by fotze

I bet George Michael would like North Glenmore Park.

With all those older men "jogging" in their blue jeans through Weaselhead.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Unique amenities and no one asks questions until you dump a load.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by fotze

Thanks x1000. I should register more accounts so I can thank this post more.