Melissa Bowman
@dtkmelissa.bsky.social
Passionate about...just about everything! Especially Waterloo Region. 🇨🇦
Author of CitifiedWR blog https://citified.substack.com/
Co-founder of Waterloo Region Yes In My Backyard
"Kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight"
https://linktr.ee/dtkmelissa
Author of CitifiedWR blog https://citified.substack.com/
Co-founder of Waterloo Region Yes In My Backyard
"Kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight"
https://linktr.ee/dtkmelissa
This headline. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Man who took Hamilton bus on joy ride 'did a great job' driving, left no dings, say police | CBC News
He made several stops along the way, allowing passengers to get on and off, police say. He was then arrested.
www.cbc.ca
November 13, 2025 at 12:49 PM
This headline. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Fewer regulations and more Sesame Street, please!
From @shawnmicallef.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
From @shawnmicallef.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Shawn Micallef: How Toronto killed ‘Sesame Street’ with its heritage rules — and how we can bring it back
In the face of opposition from even small groups, the city ends up watering down even the best ideas.
www.thestar.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Fewer regulations and more Sesame Street, please!
From @shawnmicallef.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
From @shawnmicallef.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
If we want to #SupportLocal, we need to create the conditions to allow for more small-scale, independent businesses in our neighbourhood. In Toronto, since 1989, "the number of local neighbourhood retailers has dropped precipitously from 2,137 to 1,406." www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
When even the humble corner store is impossible to open in Toronto, it’s a sign of something deeply wrong
We need to accept that Toronto is now a big city.
www.thestar.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:24 AM
If we want to #SupportLocal, we need to create the conditions to allow for more small-scale, independent businesses in our neighbourhood. In Toronto, since 1989, "the number of local neighbourhood retailers has dropped precipitously from 2,137 to 1,406." www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
"There’s a tendency at city hall to spend too much time tending to the whims of those who grumble about life in the city, instead of those who are bringing life in their city. It might make for good politics — the grumblers definitely vote — but it often makes for lousy governance." -Matt Elliott
Matt Elliott: Now, Toronto has noisy pickleball games in its crosshairs. Are we becoming the City That Fun Forgot?
Tending to the whims of grumblers might make for good politics in election season, but it often makes for lousy governance.
www.thestar.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:58 PM
"There’s a tendency at city hall to spend too much time tending to the whims of those who grumble about life in the city, instead of those who are bringing life in their city. It might make for good politics — the grumblers definitely vote — but it often makes for lousy governance." -Matt Elliott
"Bottom line: you cannot build a more cost efficient city without the density." -Don Iveson buff.ly/vlHvqMK
November 12, 2025 at 12:30 PM
"Bottom line: you cannot build a more cost efficient city without the density." -Don Iveson buff.ly/vlHvqMK
Reposted by Melissa Bowman
In general, it seems silly for cities with 100k+ populations to have part time councillors. Shrink the councils if you need to, but part time councils in medium sized cities seem built to privilege representation from dual income, upper middle class households who can make this work.
November 12, 2025 at 5:33 AM
In general, it seems silly for cities with 100k+ populations to have part time councillors. Shrink the councils if you need to, but part time councils in medium sized cities seem built to privilege representation from dual income, upper middle class households who can make this work.
I really appreciate Jessi's reflections in this latest piece - definitely worth a read. fieryjessi.substack.com/p/we-missed-...
We Missed the Mark as the KW Queer Community
My Personal Take on Recent Events in the KW Queer Community
fieryjessi.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:32 PM
I really appreciate Jessi's reflections in this latest piece - definitely worth a read. fieryjessi.substack.com/p/we-missed-...
"The convenience and choices cars provide can’t be denied, but cars also take priority over people all the time. We’ve structured our entire approach to housing around the needs of cars. In many cases, if a development can’t accommodate enough parking spaces, it can’t be built at all." -Philip Mills
www.therecord.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:02 PM
"The convenience and choices cars provide can’t be denied, but cars also take priority over people all the time. We’ve structured our entire approach to housing around the needs of cars. In many cases, if a development can’t accommodate enough parking spaces, it can’t be built at all." -Philip Mills
Reposted by Melissa Bowman
Budget season is here! Speak up for public transit at budget input meetings happening November 18 and December 3 at 6pm. (1/2)
Sign up to speak: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-...
Learn more about the budget and do the survey: www.engagewr.ca/region-water...
Sign up to speak: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-...
Learn more about the budget and do the survey: www.engagewr.ca/region-water...
November 11, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Budget season is here! Speak up for public transit at budget input meetings happening November 18 and December 3 at 6pm. (1/2)
Sign up to speak: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-...
Learn more about the budget and do the survey: www.engagewr.ca/region-water...
Sign up to speak: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-...
Learn more about the budget and do the survey: www.engagewr.ca/region-water...
Reposted by Melissa Bowman
Kitchener GO Train weekend schedule! (Sat & Sun)
7:49 Kitchener -> Union 9:35
15:49 Kitchener -> Union 17:35
16:48 Union -> Kitchener 18:38
22:48 Union -> Kitchener 00:38
Great (if minimal) start for daytrips into Toronto.
I hope no one in Toronto was planning daytrips to Kitchener.
7:49 Kitchener -> Union 9:35
15:49 Kitchener -> Union 17:35
16:48 Union -> Kitchener 18:38
22:48 Union -> Kitchener 00:38
Great (if minimal) start for daytrips into Toronto.
I hope no one in Toronto was planning daytrips to Kitchener.
November 11, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Kitchener GO Train weekend schedule! (Sat & Sun)
7:49 Kitchener -> Union 9:35
15:49 Kitchener -> Union 17:35
16:48 Union -> Kitchener 18:38
22:48 Union -> Kitchener 00:38
Great (if minimal) start for daytrips into Toronto.
I hope no one in Toronto was planning daytrips to Kitchener.
7:49 Kitchener -> Union 9:35
15:49 Kitchener -> Union 17:35
16:48 Union -> Kitchener 18:38
22:48 Union -> Kitchener 00:38
Great (if minimal) start for daytrips into Toronto.
I hope no one in Toronto was planning daytrips to Kitchener.
Reposted by Melissa Bowman
Announced with much fan fare, the departure times for weekend GO train service are here — just two round trips each day, leaving Kitchener GO at 7:49am and 3:49pm.
November 11, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Announced with much fan fare, the departure times for weekend GO train service are here — just two round trips each day, leaving Kitchener GO at 7:49am and 3:49pm.
"There are too many cars and not enough roads. Absent a radical reform like a congestion charge similar to New York City — where a price on driving in the city causes people to look to alternatives — there’s no way to reverse the trend." -Matt Elliott
Matt Elliott: Without acknowledging hard truths, Toronto’s traffic czar isn’t likely to get very far
It’s probably good that this new position will come with a handsome salary because this traffic czar will be given an impossible task. There’s no solving Toronto traffic, writes Matt Elliott.
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 12:15 PM
"There are too many cars and not enough roads. Absent a radical reform like a congestion charge similar to New York City — where a price on driving in the city causes people to look to alternatives — there’s no way to reverse the trend." -Matt Elliott
Reposted by Melissa Bowman
Speed cameras could prevent behaviour like this, but Doug Ford banned them
Driver in Woolwich charged with travelling nearly 100 km/h over the speed limit
www.therecord.com/news/waterlo...
www.therecord.com/news/waterlo...
Driver in Woolwich charged with travelling nearly 100 km/h over the speed limit
Range Rover caught doing 174 km/h in Woolwich Township
www.therecord.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Speed cameras could prevent behaviour like this, but Doug Ford banned them
"Ontario claims it needs more federal money before it will sign. But the federal government has been increasing its contributions and provides 52.4% of the cost of the program, while Ontario’s child care funding has decreased since 2018-19 and in 2023-24 was $94.19 million less than in 2022-23."
www.therecord.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:08 PM
"Ontario claims it needs more federal money before it will sign. But the federal government has been increasing its contributions and provides 52.4% of the cost of the program, while Ontario’s child care funding has decreased since 2018-19 and in 2023-24 was $94.19 million less than in 2022-23."
Kitchener Council is likely to vote today in support of subdividing a lot that allows redevelopment of the space for industrial uses on land that borders the Huron Natural Area. This week's Citified looks at the reasons Council supports this redevelopment.
Huron Natural Area redevelopment moves forward
A look at why councillors voted in support of this proposal
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Kitchener Council is likely to vote today in support of subdividing a lot that allows redevelopment of the space for industrial uses on land that borders the Huron Natural Area. This week's Citified looks at the reasons Council supports this redevelopment.
"Affordable housing is like an anchor, it keeps people rooted, especially those who’d otherwise be displaced. Market housing is like a pressure valve, it keeps the system from boiling over by giving high-income people somewhere to go that isn’t your building. You need both."
🏙️ Why Building Fancy Apartments Actually Helps Everyone (Yes, Even Renters)
If rich people don’t get new apartments, they’ll take yours.
philwalkable.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:12 PM
"Affordable housing is like an anchor, it keeps people rooted, especially those who’d otherwise be displaced. Market housing is like a pressure valve, it keeps the system from boiling over by giving high-income people somewhere to go that isn’t your building. You need both."
Reposted by Melissa Bowman
Do we want livable, accessible units in neighbourhoods in Toronto? A 3 storey, single stair, elevatored, sixplex is not radical. It should be the most simple, easily replicable way to provide livable housing within neighbourhoods… the “Toronto Special” of the 2020s. And yet…
October 16, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Do we want livable, accessible units in neighbourhoods in Toronto? A 3 storey, single stair, elevatored, sixplex is not radical. It should be the most simple, easily replicable way to provide livable housing within neighbourhoods… the “Toronto Special” of the 2020s. And yet…
"Viewing the police only as a source of safety ignores the experiences of racialized people, unhoused people, and the many other groups that are disproportionately targeted by police." -Ted Rutland tedrutland.substack.com/p/public-saf...
Public safety for whom?
A safer city means less police, but only one party in the current Montreal election seems to understand that
tedrutland.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:23 PM
"Viewing the police only as a source of safety ignores the experiences of racialized people, unhoused people, and the many other groups that are disproportionately targeted by police." -Ted Rutland tedrutland.substack.com/p/public-saf...
"People divided into tiny and constant arguments seldom build coalitions or lasting change. Keeping you online, outraged but isolated, is a fair trade for those who’d rather you never meet your neighbor, never build something real, never see what could be done together." -Jon Jon Wesolowski
Anger as a motivator
Anger will take you somewhere fast, but not far.
thehappyurbanist.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM
"People divided into tiny and constant arguments seldom build coalitions or lasting change. Keeping you online, outraged but isolated, is a fair trade for those who’d rather you never meet your neighbor, never build something real, never see what could be done together." -Jon Jon Wesolowski
“The single stair in some ways is just a more progressive way of doing things if it’s done the way it’s done in Europe.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
There's a push for single-stair apartments in Canada. Calgary firefighters want the city to reject it | CBC News
Calgary’s firefighters union is trying to prevent what it calls a dangerous housing trend — in which multi-storey housing buildings are being constructed with only one stairwell — from making its way ...
www.cbc.ca
November 9, 2025 at 1:18 PM
“The single stair in some ways is just a more progressive way of doing things if it’s done the way it’s done in Europe.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
If you're in Waterloo Region, which organizations or initiatives are you aware of that have started locally since 2020 that help create a safe and thriving community? I'm writing something for Citified and I'd love to hear from you! Police-free and/or community-led approaches are especially helpful.
November 8, 2025 at 11:35 PM
If you're in Waterloo Region, which organizations or initiatives are you aware of that have started locally since 2020 that help create a safe and thriving community? I'm writing something for Citified and I'd love to hear from you! Police-free and/or community-led approaches are especially helpful.
The #ion launched in June 2019. Since then we have had: a pandemic, a dramatic decrease in international students, a shift to work-from-home, and small changes like GRT transfers lasting 2 hours instead of 90 minutes. All of these impact ridership numbers. Maintaining 2019 ridership seems like a win
Ion streetcars did not boost transit ridership. But they will, advocate contends
Regional government proposes to extend rail transit into Cambridge despite the weak passenger appeal of rail transit in Kitchener-Waterloo.
www.therecord.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:34 PM
The #ion launched in June 2019. Since then we have had: a pandemic, a dramatic decrease in international students, a shift to work-from-home, and small changes like GRT transfers lasting 2 hours instead of 90 minutes. All of these impact ridership numbers. Maintaining 2019 ridership seems like a win
If you'd like to see better infrastructure and travel options for those outside vehicles, take a moment to complete this survey. www.engagewr.ca/connectedkit...
Connected Kitchener
Building Kitchener’s roadmap towards a more resilient, equitable, sustainable and efficient mobility system.
www.engagewr.ca
November 8, 2025 at 9:19 PM
If you'd like to see better infrastructure and travel options for those outside vehicles, take a moment to complete this survey. www.engagewr.ca/connectedkit...
“People who have traditionally been able to evade law enforcement are sensitive to this issue,” Retting said. “Ultimately, one of the arguments against automated enforcement is that it doesn’t discriminate. It’s also a great argument for it.” www.cbc.ca/news/world/s...
Speed cameras are controversial in Canada. So why does Europe love them? | CBC News
Speed cameras are widely in use across Europe, where studies have shown they are highly effective at preventing accidents.
www.cbc.ca
November 8, 2025 at 7:46 PM
“People who have traditionally been able to evade law enforcement are sensitive to this issue,” Retting said. “Ultimately, one of the arguments against automated enforcement is that it doesn’t discriminate. It’s also a great argument for it.” www.cbc.ca/news/world/s...
Reposted by Melissa Bowman
ION Stage 2 LRT passes committee, Kitchener GO expansion, and better bus stops! Here's the latest in transportation in Waterloo Region and where you can get involved!
News roundup: November 8, 2025
First of all, this week the Region’s Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committee voted 15 to 1 to support extending ION as light rail all the way to downtown Cambridge! Once ratified, st...
tritag.ca
November 8, 2025 at 6:43 PM
ION Stage 2 LRT passes committee, Kitchener GO expansion, and better bus stops! Here's the latest in transportation in Waterloo Region and where you can get involved!