You speak like these are immutable laws of nature. I don't think it actually works that way. Also unpedestrianizing streets doesn't create urban vibrancy either. Real, viable transportation choices would be pretty cool...

It’s not democratic vs undemocratic. It’s less democratic vs more democratic. I’d also say it’s bad for democracy this election. What we’re seeing this election is a fear driven move RIGHT on the spectrum because of the political environment (Trump) and FPTP. I hate it.

lol the whole point of PR is that the board would get ALL of the options that ANY of them prefer to the degree that the board prefers them. Plus your analogy isn’t representative of what happens in a federal election.

Pretty terrible take here. Democracy != tyranny of plurality. PR is more democratic than FPTP. When “your” representative is someone you didn’t vote for and disagree with, how exactly does your vote “count”?

They said this recently? Where?

A better headline would be "America Betrays Ally and Aligns with Rogue State"...the American people need to understand that the world sees it that way. You elected him to represent you. Acting like it's his government and not yours leaves a lot out of the conversation.

Pissy people often indicate you were making good points.

...have worked their entire lives steeped in the worlds of municipal governance, infrastructure, budget adherence, planning and public policy. "Yeah, that's a nice clearly reasoned recommendation, but I throw nickels around like manhole covers" seems like a very bad approach to council decisions.

I'm sure that some councillors resent the HAF and related decisions, but I feel like a lack of understanding (especially at these early stages for this council) may still be the bigger factor. I'm also struck by the "we know better attitude" from some members of council when admin...

I listened to a good chunk of discussion with delegates and I just couldn't get past the perception that it was poorly presented and not relevant. No one seemed able to place this decision clearly within the context of the HAF-related intensification-focused zoning decision last year.

Pre-COVID Farmers' Markets were were awesome...Peak Plaza. I hope they come back.

I'm pretty sure they chose the raw steel intentionally, knowing it would rust - that's the aesthetic they were going for (not sure if the discoloration on the pavers was foreseen). I believe real trees were Plan 'A' too, but there are tons of undergrounds that make things difficult there.

I sure don't love everything about the plaza but if you took a photo from the same angle as the Watercolour Fantasy renderings (especially on a bright busy summer day), it wouldn't look quite so bad.

It's a good argument - probably not the only reason, but definitely an important one.

Haven't looked yet, but voter turnout seems like it could be a factor in these municipal results? Maybe frustrated but historically municipally unengaged progressives saw the provincial result and decided to go vote in the city election instead of giving up?