Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
@davethompsonvic.bsky.social
Housing, climate, urbanism, transportation, communities consulting. Also Victoria BC City Councillor, CRD Director. Civil discourse and good governance. Pragmatic progressive. Punkthäuser fan. My own views only. ☄️⏳yyj 🇨🇦
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
The number of these new family vehicles in #VictoriaBC and Paris has soared in the last decade. So nice! #yyj
The new family vehicles of Paris. I think that if a Parisian cycling activist came out of ten years of hibernation and went into the street, what would seem most unbelievable to them would be seeing all these bikes with childrens on the back ;)
November 10, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The number of these new family vehicles in #VictoriaBC and Paris has soared in the last decade. So nice! #yyj
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
Nerd thread alert. Woke up this morning and started skim reading the provincially commissioned independent review of E-Comm 911, the body that handles 911 phone calls and dispatches.
Let me relate this to the police budget in #yyj, and #bcpoli more broadly.
Let me relate this to the police budget in #yyj, and #bcpoli more broadly.
B.C. releases independent reports on E-Comm cost management
archive.news.gov.bc.ca
November 10, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
10. They circulate myths about “no-go zones” and subways in which you’re more likely to get your throat cut than arrive at your destination. They evince what might or might not be genuine terror at seeing black and brown faces.
November 5, 2025 at 8:06 AM
10. They circulate myths about “no-go zones” and subways in which you’re more likely to get your throat cut than arrive at your destination. They evince what might or might not be genuine terror at seeing black and brown faces.
Worth a read.
#urbanism
#urbanism
1. In the wake on Mamdani’s win, we’ll see a lot more far right anti-urban sentiment. Here’s a thread on its roots and evolution.
The idea that the city is evil and corrupt, and the countryside innocent and pure, goes back a long way: to Theocritus in Alexandria, and to the Old Testament. 🧵
The idea that the city is evil and corrupt, and the countryside innocent and pure, goes back a long way: to Theocritus in Alexandria, and to the Old Testament. 🧵
November 11, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Worth a read.
#urbanism
#urbanism
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
9. Now this idea is being resuscitated once again. The city is cast by the new wave of fascists as a degenerate, crime-ridden arena, dominated by Muslims, immigrants and “alien” ideas such as feminism, antifa, anti-racism, trans rights, asylum, public transport and intellectualism.
November 5, 2025 at 8:05 AM
9. Now this idea is being resuscitated once again. The city is cast by the new wave of fascists as a degenerate, crime-ridden arena, dominated by Muslims, immigrants and “alien” ideas such as feminism, antifa, anti-racism, trans rights, asylum, public transport and intellectualism.
Peace is precious and fragile. I'm grateful to see so many fellow Victorians at today's #remembranceday ceremony. Proud of my grandfather, who fought the fascists of his day. #lestweforget #yyj
November 11, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Peace is precious and fragile. I'm grateful to see so many fellow Victorians at today's #remembranceday ceremony. Proud of my grandfather, who fought the fascists of his day. #lestweforget #yyj
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Annex businesses tell Ford to back off Bloor bike lanes
Stores in the Annex say the Bloor bike lanes have been a big boost to business. As Michelle Mackey reports, the neighborhood's BIA wants the province to back off its new bill that could see the lanes ...
toronto.citynews.ca
November 8, 2025 at 3:13 PM
WATCH: Seriously, if you’re following ANY bike-lane debate, you HAVE TO WATCH this news story. You actually can’t make this up. Ford claims without evidence that bike-lanes are bad for small business, and THE ACTUAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION obliterates him with data.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
“The Media Is Complicit in the Climate Confusion: The vast majority of people want their governments to take climate action—but most wrongly think they’re in the minority. The media is partly to blame.”
Via @amywestervelt.bsky.social in @thenation.com
Via @amywestervelt.bsky.social in @thenation.com
The Media Is Complicit in the Climate Confusion
The vast majority of people want their governments to take climate action—but most wrongly think they’re in the minority. The media is partly to blame.
www.thenation.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:56 PM
“The Media Is Complicit in the Climate Confusion: The vast majority of people want their governments to take climate action—but most wrongly think they’re in the minority. The media is partly to blame.”
Via @amywestervelt.bsky.social in @thenation.com
Via @amywestervelt.bsky.social in @thenation.com
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
It’s really important that #Vancouver’s Downtown Business Association, who were originally against bike-lanes, are now among their most vigourous supporters, because of ACTUAL EVIDENCE that they’re better for downtown business than any street parking they replaced.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
November 8, 2025 at 3:51 AM
It’s really important that #Vancouver’s Downtown Business Association, who were originally against bike-lanes, are now among their most vigourous supporters, because of ACTUAL EVIDENCE that they’re better for downtown business than any street parking they replaced.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
Safe bike-lanes mean business.
"Conservative Party voters are the most likely to believe disinformation."
November 8, 2025 at 3:22 PM
"Conservative Party voters are the most likely to believe disinformation."
The right wing doesn't like it when people call out grievance politics and rage farming.
Because they rely on it.
#cdnpoli #bcpoli #yyj
Because they rely on it.
#cdnpoli #bcpoli #yyj
We can't let rage win! 💪
Research shows anger, not fear, shifts political beliefs source.washu.edu/2025/10/rese...
"...the researchers found that anger — not fear — was the primary emotion tied to a shift toward conservative views."
Research shows anger, not fear, shifts political beliefs source.washu.edu/2025/10/rese...
"...the researchers found that anger — not fear — was the primary emotion tied to a shift toward conservative views."
Research shows anger, not fear, shifts political beliefs
Research from a psychologist at Washington University in St. Louis has found that anger is the emotion that can drive abrupt shifts in political attitudes.
source.washu.edu
November 6, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Next community coffee-chats: Fri. Nov 7, 8am, Shine Cafe, & 4:30pm, Ooh La La Cupcakes, Mon. Nov 10, 10am at Discovery Coffee, Oak Bay Ave.
Feel free to drop by & share what you’d like City Council and the CRD to do in coming months and years. I’ll be there to listen and learn. :-)
Details 👇 #yyj
Feel free to drop by & share what you’d like City Council and the CRD to do in coming months and years. I’ll be there to listen and learn. :-)
Details 👇 #yyj
November 5, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Next community coffee-chats: Fri. Nov 7, 8am, Shine Cafe, & 4:30pm, Ooh La La Cupcakes, Mon. Nov 10, 10am at Discovery Coffee, Oak Bay Ave.
Feel free to drop by & share what you’d like City Council and the CRD to do in coming months and years. I’ll be there to listen and learn. :-)
Details 👇 #yyj
Feel free to drop by & share what you’d like City Council and the CRD to do in coming months and years. I’ll be there to listen and learn. :-)
Details 👇 #yyj
November 5, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
Yes, please!
The traffic revolution that’s making cities cleaner — and happier www.vox.com/future-perfe...
"More cities are finally choosing bikes over cars."
#Move
The traffic revolution that’s making cities cleaner — and happier www.vox.com/future-perfe...
"More cities are finally choosing bikes over cars."
#Move
Cities are booming with bikes — and getting safer and cleaner
Protected bike lanes are transforming cities worldwide, cutting crashes, cleaning air, and turning daily rides into real climate wins.
www.vox.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Yes, please!
The traffic revolution that’s making cities cleaner — and happier www.vox.com/future-perfe...
"More cities are finally choosing bikes over cars."
#Move
The traffic revolution that’s making cities cleaner — and happier www.vox.com/future-perfe...
"More cities are finally choosing bikes over cars."
#Move
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
"...only minor differences between individuals who believe in misinformation & those who endorse conspiracy theories.
Both belief types are fueled by a general conspiracy mentality, the view that truth is political, & alternative media use."
misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/not-...
Both belief types are fueled by a general conspiracy mentality, the view that truth is political, & alternative media use."
misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/not-...
Not so different after all? Antecedents of believing in misinformation and conspiracy theories on COVID-19 | HKS Misinformation Review
Misinformation and conspiracy theories are often grouped together, but do people believe in them for the same reasons? This study examines how these conceptually distinct forms of deceptive content ar...
misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu
November 3, 2025 at 12:22 PM
"...only minor differences between individuals who believe in misinformation & those who endorse conspiracy theories.
Both belief types are fueled by a general conspiracy mentality, the view that truth is political, & alternative media use."
misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/not-...
Both belief types are fueled by a general conspiracy mentality, the view that truth is political, & alternative media use."
misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/not-...
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
"One could hardly design a more fertile breeding ground for conspiracy theories than social media."
"The algorithms ... which operate on the principle that rage is engaging, have turned into radicalization machines."
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1... by @dorianlynskey.bsky.social
"The algorithms ... which operate on the principle that rage is engaging, have turned into radicalization machines."
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1... by @dorianlynskey.bsky.social
It’s never been easier to be a conspiracy theorist
A mix of technology and politics has given an unprecedented boost to once-fringe ideas—but they are pretty much the same fantasies that have been spreading for hundreds of years.
www.technologyreview.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:47 PM
"One could hardly design a more fertile breeding ground for conspiracy theories than social media."
"The algorithms ... which operate on the principle that rage is engaging, have turned into radicalization machines."
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1... by @dorianlynskey.bsky.social
"The algorithms ... which operate on the principle that rage is engaging, have turned into radicalization machines."
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1... by @dorianlynskey.bsky.social
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
"The U.S. is currently in the midst of a grand experiment: what happens if we give the cranks, the maniacs, the grifters, the late-night AM radio conspiracy theorist call-in people the reins of the country?"
It ain't going well.
Conspiracy Theory Nation www.vice.com/en/article/i...
It ain't going well.
Conspiracy Theory Nation www.vice.com/en/article/i...
It’s Never Been a Better Time to Be a Paranoid Conspiracy Theorist
The United States is currently in the midst of a grand experiment: what happens if we give conspiracy theorists the reins of the country?
www.vice.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
"The U.S. is currently in the midst of a grand experiment: what happens if we give the cranks, the maniacs, the grifters, the late-night AM radio conspiracy theorist call-in people the reins of the country?"
It ain't going well.
Conspiracy Theory Nation www.vice.com/en/article/i...
It ain't going well.
Conspiracy Theory Nation www.vice.com/en/article/i...
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
In #Illinois, a new law “prohibits municipalities from requiring car parking for residential and commercial uses in areas served by transit.”
Illinois legislature adopts People Over Parking Act to right-size parking requirements in transit-served areas - Streetsblog Chicago
At about 4:22 AM this morning the Illinois Senate concurred with the Illinois House on bill SB 2111, approving a revenues and reform package that will avert the Chicagoland transit fiscal cliff, struc...
chi.streetsblog.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:04 AM
In #Illinois, a new law “prohibits municipalities from requiring car parking for residential and commercial uses in areas served by transit.”
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
Great visualization in @theglobeandmail.com on the impact of double egress requirements in Canada. A huge disappointment that single stair will not be included in upcoming code changes (very difficult to solve a housing crisis w/o a Team Canada approach).
buff.ly/NBpqgTY
buff.ly/NBpqgTY
The era of the shoebox condo is over. Here’s how Canada can build livable apartments
Canada needs livable apartments to help fix the housing crisis. To do that, it must change the rulebook for both condos and rentals
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Great visualization in @theglobeandmail.com on the impact of double egress requirements in Canada. A huge disappointment that single stair will not be included in upcoming code changes (very difficult to solve a housing crisis w/o a Team Canada approach).
buff.ly/NBpqgTY
buff.ly/NBpqgTY
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
For the rest of the world, the single case of Mike Johnson refusing to swear in Adelita Grijalva after her special election win, because Johnson knows her vote will tip the scales for the release of the Epstein files, is enough evidence by itself that the U.S. political system is broken and lawless.
Johnson sets record refusing to swear in Adelita Grijalva for 36 days after she won election | Arizona Mirror
Speaker Johnson sets record with 36-day Adelita Grijalva swearing in delay as lawsuit claims constitutional violations
azmirror.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:51 AM
For the rest of the world, the single case of Mike Johnson refusing to swear in Adelita Grijalva after her special election win, because Johnson knows her vote will tip the scales for the release of the Epstein files, is enough evidence by itself that the U.S. political system is broken and lawless.
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
In 100 per cent unsurprising news, the bank that supposedly pulled funding from a Richmond project because of the Cowichan court decision says it definitely did not pull funding because of the Cowichan court decision
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/cou...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/cou...
Councillor says $100M project denied loan over Cowichan case, bank says not a factor
A Richmond, B.C., councillor says a company based in the city has been refused financing for what she says is a $100 million project because of uncertainty over their site
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 31, 2025 at 2:18 AM
In 100 per cent unsurprising news, the bank that supposedly pulled funding from a Richmond project because of the Cowichan court decision says it definitely did not pull funding because of the Cowichan court decision
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/cou...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/cou...
Municipal and other governments, design safer streets, reduce speed limits in residential neighbourhoods, and employ automated enforcement.
#safety
#safety
Heading out trick-or-treating for Halloween? Wear bright colours, use glow sticks or reflective tape and arm bands, and carry a flashlight. Drivers—be extra cautious and slow down. There are lots of families and people out enjoying the night.
Have a fab-boo-lous time!
Have a fab-boo-lous time!
October 31, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Municipal and other governments, design safer streets, reduce speed limits in residential neighbourhoods, and employ automated enforcement.
#safety
#safety
I am astonished that any progressive or even centrist elected official is still gifting free content to a man who throws Nazi salutes.
I would read the hell out of a deeply reported piece on how the media/political elite addiction to Twitter is shaping their views, which in turn shape the views of millions of people. It's a total reality-warper.
i’m increasingly convinced that many people in d.c. are just suffering from x dot com brain rot
October 30, 2025 at 2:09 PM
I am astonished that any progressive or even centrist elected official is still gifting free content to a man who throws Nazi salutes.
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
I would read the hell out of a deeply reported piece on how the media/political elite addiction to Twitter is shaping their views, which in turn shape the views of millions of people. It's a total reality-warper.
i’m increasingly convinced that many people in d.c. are just suffering from x dot com brain rot
October 29, 2025 at 9:16 PM
I would read the hell out of a deeply reported piece on how the media/political elite addiction to Twitter is shaping their views, which in turn shape the views of millions of people. It's a total reality-warper.
Reposted by Dave Thompson 🇨🇦
#Adaptation without #Mitigation is a strategy GUARANTEED to make #ClimateChange worse. Hopelessly downstream thinking from the wealthy that CAN ONLY get a lot of people killed. #BillGates www.nbcnews.com/science/clim...
Bill Gates calls for 'strategic pivot' in climate change fight away from curbing emissions
In a memo released Tuesday, Gates said the world's primary goal should instead be to prevent suffering, particularly for those in the toughest conditions in the world's poorest countries.
www.nbcnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:48 PM
#Adaptation without #Mitigation is a strategy GUARANTEED to make #ClimateChange worse. Hopelessly downstream thinking from the wealthy that CAN ONLY get a lot of people killed. #BillGates www.nbcnews.com/science/clim...