Deanne Mighton
@deannemighton.bsky.social
Urbanist, mom, e-bike and beach lover. I am a former City of Toronto urban designer and current Subway Sponsor. I try to make places better, one project at a time, and learn new things along the way.
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
Basic principles for the future of the car in cities:
✅ Fewer
✅ Smaller
✅ Slower
✅ Cleaner
This can be achieved with:
✅ Parking controls
✅ LTNs
✅ Road User Pricing
✅ Pedestrianisation
✅ Default 20mph roads
✅ Improved public transport
✅ Segregated cycling
✅ Fewer
✅ Smaller
✅ Slower
✅ Cleaner
This can be achieved with:
✅ Parking controls
✅ LTNs
✅ Road User Pricing
✅ Pedestrianisation
✅ Default 20mph roads
✅ Improved public transport
✅ Segregated cycling
November 17, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Basic principles for the future of the car in cities:
✅ Fewer
✅ Smaller
✅ Slower
✅ Cleaner
This can be achieved with:
✅ Parking controls
✅ LTNs
✅ Road User Pricing
✅ Pedestrianisation
✅ Default 20mph roads
✅ Improved public transport
✅ Segregated cycling
✅ Fewer
✅ Smaller
✅ Slower
✅ Cleaner
This can be achieved with:
✅ Parking controls
✅ LTNs
✅ Road User Pricing
✅ Pedestrianisation
✅ Default 20mph roads
✅ Improved public transport
✅ Segregated cycling
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
*More* exercise, in fact.
“Believe it or not, electric bikes offer more exercise than pedal bikes on average. That fact might sound strange, but the science is clear.”
Why e-bikes actually give more exercise than “acoustic”bikes. (but both/either are excellent when it comes to better cities)
electrek.co/2024/02/20/w...
Why e-bikes actually give more exercise than “acoustic”bikes. (but both/either are excellent when it comes to better cities)
electrek.co/2024/02/20/w...
Why electric bikes actually give more exercise than pedal bikes
Believe it or not, electric bikes offer more exercise than pedal bikes on average. That fact might sound strange (and...
electrek.co
November 12, 2025 at 2:17 PM
*More* exercise, in fact.
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
Join in to celebrate Shirley Blumberg, Brigitte Shim, and Betsy Williamson’s work in founding BEAToronto, and their contributions in stewarding the organization through its first decade. Click here for more info:
BEAT Special Event: A Celebration of BEAT’s Founders — BEAT
A Celebration of BEAT’s Founders Thursday November 26, 6:30 - 9:00 pm Location: KPMB Architects, 351 King Street East, Suite 1200 Please join us in celebrating Shirley Blumberg, Brigitte Shim, and B...
www.beatoronto.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Join in to celebrate Shirley Blumberg, Brigitte Shim, and Betsy Williamson’s work in founding BEAToronto, and their contributions in stewarding the organization through its first decade. Click here for more info:
Great infographic👇
November 5, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Great infographic👇
We figured out how to move stadium crowds for Taylor Swift, but not how to move people for the World Series. It should be the same playbook — rinse, wash, repeat.
Toronto's World Series victory sparked chaos as fans faced transit failures, highlighting the urgent need for better planning during major events.
Read More: azat.tv/en/go-train-...
Read More: azat.tv/en/go-train-...
November 4, 2025 at 1:20 AM
We figured out how to move stadium crowds for Taylor Swift, but not how to move people for the World Series. It should be the same playbook — rinse, wash, repeat.
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
“A new study found when people moved from less walkable U.S. cities to more walkable ones, they increased their levels of physical activity and saw health benefits.”
The design of cities can help us be healthier. We’ve actually known that for quite a while. #HealthyCities
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
The design of cities can help us be healthier. We’ve actually known that for quite a while. #HealthyCities
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
The design of your city can help make you healthier, study finds
A new study in Nature found when people moved from less walkable U.S. cities to more walkable ones, they increased their levels of physical activity and saw health benefits.
www.cbc.ca
October 29, 2025 at 10:31 PM
“A new study found when people moved from less walkable U.S. cities to more walkable ones, they increased their levels of physical activity and saw health benefits.”
The design of cities can help us be healthier. We’ve actually known that for quite a while. #HealthyCities
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
The design of cities can help us be healthier. We’ve actually known that for quite a while. #HealthyCities
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
💛💛💛
The world might be pulling back on climate truth: but I'm stepping it up.
How? I'm adding new videos, deep dives & behind-the-scenes stories to Talking Climate.
Why? Because climate honesty and hope matter more than ever right now.
Join me on Patreon: bit.ly/47pCLaf
Or Substack: bit.ly/4ntfvhJ
How? I'm adding new videos, deep dives & behind-the-scenes stories to Talking Climate.
Why? Because climate honesty and hope matter more than ever right now.
Join me on Patreon: bit.ly/47pCLaf
Or Substack: bit.ly/4ntfvhJ
October 29, 2025 at 8:54 PM
💛💛💛
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
@dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social writes for @sightline.org about the potential to bring back small lot apartment buildings.
#singlestair code changes can unlock this option for the first time in a century. Let’s go!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
#singlestair code changes can unlock this option for the first time in a century. Let’s go!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
To Build Fast, Think Small | Sightline Institute
How re-legalizing small apartment buildings would spur the homes city dwellers need now.
www.sightline.org
October 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM
@dannyoleksiuk.bsky.social writes for @sightline.org about the potential to bring back small lot apartment buildings.
#singlestair code changes can unlock this option for the first time in a century. Let’s go!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
#singlestair code changes can unlock this option for the first time in a century. Let’s go!
www.sightline.org/2025/10/28/t...
"Surprising fact: modern single-stair apartment buildings are just as safe as those with two."
Earlier this year, @pewtrusts.org looked into fire safety records for thousands of buildings in Seattle & NYC (which allowed its own 1-stair option in 2000).
Same fire safety record as other multifamily buildings & zero fire deaths related to the egress. www.pew.org/en/research-...
Same fire safety record as other multifamily buildings & zero fire deaths related to the egress. www.pew.org/en/research-...
Small Single-Stairway Apartment Buildings Have Strong Safety Record
Policymakers could increase the supply of multifamily housing in their states and localities by revising outdated building codes that require more than one stairway in small apartment buildings. If en...
www.pew.org
October 21, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"Surprising fact: modern single-stair apartment buildings are just as safe as those with two."
“For the cost of rebuilding a couple of freeway interchanges, a city could build its entire bike network.”
(A reminder that better mobility doesn’t have to cost more — just be smarter.) Via @grist.org
(A reminder that better mobility doesn’t have to cost more — just be smarter.) Via @grist.org
“Meanwhile, the e-bike market is skyrocketing…
The question now is: Do officials double down on deadly car-centric urban design, or do they rethink cities to encourage people to ditch four wheels for two?” Via @grist.org
And do we let elected leaders keep doing the wrong things for our cities?
The question now is: Do officials double down on deadly car-centric urban design, or do they rethink cities to encourage people to ditch four wheels for two?” Via @grist.org
And do we let elected leaders keep doing the wrong things for our cities?
E-bikes could cut carbon, congestion, and costs — if cities take them seriously
E-bike sales are booming, providing a clean form of transportation that also improves public health. Yet cities remain committed to cars.
grist.org
October 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
“For the cost of rebuilding a couple of freeway interchanges, a city could build its entire bike network.”
(A reminder that better mobility doesn’t have to cost more — just be smarter.) Via @grist.org
(A reminder that better mobility doesn’t have to cost more — just be smarter.) Via @grist.org
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
What's a School Street you ask?
And then you ask, why aren't all transportation decision-makers choosing to build more streets for children?
@streetfilms.bsky.social
@yonahfreemark.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezPz...
And then you ask, why aren't all transportation decision-makers choosing to build more streets for children?
@streetfilms.bsky.social
@yonahfreemark.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezPz...
October 1, 2025 at 9:54 AM
What's a School Street you ask?
And then you ask, why aren't all transportation decision-makers choosing to build more streets for children?
@streetfilms.bsky.social
@yonahfreemark.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezPz...
And then you ask, why aren't all transportation decision-makers choosing to build more streets for children?
@streetfilms.bsky.social
@yonahfreemark.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezPz...
Third observation from said bike ride - why is the parking enforcement officer not stopping the TTC employees from blocking the bike lane?
October 1, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Third observation from said bike ride - why is the parking enforcement officer not stopping the TTC employees from blocking the bike lane?
Also, on my bike ride this morning, I watched a TTC cube van crawl down College St, blocking the bike lane. Two staff stopping at every stop to tape up service notices. Why not hop on transit—or even use Bike Share? Feels like a more efficient, low-carbon way to do the job.
October 1, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Also, on my bike ride this morning, I watched a TTC cube van crawl down College St, blocking the bike lane. Two staff stopping at every stop to tape up service notices. Why not hop on transit—or even use Bike Share? Feels like a more efficient, low-carbon way to do the job.
On my bike ride this morning, I noticed a parking enforcement officer cruising around on traditional bikes. Wouldn’t e-bikes make much more sense? They’d go faster, cover more ground, and less impact on rider. Other sectors have figured this out—why not here? Full disclosure, I was on my e-bike.
October 1, 2025 at 7:27 PM
On my bike ride this morning, I noticed a parking enforcement officer cruising around on traditional bikes. Wouldn’t e-bikes make much more sense? They’d go faster, cover more ground, and less impact on rider. Other sectors have figured this out—why not here? Full disclosure, I was on my e-bike.
I appreciate this insightful discussion and believe
@tvotoday.bsky.social nailed it; maybe it's time for a redesign. The absence of sidewalks on the park side and insufficient pedestrian access points at key desire lines are major issues.
@tvotoday.bsky.social nailed it; maybe it's time for a redesign. The absence of sidewalks on the park side and insufficient pedestrian access points at key desire lines are major issues.
If not speed cameras, then what? @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social and @spaikin.bsky.social discuss alternative strategies to slow drivers down, and how Doug Ford likely won't be sold on those either. On the #onpoli podcast: youtu.be/3pjjwa4YWrs?...
September 22, 2025 at 2:41 PM
I appreciate this insightful discussion and believe
@tvotoday.bsky.social nailed it; maybe it's time for a redesign. The absence of sidewalks on the park side and insufficient pedestrian access points at key desire lines are major issues.
@tvotoday.bsky.social nailed it; maybe it's time for a redesign. The absence of sidewalks on the park side and insufficient pedestrian access points at key desire lines are major issues.
I am curious about how many of these items were previously funded by property taxes, and when that change happened. Additionally, I would like to know whether these funds should be shifted back to that source or to other levels of government.
A timely article from @alexbeheshti.bsky.social at MMI on development charge (DC) differences across Ontario, BC and Alberta. Key chart that attempts to summarize the complex pieces of legislation across these provinces. www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/halving-dc...
September 4, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I am curious about how many of these items were previously funded by property taxes, and when that change happened. Additionally, I would like to know whether these funds should be shifted back to that source or to other levels of government.
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
Great short video by TransLink explaining “the empty bus lane myth”
September 3, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Great short video by TransLink explaining “the empty bus lane myth”
Love this! Yes, please, and also in parks. It's much better than pick-up trucks tearing up the grass.
That's nice: Special cargo bikes for street cleaning in #Rijeka, Croatia. So versatile.
August 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Love this! Yes, please, and also in parks. It's much better than pick-up trucks tearing up the grass.
Proud to stand with this incredible group of innovators and change-makers. The future belongs to those willing to question, challenge, and create differently.
My first Starter Pack! The Canadian urbanism and planning community on here is growing. Give these folks a follow. Some well known faces … and some you should get to know! (please re-post!) go.bsky.app/AEYL7FZ
August 19, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Proud to stand with this incredible group of innovators and change-makers. The future belongs to those willing to question, challenge, and create differently.
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
love this new york times clip. they recently did a story about how sesame street's set has changed over the years, along with our urban politics.
IG nytimes
IG nytimes
August 6, 2025 at 2:25 AM
love this new york times clip. they recently did a story about how sesame street's set has changed over the years, along with our urban politics.
IG nytimes
IG nytimes
Great Work @kellyalvarezdoran.bsky.social , I worked on the south side stretch of Dundas in the Junction. From what I recall, Richard Witt and his team had proposed a lay-by for garbage pick-up, but Solid Waste didn’t support it, predating the removal of Parking Mins. Happy with outcome otherwise.
Garbage, Parking, and the Death of Small Businesses. Eager to hear your thoughts!
@jasonthorne.bsky.social @alexbozikovic.bsky.social @johnlorinc.bsky.social @holz-bau.bsky.social
@jasonthorne.bsky.social @alexbozikovic.bsky.social @johnlorinc.bsky.social @holz-bau.bsky.social
Parking, Garbage and the Decline of Toronto's Small Businesses
Kelly Alvarez Doran and Mithcell May examine how parking and Type G loading regulations lead to lacklustre retail in new buildings.
www.azuremagazine.com
July 8, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Great Work @kellyalvarezdoran.bsky.social , I worked on the south side stretch of Dundas in the Junction. From what I recall, Richard Witt and his team had proposed a lay-by for garbage pick-up, but Solid Waste didn’t support it, predating the removal of Parking Mins. Happy with outcome otherwise.
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
Climate change is making flash flooding worse and many communities are not prepared. Canada needs:
📍 Better flood mapping
🚨 Effective flood warnings
🏘️ Smarter land use
💧 Stormwater infrastructure
We know what to do. We just need to do it. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
📍 Better flood mapping
🚨 Effective flood warnings
🏘️ Smarter land use
💧 Stormwater infrastructure
We know what to do. We just need to do it. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
More frequent flash floods are ‘the new reality,’ but Canada may not be ready
As flash flooding takes a deadly toll in Texas, an expert worries Canada lacks predictive capabilities, warning systems and infrastructure
www.theglobeandmail.com
July 8, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Climate change is making flash flooding worse and many communities are not prepared. Canada needs:
📍 Better flood mapping
🚨 Effective flood warnings
🏘️ Smarter land use
💧 Stormwater infrastructure
We know what to do. We just need to do it. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
📍 Better flood mapping
🚨 Effective flood warnings
🏘️ Smarter land use
💧 Stormwater infrastructure
We know what to do. We just need to do it. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
Yesterday, June 2, marked Equal Pay Day for Black women. The gender pay gap for Black women is 42%. They earn only $0.58 for every dollar a man makes, And must work an extra 153 days to earn what an average man makes in a year.
@equalpaycoalition.bsky.social
#OnLab #OnPoli
@equalpaycoalition.bsky.social
#OnLab #OnPoli
June 3, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Yesterday, June 2, marked Equal Pay Day for Black women. The gender pay gap for Black women is 42%. They earn only $0.58 for every dollar a man makes, And must work an extra 153 days to earn what an average man makes in a year.
@equalpaycoalition.bsky.social
#OnLab #OnPoli
@equalpaycoalition.bsky.social
#OnLab #OnPoli
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
Mark Your Calendars, Toronto: Sixplexes and multiplex updates at Planning and Housing Committee on June 12th.
Multiplexes are one way to address declining populations in low-rise Neighbourhoods.
See our new blog post! moreneighbours.ca/news/analysi...
🧵
Multiplexes are one way to address declining populations in low-rise Neighbourhoods.
See our new blog post! moreneighbours.ca/news/analysi...
🧵
June 2, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Mark Your Calendars, Toronto: Sixplexes and multiplex updates at Planning and Housing Committee on June 12th.
Multiplexes are one way to address declining populations in low-rise Neighbourhoods.
See our new blog post! moreneighbours.ca/news/analysi...
🧵
Multiplexes are one way to address declining populations in low-rise Neighbourhoods.
See our new blog post! moreneighbours.ca/news/analysi...
🧵
Reposted by Deanne Mighton
106 years ago today: Toronto Union Station construction progress, May 6, 1919
📸: City of Toronto Archives
#OnThisDay #OTD #1910s #torontounionstation #unionstation #construction #transit #railways #railroad #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
📸: City of Toronto Archives
#OnThisDay #OTD #1910s #torontounionstation #unionstation #construction #transit #railways #railroad #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
May 6, 2025 at 1:16 PM
106 years ago today: Toronto Union Station construction progress, May 6, 1919
📸: City of Toronto Archives
#OnThisDay #OTD #1910s #torontounionstation #unionstation #construction #transit #railways #railroad #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin
📸: City of Toronto Archives
#OnThisDay #OTD #1910s #torontounionstation #unionstation #construction #transit #railways #railroad #history #torontohistory #toronto #canada #jeremyhopkin