George Sousa
@george-sousa.bsky.social
Engineer. Technology & Water junkie. Science, data, IP, climate, sustainability, cycling, photography and policy wonk.
Serious concerns regarding proposed Heritage Conservation District for downtown Cambridge. mailchi.mp/citizensforc...
Serious Concerns Regarding Proposed Galt Core Heritage Conservation District
mailchi.mp
November 25, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Serious concerns regarding proposed Heritage Conservation District for downtown Cambridge. mailchi.mp/citizensforc...
Reposted by George Sousa
"ION reflects a long-term vision by our regional government across multiple councils. It’s an investment in mobility for the future. We can’t keep growing around cars, and ION helps with growing the region up and not out." Can't argue with this statement from @tritag.ca
November 23, 2025 at 8:47 PM
"ION reflects a long-term vision by our regional government across multiple councils. It’s an investment in mobility for the future. We can’t keep growing around cars, and ION helps with growing the region up and not out." Can't argue with this statement from @tritag.ca
Reposted by George Sousa
Onwards to Cambridge! Today's IONizeWR newsletter shares what we heard when the ION stage 2 direction was approved, and why the 2026 GRT budget matters:
Onwards to Cambridge!
Last night, Regional Council formally adopted its decision to extend ION to Cambridge! At the November 4 committee meeting, councillors had voted 15 to 1 for ION to be extended as light rail, for the ...
ionizewr.ca
November 20, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Onwards to Cambridge! Today's IONizeWR newsletter shares what we heard when the ION stage 2 direction was approved, and why the 2026 GRT budget matters:
Reposted by George Sousa
Reposted by George Sousa
"The lesson from KW isn’t about development; it’s about connection. Reliable transit helps people stay linked to their communities and to one another. Cambridge deserves that same opportunity — to build a city where aging and accessibility are planned for, not postponed." -Brian Paul
LETTER: LRT expansion vital for accessibility and inclusion in Cambridge
As bus routes shift or disappear, one community leader says only permanent solutions like light rail transit can ensure all residents, regardless of age or ability, stay connected
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 12:15 PM
"The lesson from KW isn’t about development; it’s about connection. Reliable transit helps people stay linked to their communities and to one another. Cambridge deserves that same opportunity — to build a city where aging and accessibility are planned for, not postponed." -Brian Paul
Reposted by George Sousa
Considering a run for municipal council in 2026? These free workshops may be of interest! www.amo.on.ca/healthy-demo...
AMO's Healthy Democracy Leadership Series: Supporting Local Leadership in run up to the 2026 Municipal Elections | AMO
Join AMO’s new online workshop series for leaders seeking re-election or first-time aspiring candidates—offered at no charge for participants. As Ontario heads toward the 2026 municipal elections, ele...
www.amo.on.ca
November 7, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Considering a run for municipal council in 2026? These free workshops may be of interest! www.amo.on.ca/healthy-demo...
Reposted by George Sousa
What a great morning at the Region! Stage 2 ION was approved near unanimously today, and sets the stage for us to secure full funding from the Federal and Provincial governments. Onward to Cambridge — and beyond!
November 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
What a great morning at the Region! Stage 2 ION was approved near unanimously today, and sets the stage for us to secure full funding from the Federal and Provincial governments. Onward to Cambridge — and beyond!
Reposted by George Sousa
Region of Waterloo staff are recommending that council pursue a full ION light rail extension to downtown Cambridge!
Full report and committee agenda for November 4 here: pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
Full report and committee agenda for November 4 here: pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
October 29, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Region of Waterloo staff are recommending that council pursue a full ION light rail extension to downtown Cambridge!
Full report and committee agenda for November 4 here: pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
Full report and committee agenda for November 4 here: pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
Reposted by George Sousa
Stunning video of the enormous eye at the center of hurricane Melissa.
Taken by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” just before they had to abandon their mission.
Melissa is extremely dangerous, the strongest Atlantic hurricane to occur this late in the season.
Taken by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” just before they had to abandon their mission.
Melissa is extremely dangerous, the strongest Atlantic hurricane to occur this late in the season.
US Air Force provides views from inside Hurricane Melissa
The U.S. Defense Department has released footage of views inside Hurricane Melissa. The military said a U.S.
apnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Stunning video of the enormous eye at the center of hurricane Melissa.
Taken by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” just before they had to abandon their mission.
Melissa is extremely dangerous, the strongest Atlantic hurricane to occur this late in the season.
Taken by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” just before they had to abandon their mission.
Melissa is extremely dangerous, the strongest Atlantic hurricane to occur this late in the season.
Reposted by George Sousa
Speak up for ION Stage 2!
Actions to support: ionizewr.ca/blog/2025/10...
Sign up to delegate: forms.regionofwaterloo.ca/Council-and-...
Actions to support: ionizewr.ca/blog/2025/10...
Sign up to delegate: forms.regionofwaterloo.ca/Council-and-...
October 26, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Speak up for ION Stage 2!
Actions to support: ionizewr.ca/blog/2025/10...
Sign up to delegate: forms.regionofwaterloo.ca/Council-and-...
Actions to support: ionizewr.ca/blog/2025/10...
Sign up to delegate: forms.regionofwaterloo.ca/Council-and-...
Reposted by George Sousa
A great update about what's happening and what needs to happen with phase 2 of the ion. Check out and subscribe to this informative newsletter!
Today's IONizeWR newsletter focuses on the land use changes that will help ION Stage 2 succeed:
Planning for growth around ION in Cambridge
First, what’s happening with ION approvals. More letters to the editor have been pouring in recently to support the extension of ION light rail to Cambridge, including from the owner of Monigram Coffe...
ionizewr.ca
October 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
A great update about what's happening and what needs to happen with phase 2 of the ion. Check out and subscribe to this informative newsletter!
Reposted by George Sousa
Our first IONizeWR newsletter update is on the initial business case. We want to see LRT all the way to downtown Cambridge, and then keep building. Let's think bigger:
Building ION to Cambridge, Costs and Benefits
Things are heating up on ION stage 2, with more voices for LRT and with Regional Council hearing next week about the preliminary results of the Initial Business Case. In November, staff will share the...
ionizewr.ca
September 6, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Our first IONizeWR newsletter update is on the initial business case. We want to see LRT all the way to downtown Cambridge, and then keep building. Let's think bigger:
Reposted by George Sousa
Carl Sagan’s Profound ‘Pale Blue Dot’ Speech Set to a Beautifully Calming Classical Soundtrack laughingsquid.com/carl-sagan-p...
Carl Sagan's Profound 'Pale Blue Dot' Speech Set to a Beautifully Calming Classical Soundtrack
Become Human took the iconic "Pale Blue Dot" speech by Carl Sagan, removed some of the noise, and set it to a calming classical soundtrack.
laughingsquid.com
September 1, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Carl Sagan’s Profound ‘Pale Blue Dot’ Speech Set to a Beautifully Calming Classical Soundtrack laughingsquid.com/carl-sagan-p...
Reposted by George Sousa
"We can’t expect to change someone’s mind if we don’t first understand what they’d lose by changing it, and how they came to believe it in the first place. And I think we should hold ourselves to a standard of fairness, even when it’s inconvenient." -Jon Jon Wesolowski buff.ly/7Wnl7YH
Believe the conspiracy theorist*
*Be skeptical of the conspiracy theory
thehappyurbanist.substack.com
August 3, 2025 at 9:33 PM
"We can’t expect to change someone’s mind if we don’t first understand what they’d lose by changing it, and how they came to believe it in the first place. And I think we should hold ourselves to a standard of fairness, even when it’s inconvenient." -Jon Jon Wesolowski buff.ly/7Wnl7YH
While the rail network is certainly significant, it's worth noting that this map dates from after 1916. In 1901, Kitchener was still known as Berlin.
Imagine … taking a train from Brantford to Goderich … or from Glencoe to Strathroy … or from Palmerston to Elora … or, well, to just about anywhere (our rail network in 1901).
July 13, 2025 at 12:36 AM
While the rail network is certainly significant, it's worth noting that this map dates from after 1916. In 1901, Kitchener was still known as Berlin.
Reposted by George Sousa
It might sound counterintuitive when those who reject human-caused climate change believe we’re intensifying weather extremes via secret expts—but here’s the difference.
A: We’re responsible, so we all have to fix it
B: We’re not, so it’s not our fault
99% of climate denial is solution aversion!
A: We’re responsible, so we all have to fix it
B: We’re not, so it’s not our fault
99% of climate denial is solution aversion!
people who think the gvt controls the weather are a faction that is quickly gaining power on the right — and MTG says she's planning to introduce legislation on this soon
@davidgilbert.bsky.social & i looked at how these conspiracy theories got supercharged after the tx floods this weekend:
@davidgilbert.bsky.social & i looked at how these conspiracy theories got supercharged after the tx floods this weekend:
Conspiracy Theories About the Texas Floods Lead to Death Threats
Disinformation around a “weather weapon” and cloud seeding is being widely promoted by everyone from anti-government extremists to GOP influencers—leading to real-world consequences.
www.wired.com
July 9, 2025 at 10:21 PM
It might sound counterintuitive when those who reject human-caused climate change believe we’re intensifying weather extremes via secret expts—but here’s the difference.
A: We’re responsible, so we all have to fix it
B: We’re not, so it’s not our fault
99% of climate denial is solution aversion!
A: We’re responsible, so we all have to fix it
B: We’re not, so it’s not our fault
99% of climate denial is solution aversion!
Reposted by George Sousa
“California’s disconnect between our public transit investments and our housing policies is failing our communities – and we urgently need reform… The solution is clear: the state must allow more housing near transit. The benefits of this approach are substantial and proven.”
We invested in mass transit. We should let Californians live near it
California’s future depends on fixing this disconnect.
www.ocregister.com
July 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
“California’s disconnect between our public transit investments and our housing policies is failing our communities – and we urgently need reform… The solution is clear: the state must allow more housing near transit. The benefits of this approach are substantial and proven.”
Reposted by George Sousa
"Change can be uncomfortable—but doing nothing is even costlier. Car-dependent sprawl places a much heavier burden on taxpayers than urban intensification." -Citizens For Cambridge www.instagram.com/p/DLzrnbvtfwa/
Login • Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
www.instagram.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:40 PM
"Change can be uncomfortable—but doing nothing is even costlier. Car-dependent sprawl places a much heavier burden on taxpayers than urban intensification." -Citizens For Cambridge www.instagram.com/p/DLzrnbvtfwa/
Reposted by George Sousa
Today I had a chance to tour all three of GRT’s bus garages — each built in different eras. It was a pleasure to chat with new driver trainees on their second day, mechanics, and operations controllers. As we plan to expand our bus network, it will be important that our garages keep pace.
July 8, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Today I had a chance to tour all three of GRT’s bus garages — each built in different eras. It was a pleasure to chat with new driver trainees on their second day, mechanics, and operations controllers. As we plan to expand our bus network, it will be important that our garages keep pace.
Big kudos to Doug Craig for evolving his stance on the LRT. It’s important we support politicians who are open to change. Doesn’t mean we’ll agree on everything, but it’s a step in the right direction. Giving leaders the 'permission' to adapt is crucial. #Leadership #PoliticalGrowth #LRT
Strange times these days when I find myself agreeing with Cambridge Councillor Doug Craig, but when he's right, he's right.
"The City of Hamilton recently received full funding of $3.4 billion for its LRT and there is no reason why the same result cannot be achieved here in our region." #WRcouncil
"The City of Hamilton recently received full funding of $3.4 billion for its LRT and there is no reason why the same result cannot be achieved here in our region." #WRcouncil
Light rapid transit for Cambridge benefits all of Waterloo Region
Cambridge residents have already paid for new transit and extending the LRT line needs to be the top transit priority for the region, Councillor Doug Craig writes.
www.therecord.com
July 4, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Big kudos to Doug Craig for evolving his stance on the LRT. It’s important we support politicians who are open to change. Doesn’t mean we’ll agree on everything, but it’s a step in the right direction. Giving leaders the 'permission' to adapt is crucial. #Leadership #PoliticalGrowth #LRT
Reposted by George Sousa
Keeping ION stage 2 on track, housing slowdown, and Ainslie St bike lane politics. This and much more in our news roundup for the last two weeks:
News roundup: June 24, 2025
Here’s the latest in walking, biking, and transit news for Waterloo Region for the last two weeks. Subscribe to get updates delivered directly to your inbox! You can also follow us on Bluesky and Inst...
tritag.ca
June 24, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Keeping ION stage 2 on track, housing slowdown, and Ainslie St bike lane politics. This and much more in our news roundup for the last two weeks:
Scott Hamilton - "...LRT is an unparalleled socio-economic-creation machine. Where the LRT rolls, billions in investments flow into new housing, businesses, parks, schools, placemaking, and community-building."
www.cambridgetimes.ca/opinion/cont...
www.cambridgetimes.ca/opinion/cont...
Ion light rail is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Cambridge
The pain of construction is worth the tremendous benefits yielded thereafter, as seen in Kitchener and Waterloo, one Cambridge city councillor writes.
www.cambridgetimes.ca
June 23, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Scott Hamilton - "...LRT is an unparalleled socio-economic-creation machine. Where the LRT rolls, billions in investments flow into new housing, businesses, parks, schools, placemaking, and community-building."
www.cambridgetimes.ca/opinion/cont...
www.cambridgetimes.ca/opinion/cont...
“On to Cambridge”
June 21, 2025 at 1:17 PM
“On to Cambridge”