RAIC Architecture Canada — 2016 Festival of Architecture Nanaimo June 8-11

Registration is now open for the RAIC’s 2016 Festival of Architecture, taking place in Nanaimo, B.C. June 8-11. The four-day Festival celebrates the theme of Connexions within a landscape that exemplifies the concept. Architects will connect with each other and, through a series of special events open to the public, they will also connect with the Vancouver Island community.- See more at: Festival registration now open! | RAIC | Architecture Canada

Senior management posts not filled, Council fractious, Committee suspended — City of Nanaimo staff proceed with South Downtown Waterfront Lands master planning process regardless

The @CityofNanaimo, shortly after the South Downtown Waterfront Committee Chair, VIU VP Dave Witty, in frustration,...
Posted by Nanaimo Commons on Thursday, December 3, 2015

Dave Witty's PP presentation to Council: here.

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From @grescoe — In the 20th century, "modern" meant bringing cars into cities. In the 21st it means keeping them out.

In the 20th century, being "modern" meant bringing cars into cities. In the 21st, it means keeping them out. pic.twitter.com/XVBgpSSpus

— Taras Grescoe (@grescoe) November 11, 2015

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Nanaimo needs a public market!

With two big cruise ships in port - so many visitors to the @sjcitymarket today from all over the world!
Posted by Nanaimo Commons on Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Local & Delicious. Open 7 days a week! Come down and join us at 1701 Douglas Street in The Hudson. pic.twitter.com/2ZAxF0wrhz

— Vic Public Market (@VicPubMark) October 1, 2015

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From Winnipeg Free Press —From parking lot to urban paradise

It is rare for a city to be given an opportunity to build a brand new neighbourhood in the heart of its downtown. When it happens, it is usually the result of an industry that was once the economic engine relocating out of the modern core.

In Toronto, the railway lands along Lake Ontario have seen a multibillion-dollar transformation into a forest of highrises, altering the city's postcard skyline image into something resembling lower Manhattan. False Creek was once the industrial heart of Vancouver, but today it is home to 60,000 people living in a signature West Coast condo tower neighbourhood.

When the rail yards at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine rivers were closed 30 years ago, Winnipeg was given that same opportunity -- but went in a different direction... Read more: From parking lot to urban paradise - Winnipeg Free Press

New West Mayor Cote uses SFU urban studies degree to solve real-world problems

Jonathan Cote wasn’t even dreaming of becoming a mayor when he enrolled in SFU’s master of arts program in urban studies in 2011. He was looking for solutions to New Westminster’s rental housing and transit issues.

Yet today, at age 35, he is Metro Vancouver’s youngest mayor, and his rental housing innovations are capturing the attention of mayors across the region. More at: New Westminster's Mayor Cote uses degree to solve real-world problems - SFU News - Simon Fraser University

From SFU Continuing Studies — Strong Towns' Charles Marohn Curbside Chat

In October 2013, SFU hosted an urban planning lecture featuring Charles Marohn. The lecture was part of a series on Minnesota, a state that shares more than a border with Canada. 

Marohn is the co-founder and president of Strong Towns, and a professional engineer who is passionate about planning and small towns. He brings a civil-engineering perspective that results in original ideas such as the "stroad," a street/road hybrid that manages to be both expensive and unproductive. He's a fiscal conservative who makes his case effectively to a small-government audience as much as to urban planners and engineers.

This lecture was sponsored by TransLink, the City of Surrey, and SFU Urban Studies. It requires an hour of your time but if you're interested in cities you won't spend a more rewarding hour this week: 

The Minnesota Series: Original Thinking from the American Midwest - YouTube

I recently raised pedestrian safety concerns at the...@StrongTowns

I recently raised pedestrian safety concerns at the Fitzwilliam/Wallace intersection with City of Na... @StrongTowns https://t.co/VZkKj48vCW

— NanaimoCommons (@NanaimoCommons) June 4, 2015

Nanaimo Downtown Urban Plan and Design Guidelines: Parks and open spaces

#Nanaimo Downtown Urban Plan and Design Guidelines: Parks and open spaces. https://t.co/aMJTzNmzgw @andrewtrevjones @katemac22 @Rearrang3d

— NanaimoCommons (@NanaimoCommons) May 31, 2015

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Canadian Institute of Planners — 5th annual Great Places in Canada contest

2013 Great Public Space winner - Saint John NB City Market CNW Group/Canadian Institute of Planners

2015 edition of Great Places in Canada and all features on the greatplacesincanada.ca website have now been activated! Nominations from people across the country will be posted online as they compete for the title of Great Street, Great Neighbourhood and Great Public Space for 2015. The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), created this contest to engage Canadians in sharing their favourite places and to recognize the work accomplished by Professional Planners to make these places possible. Read ore: Canadian Institute of Planners | Great Places in Canada 2015 Kicks Off Today!

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From @Livability — 2014 10 Best Downtowns #8: Bellingham, Washington

Since 1988, Bellingham, Wash., city and community leaders have followed a plan to improve their small yet vibrant downtown. Sure, that plan has changed from time to time, getting an update here and there, and while new construction projects and even revitalization plans are still in the works, the results speak for themselves. More than 1,000 new residences were constructed downtown, renovated storefronts and redesigned streets enhanced the visual appeal, and businesses have created more jobs. 

Local business owners make up the majority of Bellingham's economy, which keeps money in the pockets of residents who reinvest in their community by supporting other local businesses.

This city by the bay has become a model for urban sustainability, and the downtown area highlights how a local living economy can work. 

The "buy local" movement is strongly supported, and some residents even barter with others for food, services and building supplies. 

A population of nearly 2,400 residents and about 7,500 employees in the downtown area enjoy a highly walkable community with easy access to grocery stores, parks, restaurants and entertainment venues. Depot Market, a central gathering point in the downtown area, hosts the Bellingham Farmers Market, one of the largest farmers markets in Washington, plus many other events throughout the year.

Bellingham holds the second highest ratio of arts-related businesses to residents in the country, and it shows. Functional works of art like benches, street lights, trash cans and bicycle racks add a touch of whimsy across downtown. Whatcom Creek creates a natural boundary around the Cultural Arts District, which includes the beautifully restored Mt. Baker Theatre as well as Whatcom Museum and Pickford Film Center. Events like summer concerts, food festivals and parades draw thousands of people to this area. Downtown Bellingham is dotted with green parks, yet one of the largest green spaces, Sehome Hill Arboretum, is located less than a mile south of the Arts District, near Western Washington University. Read more: Bellingham, Washington | 2014 10 Best Downtowns

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Ranking Criteria • Vacancy rate • Population increase since 2010 • Percentage of new homeowners • Daytime population • Projected median household income • Walk Score • Entertainment options • Arts/Cultural attractions