Ah. It's a comedy piece. And if one were to ask the author, he'd say it's all just a joke, and he certainly doesnt' believe any of it.
I don't know, I'm starting to think the author of this piece might be into conspiracy theories about the suburbs. In which case I'm sorry I posted it.
Or, more likely, he just isn't funny. And maybe kind of an ass.
Ah. It's a comedy piece. And if one were to ask the author, he'd say it's all just a joke, and he certainly doesnt' believe any of it.I don't know, I'm starting to think the author of this piece might be into conspiracy theories about the suburbs. In which case I'm sorry I posted it.
Even if you were to abolish the suburbs tomorrow, and move all the suburbanites into the city centre, the people with the means and inclination to shut themselves away from the cosmopolitan masses would still find a way to do so, be it through gated high-rises, frequent out-of-area car trips, whatever. And they're not all gonna start voting NDP just because they're living in closer proximity to poor people.
Even if you were to abolish the suburbs tomorrow, and move all the suburbanites into the city centre, the people with the means and inclination to shut themselves away from the cosmopolitan masses would still find a way to do so, be it through gated high-rises, frequent out-of-area car trips, whatever. And they're not all gonna start voting NDP just because they're living in closer proximity to poor people.
I live in a high density inner city neighbourhood called Le Plateau which is unfortunately getting more and more gentrified with each passing day but still has many low-income residents. I live a seven minute relaxed walk from the metro (subway) but I usually just walk the 20 minutes it takes to get downtown. Or I could take one of the 10 or so bus routes all within easy walking distance. I walk everywhere, doctor, pharmacy, multiple grocery stores and individual shops for meat, produce and other goods. I am also right next to Mont Royal the huge park in the centre of Montreal. I considered getting a bicycle but realized everything is walking distance, I would hardly use it.
My single lane one way street is lined with cars on both sides and my building has parking for residents in the back as do most if not all buildings here.
You can lead a horse to water...
People want individual transport. Sometimes a bicycle will suffice but people will always want to travel as comfortably and independently as possible. Lots of people own both bicycles and cars. There are many alternative vehicles in development that are very small and cause no or little pollution.
Car sharing is a great initiative and will serve the purposes of many but it hasn't made any impact at all on the parking situation in Montreal.
A mix of solutions will be needed but I don't hold out much hope for rapid change unless we overthrow the oligarchs by taking back control of our government.
