Bleak

So last week I was in Brampton. Don't ask why, because it doesn't matter why, I was just there is all.

This is what Brampton looks like. Flat. Bleak. Featureless. Built for cars.

Not even a sidewalk for pedestrians.

Don't get me wrong. It's not just Brampton. You'd be forgiven for thinking you might be in Georgetown, Scarborough, Missisauga, Oshawa, (pick your suburb)

People think this is "just the way things evolved", but they'd be wrong. These places were designed for cars. They were designed to make it awkward to walk or bike. They are a result of conscious urban planning, of Official Plans enacted after significant lobbying efforts by the Big Three US Automakers in the 40's and 50's. They are the result of plans meant to thwart the efficiency of public transit by curly-cue and dead end residential streets. They are the result of restrictions on commercial activity such that convenience stores are restricted to strip malls beyond walking distance from most residences.

I guess that's why some people, like the young lady on the left, are petitioning various levels of government to enact more "people friendly" legislation, to save our lungs our minds and our cities. It's too late to change Brampton, but maybe we can do something to allay the development of other such suburban wastelands.

On a more positive note, it snowed today. Not heavily, just small flakes, the type that kind of melt on your cheeks and feel kind of good. Not nearly enough to accumulate, but it was steady during my ride. And, it was nice. I was actually overdressed, and got to work in a sweat, but that beats freezing one's ass off...

Here's hoping you have a fun weekend.