Urban Design
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In praise of ugly park trash bins
As Astral’s wretched street furniture deal limps towards its inevitable conclusion, Toronto’s litter bins are back in the news, although...
By John Lorinc -
To the Dogs
As far as pet owners are concerned, the big news that broke in 2025 is that there are now four times more pets in Canada than children under the age of...
By mariastanborough -
The winter of a thousand Januarys
After years of relatively mild winters, the darkest season is once again bringing sustained cold and abundant snow to Canadian cities. And if spring...
By Josh Fullan -
UCS #85: From the Icepick to the Drillbit
See our Launch and Introduction about the launch of the © Urban Cartoon Syndicate and the announcement by CityHallWatch. *** Related Readings...
By Urban Cartoon Syndicate -
LORINC: The post-snowstorm sidewalk obstacle course
Does the City of Toronto see its network of sidewalks as transportation infrastructure? Officially, the answer is yes. Transportation services, the...
By John Lorinc -
PODCAST: Spacing Radio 92, Resolutions for Toronto leadership
The October 2026 Toronto election may seem like a long way off, but intentions to run have already been declared and campaign plans are well underway. So...
By Spacing Radio -
LORINC: Uncomfortable conversations about road safety
The city’s Vision Zero team released its 2025 data yesterday and the trend lines are encouraging: overall, the number of traffic-related deaths — 39...
By John Lorinc -
21st Century Road Allowances
Yvonne was in her early 40s, with short brown hair and a solid build. She was taller than my 5’ 5” frame, but when I met her she was seated on the steps...
By mariastanborough -
PODCAST: Spacing Radio 90, Bless this urban mess
Change in cities is often slow, when using official channels. There is a desire to achieve the perfect plan, one that balances everyone’s needs an...
By Spacing Radio -
PODCAST: Spacing Radio 086, Lost Highways
In a snap election called ostensibly to decide which Ontario provincial party leader can take on Donald Trump, we sure have spent a lot of time talking...
By Spacing Radio -
PODCAST: Spacing Radio 084, Two housing carols
This time of year, with the temperature below freezing, it feels appropriate to talk about housing. So, we’re bringing you two conversations with...
By Spacing Radio -
The Future Fix: Generation Restoration
THIS EPISODE: Why Toronto is a Role Model for Urban Ecology The City of Toronto has been named a “role model city” by the United Nations...
By Spacing Radio