Welcome to my post. I’m glad you’re here. You’re probably here to learn a little about Toronto (my new city) and being an Urban Explorer (which I am). But to be honest, that’s just scratching the … [Read more...] about A Guide to Urban Exploration
Places and Spaces
exploring what makes great public spaces in our cities
See and Be Seen: A Street Artist’s Case for Deeper Connections
Since August 2018, I've been offering "Circles of Space", an ongoing pop-up street exhibition around the theme of human connection on busy streets and elsewhere in Victoria, Vancouver and other … [Read more...] about See and Be Seen: A Street Artist’s Case for Deeper Connections
Sofa Surprise Pandora
What do you do with a rug, a couch, an artist, a handful of musicians, a videographer and a connector? You plan a spontaneous concert on a random boulevard in Victoria, BC, of course. The impetus … [Read more...] about Sofa Surprise Pandora
A New Path Forward – Full Spectrum CPTED
Our Victoria-based company is dedicated to improving safety, well-being and quality of life in communities. It's always a pleasure sharing our expertise beyond British Columbia. It's all about … [Read more...] about A New Path Forward – Full Spectrum CPTED
Reclaiming the Gateway
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps is proposing the city use a neutral third party at the start of the development process in the hope of reducing neighbourhood conflicts over contentious developments. “We … [Read more...] about Reclaiming the Gateway
What Makes our Communities Safe?
This question remains a global one and a focal point for all cities and all levels of government, and reaches the deepest roots of our neighbourhoods. It seems to drive many conversations among … [Read more...] about What Makes our Communities Safe?
Placemaking – At the Heart of the Matter
Is it feasible that placemaking can be at the heart of everything we build? Of course it can - and, first we need to understand its importance and why it's so integral. When it comes to the built … [Read more...] about Placemaking – At the Heart of the Matter
Small space, new reality – how small can you go?
Small space, new reality – how small can you go?I spent years living full-time in a 26-foot trailer with my husband. In this home-is-where-you-park-it lifestyle, we flourished with less space and more … [Read more...] about Small space, new reality – how small can you go?
Keep calm and drive on
Keep calm and drive on!Some streets are unwelcoming. The worst for me was an RV park on the Colorado River. To get to our site, we drove over 11 extra-high speed bumps (I counted) and one scary spike … [Read more...] about Keep calm and drive on
Urban densification: fan or pan?
Urban densification: fan or pan?I have mixed feelings about growing up. I’m not talking about my emotional state or my height but about cities. Like it or not, our cities are expanding upwards.As a … [Read more...] about Urban densification: fan or pan?