When I’m working at my home office, by mid-day I’m usually ready for some outside time. Fortunately I live in an inviting neighbourhood. A short stroll in my ‘hood helps recharge my batteries. And when the batteries are charged, its easier to do those good things: focus, listening, empathy… associated with the collaborative mindset. On the […]
A pub at the hub
I have the good fortune of living in Victoria, BC, Canada within walking distance of both Cook Street Village and downtown. The Beagle in Cook St Village serves as a meeting place for the neighbourhood, a role that pubs have always filled. Irish Times in Bastion Square does the same for people who live in […]
Walking tours: a closer look at our urban world
I’m a great believer in the power of walking tours. There’s a unique value in getting people together in small groups and walking the streets of a city to see, really see, what’s really there. That was brought home to me on one urban plan we worked on, where we tried to convince a municipal […]
Building community trust with flowers
One of the things I love about my new neighbourhood of Fairfield, in Victoria (BC, Canada) is the variety of “faces” presented by homes in the community. Each house, condo or apartment has a different look (no cookie cutter concepts here) but most importantly every yard reflects an individual personality. Some yards are manicured like […]