Welcome to
My Urban Curious Blog:
Authoritative, Affectionate, and Occasionally Absurd
I have been writing about cities, urban design, and the quirks of how people live together for more than twenty-five years. Some of that writing has been technical, or professional. Some has been quirky, or heartfelt. Some has been—let’s be honest here—slightly absurd, usually after an unusually strong espresso.
Soroptimist International of Vancouver Urban Land Institute’s BC Technical Assistance Program Final Report
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) regularly brings together ULI members and volunteers with diverse sets of knowledge to offer their time in support of providing strategic, unbiased advice to a non-profit organization or local government. I contributed to the presentation, recommendations, and final report.
Real Travel Experiences
Personal Essay,
The Globe and Mail
I seek — and find — a moment of authenticity in a sea of managed tourist experiences. Real travel experiences transcend any discomfort they may give us in the moment.
PlanGirl Travels: Housing and Equity Lessons from Baltimore
In Baltimore, I reflect on urban redevelopment as both a beacon and battleground for housing equity, racial justice, and community resilience. Observing initiatives like Eager Park’s redevelopment, I draw parallels to British Columbia, highlighting the need for investments that advance affordable housing and address systemic inequities without displacing local communities.
The Effects of Bill 3 on BC’s Professional Planners: Consistency or Foolish Consistency?
This essay takes a critical stance on British Columbia's Building Act (Bill 3), arguing that while consistency is valuable, the rigid implementation of "consistency" may hinder municipalities' adaptability and innovation. Using Emerson's concept of “foolish consistency,” it suggests that the act could impede planners’ ability to respond to new urban challenges.