Visioning Nanaimo

The fallout from food waste may be described as global and/or national issues, but the solutions are very much local issues. Consequently, what we contribute to this problem in Nanaimo comes down to what we do, individually, and to the policies put in place of those we elect to municipal government. https://www.theguardian.com//its-time-to-get-serious-about

One of the primary rules of relationships is frequently noted to be that the best way to look after your own interests is to look after the interests of others. This would seem to be another case that supports that thinking. https://visioningnanaimo.ca/face-masks-are-not-just-an-inc/

As Patrick Condon points out clearly, it is crucial to carefully examine proposed "new" models in order to ensure they don't simply perpetuate "old" problems. https://thetyee.ca//Vancouver-Affordable-Housing-Needs-T/

Sometimes, it may be worth considering the implications of taking a particular position independently of the issue, itself. The rationale used may come with unwanted collateral effects. An example of this was in the August 31, Nanaimo Council Meeting. https://visioningnanaimo.ca/council-shows-limited-will-to-/

Although the focus on beach tourism may not closely fit Nanaimo, the concept of rising local sea levels in the coming 50 years certainly does. We will experience the same higher levels as Vancouver. Consequently, Nanaimo Council may have been wise to put the idea of extending the waterfront walkway on hold for re-evaluation. And going forward, we should be thinking about rising sea levels when we plan for and endorse any and all waterfront developments from the downtown to the Lantzville border. https://thetyee.ca/Analys//08/11/Future-Coastal-Holidays/

This initiative seems like it would also benefit other towns and cities like Nanaimo. Not just for identifying local hot and cool zones, but for informing official community plans - and needed remedial action - in terms of required cooling tree canopies and green spaces. This information could also provide a measure and be a required factor for inclusion in building permits and variance applications, both commercial and residential, i.e. how the building/landscaping will contribute to a cool, not hot, zone. Certainly the initiative demonstrates forward thinking and serves as a good example of how to proactively apply global thinking about global crises to local, municipal action. https://www.cbc.ca//how-vancouver-plans-to-cool-down-the-h

Here is a projected vision of Nanaimo, or at least of North Nanaimo, with the potential to irrevocably define that community. As such, it is a proposal that should be carefully considered by everyone in Nanaimo who is under 50 as they are the ones who will be most impacted by the future it helps create. That context raises the importance of the project's role in facilitating/contributing or constraining local population growth, climate change, and ecological collapse. We are at the point where every decision in the city needs to be made with those larger factors in mind. https://www.nanaimobulletin.com//green-thumb-developer-as/

Why we are hamstrung for dealing effectively with climate change and ecological collapse. https://visioningnanaimo.ca/climate-crises-need-a-bonnie-h/

Good grief! Leaving something needed by another species? Next they will be wanting people actually to respect urban riparian setbacks. https://www.cbc.ca//huckleberry-harvest-restrictions-1.564

Here’s the latest on our website. And while you are on the site reading the post, why not subscribe so you don’t miss any future columns? https://visioningnanaimo.ca/will-it-be-too-little-too-late/

Here's a tendency that's worth keeping in mind when considering local attitudes/positions on a wide variety of issues, not just COVID-19. How about re: bike lanes, pedestrians v cars, preservation of parks/ecological corridors v development, and on and on. https://www.scientificamerican.com//coronavirus-responses/

Our latest website post. https://visioningnanaimo.ca/nanaimo-council-fails-to-under/

Here's a local institution we never want to lose: Cantelope (and Meredith Dean's wonderful, quirky sense of humour)! https://www.pentictonwesternnews.com//horse-mascot-dresse/