Andrew
@andrewjd.bsky.social
Enjoyer of cities and communities, talking and advocating around housing, public and active transportation, and progressive issues, interspersed with hobbies and joy.
We had a parking lot described as ❤️ of the community.
Now we have new housing, amenities, parks, described as removing "that opportunity for friends & neighbours & your local shopkeepers, where you can actually feel that you're not just in this world by yourself"
"a complete massacre to this area"
Now we have new housing, amenities, parks, described as removing "that opportunity for friends & neighbours & your local shopkeepers, where you can actually feel that you're not just in this world by yourself"
"a complete massacre to this area"
It’s funny. In Toronto’s city centre, where we absorb almost all of the growth, we lose beloved businesses all the time to new development.
But heaven forbid a plaza get redeveloped in a stagnant post war neighbourhood.
www.thestar.com/news/gta/law...
But heaven forbid a plaza get redeveloped in a stagnant post war neighbourhood.
www.thestar.com/news/gta/law...
Why this Toronto neighbourhood is rallying to stop the proposed demolition of a 72-year-old plaza: ‘They become like your family’
Plans for Lawrence Plaza’s demolition and redevelopment were unveiled last year. “We recognize the plaza’s significance, and community engagement remains a priority,” the developer says.
www.thestar.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:42 PM
We had a parking lot described as ❤️ of the community.
Now we have new housing, amenities, parks, described as removing "that opportunity for friends & neighbours & your local shopkeepers, where you can actually feel that you're not just in this world by yourself"
"a complete massacre to this area"
Now we have new housing, amenities, parks, described as removing "that opportunity for friends & neighbours & your local shopkeepers, where you can actually feel that you're not just in this world by yourself"
"a complete massacre to this area"
When housing in Toronto is proposed which removes a tree, remember that preserving that exact tree all but assures vastly more trees are destroyed elsewhere, with drastically less ability to be replaced.
November 17, 2025 at 6:32 PM
When housing in Toronto is proposed which removes a tree, remember that preserving that exact tree all but assures vastly more trees are destroyed elsewhere, with drastically less ability to be replaced.
Reposted by Andrew
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
November 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Preparing for my cross-city multimodal trip, to see how best to save multimodal options for myself and future generations.
#ThIsTorontoDanforth
Taking Action for Safe Cycling in the City
Join for a discussion with cycling advocates working to make Toronto cycling-friendly
Sat, Nov 15, 2025, 2 - 4 pm
eventbrite.ca/e/taking-action-for-safe-cycling-in-the-city-tickets-1797500766179?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
Taking Action for Safe Cycling in the City
Join for a discussion with cycling advocates working to make Toronto cycling-friendly
Sat, Nov 15, 2025, 2 - 4 pm
eventbrite.ca/e/taking-action-for-safe-cycling-in-the-city-tickets-1797500766179?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
November 15, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Preparing for my cross-city multimodal trip, to see how best to save multimodal options for myself and future generations.
Reposted by Andrew
that's right
An example is that, with the "yes, and..." approach, you start from the position of "We are building a new apartment here - what do we need to make that work?" as opposed to the standard North American approach of "We want to build an apartment here - what is your opinion on that?"
November 14, 2025 at 9:01 PM
that's right
Would this be exactly the spot automated enforcement cameras belonged?
The driver may have been helped by Ford banning them.
The 52 year old crossing guard, however, won't be around for the eventual acknowledgement that "please pay attention" signs, all Ford might put here, won't help the next one
The driver may have been helped by Ford banning them.
The 52 year old crossing guard, however, won't be around for the eventual acknowledgement that "please pay attention" signs, all Ford might put here, won't help the next one
A crossing guard was killed by the driver of a dump truck yesterday. absolutely heartbreaking.
Look at our intersections, look how hostile these are for people/children - this is what we continue to build and defend at all costs. These aren't accidents, these are results. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Look at our intersections, look how hostile these are for people/children - this is what we continue to build and defend at all costs. These aren't accidents, these are results. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
November 14, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Would this be exactly the spot automated enforcement cameras belonged?
The driver may have been helped by Ford banning them.
The 52 year old crossing guard, however, won't be around for the eventual acknowledgement that "please pay attention" signs, all Ford might put here, won't help the next one
The driver may have been helped by Ford banning them.
The 52 year old crossing guard, however, won't be around for the eventual acknowledgement that "please pay attention" signs, all Ford might put here, won't help the next one
Yesterday I sat for a lecture by 3 folks from ReHousing. Hosted by UofT's school of Arch, they detailed the history of change in Toronto, how post-war suburbs rubber-stamped neighbourhoods as repetitive as a 100 floor condo does today, horizontally, & how for half a century we've seen near no change
November 14, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Yesterday I sat for a lecture by 3 folks from ReHousing. Hosted by UofT's school of Arch, they detailed the history of change in Toronto, how post-war suburbs rubber-stamped neighbourhoods as repetitive as a 100 floor condo does today, horizontally, & how for half a century we've seen near no change
This is what can make advocacy work so hard. On biking, on transit, on housing, it can take serious work to debunk even a single completely false source of material. And even when it is as astroturf as the anti-transit lane campaigns Toronto just saw, councillors will still hold it up as gospel.
A 90min Not Just Bikes video about vehicular cycling zealotry? Clear my schedule pls youtu.be/pRPduRHBhHI
This is Why Cycling is Dangerous in America
YouTube video by Not Just Bikes
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 3:39 AM
This is what can make advocacy work so hard. On biking, on transit, on housing, it can take serious work to debunk even a single completely false source of material. And even when it is as astroturf as the anti-transit lane campaigns Toronto just saw, councillors will still hold it up as gospel.
I want to understand what's going on in a World Series stadium, hosting Canada's team, and playing a Toronto artist. How many NYC artists did they play last year? I just couldn't. But, I'm OK with where it all sees us right now.
October 30, 2025 at 2:16 AM
I want to understand what's going on in a World Series stadium, hosting Canada's team, and playing a Toronto artist. How many NYC artists did they play last year? I just couldn't. But, I'm OK with where it all sees us right now.
On that inning-ending 6th strikeout, physics and the universe literally forced Ohtani to tip his cap to Yesavage.
October 30, 2025 at 1:05 AM
On that inning-ending 6th strikeout, physics and the universe literally forced Ohtani to tip his cap to Yesavage.
This is a nightmare for commentators, how do you handle so much improbable two batters and three pitches in?
October 30, 2025 at 12:14 AM
This is a nightmare for commentators, how do you handle so much improbable two batters and three pitches in?
Got the closest parking spot possible to both a Blue Jays World Series game, and my rec hockey league at the old Maple Leaf Gardens, in the space of a day this weekend. No sweat, literally, because I rode my e-cargo bike. Feeling like the Canadian I want to be, within our beautifully diverse fabric.
October 26, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Got the closest parking spot possible to both a Blue Jays World Series game, and my rec hockey league at the old Maple Leaf Gardens, in the space of a day this weekend. No sweat, literally, because I rode my e-cargo bike. Feeling like the Canadian I want to be, within our beautifully diverse fabric.
Ford should be aware: when you present a leader with facts, whose entire career is based on them & their base ignoring facts, nothing good comes of it.
Alt: they do say in disagreements, it's best to lead by admitting your faults, so on the matter of accepting truth, maybe Ford has some mea culpas?
Alt: they do say in disagreements, it's best to lead by admitting your faults, so on the matter of accepting truth, maybe Ford has some mea culpas?
October 24, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Ford should be aware: when you present a leader with facts, whose entire career is based on them & their base ignoring facts, nothing good comes of it.
Alt: they do say in disagreements, it's best to lead by admitting your faults, so on the matter of accepting truth, maybe Ford has some mea culpas?
Alt: they do say in disagreements, it's best to lead by admitting your faults, so on the matter of accepting truth, maybe Ford has some mea culpas?
Huh. Kinda looks like if we had today's rule, the Jays may not have made it to the World Series in 93. Or if Naylor had 93's rules, maybe we wouldn't have been in this year's. Some things change, and some things still echo with familiarity. On the right side both times ⚾️
October 21, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Huh. Kinda looks like if we had today's rule, the Jays may not have made it to the World Series in 93. Or if Naylor had 93's rules, maybe we wouldn't have been in this year's. Some things change, and some things still echo with familiarity. On the right side both times ⚾️
Reposted by Andrew
As an advocate, I have years of experience talking privately and publicly about homelessness. So, I'm pleased to have worked with Social Planning Toronto on this resource to help people and orgs communicate across divides about homelessness! www.socialplanningtoronto.org/talking_abou...
Talking About Homelessness
www.socialplanningtoronto.org
October 15, 2025 at 8:10 PM
As an advocate, I have years of experience talking privately and publicly about homelessness. So, I'm pleased to have worked with Social Planning Toronto on this resource to help people and orgs communicate across divides about homelessness! www.socialplanningtoronto.org/talking_abou...
I was just told by a friend that there won't be another total solar eclipse in North America for decades. Watching the Jays game, I said I'd take a full moon shot right about now.
The very next pitch... 😳😅🤷
The very next pitch... 😳😅🤷
October 8, 2025 at 12:20 AM
I was just told by a friend that there won't be another total solar eclipse in North America for decades. Watching the Jays game, I said I'd take a full moon shot right about now.
The very next pitch... 😳😅🤷
The very next pitch... 😳😅🤷
Like, no classics are perfect, but... the Addams universe has held up its end of the bargain exceptionally well. Millenial magic. Happy October viewings, to those who celebrate.
October 4, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Like, no classics are perfect, but... the Addams universe has held up its end of the bargain exceptionally well. Millenial magic. Happy October viewings, to those who celebrate.
What I Like About You - The Romantics
October 3, 2025 at 7:43 PM
What I Like About You - The Romantics
This notes what studies show (ppl on bikes/foot/TTC spend more than drivers) & shares success of places like Paris adding bike lanes, w/o admitting this means bikes are best on streets (w shops), cars on roads (w/o destinations). Note Paris puts lanes w shops (beige), none in shop-free gray. See🖼Alt
October 1, 2025 at 4:23 PM
This notes what studies show (ppl on bikes/foot/TTC spend more than drivers) & shares success of places like Paris adding bike lanes, w/o admitting this means bikes are best on streets (w shops), cars on roads (w/o destinations). Note Paris puts lanes w shops (beige), none in shop-free gray. See🖼Alt
Am I surprised that it isn't just law-breakers (speeding & destruction of law enforcement assets) Ford is on the side of, but also not the 1%, but the 0.5%? That's what fraction of drivers receive tickets, a mere 10th of the people doing 30%+ over the limit. Just...wow.
Matt Elliott digs into data from Toronto's speed cameras and discovers that they are no cash grab. In fact, they are letting a lot of speeders off the hook www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Matt Elliott: Cash grab? If there’s a problem with Toronto’s speed cameras, it’s that they aren’t grabbing enough cash
The data shows that if it were logistically possible to fine every driver doing one km/h over the limit, the Parkside Drive speed camera alone could have brought in half a billion dollars.
www.thestar.com
September 15, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Am I surprised that it isn't just law-breakers (speeding & destruction of law enforcement assets) Ford is on the side of, but also not the 1%, but the 0.5%? That's what fraction of drivers receive tickets, a mere 10th of the people doing 30%+ over the limit. Just...wow.
One of the best date nights is a public consultation date night. As engaging as you want it to be; you can read, write, draw, converse. And the keepsake, a ways down the line, is you might see yourselves reflected in the new shape of an improved community.
September 11, 2025 at 3:41 AM
One of the best date nights is a public consultation date night. As engaging as you want it to be; you can read, write, draw, converse. And the keepsake, a ways down the line, is you might see yourselves reflected in the new shape of an improved community.
I would enjoy a reporter asking what Ford thinks these should be.
#1 would include, in a 30kph zone, driving 163% of the limit, increasing odds of pedestrian/child death in collision from 10% to 90%.
#2 would include driving 197% of the limit.
#3 would cover speeds not legal on any non-highway road.
#1 would include, in a 30kph zone, driving 163% of the limit, increasing odds of pedestrian/child death in collision from 10% to 90%.
#2 would include driving 197% of the limit.
#3 would cover speeds not legal on any non-highway road.
Ford has already pre-committed himself to the dumbest outcome on speed cameras but just pointing out the penalties for speed cameras are set by provincial regulation O. Reg 355/22 (yes means it was issued by Ford's government). He can change these to what he thinks is fair without scrapping cameras.
September 9, 2025 at 8:13 PM
I would enjoy a reporter asking what Ford thinks these should be.
#1 would include, in a 30kph zone, driving 163% of the limit, increasing odds of pedestrian/child death in collision from 10% to 90%.
#2 would include driving 197% of the limit.
#3 would cover speeds not legal on any non-highway road.
#1 would include, in a 30kph zone, driving 163% of the limit, increasing odds of pedestrian/child death in collision from 10% to 90%.
#2 would include driving 197% of the limit.
#3 would cover speeds not legal on any non-highway road.
I'm pretty darn close to starting a thread rewriting the verses to this classic...
🎶Doug waits for us to die...
So many Doug ways to die...
Doug weighs: we should die...
So drivers can more recklessly drive...🎶
youtu.be/IJNR2EpS0jw
🎶Doug waits for us to die...
So many Doug ways to die...
Doug weighs: we should die...
So drivers can more recklessly drive...🎶
youtu.be/IJNR2EpS0jw
September 9, 2025 at 5:03 PM
I'm pretty darn close to starting a thread rewriting the verses to this classic...
🎶Doug waits for us to die...
So many Doug ways to die...
Doug weighs: we should die...
So drivers can more recklessly drive...🎶
youtu.be/IJNR2EpS0jw
🎶Doug waits for us to die...
So many Doug ways to die...
Doug weighs: we should die...
So drivers can more recklessly drive...🎶
youtu.be/IJNR2EpS0jw
When hundreds of us legally protest, saying "let us live", Doug makes laws ensuring more of all of us die.
When a few vigilantes attack law enforcement, saying "let us kill", Doug proposes laws ensuring more of all of us die.
At least he's consistent.
When a few vigilantes attack law enforcement, saying "let us kill", Doug proposes laws ensuring more of all of us die.
At least he's consistent.
In Ontario, criminal vigilantism works and will influence gov't policy.
Keep that in mind.
Keep that in mind.
‘Get rid of the speed cameras,’ Doug Ford warns municipalities after several cut down in Toronto overnight
Premier Doug Ford says he plans to take matters into his own hands if Ontario municipalities don’t “get rid of the speed cameras” in short order.
www.ctvnews.ca
September 9, 2025 at 3:43 PM
When hundreds of us legally protest, saying "let us live", Doug makes laws ensuring more of all of us die.
When a few vigilantes attack law enforcement, saying "let us kill", Doug proposes laws ensuring more of all of us die.
At least he's consistent.
When a few vigilantes attack law enforcement, saying "let us kill", Doug proposes laws ensuring more of all of us die.
At least he's consistent.
A thing that may surprise. I biked yesterday. 10km. To get to hockey. I got there faster than if I'd driven, and more warmed up than prior years, for which I have much experience. This could be pretty neat. E-cargo bike, you are growing on me.
September 8, 2025 at 4:31 PM
A thing that may surprise. I biked yesterday. 10km. To get to hockey. I got there faster than if I'd driven, and more warmed up than prior years, for which I have much experience. This could be pretty neat. E-cargo bike, you are growing on me.