Chris Ritsma
@hambicycleguy.bsky.social
From urbanism, arises cultures 🌆
#YIMBY for market & social housing, rides a #bicycle 🚲, Hamilton, the best place to raze a child
#YIMBY for market & social housing, rides a #bicycle 🚲, Hamilton, the best place to raze a child
One oddity of living in Hamilton is that I've seen a ton of these signs describing people and children in certain areas.
What am I supposed to do with this information, who is requesting these signs be put up, and are they ever reviewed or removed?
What am I supposed to do with this information, who is requesting these signs be put up, and are they ever reviewed or removed?
December 22, 2025 at 3:27 PM
One oddity of living in Hamilton is that I've seen a ton of these signs describing people and children in certain areas.
What am I supposed to do with this information, who is requesting these signs be put up, and are they ever reviewed or removed?
What am I supposed to do with this information, who is requesting these signs be put up, and are they ever reviewed or removed?
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
I appreciate @1alexhemingway.bsky.social’s consistent advocacy for non-market housing without downplaying market housing or the broader supply shortage.
By covering not just zoning but also suppressed household formation, this is pretty much the gold standard for left-YIMBYism.
By covering not just zoning but also suppressed household formation, this is pretty much the gold standard for left-YIMBYism.
British Columbia’s #housing crisis is severe, but its root causes are familiar: exclusionary zoning, under-building, and chronic neglect of nonmarket housing. Economist Alex Hemingway’s proposals show how governments could reverse course, in BC and elsewhere. jacobin.com/2025/12/cana... #Canada
The Housing Crisis Is Solvable
British Columbia’s housing crisis is severe, but its root causes are familiar: exclusionary zoning, under-building, and chronic neglect of nonmarket housing. Economist Alex Hemingway’s proposals show ...
jacobin.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:06 AM
I appreciate @1alexhemingway.bsky.social’s consistent advocacy for non-market housing without downplaying market housing or the broader supply shortage.
By covering not just zoning but also suppressed household formation, this is pretty much the gold standard for left-YIMBYism.
By covering not just zoning but also suppressed household formation, this is pretty much the gold standard for left-YIMBYism.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
“Please slow down. Speeding is totally bad. Pretty please.”
That’s the kind of tough enforcement that drivers respect!
That’s the kind of tough enforcement that drivers respect!
December 22, 2025 at 3:52 AM
“Please slow down. Speeding is totally bad. Pretty please.”
That’s the kind of tough enforcement that drivers respect!
That’s the kind of tough enforcement that drivers respect!
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
I'm still stunned at the number of progressives who are upset at the federal government scaling back on non-permanent residency programs. Here's the 2024 UN report on contemporary slavery that calls out issues with TFW and international student programs.
docs.un.org/en/A/HRC...
docs.un.org/en/A/HRC...
December 22, 2025 at 12:02 AM
I'm still stunned at the number of progressives who are upset at the federal government scaling back on non-permanent residency programs. Here's the 2024 UN report on contemporary slavery that calls out issues with TFW and international student programs.
docs.un.org/en/A/HRC...
docs.un.org/en/A/HRC...
It's not like there's an entire lane there to stop in or anything, no, just stop on the sidewalk.
December 16, 2025 at 6:07 PM
It's not like there's an entire lane there to stop in or anything, no, just stop on the sidewalk.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
youtu.be
December 14, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Not Just Bikes vs. Montreal (Two Years Later)
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Bike Share Toronto has seen massive growth.
From 2.4 million rides in 2019 to 8.1 million (projected) in 2025, with a goal of 14 million by 2030.
They plan to add 2,500 regular bikes and another 2,500 e-bikes in that timeframe.
They’re targeting certain station densities too.
From 2.4 million rides in 2019 to 8.1 million (projected) in 2025, with a goal of 14 million by 2030.
They plan to add 2,500 regular bikes and another 2,500 e-bikes in that timeframe.
They’re targeting certain station densities too.
Thousands of new e-bikes, smart docks and digital ads: Bike Share Toronto lays out 5-year plan | CBC News
As Toronto's bike share program continues to see record growth, its leadership plans to massively expand its electric bike network by 2030, with the hopes of enticing riders who are hesitant to try ou...
www.cbc.ca
December 13, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Bike Share Toronto has seen massive growth.
From 2.4 million rides in 2019 to 8.1 million (projected) in 2025, with a goal of 14 million by 2030.
They plan to add 2,500 regular bikes and another 2,500 e-bikes in that timeframe.
They’re targeting certain station densities too.
From 2.4 million rides in 2019 to 8.1 million (projected) in 2025, with a goal of 14 million by 2030.
They plan to add 2,500 regular bikes and another 2,500 e-bikes in that timeframe.
They’re targeting certain station densities too.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Metrolinx just told Hamilton City Council that the contract for LRT civil and utilites works "will be issued early in the new year"
Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcHx... #HamOnt
Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcHx... #HamOnt
December 12, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Metrolinx just told Hamilton City Council that the contract for LRT civil and utilites works "will be issued early in the new year"
Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcHx... #HamOnt
Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcHx... #HamOnt
This is so weird...
Now on TPR
Superior Court invalidates City of Hamilton's emergency demolition order for a property owned by Mayor Andrea Horwath and occupied by her ex-partner. Judge rules the City cannot rely on a private engineer's report instead of conducting its own inspection. #yhmcc #HamOnt (1/4)
Superior Court invalidates City of Hamilton's emergency demolition order for a property owned by Mayor Andrea Horwath and occupied by her ex-partner. Judge rules the City cannot rely on a private engineer's report instead of conducting its own inspection. #yhmcc #HamOnt (1/4)
Judge Invalidates City's Emergency Demolition Order for Property Owned by Andrea Horwath
Dispute centres on semi-detached home occupied by Mayor's ex-partner, who opposed emergency order. Court rules the City cannot rely on an engineer's report commissioned by Horwath.
thepublicrecord.ca
December 11, 2025 at 7:46 PM
This is so weird...
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Of the 620 comments on the #HamOnt Jamesville MZO that were deemed acceptable to publish, the breakdown is:
Pro MZO → 88.9%
Anti-MZO → 5.5%
Mixed* → 5.6%
* mixed, meaning generally supportive, but with requests to adjust what is approved or focus more on affordable/supportive housing
Pro MZO → 88.9%
Anti-MZO → 5.5%
Mixed* → 5.6%
* mixed, meaning generally supportive, but with requests to adjust what is approved or focus more on affordable/supportive housing
The Jamesville (405 James Street North Hamilton) Minister's Zoning Order is now posted to the ERO.
The Province received over 700 comments on the MZO. #HamOnt #yhmcc #onmuni
ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0...
The Province received over 700 comments on the MZO. #HamOnt #yhmcc #onmuni
ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0...
Zoning Order 001-2025 in the City of Hamilton | Environmental Registry of Ontario
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received a request from the Mayor of Hamilton to make a Minister’s Zoning Order for a residential development in the City of Hamilton. The Ministry is see...
ero.ontario.ca
December 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Of the 620 comments on the #HamOnt Jamesville MZO that were deemed acceptable to publish, the breakdown is:
Pro MZO → 88.9%
Anti-MZO → 5.5%
Mixed* → 5.6%
* mixed, meaning generally supportive, but with requests to adjust what is approved or focus more on affordable/supportive housing
Pro MZO → 88.9%
Anti-MZO → 5.5%
Mixed* → 5.6%
* mixed, meaning generally supportive, but with requests to adjust what is approved or focus more on affordable/supportive housing
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
December 10, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Sweet Jesus, this may actually get moving finally. Let's get it built, let's build dense, let's include affordable housing & retail units to continue the James St commercial corridor.
The property is 85metres to a GO Station, 0metres to A-Line express bus, 300metres to downtown, 1km to future LRT.
The property is 85metres to a GO Station, 0metres to A-Line express bus, 300metres to downtown, 1km to future LRT.
December 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Sweet Jesus, this may actually get moving finally. Let's get it built, let's build dense, let's include affordable housing & retail units to continue the James St commercial corridor.
The property is 85metres to a GO Station, 0metres to A-Line express bus, 300metres to downtown, 1km to future LRT.
The property is 85metres to a GO Station, 0metres to A-Line express bus, 300metres to downtown, 1km to future LRT.
It's super shit out, but people still cycling!
(I'm included in that)
(I'm included in that)
December 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
It's super shit out, but people still cycling!
(I'm included in that)
(I'm included in that)
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
I like living in a place where renting is common and normalized and homeownership culture is not as strong.
Specifically, I dislike the common idea that you’re a “failure” if you rent (or you’re being “exploited”). And the culture that glorifies rising house prices.
Specifically, I dislike the common idea that you’re a “failure” if you rent (or you’re being “exploited”). And the culture that glorifies rising house prices.
December 7, 2025 at 2:14 AM
I like living in a place where renting is common and normalized and homeownership culture is not as strong.
Specifically, I dislike the common idea that you’re a “failure” if you rent (or you’re being “exploited”). And the culture that glorifies rising house prices.
Specifically, I dislike the common idea that you’re a “failure” if you rent (or you’re being “exploited”). And the culture that glorifies rising house prices.
Okay, so architects. Hear me out. If a developer is like "we've got $5 for the exterior of this building", look at your design and if there are more than 3 colours/materials, stop and remove one. Exhibit A. 3 colours wouldn't make this pretty but it would look wayyy less busy.
December 6, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Okay, so architects. Hear me out. If a developer is like "we've got $5 for the exterior of this building", look at your design and if there are more than 3 colours/materials, stop and remove one. Exhibit A. 3 colours wouldn't make this pretty but it would look wayyy less busy.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Is there any more depressing story in urbanism than the fact that people kept cutting down speed cameras in Toronto, and then the premier just… agreed with them and banned speed cameras across the province?
It honestly makes me so mad.
It honestly makes me so mad.
All of Toronto's speed cameras are gone. How did we get to this point? | CBC News
Toronto's speed cameras may be gone, but this time there are no mysterious vandals wielding power tools, no blurry suspect photos and no police investigation.
www.cbc.ca
December 2, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Is there any more depressing story in urbanism than the fact that people kept cutting down speed cameras in Toronto, and then the premier just… agreed with them and banned speed cameras across the province?
It honestly makes me so mad.
It honestly makes me so mad.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
If you go to a suburban mall, you will probably have to park outside and walk in. You don’t expect to drive in to your store.
But for some reason in urban areas it’s considered an injustice if you can’t park directly in front of the store you want to go to.
But for some reason in urban areas it’s considered an injustice if you can’t park directly in front of the store you want to go to.
December 2, 2025 at 7:25 PM
If you go to a suburban mall, you will probably have to park outside and walk in. You don’t expect to drive in to your store.
But for some reason in urban areas it’s considered an injustice if you can’t park directly in front of the store you want to go to.
But for some reason in urban areas it’s considered an injustice if you can’t park directly in front of the store you want to go to.
A thought I had about a mix of housing types, is that it's quite nice to be able to rent and find a neighbourhood you like before committing to buying, we have, and we know two other couples that bought a place ~100-250m from where they rented previously.
November 29, 2025 at 9:35 PM
A thought I had about a mix of housing types, is that it's quite nice to be able to rent and find a neighbourhood you like before committing to buying, we have, and we know two other couples that bought a place ~100-250m from where they rented previously.
Pre-war neighbourhoods just look so much more beautiful in the snow than new neighbourhoods.
November 29, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Pre-war neighbourhoods just look so much more beautiful in the snow than new neighbourhoods.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Had a 97 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Magnificent vehicle—I want another one. Felt "big" when I got it, not dangerously so, just... "We're not in my dad's Lada anymore, Toto."
Now?
Source (and more pics): www.reddit.com/r/CherokeeXJ...
Now?
Source (and more pics): www.reddit.com/r/CherokeeXJ...
November 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Had a 97 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Magnificent vehicle—I want another one. Felt "big" when I got it, not dangerously so, just... "We're not in my dad's Lada anymore, Toto."
Now?
Source (and more pics): www.reddit.com/r/CherokeeXJ...
Now?
Source (and more pics): www.reddit.com/r/CherokeeXJ...
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual General Meeting last night at Collective Arts🎉! It was so nice to be back together to recap another incredible year of cycling in #HamOnt. Cycle Hamilton is officially 10 years old, and we would not be here without your support!
November 28, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual General Meeting last night at Collective Arts🎉! It was so nice to be back together to recap another incredible year of cycling in #HamOnt. Cycle Hamilton is officially 10 years old, and we would not be here without your support!
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
“The vacated homes were substantially cheaper than the new units and spanned diverse locations and housing types.”
When people move into new housing developments, they free up space in older housing. This is good for housing affordability and availability.
When people move into new housing developments, they free up space in older housing. This is good for housing affordability and availability.
Interesting new working paper that studies chains of movers after the construction of a new apartment building in Honolulu.
Paper finds that the project resulted in the opening up other, lower cost, housing on the island, benefiting the housing market overall.
Paper finds that the project resulted in the opening up other, lower cost, housing on the island, benefiting the housing market overall.
uhero.hawaii.edu
November 28, 2025 at 4:14 PM
“The vacated homes were substantially cheaper than the new units and spanned diverse locations and housing types.”
When people move into new housing developments, they free up space in older housing. This is good for housing affordability and availability.
When people move into new housing developments, they free up space in older housing. This is good for housing affordability and availability.
The power of mid-rise construction and no parking minimums is 68 units of housing from foundation to this in 2 months.
The Point rentals in Hamilton by Yoke Group. The right photo is render of completed project.
The Point rentals in Hamilton by Yoke Group. The right photo is render of completed project.
November 28, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The power of mid-rise construction and no parking minimums is 68 units of housing from foundation to this in 2 months.
The Point rentals in Hamilton by Yoke Group. The right photo is render of completed project.
The Point rentals in Hamilton by Yoke Group. The right photo is render of completed project.
Reposted by Chris Ritsma
Fun little evening side quest: the subway and streetcar network in April 1954, but in contemporary style.
November 28, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Fun little evening side quest: the subway and streetcar network in April 1954, but in contemporary style.