Joshua Bertram
@joshuabertram.bsky.social
PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering at Carleton University. Transit and sustainable urban development advocate in Ottawa.
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
Local media covered our GOOD NEWS story. It's an example of how a small improvement can make a big difference. Still LOTS to fix with @octranspo.com, but yesterday life got a little bit easier for some of Ottawa's most vulnerable residents. Here's CTV's coverage. 1/ www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
December 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Local media covered our GOOD NEWS story. It's an example of how a small improvement can make a big difference. Still LOTS to fix with @octranspo.com, but yesterday life got a little bit easier for some of Ottawa's most vulnerable residents. Here's CTV's coverage. 1/ www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
Perhaps the most eloquent way I have ever seen the moral need to allow new housing argued. It frustrates me deeply how aesthetic characteristics keep dominating discussions about getting more housing built so that a human need is fulfilled. Shelter is a human right.
This wonderful piece, about new incremental housing going up, written by Sharon Nyangweso was shared in our group. We really think this couldn't have been said better.
We cannot lock our neighbourhoods into stasis if we want them to thrive. We need to be adaptable and allow for incremental growth.
We cannot lock our neighbourhoods into stasis if we want them to thrive. We need to be adaptable and allow for incremental growth.
December 19, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Perhaps the most eloquent way I have ever seen the moral need to allow new housing argued. It frustrates me deeply how aesthetic characteristics keep dominating discussions about getting more housing built so that a human need is fulfilled. Shelter is a human right.
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
Councillor Tim Tierney is wrong about ‘Chronic No-Voters’ in his Ottawa Citizen Op/Ed on Saturday.
His opinion would be easier to take seriously if the comments weren’t coming from someone with a 15-year track record of being a reliable yes-man for every budget. 1/21
His opinion would be easier to take seriously if the comments weren’t coming from someone with a 15-year track record of being a reliable yes-man for every budget. 1/21
December 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Councillor Tim Tierney is wrong about ‘Chronic No-Voters’ in his Ottawa Citizen Op/Ed on Saturday.
His opinion would be easier to take seriously if the comments weren’t coming from someone with a 15-year track record of being a reliable yes-man for every budget. 1/21
His opinion would be easier to take seriously if the comments weren’t coming from someone with a 15-year track record of being a reliable yes-man for every budget. 1/21
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
Are these "continuous improvements", or sleight of hand? Obfuscation, deflection, misrepresentation, whatever you want to call it. It's the pre-election budget, and someone's pumping the tires, but the tires have holes. That "hisssss" you hear is the sound of credibility leaking.
December 3, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Are these "continuous improvements", or sleight of hand? Obfuscation, deflection, misrepresentation, whatever you want to call it. It's the pre-election budget, and someone's pumping the tires, but the tires have holes. That "hisssss" you hear is the sound of credibility leaking.
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
When much the City’s self-described “savings and efficiencies” include deferrals of capital investments as well as reduced fuel costs resulting from the elimination of the Carbon Tax, it’s more accurate to call it “cost avoidance” and “blind luck”.
#OttBudget 2026 invests in the services we rely on every day. We have realized more than $252 million in savings during this Term of Council through service reviews and continue to improve services for our residents.
One example is @octranspo.com’s safety strategy.
1/5
One example is @octranspo.com’s safety strategy.
1/5
November 25, 2025 at 12:26 PM
When much the City’s self-described “savings and efficiencies” include deferrals of capital investments as well as reduced fuel costs resulting from the elimination of the Carbon Tax, it’s more accurate to call it “cost avoidance” and “blind luck”.
A bad deal and a bad process. The devil is in the details and when Ottawans read the fine print, he smiles back. Landsdowne thus far has under-delivered, not once breaking even. Therefore we must now payout $17 million a year for the chance at revenue neutrality??
Lansdowne 2.0 passes 15-10.
As a group dedicated to financial transparency and smart investments in community infrastructure, we had concerns around the reporting process and special financial treatment given to Lansdowne 2.0, as well as the lack of tangible transit improvements.
@alex-is.online
As a group dedicated to financial transparency and smart investments in community infrastructure, we had concerns around the reporting process and special financial treatment given to Lansdowne 2.0, as well as the lack of tangible transit improvements.
@alex-is.online
November 7, 2025 at 10:47 PM
A bad deal and a bad process. The devil is in the details and when Ottawans read the fine print, he smiles back. Landsdowne thus far has under-delivered, not once breaking even. Therefore we must now payout $17 million a year for the chance at revenue neutrality??
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
You would think the mayor was being ironic here when he says that we can't acquiesce to demands of wealthy sports owners, right before he says we need to be careful we don't lose the other wealthy sports owners in the same stadium 🤣🤣
#Ottawa #Lansdowne2.0
#Ottawa #Lansdowne2.0
November 7, 2025 at 8:51 PM
You would think the mayor was being ironic here when he says that we can't acquiesce to demands of wealthy sports owners, right before he says we need to be careful we don't lose the other wealthy sports owners in the same stadium 🤣🤣
#Ottawa #Lansdowne2.0
#Ottawa #Lansdowne2.0
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
Lansdowne 2.0 passes 15-10.
As a group dedicated to financial transparency and smart investments in community infrastructure, we had concerns around the reporting process and special financial treatment given to Lansdowne 2.0, as well as the lack of tangible transit improvements.
@alex-is.online
As a group dedicated to financial transparency and smart investments in community infrastructure, we had concerns around the reporting process and special financial treatment given to Lansdowne 2.0, as well as the lack of tangible transit improvements.
@alex-is.online
November 7, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Lansdowne 2.0 passes 15-10.
As a group dedicated to financial transparency and smart investments in community infrastructure, we had concerns around the reporting process and special financial treatment given to Lansdowne 2.0, as well as the lack of tangible transit improvements.
@alex-is.online
As a group dedicated to financial transparency and smart investments in community infrastructure, we had concerns around the reporting process and special financial treatment given to Lansdowne 2.0, as well as the lack of tangible transit improvements.
@alex-is.online
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
This photo of rookie Yesavage casually walking off the mound as future Hall of Famer and helmet-less Ohtani is still in motion striking out is everything. #WantItAll
October 30, 2025 at 2:02 AM
This photo of rookie Yesavage casually walking off the mound as future Hall of Famer and helmet-less Ohtani is still in motion striking out is everything. #WantItAll
So many pedestrian and cyclist deaths this year in Ottawa. A CHILD was just killed in Overbrook by a dump truck driver. We need a more urgent and proactive cycling plan in Ottawa to prevent more tragedies. How much blood has to be spilt this year before we get a sense of urgency to be proactive.
October 16, 2025 at 1:57 PM
So many pedestrian and cyclist deaths this year in Ottawa. A CHILD was just killed in Overbrook by a dump truck driver. We need a more urgent and proactive cycling plan in Ottawa to prevent more tragedies. How much blood has to be spilt this year before we get a sense of urgency to be proactive.
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
We heard from many groups today about the Tewin development. This is unfortunately going to be a development that further entrenches us into unsustainable sprawl.
Property taxes have not and will not be able to provide long-term support for these types of developments. We have decades of evidence.
Property taxes have not and will not be able to provide long-term support for these types of developments. We have decades of evidence.
October 15, 2025 at 9:42 PM
We heard from many groups today about the Tewin development. This is unfortunately going to be a development that further entrenches us into unsustainable sprawl.
Property taxes have not and will not be able to provide long-term support for these types of developments. We have decades of evidence.
Property taxes have not and will not be able to provide long-term support for these types of developments. We have decades of evidence.
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
Intensification and transit-oriented development are an existential imperative for North American cites, but who's thinking about the strip malls?! As it turns out, Toronto city planners are. Read my latest post here: kitchissippiward.ca/2025/07/18/t...
July 18, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Intensification and transit-oriented development are an existential imperative for North American cites, but who's thinking about the strip malls?! As it turns out, Toronto city planners are. Read my latest post here: kitchissippiward.ca/2025/07/18/t...
I’m reminded of how the city miss-used speed camera revenue on general expenses and police instead of spending it on road safety measures as they were supposed to. It is shameful for the city to claim it is too expensive to implement safer streets when they misuse funds allocated for it. Shameful.
Tonight's rally for Saloni Aitawadekar was moving, and so many of her co-workers out. Jurisdictions like Toronto are implementing Vision Zero policies to curb pedestrian deaths. We can do the same. Thanks, Councillor Troster and MPP McKenney, @marnanightingale.bsky.social for your powerful words.
July 12, 2025 at 1:07 AM
I’m reminded of how the city miss-used speed camera revenue on general expenses and police instead of spending it on road safety measures as they were supposed to. It is shameful for the city to claim it is too expensive to implement safer streets when they misuse funds allocated for it. Shameful.
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
Ottawa residents gather to honour pedestrian killed at Elgin and Laurier
Ottawa residents gather to honour pedestrian killed at Elgin and Laurier
Ottawa residents are paying tribute to a 27-year-old woman who died Monday after being hit by a pickup truck at the intersection of Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue West.
bit.ly
July 11, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Ottawa residents gather to honour pedestrian killed at Elgin and Laurier
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
Today Ottawa City Council is set to pass $4 billion in spending on our water and sewer infrastructure. This is just 2/3 of the $6 billion identified as needed over the next decade, and a drop in the bucket compared to what's to come once we get to renewing suburban sprawl. 🧵
June 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Today Ottawa City Council is set to pass $4 billion in spending on our water and sewer infrastructure. This is just 2/3 of the $6 billion identified as needed over the next decade, and a drop in the bucket compared to what's to come once we get to renewing suburban sprawl. 🧵
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
This photo goes so damn hard it's not even funny.
The community support has been amazing, even among businesses.
If you live in Ottawa and ride the 6 or 7, please visit strongtownsottawa.ca/bank for more info on how to support. But the big two are emailing the PM, and counselor Menard.
The community support has been amazing, even among businesses.
If you live in Ottawa and ride the 6 or 7, please visit strongtownsottawa.ca/bank for more info on how to support. But the big two are emailing the PM, and counselor Menard.
Let's Make a Better Bank Street - Strong Towns Ottawa
The city is currently studying options for how to make Bank Street better, but none of their options seek to push the status quo that got us into the mess we're in.
strongtownsottawa.ca
May 29, 2025 at 11:22 AM
This photo goes so damn hard it's not even funny.
The community support has been amazing, even among businesses.
If you live in Ottawa and ride the 6 or 7, please visit strongtownsottawa.ca/bank for more info on how to support. But the big two are emailing the PM, and counselor Menard.
The community support has been amazing, even among businesses.
If you live in Ottawa and ride the 6 or 7, please visit strongtownsottawa.ca/bank for more info on how to support. But the big two are emailing the PM, and counselor Menard.
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
We’ve officially taken over the marquee at the Mayfair to promote bus Lanes on Bank Street!
Amazing how much community support we’ve had for better transit @strongtownsottawa.bsky.social
Amazing how much community support we’ve had for better transit @strongtownsottawa.bsky.social
May 29, 2025 at 11:05 AM
We’ve officially taken over the marquee at the Mayfair to promote bus Lanes on Bank Street!
Amazing how much community support we’ve had for better transit @strongtownsottawa.bsky.social
Amazing how much community support we’ve had for better transit @strongtownsottawa.bsky.social
This letter expertly outlines a lot of the dissatisfaction and frustration with the new TMP. Centretown Community Association doing great work as usual!
The Centretown Community Association has sent a letter on the draft Transportation Master Plan not meeting the needs of urban residents.
"It will make the lives of those who live and work here less affordable, less accessible, and less safe."
@mayormarksutcliffe.bsky.social @arieltroster.com
"It will make the lives of those who live and work here less affordable, less accessible, and less safe."
@mayormarksutcliffe.bsky.social @arieltroster.com
May 28, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This letter expertly outlines a lot of the dissatisfaction and frustration with the new TMP. Centretown Community Association doing great work as usual!
Visiting Montreal for a conference and ended up walking around Griffintown to check it out. The scale of the urban redevelopment there is honestly astonishing! The amount of new apartments, street redesigns, and greenspace is shocking. It is giving gentrified but I am not sure how populated it was.
May 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Visiting Montreal for a conference and ended up walking around Griffintown to check it out. The scale of the urban redevelopment there is honestly astonishing! The amount of new apartments, street redesigns, and greenspace is shocking. It is giving gentrified but I am not sure how populated it was.
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
Parking minimums drive up the cost of housing and incentivize car ownership.
Abolishing parking minimums is good planning policy, and I am seriously concerned about attempts to dilute or eliminate this proposed policy in our new zoning bylaw.
youtu.be/3cw7mldYS4A?...
Abolishing parking minimums is good planning policy, and I am seriously concerned about attempts to dilute or eliminate this proposed policy in our new zoning bylaw.
youtu.be/3cw7mldYS4A?...
Abolishing parking minimums is good policy
YouTube video by Ariel Troster
youtu.be
April 16, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Parking minimums drive up the cost of housing and incentivize car ownership.
Abolishing parking minimums is good planning policy, and I am seriously concerned about attempts to dilute or eliminate this proposed policy in our new zoning bylaw.
youtu.be/3cw7mldYS4A?...
Abolishing parking minimums is good planning policy, and I am seriously concerned about attempts to dilute or eliminate this proposed policy in our new zoning bylaw.
youtu.be/3cw7mldYS4A?...
Reposted by Joshua Bertram
The NYT just dropped a bombshell: a foreign spa company with one location and no cash landed a 95-year sweetheart deal—based on misleading claims and a secretive, preferential process.
This gov't was elected to protect Ontario. Do the right thing. Cancel the deal.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/w...
This gov't was elected to protect Ontario. Do the right thing. Cancel the deal.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/w...
European Spa Company Therme Misrepresented Itself in an Effort to Expand Into Canada
A Times investigation shows Therme, a European firm, exaggerated its track record in securing a deal with Ontario, and government auditors found that the process had been unfair and opaque.
www.nytimes.com
April 16, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The NYT just dropped a bombshell: a foreign spa company with one location and no cash landed a 95-year sweetheart deal—based on misleading claims and a secretive, preferential process.
This gov't was elected to protect Ontario. Do the right thing. Cancel the deal.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/w...
This gov't was elected to protect Ontario. Do the right thing. Cancel the deal.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/w...