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Lanrick Bennett

@lanrickbennett.bsky.social

13K followers 320 following 3.2K posts

Working within the active transportation, environmental protection, affordable housing and placemaking sphere. Always advocating #BikeTO #TransformTO #BLM #TweetsAreMineByDefault

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · Oct 3

The broken record will continue 🚲The War on Cars is over. We need to decouple our dependency on single occupancy vehicles!

Appreciate @tvotoday.bsky.social allowing me space for this important discussion.

h/t #UofTCities

#ActiveTransportation + #PublicTransportion = #LeaveTheCarBehind

TVO Today | The Agenda @tvotoday.bsky.social · Oct 3

"Single occupancy vehicles are not the way to continue to move people forward." – @lanrickbennett.bsky.social. How can Toronto's traffic be fixed? Tonight at 8/11pm with Jennifer McKelvie, Giles Gherson (Toronto Region Board of Trade), Baher Abdulhai (uoft.bsky.social) & @spaikin.bsky.social #topoli

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Reposted by Lanrick Bennett

Jimmy Thomson @jameswsthomson.com · 2h

Today, @nationalobserver.com is launching a tool to search municipal meeting transcripts across Canada. The tool has already helped us unearth a climate denial network targeting towns and cities, report on AI data centers, measure our impact and more.

Journalists and researchers, sign up for free!

Canada’s National Observer unveils a powerful tool for fighting disinformation

Civic Searchlight brings together municipal meeting transcripts from across Canada into a searchable database for the first time. It has already been used to fight disinformation, report on impact, di...

www.nationalobserver.com

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1h

Only speaking...

three men are standing in front of a debate night sign

ALT: three men are standing in front of a debate night sign

media.tenor.com

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1h

How fast do you need to go?

Street Speed & Collision Energy Calculator

Speed limits vary by road type:

• Expressways: Typically 90-100 km/h
• Major Arterials: Usually 50-60 km/h
• Minor Arterials & Collectors: Generally 40-50 km/h
• Local Streets: Usually 30-40 km/h

claude.ai/public/artif...

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1h

We don't talk about #TransformTO's Net Zero Strategy
in #TorontoDanforth

a blurry picture with the words we do n't talk about bruno on it

ALT: a blurry picture with the words we do n't talk about bruno on it

media.tenor.com

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1h

#FYI

"According to an online obituary, Alexandra Amaro, 23, was fatally struck by two vehicles outside Dufferin Mall on Dec. 2. She is being remembered as a kind and intelligent young woman who was studying to be a journalist."

h/t @cycletoronto.bsky.social

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 2h

"The Quayside- Phase 1 project will deliver approximately 1,750 affordable rental and purpose-built rental homes through a unique and innovative partnership model with private, non-profit, and government partners"

@waterfrontoronto.bsky.social did this!

In partnership with Waterfront Toronto, QILP, and CMHC, the City has been able to make a number of significant advancements in accelerating delivery of purpose-built and affordable rental homes through Quayside - Phase 1. This report and the confidential attachment provide:

- an update on the funding plan for approximately 550 affordable rental homes and required authorities to receive and invest funds, including property tax exemptions for the affordable rental homes;

- an update on the results of the competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select up to four Affordable Housing Providers, and the required authorities to enter into applicable agreements; and,

- an overview of how the City will work with project partners, including the Affordable Housing Providers, CMHC, QILP and Waterfront Toronto as the future owner of stratified affordable rental housing lands and funder for the affordable rental homes.

The Quayside- Phase 1 project will deliver approximately 1,750 affordable rental and purpose-built rental homes through a unique and innovative partnership model with private, non-profit, and government partners. The delivery model, however, is complex due to the interconnectedness of funding and financing sources, various roles and responsibilities of multiple partners, navigating the complex regulatory environment within the accelerated timelines of the project, as well as ongoing market pressures.

The federal and provincial governments, along with the City of Toronto, have recently approved a joint investment plan of $975 million to accelerate the delivery of Waterfront Toronto’s revitalization plan including delivery of new homes in Quayside and Ookwemin Minising (formerly Villiers Island). The tri-partite collaboration continues to be critical to ensure the Quayside - Phase 1 project can be delivered within this unique delivery model and can be replicated for delivery of much needed homes along Toronto's waterfront for current and futu

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 3h

"One of the most widely debated issues in Toronto in the last two decades has been transit. A plan called Transit City launched 18 years ago."

Whatever Happened to Transit City? via @tvotoday.bsky.social

h/t @jenniferkeesmaat.bsky.social @johnlorinc.bsky.social

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNd-...

Whatever Happened to Transit City? | The Agenda

YouTube video by TVO Today

www.youtube.com

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 3h

No issue per se, but I would love to dig into this @graphicmatt.com as a priority of check notes the TTC www.toronto.ca/business-eco...

Property Naming
City Council approved revisions to the Property Naming Policy PDF in July 2022 as part of the City’s Commemorative Framework, under item EX34.6. The Property Naming Policy establishes the criteria and process to name or rename a City Property.

Under the City’s Property Naming Policy, many City properties receive wayfinding names that describe the property’s features or location. These names make it easy for residents to identify and locate public amenities and facilities in their neighbourhoods and around the city. For example, Beaches Park has a wayfinding name due to it being located in the Beaches neighbourhood and near the beach.

The City also considers commemorative naming proposals for City properties that, if adopted, would enhance equity and inclusion in placemaking and promote a broader understanding of history and its legacy on communities. For example, Dr. Daniel Hill Park recognizes Dr. Hill’s lifelong advocacy for human rights and the preservation of Ontario’s Black History.

Proposals must meet the criteria set out in the Property Naming Policy and align with the six (6) Guiding Principles for Commemoration found in the City’s Commemorative Framework which are:

Guiding Principle 1: Be informed by historical research, traditional knowledge, and community insights
Guiding Principle 2: Be supported by communities through meaningful engagement
Guiding Principle 3: Honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being (Note: This principle is specific to commemorations of significance to Indigenous Peoples)
Guiding Principle 4: Prioritize commemorations significant to Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, and equity-deserving groups
Guiding Principle 5: Connect to Toronto, Ontario or Canada’s histories and cultures
Guiding Principle 6: Share knowledge and stories behind commemorations

Residents can also request the City to review an existing commemorative name of a City property where the name may be considered problematic.

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 3h

#TOpoli

Matt Elliott @graphicmatt.com · 4h

Toronto Council meets today! It's their first meeting since July, so we're all feeling a bit rusty. Mayor Chow has designated an item about — what else? — speed cameras as her first key matter, so that'll be up first.

Streaming live here. I'll post what transpires. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxu2...

City Council - October 8, 2025

YouTube video by Toronto City Council

www.youtube.com

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 5h

Make sure to bookmark this thread for future additions. It will be interesting to see how @toronto.ca's Infrastructure and Environment Committee manages this with added input from Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board. Run by the same person.

#ThisIsTorontoDanforth

Alex Bozikovic @alexbozikovic.bsky.social · 14h

The emerging vision for East Harbour. 👀

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 6h

LBJ's Humpday Podcast Picks for Oct 8th

This week’s lineup covers Strava vs. Garmin, the latest in tech talk, and a laugh with Conan and Janelle James.

h/t @dcrainmaker.com @mkbhd.com @janellejames.bsky.social

medium.com/@lanrickbenn...

Image with headphones around a mic

Text

"LBJ's Humpday Who am I listening to Today? Podcast Picks"

"Fit File Podcast Strava Sues Garmin...oh Boy"

Image of Conan

"Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend TeamCoco"

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 6h

Slight push back to @spaikin.bsky.social about speed humbs/bumps, unless the car he is driving a lowrider. Zero damage comes to your vehicle going over these objects at speed or faster (which many people do go faster when they see them) h/t @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social

youtu.be/1lV-2gGIYmw?...

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 10h

I’m feeling like I need to bring @tizzyent.bsky.social into the @thewaroncars.bsky.social @tomflood.bsky.social @ffsafestreets.bsky.social #VisionZero sphere.

Tizzy this a driver that needs to be found for so many reasons.

Robson Fletcher @robsonfletcher.com · 23h

Police in Airdrie, Alberta (just north of Calgary) say this driver hit a 17-year-old girl in a marked crosswalk, got out of the vehicle, and appeared to get upset at the teenager before driving away.

They released this video and are now trying to identify the driver.

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Reposted by Lanrick Bennett

Streetsblog NYC @nyc.streetsblog.org · 23h

Apply for the Social Video Producer job at the link below by October 24!

emily lipstein @emilylip.bsky.social · 23h

NEWS: I'm hiring! Apply to work on @nyc.streetsblog.org's award-winning social video team by 10/24 😎🆒📲 docs.google.com/document/d/1...

StreetsblogNYC Social Video Editor job description

Title: Streetsblog Social Video Producer Location: New York, NY Salary: $75,000-$80,000 annual salary plus benefits Date Posted: October 3, 2025 Application Due: October 24, 2025 Interviews w...

docs.google.com

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 23h

#ThrowbackTuesday

When Twitter was Good!

Thx @camgordon.bsky.social #JacksLibraryTour

Will be walking with fourth-year Geo & Planning students w/ @uoftdlsph.bsky.social for 'Stories in the Stacks: Active Transportation, Equity, and the Future of Healthy Cities' in 2 weeks ;)

h/t @utoronto.ca

Sitting down with Cam Gordon at Twitter Canada HQ to talk about #JacksLibraryTour

Oct 7th, 2016
Made it out to Twitter Canada this morning to talk about #JacksLibraryTour, Toronto Public Library, Daniel Rotsztain and transit above Bloor Street. A very different offering when you don't have subway service, limited streetcar (sans St. Clair) and waiting on packed buses. Shouldn't take 5 hours to travel the length of Jane Street visiting 3 libraries. Will be writing a more in-depth dig into the wants and needs of transit users that live above the belt line. Some great people at #Twitter today. Huge thanks for the opportunity to share. See less

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1d

✊🏾❤️📢 @uoftcities.bsky.social

Jeff Allen @jamaps.bsky.social, Senior Research Associate; Lead, Data Visualization

Jason Thorne @jasonthorne.bsky.social · 2d

The Venn diagram of urban density and average household GHG emissions is pretty much a circle. Interesting study on “Mapping household GHG emissions in the Greater Golden Horseshoe” from the University of Toronto School of Cities schoolofcities.utoronto.ca/mapping-hous...

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Reposted by Lanrick Bennett

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 1d

October is #CanadianLibraryMonth, when libraries & library partners across Canada help raise awareness of the valuable role libraries play in our lives. More: librarianship.ca/event/canadi...
#LibrariesForLife #LibrarySky

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1d

City life with my kids, couldn’t, wouldn’t have it any other way 🥰

taking the subway home after a dance competition. The kids are alright

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1d

#IdeasAtWork

Coming soon:
Toronto Public Library Centre for Democracy.

To learn more and apply: boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/3009

h/t @uoftcities.bsky.social @imfgtoronto.bsky.social

Toronto Public
in fyM
Library -- Senior
Manager, TPL Centre for Democracy
General Manager
Job Description
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) is North America's biggest and busiest public library system, welcoming over 46 million annual visits to its 100 branches and digital platforms. As a vital civic institution serving one of the most diverse cities in the world, TPL empowers Torontonians through equitable access to information, technology, public space, and lifelong learning. The TPL Centre for Democracy is a flagship initiative of the Library's new Strategic Plan, placing civic engagement and democracy at the forefront of its mission.
The Centre will confront urgent challenges like polarization and misinformation, playing a pivotal role in strengthening democracy and civic life in Canada's largest city, while contributing to global conversations about the evolving role of public libraries in civic renewal.
The Library is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and ambitious leader to serve as its inaugural Senior Manager, TPL Centre for Democracy, helping to cultivate civic literacy, strengthen democratic engagement, and inspire active, informed participation across the city. This is a rare opportunity get in on the ground-floor to help shape a bold new initiative at the heart of civic life in Toronto.

Reporting to the Director, Service Development and Innovation, the Senior Manager, TPL Centre for Democracy, provides strategic and operational leadership to bring the bold vision for the Centre to life and to lead its ongoing operation and evolution. This role is responsible for shaping and executing the Centre's multi-year direction, developing inclusive, community-informed programming, and building partnerships that elevate diverse voices and perspectives.
Serving all ages -children, youth, adults, and seniors -the Centre delivers dynamic programs and services that cultivate civic curiosity, participation, understanding, and dialogue.
The Senior Manager leads the Centre's system-wide efforts to embed civic engagement and democratic values into the fabric of public library programs and services. The role provides senior leadership across departments and disciplines, driving collaboration and aligning staff and resources to deliver on the Centre's strategic goals. It champions service design innovation, ensuring the Centre's work is reflective of and responsive to Toronto's diverse communities. The Senior Manager leads the Centre for Democracy International Advisory Committee, composed of global experts, civic innovators, and community leaders, which provides strategic guidance, identifies emerging practices, and connects the Centre to global networks working to strengthen democracy and civic participation.
As the ideal candidate, you are experienced and adept at leading initiatives that advance civic participation and strengthen democratic engagement. You understand the importance of designing and delivering programming that truly connects with people and communities, and you bring the credibility and vision to attract the right partners to expand the Centre's reach and impact. You are skilled in guiding teams, shaping strategy, and building collaborative networks, with a strong foundation in the democracy and civic engagement sector. You thrive in dynamic, comple

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to define and expand a flagship initiative in civic engagement that will help shape the national conversation about the role of public libraries in nurturing a healthy democracy. If that opportunity resonates with you, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and Cover Letter via the "Submit CV" button below. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Mike Young (myoung@boyden.com).
The salary range for this position is $123,833 - $170,184
(Exempt Grade 8). The Selection Committee will begin their review of applications on November 8, 2025.
TPL invites applications from all qualified individuals. The Library is committed to equal opportunity, diversity in the workplace, equity and reconciliation, and welcomes applications from Indigenous people, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+people and women.
TPL is committed to providing an open, accessible and equitable environment through its recruitment and hiring practices, including the provision of accessible formats and communication supports upon request for candidates with disabilities throughout the entire hiring process. Please contact Mike Young with any requests that will allow you to participate in this process fully and equitably.

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1d

“Could Congestion Pricing Unlock a Better Toronto?”

YES!!!!

Wrote this with Jeff Allen @jamaps.bsky.social Senior Research Associate; Lead, Data Visualization at @uoftcities.bsky.social

Who has the #PoliticalWill to take this issue on?

#TOpoli
schoolofcities.utoronto.ca/could-conges...

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1d

Regardless if they are moving or parked, single occupancy vehicles are in the way of the city’s ability to move people efficiently. “This is a moment for the TTC to reintroduce itself to people,” Siemiatycki says. “But it has to be top notch.” h/t @iiutoronto.bsky.social www.cp24.com/local/toront...

TTC and Metrolinx planning service adjustments as data show commuting office workers face more gridlock

Both the TTC and Metrolinx say they are planning service adjustments to account for the fact that many workers are being required to comply with more stringent in-office policies, as the latest data s...

www.cp24.com

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1d

Cc: @chrisjamesdrew.bsky.social

Reposted by Lanrick Bennett

Dave Edwards @davelikesbikes.bsky.social · 1d

McCleary Park last summer: City workers driving a pick up truck through the outfield in order to lock the washrooms just as our softball game ended

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Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1d

#VisionZero Plan Overview

The City is committed to Vision Zero and upholds its fundamental message: fatalities and serious injuries on our roads are preventable, and we must strive to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries to zero

www.toronto.ca/services-pay...

/end

Vision Zero Plan Overview

The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is a comprehensive action plan focused on reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto’s streets. The Plan prioritizes the safety of our most vu...

www.toronto.ca

Lanrick Bennett @lanrickbennett.bsky.social · 1d

#TransformTO Net Zero Strategy

Toronto City Council has adopted an ambitious strategy to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto to net zero by 2040

“Transportation

75 per cent of school/work trips under 5km are walked, biked or by transit”

www.toronto.ca/services-pay...

2/

TransformTO Net Zero Strategy

In June 2025, City Council adopted the TransformTO 2024 Annual Report on Implementation Progress will go before the City’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee (IEC). The report outlines progress ...

www.toronto.ca

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