Author, environmentalist, cyclist
@ramorris-eco.bsky.social
Professional conservation policy wonk (views are my own), ecofiction indie author (Beyond What Separates Us), avid cyclist.
Settler in Dish with One Spoon, Treaty 13 territory (Toronto)
Settler in Dish with One Spoon, Treaty 13 territory (Toronto)
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
December 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
When a party can win unchecked power with 40% of the vote, accountability becomes optional.
Proportional representation would prevent governments from sidelining the legislature and would require cooperation instead of unilateral control.
Proportional representation would prevent governments from sidelining the legislature and would require cooperation instead of unilateral control.
December 11, 2025 at 8:52 PM
When a party can win unchecked power with 40% of the vote, accountability becomes optional.
Proportional representation would prevent governments from sidelining the legislature and would require cooperation instead of unilateral control.
Proportional representation would prevent governments from sidelining the legislature and would require cooperation instead of unilateral control.
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
The language in the bill about these corporations is vague, said @policyalternatives.ca senior researcher @simonenoch.bsky.social:
“A ‘public corporation’ also just means a corporation that’s publicly-traded, which is privately-owned." #onpoli pressprogress.ca/ontario-clai...
“A ‘public corporation’ also just means a corporation that’s publicly-traded, which is privately-owned." #onpoli pressprogress.ca/ontario-clai...
Ontario’s Government Claims the Province Isn’t Privatizing Water. Experts Are Not Convinced.
“The way that this act is written creates this slippery slope towards privatization”
pressprogress.ca
November 25, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The language in the bill about these corporations is vague, said @policyalternatives.ca senior researcher @simonenoch.bsky.social:
“A ‘public corporation’ also just means a corporation that’s publicly-traded, which is privately-owned." #onpoli pressprogress.ca/ontario-clai...
“A ‘public corporation’ also just means a corporation that’s publicly-traded, which is privately-owned." #onpoli pressprogress.ca/ontario-clai...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
A bad day for Canada, and therefore the world.
Ontario (population 16 million, 40% of the country) has passed new legislation prohibiting bike lanes that take a lane from cars.
An escalation from Bill 212, which required municipalities to get approval.
Ontario (population 16 million, 40% of the country) has passed new legislation prohibiting bike lanes that take a lane from cars.
An escalation from Bill 212, which required municipalities to get approval.
November 24, 2025 at 7:50 PM
A bad day for Canada, and therefore the world.
Ontario (population 16 million, 40% of the country) has passed new legislation prohibiting bike lanes that take a lane from cars.
An escalation from Bill 212, which required municipalities to get approval.
Ontario (population 16 million, 40% of the country) has passed new legislation prohibiting bike lanes that take a lane from cars.
An escalation from Bill 212, which required municipalities to get approval.
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
The best conservation happens through partnerships. Together with Garden Rivers First Nations, Algoma Highlands Conservancy & the City of Sault Ste. Marie, we're working to connect vital lands and waters for wildlife and community-led stewardship. Learn more here:
ontarionature.org/news-release...
ontarionature.org/news-release...
November 19, 2025 at 10:22 PM
The best conservation happens through partnerships. Together with Garden Rivers First Nations, Algoma Highlands Conservancy & the City of Sault Ste. Marie, we're working to connect vital lands and waters for wildlife and community-led stewardship. Learn more here:
ontarionature.org/news-release...
ontarionature.org/news-release...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." Malcolm X.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Dark forces are preventing us fighting the climate crisis – by taking knowledge hostage | George Monbiot
The fundamental problem is this: that most of the means of communication are owned or influenced by the very rich, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:41 AM
"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." Malcolm X.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
“Someone with a 1-hr car commute needs to earn 40% more to be as happy as someone with a short walk to work. On the other hand, if someone shifts from a long commute to a walk, their happiness increases as much as if they’d fallen in love.” #CityMakingMath
50 reasons to want more walkable cities.
50 reasons to want more walkable cities.
50 Reasons Why Everyone Should Want More Walkable Streets
From making you live longer to making cities more resilient: If you want a reason to make your city more walkable, it's in here.
www.fastcompany.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:40 AM
“Someone with a 1-hr car commute needs to earn 40% more to be as happy as someone with a short walk to work. On the other hand, if someone shifts from a long commute to a walk, their happiness increases as much as if they’d fallen in love.” #CityMakingMath
50 reasons to want more walkable cities.
50 reasons to want more walkable cities.
Why are all our "nation building" projects (other than high-speed rail) such outdated economic thinking that continues the idea that Canada is just a resource country?
It is so disappointing to see such a lack of vision provincially and federally.
#canada #ontario #nationbuilding
It is so disappointing to see such a lack of vision provincially and federally.
#canada #ontario #nationbuilding
November 14, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Why are all our "nation building" projects (other than high-speed rail) such outdated economic thinking that continues the idea that Canada is just a resource country?
It is so disappointing to see such a lack of vision provincially and federally.
#canada #ontario #nationbuilding
It is so disappointing to see such a lack of vision provincially and federally.
#canada #ontario #nationbuilding
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
Buried in the Doug Ford govt's fall budget are changes that would remove parts of Wasaga beach from provincial protection. As I reported in August, those parts are 60% of the world’s longest freshwater beach and the main nesting area for the endangered piping plover: thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
November 10, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Buried in the Doug Ford govt's fall budget are changes that would remove parts of Wasaga beach from provincial protection. As I reported in August, those parts are 60% of the world’s longest freshwater beach and the main nesting area for the endangered piping plover: thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
🚨 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) are no longer untouchable — a boundary was quietly shifted for the Garden Hill ANSI near Port Hope without Indigenous consultation or public transparency.
No land in Ontario is safe.
🔗: ontarionature.org/news-release...
#RepealBill5
No land in Ontario is safe.
🔗: ontarionature.org/news-release...
#RepealBill5
Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest Now Under Threat
Port Hope, November 4, 2025 – The Government of Ontario continues to flood the zone – a strategy of overwhelming individuals or groups with information, making it difficult to respond ...
ontarionature.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:29 PM
🚨 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) are no longer untouchable — a boundary was quietly shifted for the Garden Hill ANSI near Port Hope without Indigenous consultation or public transparency.
No land in Ontario is safe.
🔗: ontarionature.org/news-release...
#RepealBill5
No land in Ontario is safe.
🔗: ontarionature.org/news-release...
#RepealBill5
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
Buried deep in the omnibus bill for its fall economic statement, the Doug Ford government has moved to repeal its own law requiring a climate plan and emissions reduction targets be established, via @fatimabsyed.bsky.social and @meyer.bsky.social
#ONpoli
thenarwhal.ca/ford-repeals...
#ONpoli
thenarwhal.ca/ford-repeals...
Doug Ford’s government is abandoning climate targets | The Narwhal
Ontario is moving to repeal aspects of a law that require the government to create a climate plan and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets
thenarwhal.ca
November 6, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Buried deep in the omnibus bill for its fall economic statement, the Doug Ford government has moved to repeal its own law requiring a climate plan and emissions reduction targets be established, via @fatimabsyed.bsky.social and @meyer.bsky.social
#ONpoli
thenarwhal.ca/ford-repeals...
#ONpoli
thenarwhal.ca/ford-repeals...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
“In the era of the climate crisis, politicians campaigning against bike lanes aren’t fit for office.” — @taylornoakes.com in @cultmtl.com
Also in an era of worsening urban traffic, urban pollution, urban noise, exploding public costs, competition among cities, & not nearly enough space in cities.
Also in an era of worsening urban traffic, urban pollution, urban noise, exploding public costs, competition among cities, & not nearly enough space in cities.
In the era of the climate crisis, politicians campaigning against bike lanes aren’t fit for office
Amid the climate crisis, politicians campaigning against bike lanes — as in Montreal municipal election campaign — aren’t fit for office.
cultmtl.com
October 26, 2025 at 7:45 PM
“In the era of the climate crisis, politicians campaigning against bike lanes aren’t fit for office.” — @taylornoakes.com in @cultmtl.com
Also in an era of worsening urban traffic, urban pollution, urban noise, exploding public costs, competition among cities, & not nearly enough space in cities.
Also in an era of worsening urban traffic, urban pollution, urban noise, exploding public costs, competition among cities, & not nearly enough space in cities.
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
🚨 Deadline: Nov 10 — This long weekend speak up for Ontario’s wildlife!
Ontario’s wildlife needs our voice — and our families’ too. 💚
Here are talking points about the new Species Conservation Act and how to take action before it’s too late:
👉 catalog.ontarionature.org/talking-poin...
#onpoli
Ontario’s wildlife needs our voice — and our families’ too. 💚
Here are talking points about the new Species Conservation Act and how to take action before it’s too late:
👉 catalog.ontarionature.org/talking-poin...
#onpoli
Talking Points – Proposals to Enable the Species Conservation Act, 2025 - Page 1
You have until November 10 to comment on the ERO posting. Use the key messages below to inform your comments:
• This proposal to enable the SCA will only further undermine progress on the Ontario Biod...
catalog.ontarionature.org
October 12, 2025 at 5:38 PM
🚨 Deadline: Nov 10 — This long weekend speak up for Ontario’s wildlife!
Ontario’s wildlife needs our voice — and our families’ too. 💚
Here are talking points about the new Species Conservation Act and how to take action before it’s too late:
👉 catalog.ontarionature.org/talking-poin...
#onpoli
Ontario’s wildlife needs our voice — and our families’ too. 💚
Here are talking points about the new Species Conservation Act and how to take action before it’s too late:
👉 catalog.ontarionature.org/talking-poin...
#onpoli
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
New analysis of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first 100 days after the federal election show oil and gas, mining and other industrial groups made up about 60 per cent of lobbying records. Environmental groups couldn’t get a word in. thenarwhal.ca/carney-natur...
Carney welcomed industry lobby, ignored environmental groups: records | The Narwhal
Records show resource industry lobbyists had regular access to Prime Minister Mark Carney in his first 100 days, while environmental groups were shut out
thenarwhal.ca
October 16, 2025 at 12:28 PM
New analysis of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first 100 days after the federal election show oil and gas, mining and other industrial groups made up about 60 per cent of lobbying records. Environmental groups couldn’t get a word in. thenarwhal.ca/carney-natur...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
If economic growth undermines labour rights, tramples environmental safeguards and sidelines Indigenous communities, "We are setting ourselves up for long term problems in Ontario. That's not prosperity, it's a regulatory race to the bottom." - Shane Moffatt, Ontario Nature
🔗: tinyurl.com/4f7mpmex
🔗: tinyurl.com/4f7mpmex
‘No...full stop...You must not become Donald Trump, to protect against Donald Trump’: Ford’s Bill 5 will give PCs unchecked power
‘No...full stop...You must not become Donald Trump, to protect against Donald Trump’: Ford’s Bill 5 will give PCs unchecked power.
thepointer.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:53 PM
If economic growth undermines labour rights, tramples environmental safeguards and sidelines Indigenous communities, "We are setting ourselves up for long term problems in Ontario. That's not prosperity, it's a regulatory race to the bottom." - Shane Moffatt, Ontario Nature
🔗: tinyurl.com/4f7mpmex
🔗: tinyurl.com/4f7mpmex
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
“The connection between conserving species and respecting Indigenous knowledge is inseparable,” says Shane Moffatt @OntarioNature. “Protecting polar bears also means respecting the people and traditions tied to the same landscape.”
More about Bill 5 weakening protections for polar bears here:
More about Bill 5 weakening protections for polar bears here:
October 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
“The connection between conserving species and respecting Indigenous knowledge is inseparable,” says Shane Moffatt @OntarioNature. “Protecting polar bears also means respecting the people and traditions tied to the same landscape.”
More about Bill 5 weakening protections for polar bears here:
More about Bill 5 weakening protections for polar bears here:
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
As piping plovers migrate south this fall, their future in Ontario is in jeopardy.
Bill 5 weakens endangered species protections & Wasaga Beach lands are being opened for development. What will these birds return to in spring?
More here:
ontarionature.org/news-release...
Bill 5 weakens endangered species protections & Wasaga Beach lands are being opened for development. What will these birds return to in spring?
More here:
ontarionature.org/news-release...
Piping Plovers are a Symbol of the Challenges and Triumphs of Endangered Species
Wasaga, September 23, 2025 – Recent legislative developments in Ontario and Canada have further jeopardized the already bleak future of endangered piping plovers. Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C-...
ontarionature.org
September 24, 2025 at 7:29 PM
As piping plovers migrate south this fall, their future in Ontario is in jeopardy.
Bill 5 weakens endangered species protections & Wasaga Beach lands are being opened for development. What will these birds return to in spring?
More here:
ontarionature.org/news-release...
Bill 5 weakens endangered species protections & Wasaga Beach lands are being opened for development. What will these birds return to in spring?
More here:
ontarionature.org/news-release...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
Bike-lanes don’t cause traffic congestion.
Car dependency, foolish land-use sprawl, too many (& bigger) cars driving too much taking up too much space, highly subsidized driving costs, and not enough choices in how to get around, ALL cause traffic congestion.
Think about it. THAT’S common sense.
Car dependency, foolish land-use sprawl, too many (& bigger) cars driving too much taking up too much space, highly subsidized driving costs, and not enough choices in how to get around, ALL cause traffic congestion.
Think about it. THAT’S common sense.
September 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Bike-lanes don’t cause traffic congestion.
Car dependency, foolish land-use sprawl, too many (& bigger) cars driving too much taking up too much space, highly subsidized driving costs, and not enough choices in how to get around, ALL cause traffic congestion.
Think about it. THAT’S common sense.
Car dependency, foolish land-use sprawl, too many (& bigger) cars driving too much taking up too much space, highly subsidized driving costs, and not enough choices in how to get around, ALL cause traffic congestion.
Think about it. THAT’S common sense.
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
The provincial government's move to shrink a protected area in Port Hope sets a “frightening precedent.” “This is the first one I’ve heard of, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the last.” — Tony Morris, Ontario Nature.
Full @thenarwhal.ca story here 👉 thenarwhal.ca/garden-hill-...
Full @thenarwhal.ca story here 👉 thenarwhal.ca/garden-hill-...
September 17, 2025 at 8:08 PM
The provincial government's move to shrink a protected area in Port Hope sets a “frightening precedent.” “This is the first one I’ve heard of, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the last.” — Tony Morris, Ontario Nature.
Full @thenarwhal.ca story here 👉 thenarwhal.ca/garden-hill-...
Full @thenarwhal.ca story here 👉 thenarwhal.ca/garden-hill-...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
Thanks for passing the mic to us @ontarioturtlecc.bsky.social. We were thrilled to share the stage with @gregkeelor.bsky.social Terra Lightfoot & Melissa Payne and speak about the devastating impacts of Bill 5 on Indigenous rights, good planning & turtles! More here: kawarthanow.com/2025/09/07/b...
Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor ‘raised a little shell’ for Ontario’s at-risk native turtle species | kawarthaNOW
By Bruce Head. Terra Lightfoot and Melissa Payne also performed at conservation awareness event hosted on September 4 at Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre in Peterborough.
kawarthanow.com
September 9, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Thanks for passing the mic to us @ontarioturtlecc.bsky.social. We were thrilled to share the stage with @gregkeelor.bsky.social Terra Lightfoot & Melissa Payne and speak about the devastating impacts of Bill 5 on Indigenous rights, good planning & turtles! More here: kawarthanow.com/2025/09/07/b...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
65 organizations are calling on the Government of Canada to make nature a priority in the Federal Budget. It’s time to invest in biodiversity, climate resilience, and Indigenous-led conservation.
Read our recommendations here:
catalog.ontarionature.org/joint-letter...
Read our recommendations here:
catalog.ontarionature.org/joint-letter...
ON Nature magazine - Joint Letter_Federal_Budget_Submission_2025.08 - Page 1
August 28, 2025 Department of Finance Canada 90 Elgin Street Ottawa ON K1A 0G5 Re: 2025 Federal Budget Recommendations On behalf of the 65 undersigned
catalog.ontarionature.org
September 6, 2025 at 4:38 PM
65 organizations are calling on the Government of Canada to make nature a priority in the Federal Budget. It’s time to invest in biodiversity, climate resilience, and Indigenous-led conservation.
Read our recommendations here:
catalog.ontarionature.org/joint-letter...
Read our recommendations here:
catalog.ontarionature.org/joint-letter...
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
Pedestrian walking in road because cyclist riding on sidewalk because car parked in bike lane
Pedestrian walking in road because cyclist riding on sidewalk because car parked in bike lane
TORONTO - Eyewitnesses today confirmed reports that a pedestrian was walking in the road because a cyclist was riding on the sidewalk because a car was parked in the bike lane.
www.thebeaverton.com
September 3, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Pedestrian walking in road because cyclist riding on sidewalk because car parked in bike lane
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
Provincial parks belong to all Ontarians and must be protected and expanded! Here's how the provincial government's plans for three provincial parks could set a dangerous precedent:
thepointer.com/article/2025...
#onpoli
thepointer.com/article/2025...
#onpoli
Parks & Risks: PC plans for three provincial parks could set ‘dangerous precedent’
Parks & Risks: PC plans for three provincial parks could set ‘dangerous precedent’.
thepointer.com
August 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Provincial parks belong to all Ontarians and must be protected and expanded! Here's how the provincial government's plans for three provincial parks could set a dangerous precedent:
thepointer.com/article/2025...
#onpoli
thepointer.com/article/2025...
#onpoli
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
Reposted by Author, environmentalist, cyclist
The Ford government touted Therme as a ‘world-class’ partner for Ontario Place. In Europe, ‘significant’ concerns have emerged over finances #StarInvestigation
The Ford government touted Therme as a ‘world-class’ partner for Ontario Place. In Europe, ‘significant’ concerns have emerged over finances
The warning is included in previously unreported audits. Therme says it doesn't reflect the strong financial footing of the global business.
www.thestar.com
August 16, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The Ford government touted Therme as a ‘world-class’ partner for Ontario Place. In Europe, ‘significant’ concerns have emerged over finances #StarInvestigation