Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
@stephaniefritz.bsky.social
Always trying to find the right words. Urbanist. Working towards a future with a person-centric, person-scaled Waterloo Region. 🍁
Class of 2026 - Planning MA (University of Waterloo)
Class of 2026 - Planning MA (University of Waterloo)
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
"Fietsvlonders" are mobile bike platforms designed to turn a car parking spot into urban bike parking. They’re modular, moveable, and cheap, making it easy to test better use of public space. When car storage gets swapped for bikes, entire streets start to feel different.
May 9, 2025 at 5:23 PM
"Fietsvlonders" are mobile bike platforms designed to turn a car parking spot into urban bike parking. They’re modular, moveable, and cheap, making it easy to test better use of public space. When car storage gets swapped for bikes, entire streets start to feel different.
Birdwatching makes me incredibly happy. I have a couple feeders in the yard, we planted a few small trees to improve the environment around the house, and I keep the Merlin app on my phone so I can find out who is singing around me. I also got a chickadee tattooed on my arm last year. 🐦🪺
March 28, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Birdwatching makes me incredibly happy. I have a couple feeders in the yard, we planted a few small trees to improve the environment around the house, and I keep the Merlin app on my phone so I can find out who is singing around me. I also got a chickadee tattooed on my arm last year. 🐦🪺
News for Waterloo Region transit nerds: the ION route now displays with the Transit layer on Google Maps!
March 28, 2025 at 12:22 AM
News for Waterloo Region transit nerds: the ION route now displays with the Transit layer on Google Maps!
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
A groundbreaking new study found that the surge in SUVs from 1995 to 2019 reduced Minnesota's highway lane capacity by 9.5%.
Less lane capacity --> More congestion
Me, in CityLab 🧵
Less lane capacity --> More congestion
Me, in CityLab 🧵
How SUVs Are Making Traffic Worse
As larger, taller sport utility vehicles took over US roads, they also aggravated highway congestion, according to a new study. It’s yet another ill effect of “car bloat.”
www.bloomberg.com
March 25, 2025 at 1:31 PM
A groundbreaking new study found that the surge in SUVs from 1995 to 2019 reduced Minnesota's highway lane capacity by 9.5%.
Less lane capacity --> More congestion
Me, in CityLab 🧵
Less lane capacity --> More congestion
Me, in CityLab 🧵
Quiet vibes waiting for the train
March 11, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Quiet vibes waiting for the train
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
Carney: Canada never ever will be part of America in any way, shape, or form. We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves.
March 9, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Carney: Canada never ever will be part of America in any way, shape, or form. We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves.
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
We're talking about making Canada competitive in a more hostile landscape? We need to get serious about building infrastructure and not wasting money like this.
$10B of the $18B budget is dedicated to risk management.
That’s enough to build the previous regional metro plan (REM d’lest) that would actually deliver the network-level benefits being claimed.
A street-level tram is also the lowest risk transit project possible - what is being managed here?
That’s enough to build the previous regional metro plan (REM d’lest) that would actually deliver the network-level benefits being claimed.
A street-level tram is also the lowest risk transit project possible - what is being managed here?
March 6, 2025 at 1:16 AM
We're talking about making Canada competitive in a more hostile landscape? We need to get serious about building infrastructure and not wasting money like this.
Use the form at the bottom of this article to submit any locally-made products you know about for Waterloo Region!
With the recent push to buy Canadian in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs, The Record is looking to compile a list of products that are made locally, in and around Waterloo Region.
Trump tariffs, buy local: What products are made in Waterloo Region, Guelph?
With the recent push to buy Canadian in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs, The Record is looking to compile a list of products that are made locally, in and around Waterloo Region.
www.therecord.com
March 5, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Use the form at the bottom of this article to submit any locally-made products you know about for Waterloo Region!
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
The “cover” of today’s Globe & Mail, Canada’s national newspaper. #StrongAndFree
March 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM
The “cover” of today’s Globe & Mail, Canada’s national newspaper. #StrongAndFree
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
Trudeau: He has said repeatedly, what he wants is to see a total collapse of the Canadian economy. Because that will make it easier to annex us. First of all, that's never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.
March 4, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Trudeau: He has said repeatedly, what he wants is to see a total collapse of the Canadian economy. Because that will make it easier to annex us. First of all, that's never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
We will be there for Canadian workers.
March 5, 2025 at 5:33 AM
We will be there for Canadian workers.
Kitchener LCBO clearing out all the American product and taking the signs off too. Went in tonight and staff were rolling full carts of bottles off the floor. Bought myself some Canadian whisky and wine 🇨🇦
March 5, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Kitchener LCBO clearing out all the American product and taking the signs off too. Went in tonight and staff were rolling full carts of bottles off the floor. Bought myself some Canadian whisky and wine 🇨🇦
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
Hold the line.
Back our leaders.
Guard our traditions.
Protect our sovereignty.
Back those who defend us.
Never say sorry.
Elbows up. Let’s do this.
🇨🇦
Back our leaders.
Guard our traditions.
Protect our sovereignty.
Back those who defend us.
Never say sorry.
Elbows up. Let’s do this.
🇨🇦
March 4, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Hold the line.
Back our leaders.
Guard our traditions.
Protect our sovereignty.
Back those who defend us.
Never say sorry.
Elbows up. Let’s do this.
🇨🇦
Back our leaders.
Guard our traditions.
Protect our sovereignty.
Back those who defend us.
Never say sorry.
Elbows up. Let’s do this.
🇨🇦
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
Writing to my local governments tonight to request they delete their X accounts. Individuals can do what they want, but there is zero reason that official public sector entities should be driving ad revenue to a man who as of tonight is a legitimate national security threat.
March 4, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Writing to my local governments tonight to request they delete their X accounts. Individuals can do what they want, but there is zero reason that official public sector entities should be driving ad revenue to a man who as of tonight is a legitimate national security threat.
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
NDP voters watching perplexed Liberals ask themselves how it is possible to get 30% of the votes but only receive ~10% of the seats under first-past-the-post
February 28, 2025 at 3:50 AM
NDP voters watching perplexed Liberals ask themselves how it is possible to get 30% of the votes but only receive ~10% of the seats under first-past-the-post
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
Well, we told @cityofvancouver.bsky.social council that new info on single stair buildings was coming soon…
and here, the next day, is a big report from the Pew Charitable Trust *
Quotes below…
*based on a ton of legwork by @stephenjacobsmith.com and others
www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-...
and here, the next day, is a big report from the Pew Charitable Trust *
Quotes below…
*based on a ton of legwork by @stephenjacobsmith.com and others
www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-...
Small Single-Stairway Apartment Buildings Have Strong Safety Record
Policymakers could increase the supply of multifamily housing in their states and localities by revising outdated building codes that require more than one stairway in small apartment buildings. If en...
www.pewtrusts.org
February 28, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Well, we told @cityofvancouver.bsky.social council that new info on single stair buildings was coming soon…
and here, the next day, is a big report from the Pew Charitable Trust *
Quotes below…
*based on a ton of legwork by @stephenjacobsmith.com and others
www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-...
and here, the next day, is a big report from the Pew Charitable Trust *
Quotes below…
*based on a ton of legwork by @stephenjacobsmith.com and others
www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-...
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
"Ford was elected on a promise to address our multiple and overlapping crises. The cost of housing was skyrocketing, family doctors were highly coveted but rarely found, schools were crumbling... Consider this: each of the crises he promised to fix has gotten worse." www.thestar.com/opinion/edit...
Star Editorial Board: Doug Ford has fallen short. Vote for change
The Progressive Conservative leader had seven years to tackle the challenges facing this province, and he couldn't get it done. It's time for change.
www.thestar.com
February 27, 2025 at 1:10 AM
"Ford was elected on a promise to address our multiple and overlapping crises. The cost of housing was skyrocketing, family doctors were highly coveted but rarely found, schools were crumbling... Consider this: each of the crises he promised to fix has gotten worse." www.thestar.com/opinion/edit...
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
Cities should be designed for:
❌ A̶u̶t̶o̶n̶o̶m̶o̶u̶s̶ C̶a̶r̶s̶
✅ Autonomous Kids
❌ A̶u̶t̶o̶n̶o̶m̶o̶u̶s̶ C̶a̶r̶s̶
✅ Autonomous Kids
It is perfectly possible for very young children to cycle through a city to primary school together, as long as you ensure that city has cycle infrastructure that makes it safe for them to do so. This also frees up their parents to be elsewhere and avoid the stresses of fitting the school run in
February 26, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Cities should be designed for:
❌ A̶u̶t̶o̶n̶o̶m̶o̶u̶s̶ C̶a̶r̶s̶
✅ Autonomous Kids
❌ A̶u̶t̶o̶n̶o̶m̶o̶u̶s̶ C̶a̶r̶s̶
✅ Autonomous Kids
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
“To use a technical term, it blew my mind,” said Vancouver’s former chief planner Brent Toderian…”They weren’t lazy about it—they didn’t just throw up barriers and ban cars. It might be the best bargain I’ve ever heard,” Toderian said. #Montreal
Montreal Adds Nine More Car-Free Streets after ‘Mind Blowing’ Success
Four years after Montreal decided to make a 2.5-kilometre stretch of a busy downtown artery car-free every summer, the transformation continues to receive rave reviews from users and local businesses.
www.theenergymix.com
February 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM
“To use a technical term, it blew my mind,” said Vancouver’s former chief planner Brent Toderian…”They weren’t lazy about it—they didn’t just throw up barriers and ban cars. It might be the best bargain I’ve ever heard,” Toderian said. #Montreal
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
"According to an internal provincial report obtained by the Star, Ontario patients visiting emergency departments in the past three years waited longer than they did in the previous 13 years." Please vote on Feb. 27th!
Doug Ford promised to end hallway medicine. But Ontario’s ER wait times have gotten worse in the past three years, confidential report shows
According to an internal provincial report, patients visiting Ontario ERs in the past three years waited longer than they did in the previous 13 years.
buff.ly
February 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
"According to an internal provincial report obtained by the Star, Ontario patients visiting emergency departments in the past three years waited longer than they did in the previous 13 years." Please vote on Feb. 27th!
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
Today is the last day for early voting for the Ontario election!
Before you go, check out how your Waterloo Region, Brantford—Brant, Guelph, & Wellington—Halton Hills candidates responded to our transportation questionnaire in partnership w/ @taaguelph.bsky.social @moretransitso.bsky.social (1/2)
Before you go, check out how your Waterloo Region, Brantford—Brant, Guelph, & Wellington—Halton Hills candidates responded to our transportation questionnaire in partnership w/ @taaguelph.bsky.social @moretransitso.bsky.social (1/2)
2025 Ontario Election Questionnaire
In the lead up to the Ontario provincial election on February 27, 2025, the Tri-Cities Transport Action Group (TriTAG) sent out a questionnaire for MPP candidates in Waterloo Region to understand…
tritag.ca
February 22, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Today is the last day for early voting for the Ontario election!
Before you go, check out how your Waterloo Region, Brantford—Brant, Guelph, & Wellington—Halton Hills candidates responded to our transportation questionnaire in partnership w/ @taaguelph.bsky.social @moretransitso.bsky.social (1/2)
Before you go, check out how your Waterloo Region, Brantford—Brant, Guelph, & Wellington—Halton Hills candidates responded to our transportation questionnaire in partnership w/ @taaguelph.bsky.social @moretransitso.bsky.social (1/2)
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
NEW: The City of Toronto is forging ahead with plans for new bike lanes despite provincial crackdown
City staff are proposing over 12 kilometres of new bike lanes, including in Cabbagetown, the Annex, Wallace-Emerson, and Bathurst/Steeles
City staff are proposing over 12 kilometres of new bike lanes, including in Cabbagetown, the Annex, Wallace-Emerson, and Bathurst/Steeles
February 20, 2025 at 10:11 PM
NEW: The City of Toronto is forging ahead with plans for new bike lanes despite provincial crackdown
City staff are proposing over 12 kilometres of new bike lanes, including in Cabbagetown, the Annex, Wallace-Emerson, and Bathurst/Steeles
City staff are proposing over 12 kilometres of new bike lanes, including in Cabbagetown, the Annex, Wallace-Emerson, and Bathurst/Steeles
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
It currently takes 10.5 hours by train to travel from Quebec City to Toronto via Montreal. If Canada proceeds with a high-speed rail system, the trip would take only 4.5 hours.
This project is a no-brainer.
This project is a no-brainer.
February 20, 2025 at 3:55 PM
It currently takes 10.5 hours by train to travel from Quebec City to Toronto via Montreal. If Canada proceeds with a high-speed rail system, the trip would take only 4.5 hours.
This project is a no-brainer.
This project is a no-brainer.
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
I’ll say it again, and it’s even more true now.
I’m not optimistic. Or hopeful. Those are too passive.
What I am is determined.
#BetterCities #BetterFuture
I’m not optimistic. Or hopeful. Those are too passive.
What I am is determined.
#BetterCities #BetterFuture
February 19, 2025 at 4:47 PM
I’ll say it again, and it’s even more true now.
I’m not optimistic. Or hopeful. Those are too passive.
What I am is determined.
#BetterCities #BetterFuture
I’m not optimistic. Or hopeful. Those are too passive.
What I am is determined.
#BetterCities #BetterFuture
Reposted by Stephanie Fritz 🇨🇦
Our rating systems need an overhaul. A vehicle’s safety score shouldn’t ignore the harm it inflicts on those outside of it. Death and destruction caused by reckless design should be factored into its overall rating.
The Cybertruck is the latest Tesla to score a 5-star crash rating
The Cybertruck is the latest Tesla to score a 5-star crash rating
The latest Tesla vehicle to nab a 5-star rating.
buff.ly
February 19, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Our rating systems need an overhaul. A vehicle’s safety score shouldn’t ignore the harm it inflicts on those outside of it. Death and destruction caused by reckless design should be factored into its overall rating.