The neighbourhood I live in isn’t great for walkability. There are sidewalks but they are often close to major roads. There are trees along some of the bike paths, at least the ones that haven’t been torn out, but they do little to shelter you from the noise. It is also definitely easier to make … Continue reading
With the Alberta Government planning to get rid of a long list of provincial parks of various forms, I thought it was worth revisiting the benefits of parks. There are multiple types of parks that vary in the balance between conservation and human recreation. But if the presence of a tree on my street can … Continue reading
In my Masters research I found that nearness to nature was one of the top three reasons that individuals moved to the suburbs in Edmonton. In terms of climate change, this is not a good thing. The suburbs tend to be fairly distant from, well, everything. Grocery stores might be walkable, for some residents, and … Continue reading
In my PhD research my participants, who were all connected to outdoor education, expressed some of the conflict they feel when trying to do the outdoor activities they enjoy. I understand this challenge personally. As an outdoor person I’m inclined to run, bike, canoe, ski, etc. This is awesome. I enjoy the activities and they … Continue reading
In my Master’s research I looked at why people chose to live in the suburbs. Nearness to nature and natural spaces featured very high on the list of reasons. In fact, living closer to the green spaces costs more, emphasizing its importance in housing choice. The funny thing about these neighbourhoods though, is that they are … Continue reading