Time for Change? 5 Steps to Walkable Urban Planning
A couple of weeks ago I accompanied my son for an appointment at Younge and Eglinton, so I Googled the directions from our house and they suggested we take the Allen Expressway. I do not recall the last time I was actually on the Allen expressway perhaps 20 years ago, before my son was born. Spencer found this stretch of road to be very out of place and I have to agree. It is just this expressway that comes to an abrupt stop, running through the neighbourhood of Lawrence Heights.
So I found it very interesting to come upon an article this past Saturday in the Toronto Star about Lawrence Heights, talking specifically to how this expressway tears right through the parks and subway stations in the neighbourhood and you risk your life trying to cross over lanes of traffic to get to the parks and subway stations. The article goes on to explain that the City of Toronto has hired an urban planner and architect to bring some people sense back into the design of the area, specifically to focus on people not cars. The plan is to reduce the number of lanes of traffic on the Allen.
They go on to say our way of thinking and our approach to urban design needs to change, or else.
I agree and as our urban population grows we need to replace our old way of thinking and building to plan for a city that accommodates people walking to work, schools, recreation and shopping. We need to find ways to intensify to meet our housing requirements without creating a concrete jungle. Create designs that will encourage people to get out of their cars and to walk. We as Realtors and homeowners need to be aware of how walkable a neighbourhood maybe, as the walkability of a home may increase its market value.
Steps to walkable urban planning:
1. People Friendly
Is the design people/pedestrian friendly? Does it encourage biking, walking and jogging?
2. Paving Paradise
How are cars handled? Are they parked out of sight in underground parking and laneways or is it surface parking in the front of homes and business with garages.
3. Access to transit
Does the neighbourhood design encourage public transit to reduce our carbon footprint?
4. Street Scape
Is the street easy to walk along? With shops and businesses on the main level and parking below surface.
5. Views of parks and water
Are you able to see the water or parks from the street or has the view been blocked by development?
Sound urban planning put people first, the city establishes the street, parks and open space layout and set the rules for the developers to follow.
Cheryl Kelly
Broker with Signature Service GMAC Real Estate
www.cherylkelly.ca
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