In the mid-1980s, young Calgary lawyer Michael Niven was out of a job because of a severe stutter
In the mid-1980s, young Calgary lawyer Michael Niven was out of a job because of a severe stutter. He attended a three-week speech clinic in Edmonton, returned to Calgary, and set up his own highly successful law firm. He’s one of the co-founders of the Canadian Stuttering Association. He was MC at the recent 25th Anniversary […]
Todd Saunders has built remarkable structures on Fogo Island, Newfoundland
I was very impressed with the following correction in a recent New York Times article entitled “The 41 Places to Go in 2011.” The correction read as follows: “The cover article on Jan. 9 about the 41 places to go in 2011 gave the incorrect nationality of an architect who is designing a series of […]
The three-minute (well, actually six-minute) talk at the ISTAR 25th anniversary event went beautifully
I much enjoyed the ISTAR 25th anniversary event in Edmonton on March 3, 2012. Here are some comments regarding the presentation, which I’ve described in previous blog posts, that I made in Edmonton, as one of several spaekers: “The delivery of your presentation was just great. You were so relaxed and had a great connection […]
Reconsidering Jane Jacobs (2011) offers an overview of her work and legacy
Reconsidering Jane Jacobs (2011) offers a good introduction to Jane Jacob’s work. This book, available at the Toronto Public Library, offers a valuable overview of her life, her growth as a writer, and her legacy. The essays include a fascinating overview of her wide-ranging work as a writer (reaching both general and academic audiences) prior to […]
Barn in background of 1920s Long Branch photo appears to be located on the Smith homestead
(Photo credit: Doris Durance. © Durance family and Robert Lansdale.) Left to right in photo above: Connie Durance, Cyril Durance, George Durance, Rene Durance, and Florence Morrel. We owe thanks to Barbara Durance for sharing this photo, taken about 1925, with us. The image we have posted is from a 3-inch wide, highly faded photo from the 1920s. Robert […]
May 6, 2012 Long Branch walk has been posted to Jane’s Walk website
We owe thanks to Councillor Grimes’ office for suggesting this walk and to Mike James for agreeing so readily to serve as as a leader on this walk. We owe thanks to Ruth Grier for sharing information from her May 2010 Long Branch Jane’s Walk and to David Switzer for letting us know that there’s a distinction between […]
A Jane’s Walk is in the nature of a conversation
I spoke recently with Fanny Martin, Event Manager, Jane’s Walk. She mentioned something about Jane’s Walks that I find most appealing. She said that a Jane’s Walk is in the nature of a conversation. Everyone’s free to share a thought — it’s not some kind of top-down distribution of information. I like that aspect of the process […]
Wetlands are wonderful, or not, depending on which side of Etobicoke Creek you’re standing upon
By way of background regarding the Lakeview Waterfront Connection project, I’m pleased to share with you the following for the public meeting — held on Feb 23, 2012 — which I found highly inspiring. The Mississauga side is developing wetlands using landfill. This will involve what are described as significant savings in financial […]
This project is called the Lakeview Waterfront Connection
We’re pleased to have the opportunity to share the following message, recently forwarded to us by Councillor Grimes’ office: Hello, Credit Valley Conservation on behalf of the Region of Peel and with the support of the City of Mississauga and Toronto and Region Conservation is embarking on a project involving the creation of a new […]
We can think of Long Branch as a lost beach resort area, with turrets, verandas, and porches
The following notes are from David Switzer, who’s pointed out the distinction between a Jane’s Walk — such as in Long Branch on May 6, 2012 — and a heritage walk. These notes are derived from what David Switzer recalls from Jane Jacobs’ books and related sources: Long Branch was once a beach resort for […]