In case you missed Brent Toderian and Charles Montgomery on CBC's The National last night, here's the full video.
What makes a city work? How can we create walkable and vibrant neighbourhoods that invite people to linger, not loiter? Let's talk about street corners, public spaces, transit and busy sidewalks. "It's all about the corner" - Jane Jacobs
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Fixing our Broken Cities. Lessons from Medellin
In case you missed Brent Toderian and Charles Montgomery on CBC's The National last night, here's the full video.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Facing reality.
I've spent the last two days sitting in a courtroom at the preliminary inquiry relating to the Julie Paskall ( our Hockey Mom) murder case.
It has not been easy.
There are times when you just can't ignore reality. These 2 days brought that home loud and clear. We need to do better.
It has not been easy.
There are times when you just can't ignore reality. These 2 days brought that home loud and clear. We need to do better.
Yosef Gopaul goes on trial on March 12, 2015 at BC Supreme Court in New Westminster.
At the moment, writing about pop-up shops, placemaking, sidewalk cafes and all of the lovely things that make for a happy city is the furthest thing from my mind.
I'll be back soon.
-JH
-JH
Friday, January 16, 2015
New Year, New Newton ?
Downtown Newton Business Improvement Association and ReNewton
in The Now Newspaper January 15 edition.
Read here
May this be the year that Newton rises up and shines!
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
What Makes a Great Place?
Downtown Newton has the potential to be more than just another suburban town centre.
We have the lovely Old Surrey Restaurant heritage building, but the rest is a bit of a mish mash of architectural styles. Some good, some not so much.
Downtown Newton needs its own brand; its own distintive feel. Luckily that slightly shabby, old bricks and weathered wood look is easy to replicate.
We have the most amazing template to work with here: A mix of (potential) parks and public spaces plus the start of a vibrant colourful international retail mix with a good dose of authentic grit.
The best is yet to come here. You can feel the desire in the residents and business communities. The place has great 'bones'. Let's get working and turn this place around. Who's with us?
We have the lovely Old Surrey Restaurant heritage building, but the rest is a bit of a mish mash of architectural styles. Some good, some not so much.
Downtown Newton needs its own brand; its own distintive feel. Luckily that slightly shabby, old bricks and weathered wood look is easy to replicate.
We have the most amazing template to work with here: A mix of (potential) parks and public spaces plus the start of a vibrant colourful international retail mix with a good dose of authentic grit.
The best is yet to come here. You can feel the desire in the residents and business communities. The place has great 'bones'. Let's get working and turn this place around. Who's with us?
Sunday, January 4, 2015
What Role do Arts and Culture Play in Community Revitalization?
"....in order to be successful, cities are going to have to be dense, diverse, animated and interesting.
That only happens when arts and culture are at the heart of communities".
Here in downtown Newton we have the jumping off points to creating something magical, vibrant and authentic.
A new business improvement association, several international food shops, Surrey artists' fave hang out Deserres , an intimate cultural centre with lots of potential, and a core community group of individuals who are more than ready to get to work.
What we need now, as the video states is a ' coalition of the willing'.
Let's hope 2015 is the year that Newton finally gets its due.
I hope you're as inspired as I am by this brief video.
Friday, January 2, 2015
2014 Moments
Happy New Year ReNewton Nation!
that's you guys :)
Thanks for supporting ReNewal and ReVitalization of downtown Newton.
May 2015 will be our year to shine!
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