Time for the Suburbs to Grow Up!

Last Spring I  had the privilege of meeting architect, urban designer and professor  Ellen Dunham-Jones at Simon Fraser University in Surrey. We talked about our city's challenges and she encouraged us to keep  up the 'fight' to Retrofit Newton and the King George corridor.

 This  TED video truly mirrors what ReNewton is all about.  

Do you have 19 minutes? Watch the whole thing. It's worth it!

Highways to Boulevards. Retrofitting the King George...

 It's been renamed a boulevard but The King George still looks and acts like a highway.
Retrofitting the George  is one important step toward transforming Surrey into a world class city. Not just in the City Centre area, but in Newton as well.
 Great examples in the video below, particularly from the 7:00 minute mark onward.

 In Newton we need shorter blocks on the King George. Between 64th and 68th Avenues there are no crosswalks and people die because the temptation to  cross the insanely wide road is just too much. Who wants to walk a half-mile just to use the designated crosswalk?

The Ghastly Tragedy of the Suburbs -TED Talk Video with James Kunstler

  "Everyone Deserves to Live in a Dignified Neighbourhood" 

 Jane Jacobs

Current Abandoned Building- Vacant for 15 years.

 Some Paint, A few Pop-ups cafes, Food Trucks, Musicians and Here's a Place worth Caring about.
A place where people go to feel that they're a part of their community.   

 When it comes to the city/suburban planning debacle that is suburban sprawl without thought, the sometimes controversial  James Kunstler pulls no punches . 

Colorful and funny James is bang on.

We Can do Better.  

Retrofitting Suburbia

There are a few TED Talks that really stand out and deserve a second ( or third or fourth) viewing.
Ellen Dunham-Jones' Retrofitting Suburbia  is one of them.  I was thrilled to  meet Ellen and talk with her several months ago when she gave a lecture at Simon Fraser University in Surrey, BC.

One of the great tragedies of the 20th century has been what  the car culture has done to neighbourhoods and the sense of community that we all want and need as humans.
 We have  lost  those public squares, farmers markets, and cafes that contribute to a sense of community and what John Kunstler likes to refer to as " places people care about"  Places where neighbours see each other, get to know one another and chat with their local shop keepers. Places where we develop a sense of ownership. Places within walking distance from home. Places citizens care about.
 If home is your first place and work is your second place, the corner store or corner cafe or deli is known  as  your "third place"
 These TED Talks aren't  hour long lectures.  This one is short.  So grab a cup or coffee or glass of wine and watch this. It's worth it.

Central City Skyline

The Central City tower is destined to become THE identifying landmark in the heart of the rapidly developing Surrey Downtown neighbourhood.  

 In the same way that  anyone anywhere seeing the Harbour Centre building in a photo or painting of Vancouver's skyline immediately knows exactly which city they're looking at, soon anybody seeing an image of  the iconic roof top  "whoosh"  will know that THIS is Central City.

The curving rooftop and welcoming outdoor plaza are truly a gem in the heart of our expanding city. If you've never been inside this part of the complex do yourself a favour. It's a marvel of architecture and design. The wood beams alone are worth the trip. Many people say the interior reminds them of a ship which 

I believe is exactly what architect Bing Thom had in mind.

  You can relax on the patio of the Central City Brewing Company restaurant and pub, sip one of their award-winning brews, and enjoy the simple pleasure of  people watching on the outdoor plaza. 

 This is a great place to be!

Central City Tower by Lamplight
Photo by Jude Hannah