Changing our urban lifestyles

Cites across Canada working to change our urban lifestyles.

Metropolitan cities across Canada are helping their citizens change their lifestyles for the better. Better for the environment, that is. These municipal grassroots campaigns are asking each citizen to change their driving habits.

Studies suggest that a full one-quarter of the trips we make in our vehicle-centric society are within walking distance.

Across the country, municipalities are asking their citizens to go without (their cars). Car-free campaigns encourage people to seek out alternative forms of transportation one day a week. Each gallon of gas saved by not driving keeps twenty pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Education is a key component in the bid to change peoples’ lifestyles. The Live Green Toronto program promotes the use of alternative forms of transportation and encourages green living habits. At the center of the program is an educational website with tips, success stories and information updates on energy conservation initiatives.

Calgary is encouraging a change in lifestyle through better urban design. The Garrison Woods development project in this highly suburban city illustrates how urban regeneration can integrate green living philosophies. An eclectic mix of residential and commercial, Garrison Woods features a much higher population density and walkable access to amenities.

Montreal is introducing what is being dubbed the largest, most ambitious bike-sharing program in North America. The model is simple. Sharers check out a bike using a credit card or access card, returning it to any station after use. Starting with a demonstration fleet of 40 bikes, Montreal plans an official rollout in spring 2009 of 2,400 bicycles located at 300 stations.