15 minute Cities...they aren't a bad idea.

 

Mention 15 minute cities in Alberta, and the majority of people will start turning a shade of red that resembles the Calgary Flames jerseys. But I think the concept needs to be not only looked at, but promoted, and encouraged. 

Now for your average UCP voter, a 15 minute city means you will be restricted from travelling out of an area around your home....something out of 1984. Nothing could be further from the truth. At it's core, a 15 minute city means everything you need is just a short walk or bike ride away. Or maybe even a 5 minute car ride away. It saves you time, it saves the planet and reduces stress on everyone. Who wants to drive across town for groceries when you can zip over the store in a few minutes? 

I live in a City that takes about 15 mins to get from one side to the other....yet I rarely go to the other side of town. Here in Lethbridge, there is almost no reason to ever go to the west side of the city from the east side. In fact, I only go to the west side about twice a year. Everything I need is a 15 mins walk or a 5 min car ride. It is really nice to only spend about $60 on gas each month. We walk to work...its about 20 mins. What a joy it is to live in an area where everything is so close to home. I believe we need to model our cities like this. Of course, we can and will never FORCE anyone or restrict travel, but when considering new developments we need to really encourage these kinds of communities. As we move from gas to autonomous electric cars in the next 20 years, it will not be as much of an issue perhaps...gasoline is on the way out for sure. It isn't all about reducing pollution, it is about encouraging community and exercise as well. All the fear about 15 minute cities is unfounded. It is an idea whose time has come. 

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