What was it that happened in Vancouver this past two weeks? A few weeks ago polls in Canada, and especially British Columbia, showed a dismal showing of support for the impending Olympic onslaught. Was the over-budgeted flop was on its way to ruin the green-loving, temperate city on the Coast and everything it stood for? Corporate slogans were being plastered on mass transit and on the sides of buildings. I was getting out of here, and none too quickly.

Street View Video

As we become increasingly a world of city/town dwellers, we need to ensure that our cities are developed in the most sustainable and sensible way. This calls for everyone to have the opportunity to have a say in how our cities look and how they perform. What do we want our cities to look like, and how can they become more sensitive to environmental considerations? Do we as citizens have a proper stake in them or are we just passive in our outlook? How can we communicate better with those who govern our towns and cities instead of feeling powerless?