Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
@christaggart.bsky.social
Heatpump Papa. Software Engineer. Climate. Cargo Bike Dad.
I build software to accelerate residential electrification.
@electrify613.bsky.social
@ferncomfort.bsky.social
https://electrific.co https://ferncomfort.ca https://electrify613.ca, YOW
I build software to accelerate residential electrification.
@electrify613.bsky.social
@ferncomfort.bsky.social
https://electrific.co https://ferncomfort.ca https://electrify613.ca, YOW
How is it we can add private security guards to the market without a big staff report or even council debate on their impact but not “just do” other things like banning right on red in downtown intersections?
We can just try more things if we wanted to.
We can just try more things if we wanted to.
December 6, 2025 at 4:09 PM
How is it we can add private security guards to the market without a big staff report or even council debate on their impact but not “just do” other things like banning right on red in downtown intersections?
We can just try more things if we wanted to.
We can just try more things if we wanted to.
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Would anyone else like someone on #yyccc to ask admin to look at this? www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Banning right turns at many red lights to be debated at Vancouver City Hall
A city councillor is pushing to restrict right turns on red lights at many intersections throughout Vancouver, arguing it’s putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
www.ctvnews.ca
December 6, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Would anyone else like someone on #yyccc to ask admin to look at this? www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
New (to me) whack of gas ads landed on OC Transpo buses. 🙄
I feel like the city should release all the ads they run on the open data portal similar to how Google and Facebook release the for transparency.
I feel like the city should release all the ads they run on the open data portal similar to how Google and Facebook release the for transparency.
December 6, 2025 at 3:13 AM
New (to me) whack of gas ads landed on OC Transpo buses. 🙄
I feel like the city should release all the ads they run on the open data portal similar to how Google and Facebook release the for transparency.
I feel like the city should release all the ads they run on the open data portal similar to how Google and Facebook release the for transparency.
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
"The City’s own data indicate that conflicts involving right-turning vehicles are among the most common types of pedestrian collisions ... If adopted, these changes would mark one of the most significant intersection-safety reforms in Vancouver in years."
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
Ban right turns on red at intersections, proposes Vancouver city councillor | Urbanized
OneCity councillor Lucy Maloney is pushing for a ban on right turns during the red-light traffic signal at intersections across Vancouver.
dailyhive.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:14 PM
"The City’s own data indicate that conflicts involving right-turning vehicles are among the most common types of pedestrian collisions ... If adopted, these changes would mark one of the most significant intersection-safety reforms in Vancouver in years."
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
dailyhive.com/vancouver/va...
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
PM Mark Carney and premier Danielle Smith may never get a pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific, but they're working to link Canada's energy future to fossil fuel production
I spoke with @sethdklein.bsky.social about the climate carnage
breachmedia.ca/mark-carneys...
I spoke with @sethdklein.bsky.social about the climate carnage
breachmedia.ca/mark-carneys...
Mark Carney’s pact with Danielle Smith is climate carnage ⋆ The Breach
Author and analyst Seth Klein joins Desmond Cole to break down how Carney and Smith have fulfilled Big Oil’s entire wish list
breachmedia.ca
December 5, 2025 at 2:12 PM
PM Mark Carney and premier Danielle Smith may never get a pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific, but they're working to link Canada's energy future to fossil fuel production
I spoke with @sethdklein.bsky.social about the climate carnage
breachmedia.ca/mark-carneys...
I spoke with @sethdklein.bsky.social about the climate carnage
breachmedia.ca/mark-carneys...
I think one way to help dispel utility scale battery storage myths planned for rural communities might be to set up a demo container at some of the rural weekend markets. Paint it to look like a barn. Use it to provide free power/device charging to vendors/visitors.
December 5, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I think one way to help dispel utility scale battery storage myths planned for rural communities might be to set up a demo container at some of the rural weekend markets. Paint it to look like a barn. Use it to provide free power/device charging to vendors/visitors.
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Looking for books to get for #climate curious friends & family this Christmas🎄?
Here are 6 of my favourites reads this year.
First up, Yale University historian Sunil Amrith's relentlessly edifying 'The Burning Earth'. A staggeringly comprehensive account of how we got to where we are! 🧵
Here are 6 of my favourites reads this year.
First up, Yale University historian Sunil Amrith's relentlessly edifying 'The Burning Earth'. A staggeringly comprehensive account of how we got to where we are! 🧵
December 3, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Looking for books to get for #climate curious friends & family this Christmas🎄?
Here are 6 of my favourites reads this year.
First up, Yale University historian Sunil Amrith's relentlessly edifying 'The Burning Earth'. A staggeringly comprehensive account of how we got to where we are! 🧵
Here are 6 of my favourites reads this year.
First up, Yale University historian Sunil Amrith's relentlessly edifying 'The Burning Earth'. A staggeringly comprehensive account of how we got to where we are! 🧵
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Was still there 30 minutes ago
December 4, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Was still there 30 minutes ago
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Latest PBS Terra - Weathered episode is absolutely a must watch - extremely fast sea level rises are likely very soon!
You’re Not Worried Enough About Sea Level Rise
YouTube video by PBS Terra
youtu.be
December 4, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Latest PBS Terra - Weathered episode is absolutely a must watch - extremely fast sea level rises are likely very soon!
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Here's a gift article version of my article in the Atlantic about how to lower electricity prices.
www.theatlantic.com/science/2025...
www.theatlantic.com/science/2025...
Electricity Should Be Free at Noon
And two other ideas for lowering electricity costs.
www.theatlantic.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Here's a gift article version of my article in the Atlantic about how to lower electricity prices.
www.theatlantic.com/science/2025...
www.theatlantic.com/science/2025...
I’m pretty sure our 7yo’s class is singing a song for their Christmas Concert entirely made with AI and the teacher didn’t notice. The lyrics don’t make any sense.
Comments turned off. This is bleak. It’s probably too late for them to learn a new song too.
youtu.be/8x3EqVRncLM
Comments turned off. This is bleak. It’s probably too late for them to learn a new song too.
youtu.be/8x3EqVRncLM
L’hiver est là ❄️ | Chanson d’hiver pour enfants 🎵 | Comptine sur la neige et le froid
YouTube video by أطر الجمعيات والمخيمات
youtu.be
December 3, 2025 at 12:06 AM
I’m pretty sure our 7yo’s class is singing a song for their Christmas Concert entirely made with AI and the teacher didn’t notice. The lyrics don’t make any sense.
Comments turned off. This is bleak. It’s probably too late for them to learn a new song too.
youtu.be/8x3EqVRncLM
Comments turned off. This is bleak. It’s probably too late for them to learn a new song too.
youtu.be/8x3EqVRncLM
The talking points of these battery project opponents could be plucked from any consultation.
“We are not against …renewable energy, but we are against placing this project in a location that destroys …the rural character of our community,”
ottawacitizen.com/news/battery...
“We are not against …renewable energy, but we are against placing this project in a location that destroys …the rural character of our community,”
ottawacitizen.com/news/battery...
Rural councillors reject rezoning land for controversial battery energy storage system
Proponents say the massive battery will store wind and solar-generated electricity. Opponents say the project doesn't belong on farmland.
ottawacitizen.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:05 PM
The talking points of these battery project opponents could be plucked from any consultation.
“We are not against …renewable energy, but we are against placing this project in a location that destroys …the rural character of our community,”
ottawacitizen.com/news/battery...
“We are not against …renewable energy, but we are against placing this project in a location that destroys …the rural character of our community,”
ottawacitizen.com/news/battery...
I called it a week or so ago. Priority #1 is tearing down the berm right as tobogganing season kicks off in earnest.
Construction work to begin on Lansdowne 2.0 this week
Construction work to begin on Lansdowne 2.0 this week
With crews set to begin work on Lansdowne 2.0 this week, some residents are still concerned about the $419 million redevelopment. CTV’s Austin Lee reports.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 7:58 PM
I called it a week or so ago. Priority #1 is tearing down the berm right as tobogganing season kicks off in earnest.
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Vision Zero Ottawa has entered the chat.
Our goals: to overturn the culture of accepting tragedy as inevitable; human health over all other objectives; take a safe systems and design approach to safety; and to hold those who govern our transport systems accountable.
Join us.
visionzeroottawa.ca
Our goals: to overturn the culture of accepting tragedy as inevitable; human health over all other objectives; take a safe systems and design approach to safety; and to hold those who govern our transport systems accountable.
Join us.
visionzeroottawa.ca
Vision Zero Ottawa
A site for Vision Zero Ottawa, a non-profit community advocacy group committed to promoting Vision Zero principles. The site serves as a landing spot for campaigns, volunteer recruitment, and donat…
visionzeroottawa.ca
December 1, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Vision Zero Ottawa has entered the chat.
Our goals: to overturn the culture of accepting tragedy as inevitable; human health over all other objectives; take a safe systems and design approach to safety; and to hold those who govern our transport systems accountable.
Join us.
visionzeroottawa.ca
Our goals: to overturn the culture of accepting tragedy as inevitable; human health over all other objectives; take a safe systems and design approach to safety; and to hold those who govern our transport systems accountable.
Join us.
visionzeroottawa.ca
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
This explains something that has always mystified me about drivers who rail against bike lanes and transit. Why WOULDN'T you want people to have options not to drive? It would make your own driving better! But they don't just want good traffic, they want to reinforce the NORM of driving
This is actually quite brilliant, up to and including the final sentence 🔥
December 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
This explains something that has always mystified me about drivers who rail against bike lanes and transit. Why WOULDN'T you want people to have options not to drive? It would make your own driving better! But they don't just want good traffic, they want to reinforce the NORM of driving
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
what's not to like?
Save $$ while saving the planet while decreasin air pollution
Thanks @cityofcalgary-rss.bsky.social
livewirecalgary.com/2025/11/28/n...
Save $$ while saving the planet while decreasin air pollution
Thanks @cityofcalgary-rss.bsky.social
livewirecalgary.com/2025/11/28/n...
New electric buses to save an estimated $900K each in lifecycle costs: Memo - LiveWire Calgary
The City of Calgary will save nearly $1 million per bus over the expected 16-year life of new electric buses over their diesel counterparts, according to a city memo. Councillors were provided the inf...
livewirecalgary.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:51 AM
what's not to like?
Save $$ while saving the planet while decreasin air pollution
Thanks @cityofcalgary-rss.bsky.social
livewirecalgary.com/2025/11/28/n...
Save $$ while saving the planet while decreasin air pollution
Thanks @cityofcalgary-rss.bsky.social
livewirecalgary.com/2025/11/28/n...
Not missing out on the local Royal Ottawa Foundation Tree Fundraiser this year. We were so early this year, we got to help unload the truck. #treebybike
November 30, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Not missing out on the local Royal Ottawa Foundation Tree Fundraiser this year. We were so early this year, we got to help unload the truck. #treebybike
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Rainway
Sketching something similar to the St. George rainway on Lakewood Street (next to Secord elementary) given the amount of traffic that flows through there while we’re biking to and from school… i’ve been imagining a Rainway running from the top of the hill all the way to Trout Lake.
Sketching something similar to the St. George rainway on Lakewood Street (next to Secord elementary) given the amount of traffic that flows through there while we’re biking to and from school… i’ve been imagining a Rainway running from the top of the hill all the way to Trout Lake.
November 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Rainway
Sketching something similar to the St. George rainway on Lakewood Street (next to Secord elementary) given the amount of traffic that flows through there while we’re biking to and from school… i’ve been imagining a Rainway running from the top of the hill all the way to Trout Lake.
Sketching something similar to the St. George rainway on Lakewood Street (next to Secord elementary) given the amount of traffic that flows through there while we’re biking to and from school… i’ve been imagining a Rainway running from the top of the hill all the way to Trout Lake.
Anyone know if these is feasible for any of the now-on-hold Ottawa bike lane projects?
narrowing car lanes is a good way to force low-speed streets in addition to a way to provide bike lanes without getting caught in the province's stupid legislation.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
November 29, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Anyone know if these is feasible for any of the now-on-hold Ottawa bike lane projects?
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
narrowing car lanes is a good way to force low-speed streets in addition to a way to provide bike lanes without getting caught in the province's stupid legislation.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
November 28, 2025 at 8:09 PM
narrowing car lanes is a good way to force low-speed streets in addition to a way to provide bike lanes without getting caught in the province's stupid legislation.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
bike on, toronto. the province can try, but this is a city that walks, bikes, and takes transit in huge numbers and that won't change.
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
In totally other news, don't buy things today just because they are on sale. But if you are in the market for light up bike pedals I'm happy with these one year later. In particular the battery life has been quite good.
redshiftsports.com/collections/...
redshiftsports.com/collections/...
Arclight Pedals
The Arclight Pedals are the ultimate bike safety upgrade. Now available in 3 versions: Arclight PRO Flat, Arclight City (the original pedal for commuting), and the Arclight PRO Clipless (SPD compatibl...
redshiftsports.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:14 PM
In totally other news, don't buy things today just because they are on sale. But if you are in the market for light up bike pedals I'm happy with these one year later. In particular the battery life has been quite good.
redshiftsports.com/collections/...
redshiftsports.com/collections/...
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Everything in this MOU is bad.
Likely overlooked is the suspension of the Clean Electricity Regulations in Alberta (which will surely lead to them being removed everywhere)
They would have saved 181 Mt of GHGs.
Thousands of people fought for years to get these regs. Less than a year later. Gone.
Likely overlooked is the suspension of the Clean Electricity Regulations in Alberta (which will surely lead to them being removed everywhere)
They would have saved 181 Mt of GHGs.
Thousands of people fought for years to get these regs. Less than a year later. Gone.
November 27, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Everything in this MOU is bad.
Likely overlooked is the suspension of the Clean Electricity Regulations in Alberta (which will surely lead to them being removed everywhere)
They would have saved 181 Mt of GHGs.
Thousands of people fought for years to get these regs. Less than a year later. Gone.
Likely overlooked is the suspension of the Clean Electricity Regulations in Alberta (which will surely lead to them being removed everywhere)
They would have saved 181 Mt of GHGs.
Thousands of people fought for years to get these regs. Less than a year later. Gone.
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
Critics of renewable energy often claim that these technologies are making the world’s electricity grids more vulnerable to power outages.
However, global data doesn’t support the sceptics’ claims. In fact, there's evidence that the opposite is true.
theprogressplaybook.com/2025/10/13/f...
However, global data doesn’t support the sceptics’ claims. In fact, there's evidence that the opposite is true.
theprogressplaybook.com/2025/10/13/f...
Fact check: Do renewables really make electricity grids less reliable?
In Germany, power availability to homes and businesses has increased over the years – even as the share of renewables has climbed.
theprogressplaybook.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Critics of renewable energy often claim that these technologies are making the world’s electricity grids more vulnerable to power outages.
However, global data doesn’t support the sceptics’ claims. In fact, there's evidence that the opposite is true.
theprogressplaybook.com/2025/10/13/f...
However, global data doesn’t support the sceptics’ claims. In fact, there's evidence that the opposite is true.
theprogressplaybook.com/2025/10/13/f...
Reposted by Chris Taggart 🏡 ⚡️ 🔌
I'm not exactly comforted by the fact the Major Projects Office, led by an oil executive who believes bitumen pipelines help fight climate change, is looking at if yet another oil pipeline is in the national interest.
November 26, 2025 at 6:06 PM
I'm not exactly comforted by the fact the Major Projects Office, led by an oil executive who believes bitumen pipelines help fight climate change, is looking at if yet another oil pipeline is in the national interest.
If this is still planned to connect at Fallowfield, maybe we could get some federal funding to prioritize Stage 3 to Barrhaven.
Canada actually speeding up the construction of high speed rail?? Do my eyes deceive me??
“This will enable construction on Alto to begin in four years — as early as 2029 — instead of the original timeline of in eight years, towards the middle of the 2030s.”
www.blogto.com/travel/2025/...
“This will enable construction on Alto to begin in four years — as early as 2029 — instead of the original timeline of in eight years, towards the middle of the 2030s.”
www.blogto.com/travel/2025/...
300km/h train through Ontario will happen years earlier than expected
Construction on one of the most ambitious and expensive transportation infrastructure projects to ever be undertaken in Canadian history is now targe…
www.blogto.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:09 AM
If this is still planned to connect at Fallowfield, maybe we could get some federal funding to prioritize Stage 3 to Barrhaven.