Duncan Rae
@dunrae.bsky.social
Build cities for people, not cars. | Spatial Design & Urbanism Consulting in Canada's Capital
I'm excited to see how it works this year, both for heavy snow loads, as well as how it prevents ice formation on the surface.
November 9, 2025 at 6:57 PM
I'm excited to see how it works this year, both for heavy snow loads, as well as how it prevents ice formation on the surface.
If you've seen the final designs for 132nd in #Edmonton, you'd know that this will be one of the best redesigned streets in all of Canada thus far. It gets so, so much right. #Ottawa should look to these designs for our own.
I really hope 132nd continues as planned.
www.edmonton.ca/sites/defaul...
I really hope 132nd continues as planned.
www.edmonton.ca/sites/defaul...
April 18, 2025 at 1:56 AM
If you've seen the final designs for 132nd in #Edmonton, you'd know that this will be one of the best redesigned streets in all of Canada thus far. It gets so, so much right. #Ottawa should look to these designs for our own.
I really hope 132nd continues as planned.
www.edmonton.ca/sites/defaul...
I really hope 132nd continues as planned.
www.edmonton.ca/sites/defaul...
I guess the term MUP isn't best for what I'm describing, what I'm referring to looks like this: Maybe "Greenway" could be a better term?
April 14, 2025 at 1:08 AM
I guess the term MUP isn't best for what I'm describing, what I'm referring to looks like this: Maybe "Greenway" could be a better term?
This is one of the original proposals for #Ottawa Union Railway Station downtown (Across from the Chateau Laurier) by John W.H. Watts
Absolutely Stunning! 🤯
Source: Library & Archives Canada
Absolutely Stunning! 🤯
Source: Library & Archives Canada
April 14, 2025 at 12:41 AM
This is one of the original proposals for #Ottawa Union Railway Station downtown (Across from the Chateau Laurier) by John W.H. Watts
Absolutely Stunning! 🤯
Source: Library & Archives Canada
Absolutely Stunning! 🤯
Source: Library & Archives Canada
This is a good example of showing just how important wayfinding design is! Something that should be focused on city-wide here in #Ottawa.
The details matter -- and when they're not there, things start to fall apart.
The details matter -- and when they're not there, things start to fall apart.
April 5, 2025 at 6:44 PM
This is a good example of showing just how important wayfinding design is! Something that should be focused on city-wide here in #Ottawa.
The details matter -- and when they're not there, things start to fall apart.
The details matter -- and when they're not there, things start to fall apart.
With today's announcement from @mark-carney.bsky.social , it seems apt to get this out there.
Specifically, the work I'm doing on "The Beachburg Block". A proven idea, re-imagined for #Canada.
beachburg.ca/housing
There's a lot more in the works, so stay tuned.
Specifically, the work I'm doing on "The Beachburg Block". A proven idea, re-imagined for #Canada.
beachburg.ca/housing
There's a lot more in the works, so stay tuned.
March 31, 2025 at 7:20 PM
With today's announcement from @mark-carney.bsky.social , it seems apt to get this out there.
Specifically, the work I'm doing on "The Beachburg Block". A proven idea, re-imagined for #Canada.
beachburg.ca/housing
There's a lot more in the works, so stay tuned.
Specifically, the work I'm doing on "The Beachburg Block". A proven idea, re-imagined for #Canada.
beachburg.ca/housing
There's a lot more in the works, so stay tuned.
Presenting the first draft of The BBR.
"Homes built, Jobs created, Industries made, Trade strengthened:
Canada’s Vision for Better Transit-Oriented Communities Starts in Ottawa with The Beachburg Railway Project."
beachburg.ca
"Homes built, Jobs created, Industries made, Trade strengthened:
Canada’s Vision for Better Transit-Oriented Communities Starts in Ottawa with The Beachburg Railway Project."
beachburg.ca
March 31, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Presenting the first draft of The BBR.
"Homes built, Jobs created, Industries made, Trade strengthened:
Canada’s Vision for Better Transit-Oriented Communities Starts in Ottawa with The Beachburg Railway Project."
beachburg.ca
"Homes built, Jobs created, Industries made, Trade strengthened:
Canada’s Vision for Better Transit-Oriented Communities Starts in Ottawa with The Beachburg Railway Project."
beachburg.ca
@shawnmenard.bsky.social Any progress on the bike share network? I still believe this would be such a good addition to it:
A payment system that simply uses Presto/O-Payment to unlock, allowing seamless usage between bikeshare and transit!
Little details like this make a BIG difference!🔥
A payment system that simply uses Presto/O-Payment to unlock, allowing seamless usage between bikeshare and transit!
Little details like this make a BIG difference!🔥
February 15, 2025 at 5:01 PM
@shawnmenard.bsky.social Any progress on the bike share network? I still believe this would be such a good addition to it:
A payment system that simply uses Presto/O-Payment to unlock, allowing seamless usage between bikeshare and transit!
Little details like this make a BIG difference!🔥
A payment system that simply uses Presto/O-Payment to unlock, allowing seamless usage between bikeshare and transit!
Little details like this make a BIG difference!🔥
Here's an example of something in the middle in the Barrhaven suburb of Ottawa, on Chapman Mills Drive:
Red (concrete?) for the first 40m, then back to reg black asphalt.
Red (concrete?) for the first 40m, then back to reg black asphalt.
February 14, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Here's an example of something in the middle in the Barrhaven suburb of Ottawa, on Chapman Mills Drive:
Red (concrete?) for the first 40m, then back to reg black asphalt.
Red (concrete?) for the first 40m, then back to reg black asphalt.
Sorry but I have to stand firm in my standard and symbolically straightforward approach of;
red = transit
green = cycling
taupe/brown = people
black/grey = cars&trucks
Using distinct colours to let ppl instantly recognize & understand what lane allows what can really help keep us moving safely!😃❤️
red = transit
green = cycling
taupe/brown = people
black/grey = cars&trucks
Using distinct colours to let ppl instantly recognize & understand what lane allows what can really help keep us moving safely!😃❤️
February 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Sorry but I have to stand firm in my standard and symbolically straightforward approach of;
red = transit
green = cycling
taupe/brown = people
black/grey = cars&trucks
Using distinct colours to let ppl instantly recognize & understand what lane allows what can really help keep us moving safely!😃❤️
red = transit
green = cycling
taupe/brown = people
black/grey = cars&trucks
Using distinct colours to let ppl instantly recognize & understand what lane allows what can really help keep us moving safely!😃❤️
On the topic of the Kettle Island Bridge, I think it'll be a great way to get freight trucks out of downtown #Ottawa.
However -- that'll only happen if;
1. We incentivise using the new bridge --
but more crucially,
2. We *disincentivise* using the current bridge.
Easiest way? Toll the MC Bridge.
However -- that'll only happen if;
1. We incentivise using the new bridge --
but more crucially,
2. We *disincentivise* using the current bridge.
Easiest way? Toll the MC Bridge.
January 31, 2025 at 3:03 PM
On the topic of the Kettle Island Bridge, I think it'll be a great way to get freight trucks out of downtown #Ottawa.
However -- that'll only happen if;
1. We incentivise using the new bridge --
but more crucially,
2. We *disincentivise* using the current bridge.
Easiest way? Toll the MC Bridge.
However -- that'll only happen if;
1. We incentivise using the new bridge --
but more crucially,
2. We *disincentivise* using the current bridge.
Easiest way? Toll the MC Bridge.
This is all assuming we even need it! I designed this as the alignment will def. remain in planners minds (mine included) and *if* used it should be for green modes of mobility only.
For now however, I feel that it's best to just leave it as a wonderful & unique piece of community greenspace. 🌳❤️
For now however, I feel that it's best to just leave it as a wonderful & unique piece of community greenspace. 🌳❤️
January 30, 2025 at 2:11 PM
This is all assuming we even need it! I designed this as the alignment will def. remain in planners minds (mine included) and *if* used it should be for green modes of mobility only.
For now however, I feel that it's best to just leave it as a wonderful & unique piece of community greenspace. 🌳❤️
For now however, I feel that it's best to just leave it as a wonderful & unique piece of community greenspace. 🌳❤️
Even this would have to be done carefully. While it keeps ROW/widths to a min, it's crucial to avoid the gardens as much as possible.
Urban gardening is awesome, any gardens that would be displaced should/would be req. to be replanted nearby - I'd do this by expanding the garden area southeast.
Urban gardening is awesome, any gardens that would be displaced should/would be req. to be replanted nearby - I'd do this by expanding the garden area southeast.
January 30, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Even this would have to be done carefully. While it keeps ROW/widths to a min, it's crucial to avoid the gardens as much as possible.
Urban gardening is awesome, any gardens that would be displaced should/would be req. to be replanted nearby - I'd do this by expanding the garden area southeast.
Urban gardening is awesome, any gardens that would be displaced should/would be req. to be replanted nearby - I'd do this by expanding the garden area southeast.
This busway would be simpler in scope and less intrusive in design. It would connect the communities of Greenboro, Alta Vista, & Riverview East, ending at Hurdman Station to connect with Line 1.
No bridge+highway through Springhurst/People's Park required. Just a simple greenway for a green city.
No bridge+highway through Springhurst/People's Park required. Just a simple greenway for a green city.
January 30, 2025 at 2:11 PM
This busway would be simpler in scope and less intrusive in design. It would connect the communities of Greenboro, Alta Vista, & Riverview East, ending at Hurdman Station to connect with Line 1.
No bridge+highway through Springhurst/People's Park required. Just a simple greenway for a green city.
No bridge+highway through Springhurst/People's Park required. Just a simple greenway for a green city.
With last nights AVTC talk it's amazing how such old & outdated ideas cling to life in #Ottawa.
I designed an alternative: It's a green busway through the Kilborn allotment. A design like this is IMO the only way to make a corridor through there that moves people while respecting the env.
I designed an alternative: It's a green busway through the Kilborn allotment. A design like this is IMO the only way to make a corridor through there that moves people while respecting the env.
January 30, 2025 at 2:11 PM
With last nights AVTC talk it's amazing how such old & outdated ideas cling to life in #Ottawa.
I designed an alternative: It's a green busway through the Kilborn allotment. A design like this is IMO the only way to make a corridor through there that moves people while respecting the env.
I designed an alternative: It's a green busway through the Kilborn allotment. A design like this is IMO the only way to make a corridor through there that moves people while respecting the env.
Took #Ottawa Line 2 today, it was a chilly 5AM morning but I wouldn’t dare miss the opening!
Such a great train — smooth, fast, comfortable.
Such a great train — smooth, fast, comfortable.
January 25, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Took #Ottawa Line 2 today, it was a chilly 5AM morning but I wouldn’t dare miss the opening!
Such a great train — smooth, fast, comfortable.
Such a great train — smooth, fast, comfortable.
Took #Ottawa Line 2 today, it was a chilly 5AM morning but I wouldn’t dare miss the opening!
Such a great train — smooth, fast, comfortable.
Such a great train — smooth, fast, comfortable.
January 6, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Took #Ottawa Line 2 today, it was a chilly 5AM morning but I wouldn’t dare miss the opening!
Such a great train — smooth, fast, comfortable.
Such a great train — smooth, fast, comfortable.
A rule I live by: I’ll never design an area or building I wouldn’t want to live in myself.
Here’s a woonerf design I’m working on for a typical 8m wide by 50m long street.
It’s part of something I’m calling the ‘Mosaic Grid System’ 😍
Here’s a woonerf design I’m working on for a typical 8m wide by 50m long street.
It’s part of something I’m calling the ‘Mosaic Grid System’ 😍
January 25, 2025 at 3:40 PM
A rule I live by: I’ll never design an area or building I wouldn’t want to live in myself.
Here’s a woonerf design I’m working on for a typical 8m wide by 50m long street.
It’s part of something I’m calling the ‘Mosaic Grid System’ 😍
Here’s a woonerf design I’m working on for a typical 8m wide by 50m long street.
It’s part of something I’m calling the ‘Mosaic Grid System’ 😍
A rule I live by: I’ll never design an area or building I wouldn’t want to live in myself.
Here’s a woonerf design I’m working on for a typical 8m wide by 50m long street.
It’s part of something I’m calling the ‘Mosaic Grid System’ 😍
Here’s a woonerf design I’m working on for a typical 8m wide by 50m long street.
It’s part of something I’m calling the ‘Mosaic Grid System’ 😍
December 17, 2024 at 10:12 PM
A rule I live by: I’ll never design an area or building I wouldn’t want to live in myself.
Here’s a woonerf design I’m working on for a typical 8m wide by 50m long street.
It’s part of something I’m calling the ‘Mosaic Grid System’ 😍
Here’s a woonerf design I’m working on for a typical 8m wide by 50m long street.
It’s part of something I’m calling the ‘Mosaic Grid System’ 😍
Hey #Ottawa, did you know?
In September 2023, the most popular bus route *by far* was the 88 on Baseline, clocking in at 4.7% of ALL weekly bus trips!
After that are Routes 6 & 7.
The time for bus lanes on Baseline Road and Bank Street is now.
Source: OC Transpo via FOI req.
In September 2023, the most popular bus route *by far* was the 88 on Baseline, clocking in at 4.7% of ALL weekly bus trips!
After that are Routes 6 & 7.
The time for bus lanes on Baseline Road and Bank Street is now.
Source: OC Transpo via FOI req.
January 25, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Hey #Ottawa, did you know?
In September 2023, the most popular bus route *by far* was the 88 on Baseline, clocking in at 4.7% of ALL weekly bus trips!
After that are Routes 6 & 7.
The time for bus lanes on Baseline Road and Bank Street is now.
Source: OC Transpo via FOI req.
In September 2023, the most popular bus route *by far* was the 88 on Baseline, clocking in at 4.7% of ALL weekly bus trips!
After that are Routes 6 & 7.
The time for bus lanes on Baseline Road and Bank Street is now.
Source: OC Transpo via FOI req.
Hey #Ottawa, did you know?
In September 2023, the most popular bus route *by far* was the 88 on Baseline, clocking in at 4.7% of ALL weekly bus trips!
After that are Routes 6 & 7.
The time for bus lanes on Baseline Road and Bank Street is now.
Source: OC Transpo via FOI request
In September 2023, the most popular bus route *by far* was the 88 on Baseline, clocking in at 4.7% of ALL weekly bus trips!
After that are Routes 6 & 7.
The time for bus lanes on Baseline Road and Bank Street is now.
Source: OC Transpo via FOI request
December 14, 2024 at 4:24 AM
Hey #Ottawa, did you know?
In September 2023, the most popular bus route *by far* was the 88 on Baseline, clocking in at 4.7% of ALL weekly bus trips!
After that are Routes 6 & 7.
The time for bus lanes on Baseline Road and Bank Street is now.
Source: OC Transpo via FOI request
In September 2023, the most popular bus route *by far* was the 88 on Baseline, clocking in at 4.7% of ALL weekly bus trips!
After that are Routes 6 & 7.
The time for bus lanes on Baseline Road and Bank Street is now.
Source: OC Transpo via FOI request
2. 2 Smooth
Image Credit: Richard YS
Image Credit: Richard YS
December 2, 2024 at 1:01 AM
2. 2 Smooth
Image Credit: Richard YS
Image Credit: Richard YS
Made some posters for the upcoming launch of Ottawa's Line 2! 🤩
1. Swiss Made
Image Credit: David Bellerive
1. Swiss Made
Image Credit: David Bellerive
December 2, 2024 at 1:01 AM
Made some posters for the upcoming launch of Ottawa's Line 2! 🤩
1. Swiss Made
Image Credit: David Bellerive
1. Swiss Made
Image Credit: David Bellerive