Edmonton Density Action Group

m0nkyman · #1 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 3:41 AM**

Edmonton Density Action Group

OK. Inaugaral social meeting tomorrow, 7:00PM at Suede on the patio if it's sunny . Look for a table with a copy of the Oliver ARP on the table.

Second meeting place and time will be decided during the social. It will be before the Strathearn meeting next Thursday.

Unless anyone has an objection or better idea.

itom 987 · #2 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 3:58 AM**

I might be in for it but we will have to see...

We should plan on attending any meetings where density issues are raised. The positive points on increased density needs to be mentioned.

m0nkyman · #3 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 4:04 AM**

That would be one of the goals.

Wooster · #4 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 4:51 AM**

Why is density chosen as the title rather than urbanism or something of the like? Density in and of itself is not all that useful, and it may polarize or make people fearful of your goals. Unfortunately "density" is a four letter word for a lot of people and the name may make people defensive without really hearing your message.

Just an observation.

You could always do EUI, there is a CUI and a WUI here in the prairies.

Boris2k7 · #5 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 4:54 AM**

I guess it would depend on the issue. If they are focusing on a specific hotspot that is in the media RIGHT NOW, than it might work. There are definately good things about density , being that it is one of the major factors in creating a good urban environment. You can't sustain mass transit, for example, without some measure of density, nor can you really have a walkable community. But I can't see the group being anything permanent with such a limited goal. Density is just a factor after all, not the end goal.

This reminds me... CUI hasn't done anything major since the design awards. What are we up to next? Maybe we could organize that downtown cleanup idea with Mike. Maybe run a short campaign for proper garbage and recycling facilities by showing how big of a problem it is, especially on 7th Ave

Wooster · #6 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 4:57 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boris550

Density is just a factor after all, not the end goal.

Yeah, that was kind of what I was getting at, you expressed it well. Density is a means to an end - presumably good quality (sustainable?) urbanism.

Xelebes · #7 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 5:01 AM**

Urbanism is only a factor, a safe city is the goal.

m0nkyman · #8 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 5:03 AM**

It'll probably end up being EUI. I just wanted to get something started. If you start with a really bad name, nobody minds if it gets changed, and it allows people to contribute.

Boris2k7 · #9 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 5:03 AM**

"Urbanism is only a factor, a safe city is the goal."

Safe? That's quite telling, you know...

Wooster · #10 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 5:10 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0nkyman

It'll probably end up being EUI. I just wanted to get something started. If you start with a really bad name, nobody minds if it gets changed, and it allows people to contribute.

I applaud your initiative.

If you have any questions about how CUI started. Feel free to ask.

m0nkyman · #11 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 5:16 AM**

At some point I'll probably ask you if you'd come up for a meeting if I paid your gas fare....

Boris2k7 · #12 Posted **Jun 29, 2007, 5:23 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0nkyman

At some point I'll probably ask you if you'd come up for a meeting if I paid your gas fare....

This reminds me: I was meeting with a person from Edmonton about this very same thing a month or two back. She was looking to start an urban group as well in Edmonton and she was in town, so I met her in downtown Calgary on behalf of the CUI and told her how we got started and what we do...

I'll PM you her contact info.