Let people live near the work they do.

A metro area is bigger than city hall.

A metro area includes nearby towns linked to a city. It can cross city limits and, for Ottawa–Gatineau, a provincial border. Its GDP does not belong to one local council.

We keep the source’s areas and dates. We do not divide these totals by a city population with different borders. That would make a false figure per person.

Build places for a better daily life.

Let homes and useful local shops share a street. Put homes near work and services. Plan safe walking routes, bike links and public transit as well as roads.

Keep both rent and ownership in view. More units matter, but people also need fair paths to own a home and build wealth. A low purchase price far from daily needs is not the whole cost of life.

Judge the full local plan.

Track rents, purchase prices, travel time and the cost to run streets and pipes. Show who can stay as the area grows. Ask people with low incomes and disabled people whether access improves.

A small town can use these ideas in its own way. The goal is an easier life, not making every place look the same.

What we want changed

1. Make room near daily needs

   Allow more homes and quiet shops near work, schools and services.

2. Connect the whole trip

   Make walking, rolling, cycling and transit safe and useful.

3. Test life, not just output

   Publish housing costs, travel time and access beside GDP.

Who can act

Local councils, provinces, territories and federal housing and transport offices.

What this could cost the public

Street, transit and service work need local budgets. Include upkeep. No total saving is claimed.