Quote:
Originally Posted by Acajack
I myself am very critical of North American urbanism most of the time, but it's also worth mentioning that lots of people from the countries you mentioned move here and seem quite content living in our form(s) of urbanism. I don't think most of them move here just for that but I will say that the number of immigrants who've told me one of the things they like most about Canada is the personal space (read = SFH with garage, yard, pool, etc.) is much much higher than those who criticize the way we build our cities.
This includes many people who come from countries that are the poster children for what is considered some of the most desirable urbanism in the world.
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Lots of people, myself included, have moved from Europe and actually (shock/horror) like many aspects of NA city living. Sure, even the most walkable areas of Calgary pale in comparison to even a mediocre city in Europe in the walkabilty stakes. However, we also get to live in large, well functioning living spaces while not spending most of your wage on rent and never being able to afford a house. The very fact that the roads are built in a way that isn't a PIA to drive on is also, shockingly, a positive as most people in Europe still also drive. The cities here are (Calgary at least) are generally very clean and well run.
I agree with the sentiment about Canadian suburbia being the worst of both worlds though. It isn't cheap enough to be classified as cheap, and it definitely isn't good enough to be good. Soul sucking is precisely the best way to describe it, especially in Calgary where it is far away from any transit or amenities meaning you are no less dependent on cars than if you had a proper suburban house.