In this YIMBY post, GAPSS Member Elise Beaton reflects on her four years of using the Park and Ride system from Sherwood Park to Edmonton, inspired by a recent video from More Than Transit (MTT). While she appreciates the convenience it provides—reducing driving anxiety and allowing me to save on gas—MTT raises important concerns about Park and Rides, including their cost, contribution to car dependency, and limited utility during off-peak hours.

While acknowledging the system's imperfections, Elise concludes that with better planning—such as creating smaller, strategically located Park and Rides—cities can enhance public transportation and accommodate car users effectively.

In this YIMBY post, GAPSS member Raymond Li explores Edmonton's presence on the Wikipedia page for dead malls, and highlights the surprising concentration of high-vacancy malls in Alberta—particularly in Edmonton, which boasts five entries.

Delving into the historical significance of malls like Westmount Centre and the cultural context of shopping in a cold climate, the post questions why Edmonton is so heavily represented on this list. Through personal anecdotes about City Centre, Northgate Centre, and Westmount Centre, the Raymond critiques the stark realities of these spaces while acknowledging their roles in urban life.

Ultimately, they argue that despite Edmonton's representation, other cities likely face greater challenges with dead malls, offering a touch of humor and camaraderie for local readers.

In this YIMBY post, "A Love Letter to the Edmonton LRT”, GAPSS member Luka Zvonkovic reflects on a lifelong passion for trains and how the Edmonton Light Rail Transit system shaped their urban planning journey.

Through nostalgic memories of LRT rides, the post explores the sensory experiences of traveling through the city—its changing landscapes, the thrill of the journey, and the simple joys of observing the world from the train window.

Despite its imperfections, the LRT remains a source of comfort and inspiration, reminding the Luka of the beauty in everyday commutes and the deep connection to a passion for railways.

In this YIMBY post, GAPSS VP Internal Beth Bennett, reflects on the transformation of Downtown Edmonton over the past 25 years, particularly highlighting the development of the new Ice District.

Once an industrial area filled with rail yards, downtown has shifted to an entertainment hub, but this change came at the cost of losing the iconic “Rat-Hole,” or 109 Street Tunnel.

Although it was ultimately closed in 2000 to make way for a new roadway—an undeniable improvement—it still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many. Inspired by a video from Lincoln Ho of YEGVentures, I invite readers to remember the Rat-Hole and its whimsical legacy as they travel along 109 Street. R.I.P. Rat-Hole.

In this YIMBY Post, GAPSS VP External, Rylee Thomson explore's Edmonton's top neighborhood choice, Wîhkwêntôwin, which translates to "Circle of Friends" and symbolizes inclusion and diversity.

This significant renaming marks a step toward reconciliation, shedding the colonial legacy of its former name, Oliver, linked to exploitative policies against Indigenous peoples.

As we reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we delve into the community's journey and the ongoing efforts to address the colonial history of Edmonton.

In our first YIMBY blog post, GAPSS Member Robert Brooks, reflects on his experiences living in Toronto's Liberty Village during his undergraduate days.

Initially touted as an exciting urban hotspot, he found the neighbourhood plagued by accessibility issues, including long walks under railway overpasses and chaotic parking lots.

With a future subway line still years away, Liberty Village has become a quintessential example of car-oriented urban planning gone wrong.