Tarsands dumping deadly heavy metals in to rivers

Oil Sand Industry in Canada Tied to Higher Carcinogen Level - NYTimes.com

Oil Sand Industry in Canada Tied to Higher Carcinogen Level - NYTimes.com: "OTTAWA — The development of Alberta’s oil sands has increased levels of cancer-causing compounds in surrounding lakes well beyond natural levels, Canadian researchers reported in a study released on Monday. And they said the contamination covered a wider area than had previously been believed."

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Sprawl leads to infrastructure strain

Sprawl leads to infrastructure strain: "Stanley blames sprawl for the financial struggles many U.S. cities are currently facing. “You will never in a million years raise the property tax enough on a single-family house to pay for the infrastructure that was put in the ground to provide for it,” says Stanley."

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Carol Linnitt | Documents Reveal Alberta Colludes with Industry in Pipeline Safety Review

Carol Linnitt | Documents Reveal Alberta Colludes with Industry in Pipeline Safety Review: "A pipeline safety review conducted by the Alberta government last summer was done with the oil and gas industry's interests in mind, according to recent documents released to Greenpeace through Freedom of Information legislation. "

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‘Crap’ shouldn’t be easier to build, mayor tells chamber

‘Crap’ shouldn’t be easier to build, mayor tells chamber: "He rhymed off some policy documents the city has to ensure design that’s attractive and works for transit or pedestrians.

“If you bring us stuff that you know violates those guidelines and then you complain it’s taking too long to get an approval, well there’s a reason for that.”"

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Break our addiction to parking lots | Calgary Herald

Break our addiction to parking lots | Calgary Herald: "There are three non-residential parking stalls for every car in America.[i] This has a major impact on the health of cities, though all parking lots are not equal, of course. A few stalls tucked behind a store away from a street have little impact on the quality of the city. Large swaths of asphalt, typically associated with “big box” stores and “power centres,” have numerous detriments. Their impermeable surfaces require major infrastructure to control storm water, which has a corollary impact on watershed health. Their surface absorbs ultraviolet heat creating pockets of hot microclimates which affect human and ecological health. Through inefficient land use they discourage walking and cycling and are a component in urban sprawl. They are enabling infrastructure for a single mode of transportation, which has consequences for the overall design and operation of a city."

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Program offers free transit for ACCESS users | Acv - Local News | Airdrie City View

Program offers free transit for ACCESS users | Acv - Local News | Airdrie City View: "Airdrie City council voted unanimously in favour of providing free local public transit to ACCESS Airdrie clients.

Effective immediately, the approximately 210 clients, who have a range of physical and cognitive disabilities, will be able to more easily access city businesses and services.

“When you look at other communities in Alberta, they really recognize the importance of opening up transit alternatives to their residents,” said Chris MacIsaac, transit coordinator with the City of Airdrie.

“(For) ACCESS Airdrie clients, their need for transportation is higher than the average resident. It provides them with that much more accessibility out into the community.”"

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