Iain Montgomery of Now or Never Ventures interviews urbanists, creatives, transit and development types to explore how cities can punch above their weight and c...
Challenger Cities EP20: Rethinking Cities Through Lessons from Music, Psychology and Engineering with Nick Tyler
SummaryIn this conversation, Iain and Nick Tyler explore the intricate relationship between urban design, human behavior, and well-being. They discuss how cities can be designed not just for efficiency but for human flourishing, emphasizing the importance of empathy and social connectivity in urban planning. Nick shares insights from his background in music and engineering, illustrating how these disciplines intersect to create better urban environments. The discussion also delves into the psychological aspects of urban spaces, the challenges of mobility, and the need for innovative solutions that prioritize human experiences.TakeawaysUrban design impacts mental well-being and social connectivity.Empathy is crucial in creating urban spaces that work for everyone.Understanding human perception can improve urban safety.The brain adapts to its environment, influencing behavior.Social interactions can enhance community well-being.Innovative urban solutions require interdisciplinary collaboration.Designing for humans means considering emotional responses.Mobility systems should prioritize human experiences over efficiency.Community involvement is essential in urban planning.A simple greeting can foster social connections and improve happiness.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nick Tyler's Journey07:19 The Intersection of Music and Engineering12:52 Understanding Pearl: A New Approach to Urban Design20:07 The Psychology of Fear in Urban Spaces29:24 Rethinking Mobility and Urban Infrastructure40:51 Building Community Through Conversation42:17 The Importance of Social Connectedness43:39 Understanding Human Behavior in Mobility Systems46:55 The Complexity of Human Movement49:42 Musicians and the Art of Listening51:55 Understanding Neurodiversity in Transportation54:49 Bridging Psychology and Engineering01:07:36 The Magic Wand for Social Connectivity01:13:33 The Importance of Collaborative Urban Development01:14:36 New Chapter
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1:14:41
Challenger Cities EP19: Why Localism Fuels Challenger Cities with Mary Rowe
In this conversation, Iain Montgomery speaks with Mary Rowe, the head of the Canadian Urban Institute, about the importance of local engagement in urbanism, the challenges faced by cities, and the role of community in fostering resilience and innovation. They discuss the need for a ground-up approach to urban development, the significance of local economies, and the mission of the Canadian Urban Institute in connecting urban practices across the country. The conversation emphasizes the value of mutual aid, decentralized solutions, and the potential for revitalizing Main Streets as vital community hubs.takeawaysLocal engagement is crucial for urban resilience.Focusing on hyperlocal issues can provide a sense of agency.Community relationships are foundational for urban development.Public policy should adapt to local realities.Urban growth presents both challenges and opportunities.Local economies can drive innovation and sustainability.The Canadian Urban Institute aims to connect urban practices.Diverse public spaces can enhance community cohesion.Mutual aid and decentralized solutions foster innovation.Main Streets are vital for community identity and economy.titlesRevitalizing Urban Spaces: A Local ApproachThe Power of Community in Urban DevelopmentSound Bites"You give me so much hope.""I'm a ground up person.""Cities are about choice."Chapters00:00Navigating Uncertainty in Today's World03:44The Importance of Hyperlocal Engagement06:44Personal Journey into Urbanism09:14The Challenge of Large-Scale Solutions11:56Local Solutions to Global Problems15:04The Dynamics of Urban Life17:47Resilience in Local Economies20:26The Role of the Canadian Urban Institute24:27Revitalizing Main Streets as Community Hubs27:33Housing Opportunities Along Main Streets28:25Canada's Urban Challenges and Political Decisions31:13The Role of Geography in Urban Development33:07Decentralization and Mutual Aid in Urban Spaces35:14Innovative Use of Public Spaces and Markets45:37Introduction to City Improvement Challenges46:06The Importance of Experimentation in Urban Development
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46:58
Challenger Cities EP18: How Downsview is redefining Toronto's future by shifting the centre of gravity with Chris Eby
In this episode of Challenger Cities, host Iain Montgomery sits down with Chris Eby, Executive Vice President of Northcrest, to explore one of Toronto’s most ambitious urban redevelopment projects: the transformation of the Downsview lands (YZD). Chris shares the vision for this 520-acre project, which promises to shift Toronto’s center of gravity north, creating a network of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods centered around sustainability, public spaces, and transit integration.From reimagining a 2.1-kilometer runway into Toronto’s answer to New York’s Highline to tackling stormwater management with a groundbreaking “sponge city” approach, Chris explains how YZD is redefining what a city can be. Along the way, they discuss the challenges of urban planning in Toronto, the lessons learned from Sidewalk Labs, and the cultural factors that have held Canadian cities back from creating world-class public spaces.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Toronto needs multiple hubs, not just one downtown, to thrive in the future.How the Downsview project is balancing bold vision with community engagement.The role of sustainability in creating a fully electric, future-proof urban center.What Toronto can learn from global cities like Copenhagen, New York, and Montreal.Why Canadian modesty has limited urban innovation—and how YZD is changing that.Memorable Quotes:“This is going to shift the center of gravity north. Downtown is great, but we need a variety of hubs.”“The success or failure of this project hinges on getting public spaces right.”“We will not be building any new fossil fuel infrastructure on the site.”“A lot of older Canadians have cottages, places up north or in the country. When they have free time, they leave the city. There’s never been a push on governments to build great public spaces in the city.”“We’ve got to stop being so unambitious about transit. You look at the map in London, New York, or Tokyo—ours just pales in comparison.”
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55:40
Challenger Cities EP17: Cycling, Leadership and the Future of Urban Living with Chris Bruntlett
Iain Montgomery sits down with Chris Bruntlett of the Dutch Cycling Embassy to explore how cycling infrastructure can transform urban life. Chris shares insights from the Netherlands, where bikes are seamlessly integrated into daily life, and discusses how other cities can adapt these principles to their unique contexts. From leadership lessons to e-bike revolutions, this conversation uncovers what it takes to build cities that are healthier, happier, and more livable.What We Cover in This Episode:Chris’s journey from advocating for bike lanes in Vancouver to working with the Dutch Cycling Embassy in Delft.Why cycling isn’t just about bikes—it’s about livability, inclusivity, and prosperity.The importance of cohesive cycling networks versus piecemeal infrastructure.How bold leadership, particularly female leaders like Anne Hidalgo in Paris, drives transformative change.The game-changing potential of e-bikes and intermodal transportation.Challenges like weather and cultural perceptions—and how to overcome them.Why even car-centric companies like Walmart are embracing cycling.Notable Quotes:“It’s not just about bikes. It’s about livability, inclusivity, prosperity—all the things that getting more people cycling can do for your city.”“The bicycle has a range problem, and public transport has a convenience problem. Combine the two, and you’ve got a real alternative to the car.”“Bold decisions aren’t always popular at first, but when streets become safer and cities more livable, the results speak for themselves.”Resources and Links:Learn more about the Dutch Cycling Embassy.Follow Chris Bruntlett on LinkedIn.Stay tuned for Chris and Melissa Bruntlett’s upcoming book on female leadership and urban transformation, releasing in 2025.
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56:16
Challenger Cities EP16: Red Tape to Results; Rethinking Governance for Better Cities with Hayden Clarkin
In this conversation, Iain and Hayden discuss the complexities of urban transit systems, the historical context of public transportation in North America, and the political dynamics that affect transit development. They explore case studies like La Sombrita, the need for reform in institutions, and the importance of public trust in transit systems. The discussion also touches on international comparisons, the role of the private sector, and the vision for future transit systems that are interconnected and efficient. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for a new democratic urban agenda that prioritizes building and delivering effective transit solutions.https://thetransitguy.substack.com/p/10-principles-for-a-new-democratictakeawaysTransformative transit is essential for urban development.Historical governance issues have led to poor transit systems in North America.Public trust is crucial for the success of transit projects.Reforming institutions can lead to better transit outcomes.International examples show the benefits of interconnected transit systems.The private sector has a significant role in urban development.Political dynamics often hinder effective transit solutions.Case studies can provide valuable lessons for future projects.A new democratic urban agenda is needed to prioritize building.We must shift from studying to implementing transit solutions.titlesReimagining Urban Transit: A Conversation with Hayden ClarkinThe Future of Public Transportation: Challenges and SolutionsSound Bites"We need to rebuild these institutions.""Stop studying. Just do.""We need a housing industrial complex."Chapters00:00Introduction to The Transit Guy04:53The Evolution of Public Transit in America07:45The Impact of World War II on Urban Development10:24The Challenges of Rebuilding Transit Systems13:30La Sambrita: A Case Study in Transit Failures16:09Political Trust and Institutional Failures18:59The Need for Institutional Reform21:37Comparative Analysis of Global Transit Systems24:33The Importance of Incremental Development27:23Public Perception and the Future of Transit32:51The Experience Beyond the Stadium36:41Zoning and Urban Design Challenges40:50Homeowner vs. Renter Dynamics46:29The Inefficiency of Government Processes51:44Political Vision and Local Governance53:41A National Vision for Transportation55:51Introduction to Urban Challenges
Iain Montgomery of Now or Never Ventures interviews urbanists, creatives, transit and development types to explore how cities can punch above their weight and create distinctive new futures outside of the tired playbooks.
South Africa