Michael B.

Michael B.

Co-Founder, Managing Director
[email protected]

Emboldened by Nanaimo’s new OCP, Michael and Olivia started Strong Towns Nanaimo to advocate for new urbanism in the Harbour City. Born in Ottawa, raised in Vancouver, and married in Mackenzie; Michael’s travels landed him in Nanaimo, eager to advocate for a resilient, empowered, and financially-secure city. At his core, Michael wants to see a connected, healthy Nanaimo where people have abundant transportation options and affordable housing.

Woodgrove Cannot Afford Another Planning Failure

Woodgrove Cannot Afford Another Planning Failure

Woodgrove today is a monument to everything wrong with suburban sprawl. This plan is Nanaimo’s chance to build something human, vibrant, and lasting.

Local Restaurant Was Not Wearing Reflective Gear When It Was Struck And Killed By An SUV

Local Restaurant Was Not Wearing Reflective Gear When It Was Struck And Killed By An SUV

Poké Page in North Nanaimo on Feb. 13 was not wearing reflective gear, nor did it make eye contact with the driver of the SUV.

Building A Vibrant Downtown Starts With Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure

Building A Vibrant Downtown Starts With Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure

A response to the recent op-ed in the Nanaimo News Bulletin. Narrow lanes and pedestrian-friendly improvements on Terminal Avenue and Nicol Street enhance safety, boost local economies, and promote environmental sustainability.

Nanaimo Residents Keep Dying On Our Roads

Nanaimo Residents Keep Dying On Our Roads

Four Nanaimo residents have already died from vehicular collisions, and it’s only May. Many factors determine if a person hit by a vehicle survives, but building safe streets is by far the most important thing we can do to make our streets safe.

People-Oriented Places Are Better For The Planet (And Our Wallet)

People-Oriented Places Are Better For The Planet (And Our Wallet)

Sprawling out often means consuming land, misusing resources, and forcing residents into private cars. Building denser cities with people in mind can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse emissions while also improving the lives of residents.

One Step Forward, Two Giant Steps Back

One Step Forward, Two Giant Steps Back

Despite Nanaimo's own design and safety guidelines advocating for minimizing conflicts between drivers and vulnerable road users, the outcome of the Fifth Street project falls short of creating a truly complete street. The hope remains that future projects, such as the Bruce and Fifth Complete Streets initiatives, will address these concerns and provide safer, more accessible infrastructure for all residents.

Nanaimo's Missing Middle

Nanaimo's Missing Middle

A collaborative project with Sidewalking Victoria! Exploring Nanaimo’s diverse missing middle housing; townhomes, rowhomes, walk-ups, dingbats, duplexes, and everything in between! Our best neighbourhoods are those that contain a wide variety of housing forms.

Narrow Lanes Are Safer

Narrow Lanes Are Safer

Research shows that narrower travel lanes reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Nanaimo in Motion

Nanaimo in Motion

Exciting new active transportation corridors are sprouting up throughout our town, reflecting a shift in Nanaimoites' mindset regarding transportation. Furthermore, it is evident that city staff are wholeheartedly dedicated to enhancing our streets for the benefit of all residents.

Pickup Truck Popularity and Road Safety

Pickup Truck Popularity and Road Safety

More Canadians are buying trucks over sedans every year. Let’s look at the numbers to see how “safe” trucks really are on our roads.

Roundabouts, Fast Ferries, and Downtown Density

Roundabouts, Fast Ferries, and Downtown Density

There are loads of changes coming to Nanaimo! The Mary Ellen roundabout is now complete in the North End. The Hullo fast ferry is slated to launch in June. And, Nanaimo city council approves new low-rises and condos downtown.

BC Eliminates SF Zoning

BC Eliminates SF Zoning

Upzoning all of British Columbia will help increase housing diversity, improve housing affordability, and enhance walkability in our cities while preserving neighbourhood character.

Excitement Grows as Work Continues on the Mary Ellen Drive Roundabout

Excitement Grows as Work Continues on the Mary Ellen Drive Roundabout

The roundabout is already seeing use! Drivers and pedestrians can now safely leave the once-notorious Woodgrove Crossing parking lot.

You Don't Need a License to Walk

You Don't Need a License to Walk

We need to rethink how we talk about car accidents involving pedestrians in Nanaimo. Pedestrians are seen as obstacles for drivers who are often driving too fast and are too distracted along roads that are all too wide.