This first Quebec conference provided us with our public policy task force question, to paraphrase, – what are the impacts of Canadian urbanization, and how can we build on the strengths of our urban identity while mitigating against the associated vulnerability. To prepare for the discussion, we were provided with copies of the book “Happy City” by Charles Montgomery, an exploration of “the good life”. During the conference we had discussions on how to address the issue of suburban sprawl and to create greater urban equity – or “mixité”. We asked, “How do you build cities that create the time and space so that people from various walks of life, not just interact, but cross-pollinate ideas? What role does policy have in creating those interactions and transforming those moments into innovation?”
What struck me on the last day of the conference was how over the four days, Action Canada had managed to create exactly this desired environment on a national scale. They facilitated the gathering of a great mixité of Canadians, established an environment of wonder, gave us an historical context to understand our relationship to one another, and carved out time for us to explore and, importantly, to have fun together. I can attest that the outcome truly is creativity and happiness. The Quebec conference was a delightful start to this program.
– Linda Hathout, ’14
