Canada’s Slow City
The Slow Cities movement has been growing, but seems to have had a difficult time crossing the Atlantic Ocean. During my original research on the Slow Cities movement, I interviewed many people in North America who felt that the movement could never work here. They cited the North American lack of history and area-specific roots, lack of localized culture, and love of independence as some of the reasons why Slow Cities would never be successful on this side of the ocean. These people were largely politicians, city planners and other officials. However, when I explained the Slow Cities movement to many of my own friends and others who would be considered “residents” and not “officials” of urban areas, they were intrigued. They asked me questions like: “How can we make our city a Slow City?” and “I want to live in a Slow City. Why isn’t my city like that?” There seems to be a growing grassroots demand for such cities and spaces — a demand which is increasing the more people learn about the slow movement and the possibilities of Slow Cities. I, for one, felt convinced that a Slow City could indeed exist in North America.
And now I may not be alone. It seems that the Slow Cities movement will be starting in British Columbia, the Canadian province bordering the Pacific Ocean. Specifically, it is Cowichan Bay, B.C., which is planning to be the first Slow City in Canada, and also in North America. I applaud Cowichan Bay for taking the initiative and for not listening to the naysayers (of which there are many).
The Slow Cities movement has much to teach North America. While Slow Food has taken root here already, many people continue to feel that the urban areas should be progressive and not “stuck in the past” (as many interpret Slow Cities to be). Many North American cities choose quantity over quality. They do not understand that quality can coexist with progress, and that quality of life can indeed be stronger if the slow movement philosophies were considered and incorporated.
My hope is that Cowichan Bay will emerge as a model. Not every location will choose to be a Slow City, but at least some of the philosophy could be adopted by more and more North American places. Cities, towns and neighbourhoods could benefit by understanding the positive effects of living more slowly.
Recent posts by this author
- Slow Cities help to enable Slow Lives - April 10th, 2010
- Slow Cities: What are we searching for? - January 17th, 2010
- Regaining a Slow Balance - June 10th, 2009
- Seasons in a City - April 4th, 2009
- Living in the City - March 4th, 2009
