From Vancouver to Halifax, Canadian cities are embracing a transformative urban planning concept—the “15-minute neighbourhood.” The idea is simple yet ambitious: design communities where residents can access everything they need within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home.
The term was popularized by Paris urbanist Carlos Moreno and centres around four core pillars: proximity, diversity, density, and ubiquity. This means living near schools, shops, parks, healthcare, and workplaces, while reducing the need for cars. It's an approach aimed at improving livability, reducing emissions, and fostering local economies.
Several Canadian municipalities are already integrating this model into their planning strategies:
“A 15-minute neighbourhood isn’t just about convenience—it’s about resilience,” says urban planner Amara Bouchard. “It empowers communities and improves well-being.”
Reducing reliance on cars contributes directly to Canada's climate goals. Transportation accounts for roughly 25% of national emissions. With more Canadians walking, cycling, or using transit, cities can cut pollution and improve air quality.
Socially, these neighbourhoods foster stronger community ties. Local businesses benefit from foot traffic, while residents—especially seniors and youth—gain independence.
Not all feedback has been positive. Critics argue that retrofitting existing neighbourhoods is costly and may gentrify lower-income areas. Others see the model as unrealistic in suburban and rural settings where low density makes walkability difficult.
Some conspiracy theories also surfaced in 2023–2024, falsely claiming 15-minute cities were a form of government surveillance. Urban experts and officials have repeatedly debunked these claims.
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Subscribe NowThe federal government has recently pledged $600 million through the Active Communities Infrastructure Fund, supporting cities that prioritize mixed-use zoning, cycling paths, and local services. With the dual pressures of climate change and housing affordability, the 15-minute model offers a promising roadmap for urban growth.
Whether or not every Canadian city can fully achieve the vision, the direction is clear: more livable, local, and people-centred communities are here to stay.
