1

If a city full of weird boring dirty old hippies is the future we are all buggered.

Of course there are those who claim we are already buggered but that is a discussion for another thread.

2

Portland's civic planning and values are very progressive. It has no real skyline but once you get into the proper neighborhoods of the city they have a lot of dynamic small businesses and aesthetic appeal. That said there are way too many drug addicts, especially as you get into some of the suburbs. (some of which are pretty trashy) Economically Portland was depressed long before 2008, with healthcare related professions and law enforcement being the primary job creation areas.

The city has protected its surrounding farmlands but some claim their property owner rights have been stepped on in the process. But there has not been rampant big box stores and strip malls replacing valuable farmland. You choose on that issue.

Some decry the old warehouse district of The Pearl becoming condo world but a lot was done to save/salvage old brick industrial buildings and turn them into living spaces and shops. I would grudgingly call The Pearl a success in not completely leveling a historic district.

There are valuable lessons to take from Portland as a city but it needs more of an economy and fewer druggies.

3

Portland has a speed skating race every year on the lake. The locks on the Rideau are near also.

4

interesting. methinks I will take all thoughts under advisement.
I like hippies, just cant eat a whole one myself.

cheers.

guv

5

Portland, Oregon is in the USA and not in Canada, use the correct forum for queries!

6

Ah lighten up #5, the Globe and Mail is a Hogtown Canadian propaganda sheet, so post has the necessary Canadian content! :)

7

I visited Portland years ago and enjoyed it. Great eateries & interesting neighbourhoods. It's a well planned city with great public transit. It's probably the most bike friendly city in all of North America.

Here's a link to the story:
Portland: city of the future

8

Liked what I saw of Portland, a year ago, only spent an afternoon & night there in a beautiful older neighborhood, nice friendly bar, good food, couldn't ask for better.

9

get a freezer

10

have one tp, just for the occasion:-}

11

Been to Portland about 10 times on business.

Quite the nice laid back city actually. I always stayed downtown at the Heathman Hotel. Don't know that it is the city of the future, but I would willingly live there if I had to under the circumstances of a job transfer, etc.