This Chapter Is About Understanding the Geography of the Western Provinces and the Way

Name: ______Due Date: ______

Background

This chapter is about understanding the Geography of the western provinces and the way places and cities are formed. Urban planning plays a key role in the layout and function of cities. For this assignment you will be an urban planner and plan out your own city!!

While we don’t really think about it, Victoria is a very well thought out city which has been planned and is constantly being re-worked. Victoria has certain city by-laws to restrict certain growth while maintaining its small city feel. Victoria planners have tried to preserve and restore historical and culturally important areas like Market Square.

Planners often make areas which are specifically for housing, business, recreation or farming. It often makes sense to have areas ‘zoned’ for certain tasks.

There are other things to keep in mind as well and you will have to make decisions on where to put everything. What is important is that you have a reason for your choices. Every city is naturally different so there is not just one right way to make one.

Getting Started

I. Have a look at the example of a city planning map. In groups discuss and take notes on the following: 1. What sorts of buildings do you see? Where are they being placed? 2. What environmental areas or natural obstacles do you see? 3. Can you make out the various places people live, work, have fun? 4. What sort of transportation appears available? 5. Where has the environment affected the development of the city? How?

II. Without worrying about sizes and distances draw a map of your own community. You can organize your map however you see fit. Try to think about what sort of things are close to each other. Ask yourselves, what things are most important to me? What should be on my map?

Building Your City

There are very specific guidelines you must follow, but you will make all the key decisions! In order to complete this assignment well you must spend your time wisely!

The object is to create a well planned city where everyone is happy. In order to build a happy city you need to make careful decisions about where things should go. Having a hospital near where people live might be a good idea. Having a chemical factory next to an elementary school is not a wise decision. These are decisions you will have to make! Remember what is important is that you can give a reason for your choice. Deciding What To Include

Right now you have a near blank piece of paper at the back of this booklet waiting for your inspiration and creativity to fill it up. You will draw in the buildings, streets and natural elements. You will also be responsible for filling out the reasoning sheet which follows.

- There are certain things you must include and these already have an ‘x’ in their box. - You must also choose to include AT LEAST TWO ITEMS from each of the other categories. You may do more if you like.

Mark your choices with an ‘x’ in the box for your reference and my marking.

Main Buildings (must be included) [ x ] City Hall – Place for local government [ x ] A Natural Park – You choose the size and [ x ] At least 5 streets – You choose the names [ x ] At least 1 Natural Obstacle – Lake, River, Ocean, Mountains, Forests, etc. [ x ] A residential area for houses

Emergency Services [ ] Hospital [ ] Police Station [ ] Fire Station

Community Buildings [ ] Schools (E/M/HS) [ ] Church [ ] Community Centre [ ] Temple [ ] Synagogue [ ] Library

Industrial Buildings [ ] Lumber mill [ ] Fishery Building [ ] Dockyard [ ] Cement factory [ ] Chemical Factory [ ] Nuclear Power Station [ ] Wind Power Generators [ ] Recycling Depot [ ] Solar Power Centre

Stores & Shopping [ ] Bank [ ] Shopping Mall [ ] Grocery Store [ ] Sports Store [ ] Tourist Shop [ ] Restaurants

Means of Transportation [ ] Airport [ ] Ferry Terminal [ ] Highway [ ] Mono-Rail Train [ ] Bus Depot [ ] Bicycle Paths

Sports & Recreation Buildings [ ] Skate Park [ ] Ice Hockey Arena [ ] Recreation Centre [ ] Soccer Stadium [ ] Tennis Complex [ ] Basketball & Lacrosse Courts [ ] Other______

Addressing Sustainability/Creating Environmental By-Laws

Explain (in 3-4 sentences) how your city plans to deal with the following matters? (choose 3) [ ] Air Quality [ ] Biodiversity [ ] Energy/Climate Change [ ] Food and Agriculture [ ] Human Health [ ] Solid Wastes/Garbage [ ] Transportation [ ] Water/Waste water [ ] Urban Heat Island (http://www.sustainable-city.org/index.htm) Things to think about for creating a “Sustainable” city Transportation – walkways, cycling, buses etc Vegetation – rooftops, grow own food, private gardens Housing – big lots, small lots, co-ops, apartment buildings Roads – asphalt, recycled?, small parking lots Power – hydro, nuclear, wind etc Population – family policies, child limits, city limits

STUCK FOR IDEAS? Steal Some Ideas from Vancouver http://www.shared-vision.com/sv-features/20070330/sustainable-city http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/sustainability/index.htm http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/sustainability/building.htm

Things To Remember

- Include a legend somewhere on your map - Give your city a name – something catchy! - Make sure to include your personal community map - Check to make sure you did all the requirements!

YOUR Marking Guidelines!!!

1. Student Rationale/Reasoning Sheet /15 a) Does the student make good arguments? b) Are the responses well written and clear? c) Has the student put thought into their decisions? d) Does the student show an understanding of ‘place?’ 2. City Map Drawing /20 a) Is the map clear and neatly laid out? b) Did the student pay attention to detail? c) Is the space provided well used? d) Can I use the legend effectively? e) Did they include all of the necessary requirements? f) Does the city have a name? g) Did the student use any colour or do anything extra? 3. Positive Participation /5 a) Is the student on task and working well?

Total Mark /40

Student Rationale

Please take the time to explain why you choose to put everything where it is on your map. The more you write the more I am able to give you credit for! Add a piece of paper if you need more space.

1) How did you start building your city? What was the process?

2) Where did you position your central buildings? Why did you choose those spots?

3)Where did you position all your other buildings? Why did you choose those spots?

4)What natural obstacle did you choose? How does that affect the sorts of things that happen in your city? How did that affect your layout?

5)Where do you see people spending most of their time? Why?

6)What is your favourite part of your city? Why? What is your least favourite? Why? 7)What would you say to someone who is considering moving to your city?

8) In Addressing Sustainability/Creating By-Laws, please list the 3 By-Laws you created to address sustainability and explain why you created them (3-4 sentences each).