billhardy (@billhardy) profile picture

Now focusing on making cities healthier place to live with green infrastructure and nature based solutions.

Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Joined April 2008
Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)Photo by billhardy (@billhardy)
billhardy retweeted
"You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer" - Abraham Lincoln VOTE CONSERVATIVE!
15
19
4
91
11,819
"Eby is moving to capitalize on a split opposition to rescue a political career that was on the rocks a few months ago. The result will be as cynical and dishonest and unnecessary an election call as I have witnessed in more than 40 years of covering B.C. politics." @VaughnPalmer
Vaughn Palmer: David Eby about to call a totally unnecessary B.C. election vancouversun.com/opinion/col…
122
117
12
563
39,721
When first announced, the reaction was fierce. Taxi drivers warned of gridlock. Motorists staged protests. Politicians denounced it as a war on cars. Critics predicted longer journeys, economic disruption and widespread backlash. Two years later, the data tells a different story.
1
7
49
1,607
In 2024, Bologna was the first Italian city to implement a 30 km/h speed limit. Despite initial pushback, the Città 30 initiative has brought measurable improvements in road safety, public health, air/noise quality and travel behaviour—with no measurable impact on travel times.🧵
5
68
14
380
27,547
It’s not just about banning cars on “pedestrian streets” — it’s about filling the space usually surrendered to cars with people-places FULL of things that attract people & make them want to stay. Vancouver hasn’t been great at such transformations. The World Cup NEEDS to be a turning point.
Does this street look closed to you? We shouldn’t need to host the World Cup to rethink streets for people. Granville Street, downtown Vancouver, part of the city’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup.
5
21
1
135
11,953
If walking costs you $1, we all pay $0.01. If biking costs you $1, we all pay $0.08. If bussing costs you $1, we all pay $1.50. If driving costs you $1, we all pay $9.20. Via study that still underestimates climate cost. This isn’t about choice. It’s about who pays for your choice. #citymakingmath
7
114
11
332
8,910
“Air pollution fell substantially as Paris restricted car traffic and made way for parks, people-streets and bike-lanes.” Better for the climate, better for health, better for livability and quality of life. Common sense. Such a no-brainer, it’s remarkable that more cities HAVEN’T done the same. washingtonpost.com/climate-s…
11
155
7
457
11,895
billhardy retweeted
“Green spaces are not simply a ‘nice to have’. They are critical infrastructure.” @ProvenderTweets Richard McKenna addressed MPs & industry leaders last night during the @indparltrust HTA dinner hta.org.uk/news/provender-nu… #RHSChelsea
2
3
264
billhardy retweeted
Great to join parliamentarians & industry leaders at today’s EHG breakfast briefing #RHSChelsea. Discussions on healthier communities, green spaces, biodiversity, climate resilience, & inspiring future generations ahead of #NationalChildrensGardeningWeek ow.ly/MrMf50Z1x2n
2
2
133
The Dutch landscape hides a marvel in plain sight: thousands of miles of smooth, signed, scenic cycling paths connecting every corner of the country. The payoff? A cycle tourism economy worth €2 billion per year. Proof that when you build for bikes, people (and places) prosper. – at The Hague, The Netherlands
6
11
204
4,714
billhardy retweeted
It’s time to enter the New Plant Awards! 🌸 Reminder, the deadline to enter is Friday, 15 May! ⏳ hta.org.uk/national-plant-sh… #NewPlantAwards #NationalPlantShow #HTA
1
2
41
billhardy retweeted
It certainly is that time of year again! 🌿 Hear from our immediate Past President, @AlanEDown, about why you should enter this year’s Grower of the Year Awards.🏆 Enter here 👉 hta.org.uk/goty #GOTY #UKHorticulture #GrowerOfTheYearAwards
2
1
2
293
David Eby is a hard left ideologue driving BC off a fiscal cliff. Tommy Douglas always ran balanced budgets in Saskatchewan because he understood that debt = money going to interest payments instead of people. Debt also means higher taxes in the future, for a province that already has some of the highest taxes in North America.
In the way only an economist can, @trevortombe absolutely crushes the BC NDP for their utter, reckless fiscal ineptitude: "But most concerning of all is British Columbia, with a deficit of more than $13 billion for the coming year..." (1/4) thehub.ca/2026/04/01/the-fis…
39
90
9
629
37,040
Safe, protected bike-lanes are: Better for business Better for emissions Better for air quality Better for public health Better for noise Better for space Better for equity Better for affordability Better for public cost Better for safety for EVERYONE Better for oil independence Better.
41
217
8
672
11,123
“A city’s creativity doesn’t depend on cars. That’s the 20th century. We’re in the 21st.”— Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. No matter what happens in the Paris election, the world’s cities owe Mayor Hidalgo a huge debt of gratitude. The boldest, most inspiring mayor I’ve seen. ft.com/content/8fbad76c-6705…
50
360
22
1,636
44,660
billhardy retweeted
On 16–17 March, AIPH conducted a site inspection one year ahead of Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREEN×EXPO 2027), Japan 🇯🇵 Preparations are progressing well, with construction, planting, and global engagement underway.
2
1
1
135
billhardy retweeted
Missed the AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026? Thursd. has written a fantastic summary of the key subjects discussed in the AIPH Horticultural Industry Conference, including the impact of climate change and a dynamic market on producers. Check it out: thursd.com/articles/aiph-mee…
1
1
79
We overestimate resistance against policies that turn car parking spots into greenery and places for living. A loud minority makes politicians back down, while in reality there is often large support. They need imagination, courage and curiosity! Study: sciencedirect.com/science/ar…
20
35
6
129
7,173
Where should cities start with bike networks? Not with the once-a-day commute. Design for short, frequent trips: to school, shops, childcare or the train. Journeys we make again and again. Because if cycling works for daily life, it works for everyone. iscouncil.org/s3e9-modes-of-…
2
25
3
89
3,380
billhardy retweeted
Our Secretary General and President visited the 10th Myplant & Garden in Milan, Italy, yesterday. With exhibitors and visitors spanning nursery stock, cut flowers and landscape, the event highlights the strength and diversity of the global ornamental horticulture sector.
1
72