The Editor:
Re: "Will COVID-19 herald the end of urban density?" (The Tri-City News, May 18)
This provocative title leads into a wide ranging article, but I agree that this devastating pandemic is a watershed moment for cities everywhere.
It would be easy to predict that people will want to move to the suburbs and that denser city centres will die off. This is not practical or desirable for several reasons and, in fact, new behaviours that COVID-19 has brought on make it even more important that we get the design of our denser communities right.
More people are out walking and cycling for exercise and are discovering their neighbourhood in new ways. Quality public spaces, including both streets that are safe and attractive for people walking and cycling, as well as larger public parks and plazas are vital components of urban living.
This pandemic is making it clearer than ever that quality public spaces are needed for both physical and mental health.
Tim Barton, Port Moody
