Chris Ferris
@chrisferris3.bsky.social
Economist. Consultant. Interested in improving urban areas: better housing, mass transit, & efficient goods flow. #cdnecon #Economics #Winnipeger #cdnag #R #spatialanalysis #Canada #EconomicDevelopment #LabourEcon #energyTransition #mb
Reposted by Chris Ferris
This is joint work @claraleonard.bsky.social (the lead author 🙏), @jvtk.bsky.social & Eric Monnet.
Here's the paper: www.europarl.europa.eu/cmsdata/3082...
Monetary Dialogue page: www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/e...
Here's the paper: www.europarl.europa.eu/cmsdata/3082...
Monetary Dialogue page: www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/e...
June 23, 2026 at 9:25 AM
This is joint work @claraleonard.bsky.social (the lead author 🙏), @jvtk.bsky.social & Eric Monnet.
Here's the paper: www.europarl.europa.eu/cmsdata/3082...
Monetary Dialogue page: www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/e...
Here's the paper: www.europarl.europa.eu/cmsdata/3082...
Monetary Dialogue page: www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/e...
Fantastic news!
City exceeds housing targets as millions in federal funds set to roll in
www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...
City exceeds housing targets as millions in federal funds set to roll in
www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...
City of Winnipeg exceeds housing targets as millions in federal funds set to roll in
The City of Winnipeg has exceeded several homebuilding targets tied to its share of the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, with permits issued for 14,833 new housing units since December 2023.
www.winnipegfreepress.com
September 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Fantastic news!
City exceeds housing targets as millions in federal funds set to roll in
www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...
City exceeds housing targets as millions in federal funds set to roll in
www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews...
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Here’s a theory of change I hear every day:
More disasters will catalyse climate action.
Here’s what it completely misses:
If we don’t know what to do and don’t think we can make a difference, it won’t.
That’s why talking solutions is so critical. We won’t act without them.
More ⬇️
More disasters will catalyse climate action.
Here’s what it completely misses:
If we don’t know what to do and don’t think we can make a difference, it won’t.
That’s why talking solutions is so critical. We won’t act without them.
More ⬇️
Katharine Hayhoe says our climate theory of change was always broken
Two Steps Forward — Sustainability Meets Business Reality · Episode
open.spotify.com
July 14, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Here’s a theory of change I hear every day:
More disasters will catalyse climate action.
Here’s what it completely misses:
If we don’t know what to do and don’t think we can make a difference, it won’t.
That’s why talking solutions is so critical. We won’t act without them.
More ⬇️
More disasters will catalyse climate action.
Here’s what it completely misses:
If we don’t know what to do and don’t think we can make a difference, it won’t.
That’s why talking solutions is so critical. We won’t act without them.
More ⬇️
Reposted by Chris Ferris
This is why, every week, my Talking Climate newsletter does not only share how climate change affects our lives.
I also talk about solutions that are already being implemented, and what individuals can do to make a practical difference in their lives and for the world.
It’s free, check it out!
I also talk about solutions that are already being implemented, and what individuals can do to make a practical difference in their lives and for the world.
It’s free, check it out!
Extreme heat is everyone's problem
Football speaks up, Europe's worst heatwave on record, and call it what it is — climate change
www.talkingclimate.ca
July 14, 2026 at 11:53 AM
This is why, every week, my Talking Climate newsletter does not only share how climate change affects our lives.
I also talk about solutions that are already being implemented, and what individuals can do to make a practical difference in their lives and for the world.
It’s free, check it out!
I also talk about solutions that are already being implemented, and what individuals can do to make a practical difference in their lives and for the world.
It’s free, check it out!
Reposted by Chris Ferris
In contrast to the unrepresentative nature of the speakers against rezoning, speakers in support were from communities with median household incomes of about $91,000 on average. The writer couldn't share these numbers in the public hearing because pointing it out was deemed discriminatory.
July 14, 2026 at 11:36 AM
In contrast to the unrepresentative nature of the speakers against rezoning, speakers in support were from communities with median household incomes of about $91,000 on average. The writer couldn't share these numbers in the public hearing because pointing it out was deemed discriminatory.
Reposted by Chris Ferris
The Dutch lead the world in residential bike parking, and it's not by accident. Municipalities have spent 20+ years building programs that put certified, secure bike hangars on residential streets at scale.
How the model works, and why cities everywhere are looking to replicate it: buff.ly/EFkQaiX
How the model works, and why cities everywhere are looking to replicate it: buff.ly/EFkQaiX
July 5, 2026 at 3:01 PM
The Dutch lead the world in residential bike parking, and it's not by accident. Municipalities have spent 20+ years building programs that put certified, secure bike hangars on residential streets at scale.
How the model works, and why cities everywhere are looking to replicate it: buff.ly/EFkQaiX
How the model works, and why cities everywhere are looking to replicate it: buff.ly/EFkQaiX
Reposted by Chris Ferris
One of the most interesting things about Dutch cycling culture is how long people keep cycling. Even at 75+ you still see many people on the bike, often every day. That is not by chance. Safe cycle lanes, smooth surfaces, and clear crossings make cycling possible at every age.
July 2, 2026 at 3:02 PM
One of the most interesting things about Dutch cycling culture is how long people keep cycling. Even at 75+ you still see many people on the bike, often every day. That is not by chance. Safe cycle lanes, smooth surfaces, and clear crossings make cycling possible at every age.
Reposted by Chris Ferris
It is local transport, particularly within big cities, where the UK underperforms.
Burnham’s place-based perspective on transport is a good starting point for national policy.
Read more 👇
buff.ly/j3z6l3r
Burnham’s place-based perspective on transport is a good starting point for national policy.
Read more 👇
buff.ly/j3z6l3r
Briefing Burnham: Transport - Centre for Cities
Andy Burnham’s local perspective can help deliver better transport nationally, with Great British Railways a key opportunity
www.centreforcities.org
July 3, 2026 at 9:22 AM
It is local transport, particularly within big cities, where the UK underperforms.
Burnham’s place-based perspective on transport is a good starting point for national policy.
Read more 👇
buff.ly/j3z6l3r
Burnham’s place-based perspective on transport is a good starting point for national policy.
Read more 👇
buff.ly/j3z6l3r
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Thread: Spain's infamously low-cost subway/metro construction methods
Have you seen how cheap Spanish metros are to build? Well actually, I have and I will tell you all about it! I had the chance to visit the extension of line 11 in Madrid, where I learned a lot about their construction methods, peculiarities and processes. Let me take you along! A thread 🧵 (1/11)
June 4, 2026 at 10:53 AM
Thread: Spain's infamously low-cost subway/metro construction methods
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Steve Lambert of the Canadian Press in Winnipeg will soon retire from journalism after nearly four decades.
He has some parting words for new journalists interested in covering politics.
stevelambertwpg.substack.com/p/my-two-cen...
He has some parting words for new journalists interested in covering politics.
stevelambertwpg.substack.com/p/my-two-cen...
My two cents: Advice for aspiring political reporters and their editors
Some advice to reporters who want to cover politics, from a retiring journalist
stevelambertwpg.substack.com
May 20, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Steve Lambert of the Canadian Press in Winnipeg will soon retire from journalism after nearly four decades.
He has some parting words for new journalists interested in covering politics.
stevelambertwpg.substack.com/p/my-two-cen...
He has some parting words for new journalists interested in covering politics.
stevelambertwpg.substack.com/p/my-two-cen...
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Intercity busing, on the long roads of the Canadian prairies
I missed this - bus connectivity throughout the prairies is great news. $25 Winnipeg to Brandon, and $138 Winnipeg to Calgary. Not daily service yet but at least there's an option. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Greyhound owner FlixBus expanding service to Manitoba in push for 'fully connected national network' | CBC News
A German inter-city bus company already operating in three other Canadian provinces is now expanding into Manitoba.
www.cbc.ca
May 3, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Intercity busing, on the long roads of the Canadian prairies
Reposted by Chris Ferris
For those who haven't seen me rant about "Golden Rules" policy lately, see my old op-ed on the problem in Maclean's at:
macleans.ca/politics/ott...
macleans.ca/politics/ott...
Red tape and Tory blue: Why Stephen Harper loves the CFIB - Macleans.ca
The PM’s promise to slash red tape is exactly what the Canadian Federation of Independent Business wants. That's good politics and iffy policy.
macleans.ca
May 2, 2026 at 11:50 AM
For those who haven't seen me rant about "Golden Rules" policy lately, see my old op-ed on the problem in Maclean's at:
macleans.ca/politics/ott...
macleans.ca/politics/ott...
Reposted by Chris Ferris
- which represents one cost to the State of Delaware from which it's getting a return through registries etc - is that the Court has built enormous experience and case law in business decisions, making it a reliable and predictable vehicle for dispute resolution between shareholders and/or managers.
May 2, 2026 at 11:48 AM
- which represents one cost to the State of Delaware from which it's getting a return through registries etc - is that the Court has built enormous experience and case law in business decisions, making it a reliable and predictable vehicle for dispute resolution between shareholders and/or managers.
Reposted by Chris Ferris
#Sweden is electrifying everything that moves — trucks, buses, ferries, and mining vehicles — building the world's most complete 0-emission transport system. While most countries are focused on getting private EVs onto roads, Sweden has been electrifying every category of transport #ActOnClimate
May 1, 2026 at 6:54 PM
#Sweden is electrifying everything that moves — trucks, buses, ferries, and mining vehicles — building the world's most complete 0-emission transport system. While most countries are focused on getting private EVs onto roads, Sweden has been electrifying every category of transport #ActOnClimate
Reposted by Chris Ferris
After 25 years, biotechnology is still tightly clustered in just 3 metros: San Francisco, Boston and San Diego. Billions in failed economic development efforts have done nothing to change the geography of this industry. cityobservatory.org/biotech-stil...
Biotech: Still clustered after all these years – City Observatory
cityobservatory.org
April 27, 2026 at 4:03 PM
After 25 years, biotechnology is still tightly clustered in just 3 metros: San Francisco, Boston and San Diego. Billions in failed economic development efforts have done nothing to change the geography of this industry. cityobservatory.org/biotech-stil...
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Urban agglomeration... continued! One of the most important EcDev posts I will ever repost.
"This means that all of the gains to metros outside of the top ten came, collectively, from those other than the top three." Grim 🤣.
"This means that all of the gains to metros outside of the top ten came, collectively, from those other than the top three." Grim 🤣.
After 25 years, biotechnology is still tightly clustered in just 3 metros: San Francisco, Boston and San Diego. Billions in failed economic development efforts have done nothing to change the geography of this industry. cityobservatory.org/biotech-stil...
Biotech: Still clustered after all these years – City Observatory
cityobservatory.org
April 27, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Urban agglomeration... continued! One of the most important EcDev posts I will ever repost.
"This means that all of the gains to metros outside of the top ten came, collectively, from those other than the top three." Grim 🤣.
"This means that all of the gains to metros outside of the top ten came, collectively, from those other than the top three." Grim 🤣.
Reposted by Chris Ferris
I released a short paper today presenting two new Canadian dashboards that aficionados of the economy might like. It could not have been built - not by me anyway - without the new Claude coding tool from Anthropic. The paper is free on my Substack page. philip635.substack.com/p/two-new-ca...
Two new Canadian economy dashboards
Canada is fortunate to have a wide range of monthly statistics that gauge the many dimensions of the economy in a timely fashion.
philip635.substack.com
April 14, 2026 at 6:28 PM
I released a short paper today presenting two new Canadian dashboards that aficionados of the economy might like. It could not have been built - not by me anyway - without the new Claude coding tool from Anthropic. The paper is free on my Substack page. philip635.substack.com/p/two-new-ca...
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Heat batteries are a game changer for decarbonising heat.
Polar Night Energy and Lahti Energia Oy have partnered to construct what is expected to become the world’s largest sand-based thermal energy storage system, to be built in Vääksy, Finland.
www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/worl...
Polar Night Energy and Lahti Energia Oy have partnered to construct what is expected to become the world’s largest sand-based thermal energy storage system, to be built in Vääksy, Finland.
www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/worl...
World's Largest Sand Battery to Supply District Heat in Finland - Environment+Energy Leader
A Finnish energy company is heating 2,400 tons of sand above 500°C to store renewable energy at scale. Can sand replace natural gas in district heating?
www.environmentenergyleader.com
April 10, 2026 at 7:23 AM
Heat batteries are a game changer for decarbonising heat.
Polar Night Energy and Lahti Energia Oy have partnered to construct what is expected to become the world’s largest sand-based thermal energy storage system, to be built in Vääksy, Finland.
www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/worl...
Polar Night Energy and Lahti Energia Oy have partnered to construct what is expected to become the world’s largest sand-based thermal energy storage system, to be built in Vääksy, Finland.
www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/worl...
Why might a MP decide to switch to another party in the midst of a trade war? There are variety, but trade vulnerability of their area is an obvious one, even if it otherwise seems odd. See an earlier Cdn Chamber of Commerce BDL article. businessdatalab.ca/publications...
Which Canadian Cities Are Most Exposed to Trump’s Tariffs? - Business Data Lab
Even with a 30-day pause, President Trump’s executive order to impose tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States marks a major protectionist shift in U.S. trade policy.
businessdatalab.ca
April 9, 2026 at 8:56 AM
Why might a MP decide to switch to another party in the midst of a trade war? There are variety, but trade vulnerability of their area is an obvious one, even if it otherwise seems odd. See an earlier Cdn Chamber of Commerce BDL article. businessdatalab.ca/publications...
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Cool to see a convenience store that closed in the underground below Portage and Main is re-opening at the sidewalk now that people are allowed to cross the intersection.
April 6, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Cool to see a convenience store that closed in the underground below Portage and Main is re-opening at the sidewalk now that people are allowed to cross the intersection.
Reposted by Chris Ferris
The Muhammad Ali - George Chuvalo fight on March 29, 1966 at Maple Leaf Gardens was legendary.
The fight went the distance, with Ali calling Chuvalo the toughest man he ever fought.
After the fight, Chuvalo went dancing, while Ali went to the hospital.
This is the story.
🧵 1/10
The fight went the distance, with Ali calling Chuvalo the toughest man he ever fought.
After the fight, Chuvalo went dancing, while Ali went to the hospital.
This is the story.
🧵 1/10
March 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM
The Muhammad Ali - George Chuvalo fight on March 29, 1966 at Maple Leaf Gardens was legendary.
The fight went the distance, with Ali calling Chuvalo the toughest man he ever fought.
After the fight, Chuvalo went dancing, while Ali went to the hospital.
This is the story.
🧵 1/10
The fight went the distance, with Ali calling Chuvalo the toughest man he ever fought.
After the fight, Chuvalo went dancing, while Ali went to the hospital.
This is the story.
🧵 1/10
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Oh, this is one of the potential housing initiatives I'd like to support if I get elected to Vancouver city council. Smaller size is key, I think. They have 180 homes on three sites.
www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/...
www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/...
Kelowna mayor says 83% of tiny home residents have moved on to better things
Kelowna mayor Tom Dyas says over 80% of the initial residents who moved into the city’s tiny homes have moved on to supportive housing, better c.
www.kelownanow.com
March 23, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Oh, this is one of the potential housing initiatives I'd like to support if I get elected to Vancouver city council. Smaller size is key, I think. They have 180 homes on three sites.
www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/...
www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/...
Reposted by Chris Ferris
What do rising oil prices mean for Canadian households?
In my latest for @TheHubCanada, I estimate the costs for gasoline, energy, and (just as importantly!) all other goods and services throughout the supply chain. Overall, about $1,000/yr/household.
thehub.ca/2026/03/18/... #cdnecon #cdnpoli
In my latest for @TheHubCanada, I estimate the costs for gasoline, energy, and (just as importantly!) all other goods and services throughout the supply chain. Overall, about $1,000/yr/household.
thehub.ca/2026/03/18/... #cdnecon #cdnpoli
March 18, 2026 at 5:34 PM
What do rising oil prices mean for Canadian households?
In my latest for @TheHubCanada, I estimate the costs for gasoline, energy, and (just as importantly!) all other goods and services throughout the supply chain. Overall, about $1,000/yr/household.
thehub.ca/2026/03/18/... #cdnecon #cdnpoli
In my latest for @TheHubCanada, I estimate the costs for gasoline, energy, and (just as importantly!) all other goods and services throughout the supply chain. Overall, about $1,000/yr/household.
thehub.ca/2026/03/18/... #cdnecon #cdnpoli
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Housing, in Halifax, NS. (In Winnipeg, mall sites are now rezoned for midrise development as-of-right, delivering on Mayor Gillingham's commitment to allow our vast sea of mall/corridor surface lots to be used for new housing density).
March 14, 2026 at 12:38 PM
Housing, in Halifax, NS. (In Winnipeg, mall sites are now rezoned for midrise development as-of-right, delivering on Mayor Gillingham's commitment to allow our vast sea of mall/corridor surface lots to be used for new housing density).
Reposted by Chris Ferris
Prime Minister Støre, Chancellor Merz, and I agree: by working together, we can better protect and defend the Arctic and High North, and ensure the security and prosperity of the entire region.
March 13, 2026 at 10:31 PM
Prime Minister Støre, Chancellor Merz, and I agree: by working together, we can better protect and defend the Arctic and High North, and ensure the security and prosperity of the entire region.