Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
@henrikbechmann.bsky.social
Retired software dev.
IMO government is a collective enterprise, and should be fully transparent and forcefully managed for all, and for the health of the planet.
I used to discuss City of Toronto budget design and support issues (for about a decade...)
IMO government is a collective enterprise, and should be fully transparent and forcefully managed for all, and for the health of the planet.
I used to discuss City of Toronto budget design and support issues (for about a decade...)
Pinned
Meetup #529 w/Henrik Bechmann: What’s a normalized municipal operating budget, and why is it better?
YouTube video by Civic Tech Toronto
www.youtube.com
This is the video of my presentation at Civic Tech Toronto Feb 10, 2026:
"What's a normalized municipal operating budget, and why is it better"
About 15 minutes plus a couple of questions.
I'm told it's pretty clear. Please pass it on!
🧵 has more resources. 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDB4...
"What's a normalized municipal operating budget, and why is it better"
About 15 minutes plus a couple of questions.
I'm told it's pretty clear. Please pass it on!
🧵 has more resources. 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDB4...
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
An engagement plan helps you create structure around conversations for decision-making that are informed by strategy rather than reactiveness.
lesscomputer.ca/design-an-en...
lesscomputer.ca/design-an-en...
September 26, 2026 at 5:54 PM
An engagement plan helps you create structure around conversations for decision-making that are informed by strategy rather than reactiveness.
lesscomputer.ca/design-an-en...
lesscomputer.ca/design-an-en...
As a general comment about the bill C-39 which increases discretion on the part or Canada ministers to suppress labour actions...
I've believed for decades that an initiative that would increase the relevance of unions would be to insist that unions have a meaningful seat at the management table.
I've believed for decades that an initiative that would increase the relevance of unions would be to insist that unions have a meaningful seat at the management table.
September 26, 2026 at 1:31 PM
As a general comment about the bill C-39 which increases discretion on the part or Canada ministers to suppress labour actions...
I've believed for decades that an initiative that would increase the relevance of unions would be to insist that unions have a meaningful seat at the management table.
I've believed for decades that an initiative that would increase the relevance of unions would be to insist that unions have a meaningful seat at the management table.
Sitting on my balcony, had a sip of coffee and got stung on my lip by a wasp -- I didn't notice it was there.
Ouch. Swelling starting.
Ouch. Swelling starting.
September 25, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Sitting on my balcony, had a sip of coffee and got stung on my lip by a wasp -- I didn't notice it was there.
Ouch. Swelling starting.
Ouch. Swelling starting.
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
Floating bus stops are a simple way to make busy streets work better for everyone.
Buses do not get held up by cyclists, while people cycling get a continuous, protected route instead of being forced into traffic.
Safer cycling, quicker bus journeys and streets that work for people.
Buses do not get held up by cyclists, while people cycling get a continuous, protected route instead of being forced into traffic.
Safer cycling, quicker bus journeys and streets that work for people.
September 21, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Floating bus stops are a simple way to make busy streets work better for everyone.
Buses do not get held up by cyclists, while people cycling get a continuous, protected route instead of being forced into traffic.
Safer cycling, quicker bus journeys and streets that work for people.
Buses do not get held up by cyclists, while people cycling get a continuous, protected route instead of being forced into traffic.
Safer cycling, quicker bus journeys and streets that work for people.
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
Room empties out at the UN as Netanyahu begins his speech.
September 24, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Room empties out at the UN as Netanyahu begins his speech.
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
👀
Germany, France & the Netherlands now have solid phase-out plans.
Germany sets out plan to phase out fossil fuels by 2045
Germany sets out a plan to phase out coal, oil and gas by 2045, reaffirming a climate strategy focused on electrification.
www.dw.com
September 24, 2026 at 10:23 AM
👀
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
I often think about the speed camera chopping vigilante who returned to the scene of their crime on Parkside Drive multiple times but Toronto police didn’t catch them & it led to Doug Ford banning speed cameras for 16 million people & now speeding is at epidemic levels & people will die.
September 24, 2026 at 11:13 AM
I often think about the speed camera chopping vigilante who returned to the scene of their crime on Parkside Drive multiple times but Toronto police didn’t catch them & it led to Doug Ford banning speed cameras for 16 million people & now speeding is at epidemic levels & people will die.
Sirens have been blaring more or less continuously in Parkdale (Toronto) for at least 20 minutes. Anybody know what's going on?
September 23, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Sirens have been blaring more or less continuously in Parkdale (Toronto) for at least 20 minutes. Anybody know what's going on?
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
Not a good look: arresting seniors calling on Mark Carney to not walk back our climate obligations.
In my last 2 years as MP I ran a gauntlet of threat, swarming and harassment everyday from conspiracy ragers.
House security and Ottawa police just watched.
Seems instructions have been issued.
In my last 2 years as MP I ran a gauntlet of threat, swarming and harassment everyday from conspiracy ragers.
House security and Ottawa police just watched.
Seems instructions have been issued.
September 22, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Not a good look: arresting seniors calling on Mark Carney to not walk back our climate obligations.
In my last 2 years as MP I ran a gauntlet of threat, swarming and harassment everyday from conspiracy ragers.
House security and Ottawa police just watched.
Seems instructions have been issued.
In my last 2 years as MP I ran a gauntlet of threat, swarming and harassment everyday from conspiracy ragers.
House security and Ottawa police just watched.
Seems instructions have been issued.
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
I think @darrigomelanie.bsky.social said everything that needs to be said.
September 22, 2026 at 10:34 AM
I think @darrigomelanie.bsky.social said everything that needs to be said.
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
The success of Canada's business elites it less and less tied to the success of most Canadians. They have shed many many jobs (in Toronto it's the tech sector, In Alberta it's O&G) and through monopoly power are impoverishing us.
mailchi.mp/nationalobse...
mailchi.mp/nationalobse...
Canada's business elites still want to surrender
mailchi.mp
September 22, 2026 at 1:50 PM
The success of Canada's business elites it less and less tied to the success of most Canadians. They have shed many many jobs (in Toronto it's the tech sector, In Alberta it's O&G) and through monopoly power are impoverishing us.
mailchi.mp/nationalobse...
mailchi.mp/nationalobse...
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
Ottawa is kicking off fall by "streamlining" how project impacts are assessed in Canada.
In this case, "streamlining" processes = steamrolling protections for nature and human health. Industry will profit; we'll pay the price.
Our thoughts: https://bit.ly/3V2FmVf
In this case, "streamlining" processes = steamrolling protections for nature and human health. Industry will profit; we'll pay the price.
Our thoughts: https://bit.ly/3V2FmVf
September 21, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Ottawa is kicking off fall by "streamlining" how project impacts are assessed in Canada.
In this case, "streamlining" processes = steamrolling protections for nature and human health. Industry will profit; we'll pay the price.
Our thoughts: https://bit.ly/3V2FmVf
In this case, "streamlining" processes = steamrolling protections for nature and human health. Industry will profit; we'll pay the price.
Our thoughts: https://bit.ly/3V2FmVf
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
What comes after the Villages Plan?
There's a lot we can/should do city-wide in our R1 zones.
* Allow strata lane houses
* Allow more plex units per lot (on big lots)
* Allow corner stores
* Allow smaller lots
* Allow Accessory Commercial Units
* Allow 'Affordable-Ownership' Small Apt. Buildings
There's a lot we can/should do city-wide in our R1 zones.
* Allow strata lane houses
* Allow more plex units per lot (on big lots)
* Allow corner stores
* Allow smaller lots
* Allow Accessory Commercial Units
* Allow 'Affordable-Ownership' Small Apt. Buildings
September 21, 2026 at 6:36 PM
What comes after the Villages Plan?
There's a lot we can/should do city-wide in our R1 zones.
* Allow strata lane houses
* Allow more plex units per lot (on big lots)
* Allow corner stores
* Allow smaller lots
* Allow Accessory Commercial Units
* Allow 'Affordable-Ownership' Small Apt. Buildings
There's a lot we can/should do city-wide in our R1 zones.
* Allow strata lane houses
* Allow more plex units per lot (on big lots)
* Allow corner stores
* Allow smaller lots
* Allow Accessory Commercial Units
* Allow 'Affordable-Ownership' Small Apt. Buildings
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
In person, we're usually different - and better - than we are online.
September 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM
In person, we're usually different - and better - than we are online.
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
🧵US Weekly COVID update: Sep 21, 2026
🔸1 in 91 Actively Infectious
🔸542,000 Daily Infections
🔸3,810,000 Infections In The Past Week
🔸111,000,000 Infections in 2026
🔸191,000 to 760,000 Weekly Long COVID Cases
🔸900 to 1,700 Weekly Excess Deaths
Source: pmc19.com
🔸1 in 91 Actively Infectious
🔸542,000 Daily Infections
🔸3,810,000 Infections In The Past Week
🔸111,000,000 Infections in 2026
🔸191,000 to 760,000 Weekly Long COVID Cases
🔸900 to 1,700 Weekly Excess Deaths
Source: pmc19.com
September 21, 2026 at 4:53 AM
🧵US Weekly COVID update: Sep 21, 2026
🔸1 in 91 Actively Infectious
🔸542,000 Daily Infections
🔸3,810,000 Infections In The Past Week
🔸111,000,000 Infections in 2026
🔸191,000 to 760,000 Weekly Long COVID Cases
🔸900 to 1,700 Weekly Excess Deaths
Source: pmc19.com
🔸1 in 91 Actively Infectious
🔸542,000 Daily Infections
🔸3,810,000 Infections In The Past Week
🔸111,000,000 Infections in 2026
🔸191,000 to 760,000 Weekly Long COVID Cases
🔸900 to 1,700 Weekly Excess Deaths
Source: pmc19.com
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
Abacus Data:🍁"Would you support closer integration between Canada & the European Union, while Canada remains outside the EU, including measures to make it easier to trade, travel, work, study, and cooperate on security?"
🟢81% Support
🔴10% Oppose
www.338canada.ca/p/338-sunday...
🟢81% Support
🔴10% Oppose
www.338canada.ca/p/338-sunday...
338 Sunday Update: Canadians Want Closer Ties With Europe
Associate E.U. member? To be determined. But as Canada explores closer ties with the European Union, new polling shows Canadians overwhelmingly favour greater integration with Europe.
www.338canada.ca
September 20, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Abacus Data:🍁"Would you support closer integration between Canada & the European Union, while Canada remains outside the EU, including measures to make it easier to trade, travel, work, study, and cooperate on security?"
🟢81% Support
🔴10% Oppose
www.338canada.ca/p/338-sunday...
🟢81% Support
🔴10% Oppose
www.338canada.ca/p/338-sunday...
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
6% of Republicans think climate change is a major problem, down from 13% in 2009
news.gallup.com/poll/708050/...
news.gallup.com/poll/708050/...
September 20, 2026 at 7:05 PM
6% of Republicans think climate change is a major problem, down from 13% in 2009
news.gallup.com/poll/708050/...
news.gallup.com/poll/708050/...
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
The purpose of thinking about computers and control is to map the transfer of control and its consequences. It opens space to talk about how we want to design the environment of our interactions, and why. This is the design of our society.
lesscomputer.ca/computer-as-...
lesscomputer.ca/computer-as-...
September 20, 2026 at 1:37 PM
The purpose of thinking about computers and control is to map the transfer of control and its consequences. It opens space to talk about how we want to design the environment of our interactions, and why. This is the design of our society.
lesscomputer.ca/computer-as-...
lesscomputer.ca/computer-as-...
Bianca is using bearblog for her lesscomputer blog -- minimalist blogging platform using markdown.
bearblog.dev
Interesting choice, and of course consistent with her message.
bearblog.dev
Interesting choice, and of course consistent with her message.
September 20, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Bianca is using bearblog for her lesscomputer blog -- minimalist blogging platform using markdown.
bearblog.dev
Interesting choice, and of course consistent with her message.
bearblog.dev
Interesting choice, and of course consistent with her message.
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
Reposted by Henrik Bechmann (Toronto) 🇨🇦
🇱🇹🇵🇱‼️ According to Poland’s public broadcaster, Lithuania has designated three main evacuation routes from Vilnius in the event of a military threat, one of which leads toward Poland.
September 20, 2026 at 1:27 PM
🇱🇹🇵🇱‼️ According to Poland’s public broadcaster, Lithuania has designated three main evacuation routes from Vilnius in the event of a military threat, one of which leads toward Poland.
Good Talk -- Was This The Week Canada Really Changed?
YouTube video by The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge
youtu.be
September 20, 2026 at 1:51 PM
'Theory of change' caught my eye. I haven't read this though.
Want to know more about the @climatemajority.bsky.social? Check out our book, which explores the thinking behind this urgent intiative and introduces our theory of change. This collaborative anthology is available as an e-book and in paperback.
indiepubs.co.uk/products/the...
indiepubs.co.uk/products/the...
September 20, 2026 at 1:48 PM
'Theory of change' caught my eye. I haven't read this though.