Erick Villagomez

1 week ago | spacing.ca | Erick Villagomez

In British Columbia, democracy is being redefined—not through elections or referendums, but through legislation with quiet names and sweeping consequences. Bill 13 and Bill 15 are not household names, nor do they arrive with much fanfare. But together, they represent a fundamental reordering of power between the Province and its municipalities. Framed as tools to accelerate housing and infrastructure, these bills do far more than expedite permits or streamline approvals.

1 week ago | spacing.ca | Erick Villagomez

Parts I and Part II of The Coriolis Effect explored how market-aligned tools like the pro forma have subtly—but powerfully—steered urban planning in directions that often favour capital over community. These tools, cloaked in technical neutrality, have become stand-ins for judgment, overshadowing the planner’s role as steward of the public interest. But if the diagnosis is clear, the next question becomes urgent: What would it take to resist the pull? This third piece looks forward.

2 weeks ago | spacing.ca | Erick Villagomez

The Coriolis Effect, Part I went through a long gestation period as I humbly asked various people within the discipline for constructive feedback. I was grateful to receive generous, well-argued critiques from well-seasoned planners and others with decades of experience. Although many praised the clarity of the writing and overall message, some took issue with what they saw as a misfire in my target: the humble pro forma.

2 weeks ago | spacing.ca | Erick Villagomez

See our Launch and Introduction about the launch of the © Urban Cartoon Syndicate and the announcement by CityHallWatch. • City has no plans to repave ‘horrendous’ Vancouver street – https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/city-has-no-plans-to-repave-horrendous-vancouver-street/• City of Vancouver: “Keeping our roads safe and in a state of good repair is our priority.

2 weeks ago | spacing.ca | Erick Villagomez

There’s a new term gaining traction in planning circles: the “Coriolis Effect.” At first glance, it sounds like something pulled from a physics textbook—and it is—but it’s quickly evolving into a metaphor for the subtle yet consequential forces that quietly steer urban planning off course. Specifically, we’re talking about market-driven priorities that skew the trajectory of cities, often sidelining equity and sustainability in the process.