Calgary Councillor Dan McLean Blasts City Hall's 'War on the Car'
Calgary Ward 13 Councillor Dan McLean has launched a fiery critique against what he describes as city hall's establishment waging a War on the Car. In a recent city council meeting, McLean expressed deep frustration with urban planning decisions that he believes are making daily commutes more difficult and dangerous for Calgarians.
Frustration Over Congestion and Narrow Roads
McLean highlighted the growing congestion in Calgary, with new developments popping up across the city without adequate infrastructure to support increased traffic. Everything is just jampacked almost wherever you go, he stated, noting that trips that once took 20 minutes now require 40 minutes. This constant delay, he argues, puts drivers in a pissed-off mood and contributes to road rage and accidents.
The councillor specifically pointed to narrow roads where vehicles struggle to pass each other, forcing one driver to pull over. It takes you twice as long to get where you're going, so when you do get some open road you're going to go a little faster. That's a danger, McLean warned, emphasizing that while he doesn't excuse reckless driving, the city's planning failures are exacerbating driver frustration.
Criticism of Development and Bike Lanes
During the council meeting, McLean addressed a proposed six-storey mixed-use development in Altadore that included minimal parking. The community had raised objections due to poor transit access, parking shortages, and pedestrian safety concerns. McLean suggested this was another example of city hall ignoring residents in favor of a grand vision that doesn't align with practical needs.
He also took aim at separated bike lanes, particularly the one on 15 Avenue S.W., which he claims sees little use even during favorable weather. Before the snow, the bike traffic on that lane was slim to none, McLean noted, adding that usage fails to meet the city's own low targets. He described the irony of seeing empty bike lanes being cleared of snow while drivers navigate increasingly cramped streets. It's not making things better having all these tiny roads and having bike lanes everywhere and the streets are getting narrower and there's no parking, he asserted.
A Broader Call for Acknowledgment and Change
McLean's outburst isn't just about venting; it's a call for city hall to acknowledge the real-world impacts of its policies. He hopes for better driving behavior but insists that the city must address the root causes of frustration. His critique extends to a perceived city hall motto: If it ain't broke, we'll break it, reflecting a belief that unnecessary changes are worsening urban mobility.
As Calgary continues to grow, McLean's comments highlight a tension between development goals and the practical needs of residents. His passionate stance underscores ongoing debates about how to balance progress with quality of life in one of Canada's largest cities.
