This section contains a variety of papers and research documents touching on different topics and fields. All are in *.pdf format for ease of viewing. This material is presented in the interests of inviting discourse and is not to be disseminated without the express permission of the author. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments on any material found here.

Geology of the West Island: Pride of Place - This paper explores the rich geological history of the West Island of Montreal, offering a full and detailed accounting of the geological strata of the Island, a discussion of geological history and an interpretation of the rock record. Much of Montreal is underlain by Cambro-Ordovician limestone, grading down to dolomite and then sandstones down the rock column. Interpretation indicates multiple transgressions of a paleozoic sea into the interior of a continent, varying in depth and salinity. Many of these rock deposits have become incorporated into the architecture of Montreal and lend regional distinctiveness to the urban landscape.

Author: David Wise, January 2003 (1.3 Mb)

Light Pollution: Planning Responses to an Environmental Challenge - This paper examines the impact of light pollution on the urban environment and provides an overview of the three main aspects; skyglow, light trespass and glare. Case studies for planning responses to light pollution are summarized from Canada, the Czech Republic and the United States, and potential solutions are explored.

Author: David Wise, August 2002 (363 kb)

The Notre Dame Urban Boulevard: A Feasibility Analysis of the Proposal of the City of Montreal - An analysis using CCG/CALC2 of three intersections within the proposed transportation corridor to determine load capacities given future projections of traffic growth. The Urban Boulevard proposal would not be able to handle projected traffic volumes without the addition of additional traffic demand management measures such as HOV, priority signalling, separated grade crossings or dedicated transit rights-of-way to decrease demand.

Authors: Karen Nasmith & David Wise, March 2002 (562 kb)

The Pheonix Neighbourhood: A Revitalization Plan for the Faubourg St. Laurent - This proposal calls for a phased implementation of facade and streetscape improvements, linked with development of affordable housing units and a new Chinese Cultural Centre. The goal is to increase the supply of housing, develop greater sub-linkages between neighbouring areas, and enhance quality of life for area residents.

Authors: Lihua He, Manuela Sarnecki, David Wise, December 2002 (3.47 Mb)

The Revitalization of Columbia Street: An Analysis of Twenty Years of Revitalization Efforts in Downtown New Westminster, B.C. - This paper is an overview of revitalization efforts in downtown New Westminster, exploring the role of key actors including local merchants, the city, the business improvement society and external agencies.

Author: David Wise, December 2000 (3.21 Mb)