[LINK] "Oslo's reinvention as a chic waterfront town leaves Toronto in the dust"

[rfmcdonald]

While the Toronto Star's Christopher Hume has found an interesting comparison between the Ontarian and Norwegian capitals, suggesting that Oslo is more authentically and actively innovative than the much larger Toronto, I can't help but feel that the comparison is more than a bit forced. Still, here's some interesting parts below; take them and the article as you choose.

With a population of just over 500,000, about the size of Hamilton, the capital of this tiny (pop. 4.8 million) nation feels like a big city trapped inside the footprint of a small town. But don't let size fool you; Oslo today is still adapting to its new role as one of the richest cities in the world, let alone Europe. Fuelled by abundant North Sea oil reserves, Norway's economy chugs along quietly but comfortably.

Through it all, Oslo remains a rather modest, even self-effacing, community. Still, this is a city accustomed to a certain standard of living – high. The streets are clean, the buildings well maintained, the people well turned-out, though with a studied casualness.

Public transit is quick and efficient, especially the train that runs downtown from the international airport. The roads and highways are full of cars, though few are luxury vehicles. Many ride bicycles, and the LRVs run through public squares as well as down the main streets.

[. . .]

As befits a time of unprecedented urban expansion, Oslo is under pressure to accommodate all the people who want in, from within and without. More than ever, perhaps, Norwegians are susceptible to the allure of the city.

In many respects, Oslo, and many other European communities, is easily 20 years ahead of North America. Wander these streets to get a glimpse of where Toronto might be two or three decades ahead: Public parking spots with outlets for electrical cars, quiet, efficient and frequent streetcar service, a buried expressway ...

Even the train station, which sits in the heart of the city, is about to get a major makeover. Though no one's sure when that will start, it's expected in the next four years. Like Union Station, it is Oslo's main transportation hub.