Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/292860
by Samuel Oghale Oboh Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 2nd VP and regional director for Alberta and the Northwest Territories PerSPeCTIVe Down to the letter C anada Post's decision to replace home delivery with community mailboxes runs counter to advances in socially responsible design. Being the only G8 country soon to be without door-to- door mail delivery service, fails the aspirations shared by Canadians for an inclusive and caring society. In recent years, we have seen signifi cant effort made in the design of buildings and streets – in communities across the nation – in order to improve accessibility for people with mobility challenges (strollers, casts, canes and wheelchairs), or with sight or hearing impairments. This is commendable. As a profession, architects advocate for sustainable, pedestrian- friendly cities. Canada Post CEO Deepak Chopra has suggested that a brisk walk to the mailbox would be good for seniors' health. As admirable as this may sound, for many people, navigating through ice, snow or traffi c to the collective boxes will not be easy or safe. In reality, people tend to drive to these boxes instead of walking. Canada Post even seems to encourage drive-by pickups; its Delivery Planning Standards Manual for Builders and Developers – developed in cooperation with builders, developers, architects, planners and municipal authorities – advises against locating the boxes beside curb lanes that have no-stopping or no-parking zones. Having hundreds of neighbourhood residents drive to a mailbox, instead of one Canada Post vehicle making the rounds, will increase gas consumption, greenhouse gases and our carbon footprint. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), which advocates for a livable built environment, has warned of the negative impact of group mailboxes on the urban landscape and quality of life of Canadians. It shares public concerns about placement in built-up areas, city parks and homeowners' lawns. There's no information that shows how this will be done in a way that conforms to good urban design principles or that's acceptable to anyone. In newer subdivisions where the community mailboxes currently exist, users are familiar with problems such as idling cars, fl yers littering the ground, vandalism, theft and risk of injury. A CBC News investigation found between 2008 and 2013 Canada Post recorded 4,880 incidents involving community mailboxes. These incidents ranged from vandalism and arson to mail theft. Safety too is an issue. In 2003, the Montreal Gazette reported that a Pierrefonds man who fell and cracked his skull while collecting mail at an outdoor community mailbox was awarded $40,000 by the Quebec Superior Court. The RAIC urges careful, consultative planning and design before launching these unwelcome boxes. Creative and innovative urban design and architectural solutions will be key to making the mailboxes and the spaces around them look and function as well as possible. This is not simply about attractive and well-designed mailboxes. It is about the public realm around them and how the boxes will integrate into existing neighbourhoods. It is about mitigating traffi c, safety and accessibility concerns. Municipal politicians are starting to grasp the implications. Canada Post says it will mainly install the boxes on government land, including parks, schools and government offi ces. The Crown corporation has also suggested some community mailboxes could be set up in businesses that are open 24 hours instead of on the street. There's no doubt the impact on streets and green spaces will be signifi cant. A good design solution will ensure best value, sustainability and avoid additional fi nancial burden to taxpayers. ■ April 2014 / Volume 28 / Number 2 publisher Dan Chapman editor Natalie Bruckner-Menchelli art director Laurel MacLean contributing writers Bill Armstrong Robin Brunet Godfrey Budd Peter Caulfi eld Adam Currie Jerry Eberts Laurie Jones Jessica Krippendorf Yvan Marston Stacey McLachlan Irwin Rapoport Tiffany Sloan Martha Uniacke Breen Zuzanna Wodzynksa contributing photographers Chris Bolin production manager/print Kirsty Senior production manager/studio Kristina Borys assistant studio manager Mandy Lau production coordinator Julie Reynolds advertising production Allison Griffi oen, Chris Sherwood electronic production Ina Bowerbank electronic imaging Mandy Lau, Laura Michaels account manager Alexander Sugden advertising coordinator Allie Davison award magazine – head office Phone 604.299.7311 Fax 604.299.9188 chairman, ceo Peter Legge, obc, lld. 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