Best Canadian cities rankings leave out the part where nothing actually makes sense. You're weighing a move to Calgary. Someone mentions it has 330 days of sunshine and roads that rank internationally for traffic flow. Great. Then you ask about downtown nightlife. Three streets. That's it. The rest? Office towers and dead space. You ask about getting around without a car. Transit is decades behind where it should be for a city that size. Still want those mountain views?

 

Why does Calgary feel like a small town when you talk to people? You strike up a conversation with a complete stranger, and boom, you're friends. That doesn't happen in Vancouver or Toronto to the same degree. But here's the infrastructure question nobody can answer: if Ottawa's bus lanes are meant to reduce emissions, why do they sit empty while trapping more cars idling in traffic? The buses aren't using them. The congestion got worse. Someone approved this design claiming it would help the environment. The math doesn't work. Meanwhile, Ottawa's fall colors redefine autumn and the potholes will flatten your tires within a month. Pick one.

 

The thing you love most about your city is probably connected to the thing driving you insane about it. You just haven't noticed the pattern yet because you're too busy defending your choice to stay.

 

Topics: best Canadian cities, urban infrastructure, city comparison, Calgary transit, Ottawa roads


Originally aired on 2026-02-02

Best Canadian cities rankings leave out the part where nothing actually makes sense. You're weighing a move to Calgary. Someone mentions it has 330 days of sunshine and roads that rank internationally for traffic flow. Great. Then you ask about downtown nightlife. Three streets. That's it. The rest? Office towers and dead space. You ask about getting around without a car. Transit is decades behind where it should be for a city that size. Still want those mountain views?
&nbsp;
Why does Calgary feel like a small town when you talk to people? You strike up a conversation with a complete stranger, and boom, you're friends. That doesn't happen in Vancouver or Toronto to the same degree. But here's the infrastructure question nobody can answer: if Ottawa's bus lanes are meant to reduce emissions, why do they sit empty while trapping more cars idling in traffic? The buses aren't using them. The congestion got worse. Someone approved this design claiming it would help the environment. The math doesn't work. Meanwhile, Ottawa's fall colors redefine autumn and the potholes will flatten your tires within a month. Pick one.
&nbsp;
The thing you love most about your city is probably connected to the thing driving you insane about it. You just haven't noticed the pattern yet because you're too busy defending your choice to stay.
&nbsp;
Topics: best Canadian cities, urban infrastructure, city comparison, Calgary transit, Ottawa roads
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-02

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.