Substacks recommended by Julie McCann

Recommended by Julie McCann

Live by Design — Not Default

Never miss NWT news! Get Cabin Radio's weekly emails with all of the best journalism we've published plus video, photos, podcasts, reading recommendations and more.

Whether you live in Yellowknife, have visited Yellowknife or daydream of doing either, The Outhouse, Cabin Radio’s weekly newsletter, is a great read. Fun community-focused stuff and informed stories living together happily.

- Julie McCann

the 613

By Neil

NeilForMayor.ca Building a Better Ottawa

Neil Saravanamuttoo has timely takes on the topical municipal issues we’re all following. The municipal panel will always grow your brain.

- Julie McCann

The Barrhaven Bugle

Useful local news for Barrhaven, Stonebridge, Half Moon Bay, and South Nepean — every Tuesday morning. City decisions, roads and transit, schools, events, and the community calendar.

Unnecessary Commentary

By Julien St-Jean

Everything and nothing

Julien is a wise and thoughtful writer and reader. When his newsletter arrives in your bin, you know you’re in for a lovely visit.

- Julie McCann

Citified

By Melissa Bowman

Urban issues and local politics (Waterloo Region)

The Etobicoke Voice

By Jennifer Alexander

Where Etobicoke Talks, Listens, and Leads. A space for thoughtful conversation, local insight, and quiet leadership—amplifying the voices shaping Toronto’s west end, one story at a time.

Ottawa Road Trips

By Laura Paquet

Timely and practical tips for day trips, weekend getaways and longer road trips from Canada's capital, Ottawa.

We can’t do, taste and experience ALL of the fun local things - can we? - but Laura Byrne Paquet lets us daydream that we can. (Laura’s 100-km Getaway Guide is a handy companion too.)

- Julie McCann

The Transit Brief

By Reece

Stay up to date with public transit in Canada, and around the world.

Here in Ottawa, we’ve got the transit we’ve got just now. But follow along here with Reece for lessons and stories of Toronto’s transit and beyond. (A recent post titled “Ottawa can get back to amazing transit,” will be of particular interest to local readers.)

- Julie McCann

Making A Neighborhood

A newsletter devoted to highlighting what makes a neighborhood. Subscribe for photo essays, interviews, and long-form storytelling about everything from gentrification to the untold story of that one neighbor who grows fruit from Central America.

The Neighborhoods

By Rob Stephenson

Photographing and uncovering the stories of New York City, one neighborhood per week across all five boroughs.

Random Acts of Urbanism by Brigitte Pellerin

I’m not an urbanist but I play one on the internets. What makes a city good for its people? I find amusing and joyful examples wherever I roam.

Apisheesh: A Cree Learning Journey

By Lenny

Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and extra content about my Cree learning journey. A supplement to my podcast

Thoughts of a Sports Fan

By Kolbe Devaux

If you like the teams I like, you'll like the stories I write.

Kolbe is a sports fan who really (really!) cares and we, his newsletter subscribers, all benefit. Casual sports fans feel welcome too. :)

- Julie McCann

The Neighbourhoods

By Michael

Documenting Winnipeg, one neighbourhood at a time.

Ever thought about visiting every neighbourhood in west-Ottawa/Nepeanville? Over in Winnipeg, Michael is taking a run at doing just that in his city. Inspired by a New York City newsletter called The Neighborhoods, it’s fun to follow along and imagine trying it here.

- Julie McCann

Improving Ottawa

By Derrick Simpson

Ideas and thoughts on how to improve Ottawa. Urbanism, climate change, and transportation focused.

Derrick Simpson had us at “improving.” Fresh, thoughtful and hope-forward local information and takes.

- Julie McCann