This edition was prepared from Montreal where we received more than 74 cm of snow in mid-February. Snow that teams are still working to collect. Because yes, we collect snow in town and place it elsewhere... Because there is no room. A subject that inspired this trendsletter. ❄️❄️ Happy reading 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ In winter, we shovel it, we push it, we export it... as if it were a burden. However, snow could be much more than an obstacle to clear. During a project on the future of Nordicity with the cultural business accelerator La Piscine, a few years ago, I explored this question in depth. Today, I dive back into this fascinating universe with you with great pleasure. In Quebec, the father of Nordicity is Louis-Edmond Hamelin, a geographer who invented the term in the 1960s after exploring the territory, came to the conclusion that the southernmost point of Nordicity is Montreal. STRUCTURE: This newsletter is built using a signal→trends approach: from broad societal movements to emerging micro-initiatives and sources of geographic monitoring are shared below. 2 current trends1️⃣ The rise of Nordic baths 🛁❄️ From the popularity of outdoor spas to the adoption of ice baths, voluntary exposure to the cold is increasingly seen as a tool for well-being and resilience. 2️⃣ Winter cycling on the rise 🚲🌨️ Infrastructure and equipment are adapting, and the practice is becoming a viable winter mode of transportation in several Nordic cities. Winter mobility is also becoming more accepted. Winter weak signalsFrom here and elsewhere, here are some initiatives that are rethinking our relationship with snow and winter:
Where to observe the winter novelty🔎Nordic countries, of course
🇯🇵 Japan which is between traditions and cutting-edge technologies, in particular the city of Hokkaido comes up several times in researches. 🇨🇦 Canada in particular the city of Winnipeg with its annual Warming Huts 🛖 competition and other initiatives such as the aforementioned skate bikes at The Forks too (downtown park). 🇨🇦 These other places where the novelty is hidden in Quebec (province of Canada), in particular:
〰️ 〰️ 〰️ In the pastIn case you missed it. 🎙Marie-Michèle was on the microphone of Votre Samedi, Radio Canada to speak about deconsumption and its related behaviors (FR only) In the future📅 Saturday March 22 between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 2025, at the Palais des congrès: Signing for the book Rien de neuf at the Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert 📅 March 24, 25 or 26, 2025 (exact date to be determined) Marie-Michèle will be at Place Alexis Nihon for the pop-up event En Mode surcyclage, Magasine ta solution to repair objects! See you soon, To stay updated, also follow me on social media |
Cette infolettre vous est présenté... par le train. Littéralement : alors que je prenais le train de retour d'Ottawa à Montréal (un rituel annuel que j'associe désormais à l'observation silencieuse et à la réflexion), je n'ai pu m'empêcher de constater que certaines choses avaient changé à bord. Des signaux discrets, des comportements subtils et des décisions audacieuses de la part des passagers comme des opérateurs – tout indique un changement dans nos façons de nous déplacer, dans nos...
This trendsletter was brought to you... by the train. Literally: As I was riding the train back from Ottawa to Montréal (a yearly ritual I now associate with quiet observation and reflection), I couldn’t help but notice how much has changed onboard. Small signals, subtle behaviors, and bold decisions by passengers and operators alike — all pointing toward a shift in how we move, what we value, and how speed isn't everything anymore. Let’s take a look at what’s brewing on the rails. 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 👀...
This edition was prepared in Montreal, Canada, where the news hasn't been particularly good in recent months. New here? Don't hesitate to send me a message to let me know what you're looking for in this newsletter. Happy reading! 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ Between climate crises, geopolitical conflicts, and inflation creeping into our plates, it's hard not to feel information fatigue. And yet, a counter-current is slowly but surely emerging: Good news movement. 💌 The counter-current that does good In recent...