Mean Streets: In Search of Forgotten Halifax, 1953-1967. Dieser Artikel ist nicht verfügbar.Mean Streets: In Search of Forgotten Halifax, 1953-1967

Following the Second World War, a new generation of politicians and planners across North America set out to reimagine their cities. With great verve and vision, they conceived of brave new urban landscapes filled with elevated highways, modern housing, thriving businesses, and engaging public spaces. All it would take, they said, was a deep collective capacity to dream and a determined willingness to wipe away the past.

And the idea caught on.

With great enthusiasm, these politicians and planners set out to realize their grand vision. They proposed that cities tear down great swaths of their aged, derelict, and decaying homes; destroy antiquated, dilapidated buildings; and tear up sordid streets in an effort they called "slum clearance." Of course, these "slums" were also communities often populated by the most vulnerable members of the city, the desperately poor and people of colour, those who had little power to make their own decisions and determine their own fate. The whole process was called urban renewal.

Steven Laffoley is the author of ten books including the award-winning biography of George Dixon, Shadowboxing, and the best-selling novel The Blue Tattoo.