Stirring the Squirridge
// SQRRDG: Where off-the-wall ideas meet on-the-ground action
An incubator for bold civic transformation ideas. From smart transit solutions to apolitical advocacy, we're reimagining how communities can evolve. Operating in Barrie and Leslieville, we turn "what if" into "let's do this."
Operating Locations
Two communities, one vision: better civic life through creative solutions
Barrie Better
"Lake Simcoe's Innovation Shore"
Transforming Barrie from bedroom community to bold civic innovator. We're tackling transit gaps, waterfront activation, and creating connections between old town charm and new tech energy. From GO train frequency campaigns to pop-up innovation labs on Dunlop Street.
Less Evil Leslieville
"Toronto's East End Experimenters"
Making Leslieville less about gentrification, more about genuine community. We're preserving industrial heritage while fostering inclusive innovation. From Queen East streetcar advocacy to converting empty storefronts into community tech hubs and artist spaces.
Current Incubations
Off-the-wall ideas in various stages of becoming real
Transit Telepathy
Real-time transit prediction using community-sourced data and ML
Guerrilla Greenways
Pop-up bike lanes that appear overnight using tactical urbanism
Civic Mesh Network
Community-owned internet infrastructure for digital equity
AR Heritage Trails
Augmented reality layers revealing hidden local histories
Zoning Zapper
AI tool to decode municipal bylaws into plain language
Rain Brain
Smart stormwater management using distributed sensors
Bikeshare++
Open-source bikeshare system with cargo & adaptive options
Democracy OS Local
Digital platform for participatory budgeting & decisions
The SQRRDG Way
Our approach to civic transformation is guided by these principles
Apolitical
Good ideas transcend party lines
Evidence-Based
Data drives decisions, not dogma
Open Source
Solutions that can spread and scale
Action-Oriented
From concept to concrete quickly
Scrappy AF
Experimental & low-cost by design
Got an Off-the-Wall Idea?
We're always looking for bold thinkers and doers. Whether you're in Barrie, Leslieville, or anywhere else, your civic transformation idea could be the next big thing.