Family Range Rover fleet loosely arranged in Applewood driveway today

In a scene equal parts opulent and oblivious, a fleet of Range Rovers—four in total—was spotted scattered across a single driveway in Applewood this morning. Neighbours on Snow Crescent slowed their steps to glance sideways at the lineup, which included models in matte black, pearl white, and a dusty champagne whose plates suggested it hadn’t moved in some time.

While no official formation seemed intended, the vehicles—parked diagonally, bumper-to-bumper, and in one case nearly grazing a rose bush—cast a quiet shadow over the modest suburban calm of the street. One passerby described it as “a sort of Range Rover Stonehenge, if Stonehenge blocked access to the recycling bin.”

The family in question declined to comment, though a teen in slides was overheard telling a friend, “We just got back from the cottage. Mom made us all drive separately.”

No word yet on when the lineup will be disbanded, but local observers suggest that the configuration may shift again by dinnertime—possibly to accommodate a grocery run or an Amazon return.

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FURTHERMOREOVERKILL

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G Papa Tango, in Canada, how have cars per families numbers increased over the past 50 years?

Over the past 50 years, the number of cars per family in Canada has shown a significant increase, reflecting both changes in lifestyle and economic factors. In the 1970s, it was common for Canadian households to own only one car, if any, due to factors such as lower overall vehicle ownership rates, fewer dual-income households, and a lesser emphasis on personal transportation.

However, as Canada's economy grew and urbanization accelerated, there was a notable shift in car ownership patterns. The 1980s and 1990s saw a gradual increase in the number of cars per family as household incomes rose, making it more affordable for families to own multiple vehicles. Additionally, the expansion of suburban areas, coupled with improvements in transportation infrastructure, made car ownership more practical and convenient for many Canadians.

By the 2000s and beyond, owning two or more cars per family became increasingly common, especially in suburban and rural areas where public transportation options are limited. Factors such as changing work patterns, with more individuals commuting longer distances, and a greater emphasis on individual mobility contributed to this trend.

Moreover, cultural shifts, such as the desire for independence and convenience, also played a role in the rising number of cars per family. The proliferation of dual-income households, where both partners may require a vehicle for work or other commitments, further fueled the demand for multiple cars within a single family unit.

Today, it's not uncommon for Canadian families to own two or more vehicles, with households often consisting of a mix of cars, SUVs, and even electric or hybrid vehicles. While the exact numbers may vary depending on factors such as location, income level, and lifestyle preferences, the overall trend towards increased car ownership per family in Canada over the past 50 years is unmistakable.

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And now the kids can't play hockey in the driveway.

As the number of cars per family in Canada has increased over the past 50 years, the traditional image of kids playing hockey in the driveway has become less common. This change reflects not only shifts in car ownership patterns but also broader societal changes in lifestyle and leisure activities.

In decades past, it was a quintessential Canadian scene to see children donning hockey gear and wielding sticks in impromptu driveway games, using parked cars as makeshift goalposts. However, with more vehicles occupying residential driveways, there's less space for such recreational activities.

The rise in car ownership has led to a reduction in available space for outdoor play, especially in suburban areas where driveways are often filled with cars. Additionally, concerns about safety and liability may discourage families from allowing children to play hockey or engage in other physical activities in close proximity to vehicles.

As a result, children today may seek alternative venues for playing hockey, such as community parks, outdoor rinks, or organized sports leagues. While the image of driveway hockey may evoke nostalgia for simpler times, it also serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of Canadian suburban life.

Nevertheless, the spirit of hockey remains ingrained in Canadian culture, and families continue to find ways to pass down the tradition of the sport to future generations, even if it means adapting to changing circumstances and seeking out new opportunities for play. Whether on a neighborhood rink or a professionally maintained ice surface, the love for hockey endures, connecting Canadians of all ages across generations.

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