Thanks for your clarification, Cooker. I was hoping to get back to talking about lightning on this thread. Regardless. you've illustrated my point, somewhat with your words above. The suburband communities may not consciously be keeping people out, but the way they are constracted with wall or large fences between them and the streets, regardless of the access points, are still sending a message that "unless you live or are invited in this community, you are not welcome. Look at Thornhill, Ont. Drive along Steeles. Even though there is no reason to walk or bike north by street or "access point", you certaintly don't feel like you are welcome to do so. The eight-foot walls, aka fences, send a clear signal. The same is true with Richmond Hill, Newmarket and other "newer" growing communities ( I am aware that non-suburban Newmarket Town/City is not like this and is actually a beautiful, welcoming place). Contrast these suburbs with any of the older (20-30 year-old developments) in Etobicoke, or Scarborough or even Rosedale!!! There are no physical or symbolic barriers from walking off Bloor Street and onto sidewalks in front of million dollar homes. In fact, that used to be my lunch-time walk when I work at Yonge and Bloor.

I'm not picking on Toronto, I just knew it and its unparralled bike paths well. I'm not talking about "gated" communities, I'm talking about suburban developments being designed to not be welcome place to anyone.

Regardless of these walls, I do know that lightning can get into these communities!

Thanks for listening to my banter, Cooker!