The Golden Horseshoe is Canada's most densely populated region. With a population of about 8 million people, it constitutes 25% of Canada's population. I have studied the Golden Horseshoe extensively in some of my geography classes. A main and key question continues to be raised, how will the Golden Horseshoe cope with population increases while maintaining the competitive industrial sector? In addition, how can the region expand without compromising the environment by placing stresses on local ecosystems?
The horseshoe extends from as far south as the Niagara Falls to as far east as Oshawa. Thousands of people rely heavily on this region for employment in the manufacturing and service sectors. The region is projected to grow to 11.5 million by 2031. Increased urbanization cannot pass a certain capacity, and if this capacity is surpassed, the repercussions will be dire. As mentioned, it is a very industrialized region known as urban agglomeration where many manufacturing firms cluster together. These firms benefit tremendously by locating near each other mainly due to the lower costs of production.
This region has many features that are highly attractive for tourists and immigrants. Universities, service sector jobs, a culture of governance, business and health care just to name a few. With the recent economic downturn, the region's manufacturing sector has undoubtedly taken a hit. However, it still has the potential to revitalize itself and become an economic power house for the country. But it comes back to that central question of population growth and the environment. Smart growth will tell us that we must concentrate growth in the centre of the city to avoid urban sprawl. In other words, promoting the city as a place to live and creating efficient public transportation systems such as light-rail transit, bike paths and hybrid buses to accommodate the population. Citizens of the region can avoid making those long commutes from the suburbs to the city, where their jobs are overwhelmingly concentrated.
Main Message: We need to find sustainable solutions for managing population growth. It is clear that the Golden Horseshoe will only become more popular. Cities located within the Golden Horseshoe must act now, and invest money into public transportation, recognize and designate environmentally sensitive areas or bio-regions, and promote green spaces.
I see an issue arising with the development of the city centre rather than urban sprawl. Yes, urban sprawl is detrimental in a variety of fashions, but as far as I know it's cheaper, at least for the homeowner. Who will benefit if Toronto's city centre is made more livable? It strikes me that those who can afford the high cost of living associated with living in Toronto will benefit in this case. Do you think city redevelopment could be done in such a way that the benefit reaches out to all members of the prosperity spectrum?
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