Canadian Urbanization and Development Issues

Canadian Urbanization

• 81% of Canadians live in urban areas.
• Urban sprawl is the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas, creating environmental and infrastructure challenges.
• Rapid urbanization has occurred in countries like China and Brazil.
• Smart growth principles promote compact development, mixed land use, walkable communities, and public transit.

Human Development Index

• The Human Development Index (HDI) does not measure cultural or spiritual well-being.

Urban Sprawl vs. Compact Growth

• Urban Sprawl: More space, lower housing costs, but increases traffic and farmland loss.
• Compact Growth: Saves land, promotes public transit, can increase congestion and housing costs.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

• Reduce carbon footprint by utilizing public transit, eating local food, reducing energy use, and implementing energy-efficient systems.

Impact of Urban Growth on Farmland

• Urban growth leads to farmland loss.
• Protect farmland using greenbelts, compact development, and mixed zoning.

Challenges in Developing vs. Developed Countries

• Developing countries face infrastructure deficiencies, overcrowding, and inadequate housing, contrasted with planned infrastructure in developed countries.

Role of Greenbelts

• Greenbelts reduce sprawl, preserve farmland, but can increase housing prices.

Ontario's Growth Patterns

• Compact growth in Ontario is more sustainable (saving land, efficient transit), but spread growth offers affordable housing.

Local vs. Global Food

• Local food reduces transport pollution, supports local farmers.
• Global food increases carbon emissions but offers variety.

Land Use and Zoning

Land Use

• Land use encompasses various purposes like residential, commercial, industrial, recreational use within cities.

Disadvantage of Upward Growth

• Vertical growth leads to congestion, lack of green spaces, and increased living costs.

Good Land Use Mix

• Combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in a single area.

Zoning

• Zoning defines land use regulations for specific areas.

Land-Use Conflicts

• Different priorities (building vs. preserving green spaces) lead to land-use conflicts.

Mixed Land Use

• Pros: Reduces travel time, enhances vibrancy.
• Cons: Potential for noise and congestion.
• Improvement: Separate heavy commercial from residential areas.

Zoning and Livability

• Poor zoning can lead to insufficient green spaces or congested areas.
• Suggest better urban planning, integrating parks, etc.

Managing Urban Sprawl

• Employ compact, mixed-use zoning, establish greenbelts, and enhance public transit.

Outward vs. Upward Development

• Outward Growth: Increases sprawl but offers affordable housing.
• Upward Growth: Saves space but can increase density and costs.

Zoning Benefits/Challenges

• Benefits: Effective land use organization.
• Challenges: Limited flexibility, potential conflicts.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Growth

• Vertical Growth: Space-efficient, supports public transit.
• Horizontal Growth: Easier to implement, but consumes land and resources.

Livable Communities and Sustainability

Elements of Sustainable Communities

• Green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, public transit, and local food systems.

Accommodating Multiple Groups

• Parks, community centers, and multi-use spaces accommodate diverse groups.

Urban Growth and Quality of Life

• Urban growth strains resources, reduces green spaces, increases pollution.
• Overcrowding, pollution strain infrastructure.

Livability in Canadian Communities

• Canadian communities share public service similarities but differ in climate, size, and accessibility.

Livability Rankings

• Livability assessments consider safety, education, healthcare, environment, and infrastructure.

Rio vs. Vancouver

• Vancouver excels in livability (better safety, healthcare, and environment) while Rio faces inequality and crime.

Olive Grove School Sustainability

• Environment: Energy-efficient lighting.
• Society: Inclusive programs.
• Culture: Community events.
• Economy: Affordable resources.

Improving Olive Grove Sustainability

• Solar panels, waste reduction programs, green spaces.

Livable Classroom Design

• Adequate lighting, comfortable seating, and collaborative spaces.

Urban Spaces for Groups

• Use public squares, markets, and transit hubs for variety of uses.

Desirable City

• Safe, walkable, green, and affordable city characteristics.