Urbanization and Land Use Quiz

Urbanization and Land Use

• Urbanization Percentage: Approximately 81% of Canadians reside in urban areas.
• Urban Sprawl: Uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land; this causes environmental and infrastructure challenges.
• Urbanization Rates: Countries such as China and Brazil have experienced rapid urbanization.
• Smart Growth: Promotes compact development, mixed land use, walkable communities, and efficient transit.
• Human Development Index (HDI): Doesn't measure cultural or spiritual well-being.
• Livability Indicators: Affordability, safety, green spaces, public transit, education, and health.

Urban Sprawl vs. Compact Growth

• Urban Sprawl: Offers more space and lower housing costs but results in increased traffic and lost farmland.
• Compact Growth: Preserves land, promotes public transit, but can increase congestion and housing costs.
• Reducing Carbon Footprint: Utilize public transport, eat locally-grown food, reduce energy consumption, and implement energy-efficient systems are all solutions.
• Farmland Impact: Urban growth causes farmland loss; greenbelts, compact development, and mixed zoning help preserve it.

Challenges & Planning

• Developing Countries: Face infrastructure shortages, overcrowding, and inadequate housing; this is contrasted with more planned infrastructure in developed countries.
• Greenbelts: Reduce sprawl, preserve farmland, but may raise housing prices.
• Ontario Growth: Compact growth is seen as sustainable (preserving farmland, efficient transit), while spread growth provides more affordable housing options.
• Local vs. Global Food: Local food reduces transportation pollution and supports local farmers. Global food offers variety but increases carbon emissions.
• Smart Growth Presentation: Should emphasize reduced emissions, improved quality of life, and long-term economic benefits.
• Letter to Local Government: Advocates for land-use intensification to reduce sprawl and improve transit.

Land Use and Zoning

• Land Use: How land is categorized in cities (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, recreational).
• Disadvantages of Vertical Growth: Potential for congestion, fewer green spaces, and increased living costs.
• Good Land Use Mix: Combination of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
• Zoning: Rules for specific land uses (residential, commercial).
• Land-Use Conflicts: Differing priorities (e.g., building homes vs. preserving green spaces).

Mixed Land Use & Development

• Mixed Land Use Pros: Reduced travel times, increased vibrancy.
• Mixed Land Use Cons: Potential noise and congestion.
• Mixed Land Use Improvement: Separate heavy industry/commerce from residential areas.
• Zoning & Livability: Poor zoning results in a lack of green spaces or crowding. Better urban planning (e.g., integrating parks) is needed.
• Managing Urban Sprawl: Utilize compact, mixed-use zoning, greenbelts, and improved public transit.
• Outward vs. Upward Growth:
• Outward: Increases sprawl but offers affordable housing.
• Upward: Saves space but may increase density and cost.
• Zoning Benefits & Challenges:
• Benefit: Effective organization of land use
• Challenge: Can restrict flexibility and create conflicts.
• Vertical vs. Horizontal Growth:
• Vertical: Saves land, supports transit.
• Horizontal: Easier to implement but consumes more land and resources.
• Letter for Mixed Land Use: Highlight better accessibility, decreased emissions, and community integration.
• Presentation on Upward Growth: Discuss the benefits (space efficiency) and challenges (cost, congestion).
• Debating Toronto's Planning: Support your argument using evidence relating to transit efficiency and livability.

Livable Communities & Sustainability

• Sustainable Communities: Green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, public transit, and local food systems.
• Accommodating Diverse Groups: Parks, community centers, and multipurpose spaces.
• Urban Growth Impact: Overcrowding, pollution, and strain on infrastructure.
• Livability in Canadian Communities: Similar public services but differ in climate, size, and accessibility.
• Livability Rankings: Based on factors like safety, education, healthcare, environment, and infrastructure.
• Rio vs. Vancouver: Vancouver excels in livability factors (better safety, healthcare, environment), while Rio struggles with inequality and crime.
• Olive Grove School Sustainability:
• Environment: Energy-efficient lighting.
• Society: Inclusive programs.
• Culture: Community events.
• Economy: Affordable resources.
• Urban Growth Impacts: Strains resources, reduces green spaces, and increases pollution.
• Improving Olive Grove: Solar panels, waste reduction, and additional green spaces.
• Livable Classroom Design: Adequate lighting, comfortable seating, and collaborative spaces.
• Urban Spaces for Diverse Groups: Public squares, markets, transit hubs.
• Desirable City: Safe, walkable, green, and affordable areas.
• Peer Brainstorming: Discuss practical improvements in classrooms focusing on livability.
• Presentation of Findings: Highlight sustainability efforts in schools/cities using examples.