Urban Life

Urban Life in Canada

It is impossible to speak of urban life in Canada without mentioning what our cities have become – cosmopolitan crossroads where cultures from everywhere are represented; the harmonious co-habitation of heterogeneous groups and collectivities that make for economic, social effervescence, as well as dynamic artistic and intellectual expression. More than 80% of Canadians live in cities. This is double what it was 100 years ago.

There are relatively few factors that measure quality of urban life – proximity, security and environment are among the key ones. Canadians cities are reputed for preserving the human dimensions to otherwise large-scale enterprises. City planners throughout the country have been mindful to preserve heritage, protect green spaces and include cultural elements while managing large expansion and growth over the last decades. Careful urban planning, well integrated building designs, and maintenance of quality city services have kept up, and indeed enhanced, the quality of life in our large Canadian cities.

Little wonder that major Canadian cities are at or near the top of world rankings in terms of quality of life, and that places like Vancouver are attracting world events – like the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in 2010.