Abstract This paper examines the issues of transportation and mobility in the GreaterToronto Area (GTA). The issues that the paper covers include the following: the debate about transportation and sustainability, car dependence, the growth and urban sprawl in the GTA and its impacts and implications on transportation practices. The writer examines the key transport and mobility issues in the GTA and the solutions that are proposed for solving them, particularly in the context of achieving a more sustainable growth of the city.
Outline:
Introduction
Sustainable Transportation The Issues of Mobility
Urban Growth, Urban Sprawl and Transportation Conclusion
From the Paper "Analysis of the above problems reveals that their major cause is the extensive use of private automobiles. They are the major consumers of fossil fuels whose consumption produces CO2 and other dangerous gases and whose sources are rapidly melting away. Recent research shows that cities that provide the best terms for the automobile transportation are the ones with the highest CO2 emissions. They are involved in the accidents that result in the injury, loss of life and property damage. Also, car dependence is responsible for traffic congestion of which we see more and more within the GTA Alarming is the fact that the use of private automobiles in increasing, a fact that will be addressed further below."
Abstract This paper explains that the city of Toronto and the greaterToronto Area seems to be in the midst of a transitional period in terms of the transportation infrastructure of the urban region. The paper further explains that, while the decaying 20th century infrastructure and transportation systems have been recognized as requiring refurbishment and expansion, and all levels of government appear to be committed to these renovations, the nature and direction of these changes are still unclear.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that transportation woes are a problem that every city must confront at some point. With this in mind, the writer looks at the phenomenon of spatial mismatch and explores to what extent Toronto's poorest residents are concentrated in one place, while the job opportunities are concentrated elsewhere. The paper then examines how public transport in Toronto is letting those residents down as they seek employment opportunities. The paper analyzes studies which explore spatial mismatch in large urban centers and offers a critical analysis of one such source in particular by Karen Chapple. The paper also assesses what the study means for transportation geography/planning in Canada's largest city. In addition, the paper compares what Toronto appears to be presently doing - or is looking at doing in the near future - vis-a-vis transportation geography planning and what it should be doing. In the end, the paper concludes that Toronto should be devoting less time to a proposed Spadina Subway expansion and more time to a complex network of bus rapid transit (BRTs) and light rail transist (LRTs) systems that will actually cost less money in the long run.
Outline:
Introduction
A Review of the Karen Chapple Article
Implications of Her Article for Toronto What Toronto is Doing Versus What it Should Be Doing
Conclusion
From the Paper "The implications of the Chapple article for Canada's largest metropolitan center should be fairly obvious - even if this paper is more generally concerned with the geographical mismatch between jobs and poor job-seekers than is Karen Chapple. To start with, it is duly noted by Jean-Paul Rodrigue in his online text, The Geography of Transport Systems, that mobility is a reliable predictor of economic development. In other words, (urban) economies which develop a diversified and prosperous business and professional climate do so because human resources are readily connected to employment opportunities; at the same time, transportation networks link together all of the various aspects of production. Again, where there is mismatch there will be economic dysfunction and bridging the gap between the job-giving and the job-seeking will help cities like Toronto ameliorate their social ills."
Tags: infrastructure, land, transportation, system, urban, center
Abstract This paper examines the youth gang problem in the GreaterToronto Area (GTA). The paper explains that governmental, academic and media sources tend to discuss the gangs only in a social context, ignoring profit motivations centred on the crack cocaine industry. The paper also looks at how youth gang activity in the GTA is more entrenched than a decade ago. The paper stresses how most sources fail to identify the central factor of a crack economy that is most lucrative, notably in academic sources that may present theories and models which fail to consider differences in the crack industry supporting gangs. In conclusion, the paper shows that persons supplying millions in crack to Toronto each year are not victims of troubled identity and membership, bad housing, educational failure or the results of bigotry, but people motivated by profits.
Outline:
Introduction
Extent of Gang Activity
Varied Perceptions
Significant Crime
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper "Educated opinion indicates a liberal position equating gang membership with poverty, low opportunity or other disadvantage in a now usual rationale given minority members to engage in criminal youth gangs. The public can be unaware of 'white' gang members or gangs without particular ethnic origin or members by no means from deprived backgrounds. The culture of delinquency involves profiting from a deadly dug, as stressed later, though the educated public can seem more concerned by police approaches to youths arrested at younger than 14 or arrests made more often within one community than another. When the Toronto Police Service cracked down on the Crips-back New Born Assassins in the Keele-Eglinton area, in response to violent planned muggings, critics noted that those arrested were mainly 14 to 15 years old, charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable robbery, robbery and disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence; the public can be unclear as to why arrests are made when youths are 'not guilty' of an actual offense."
Abstract This paper analyzes the Muslim population in GreaterToronto area after the events of September 11 from a sociological perspective. It argues that the effects of September 11 include the marginalization of the Muslim population, through denial of democratic rights. The freedom of speech, human rights violation, discrimination, media reflection, distrust in democracy, thinking of approving of radical movements, etc., are all part and parcel of the effects of September 11.
From the Paper "The democracy that has prevailed for years in Canada has built up confidence in the people living there. This includes those individuals who have been born and bred there, and also those who have settled there (Daubney, 30). Since Canada is a land where many have wanted to settle in because of its multicultural society coupled by democracy that guarantees safety, there have been many individuals who have traveled there in order to lead better lives. However, it is said that things have changed in certain areas on Canada (Veness, 212)."
Abstract The paper discusses the Chinese Opera, Dragon Ball and the 'institution' of Dr. Joseph Wong, and related achievements that bode well for the community's future. Some statistics are noted, and comments on the prevalence of Chinese in the GreaterToronto Area (GTA) are discussed. There is an in-depth discussion on how the community is regarded by others. The paper includes commentary from those who are able to remember the 'old' community as it has come to overlap with more recent arrivals from Hong Kong, Mainland China and various locations in the British Commonwealth.
From the Paper "The Toronto Chinese community is now a varied and respected presence, known to others as a natural presence, of long history. According to the 2001 Census, more than one-quarter of visible minority members in Canada are people of Chinese origin and a full 40 per cent of Canada's Chinese now live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), followed by 33 per cent in British Columbia. In Toronto, 355, 270 people cite Chinese as the mother tongue (Statscan, 2001) This represents a rise of 20.5 per cent, over 294,875 in 1996."
Abstract This paper examines contemporary urban issues in Toronto and other Canadian cities. The author explores the concept that all cities faces challenges unique to their population. An example is where one city struggles to integrate new residents, other cities may struggle to keep its youth from relocating elsewhere. The paper concludes that each city struggles with its own specific urban issue.
From the Paper "Contemporary urban issues abound in Western cities. In fact, it can seem at times as if cities themselves exist without end of problems for policy and city planners to surmount. These problems are diverse and can encompass topics such as affordable housing, reliable public transportation, or infrastructure limitations. All of these problems, and many more, plague all Canadian cities to varying degrees. For example, one city might struggle with managing an influx of new residents while another city struggles to keep its youth from relocating elsewhere. Every city has urban issues that need to be
A look at the impact of immigration on the suburban landscape, through an abiotic, biotic and cultural analysis of a region of the GreaterToronto area.
Abstract This paper examines the "layers of the land" (abiotic, biotic and cultural) in a suburban neighborhood with a particular emphasis upon how issues seen in this neighborhood reflect larger processes currently being experienced in the GreaterToronto Area as a whole. The writer notes that perhaps the most important process being experienced in this area is the interaction between urban sprawl and the "suburbanization of immigration". The writer also points out that the population of the area appears to be in flux, as largely working- or middle-class immigrants of predominantly Asian and South-Asian descent are settling in the neighborhood in greater numbers. In this respect, it is shown how the profound biotic and cultural impacts upon the study area, reflect similar processes underway in the GreaterToronto Area and, in fact, in cities across North America today.
Outline:
Introduction
An A-B-C Analysis
Biotic and Cultural Factors: Conflict and the Suburban Landscape
Critical Analysis
From the Paper "An abiotic analysis of the region is interesting as it reveals how the built environment of Toronto's suburbia has transformed the natural environment of the region. The weather of the neighbourhood reflects that of the Greater Toronto Area as a whole, and is marked by high seasonal variations from hot, humid summers to cold winters with considerable precipitation. The soil of the region is typical of the soil of Toronto in general in that it is characterized by a thick dark surface and a high proportion of organic matter. This renders the soil of the region particularly beneficial for plants and the growing of crops."
"Surprisingly, however, these abiotic limiting factors which would normally determine the quality and quantity of living things in a given region do not seem to be particularly significant factors in this neighbourhood. Indeed, except for trees, hedges and small plants - usually displayed for cosmetic purposes in residential settings - there is little sign of that the rich qualities of the soil are determining land uses in the area."
Abstract The paper describes the central Toronto area known as The Annex and the almost suburban Kingsway area. The paper examines these longstanding parts of the GreaterToronto Area and explores how each area has a very different local culture. The paper describes the pedestrian, friendly and lively way of life in the Annex that offers a feeling of humanity and warmth in contrast to the Kingsway's quieter culture of privacy and quiet.
Outline:
Introduction
The Annex, Central Toronto The Kingsway, West Toronto Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "One sees that one must be specific when referring to such terms as urbanity, urbanization, urban lifestyles or urban neighbourhoods, and notably as Canadian cities are expected to continue in transition through the next century with areas forever changing as a result of both natural patterns and planning. (Bunting & Filion: 2000:11-13) Moving from the Annex to the Kingsway is a marked change in urban and human culture that goes beyond the use of space, or old or new structures, into the ways in which people interact, how they move, whether they seem connected to others, or are self-contained, not acknowledging one another. A community always has its politics of place and the areas visited do show different ideas of what a community might be, their visual politics quite plain to the observer. (Kemmis: 1993)."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the Toronto Bike plan. The writer explains that the city of Toronto has many bicycle riders and that the authorities wish to encourage this form of transport. The writer discusses the planning and policy of the plan in this article. Further, the writer looks at the implementation and administration of the Toronto Bike plan.
From the Paper "The city of Toronto has many dedicated bicycle users. A Decima Research Poll in 1999 showed that 62% of Toronto households own a bicycle, and that 939,999 adults regularly bicycle in the city. Furthermore, an impressive 20% of Toronto residents regularly use their bicycle for transportation purposes, e.g. to work, school, shopping, etc. Another 28% regularly bicycle for recreational or exercise purposes. For its part, the City of Toronto states that it is committed to encouraging bicycling, and that the Toronto Bike Plan that it is currently working on is the latest evidence of this."
Abstract This paper focuses on the impact of globalization upon the geography of population in urban and suburban Toronto, with specific reference to how it has transformed immigration to Canada and immigrant settlement in this region in particular. The thesis is argued that the impact of globalization and immigration in this regard has been mixed: on the one hand fostering economic growth and the creation of a multicultural society, while on the other increasing social and economic inequality leading to the concentration and segregation of immigrant populations within urban spaces. Beginning first with an outline of globalization and its relationship to immigration, the paper explores in greater detail the impact of these phenomena upon the local geographies of immigrant settlement in the urban and suburban areas of the GreaterToronto region.
From the Paper "In this analysis, in order for Canada to meet the competitive demands of the globalized economy, it had to increase the number of immigrants for its labour force. Given the increasing prosperity of the traditional source countries in Europe, immigrants were increasingly drawn from non-traditional source countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The results of this are apparent in the increasing multicultural population of the city of Toronto. However, scholars have also noted how immigration has played a critical role in not only allowing the labour force to (re)produce itself generationally - in complementing the deficit from declining fertility levels - but also in introducing new skill sets and foreign capital to the economy. "
Abstract This paper examines how during 2003, Toronto's tourism and hospitality industry was significantly hampered by four major crises: An outbreak of SARS, West Nile Virus, Mad Cow disease and an electrical blackout. It discusses how although every individual within the GreaterToronto area (GTA) was affected in some manner, the tourism industry was the most radically influenced and how the cumulative onslaught of the aforementioned events drastically reduced the number of visitors to the once thriving metropolis and threatened the livelihood of the city. It details the issues encountered by Toronto's tourism industry during 2003 and the recovery methods that were instituted in order to endorse the city as an attractive tourism destination.
From the Paper "In order to regain the trust of travellers, positive advertising campaigns were initiated through mass mediums to the general public to highlight the positive elements that Toronto had to offer. The majority of the campaigns launched throughout the city were aimed at promoting Toronto through two key marketing concepts. These included (1) product bundling - offering a complete package to consumers at a reduced rate, and (2) reduced pricing - discounts placed upon specific offerings of the tourism sector. These concepts were based upon a loss-leader marketing strategy, whereby a very low price is charged for a product or service to entice customers into subsequently purchasing higher cost items. Mirvish Productions initiated one of the first examples of product bundling."
Abstract The paper examines neo-liberal economics and their effects towards feminization and racialization of poverty in the GreaterToronto Area. The focus is on single mothers, a changed environment in a city close to ghettoization and the extreme difficulty of leaving the welfare system. Part of the paper includes a report on fieldwork undertaken involving discussions with welfare workers critical of the system and welfare mothers. Troubling factors include a changed Toronto culture in which the poor and their situations are not known by other citizens. Future implications are discussed.
From the Paper "Neo-liberal economic and social welfare policies have aggravated the feminization and to a degree, a racialization of Canadian poverty, as affects greatly single mothers with dependent children. In Toronto, some factors preceded local budgetary reductions, including federal reductions in place for almost two decades. (See O'Neill: 1998, Yalnizyan: 1998) Moreover, women now face a changed culture that is less understanding of poverty, or empathetic towards the poor. Jim Stanford mentioned, a decade ago, a failure to understand that recession unemployment was not a temporary phenomenon but signaled lost, i.e. absent employment opportunities, in keeping with shifts.."
Abstract This paperfocuses on the GreaterToronto Area's curren, and historic reliance on land filling. It identifies the problems with landfilling and other aspects of the GTA's waste disposal plans and proposes alternatives.
Abstract This third year environmental planning course assignment discusses urban sprawl in the greaterToronto area. The paper examines urban sprawl, the Oak Ridges moraine, planning problems and planning solutions. The paper further examines the implementation of the greenbelt plan.
From the Paper "There are many environmental, social and political issues that can be solved through effective planning. However, some environmental, urban and political problems have been caused by a lack of planning. One of the most potentially disastrous environmental, urban and political issues is urban sprawl. According to William Norton in Human Geography, The term urban sprawl is often used to describe the deconcentration that involves low-density expansion of urban land uses into surrounding rural areas (Norton 418). This rather clinical definition is misleading because it treats urban sprawl as if it is not problematic."
