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Toronto, Canada
Toronto is the commercial and financial hub of Canada. With the
greatest percentage of the nation's population, Toronto is
situated on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. The central
area of downtown Toronto is the predominant centre consisting of
major government, financial, medical, and educational services.
The population of the urban agglomeration of Toronto grew from
1.1 million in 1950 to 4.5 million in 1995. The population of
the City of Toronto appears to be decreasing now, while the outer
municipalities are gaining residents.
After the Second World War up to the mid-1970's, the
Toronto region experienced rapid population growth which
coincided with post-war prosperity and high levels of in-
migration from throughout Canada and around the world. It is
this in-migration from people outside of Canada and Natives
within, that has created a mosaic of cultures, religions, and
flavours within the city. Toronto celebrates the heritage of
its citizens with frequent festivals and cultural expositions
from all parts of the world. One such celebration is the
Caribana Parade which unites all the people of Toronto in a
downtown street party of over a million, to music, dance, and
costume in appreciation and indulgence of the Caribbean
culture. The ethnic diversity of the city is also displayed
in numerous cultural organizations and educational
opportunities.
Due to its diversified economy, Toronto has one of the
strongest regional economies in Canada, with a low 1988
unemployment rate of 5.5%.
The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto has been credited with
having contributed substantially to shaping Toronto into one of
the most effectively planned metropolitan areas in North America.
Major achievements have included a strong and diversified
industrial base, a successful mass transit system providing 70%
of trips to an enlarged central area, concentration of office
employment near subway stations, and provision of housing for
an additional 1 million residents. In addition, the road
system has been upgraded to serve industrial and commercial
employment throughout the metropolitan area, and effective
water supply and sewage systems exist.
Despite a generally high standard of living, Toronto will be
facing a number of problems. Youth unemployment, traffic
congestion, rent increases and homelessness, and the desperate
need for waste disposal challenge Toronto's future.
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