This paper, prepared by The Conference Board of Canada for the Ontario Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, reports on the Premier’s Leaders Forum held in Toronto on May 12, 2005. At the Forum, government officials, urbanization experts and business leaders discussed how to strategically manage the expected population growth in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe region.
The Premier’s Leaders Forum on Strategic Growth
The Premier’s Leaders Forum on Strategic Growth
Canadian Economic Analysis
Provincial Economic Analysis
Urban City Economic Analysis
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The Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) population (south-central Ontario) is predicted to increase by nearly 4 million by 2031. This growth is spreading into suburbs, lowering the potential for prosperity.
Commuters from sprawling suburbs clog the road system (and pollute the air). This slows the supply chain and hobbles the economy. Low-density housing is also expensive to service (water, power and waste removal), and the building-over of land degrades the water supply.
In May 2005, the Premier convened government officials, urbanization experts and business leaders to discuss strategic growth for the GGH. They agreed on a model of intensified housing development (reusing brownfields and conserving greenfields), improved public transit and schools, easier cross-border commerce, and better integration of immigrants into the economy. The improved quality of life can attract creative-class workers, who contribute greatly to the economy.
This will require whole-government governance (involving city-regions and led by the province). The public must also be informed and involved.
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