Canadian Cities

Have a clear understanding of economic growth in Canadian cities to reinforce or shift your business decisions.

Canadian Economics    September 1, 2023

Canadian resale markets largely stabilized in June as buyers took in the Bank of Canada’s 25-basis-point hike, eyed rising mortgage rates, and pondered the market’s outlook. National sales rose 1.5 per cent on the month and were up 5.4 per cent from last June, hitting their highest seasonally adjusted level since May 2022.

Online experience  •  8-min read

Feeling the Weight of Weaker Demand: Major City Insights

Canadian Economics    August 16, 2023

Just how much will households and businesses in cities across Canada continue to be challenged by inflation and rising interest rates this year? Which city economies will stay afloat thanks to major construction projects? We share our urban economic outlook, including local GDP, employment, and population growth.

Online experience  •  8-min read

Halifax Shipyard Ship

Value for Money: Economic Impact of the Halifax Shipyard Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, 2023

Canadian Economics    May 29, 2023

The National Shipbuilding Strategy is generating significant economic impact across Canada. The Halifax Shipyard adheres to the ITB Policy and invests across Canada to compensate for 100 per cent of the value of work done abroad.

Data briefing  •  6-min read

a close-up of hands holding a steering wheel, driving down the highway

Governing Disruption: Toward Canada’s New Mobility Future

Sustainability    May 18, 2023

Technologies like vehicle automation, ride-hailing, and micromobility suggest many opportunities for improving local transportation systems. Automated vehicles, for example, can make transportation safer and more accessible. Ride-sharing can reduce rates of car ownership, and micromobility can provide a “last-mile” connection to public transit.

Issue briefing  •  17-min read

Vaughan, Vaughan Ontario, Canadian city, city horizon

Positive Expectations Continue to Dwindle: Metropolitan Housing Starts

Canadian Economics    January 27, 2023

Only two CMAs remain in the Up-Up quadrant this month, two fewer than last month. Negative expectations now outweigh positives for the short term.

Online experience  •  5-min read

The Resale Market Stabilizes: Metropolitan Resale Snapshot

Canadian Economics    December 1, 2022

National existing home sales inched higher in October as an increase of 1.3 per cent interrupted a string of seven straight declines. Buyers continue to be wary against a backdrop of high interest rates and uncertain economic prospects.

Online experience  •  8-min read

Paving the Way to an Election

Canadian Economics    April 29, 2022

Seemingly taking a page from the federal budget’s playbook, this provincial fiscal plan echoed the increased spending and infrastructure themes of its federal counterparts. This de-emphasis on a balanced budget as the critical fiscal target over the next few years allows the province the flexibility to present a more realistic—though still challenging—spending plan that will not detract from the economic recovery.

Quick take  •  5-min read

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Delivery Notice: Sustainable Urban Freight Solutions for the Last Mile

Sustainability    April 28, 2022

E-commerce growth is being fuelled by retail innovation and shifting consumer behaviour. Consumers and businesses are increasingly comfortable with digital purchasing and attracted to the convenience and choice provided by digital shopping environments. Retailers are improving the quality of the online storefront experience and increasing the efficiency of logistics operations.

Issue briefing  •  14-min read

Making Rural Immigration Work: Settlement Services in Small and Rural Communities

Immigration    March 31, 2022

In Canada, immigrants disproportionately settle in urban areas. The three largest cities—Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver—are home to 35 per cent of Canada’s population but receive more than half of all arriving immigrants. Canada needs a strategy to establish and fund settlement services in small and rural communities.

Impact paper  •  46-min read

Back view of student wearing backpack at school

Essential Skills for Learning and Working: Perspectives From Education and Employment Leaders Across Canada

Education & Skills    March 10, 2022

How can workers be sure they have the skills they will need to succeed? How we learn and demonstrate skills through qualifications is also changing. For example, while there is much uncertainty around the future of microcredentials, these new, short-term offerings are becoming increasingly common.

Impact paper  •  16-min read
Partner: Future Skills Centre

Woman teaching child to read

Social and Digital Infrastructure: Laying the Groundwork for an Inclusive Recovery

Education & Skills    March 8, 2022

Gaps in Canada’s infrastructure leave many without the social and digital supports they need to succeed. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified these gaps. Too many Canadians, without basic services including child care and broadband Internet connection, are unable to access employment and education.

Impact paper  •  18-min read
Partner: Future Skills Centre

Wellbeing by Design: Lessons from the Pandemic on Canadian Communities and the Built Environment

Sustainability    February 8, 2022

Changing our built environment has tremendous potential to help Canadians live healthier lives. Throughout the pandemic of 2020–22 we are learning lessons that can advance the thought process. But reflection is key to this advancement. Through a series of interviews and assessment, this report gathers new insights that inform: how the design of the built environment can contribute to community wellbeing and the research and editing of the Community Wellbeing Framework, version 2.

Impact paper  •  22-min read

How Ontario Universities Benefit Regional Economies

Innovation & Technology    December 9, 2021

The purpose of this study is to quantify the collective economic impacts of Ontario universities in the various regions of the province. Universities create economic and social value for their host communities through a multitude of channels. First, universities support economic activity via spending related to their activities.

Impact paper  •  30-min read