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For this issue our “electronic brains”, as computers were once called, were programmed to look at the city of Toronto and its province. Published exclusively for The Plan, our computer-generated maps have provided “practically automatic” answers to the questions we asked about this, one of the most interesting - and certainly the most cosmopolitan - cities in Canada.
As is custom, the first of the five maps illustrates population distribution. It is the key to the other four showing respectively, the geography, service provision, public transport and natural vegetation of the area.
The population map shows even distribution throughout the metropolitan area, with peak density in downtown Toronto.
Surveys of population density changes over the last few years show the constant population growth to be concentrated especially in the inner city rather than in suburban or outlying districts. This picture contrasts with trends in the US and the rest of North America. However, given the distribution of service amenities in these areas, it also shows that Toronto is definitely a more liveable city than most even in its densely populated quarters.
The old town developed back of the port, which - as can be seen from the geographical map - faces two major river basins: the Dom to the east and the Humber to the west. The islands that created the sheltered harbour and triggered the first settlement were probably built up over the centuries by sediment washed down by these rivers.
The map showing how service provision is distributed over the territory confirms the pivotal role of downtown Toronto. The many small retail outlets serving city residents are a further indication of the extraordinary vitality of the historic centre. In the suburban districts, the key role played by the automobile is evidenced by the consistent service density along the main thoroughfares.
The public transport map also...
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