The Remarkable Growth of Canadian Cities: 2019 Edition and Beyond

The growth of cities in Canada has been a fascinating topic of discussion, with several cities showing remarkable expansion over the years. As of 2019, the fastest-growing city in Canada was identified to be Calgary, Alberta. However, the landscape of urban dynamics has evolved, presenting a different city as the star of the show. This article explores the significant growth of Canadian cities, with a focus on the past and present trends.

The Impact of Calgary’s Growth in 2019

Calgary, Alberta topped the list of fastest-growing cities in Canada in 2019, with a population increase driven by a number of factors. The city's strong economy, particularly bolstered by the oil and gas industry, provided ample job opportunities. Additionally, Calgary offered a high standard of living, attracting both domestic and international residents. In the same year, other cities like Edmonton and Toronto were also experiencing rapid growth; however, Calgary's growth rate was notably more significant.

The Rise of Airdrie, Alberta

As of the current data, the fastest-growing city in Canada is Airdrie, Alberta, situated just outside of Calgary. Airdrie has been growing at an impressive rate of 5.7% per year, further emphasizing the current trends in urban expansion in Canada.

Other Fastest Growing Cities in 2019

Although these major cities such as Calgary and Edmonton have maintained their growth momentum over the years, several smaller cities in Ontario were further catching up. Some of the notable cities included:

Peterborough, with a growth rate of 3.1%, marking it as the fastest-growing city in Canada for that year. Kitchener-Waterloo also experienced significant growth, at 2.6%. Ottawa and Windsor both had a growth rate of 2.5%. London was the fifth-fastest-growing city with a 2.5% increase.

These year-over-year figures indicate a strong trend towards urbanization and growth.

The Growing Corridor: From Waterloo to Windsor

The corridor stretching from Waterloo to Windsor is particularly noteworthy for its robust business expansion. This region is home to several prominent universities, including University of Waterloo, Guelph University, Western University, and the University of Windsor. These educational institutions contribute significantly to the local economies and, in turn, drive population growth. Furthermore, Windsor, located at a similar latitude to Northern California, adds to the interest and potential for continued growth.

The Historical Perspective: Calgary and Edmonton

Although the fastest-growing cities in 2019 were primarily in Ontario, it is worth noting that Calgary and Edmonton have been experiencing steady growth since their early days. At the time of Rand Ridgway's reflection, the populations of these cities had grown from around 100,000 to about 1.4 million, making them the fourth and fifth largest cities in Canada after Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Given their strong infrastructure, economic diversification, and quality of life, it is plausible that both cities could grow to even larger sizes, possibly reaching or surpassing the population of Toronto by the end of the century.

Conclusion and Future Projections

The growth of Canadian cities continues to be a dynamic and evolving process. As of 2019, Calgary had the highest growth rate, followed by several cities in Ontario. With ongoing economic development and potential for further urbanization, cities like Airdrie, Peterborough, and Kitchener-Waterloo will continue to attract residents and businesses, driving further population growth.

Given the current trends, it is essential for city planners, policymakers, and urban developers to focus on sustainable growth strategies that promote economic opportunities and maintain a high quality of life. This will ensure that these growing cities can continue to thrive and serve as engines of growth for the broader Canadian economy.

Keywords: fastest growing cities in Canada, population growth, Calgary Alberta, urban expansion, economic development.