Why Most Canadians Live Close to the Border: Debunking the Misconception
Often, the statement that 'most Canadians live within a few hundred miles of the border' is met with skepticism, and rightly so. This claim has little basis in the reality of Canadian geography and historical development. In this article, we will explore the reasons why this statement is inaccurate and delve into the historical and geographical truths that shape the distribution of the Canadian population.
Understanding Population Distribution Without Borders
The concentration of the Canadian population near the southern border is not a coincidence or a consequence of border proximity, but rather a combination of historical, economic, and environmental factors. The region, which includes parts of Quebec, Ontario, and along the northern edges of the Great Lakes, is geographically temperate, making it a favorable area for early settlement and industrial development.
Before the formation of Canada and the advent of modern sanitation and industrial advancements, settlers flocked to areas that offered fresh water and convenient transportation. This was most evident along waterways like the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, which serve as natural transportation routes. These regions are predominantly within 200 kilometers of the southern border, but this is not due to historical border tensions but rather due to the natural geography and climate.
Historical Settlement Patterns
In the early days, before the establishment of Canada and modern water treatment systems, settlers chose to settle along coasts and waterways for practical survival reasons. This pattern of settlement is evident along the St. Lawrence Seaway and the northern edges of the Great Lakes, both of which are within 200 kilometers of the border that did not fully exist at the time.
Interestingly, the most populated area along the St. Lawrence Seaway is also the third-largest city in the United States, Chicago. The densely populated regions around the Great Lakes and New England Colonies in the United States mirror those in southern Canada. This suggests that the population distribution was more influenced by environmental and economic factors than border proximity.
Border Tensions and Railways
In the late 19th century, concerns about U.S. settlement in the north led to strategic decisions regarding the construction of railways. When Manitoba was to be joined to the rest of Canada, the ideal route would have been north of the current border. However, to secure rail lines for water and fuel stops, the route was instead shifted south, closer to the U.S. border. This decision was more about facilitating regular train stops and social barriers rather than border security.
Despite fears of an invasion, the border was eventually formalized at the 49th parallel west of the Great Lakes, and the U.S. and Canada reached a peaceful agreement. Similarly, as the U.S. settled its western territories, immigration to Canada also slowed, leading to a reduced need for government promotion.
Regional Population Density
Recent population density maps reveal that western and prairie regions of Canada, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, are significantly more densely populated than their southern counterparts in the United States. For instance, the majority of the population in these regions is more than 200 kilometers north of the border, contrary to the popular misconception.
The rail routes that were eventually constructed were also later shifted back north, further illustrating the historical shift in population distribution patterns. All these factors contribute to a more complex and nuanced understanding of why and how the Canadian population is distributed.
It is clear that the historical and geographical realities of Canada's development do not support the notion that most Canadians live within a few hundred miles of the U.S. border. Instead, these factors highlight the intricate interplay of historical, economic, and environmental factors that have shaped the distribution of the Canadian population over time.