Author Description

This report is a beginning in an exploration of the premise that cities are important components of governance in Canada and therefore require a certain amount of autonomy & legislative powers. The introduction includes background on the data collection & synthesis methodology used in this study and the problems encountered in municipal research. Chapter 2 attempts to clarify the term ùrban' and outlines the Canadian experience with urbanization process over the past three decades, with particular emphasis on the experience of the seven major western metropolitan centres (Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg) compared to those in the rest of the country. Chapter 3 profiles Canada's cities with reference to growth rates, forms of growth, societal trends, demographics, crime, and economic trends (cost of living, labour, construction, taxes & municipal finances). The final chapter suggests future directions for urban research.