The urban sprawl debate: Myths, realities and hidden agendas

Abstract

This paper argues that the intense antisprawl rhetoric focused on suburban residential growth, especially in Toronto, is misplaced, and is driven largely by implicit agendas other than the effective management of urban development. The paper makes three points. First, by conventional definitions we have little sprawl, but rather extremely rapid population growth, which we have a collective obligation to accommodate. Second, the principal source of decreasing suburban densities is not the residential sector but low-density, non-residential uses. Residential densities, in contrast, have been increasing, especially dwelling-unit density. Third, the other major problems are the lack of coordination between residential and non-residential activities, and the weak integration of both with transit provision.

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