Urban Issues

Fifty percent of Canadians reside in one of nine large cities. The populations of these nine large cities differ significantly from those of smaller cities, towns and rural areas in terms of age, education, and income. Municipal governments have arguably the most direct impact of any level of government on citizens' quality of life as their decisions affect the quality and availability of housing, the delivery of essential sanitation and transportation services, and the provision of cultural amenities, and yet they are elected with a smaller voter turnout than any other level of government. All of these issues, whether economic, political, social, or engineering in nature, are closely intertwined in the study of cities. Recognition of these close inter-relationships calls for a multi-disciplinary approach to any investigation of the challenges and issue facing Canada's cities.

Jean-Francois Wen (2007), "Property Taxes and Triple Bottom Line Evaluation: A Review Essay." IAPR Technical Paper 07008.

Bruce, Christopher J., (2007) "A Tale of Two Cities: Public Participation Processes in Banff and Calgary", IAPR Policy Brief 07001.

Sayers, Anthony (2006), "City Ministers: The Local Politics of Cabinet Selection." IAPR Technical Paper 06012.

Hollis, Aidan (2006), "The City of Calgary's Ownership of Enmax Energy Corporation: Value at Risk." IAPR Technical Paper 06010.

Austin, Sam and Lisa Young (2006). "Political Finance in City Elections: Toronto and Calgary Compared", IAPR Technical Paper 06006.

Kneebone, Ronald (2006), "Big Ideas (?) for Municipal Finances in Alberta", IAPR Policy Brief 06003.

Kneebone, Ronald D. (2006), "Federal and Provincial Government Fiscal Balances in Canada's Major Cities", IAPR Technical Paper 06002. Revised version published as Following the Money: Federal and Provincial Budget Balances with Canada's Major Cities, C.D. Howe Institute Commentary, No. 249, June 2007. Click here for the published version.