In recent weeks, Professor David Gordon ý ’s research into the suburban landscape of Canada has served as the basis for articles in the Globe and Mail: “,” (John Ibbotson) and “” (Rino Bortolin et al). While there is consensus between authors on the classification of Canada as a “suburban nation,” each piece leverages Dr. Gordon ý ’s research quite differently to argue the contributing factors and implications of Canada ý ’s residential complexion. Are we a suburban nation due to public preference, or as a consequence of public policy?
Professor Gordon published the in October 2023, updated with 2021 census data and completed while he was a Visiting Professor at the University of Toronto ý ’s School of Cities. Dr. Gordon worked with students at the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University to develop this latest version of the research, which is unique in providing a detailed analysis of large and small cities across Canada.
While the Canadian Suburbs Atlas is successful as a comprehensive reference document that illustrates the growth rates of suburban populations from a variety of metrics, Professor Gordon ý ’s other research acknowledges the role of public policy in this expansion and describes the multi-pronged planning policy approach that created this suburban nation. Understanding this historical path is essential to achieve a balance of urban and suburban growth in the future. The key turning point in our path to becoming a suburban nation was an obscure 1944 federal post-war reconstruction document, known as the Curtis Report, after its Chair, Professor Clifford Curtis of the Queen ý ’s Economics Department.
In the past month, Dr. Gordon has published three refereed articles on this topic, wrapping up a six year SSHRC research study:
- “The Curtis Report as a Critical Juncture in Canadian Urbanism,” Planning Perspectives; pre-published January 2024, pp. 1-31 (R). DOI:
- “The Post-War Revival of Canadian Planning: Assessing the Impact of the Community Planning Association of Canada” Journal of Planning History, pre-published January 2024 (with Miranda Virginillo, MPL’22), pp.1-16 (R). DOI:
- “The Disappearing Grid: How the Canadian Government Changed Suburban Community Design, 1944-69” Journal of Urban Design, pre-published November 2023 (with Matthew Harding, MPL’23) pp. 1-29 (R) DOI:
Visit the and Professor Gordon ý ’s affiliate research website, , to learn more about the important research that has sparked a national discourse on Canada ý ’s suburban character.