The Wealthy Suburbs of Canada

"Once sources of modest housing for young families, Canada's suburbs are increasingly attracting high-income residents. On average, household income in the 15 suburbs studied rose by 68 per cent, from $41,919 to $70,572, according to 1986 and 2001 census data. As well, taken together, the suburbs' population soared, increasing by 87 per cent between 1981 and 2001, a pace that far outstripped urban growth.

Nowhere is the trend of surging income and population more apparent than in Vaughan, which is one of the country's fastest-growing municipalities. Across the street from the Annibale-Tarraran family's two-storey five-bedroom home, which had a Mercedes sports sedan and a minivan parked out front during a recent visit, is a sprawling mansion with a four-car garage. It's a tableau that repeats itself throughout the community, which has its share of monster homes, luxury cars and undersized trees."