The first comprehensive look at social capital in a Canadian city reveals lessons for planners and more about what connects citizens to their communities.
"Toronto — a city of more than 2.8 million people where 51 per cent of residents are visible minorities — exhibits remarkably high levels of social capital," reports Laurie Monsebraaten, broadcasting the findings of report released this week by the non-profit Toronto Foundation and Environics Institute for Survey Research.
"Social capital is the 'lubricant' that drives social networks, determines trust and makes it possible for people who may have little in common to live peacefully with each other," explains Monsebraaten. "The foundation hopes the research…will help academics, planners, activists and philanthropists guide investment in communities and help those who are most vulnerable."
Since this was the first study of social capital in a Canadian city, the study raises obvious questions about how Toronto compares to U.S. cities where similar analysis has been completed. "In contrast to some of the research evidence for U.S. cities, this study found no evidence in Toronto that increasing ethnic diversity is linked to lower levels of social capital," quoting directly from the report.
FULL STORY: In Toronto, we trust: Groundbreaking study shows city’s social capital is remarkably high
As Canada Grows, Transit a Key Component of Success
The population in Canada will increase substantially in the future, and transit planning is crucial to ensuring that cities thrive.
Quality of Life Down in Golden State
A new poll of California residents finds that perceived quality of life in the state has dropped.
Americans Moving Less, Getting Rooted
In the 1950s, nearly 1/5 of Americans moved each year. That trend is quickly reversing. Americans are now staying put in greater numbers than at any time since World War II, and experts have plenty of opinions on why that is.
In Most U.S. Cities, Archaic Laws Limit Roommate Living
Critics argue laws preventing unrelated adults from living in the same home fail to understand the modern American household.
Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown
In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.
Transforming Downtowns Into Functional Neighborhoods
Rather than ‘monofunctional’ business districts or urban playgrounds, American downtown districts could become multipurpose neighborhoods.
An Equity Approach to Lead Pipe Replacement
A former Chicago health commissioner calls on governments to prioritize the most marginalized and historically disinvested communities when distributing funding to replace lead pipes, which have taken the highest toll on the health of disadvantaged c
Supreme Court Limits Clean Water Act’s Power
A recent ruling ‘dramatically’ restricts the law’s reach when it comes to protecting wetlands.
Albany Freeway Ramp Reimagined as Park, Trail
An underused freeway exit ramp is now an inviting linear park that connects the city to the Hudson River.
City of Bellevue
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Code Studio
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Knox County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
