A Lonely Fighter Defending Sprawl

"For years now, most informed observers – doctors, as well as planners – say it's the suburbs that are making us sick, mentally and physically. They have led to epidemics of obesity and diabetes, and created feelings of isolation and loss of community."

"Not so, counters American libertarian economist Randal O'Toole. He believes the exact opposite. Sprawl, he argues, is good for us. It's not just what we need, it's what we want. And as for that daily commute, as long as it's not too long, he says, we enjoy it, even look forward to it."

"O'Toole, who's connected with two U.S. think-tanks, the Thoreau and Cato Institutes, has waged a lonely battle to make suburbia respectable. He claims the suburbs are popular because they respond to deep-seated human needs, including the desire for safety, privacy and a place of one's own."

"Though O'Toole's defence of sprawl is largely specious, the numbers are on his side; most North Americans do choose suburb over city. Of course, that doesn't mean they're healthy or desirable, let alone sustainable."

"According to a document released by the Ontario College of Family Physicians, 'Research shows that high impedance commuting has adverse affects on blood pressure, mood, frustration, tolerance, illness occasions, work absences, job stability and overall life satisfaction.'"