Urban Sprawl Visualized by Farmland Loss in Ontario

Summary

This video highlights the negative impacts of Canada's rapid population growth policy over the last 50 years, which has resulted in the loss of farmland, increased congestion, housing inflation, and environmental degradation. It underscores the substantial consequences of continuing this policy, including decreased quality of life, growing inequality, and rising government deficits. The video specifically focuses on Ontario's farmland losses, which have already seen 2.8 million acres lost since 1976. It urges media and politicians to reconsider urban expansion, emphasizing that paving over Canada does not benefit Canadians.

Takeaways

• 😀 Canada has followed a policy of rapid and endless population growth over the past 50 years.
• 🌍 Accelerating climate change, housing inflation, and increasing congestion are key issues linked to this growth policy.
• 🏠 The loss of farmland in Ontario is a significant consequence of this population growth policy.
• 📉 If the current growth policy continues, the quality of life, disposable income, inequality, and government deficits will negatively impact Canadians.
• 🚜 Between 1976 and 2011, 2.8 million acres (18%) of Ontario's farmland were no longer being farmed.
• 🌳 The loss of farmland is largely due to urbanization and the conversion of agricultural land to other non-agricultural uses.
• 🍽️ In 2011, the amount of lost farmland was enough to feed the entire population of Toronto.
• 🏙️ Ontario's total farmland in 2011 was 15.5 million acres, but the population had grown by over 300% from 1940 to 2011.
• 📊 Ontario's population growth from 3.8 million in 1940 to 12.9 million in 2011 has led to increased urbanization and farmland loss.
• ⚠️ The video urges media, politicians, and reporters to reconsider policies that contribute to paving over Canada's farmland and green spaces.

Q & A

What has been Canada's population policy over the last 50 years?

Canada has pursued a policy of rapid and endless population growth over the past 50 years, despite the challenges posed by climate change, housing inflation, increasing congestion, and loss of farmland.

What are the key impacts of Canada's population growth policy as highlighted in the video?

The key impacts include the loss of farmland, declining quality of life, increased debt, rising inequality, and government deficits. The policy will also result in substantial negative effects on almost every personal and social metric.

How much farmland in Ontario has been lost between 1976 and 2011?

Between 1976 and 2011, Ontario lost 2.8 million acres, or 18%, of its farmland. Much of this land was urbanized or converted to other non-agricultural uses.

How does the loss of farmland in Ontario impact Toronto's population?

The 2.8 million acres of farmland lost between 1976 and 2011 is the amount of land required to feed Toronto's entire population.

What was Ontario's farmland total in 1940 compared to 2011?

In 1940, Ontario had 15.5 million acres (6.3 million hectares) of farmland. By 2011, this amount had decreased due to urbanization and other non-agricultural uses.

What was Ontario's population in 1940, and how much did it grow by 2011?

Ontario's population in 1940 was 3.8 million, and by 2011, it had increased to 12.9 million, marking a growth of over 300%.

What role does the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) play in Ontario's population growth?

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has experienced historic population growth, contributing to the overall increase in Ontario's population and the demand for land.

What message does the video convey regarding urbanization and land development in Canada?

The video stresses that paving over Canada and sacrificing farmland and green space for urbanization is not in the best interest of Canadians.

How does the loss of farmland affect the quality of life and economy in Ontario?

The loss of farmland directly impacts the quality of life by decreasing available green space and reducing food production capabilities. Additionally, it has negative effects on the economy, including increased inequality, higher government deficits, and rising personal debt.

What is the video's main call to action for media and politicians?

The video calls on media corporations, reporters, editors, and politicians to recognize that urbanizing and 'paving over' Canada, particularly farmland, is not beneficial for the country's future and the well-being of Canadians.