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June 17th, 2017

How Does Toronto’s Size and Population Compare to Other Major Cities in North America?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Toronto stands out as one of the largest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas in North America. Its population and urban expansion have positioned it as a major economic and cultural hub, surpassing other Canadian cities like Montreal and Vancouver. The city’s unique urban form and multicultural population further distinguish it from other North American cities, contributing to its economic vitality and sustainability.

Toronto, the largest city in Canada, is a significant metropolitan area in North America. It has experienced rapid growth and urban expansion, making it a vital economic and cultural hub. This synthesis compares Toronto’s size and population with other major cities in North America, drawing insights from various research papers.

Key Insights

  • Population and Size:
    • Toronto’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has a population of about 5.5 million to 8 million residents, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in North America  .
    • The city itself has a population of approximately 2.4 million, with the amalgamated city covering a land area of 622 square kilometers .
  • Growth and Urban Expansion:
    • Toronto has experienced significant urban expansion over the past 40 years, with a growth of 1115 km², mainly in radiated and ribbon expansion modes.
    • The region’s growth profile resembles that of postwar boomtowns in the American New South and Southwest, rather than the struggling Great Lakes cities.
  • Economic and Cultural Significance:
    • Toronto is Canada’s predominant economic engine and English-speaking cultural center, surpassing Montreal in size and economic importance.
    • The city is a major economic center in North America, with a diverse and multicultural population that has stimulated its economic vitality and growth .
  • Comparison with Other Canadian Cities:
    • Toronto is the largest city in Canada, followed by Montreal and Vancouver. Vancouver, for instance, has a population of 2.46 million in its metropolitan area, making it the third largest in Canada.
  • Urban Form and Sustainability:
    • Toronto’s urban form is distinctive from the U.S. model, with a mix of concentrated and dispersed realms. The downtown area has seen significant growth, while the suburbs are car-dependent and developed at lower densities .