Urgent Study Reveals Toronto’s Urban Design Linked to Health Risks

UPDATE: A new study highlights alarming health implications stemming from Toronto’s urban design, revealing that the city’s layout may be detrimental to residents’ physical and mental well-being. Experts emphasize the urgent need for improvements to promote healthier lifestyles among Torontonians.

Neuroscientist Robin Mazumder, who returned to Toronto on his 40th birthday, describes his hometown as a vibrant cultural hub. However, amidst its diversity, he warns that accessibility to essential services and green spaces can be inadequate. “Toronto does that so well, and it’s something that I haven’t experienced anywhere else,” says Mazumder, a post-doctoral fellow at the Future Cities Institute at the University of Waterloo.

A growing body of research indicates that urban environments significantly impact health outcomes. For instance, a city’s walkability correlates directly with a reduction in obesity and diabetes rates. Areas in Ontario with higher walkability report lower prevalence of these health issues. “It’s not just about putting in sidewalks and crosswalks,” notes Brent Raymond, a Toronto urban designer. “It’s about ensuring essential services are within a walkable distance.”

Recent studies show that residents in neighborhoods with a greater density of destinations are 53% more likely to walk at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. This is essential, as increased physical activity can lead to better health outcomes. Additionally, access to grocery stores selling healthy, affordable foods encourages healthier eating habits.

Unfortunately, the suburbs of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) often require car dependency, negatively impacting community health, according to David Gordon, a professor at the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Queen’s University. “Car-dependent suburbia has been especially taxing on our youth,” he explains, linking suburban lifestyles to rising childhood obesity rates in Canada that have tripled over the last three decades.

Moreover, experts stress the importance of a multi-modal transportation system that includes public transit, biking, and walking. Marie-Paule Macdonald, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo, emphasizes that areas with public transit promote greater physical activity, resulting in improved health. She criticizes recent proposals by Premier Doug Ford to remove bike lanes, stating that such moves could exacerbate traffic issues and compromise safety.

Access to green spaces also plays a critical role in public health. Jeffrey Brook, an associate professor of public health at the University of Toronto, outlines four major benefits of green spaces: reducing stress, improving physical health, enhancing environmental resilience, and fostering community cohesion. However, inequitable access persists; Toronto’s bottom 20% of income earners have access to just 7% of the city’s green spaces, while the wealthiest enjoy 40%.

As gentrification continues, this disparity threatens the health of vulnerable populations. Brook warns, “If we fast forward to Toronto down the road and we’ve got all this great new infrastructure, but there’s still deep inequity in the city, it’s still not a healthy city.”

The social fabric of a city is just as vital. Kate Mulligan, an associate professor of public health, highlights the need for creating “third places” that foster community interaction. These spaces are essential for mental health, as the impact of loneliness can be equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

Toronto’s Bentway is a prime example of a successful community space, offering green areas and hosting events that promote social connection. Mulligan notes its role in enhancing community well-being, stating, “It’s a very small space with a very big impact for the neighborhood.”

As this urgent discussion unfolds, Toronto residents are encouraged to advocate for improvements in urban design that prioritize health and accessibility. Experts agree: without significant changes, the health of many Torontonians may be at risk.

Stay tuned for further developments on this critical issue affecting urban health in Toronto.