Governing Metropolitan Toronto: A Social and Political Analysis, 1953 - 1971

Governing Metropolitan Toronto: A Social and Political Analysis (1953–1971) examines Toronto's metropolitan governance, highlighting its two-tier federation model and its success in addressing urbanization, suburban expansion, and regional cooperation. Albert Rose contextualizes Metro Toronto within Canadian and global urban governance traditions, offering insights into its achievements and challenges. The study situates Toronto's system alongside other Canadian and international models, suggesting that its adaptable federation structure may be better suited for larger, more complex urban regions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Governing Metropolitan Toronto: A Social and Political Analysis (1953–1971) offers a comprehensive exploration of Toronto's metropolitan governance, widely recognized as a pioneering model of metropolitan government in North America. Over nearly two decades, Toronto underwent significant restructuring of its local government, adopting a two-tier federation model to address the challenges of urbanization, suburban expansion, and regional cooperation. This system aimed to address disparities in infrastructure, housing, and municipal services while aligning with the broader economic and environmental goals of the province. Albert Rose, a scholar and civic participant, provides valuable insights into Toronto's achievements and the challenges posed by evolving social, environmental, and political dynamics. Rose argues that Toronto's experience demonstrates the need for metropolitan governance to extend beyond physical infrastructure management to encompass the complex social issues of housing and environmental quality. While the provincial government provided oversight and facilitated the creation of Metro, its involvement underscores the role of higher-level authorities in urban governance. The study compares Toronto's system to other Canadian and international models, including Winnipeg's uni-city approach and Minnesota's Metropolitan Council, suggesting that Toronto's adaptable federation structure may be more suitable for larger and more complex urban regions. Rose's work highlights the ongoing interplay between local autonomy and provincial guidance, offering critical lessons for urban governance worldwide and serving as a valuable resource in understanding the transformative potential of metropolitan systems.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520359000