http://www.theobserver.ca/webapp/sitepa ... s&classif=
Sarnia most livable; ALBERTA THINK-TANK RANKS CITIES IN ONTARIO
DAN McCAFFERY
Local News - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 @ 16:00
Sarnia is the most livable city in Ontario.
That's the conclusion of the Pembina Institute, an environmental and energy think-tank that has just released its 2007 Ontario Community Sustainability Report.
The document rates Sarnia number one among 27 urban areas across the province when it comes to the institute's 'livability index.'
The city finished in the middle of the pack in the report's other two categories. In economic vitality it ranked 17th while in terms of community sustainability, it was 14th.
"Some small-and-medium sized communities do very well in the livability index," the report says. "Sarnia emerges in first place on the basis of the availability of affordable housing, community centres and parks and recreational areas and relatively low crime and vehicle accident rates.
"
In fact, among the various "livability indicators" mentioned in the report, Sarnia was listed as number one in terms of community centres per 1,000 people and number two when it comes to affordable housing. Only seven of the 27 communities had lower crime rates and just four had more parks and recreational areas per capita. Only one had fewer car crashes per capita.
The report's livability conclusions are being welcomed by community leaders.
"That's awesome," said Garry McDonald, president of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce. "That's the way a lot of us feel. We sure know that when we do speak to new people, our quality of life is something they speak about."
Michelle Timmers, president of the local real estate board, said the findings don't surprise her. "Our average house price is $170,000," she said. "That seems like a lot to Sarnians, but in June the average Ontario price was $304,000 and the average price for Canada was $315,000."
When out-of-town clients come to the city, she stresses the quality of life, often taking them on tours of waterfront parks.
The institute says livability can help a city grow.
"Livability refers to the features of a community that attracts residents to it and that make it a pleasant, safe and healthy place to be," it says. "Livability is also increasingly linked to the economic health of the community in that corporate leaders want to locate in urban areas with a high quality of life, both for themselves and to attract the right kinds of employees."
The report adds, "Livability is enhanced by a strong sense of place, a dynamic community and an attractive environment that lends itself to active recreation and socializing.
"A livable community is one in which opportunities for healthy social and personal activities are maximized and stresses, such as crime and disease, are minimized."
Sarnia was judged to be far more livable than other southwestern Ontario cities. London, for example, ranks 22nd, while Windsor is 23rd.
Barrie was judged the least livable, finishing in 27th place. Toronto wasn't much better, coming in 24th.
A new centre of the Universe?
Moderators: lilfssister, North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako
A new centre of the Universe?
It's better to break ground and head into the wind than to break wind and head into the ground.
-
TopperHarley
- Rank (9)
- Posts: 1870
- Joined: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:56 pm
Seeing as I am from Sarnia and have great disdain for it most days and that the fact that I have been to Thompson as well, I can unequivocally say that Sarnia totally spanks Thompson.
Funny you should mention the comparison as they are very alike. Both are based on huge blue collar industries. Both have a native reserve close to them. Both of them kinda suck most days. Just Thompson more so than Sarnia. But hey, someone says it's the most livable. At least Sarnia has a cameo in Bowling for Columbine.
Funny you should mention the comparison as they are very alike. Both are based on huge blue collar industries. Both have a native reserve close to them. Both of them kinda suck most days. Just Thompson more so than Sarnia. But hey, someone says it's the most livable. At least Sarnia has a cameo in Bowling for Columbine.
It's better to break ground and head into the wind than to break wind and head into the ground.
-
TopperHarley
- Rank (9)
- Posts: 1870
- Joined: Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:56 pm
I wouldn't go that far, however my roomates joke that I come from Sarnia and tell me that its the "thompson of southwestern ontario." Of course, they are from Toronto!grimey wrote: So Sarnia is as good at Thompson?
"Never travel faster than your guardian angel can fly." - Mother Theresa
Trust me, there is a song about Manitoba. Well, at least Winnipeg anyway and it's pretty accurate
One Great City - The Weakerthans
Late afternoon, another day is nearly done
A darker grey is breaking through a lighter one
A thousand sharpened elbows in the underground
That hollow hurried sound, feet on polished floor
And in the dollar store, the clerk is closing up
And counting loonies trying not to say
I hate Winnipeg
The driver checks the mirror seven minutes late
The crowded riders' restlessness enunciates
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
The same route everyday
And in the turning lane
Someone’s stalled again
He’s talking to himself
And hears the price of gas repeat his phrase
I hate Winnipeg
And up above us all
Leaning into sky
Our golden business boy
Will watch the North End die
And sing, “I love this town”
Then let his arcing wrecking ball proclaim
I
Hate
Winnipeg
One Great City - The Weakerthans
Late afternoon, another day is nearly done
A darker grey is breaking through a lighter one
A thousand sharpened elbows in the underground
That hollow hurried sound, feet on polished floor
And in the dollar store, the clerk is closing up
And counting loonies trying not to say
I hate Winnipeg
The driver checks the mirror seven minutes late
The crowded riders' restlessness enunciates
The Guess Who sucked, the Jets were lousy anyway
The same route everyday
And in the turning lane
Someone’s stalled again
He’s talking to himself
And hears the price of gas repeat his phrase
I hate Winnipeg
And up above us all
Leaning into sky
Our golden business boy
Will watch the North End die
And sing, “I love this town”
Then let his arcing wrecking ball proclaim
I
Hate
Winnipeg
It's better to break ground and head into the wind than to break wind and head into the ground.
Are you running for government? That's how people get elected.desksgo wrote:Has Sarnia becone part of the GTA yet? Also, there aren't enough Muslim schools in Sarnia to make it liveable for most people in southern Ontario.
More government funding NEEDED!
It's better to break ground and head into the wind than to break wind and head into the ground.
-
shimmydampner
- Rank (9)
- Posts: 1764
- Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:59 pm
I'd take Thompson over Sarnia any day. The only place worse than Sarnia in SWO is Hamilton. Ok, and maybe Windsor. Actually I guess most of it sucks.Snowgoose wrote:Seeing as I am from Sarnia and have great disdain for it most days and that the fact that I have been to Thompson as well, I can unequivocally say that Sarnia totally spanks Thompson.
You can have Thompson. It's all yours.shimmydampner wrote:I'd take Thompson over Sarnia any day. The only place worse than Sarnia in SWO is Hamilton. Ok, and maybe Windsor. Actually I guess most of it sucks.Snowgoose wrote:Seeing as I am from Sarnia and have great disdain for it most days and that the fact that I have been to Thompson as well, I can unequivocally say that Sarnia totally spanks Thompson.
It's better to break ground and head into the wind than to break wind and head into the ground.
