human impact | mixedwoodplains

human activities

geographical issues

One major geographical issue in the Mixedwood Ecozone is urbanization. This ecozone contains 13/25 largest Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec. Fifty-two percent of the total population lives here, with the number continuing to rapidly increase. Between 1966 and 1991, a mere five year differece, Toronto's population increased by 80%! About 34% of Canada’s resource based employments are in this area - half of which are related to agriculture. During this urbanization process, many trees are cut down to build factories, houses, and new tourist attractions. As a result, many animals are forced to relocate their homes, or are simply killed. In addition, many plant species are lost. Overall, urbanization has negatively impacted this ecozone. The change is irreversible - if we don't do something about it soon, it might be too late.

Agriculture is one major human activity in the Mixedwood Plains, Over 50% of Canada’s class one soil is found here, and 62% spread between class one, two, and three. Many fruits and vegetables are grown locally, but urbanization is causing farms to move farther away from the city. This results in higher transportation costs, and more pollution.

Another human activity is tourism. Many attractions such as the Niagara Escarpment, the CN Tower, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Aquarium, and the Toronto zoo, are found in this ecozone. All this, and more, attracts millions of tourists annually. Tourism strengthens the economy of the Mixedwood Plains.

Logging and mining are also human activities found in the area. There is a wide variety of precious minerals such as nickel. Many forests, and trees are found in the area well.

Lastly, fishing, cottaging, and hiking are very popular here, due to the great amount of lakes, beautiful scenory, and amazing climate.

KEY CONCEPTS

Agriculture, tourisum, logging, mining, fishing, cottaging, and hiking are the main human activities
Over 50% of Canada's class one soil is found here
Urbanization is causing farms to be further away, increasing transportation cost, and poulation

KEY IDEAS

Urbanization
52% of Canada's population lives in this area
Population will rapidly increase
Trees are cut down to build tourist attractions, buildings, factories, etc.
Animals lose their homes
Increasing pollution