Community, ethos and local initiative in urban economic growth: review of a theme in Canadian urban history

Abstract

Is the growth of cities and towns determined by broad impersonal forces and situational factors? Or can growth be significantly influenced by the attitudes, perceptions and decisions of the citizens? General surveys of urbanization have leaned to the first interpretation, stressing macro-economic trends, political context and location with respect to resources, transportation and markets. Studies of individual cities tend to emphasize the particular actions of key local leaders and their unique circumstances, and may seem to disregard the comparable experience of other cities.