As a resident of our suburban neighborhood with family roots here since the early 90s, I’ve come to appreciate the tranquility, space, and sense of calm that comes with living outside the hustle and bustle of the inner city. The wide streets, ample yards, and peaceful environment are some of the things people cherish most about suburban life. However, I’ve come to realize that this lifestyle, while comfortable, comes with hidden costs and challenges that affect not just our wallets, but also our environment, health, and community cohesion. One of the biggest challenges I see is that it’s nearly impossible to maintain any sense of community and get to know people when we’re all so spread out and have so few public spaces to gather. I believe it’s time to rethink how we use and live in our suburbs to create more resilient and affordable communities, without losing the qualities we love.
The Hidden Subsidy of Suburban Living
One of the most surprising revelations is how urban centers end up subsidizing suburban areas. Urban neighborhoods generate significantly more tax revenue per acre due to their higher density. This means more people and businesses are contributing to the tax base, compared to the sprawling, low-density suburbs. As a result of this, the infrastructure costs in suburbs—roads, water lines, sewer systems—are much higher due to the larger area they cover. The tax revenue generated in these areas often doesn’t cover these costs, leading to a reliance on subsidies from the higher revenues of urban centers.
This financial imbalance is a key principle highlighted by Strong Towns, an organization advocating for financially resilient communities. They emphasize that land is a finite resource and must be used efficiently. Suburban sprawl, with its extensive infrastructure needs, is an inefficient use of land, leading to higher costs that are not fully borne by suburban residents. Instead, these costs are often covered by the higher tax revenues from urban centers, creating an unsustainable financial model.
Environmental and Health Impacts
Beyond the financial aspects, suburban sprawl has significant environmental and health impacts. The uniquely car-dependent nature of suburbs leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Large suburban homes also consume more energy for heating, cooling, and electricity, further exacerbating environmental issues. Additionally, the spread of suburbs often encroaches on natural habitats and agricultural land, destroying ecosystems and reducing the land available for food production.
Health-wise, the design of suburban neighborhoods discourages walking and cycling for transportation, by spreading things out so much you have to drive everywhere. Suburban street design also makes reliable and frequent public transit challenging. All of this leads to a sedentary lifestyle that contributes to higher rates of obesity and related health issues. Increased car usage also results in higher levels of air pollution, which can cause respiratory problems. The isolation and longer commutes associated with suburban living can contribute to stress and reduced social interaction, impacting mental health.
Safety and Social Cohesion
Street safety is another concern in cities that have car-dependent suburban areas. The reliance on cars to get around in these places increases the risk of traffic accidents, and the spread-out nature of suburbs can even delay emergency response times. Socially, suburban design often leads to isolation, with fewer opportunities for casual social interactions and weaker community engagement. This can reduce the sense of community and belonging, making it harder to build strong social networks.
Moving Towards Resilient Communities
So, what can we do to address these issues and create more resilient and affordable communities? The advocacy group Strong Towns proposes for a return to traditional development patterns that prioritize financial solvency, efficient land use, and community resilience. This includes promoting mixed-use developments and higher density housing, which can generate more tax revenue per acre and reduce infrastructure costs.
By making our neighborhoods more walkable and less car-dependent, we can improve air quality, encourage physical activity, and foster stronger community interactions. Reducing car dependency also makes neighborhoods more accessible to those who cannot drive, including the elderly, children, and low-income residents, promoting equity and inclusivity.
Embracing Change Without Losing What We Love
It’s understandable that some residents might feel apprehensive about changes to their beloved suburban neighborhoods. However, it’s important to note that densifying our communities and allowing mixed-use zoning doesn’t mean losing the qualities we cherish. In fact, it can enhance them. Imagine having local shops, cafes, and parks within walking distance, making daily errands more convenient and enjoyable. These changes can bring more vibrancy and life to our neighborhoods, creating spaces where people can gather and interact, strengthening our sense of community.
Moreover, higher density doesn’t mean high-rise buildings everywhere. Thoughtful planning can ensure that new developments blend seamlessly with the existing character of the neighborhood. Small apartment buildings, townhouses, and duplexes can be integrated into the community, providing more housing options without overwhelming the area.
In Conclusion
While the suburban lifestyle has advantages for lots of people, it’s important to recognize the hidden costs and challenges it brings. By understanding these impacts and adapting principles from urban advocacy groups like Strong Towns, we can work towards creating more sustainable, resilient, and vibrant communities. Embracing these changes doesn’t mean losing what we love about our suburbs; it means enhancing our quality of life and ensuring a better future for all residents. It’s time to rethink our approach to suburban development and embrace changes that will benefit us all in the long run.
Strong Towns has a vibrant Ottawa chapter, if any of this is interesting to you, I would encourage you to check it out.
Leave a Reply