Urban development pressures
Wekerle and Abbruzzese’s article discusses how urban development pressures, preservation of the environment, and regional planning should be the focus of regionalism. Wekerle and Abbruzzese (2009) assert that efficiency and economic development have long been the core values of regionalism. Such an approach to regionalism overlooks the importance of environmental conservation and stakeholder involvement. Furthermore, regional coordination of public policies and land use is required for sustainable regionalism. It is such collective action from all relevant stakeholders that contributes other important values other than the economic implications of regionalism. For instance, regionalism efforts should not be left to state agencies. It is important to provide opportunities for public debate. Otherwise, regionalism can be a disguised attempt to maintain middle-class privilege. Public debate steers efforts of regionalism in line with the interests of suburban and exurban residents. A holistic approach promotes equal opportunity throughout the region. Moreover, social equity should be the primary effort of regional efforts. Therefore, regionalism should redistribute resources and services to address any disparities in access to resources. Relevant policymakers in Canada should take lessons from Wekerle and Abbruzzese’s article to ensure that the implementation of regionalism in Canada territories integrates divergent conceptions of regionalism.
Hi Yang, thank you for your contribution to this week’s discussion. As you mention, regionalism efforts often overlook several issues, including preservation of the environment and regional planning. You make a great point that new regionalism should tackle issues such as biodiversity and ecosystem planning. New regionalism that changes the structure of existing cities should be a comprehensive and multidimensional process that involves stakeholders from all sectors. As you mention, such a holistic approach will ensure Canada’s regions change from relative heterogeneity to increased homogeneity. I believe the holistic approach you mention, which integrates issues concerning the environment, economy, and equity, should consider culture, security, economic policies, and politics.