junctionist
Senior Member
Because they want to be like themselves. I say let 'em.
To a degree, but the big cities are always generating exportable ideas that could enhance these places. I want to see smaller cities and towns build up their downtowns with a focus on the pedestrian and cycling conditions, have more environmentally-friendly new construction, polished new public squares, curb garbage, use higher-order transit like light rail, and boast modern architecture. Why should smaller cities and towns feel so boring and repetitive? If Toronto changes towards density and sophistication of the great metropolitan cities of the world, why shouldn't some places grow into the finest small towns, like those found in many European countries?
Toronto should exercise a greater metropolitan pull on smaller cities in the region to build more of a sense of solidarity rather than ambiguity. Common ambitions and urban goals are better than petty posturing and regionalism.