Uploaded on 2015-11-04 by camyonge

![enter image description here][1] **1. Which are your top livability criteria?** (1) Economy (2) Political Stability (3) Safety (4) Transportation (5) Culture **2. Why do we live where we live?** I live in Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, and the economic centre of Canada. While I've provided the most important criteria for me above on livability, which my city meets, there are other reasons why I live here, and they are unrelated to the criteria, as per instruction. They are mostly personal. (1) I really don't like big changes in my life which is sometimes difficult for me. I was an immigrant from Asia, and I remember how difficult it was for me the first few years adopting to a new place. (2) I have friends and family here, I can't just leave them to move to another. (3) I already have built up my life here, including job contacts (4) I already have a good apartment that I live at, and I haven't move for more than 20 years. (5) I can see future life changes that may compel me to move to other cities, but considering that Toronto meets all the criteria that I've provided on the first question, and personal reasons on the second, I stay here because simply, I feel satisfied and happy in the city I live. I believe that for many people, the personal reasons I've given is the very reason why they choose to live in the city that they consider home. **3. To what extend does your own place of residence fulfill your ideal livability criteria?** The Economist, a reputable American magazine, have actually rated Toronto as the 4th best to live in several years in a row, and I truly believe it. If I am to rate my city all in all, I would say 97%, as for the criteria above, here's how I would rate it: (1) Economy - **95%** - While there's snags in our economy, I truly believe there's opportunities here, both for business and employment. (2) Political Stability - **99%** - Toronto and the rest of Canada is a peaceful country, and we're really not at war with anybody nor have civil unrests. (3) Safety - **95%** - Statistics would show that Toronto has a very low crime rate. It really is a safe city to live. (4) Transportation - **97%** - We have an excellent public transport, including bus, streetcars and subway lines. It is also a walkable city, and we're expanding our bicycle lanes. (5) Culture - **99%** - Toronto is a multicultural city. International and cultural events are fairly common, so its not surprising to see Diwali or Dia de los Muertos celebrations here. We also have yearly cultural events such the Nuit Blanche or Caribbean Carnival (Caribana). I personally enjoy watching hockey and baseball games **4. What would you change?** Toronto isn't perfect. While I am very happy with my city, I have serious concerns regarding our growing number of homeless people. I actually volunteer at a local drop-in, and I have seen it first hand. In fact, some of the people there have addiction or mental health issues, and may not be getting enough support. Also, the real estate prices are just too expensive. I believe there's not enough low-cost housing being built and if I were the mayor, I will push to build more. With subzero temperatures during winter, the conditions for the homeless are harsh, if not dangerous. I've also heard of a tent city near the Don Valley Expressway, and have seen people living underneath the Gardiner Expressway. As for subsidized housing, somebody told me it takes up to 5 years to get one. It also take years to build any, so as a mayor, the first measure I will take is to build more shelters. **5. Why do we move?** If I'm to move, and I really have considered it, is to move maybe in Montreal, Kingston or Ottawa for the following reasons: (1) Montreal and Ottawa are bilingual in French and English, and for me, I believe there's better opportunities for my future kids (if I will have any) if they can speak both. (2) Real estate prices are a bit cheaper in the three than in Toronto,. I'm at a point in believing that I will never own an actual house. It seems to me that the townhouses and condos that are currently being built are smaller and overpricedl. (3) Along with expensive real estate comes high real estate taxes! I think Kingston, Ottawa and Montreal are still more reasonable. (4) The three cities are comparable to Toronto in many ways. Since I wanted to have my own business someday, it would be cheaper to start one up in any of the three, considering the real estate prices. (5) Toronto is becoming too competitive in the labour market, especially in the field I wanted to get into, and should Job opportunities become available I may consider moving. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14466195403022408.jpg