Three cities in Canada were listed among the world’s most livable places

In an era where urban liveability is increasingly scrutinized, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)—a division of the Economist Group—has unveiled its 2023 Global Liveability Index. This annual survey assesses cities worldwide based on factors critical to quality of life, ranging from stability and healthcare to culture and environment. Notably, in this year’s ranking, Canada emerges as a standout performer, claiming more spots in the top 10 than any other country. This essay delves into the nuances of the Index, examining the factors that have led to the high ranking of Canadian cities and what this means for urban living globally.

The EIU’s Global Liveability Index: An Overview

Before we delve into the specific rankings, it’s crucial to understand what the Global Liveability Index is and why it’s significant. Developed by the EIU, the Index evaluates various aspects that contribute to the overall quality of urban life. These aspects include stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. The Index is more than just a list; it’s a comprehensive assessment that helps to understand the nuances of what makes a city livable. It’s an essential tool for policymakers, urban planners, and residents alike, offering a snapshot of where cities excel and where they can improve.

Canadian Cities in the Limelight

In the 2023 rankings, three Canadian cities – Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto – distinguished themselves by landing in the top 10, a feat unmatched by any other nation. This achievement is noteworthy, considering the diverse and competitive nature of global cities today.

• Vancouver’s Allure: Vancouver, ranking fifth globally, is a beacon of urban liveability. The city scored an impressive 97.3 out of 100, with perfect scores in healthcare and education. What makes Vancouver unique is its blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and robust public services. The city’s high scores in culture and environment (97.2) and infrastructure (96.4) reflect its commitment to creating a balanced urban experience that values both natural and built environments.
• Calgary’s Rise: Calgary’s inclusion in the top 10, tying for seventh place with a score of 96.8, is particularly striking given that it’s often overshadowed by the more prominent Canadian cities of Toronto and Montreal. Calgary’s perfect scores in stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure demonstrate its comprehensive approach to urban planning and management. The city’s lower score in culture and environment (87.3), however, suggests areas for growth and improvement.
• Toronto’s Consistency: Toronto, Canada’s largest city, remains a strong contender in the liveability arena, securing the ninth spot with a score of 96.5. Known for its multicultural landscape and economic vitality, Toronto scores highly in education, healthcare, and stability. However, its lower score in infrastructure, particularly in housing, highlights the challenges faced by many major cities around the globe.

Global Context and Competitiveness

The 2023 Global Liveability Index was a tight race, with only a two-point difference between the top and tenth-ranked cities. This close margin underscores the intense competition and high standards among the world’s most liveable cities. Apart from Canada’s impressive showing, countries like Australia, Switzerland, and Japan also featured prominently in the top 10. The inclusion of Osaka, Japan, tied for tenth place, is particularly notable as it represents a city outside of the usual North American, European, and Australasian contenders.

Breaking Down the Index’s Criteria

To fully appreciate the significance of these rankings, it’s essential to understand the criteria used by the EIU:

• Stability: This metric assesses the prevalence of crime, the threat of terror, and the likelihood of military or civil conflict. Canadian cities typically score high in this category, reflecting their safe and stable environments.
• Healthcare: This category looks at the availability and quality of both public and private healthcare services. Canada’s strong healthcare system, known for its accessibility and quality, plays a crucial role in the high scores of its cities.
• Culture and Environment: This broad category evaluates factors like climate comfort, levels of corruption, social restrictions, and cultural availability. While no city in the top 10 achieved a perfect score here, both Toronto and Vancouver showed strong performances, indicating a vibrant cultural life balanced with a comfortable living environment.
• Education: The availability and quality of education, both public and private, are critical components of this criterion. The perfect scores achieved by all top 10 cities in this category highlight the global emphasis on education as a pillar of liveability.
• Infrastructure: Perhaps the most varied criterion, infrastructure assessment includes the quality of roads, public transport, housing, and utilities. Calgary’s perfect score in this category contrasts with Toronto’s lower performance, underlining the diverse challenges cities face in providing quality infrastructure.

Reflections and Future Directions

The prominence of Canadian cities in the EIU’s 2023 Global Liveability Index is a testament to Canada’s commitment to creating high-quality, balanced urban environments. These cities serve as benchmarks for urban development, offering lessons in healthcare, education, and stability. However, the varying scores, particularly in infrastructure and culture, point to areas where even the most liveable cities can improve.

Looking forward, the Global Liveability Index will continue to be a critical tool for understanding and enhancing urban life. As cities evolve and face new challenges, such as climate change, technological advancements, and growing populations, the criteria of the Index may also need to adapt. For policymakers and urban planners, the Index serves as both a report card and a roadmap, guiding efforts to create cities that are not just habitable but truly thriving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2023 Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit highlights the exemplary performance of Canadian cities in creating environments conducive to high-quality living. As urban centers around the world strive to improve their liveability, the lessons from Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto provide valuable insights. These cities, with their blend of safety, healthcare, cultural richness, and educational excellence, set a high bar for what urban life can offer. As we look to the future, the continued evolution and adaptation of cities in response to emerging global challenges will be pivotal in shaping the next generation of liveable urban spaces.