Urban planning authority lauds Canada's inclusive cities
Dr Sandeep Agrawal.
Dr Sandeep Agrawal is a professor and the Inaugural Director of the Planning Program at the University of Alberta. An authority in urban and regional planning, he serves on City of Edmonton’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
Prior to this he was a professor and the founding director of the graduate program in Urban Development in the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Ryerson University in Toronto.
His research has focused on ethnic communities and the effects of immigration, religion and cultures on urban structures and public policies. He has appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to present his views about planning for inclusive cities.
“I believe Canada is on the right track. Brampton, Mississauga or Markham are called majority-minority cities where the visible minority is a majority. There are more places for worship, more ethnic groceries... the visible symbols of diversity. Some neighbourhoods have a majority of one ethnic group, others are more mixed, but what we are now witnessing is a mixing of non-white multiple ethnic groups. Earlier it was more British, French, Italian and Portuguese immigrants, now there are more Chinese, South Asians, people from the Caribbean, Africa and the Philippines. The dynamics have changed from multicultural to inter-cultural. Immigrants need to recognize that they may be relatively new but they have a responsibility to move the country forward. They have the responsibility to remain inclusive as non-white becomes mainstream.”
Dr Agrawal has studied multiculturalism and human rights and says these play out in various ways at the city level and include access to public spaces.
He came to Canada in 1991 as an international student from IIT Roorkee to the University of Manitoba. Though he came during the worst recession in recent memory, he says he had a relatively smooth ride.
“Things were so bad that many of us who had got co-op positions in government departments saw their jobs vanish when departments were slashed with a week’s notice. I was fairly young and it was rough, but as a younger person, you adapt better. This applies to cultural differences, too. I did face a few things – a downturn in the economy brings out the worst in some people, but these were just small blips in all my years in Canada. I feel blessed to be here.”
His tells newcomers to stay positive.
“Canada has a lot to offer. But don’t be impatient, it can take time – as it can even if you were to move from one part of your country to another. Don’t get negative. That affects not only you but also your family. The human tendency is to retreat, get entrenched in one’s lifestyle and culture. But you have taken a huge step in immigrating, be open-minded, embrace the larger community. Volunteer, not only at your own temple or mosque, but also beyond that. And be out-doorsy. Canada is a vast and beautiful land, explore!”