Ethnic Spatial Segmentation in Immigrant Destinations—Edmonton and Calgary
Abstract
This study endeavors to systematize the classification of communities where immigrants are destined to settle. It also explores the issue of spatial segmentation in two such places in Alberta—Edmonton and Calgary. In both metropolitan areas, ethnic spatial segmentation exists, but not at the same scale as in a large metropolis like Toronto. Both metropolitan areas still have a substantial population of established white Canadians who identify as Germans or Ukrainians, although most of them reside in rural parts of these two areas. However, the rest of the urban landscapes is a mix of the white Canadians and recently arrived visible minorities.
Notes
Community organizations:
Future research / gaps identified
Integration timeline:
Key populations:
Location:
- Calgary
- Edmonton
Open access: No
Key findings
- Ethnic settlements in Edmonton and Calgary are becoming increasing suburban, with continued expansion fueled by new immigrants and recently constructed affordable housing.
- The study reveals that ethnic spatial segmentation exists in both Edmonton and Calgary, but not at the same scale as in large city like Toronto.
- Settlement studies of Edmonton and Calgary to date have only explored aspects that attract and retain newcomers to the two cities. More data is needed on how housing affordability continues to the formation and expansion of enclaves in these cities.
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Immigrant concentrations generate integration issues such as lack of proficiency in English, unemployment, crime, and overcrowding in the available housing
Key recommendations
- Policymakers should consider alternative ways of classifying immigrant settlements.
- Future studies should document detailed chronological changes to ethnically identified neighborhoods to determine factors leading to change.
- Need for more data on how housing affordability contributes to the formation and expansion of enclaves.
- Policymakers should address integration issues such as lack of proficiency in English, unemployment, crime, and overcrowding in the available housing.
- Researchers to investigate key aspects of enclaves such as their level of social cohesion and residents’ income levels, housing, and institutions.
