Rudolph, James Joseph "Municipal and Sub-Regional AutonomyMetropolitan Halifax"

The patterns of movement within metropolitan Halifax are complex. A sizeable and important component of this movement involves trips for work, shopping and recreation. Attention here focuses upon the origins and destinations of trips made for these three purposes.

The data base is derived from a 1971 survey conducted by the Dalhousie University Institute of Public Affairs. Data originally collected and stored by census enumeration areas is translated into census tracts. The census tract data is then aggregated into metropolitan sub-units - first the three municipalities and then eight sub-regions. The percentage of trips which originate and terminate in the same unit or in a cluster of units having an affinity to each other is a measure of their autonomy. Units with high percentages of such trips have high autonomy. Units with low autonomy are dependent upon other units in the metropolitan complex.

The analysis displays the relative independence and interdependence of metropolitan municipalities and subregions. It is hoped findings will contribute to a better understanding and management of the metropolitan region.

Atlantic Planners Institute

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This document was last modified on February 20, 2001.