2. Chapter 4 : A Place to Live The people of Atlantic Canada are distributed unevenly throughout the four provinces. Where people live close together in a given area, the population is dense or crowded. Where there are only a few people in an area of similar size, the population is sparse. The term population density identifies how many people live on a given area of land.

3. Population Distribution Communities vary by population density and by settlement pattern or population distribution. Even when areas have the same population density (number of people per km of land), they might have different population distribution patterns. When describing the population of an area, both of these factors should be considered.

4. Populations of Atlantic Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador: population of 517 192 and a population density of 1.4 persons per Km. Nova Scotia: population of 941 235 and a density of 16.9 persons per Km. New Brunswick: population of 761 973 and a density of 10.3 persons per Km. Prince Edward Island: population of 137 316 and a density of 23.6 persons per Km.

5. The Rural-Urban Mix People in Atlantic Canada live mostly in relatively small settlements scattered across the region. In some areas, there are clusters with higher population densities. These concentrations of people form urban centers. An urban center has at least 1000 people and a population density of 400 or more per Km.

6. Cities on the rise! In many parts of Canada, cities are growing in number and size. This trend is usually at the expence of rural areas, or countryside. People tend to migrate from the countryside to the city to look for work. This is especially true when unemployment rates are high.

7. Push and Pull The conditions that force people to the countryside are known as rural push. The conditions that attract them to move to cities are known as urban pull. In the early 1900’s people in rural areas produced food and raw materials (lumber) for people living in larger centers.

8. The early 1900’s People living in towns and cities produced finished goods and provided services for people in rural communities. As new technology was introduced in fishery, farming, and forestry industries, fewer workers were needed in rural areas.

9. Urban Pull Many workers moved to cities and towns to look for work in manufacturing and services. Port, such as St. John’s, Halifax, and Saint John grew in importance since exports and imports were routed through these centers.

10. Percentage of those employed Newfoundland and Labrador: 44.2% ( 53.6 % urban) Prince Edward Island: 59.8% (60% rural) Nova Scotia: 55.3% (53.5% urban) New Brunswick: 53.2% (52.3 % rural) All of Canada: 76.6% urban, 23.4 % rural

11. Outmigration People move from one area to another for variety of reasons. Movement away from an area is known as outmigration. Most of the outmigration from Atlantic Canada is to other parts of Canada, but some move to other parts of the world. Ex: Boston Mass., Southeast Asia

12. Answer the following: Atlantic Canada has a relatively low population density, does this mean there are no crowded spaces in the region? Explain. Which province has the highest number of people employed? How does this province’s urban-rural mix compare with that of other provinces? What conclusions can you draw?

13. Urban Vs. Rural Setting Work in a group of two (maximum three) to make a pro and con chart of rural vs. urban living. Where would you rather live, in a rural area or an urban center? Why? Present your ideas in a short essay, speech, or skit.

14. The Growth of Fredericton The location, or site of any settlement is influenced by geographic, political, and economic factors. After the American war for independence, the British were concerned that the US might attack British colonies to the north. The less populated areas of upper New Brunswick were considered very vulnerable.

15. A plan for protection: As a result, in 1784 the British sent troops and families into the Saint John river valley. The Fredericton area was surveyed into a grid pattern of streets and lots consisting of one quarter each. In the same year, New Brunswick was established as a province, and St. Anne’s point (later renamed Fredericton) would be its capital.

16. Why did Fredericton grow? As provincial capital, it became an important government and military center. Transportation improved rapidly to meet the demands of new residents, especially the military. There were abundant resources in the area (lumber, rich soils, And various mills).

17. Fredericton’s appeal The location of the city increased economic activity. Before rails and roads, the St. John river provided a major source of transportation. Resources were transported by river, and exported through the port of Saint John. In the mid 1800’s steam powered river boats revolutionized river traffic.

18. Research assignment: Urbanization, the growth of urban centers, poses one of the greatest global problems. When on the computer, you and your partner will find a list of the world’s largest cities. Choose one and find out why it is growing. What problems is it experiencing. What are its prospects for the future? Present a report of your findings.