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Faculty Partner Highlights: Chris Higgins

September 12, 2024

Chris Higgins is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. His research is focused on the relationship between form and function in cities. Using the tools and methods of GIS/geographic data science, he captures and models the physical form and infrastructure of the city, its urban networks and the flows of people, goods, and information they facilitate, and the use of the city as an area or volume for engaging in activities. By providing a window into how the dynamic state of the city impacts and is impacted by social, environmental, and economic processes. His work seeks to better inform policy and planning interventions and promote more sustainable urban outcomes.

The project that Chris Higgins and Ignacio Tiznado-Aitken have been working on is called Analyzing Access to Opportunities, Sociodemographic Differences, and Impacts of Quality of Life in a Racialized Neighbourhood. This project is in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

This research project explores the geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic inequities accessing amenities, such as grocery stores, financial institutions, schools, cultural facilities etc., across different neighbourhoods in the Scarborough area. This research also explores the relationship between access to amenities and its effects on perceived quality of life and well-being among Scarborough residents.

This project seeks to answer the following research questions:
1. How do we define completeness in a neighbourhood? How is completeness related to quality of life?
2. How complete are Scarborough neighbourhoods? What is the level of accessibility to amenities in Scarborough?
3. How different are the preferences for urban amenities and satisfaction with the neighbourhood for different population groups?
4. What are the impacts of living in different neighborhoods on satisfaction, health, well-being, and social capital? Do these impacts differ across race, age, income, gender, family type, and immigration status?

One of the keys findings was that although Scarborough has high completeness scores for walking and transit, only a minority of residents have sufficient access to their most preferred amenities. Accessibility varies by location, with areas closer to major roads having better access. Interestingly, higher neighbourhood satisfaction is reported by those with lower completeness scores, suggesting that external factors like pollution and noise might play a role in residents' satisfaction.

Another finding was that there is a mismatch between residents' preferences for amenities and their actual accessibility. While many prioritize access to shops and healthcare, more than half struggle with affordability when moving around the city. Additionally, preferences differ by life stage, with families, older adults, and non-drivers having specific needs. The lack of entertainment facilities also negatively impacts social life and well-being.

We also found that housing quality and type significantly affect quality of life, particularly for racialized immigrants. Poor housing conditions, affordability issues, and inadequate neighborhood infrastructure are common concerns. Moreover, social factors such as race, income, gender, and disability influence neighborhood satisfaction, with marginalized groups reporting lower satisfaction and trust levels.

The findings from this study can have several impacts on urban planning and policy-making in Scarborough. Firstly, the research highlights that simply having complete neighborhoods with high accessibility scores does not necessarily translate into higher neighborhood satisfaction or quality of life. This suggests that planners need to consider a broader range of factors, such as housing quality and socio-demographic characteristics, when designing urban spaces. Secondly, the study reveals the importance of aligning amenities with the preferences and needs of different population groups, which vary based on life stage, income, and immigration status. Finally, the insights from focus group discussions point to the need for more diverse and affordable housing options, as well as improved access to cultural and entertainment facilities, to enhance the overall well-being of residents. These findings can help guide the development of more inclusive and livable communities in Scarborough, catering to the specific needs of its diverse population.

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