Growth Rates of the Commercial Services, 1986 to 1996

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Abstract

Commercial services, the activities operating within the private sector, are attracted to markets according to the population of the area they serve and the level of market income. The growth rates in commercial services between 1986 and 1996 indicate that growth was widely dispersed across Canada. Generally, commercial service activities were disproportionately attracted to the larger centres (Toronto, Montréal); however, growth was less in these larger cities. High growth rates occurred throughout Alberta and British Columbia, and around Toronto and Montréal where the urban markets have grown most rapidly.

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Growth rates for all commercial (private) services between 1986 and 1996 ranged from 128% (Varennes, Quebec) to -13.1% (Elliot Lake, Ontario). Commercial services include personal services, leisure services, business services, financial services, retailing and wholesaling.

Geographical Description

This map is composed of seven thematic map layers to show the growth rates for overall commercial services (initial map view), and then individually for personal services, leisure services, business services, financial services, retailing and wholesaling. On all map layers, the circles indicate the population in 1996 (the larger the population, the larger the circle), while colours in the legend indicate the rates of growth, either positive or negative.

Generally, the growth rates for commercial services suggest that growth was widely dispersed across the country, with the exception of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The highest rates of growth occurred in British Columbia, Alberta and in or near Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal. Of course, these are the places with the highest per capita incomes. Cities in the Atlantic provinces showed modest growth but less than those in Ontario and Quebec.

Wholesaling

The growth rates for wholesaling varied regionally, with the higher rates in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec contrasting with those in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Atlantic provinces. The highest rates of growth occurred in British Columbia and Alberta, and in or near Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal. These are some of the places with the highest per capita incomes, and generally the places with highest rates of population growth during this period. The highest growth rates are found in small peripheral cities, which had a very small employment base in 1986 (for example, La Baie, Quebec, and Port Alberni and Fort St. John, British Columbia).

Retailing

Growth in retailing varied regionally, with declines in Manitoba and Saskatchewan contrasting with rapid growth in the rest of the country. The highest growth rates are found in the urban centres near the largest cities: Varennes, Quebec; Airdrie, Alberta; and Buckingham, Quebec (near Ottawa).

Financial Services

Growth in financial services varied from decline or slow growth in the Prairie provinces to rapid growth in British Columbia and southern Ontario and Quebec. The highest rates of growth occurred in coastal British Columbia and in the urban centres near the largest cities (for example, Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal).

Business Services

Growth in business services was relatively slow in the Prairie provinces and rapid in British Columbia and southern Ontario and Quebec. The highest rates of growth occurred in coastal British Columbia and in the urban centres near the largest cities (Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal).

Leisure Services

Growth rates for leisure services were relatively slow in the eastern Prairie provinces and rapid in British Columbia and southern Ontario and Quebec. The very highest rates of growth were widely dispersed in the urban centres on the edge of metropolitan regions. These high-growth places are often those that cater to the recreational needs of nearby large cities.

Personal Services

Growth rates for personal services show much the same regional pattern, the relatively slow growth in the eastern Prairie provinces contrasting with the rapid growth in British Columbia, Alberta and southern Ontario and Quebec. The very highest rates of growth occurred in coastal British Columbia and around Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal, where population growth was rapid.

To properly interpret this map, please consult the text Data and Mapping Notes.