This study investigates how density affects the way an area functions.  The researchers examined 16 districts in the Greater Toronto Area to assess the relationship between density and (1) era of development; (2) standards for public facilities; (3) housing type mix;  (4) street configuration; (5) employment; (6) travel behaviour.  They also analysed 24 hypothetical development scenarios to estimate the effects on density of changes in housing mix, house prices, environmental protection standards, public facilities requirements, and employment patterns.  The findings have implications for public policy relating to urban growh management.  

Zack Taylor, RPP, MCIP, is a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto.  
John van Nostrand, FRAIC, MCIP, RPP is a partner with planningAlliance, Inc.

The full study is 196 pages with illustrations.  It, and highlights of the report (20 pages), may be downloaded from the website (see Associated documents below), as well as the spreadsheet used in the modelling exercise.