Sources

Information:

-www.toronto.ca

-www.toronto.com

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Lawrence_Lowlands

-htp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto

-http://canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/english/ecozones/mixedwoodplains/mixedwoodplains.htm

-http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Biodiversity/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_166951.html

Photos: (shortened URLs)

-http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.1adventure.com/archives/images/frank-red-fox-colorado-lowrescrop.jpg&imgrefurl

-http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hickerphoto.com/data/media/24/toronto-night-lights_9551.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hickerphoto.com/downtown-toronto-ontario-night-lights-9551-pictures.htm&usg

-http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.torontokiosk.ca/Image/cn-tower-sm.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.torontokiosk.ca/toronto-tour/CN-Tower.php&usg

-http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.utoronto.ca/imap/collections/climate_and_biota/maps/Ecoregions-of-Mixedwood.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.utoronto.ca/imap/collections/climate_and_biota/land_cover.htm&usg

Wildlife

Just like everywhere else, Toronto does have other little creatures out there that don't look like me and you! Due to the fact that much of Toronto is heavily industrialized, it makes it very hard for wildlife to live within. You may find animals such as birds, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, skunks and other different species living in forests or clustered bushes. These animals feed off of what is left of the natural vegetation within the region. Over years of settlement, these animals are becoming more comfortable around humans because of the drastic changes within their environment.

Vegetation

We are located within the Mixedwood Plains which is also known as Mixed Forest ecozone region. There is a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees such as pine, cedar, birches, elms, maple, oak, and etc. Much of this region was once forest, but over years of urban development the forests had been cut down to make room for buildings and much of what you see today in Toronto. Although we are very industrialized, we are also know to be one of the greenest cities in the world. 

      

Landscape and Geology

Toronto is located with the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Lowlands region. It is the most heavily industrialized landform region in all of Canada and contains most of the country's manufacturing industries. Toronto's landscape was created 10 000 years ago when the glaciers were receded. Over the past 200 years, urban development has contributed to many changes in our natural landscape. Fortunately a number of our natural areas have escaped these dramatic changes. The urban forests, ravines and woodlands are what adds beauty to the landscape. Certain human actions can result in problems to ravines and slopes, so be sure to be economically friendly. Although Toronto is a very industrialized city, be sure to take the chance to explore and keep in touch with nature.

Location and History of Human Inhabitants

Toronto lies south of Ontario on the shore of Lake Ontario at approximately 43 degrees north of the equator. It's history of human inhabitants goes as far back as right after the last ice age! These people opened trade with the French who established trading posts within Toronto in the 18th century. Toronto passed to British control in 1763. The urban community dates to 1793. The city of Toronto was established in 1834 and had been rapidly growing, especially after Canada was established as a country in 1867. Through evolution and expansion, Toronto has now become one of the most liveable and multicultural urban places today.

Weather and Climate

Tales of igloos and freezing temperatures may be used to describe Canada's other cities, but not Toronto. Lake Ontario moderates Toronto's four seasons of weather, giving it a low-scale maritime influence. Toronto has the mildest climate in all of Canada. Toronto has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Due to urbanization and proximity to water, Toronto has a small range of temperature between it's day and night. It is noticeably cooler in spring and early summer afternoons under the influence of a lake breeze. Summer temperatures range between 23 degrees celsius to 31 and are characterized by high humidity. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with mild or cool temperatures, alternating dry and wet periods. Snowstorms mixed with ice can disrupt daily routines within the 5 month winter. Winters also sometimes encounter short and cold snaps of temperatures under -10 degrees celsius. Keep in mind that wind chills have a big effect on the feeling of temperatures. Precipitation is generally evenly distributed all year round, with summer being it's wettest season. Toronto has an average of 830 mm of rain annually. Toronto sometimes has unpredictable weather conditions, so bringing that extra sweater won't kill. It's better safe than sorry!

Possible Activities

                        

There are many things to do in such an industrialized and highly ranked city such as Toronto. Embrace the nightlife and go clubbing and many hot and popular spots such as Circa, Guvernment and many more! If your not a party type person, don't worry! There are many things you can do such as dine at the finest restaraunts, shop at the famous Eaton's Centre, explore the magnificent 27 km long underground city, get a taste of different cultures with events such as Taste of Danforth, or visit the CN Tower that once maintained the title as the tallest building for 30 years. You will never be bored with all of the wonderful possibilities that Toronto has to offer!


What else does Toronto possibly have to offer? We offer a wide range of activities for every type of person. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, stroll around Dundas Square, or educate yourself at the Ontario Science Centre. How about visit the Toronto Island just by lakeshore with your family or special one? This and much more is what Toronto has to offer for all those city lovers out there!

Introduction

Toronto is the capital city of Ontario with a dense population, being home to over 2.5 million Torontonians. It is the fourth most populous english speaking municipality in North America. Toronto is located in southern Ontario in a place known as the Golden Horseshoe which is home to over 8.1 million residents. It is also one of the world's most ethnically diverse cities, being home to many immigrants. Toronto is also one of the top financial centres in the world and is a major centre of higher education with highly ranked universities such as the University of Toronto. Due to low crime rates, a clean environment, the high standard of living, and a friendly attitude towards diversity, Canada is constantly ranked one of the most liveable cities in the world.