Toronto now the fourth largest city in North America

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  March 5, 2013  

Toronto now the fourth largest city in North America

The City of Toronto's latest Economic Dashboard report - presented at today's meeting of the Economic Development Committee - states that Toronto has moved ahead of Chicago in population and is now the fourth largest city in North America.

"These population figures are another sign confirming Toronto's steady growth," said Mayor Rob Ford. "Toronto is a desirable location for people to live and work. We are attracting people from across North America and other parts of the world."  

On February 6, Statistics Canada released its July 1, 2012 population estimates for sub-provincial areas. The City of Toronto's total population is now estimated at 2,791,140.  Statistics Canada also revised upwards (by 9,400 people) its 2011 estimate of the city's population.

The City of Toronto is now the fourth largest municipality in North America after Mexico City, New York and Los Angeles.

The City of Toronto's annual population growth rate has increased steadily for the last 10 years and is now growing at an annual rate of about 38,000 people.
 
In 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau released results from its evaluation of the 2010 census and confirmed the accuracy of Chicago's population count as 2,707,120.

The Economic Dashboard reports on Toronto's economy from international, national and local perspectives, based on statistics compiled from multiple sources. The Economic Dashboard and additional economic indicator information for the City of Toronto is available at http://www.toronto.ca/economicindicators .

Last month, City Council endorsed a new economic growth plan, called Collaborating for Competitiveness - A Strategic Plan to Accelerate Economic Growth and Job Creation in Toronto. The plan sets targets for improving the quality of jobs in Toronto and commits to harmonizing the policies/activities of the City of Toronto and its agencies to help create a more attractive climate for business and investment.

More information about the growth plan and how the City helps business in Toronto is available at http://www.toronto.ca/business.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Shane Gerard, Senior Communications Coordinator, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca