Edmonton and Calgary are forecast to be the fastest growing census metropolitan areas (CMAs) in Canada not only in 2012, but for the next four years, according to The Conference Board of Canada's Metropolitan Outlook-Autumn 2012.
"Energy-related investment in Alberta is expected to stay vibrant throughout the next four years,” said Mario Lefebvre, Director, Centre for Municipal Studies.
“For instance, about $29-billion worth of energy-related projects are now under way in the province, and nearly $86-billion worth of projects is proposed for the future. Other Western cities, including Saskatoon, Regina and Vancouver, are expected to grow strongly in the years to come."
Toronto's economic performance is expected to rival that of its high-flying western counterparts, and manufacturing sectors are showing signs of revival in Montreal, Hamilton, Halifax and Winnipeg over the next few years, the board said in a release.
However, growth in cities such as Ottawa, Quebec City and Victoria will be affected by ongoing public sector restraint, it added.