An examination of migration patterns to Ontario cities: Demarcating Ontario’s periphery

Abstract

This study sets out to determine whether similarities or differences exist in migration patterns for cities of northern Ontario and southern Ontario. Data is also grouped into large and small cities, to establish whether demographic success comes mostly from inter- or intra-regional migrants. Relevant characteristics of individuals migrating in a knowledge economy—specifically, education and employment data—are also examined. These findings are then placed within two important paradigms of economic geography: brain circulation and institutionalism. The intention is to measure migration patterns but also to use these findings to re-evaluate the core-periphery model as it applies to northern and southern Ontario.