[1] If the 20th century was dedicated to buildings, the 21st
will be about the spaces between them. In communities around
the world, interest in the public realm — parks, squares, plazas,
[4] piazzas — has never been greater. Even municipal politicians
have realized that parks are not civic frills but urban
necessities. The backdrop to this is a growing awareness that
[7] the future will unfold in cities. In Canada, for example, more
than 80 per cent of the population now inhabit urban centers.
And for the first time in history, more than half the planet’s
[10] population lives in cities. As fuel prices rise, congestion
increases and the global warming crisis heats up, people are
beginning to grasp the benefits of dense, compact,
[13] transit-based, amenity-rich life.
But with these growing urban populations comes
growing need for communal spaces. Keep in mind, too, that
[16] many new urbanites live in highrise condos so small they
barely have room to breathe. As a result, they look to the city
to provide many of the features house-owners take for granted.
[19] In this sense, life in Toronto has become more European; we
no longer just live in the city, we inhabit it. The city is where
we eat, drink, sit outside, meet friends, or simply watch the
[22] passing parade.
Internet: <www.thestar.com> (adapted).
Judge the following item, concerning the ideas and linguistic aspects of the text presented above.
Canada has a high level of urbanization.
