As individuals contemplate moving to a new city, the decision often hinges on a multitude of personal factors. To aid in this significant choice, The Globe and Mail has released the third edition of its Most Livable Cities ranking, featuring 454 urban centres across Canada with populations exceeding 10,000. This year, an innovative population filter has been introduced, allowing for tailored comparisons based on city size, enhancing the overall accuracy of livability assessments.
New Features Enhance Rankings
This year’s rankings come equipped with a population filter that categorises cities into four distinct sizes: small (10,000-29,999), mid-sized (30,000-99,999), large (100,000-499,999), and major (500,000+). This adjustment stems from user feedback aimed at ensuring a fairer comparison across different city sizes. The analysis operates on the population centres defined by Statistics Canada, with a new category for “major” cities introduced to highlight those with a population of 500,000 or more.
The evaluation scrutinised 58 variables from Environics Analytics Group Ltd., segmented into ten critical categories: Economy, Housing, Demographics, Health Care, Safety, Education, Community, Amenities, Transportation, and Climate. Notably, four new metrics were added to the climate category this year, which include Heating Degree Days (HDD) and Cooling Degree Days (CDD), providing insights into the heating and cooling needs of each city.
A Holistic Approach to Livability
In assessing livability, certain categories were given more weight to reflect their importance in residents’ daily lives. Categories like Housing and Health Care were prioritised over those such as Transportation and Climate. For example, the proximity to grocery stores was deemed significantly more impactful on quality of life than access to libraries. Vancouver, which ranked as the second-most walkable city, received a commendable score of 0.997, while Thunder Bay ranked lower at 182nd with a score of 0.600.
The overall scores were compiled through a detailed process of averaging and combining individual scores, though it is essential to acknowledge that no city is flawless. North Vancouver, for instance, emerged as the top-ranked city but faced criticism for its housing affordability. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive perspective on each community’s livability.
Tailored Rankings for Diverse Lifestyles
To cater to various life stages and priorities, the report now offers sub-rankings for different demographics, including young professionals, families, retirees, newcomers, and entrepreneurs. Each sub-ranking incorporates specific variables relevant to these groups, allowing individuals to find cities that best suit their needs. For instance, the young professionals ranking emphasises vibrant job markets and social environments, while the family-focused ranking prioritises safe communities with access to quality education.
Moreover, an interactive tool enables users to adjust the weight of categories according to personal preferences, providing a customised ranking experience. This tool reflects a growing recognition of the diverse needs of potential movers.
Methodology and Data Sources
The ranking methodology is grounded in data collected from various reputable sources, including Environics Analytics and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Significant adjustments were made to the Proximity Measures Database, affecting all proximity variables for the current ranking. Additionally, demographic data is calculated based on estimates from July 2025, making the information timely and relevant.
As part of this year’s updates, ten cities were added to the ranking due to population increases, while four were excluded due to declines. Notably, two of the removed cities were located in Alberta, highlighting the dynamic nature of urban growth across Canada.
Why it Matters
The Most Livable Cities ranking serves as a vital resource for individuals contemplating relocation in Canada. By assessing critical factors such as housing, health care, and community engagement, potential movers can make informed decisions that align with their personal and professional aspirations. As urban areas continue to evolve, these rankings not only highlight the best places to live but also reflect the diverse needs and preferences of Canadians today.
