Laying the pavement for Yonge Street has drastically contributed to the urbanization of cities such as Toronto, which has in turn affected the Canadian economy in an extremely positive manner.
Yonge Street runs straight through the heart of Toronto and races up to Northern Ontario. Since its construction in the late17th century, the historical road has witnessed wars, economic booms, depressions and incredible change. It became the most important street in Ontario as life and commerce began to spring from it, including the vibrant Yonge-Dundas Square and the Eaton Centre.
Today, Yonge Street is the cultural heart of the province, and millions travel it upon each day. Offices, health clinics, hotels, shopping centres and subway stations can be found on Yonge Street. "Besides dividing the city in half and being the main part of the subway system, it's definitely the most exciting yet frenzied part of the city. I doubt that the city, or even country, would be the same without it," says Dhanusha Rajendran, a 17-year-old who regularly commutes on the bustling road.
On a much larger scale, Yonge Street has been fundamental to Canadian growth by promoting the establishment of prosperous businesses. Roads serve as more than a simple means of transportation; they promote trade and economic growth. Though we generally take our roads for granted, there is more than meets the eye to these paved strips that we drive over each day.
Aly Kassam is a Grade 12 student in Toronto who is passionate about the world around him. He hopes to work as a pharmacist in the future.
