Ecozone: Mixedwood Plains

An Ecozone is a natural region where climate, soil, landforms, animals and people live to form a new region. The three most crucial ecozones in Canada, based on the size of the economy of that region, are: Mixedwood Plains, Prairie and Pacific Maritime. Of these three ecozones, there is one that stands out.

Mixedwood Plains There is a very small region in Canada that is much more important than its tiny size might indicate. This small regions is located in Southern Quebec and stretches to Windsor, along the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes Region. It includes less than 2% of Canada’s total land area and yet it contains more than half of the countries population. There are more cities and town in this region than in any other part of the country.

An extensive system of waterways, including the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, combines with surrounding rich fertile soils to create one of the most attractive and productive ecozones in Canada. The Mixedwood Plains Ecozone is bounded by three Great Lakes in southern Ontario and extends along the St. Lawrence shoreline to Quebec City with its relatively mild climate and four distinct seasons.

Interlaced with national and international transportation routes, the Mixedwood Plains have become the industrial and commercial heartland of Canada. Urban centres encroach on remaining prime agricultural land as the population continues to grow. Settlement and resource extraction dramatically alter the land. Striking a balance between economic development and ecological sustainability has become a challenge for today’s residents and for future generations.

Key points All levels of government in one location Major heads of corporations and financial institutions Production of various products (i.e. Cars, chemicals, etc…) Historically settlement patterns Population for labour and activities Transportation routes Agricultural products