Dominant Functions of Settlements

Dominant Functions of Settlements When we describe functions of a settlement we describe the main areas of employment There are 4 categories (industries) of jobs

Dominant Functions of Settlements Primary – any job that deals with the extraction of raw material from the natural environment (forestry, mining, farming)

Dominant Functions of Settlements Secondary – any job that processes raw materials (primary manufacturing – extraction of iron from iron ore) OR - Use the product of primary manufacturing to make a finished product (secondary manufacturing – making steel from iron)

Tertiary – jobs that provide a service (bank teller, dentist) – fastest growing sector in Canada (around 75% of working population employed in this industry)

Dominant Functions of Settlements Quaternary – jobs that are involved with the communication of information ( teaching, research, computer programming, technology sector)

Dominant Functions of Settlements When you describe the present function of a town or city they you are describing the main area of employment for the population of the city

Dominant Functions of Settlements Factors that influence the function of a settlement is population and location Eg. Niagara Falls – area of scenic beauty attracts million of tourists – jobs in the tourist industry (accommodation and food) would be high (10.5% of the population works in this industry)

NIAGARA FALLS

Dominant Functions of Settlements Large cities are more diverse -have people employed in many sectors of the economy (Toronto) Provide services to a wide surrounding area (multi-functional)

Dominant Functions of Settlements Small cities – have people employed in fewer sectors of the economy (Saguenay – forestry, primary metal manufacturing, agri- business, tourism) Usually provide services for small towns/villages immediately adjacent to the city Often these cities have specialized functions

Dominant Functions of Settlements When a city has a high percent of employment in a particular activity, this activity is described as the urban centre ’ s dominant function. Eg. Manufacturing in Hong Kong, Public Administration in Ottawa

Dependence on Single Industry - Tilt Cove

Dependence on Single Industry – Anyox B.C

Location Quotients The percentage of a city ’ s workforce in any employment category when compared to the national average for that category. The location quotient is expressed as a ratio Eg. LQ 1.6 means 1.6 time as many people work in manufacturing in Hamilton, in 1985, than in Canada as a whole

Location Quotients When comparing L.Q. it is important to compare L.Q. ’ s for cities of comparable size When a city ’ s function is dependent on one or two sectors of the economy and that sector decreases (manufacturing) what are the possible outcomes

Location Quotients The city must diversify (Hamilton) The city experiences decline (people move out and abandon the city (Youngstown Ohio, Flint Michigan)

Location Quotients Buick City – Flint Michigan Steel Mill – Youngstown, Ohio