Investigation of the dynamics of agricultural land at the urban fringe: A comparison of two peri-urban areas in Canada

This study compares the urbanization patterns and dynamics of agricultural land in two peri-urban areas (Alberta Capital Region and Calgary Regional Partnership) in Canada. Hot spot analysis is conducted to identify the spatial clustering of agriculture-to-development conversion and areas at greatest risk. Pearson's correlation analysis is used to explore the association of urbanization and different agricultural land transitions. Key findings include: (1) disparities in the peri-urbanization patterns in the two study areas are associated with a mix of different geographic, economic, and policy influences; and (2) in general, distance from a major city is negatively correlated to agricultural land development and road density is negatively associated with agricultural land abandonment. Policy recommendations such as a call for infill development and regional buffer areas are discussed.