Name
Analyzing Mobility Pattern Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Greater Toronto Area, Canada
Date & Time
Friday, May 23, 2025, 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Description
As the most populous metropolitan area and the largest immigrant gateway in Canada, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has been a significant receiving geography of COVID-19. The lockdowns and social distancing have significantly shifted human mobility patterns. This study analyzes the mobility patterns changes across various demographic groups in GTA using aggregated sampling mobile data from mobile device companies. Data from online mobility surveys towards focused groups and demographic information from Statistics Canada are also collected for in-depth research. Spatial interaction models are applied to quantify mobility changes during and after the lockdown periods. This analysis considers demographic factors such as income, employment, and work-from-home ratio to explain spatial variations in mobility patterns. Preliminary findings demonstrate that there are notable reductions in average daily travel distances and counts during the lockdown periods, particularly pronounced for trips to workplaces and recreational locations. Essential trips such as grocery shopping are less affected. Spatial disparities are also observed across different neighbourhoods. There are greater mobility reductions in urban areas compared to peripheral suburban regions. Additionally, demographic factors like income level and work-from-home ratio significantly influenced the extent and nature of mobility patterns. These findings provide insights into how mobility patterns interact with public health policies and social behaviours, providing essential knowledge for researchers and public health leaders managing future pandemic outcomes.
Location Name
Mackenzie (ME) 3356
Session Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract ID
245
Speaker Name
Jingheng Yan
Speaker Organization
Queen's University
Session Name
CS153 Geographies of COVID-19