Spez: Post 1) The decline was already happening in the 90s, NAFTA really ripped the heart out of our country, however in the 90s we didn't know it yet and the decline was slow at that point. So I will describe the 1980s, I grew up in Burlington.

Burlington had a small town feel despite being a city. There were orchards within the city limits still and just outside of the urban area. We were about 90% white but the other races all seemed to fit in. Nobody really cared about race or gender.

If we waited until after rush hour we could drive to Toronto on the QEW with no major traffic and the QEW in the early 80s was mostly 2 lanes if I remember that part correct, but traffic was light. I remember paying $0.30/liter for gas in the 90s so gas was cheap. My parents bought a beautiful 3 bedroom with a pool just at the edge of a wealthy neighbourhood in 1984 for $92,000.

Men were making 100k a year doing clean up jobs at Stelco/Dofasco with overtime and expericne and were making $50k a year at the Ford plant in Oakville. My Dad worked in a chemical factory filling trucks and with overtime was getting around $60k a year.

I have memories of being in High School and having debates in History or Geography class. Debate was encouraged. running out of room will write more later :)

The decline was already happening in the 90s, NAFTA really ripped the heart out of our country, however in the 90s we didn't know it yet and the decline was slow at that point. So I will describe the 1980s, I grew up in Burlington.

Burlington had a small town feel despite being a city. There were orchards within the city limits still and just outside of the urban area. We were about 90% white but the other races all seemed to fit in. Nobody really cared about race or gender.

If we waited until after rush hour we could drive to Toronto on the QEW with no major traffic and the QEW in the early 80s was mostly 2 lanes if I remember that part correct, but traffic was light. I remember paying $0.30/liter for gas in the 90s so gas was cheap. My parents bought a beautiful 3 bedroom with a pool just at the edge of a wealthy neighbourhood in 1984 for $92,000.

Men were making 100k a year doing clean up jobs at Stelco/Dofasco with overtime and expericne and were making $50k a year at the Ford plant in Oakville. My Dad worked in a chemical factory filling trucks and with overtime was getting around $60k a year.

I have memories of being in High School and having debates in History or Geography class. Debate was encouraged. running out of room will write more later :)