This study originated with Lome Downey, Director of the Human Resources Research Council (HRRC), and his staff in November, 1969, when they called together a variety of persons interested in the urban affairs of the province of Alberta for a symposium at The University of Alberta. This symposium explored the prospect of developing a research capacity in urban studies in Alberta. Papers from the symposium were edited by Gordon McIntosh, Ian Housego, and Glenda Lamont and published in 1970 under the title Urbanization and Urban Life in Alberta.