Land Use is categorized in terms of what types of activies take place on it.  While the terms used to describe the activities on the land are quite specific, the reality may be that actual land use can be of a more mixed variety (e.g. urban areas mixed with industry, or forests with some wetlands).  The descriptions provided are to be considered guidelines, for the general type of activities that may occur in each category.

View from Mont Royal ParkHistorically urban areas were settled due to their natural setting: their climate, coastlines, rivers, the form of the land, and the qualities of the soil. Increasingly, however, it is now the ecosystem that is affected by the city.

Urban land use consists of areas where much of the land is covered by buildings and structures. Included in this category are cities, towns, villages, strip developments along highways, transportation, power, and communications facilities, and areas such as those occupied by mills, shopping centers, industrial and commercial complexes, and institutions that may, in some instances, be isolated from urban areas.

Industrial land use varies from light manufacturing to heavy manufacturing plants. Identification of light industries those focused on design, assembly, finishing, processing, and packaging of products. Light industrial areas may be, but are not necessarily, directly in contact with urban areas; many are now found at airports or in relatively open country. Heavy industries such as steel mills and oil refineries use raw materials such as iron ore, timber, or coal.

Agricultural land use consists of land bearing crops, much of which is then fed to livestock to yield meat, dairy and poultry products. The number of farms in Canada has declined, but those that remain have become larger and more productive. This transformation was made possible by greater mechanization, the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, new and better crop varieties, and innovative farming practices. Over time, some of these advances have clearly compromised environmental health, including water quality.

Forest land is land stocked with trees capable of producing timber or other wood products, and exerts an influence on the climate or water regime.

There are approximately 418 million ha of forests in Canada, accounting for about 10 percent of the world’s forests. Our forests contribute $34 billion to Canada’s GDP and provide 376,000 direct jobs for Canadians. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of forest products ($40 billion in 2003). Canada’s forests are not only vital to our economy, but also to our nation’s water supply. Forests are an integral part of the hydrological cycle; they recycle water to the atmosphere, which decreases water transport into ground and surface water. In addition, they filter air and water, moderate climate, provide habitat for wildlife, stabilize soil, and form a dominant feature of Canada’s economy, culture, traditions and history.

Wetlands are the best natural filtering system for lakes and rivers - they act as nature's 'kidneys'. They are also:

• Natural regulators - wetlands, like sponges, absorb water and release it during dry spells. In this way they reduce flooding and the effects of drought, and replenish the water table
• Purifiers - as water flows through lakes it is naturally filtered, in wetlands bacteria, vegetation, and animals illiminate many harmful impurities. These areas act as a barrier against sediment and chemical substances, filtering and eliminating faecal coliform; for example.
• Leisure and Interpretation Areas - wetlands are places where people can enjoy outdoor activities, and they are great for observing flora and fauna.