Urban heat islands as agricultural opportunities: An innovative approach

GDDs in Toronto have increased from an average around 1000 in the mid-1800's to an average around 1500 today, but have remained unchanged in the rural area outside the city. The urbanization of Toronto has caused longer, hotter growing seasons, and warmer winters. Given the appropriate microclimate combined with UHI effects Toronto could likely support the growth of warmer-climate crops that would not otherwise grow successfully in Ontario.