Strathcona County (next to Edmonton) was the district with the 2nd-highest median household income in Canada. And yet, 65.8% of full-time workers work outside of the county (primarily in Edmonton).

Wealthy folk make a living in the city, but residential property taxes go to their local suburban municipality. They escape paying the full cost of the services they use (parks, roads, etc), thus "exploiting" the city.

Since the city pays for most services, the suburban municipality is able to use its large tax revenue primarily on local roads, thus encouraging sprawl.

How to combat this? Well, it's on the city to use its tax dollars to provide for its own tax base. Outer suburbs don't have the voting power in the city, so the city should prioritize local, economically-sound, transit development, instead of expanding oversized highways leading outwards.

I only pick on Strathcona County cause I know the most about there. They've actually gotten less Edmonton-dependent over the years (though that might be because of Covid, which is why I used the pre-covid numbers). I actively encourage Strathcona County to become more self-reliant (essentially, densify), while working harmoniously with its neighbours.

Edmonton has also been reconsidering its relationship with its suburban neighbouring municipalities, so I eagerly await what the future holds.