Comment 102 – comments and feedback

Peter Tabuns, MPP for Toronto-Danforth

Re: Proposed changes to Toronto-Danforth

Dear Justice Leitch, Dr. Bird and Dr. Loewen,

Thank you for your work as members of the Ontario Commission and for the opportunity to participate in the decennial review of our electoral boundaries.

I understand that the current population of Toronto-Danforth is below the electoral quotient, and as a result our boundaries must change. I agree with your proposed changes to the Toronto-Danforth boundary for the following reasons.

Reason 1 – Shared History and Geographically Sound

Your proposed boundary extends the eastern border of Toronto-Danforth from Coxwell Ave to Glebemount Ave north of the Danforth. The neighbourhoods between Coxwell Ave and Glebemount Ave north of the Danforth have a long-standing shared history as they were part of the old borough of East York. Therefore, there is a natural contiguity of neighbourhoods within the new proposed eastern section of Toronto-Danforth.

In addition, I support your recommendation to keep the Don Valley as the western and northern boundary of Toronto-Danforth. The Don Valley is a significant physical barrier that separates downtown Toronto and the east end, which are two distinct communities within the city.

Reason 2 – Shared Service and Business Area

Your proposal fits well with the existing service areas of community hubs and businesses. The East York Civic Centre and Michael Garron Hospital already service the community on both sides of Coxwell Ave. The strip of small business on both sides of Coxwell Ave, south of O'Connor Drive will now be included in the same riding. Given the existing service and business areas, the continuation of Toronto-Danforth to Glebemount Ave will work well for our community.

Reason 3 – Shared Identity and Interests

Based on census data, I believe your proposal maintains communities of shared identity and shared interests. I compared data from an existing Toronto-Danforth neighbourhood (census track 5350187.00) to data from one of the neighbourhoods you proposed to add (census track 5350188.00). I found that both neighbourhoods had nearly identical population density and median age statistics. Moreover, both neighbourhoods have similar average household sizes, median income and share commonly spoken languages. Therefore, I believe your proposal is a good fit for neighbourhoods on both sides of Coxwell Ave as they share the same demographics.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback to the Commission. I believe the boundary changes you propose are well thought out and will serve our community effectively. I especially appreciate your diligence and effort to maintain Toronto-Danforth as an east end community, separated from the downtown by the Don Valley.

Please let me know if you would like more detail or clarification regarding my submission. Sincerely,

Peter Tabuns, MPP Toronto-Danforth