Comment 226 – comments and feedback

Patrick Power
Roberta Power

As longstanding Scarborough residents we have the following concerns:

1. Scarborough should retain six ridings.
2. Scarborough's western border should remain along Victoria Park, from the lake to Steeles, as it has been since the inception of Scarborough.
   Why?

1. Scarborough is a community of interest with integrated public services and distinctive neighbourhoods, which shouldn't be broken up.
2. Scarborough's population is consistently undercounted due to residents who are less likely to complete a census form, especially during a pandemic: newcomers with English language limitations, those living in precarious housing, refugee claimants, international students, and temporary foreign workers. Researchers estimate this undercounting to be in the order of 50,000 residents.
3. Equity for our diverse communities.
4. More housing in the development pipeline, which will increase Scarborough's population even more.
5. Local business have historical connections to our community.
6. The Commission's recommendations will reduce Scarborough's representation at all three levels of government.
7. Fairness. Scarborough's (and Toronto's) population grows, but we lose a seat to areas that are growing even faster, while other parts of Ontario and Canada that aren't growing have their representation protected. Why?

Patrick & Roberta Power