Comment 24 – comments and feedback

Kathy Rowe

I am one of 5,000 residents who live in the Centennial Community. Centennial is a small area that lies in southeast Scarborough between Meadowvale Rd. to the west and Port Union Rd to the east. Our north south boundaries are Old Kingston Rd and Lake Ontario. I am the president of the Centennial Community Recreation Association (CCRA).

As a resident of what is currently known as the Scarborough Rouge Park riding, I am very much opposed to the proposed electoral boundary changes of this riding. Firstly, the commission proposes a name change to Guildwood. I have spoken to many residents in our area, and not one is in favour of being associated as part of the Guildwood riding. Guildwood and Rouge Park are very distinct names which reflect significant landmarks within their boundaries. Should these new boundaries take hold, I contest that the name Southeast Scarborough would be a much more appropriate district name.

Secondly and much more importantly, I object to the reduction from six to five federal political ridings in Scarborough. The population of Scarborough is growing rapidly and requires more political representation, not less. These proposed federal electoral boundaries will then become the provincial electoral boundaries. This is a very poor decision for the residents of Scarborough. The stress on our political leaders will only increase as they attempt to lead in larger areas containing a wider range of needs and challenges.

The commission needs to maintain 6 ridings for Scarborough so that Scarborough can maintain a healthy democracy.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Kathy Rowe, CCRA President

To The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission

To whom it may concern,

On behalf of the Centennial Community Recreation Association of which I am president, I express opposition to the proposed federal electoral boundaries for our section of Scarborough and the entirety of Scarborough. The Centennial community consists of approximately five thousand residents and is in the southeast corner of Scarborough near Pickering. This area of Scarborough currently known as Scarborough Rouge Park, has a rich history and a solid identity. We do not identify as Guildwood – our neighbours to the west. This name change does not reflect our part of the riding. The proposed boundaries show Scarborough Rouge Park to the north of the 401 highway and Scarborough Guildwood south of the 401 highway. The name Scarborough Southeast would be much more fitting than Scarborough Guildwood.

More importantly, Scarborough as a whole is still playing catch up with the rest of Toronto. Scarborough is incredibly large in area and is significantly diverse in culture, language, and income. We are way behind in our transit development and housing. Political representation is critical to the success of Scarborough. Scarborough simply cannot afford to be reduced to five electoral districts. Our communities will suffer this loss. Knowing that these proposed federal boundaries will in turn become provincial and municipal boundaries, the issue of losing an electoral seat becomes even more dire to the success of Scarborough.

I urge the commission to reconsider the proposed electoral boundaries to Scarborough.

Sincerely,

Kathy Rowe
CCRA President