Comment 273 – comments and feedback

Karen Hughes

The purpose of this letter is to express my concern with respect to the proposed changes to the Federal Electoral Districts, particularly the loss of an electoral riding in Scarborough. As a long-term resident of Scarborough, I find this proposal very concerning since it does not recognize our current community relationships, loses the linkages to the historical community relationships and fails to recognize the population growth that is occurring within our community.

The current proposal takes out a large portion of Scarborough North, and a sizable portion of Scarborough-Agincourt, and collapses areas of these communities into a new riding called Scarborough Northwest. This not only breaks up existing communities, but it redistributes a sizeable portion of Scarborough-Agincourt into North York. This breaks up our existing community relationships that have been developed over many years including the close relationship with the Bridlewood neighbourhood, a key part of the community. The reference to Agincourt in our community is recognized at both the municipal and provincial levels and should be maintained at the federal level. Scarborough northwest is not a community but a reference to a geographic area which loses the importance of our community.

The current proposal breaks up police services from 42 Division, health care services and social and seniors' community services. The richness of our community and it's unique needs with the significant numbers of seniors, newcomers, families, and immigrants should be maintained and not minimalized as proposed by the realignment. Over the decades, our communities have created an interconnected network of services that meet Scarborough's unique needs.

In addition, the proposal does not consider the future growth that is occurring within the community. This is probably one of the most significant concerns. There are numerous developments happening right now all along Sheppard Ave. E., and even more in the planning approval stages, including the Agincourt Mall 5,000-unit condominium/retail development, and the current Village Green (Kennedy and 401) condominium expansion. The Agincourt Mall project is the largest residential development application in Scarborough and the 2nd largest residential application in the City of Toronto. The 2021 census does not take into account these developments, which, if factored in will substantially increase the population of Scarborough-Agincourt. The future growth and potential for new housing options to help fulfill the anticipated population growth in Toronto and the significant need for more housing units to support this growth which will occur within our community have not been considered as part of this new boundary proposal. Further diminishing our overall representation in Ottawa is a significant concern and should be reconsidered now as opposed to needing to be changed in a few years.

As the population of Scarborough (not just Scarborough Agincourt), continues to grow with new developments throughout, the strong representation of six members of parliament is required to support this ever growing community. As others have stated, one less voice from Scarborough is one less voice for health care, subways, seniors, residents, and businesses. Our community's voice should not be diminished.

Please take these concerns seriously and keep Scarborough-Agincourt and Scarborough North as distinct ridings. Fair representation for Scarborough is an important element of the federal democracy.

Sincerely,

Karen Hughes