Comment 339 – comments and feedback

Rina Camarra

Attached is a letter with supporting signatures from community members within York Centre. The letter outlines our concern surrounding the electoral boundaries that have been proposed. A hard copy of this package has also been mailed to you. As you may not receive the hard copy in time, this email has the same contents./p>

Thank you in advance for your considerations,

Rina Camarra

Redistribution Federal Electoral Districts
Ontario Commission
PO Box 37018 Southdale
London, Ontario
N6E 3T3

ON@redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca
www.redistribution2022.ca

October 25, 2022

Re: York Centre; request to return to historical boundaries

The Commission has proposed to change the boundaries of York Centre to include: commencing at the intersection of the northerly limit of said city and Village Gate; thence southerly along said road to Greenwin Village Road; thence easterly along said road to Chelmsford Avenue; thence generally southerly along said avenue to Drewry Avenue; thence easterly along said avenue to Grantbrook Street; thence southerly along said street to Finch Avenue West; thence easterly along said avenue to Yonge Street; thence southerly along said street to Highway 401 (Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, Ontario 401 Express); thence southwesterly and westerly along said highway to Keele Street; thence northerly along said street to the northerly limit of said city.

For approximately two decades the established neighbourhoods surrounding and already connected to Downsview Park, as per the historical boundaries, have been actively engaging in the development of said Park. Neighbourhoods within Downsview Park that have been created and coexist with not only the surrounding communities but also other sections within Downsview Park. Developers have maintained community engagement events to strengthen these communities. Therefore, Downsview Park is the centre of York Centre uniting the district.

The redistribution proposal will divide newly established communities within Downsview Park. Additionally, it will put at risk further division for the projected communities that are geared to serve a highly diverse and multigenerational demographics both within the Park and surrounding communities. As Downsview Park further develops, not only does it strengthen itself; but also, the surrounding communities that have contributed to its creation.

This community shares many services within the surrounding and established neighbourhoods. The proposed changes will therefore risk any issues with the divided community to be diluted. This may cause issues for the needs of the community with other levels of government representation.

By dividing Downsview Park it will result in an additional elected representative. The accountability for these neighbourhoods will be reduced and therefore the needs of the community will be adversely affected.

By extending the boundaries to Yonge Street, the proposed changes will divide the neighbourhood of Willowdale. In dividing this neighbourhood, it will duplicate the dangers of reduced accountability and diluted issues as explained above.

Sincerely,
Rina Camarra

We, the undersigned agree with the request to return to historical boundaries for York Centre:

redacted: 64 names and addresses