Comment 367 – comments and feedback
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Denis Lanoue
I have attached my written submission to your commission as I will not be able to attend the October 18 meeting in Scarborough.
Regards,
Denis Lanoue
Attachment:
Objection to Federal electoral plan to reduce Scarborough representation
My name is Denis Lanoue, president of the Heathwood Ratepayers Association (HRA) representing 1350 single family homes in the quadrant Kennedy to Birchmount/ Steeles to McNicoll in Scarborough Agincourt.
I will not be able to attend in person your October 18 hearing at Scarborough Civic Centre and I want to register HRA strong opposition to reducing Scarborough representation from 6 ridings to 5.
HRA is requesting that:
- Scarborough retain six seats
- Victoria Park remain the Western Boundary for Scarborough ridings
Here is why:
A: Scarborough historical Identity should remain especially in Scarborough Agincourt where it goes back more than 100 years. HRA with other Community Associations has been very active over the past 40 years to improve the quality of life of our residents. We were recently able to amalgamate the 3 Scarborough Hospitals into the Scarborough Health Network.
The subway is being extended to add 3 stations in Scarborough.
The Stouffville GO train line upgrades will provide service every 15 minutes to downtown Toronto and add a new Finch station.
The boundaries of our ridings are the same at the federal, provincial and municipal level and our Community Associations work together to represent Scarborough as a whole.
B: Undocumented residents distort your numbers
You have to live in Scarborough to witness the large population
of new residents which were not picked up by the recent census. They live in rooming houses, basements etc. We estimate that 8% of our Scarborough population is undocumented which represents 50,000 residents who if added would remove your justification to redesign our ridings.
C: Major Housing Developments Underway
HRA has participated in several major development reviews for Scarborough Agincourt. 10,380 new units are coming up and will add 20,000 to 30,000 new residents in Agincourt alone.
Your commission should consider further growth approved and new applications now in planning before reducing representation.
Denis Lanoue
President, Heathwood Ratepayers Association