Comment 8 – comments and feedback

Christopher Harris, Clerk and Director of Legislative Services of Whitby

Re: Federal Electoral Districts Redistribution Review – Whitby Boundary Adjustment – Brooklin

This letter is on behalf of the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Whitby regarding the proposed changes to the redistribution plan for the eastern GTA electoral districts.

As you are aware, the proposed plan set forth by the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario (the "Commission") is proposing to move Brooklin, a northern community in the Town of Whitby, into the district of the City of Pickering.

Please be advised that the Council of the Town of Whitby adopted the following as Resolution #214-22 at its meeting held on September 26, 2022:

"Whereas the Federal Riding Review is indicating a preferred riding allocation that the north portion of Whitby (Brooklin area) be included in the Pickering riding;

And whereas Brooklin, Ashburn, Myrtle, and Myrtle Station along with the rural areas of Whitby included do not identify as similar to Pickering;

And whereas the growth anticipated in the very near future in both Pickering and Brooklin is known to be substantial and will require near future riding boundary shifts once again;

Now therefore it be resolved:

1. That the Council at the Town of Whitby does not support the proposed boundary alignment put forth by the federal review;
2. That the Council of the Town of Whitby suggests a historical view in looking at north Oshawa as part of the north Whitby alignment; and,
3. That Staff summarize Council's strong opposition on the matter and send the draft correspondence for Council's review prior to providing to the Federal Electoral Districts Redistribution Commission for Ontario."

In support of this resolution, Council identified the following concerns with the Commission's proposed redistribution plan related to Brooklin:

Future Population Growth

The Town of Whitby anticipates a total population growth of approximately 60,000 by the year 2031 for Brooklin. It is the opinion of Council that Brooklin's population growth, combined with projected population growth in Pickering, will result in an oversized and overpopulated district. Given the rapid population growth this proposed district will experience prior to the next census, it is highly likely that an additional review and boundary change will be required in the next 5 years.

Historical Connection

Brooklin neither currently or historically identifies with the district of the City of Pickering, both in terms of politics and geography. Rather, the northern portion of Whitby, including Brooklin, have historically identified more with the City of Oshawa. This historical connection is rich in history, with Brooklin previously being situated in Whitby Township, which split into Whitby Township and East Whitby Township in 1857. Whitby Township was amalgamated into the boundaries of the present Town of Whitby in 1967. East Whitby Township shared a close connection to Whitby Township, with East Whitby comprising the rural area surrounding the City of Oshawa that was later amalgamated into the boundaries of the present City of Oshawa.

The Council of the Town of Whitby respectfully asks that the above information be considered as part of the Commission's proposed redistribution plan, and that consideration be given to maintaining the existing boundaries of the Whitby electoral district, or should a boundary change be required, that priority be given to an alignment of north Whitby with north Oshawa.

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at 905.430.4302 or at harrisc@whitby.ca.

Sincerely,

Christopher Harris Clerk and Director of Legislative Services of Whitby