Comment 176 – comments and feedback

Dr. Scott Xie, Town Councillor Elect, Ward 7 Oakville

I would like to start by recognizing your important work at the electoral boundaries commission in Ontario. As a Town Councillor-elect representing Ward 7 Oakville, I join many concerned residents in my community and across from the province to oppose the proposed new riding boundaries for election purposes. Ward 7 is poised to be reconfigured into a Georgetown/Milton riding under the new proposal.

As a growing community with residents of diverse backgrounds, Ward 7 has enjoyed its niche as a recently developed neighbourhood nestled in the town of Oakville. Over the past 8 years, home owners paid a fair share in property taxes and all residents contributed significantly to the growth of Oakville North. The majority of them have demonstrated a strong sense of belonging to the town they are part of. Such bond and identity — being a resident of Oakville - is a reflection of the collective will in our community. Nothing against other neighbouring towns, but the current proposal is not made in the best interest of Ward 7 residents as their specific needs and expectations in this riding will not align with those from Georgetown/Milton.

Without merit-based findings and statistically significant support among affected residents, I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposal and call on the commission take re-evaluate the overwhelming displeasure from the community, implications on identity recognition and the eventual benefits, if any, this proposal can actually translate into.

Sincerely,

Dr. Scott Xie

Town Councillor Elect

Ward 7 Oakville