Comment 8 – comments and feedback

Howard J. Levine

Having reviewed the proposed redistribution for the federal electoral district that would include my residence, I wish to express my strong opposition to the proposal.

Having moved to Grimsby in late 2019, I have experienced almost three years living in this very unique town, most of which occurred during the pandemic. Geographers would classify the town as a "linear conurbation", a physical form that is fairly rare in Canada. The Niagara Escarpment that hovers over the entire length of the town is the magnificent feature of Grimsby with which all residents take much joy, pride and wonder. It is the NIAGARA Escarpment, not anything else. Moreover, this town proclaims itself as the "Gateway to Niagara".

My cursory research tells me that since Confederation, Grimsby has always been represented by Members of Parliament whose ridings incorporated other communities to the immediate east of the town along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, i.e. TOWARDS NIAGARA! The orientation has historically been towards Niagara. Moreover, the Town of Grimsby is one of twelve components of the Regional Municipality of Niagara since 1970 when the Region was established by the Province of Ontario. Prior to then, Grimsby was within the County of Lincoln which included St. Catharines, Beamsville and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

I recognise the importance of redistribution as a critical component of Canada's democratic integrity. Furthermore, I revere the independent and non-political operation of the redistribution process in this country. I welcome and appreciate with utmost sincerity the opportunity to provide input thereto. Accordingly, I urge the Commission to reconsider its proposal to marry Grimsby with Hamilton to the west. Grimsby must retain its affiliation with Niagara to the east.

Yours sincerely,

Howard J. Levine