Commentaire 9 – commentaires et rétroaction

Heather Cook

To Whom It May Concern;

I am writing today on behalf of the Board of Directors and small-business owners that make up the Markham Village Business Improvement Area to express substantial concerns regarding the proposed district boundary changes proposed by the Federal Electoral Boundary Commission for Markham-Stouffville.

These changes, if approved, will put a boundary down the Markham Village section of Markham Main Street, effectively splitting our BIA area in half. If this change goes forward, half the BIA would be in one federal riding—and half would be in the other.

Markham Village BIA is a thriving, heritage community that is rebuilding itself after the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the guidance of our Board of Directors, my role is to promote and beautify the area, and the businesses within, advocate for our members, foster community safety and spearhead tourism efforts so that business owners can focus on the many roles needed to run their establishments.

As small businesses across Canada are attempting to recover from the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, the problems they face are an indication of the broader challenges of fostering belonging and negating exclusion in urban life. Now more than ever, the community-management function provided by MVBIA is essential for these businesses to move forward in the unified manner that has long been the backbone of this area. Placing a boundary down Main Street Markham would fragment our community, causing undue confusion and making it harder for our small-business owners to have their voices heard.

I implore the Electoral Commission to avoid breaking up our community. It is imperative for the MVBIA, and its greater contribution to the City of Markham, that any new electoral boundaries keep the Markham Village Business Improvement Area intact.

If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at any time.

Sincerely,

Heather Cook

Manager, Markham Village BIA