As Toronto continues to experience a surge of population growth and high-density development throughout parts of the city, the population of many of wards has been changing at drastically different levels. While some of the city's 44 wards have reported stable, predictable population growth (in the 15 years since the current ward system was implemented), others have seen populations skyrocket, as new residents flood the skyscrapers that have suddenly come to dominate many neighborhoods over the last decade.
The City of Toronto has responded to the increasingly unequal demographics—which can create disparities in voting—by conducting a review of ward boundaries. Called 'Draw the Lines,' the ward boundary review has drawn on expert input and public consultation to propose five options for new ward boundaries. UrbanToronto took a detailed look at the five ward boundary options last month, all of which which propose very different solutions to the current disparity. Now, additional public input is being sought to help guide the creation of the final Ward Boundary Review Report, which is to be presented to the Executive Committee and City Council in March of 2016.
Current ward boundaries, image courtesy of the City of Toronto
In addition to an ongoing online survey, a new series of public meetings has now been announced, giving residents and community interests the chance to express their thoughts, preferences, and concerns, in an open forum. The first meetings are taking place in North York this week:
- Wednesday, September 16th, 7-9 PM. Fairbank Memorial Community Centre, 2213 Dufferin St.
- Thursday, September 17th, 7-9 PM. Oakdale Community Centre, 350 Grandravine Dr.
- Saturday, September 19th, 10 AM to noon. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2737 Bayview Ave.
Following the North York meetings, Etobicoke-York, Toronto/East York, and Scarborough will each host three community meetings throughout October, with a full schedule available here.
We will keep you updated as Draw the Lines continues to take shape. In the meantime, additional information is available on the official website, including the online survey. News about the program is also periodically available on the City of Toronto website here.
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