#Briefing on Federal Electoral District of Eglinton—Lawrence, Canada

The Federal Electoral District of Eglinton—Lawrence is located in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is part of the city of Toronto, and the district is nestled between the districts of York Centre and Don Valley West. The district is known for its diverse population, bustling economy, and numerous landmarks.

##Population centres Eglinton—Lawrence is home to several significant cities and towns, such as the neighbourhood of Lawrence Park, which boasts some of the city’s most affluent residents. The district also includes the neighbourhoods of North Toronto, Bedford Park, and Forest Hill. Additionally, the district is home to several ethnic enclaves, including those of Italian and Jewish communities.

##Issues and events Between 2019 and 2022, Eglinton—Lawrence faced several local issues that gained attention. One of such issues was the controversy surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the Lawrence Heights project. Residents of the Lawrence Heights neighbourhood raised their concerns over losing affordable housing and being displaced from their community. Additionally, in 2022, the district made headlines when a development, Lawrence-Allen Centre, was proposed to erect 3 high-rise buildings on the site. The concern of the residents was the overwhelming density and negative impact on community character.

##Economy Eglinton—Lawrence’s economy is diverse, with various employers and industries playing a significant role in the area. Several major employers in the district include IBM Canada, the Hospital for Sick Children, and Toronto Grace Health Centre. The district’s economy is driven by a dynamic mix of industries including retail, real estate, healthcare, and financial services. In recent years, one significant event that had an impact on the district’s economy was the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown regulations and restrictions caused many businesses to shut down or reduce their operations, which had a negative impact on the local economy.

##Important landmarks Eglinton—Lawrence is home to numerous landmarks, including parks, historical sites, and natural attractions. The district includes several parks, such as the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, which is a stunning garden that was created to honour the composer of Canada’s national anthem. Other notable landmarks include the Ontario Science Centre, home to numerous exhibits and interactive installations, and the Casa Loma, a sprawling castle-turned-museum in the middle of the district.

##Arts and culture Eglinton—Lawrence is a district with a rich cultural heritage, which is celebrated in various community events and institutions. The district has numerous cultural events taking place throughout the year, such as the Toronto Jewish Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. Additionally, the artistic community thrives in the district, with several arts organizations such as the Toronto Dance Theatre and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Orchestra being located in the area.

##Electoral issues During the 2021 federal election, the main economic and social issues that Eglinton—Lawrence faced included affordable housing, the cost of living, and the local economy’s competitiveness. Candidates vying for the district’s seat focused on how they plan to reduce the cost of living for the residents while making the district competitive in the global market.

##Community organizations Eglinton—Lawrence is home to several community organizations that play an essential role in the district’s social and economic development. These include the Lawrence Heights Community Resource Centre, which provides programs and services to the community, such as educational workshops and job training. Additionally, the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre offers various educational and recreational programs for youth and adults alike. Other significant organizations include the Forest Hill Village Business Improvement Area, a group dedicated to promoting local businesses.

##Multicultural groups Eglinton—Lawrence is known for its cultural diversity, with numerous cultural demographic segments in the district. The Italian community has a significant presence in the district, with several Italian restaurants, cafes and more. Additionally, the neighbourhoods with the Bathurst and Wilson Intersection and the Lawrence Avenue West and Dufferin Street Intersection are two recognized well-known ‘Jewish neighbourhoods’. Other significant cultural groups in the district include Indo-Canadians, Black Canadians and Chinese-Canadians.

In conclusion, Eglinton—Lawrence is a district with a diverse population, dynamic economy, and numerous landmarks. Its cultural heritage is celebrated through various events, and community organizations play a vital role in its development. Despite the local issues and challenges the district has faced, the constituents’ resolve and determination have always been its strongest suit.