Briefing on the Federal Electoral District of Scarborough—Rouge Park

The Federal Electoral District of Scarborough—Rouge Park is located in the eastern part of the City of Toronto in Canada. This electoral district comprises several neighbourhoods in Scarborough, including Malvern, Rouge, Highland Creek, and West Hill. It is known for its picturesque parks, natural spaces, and cultural diversity.

Population centres

The key population centres in the district are Malvern, Rouge, Highland Creek, and West Hill. These neighbourhoods are significant because they are home to a diverse population that includes people from different nationalities, races, and cultures. Malvern, for instance, has a large immigrant population, with a significant number of residents from South Asia and the Caribbean. Rouge is known for its natural beauty and recreational activities, such as hiking and camping.

Issues and events

Between 2019 and 2022, the district saw several key news events and issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising housing prices, and gun violence. In 2019, there was a surge in gun violence in the district, which prompted the authorities to take measures to address the problem. In 2020, the pandemic had a marked impact on the economy and the community, leading to widespread job losses, business closures, and social disruption.

Economy

The major employers in the district are the public sector, education, healthcare, and retail. The University of Toronto's Scarborough Campus and Centennial College are prominent educational institutions located in the district. The healthcare sector is also a significant employer, with several hospitals and clinics that serve the community. The retail sector is well-developed, with several shopping centres and plazas, including the Malvern Town Centre and the Cedarbrae Mall.

One of the most notable recent events in the district's economy was the opening of the Amazon Fulfillment Centre in 2021. This massive warehouse facility is expected to create around 1000 jobs in the area, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Important landmarks

The district has several parks and natural attractions, such as the Rouge National Urban Park, which is the largest urban park in North America, and the Highland Creek Ravine, which has a network of hiking trails and scenic lookout points. Other notable landmarks in the district include the Toronto Zoo, which is one of the largest zoos in Canada, and the Scarborough Bluffs, which is a stunning geological formation that rises over 60 metres above Lake Ontario.

Arts and culture

The district has a diverse range of cultural events and institutions, including the Afro-Caribbean Cultural Centre, which promotes the arts and culture of the African and Caribbean communities in the area, and the Toronto Chinese Orchestra, which showcases traditional Chinese music. The district also hosts several annual events, such as the Scarborough Ribfest, which features live music and food vendors, and the Malvern Winterfest, which celebrates the winter season with ice skating, snowshoeing, and other activities.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, the major economic and social issues in the district were affordable housing, job security, and healthcare. Many residents were concerned about the rising cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and the impact of the pandemic on the community's health and well-being.

Community organizations

There are several important economic and social community organizations in the district, including:

1. Malvern Family Resource Centre - provides support and services to families, children, and youth in the area.
2. West Hill Community Services - offers programs and services that promote community development and social inclusion.
3. Muslim Welfare Centre - provides emergency relief, child welfare, and community development services to Muslims and others in need.
4. Highland Creek Community Association - promotes community engagement, social events, and advocacy for the preservation of the natural environment.
5. East Scarborough Storefront - provides a range of services and programs that support community development, economic empowerment, and social justice.

Multicultural groups

The most significant cultural demographic segments in the district are people of South Asian, African, and Caribbean heritage. Other cultural groups in the district include Chinese, Filipino, and Indigenous peoples.

In conclusion, Scarborough—Rouge Park is a vibrant and diverse district in the City of Toronto, with a rich culture, natural beauty, and strong community spirit. The district faces several economic and social challenges, but it is also home to several community organizations, cultural institutions, and landmarks that make it a unique and special place to visit or live.