Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the committee members for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the constituents of King—Vaughan regarding the proposed changes to the federal electoral boundaries.
The proposed boundaries adjustment for the Township of King within the riding of King—Vaughan has divided King Township, thereby isolating a very important community. Currently, ward 6 in the Township of King has not been included in the King—Vaughan redistribution proposal.
Ward 6 follows the Holland Marsh north of Highway 9 until it intersects with Bathurst Street. The Holland Marsh and the historical significance of King Township includes the communities of Ansnorveldt and Glenville.
As stated by the redistribution commission, one part of the criteria used to determine the new federal electoral boundaries is to respect communities of interest or identity, for example, communities based around language or a shared culture and history. Currently, ward 6 falls in the riding of York—Simcoe. It has been proposed that it fall in the riding of New Tecumseth—Bradford.
The Holland Marsh and the communities Ansnorveldt and Glenville within ward 6 have significant historical ties to King Township and, by not including them in the riding of King—Vaughan, will be isolated from the rest of our community. The Holland Marsh has had a significant historical tie to the Township of King since 1925. The community of Ansnorveldt is credited with being home to the first year-round settler in the area since 1934. In the early 1800s, the community of Glenville established the first sector of the industry in the area, and today many residents of King continue to buy their produce from the local farmers' market.
Both the mayor and councillor of the Township of King are supportive of this proposal, which I have included in my written submission. Mrs. Avia Eek, the current councillor of ward 6, and her husband and family, are third-generation Holland Marsh farmers. They have focused on agriculture, environment and economic development for the community. Mrs. Eek represents her community with pride and commitment, ensuring that the continued growth of our agriculture is not jeopardized. This is just one example of the community support for today's proposal.
King Township is known as the community of small communities. It prides itself on the fact that, although each village has its own unique character and charm, collectively each population has a strong sense of community under the umbrella of King—Vaughan. Therefore, I ask PROC to reconsider the redistribution, respect the history of King and keep this community of small communities as one by including ward 6 in the federal riding of King—Vaughan.
Thank you.