Briefing on York Centre Electoral District

Welcome to York Centre! Located in the province of Ontario, York Centre is one of the 338 federal electoral districts in Canada. It is situated north of Toronto and south of Vaughan, making it an ideal location for commuters. This district encompasses several important neighbourhoods, including Newtonbrook, Willowdale, and Bathurst Manor, among others.

Population Centres

York Centre includes several significant cities/towns, including:

• Newtonbrook: This neighborhood was originally a part of Willowdale, is home to some of the city's largest Asian communities.
• Bathurst Manor: This community is known for its large Orthodox Jewish community and multi-generational families.
• Wilson Heights: This is a vibrant, multicultural community with a diverse population.

Issues and Events

In recent years, York Centre has seen its share of issues and events that have impacted the local community. Some of these include:

• Development and Growth: A major issue in York Centre over the years has been the rapid growth and development of the community. Many residents are concerned with traffic congestion, overcrowding schools and lack of green space.
• Community Safety: Recently, there has been a focus on addressing community safety, such as burglaries and break-ins.
• Diversity and Inclusivity: York Centre strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates diversity.

Economy

York Centre is home to several major employers, including:

• York University: This institution employs a significant portion of the local community and is home to more than 53,000 students and 7,000 staff.
• Baycrest: A world-renowned facility for brain health, Baycrest provides care and services for seniors with cognitive impairment and research into aging and brain function.
• Air Canada: The airline industry is essential to the regional economy, and Air Canada is a major employer in the district.

One recent event that has had a significant impact on the economy in this district is the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a profound impact on small businesses and the tourism industry.

Important Landmarks

There are several significant attractions in York Centre, such as:

• Downsview Park: a large urban park with trails, sports fields, and a lake.
• Ontario Science Centre: an interactive museum devoted to science and technology.
• Black Creek Pioneer Village: a living history museum that depicts life in pioneer Toronto.

Arts and Culture

York Centre has a vibrant arts and culture sector, with several significant cultural events and institutions, such as:

• Toronto Centre for the Arts: a performing arts theatre showcasing a range of local and international talent.
• North York Arts: an organization that aims to support and promote arts and culture in the community.
• The Art Gallery of York University: a contemporary art museum that showcases works by emerging and established Canadian artists.

Electoral Issues

During the 2021 federal election, the main economic and social issues facing York Centre included affordable housing, access to healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic, and traffic congestion.

Community Organizations

There are several key community organizations that serve York Centre, including:

• Bathurst-Wilson Community Partnership: a volunteer-led organization that aims to foster community development and economic vitality in the Bathurst Manor and Wilson Heights neighborhoods.
• North York Community House: a non-profit organization that provides social services, settlement services, and community development initiatives for newcomers.
• North York Harvest Food Bank: dedicated to providing support and fighting hunger in the community.

Multicultural Groups

York Centre is one of Ontario's most diverse electoral districts, with a multifarious and multicultural population. The most significant cultural groups in this district are South Asians, Filipinos, Chinese, and Koreans.

Overall, York Centre is a diverse, multicultural community that is experiencing growth and development challenges. However, the community organizations and cultural institutions in the area help enrich the community, making it a welcoming and vibrant place to live, work and visit.