Humber River—Black Creek Federal Electoral District

Humber River—Black Creek is a federal electoral district in Canada. Located in the province of Ontario, it is represented in the House of Commons of Canada. The district is bounded by the CN Rail line to the west, the 400-series highway to the north, the Humber River to the east, and Steeles Avenue to the south.

Population Centres

The major cities and towns in the Humber River—Black Creek electoral district include North York, Downsview, and Jane and Finch. North York is central to the district and has a rich cultural history. Downsview was a former Canadian Forces Base and now is the home to many key employers in the aerospace and technology sectors. Jane and Finch is a diverse and economically challenged neighbourhood in the district that is being revitalized in order to become a safe and well-serviced community.

Issues and Events

Between 2019 and 2022, Humber River—Black Creek experienced a number of significant issues and events that were locally specific to the district. One major issue has been the revitalization of Jane and Finch. Community groups are working with government and local businesses to bring investment, resources, and jobs to the area. In addition, the district was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, signaling a need for more efforts to support small businesses and provide resources to disadvantaged communities.

Economy

Major employers in the Humber River—Black Creek area include Bombardier Aerospace, Downsview Park, Humber River Hospital, and the Canada Post Gateway West plant. These companies create a diverse economic landscape that is centered on aerospace, healthcare, transportation, and logistics. An important recent event that has had a profound impact on the economy of the district is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to job losses and business closures.

Important Landmarks

Important landmarks in the Humber River—Black Creek electoral district include Downsview Park, Humber River Hospital, Black Creek Pioneer Village, and the North York Centre. Downsview Park is a large 231-acre urban park that offers a variety of recreational opportunities and hosts a range of events throughout the year. The Humber River Hospital is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, while Black Creek Pioneer Village is a living history museum showcasing the daily life of Ontario’s early settlers. The North York Centre is a cultural hub and entertainment complex that houses a theatre, art gallery, and several offices.

Arts and Culture

The Humber River—Black Creek district is home to a number of cultural and arts institutions. These include the Toronto Centre for the Arts, where live theatre and music performances take place, as well as the North York Civic Centre, which hosts a range of community events and festivals throughout the year. In addition, the Confederation of Somali Community in Canada provides various services to the Somali Canadian community including settlement and integration.

Electoral Issues

During the 2021 federal election, the economic and social issues faced by the district included job creation, healthcare, and affordable housing. Each political party proposed various plans to address these issues, with job creation being a key priority across the board.

Community Organizations

Five important community organizations in Humber River—Black Creek include:

• The North York Community House, which provides settlement and integration services to new immigrants.
• The Jane Finch Community and Family Centre, which aims to empower the community and to promote social change.
• The Humber College Community Employment Services, which provides job search assistance and training to those seeking employment.
• The Black Creek Alliance, which advocates for the safety and well-being of residents of Jane and Finch.
• The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), which is responsible for protecting and managing the natural resources within the electoral district.

Multicultural Groups

The Humber River—Black Creek district boasts a rich and diverse population, with significant cultural representation from the Caribbean, the Somali, the Filipino, and the Latin American communities. These groups contribute to the cultural richness of the district, and a range of cultural and food festivals take place throughout the year to celebrate their heritage.

Overall, the Humber River—Black Creek electoral district is a diverse, vibrant, and economically significant area of Toronto with a rich cultural history. The community is working together to address local issues and to create a better future for all residents of the district.