4 bd 3 REETI ROHILLA rrohilla@metroland.com The proposed redistribution of the fed- eral electoral districts has drawn a mixed community reaction — largely negative. The proposed changes" would divide = Halton Hills between the districts of = Georg etown-Milton East and Wellington- & & Halton, separating Georgetown and ‘Acton 2 asa result. - “We don't want the urban sprawl. It's a sleepy little hollow that wants to stay this way," said Ruth Rocheleau, who has been a Georgetown resident for about two de- des. eager rae fears merging with larger ‘ban settin; would compromise the ar- Halton Hills | Thursday, October 27, 2022 | will ju: Brampton, another Scarborough, or something, and I don't want that," said Christel Weindl, a town resident for about five years. Weindl said she has seen a constant in- crease in the area's crime rates and wor- ries the proposed redistribution would fur- ther the issue. “These days, (it seems) every day there is a stabbing, there is murder," said Weindl. "When I was younger, if there was a murder people talked about it for months. Look at what has happened,” she added. Town council wrote a letter to the Fed- eral Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario requesting a reconsideration of the proposed riding Sent on Sept. 9, the letter reads: "The proposal of two districts would be especial- ly damaging to the interests of the voting population within the town," adding, "that will contribute to cynicism and lack of par- ticipation at the polls." "I just hope that they don't split Halton Hills — that's my biggest concern," said Mayor Rick Bonnette. "It will confuse peo- "the town should oe Kept together for many reasons, Bi “We've worked 80 so chart i become one town after 48 years of amalgamation. We share the same police, the same school boards, hospital and health care," Bon- nette said. Furthermore, when dealing with pro- vincial issues, Bonnette said the town would have to connect and consult with two MPPs instead of one. He believe this would elongate procedures and also cause confusion among residents seeking pro- vincial services who may be unsure which riding they fall under. [N1@ Payments 5 Mountainview Rd N, Georgetown lfgemcom (BS TRADE-IN AND RECEIVE CIRREESUN CUO IRREER Cum cael old equipment CIEREES Cer ail (905) 877-6242 * Het ly. Please ask your Cull Schedule eae Coe lited time offer, dealer participation varies. theifp.ca Based on OAC ond terms. “Fist 3 months. A four-year Georgetown resident, Marc Pearce, who appreciates the "closeness of the community," doesn't think the pro- posed change would have a substantial im- "It's primarily for electoral purpos So,I fa 't see how it would affect anything much. Over fime people would settle into it," said Peart While lack ‘of familiarity with politi- cians ofa different riding, cl chan; ged prox- siphity for disabiea seniors are some con rns that crossed e's min “most people only think. about i he pane process when the election is coming up." Wellington: Halton Hills MP Michael said he respects the work of the ion. "Due to population changes, Canada has an indepavlent commission — free of partisan interference — that determines w federal electoral district boundaries every decade based on the most recent cen- sus data. This ensures each district has roughly the same number of people and each vote roughly the same weight, up- holding the constitutional principle of re- presentation by population," said Chong. e federal electoral boundaries are re- viewed after every 10-year census. Any PROPOSED ELECTORAL RIDING REDRAW GETTING MIXED REACTIONS Reeti Rohilla/Metroland Marc Pearce doesn't feel the proposed federal lectoral boundary redistribution will intly affect the town. changes to the electoral districts will not come into effect until at least April 2024. information, visit the federal redistribution website. ¥StackTeck. SYSTEMS IS HIRING MULTIPLE CNC BORING MILL MACHINISTS! ifts a ible: Afternoons: Monday to Thursday from 4:00 pm - 2:30 am Weekends: Friday to Sunday from 3:30 pm - 4:00 am APPLY NOW on our website at stackteck.com/careers In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians vt Disabilities Act, (AODA), StackTeck \dation, accessible formats, and comm cruitment process upon request will provide accommo: EUleRoallis Company matching contributions to retirement savings plan group benefit plan al, dental & life erage Bright, clean, air-conditioned office and production environmen with quick 407 ccess and public OT opportunities available after 40 hours Educational Assi including training, develo, and post-secondary education reimbursement ance Pusat Employee Assistance Program y ol opportunities nication supports for the