By Sangeeta Patel

Population: 55,410
Voter turnout in 2006 municipal election: 41 per cent

Ward 32 hugs the shore of Lake Ontario and encompasses picturesque neighbourhoods with a small-town feel. It stretches to Danforth Avenue in the north, Victoria Park Avenue in the east, Lake Ontario in the south, and Coxwell Avenue, Greenwood Avenue and Leslie Street in the west.

Only nine square kilometers in size, Beaches-East York is populated mostly by families of a variety of ethnicities and incomes, although English is the language listed as a mother tongue for 77 per cent of residents according to the 2006 census, followed by Cantonese at 2.4 per cent.

A majority of the homes were built before 1946, and are mixture of single and semi-detached homes with 59 per cent owned and 41 per cent rented by residents, according to the 2006 census. Forty-eight per cent of residents live in a variety of low and highrise apartment buildings as well.

Key Issues

Infrastructure: Since a lot of the homes were built in the pre-war era, lead water pipes and ineffective sewage systems are an issue for local residents. There is a lead pipe replacement plan in effect, but there is some delay in the changing of the current sewer lines due to potential environmental impacts in the area. In the meantime, interim options are being explored to help avoid sewage backups and flooding throughout the ward. .

TTC storage facility: Local residents are up in arms over the planned TTC light rail storage facility and yard that will be built at the southeast corner of Lakeshore Boulevard and Leslie Street. They object to the increase in congestion and noise pollution in a residential area when they feel there are alternative options in the area.

Sustainable development: Major residential development has long been an issue in ward 32. Many residents oppose the development of condominium buildings, citing environmental concerns. However, some candidates feel that a balance can be achieved between economic development and community interests. There has also been a suggestion that a community preservation panel be developed to address local issues before disputes are brought to the Ontario Municipal Board.

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