Scarborough Southwest has gone back to its Liberal ways.
In 2011, the NDP’s Dan Harris was able to edge the Liberals to become Scarborough Southwest’s member of parliament. This time around he didn’t have the same luck, but he doesn’t feel that reflects his work.
Twelve years ago, Masihulla Mahebzada immigrated to Canada. He chose Cougar Court, just north of Eglinton on Markham Road, as his new home. “My life moved forward in Scarborough,” Mahebzada said. But Cougar Court has also witnessed shootings and murders, including those of 16-year-old Mahamed Adbi Warsame and 22-year-old Ricardo Erik, who were both killed in 2008 within 10 days of each other. Violent crimes, such as these, have given the Scarborough Southwest ward a tarnished reputation. “(That’s why) I thought it was time to bring changes to the community I grew up in.”
The fate of a line of century-old trees, the city has voted to cut down on Chine Drive in Scarborough, remains on hold. City plans along Chine Drive, where members of the Group of Seven artists met at one time, have called for the installation of sidewalks. And with a school located at the end of the street, city officials worry about the safety of travelling students beneath such elderly trees.
Today is his seventh wedding anniversary. Yesterday, he won re-election in Scarborough Southwest. Cheers greeted incumbent Liberal MPP Lorenzo Berardinetti as he and his wife, Coun. Michelle Berardinetti, entered his campaign office after his victory in the Oct. 6 election became clear.
After months of emotional debate, City Hall’s executive committee heard from over 200 deputations during a 20-hour marathon meeting that wrapped up early Tuesday morning.
Mayor Rob Ford and his 13-member committee heard from many Torontonians about proposed service cuts.