Ward 9 (York Centre)

View Ward 9 (York Centre) in a larger map

Memories of the Downsview early morning explosion in August 2008 still linger in Ward 9.

The blast at Sunrise Propane, at 54 Murray Rd. northwest of Keele Street and Wilson Avenue, ripped through the neighbourhood just before 4 a.m. on Aug. 10 2008, killing Sunrise employee Parminder Singh Saini, 25.

Veteran firefighter Bob Leek collapsed and died at the scene. The explosion also left more than 12,000 residents temporarily homeless.

Meanwhile, many residents are worried that proposed development at Downsview Park will strain already over-burdened services in the community.

The park’s board of directors is overseeing plans to develop the 572-acre park into five neighbourhoods with residential, commercial and environmental features.

Councillor Maria Augimeri said former prime minister Jean Chretien’s Liberal government “hoodwinked” the community into believing the entire area would become a park.

She is also worried the proposed development could overwhelm services in the area.

CANDIDATES
Gianfranco Amendola
Maria Augimeri
Wilson Basantes
Gus Cusimano
Stefano Picone


DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Population by age group
Age 14 and under 7,970 18.0%
Age 15 to 24 5,470 12.4%
Age 25 to 44 12,970 29.3%
Age 45 to 64 10,325 23.3%
Age 65 and over 7,515 17.0%
TOTAL 44,250 100.0%


Top 10 countries by origin
Country/Area
Total Immigration
Percentage of Total
Italy 7,325 28.4%
Caribbean 3,000 11.6%
Vietnam 2,610 10.1%
Philippines 1,235 4.8%
Guyana 905 3.5%
Central America
 890 3.4%
India 825 3.2%
West Africa 625 2.4%
Sri Lanka
 545 2.1%
Portugal 475 1.8%
Other 7,395 28.6%
TOTAL 25,830 100.0%


Education – Highest level completed by age group
Age 15 to 24 Age 25 to 64
Total Population (20% sample data) = 5,360 Total Population (20% sample data) = 23,055

Age 65 and over LEGEND
Total Population (20% sample data) = 7,450


Family household information
Average family income $42,010
Total single parent families 2,180
Family with children at home 5,050