KNOW YOUR RIDING: PICKERING-UXBRIDGE

From housing to rising inflation and climate concerns, Pickering-uxbridge voters have many issues to consider.

This is only the second provincial election since the riding was formed in 2015 from portions of the former PickeringScarborough East, Ajax-pickering and Durham ridings. The riding is unique in that it varies from urban Pickering in the south to rural farmland and small outlying hamlets in Uxbridge to the north.

Despite the variety of densities, housing remains a top issue throughout the riding.

"People don't build apartment buildings anymore, and that's what we do need, young people need places they can afford to live," said Uxbridge resident Bob Kirvan, noting he likes that the provincial policy of building up and not out helps to preserve farmland by keeping

development in existing residential areas, but also stresses that more housing options are needed, as well as public transportation to make that housing accessible for commuters.

He also pointed to the need for more jobs and the impact of rising costs as key issues.

The Ajax/pickering Board of Trade, where 65 per cent of the membership is made up of small businesses, echoes Kirvan's concerns, along with economic recovery, broadband connections and the ongoing labour shortage.

"It's really hard to get skilled labour in every aspect; it's a big challenge for us," said Joan Wideman, VP of corporate services for Lenbrook Canada Solutions and chair of the Board of Trade's government relations committee.

She said the committee would also like to see a plan from government on the expansion of broadband connections.

"It's a fundamental utility," she said of the lack of high-speed connectivity in areas of the riding. "What are you doing to make sure we have the structure and the strategy for that infrastructure?"

For Pickering resident David Steele, health care and long-term care are top of mind.

"I think all hospitals are understaffed, and they haven't grown with the population," he said, noting nurses especially should be increased. He also would like to see a detailed breakdown of investments to improve long-term care.

Housing and development are also top issues for Steele, who would like to see low-rise town homes built and government assistance for first-time home buyers. When it comes to development, he'd like to see the end of Minister's Zoning Orders (MZOS).

"It should go through the planning process," he said of the controversial planning tool.

While voters have sent Liberal Jennifer O'connell to Parliament twice at the federal level since the riding was formed, the 2018 election went to Conservative Peter Bethlenfalvy, who running for reelection.

"This is an election for the Progressive Conservatives to lose; they're in the driver's seat right now," said David Sheinin, a history professor at Trent University and political commentator.

He expects inflation, the economy and housing to be the issues that dominate election discussion.

Sheinin says incumbent Bethelenfalvy is polling at about 36 per cent, and although the Liberals have gained some ground, it's "not enough to get them anywhere" due to voters being "worried about a split vote on the left or centre left."

For more information on candidates or to find out where to vote, visit www.elections.on.ca.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: We looked at the issues that are important to Pickering-uxbridge voters and what makes the riding unique as the provincial election nears.