Sunday, May 29, 2011

Ontario political regions: East Brampton

Moving to Brampton now, my analysis takes us to the east end of the city, covering the part of Brampton east of, Dixie Rd. This includes the large subdivision of Bramalea, which makes up the majority of the area, plus the new developments to its east- commonly called "Gore", after the former township covering it (Toronto Gore Twp).

This fast growing area can be found in the riding of Bramalea--Gore--Malton. Which includes this region plus the community of Malton in Mississauga.

History
This area was in the riding of Peel, starting in 1867. At this point, Brampton was just a village, and it was located further west of this region, near the corner of Queen St and Main St. This region covered the southeastern corner of Chinguacousy Twp and most of the Gore of Toronto Twp. Peel consisted of Peel County, which by the 1960s became quite populous.

MPs:
1) J.H. Cameron (1867-1872)
2) Rbt. Smith (1872-1878)
3) Wm. Elliott (1878-1882)
4) Jas. Fleming (1882-1887)
5) W.A. McCulla (1887-1891)
6) Jos. Featherston (1891-1900)
7) Richard Blain (1900-1917)
8) Saml. Charters (1917-1935)
9) Gordon Graydon (1935-1953)
10) J.C. Pallett (1953-1962)
11) B.S. Beer (1962-1968)

Peel was divided in 2 in 1966. This region would fall in the northern half, which would also include parts of the Counties of Dufferin and Simcoe and would be called Peel--Dufferin--Simcoe.

11) B.S. Beer (1968-1972) continued
12) J.E. Madill (1972-1974)
13) W.R. Milne (1974-1979)

As the area got more and more people, the area would be divided once again. This region would now fall into Brampton--Georgetown, which included Brampton and the community of Georgetown.

14) J.H. McDermid (1979-1988)

In 1987, further expansion divided the riding up once again. The area east of Dixie Road (this region) would now fall into Brampton--Malton (later Bramalea-Gore-Malton and Bramalea--Gore-Malton--Springdale), while the area west of Dixie would just be in Brampton riding. In 2003, the Dixie Rd. border was adjusted slightly to exclude the area north of Bovaird Dr. and west of Torbram Rd, which would be transferred to the new riding of Brampton--Springdale.

15) H. Chadwick (1988-1993)
16) G.S. Malhi (1993-2011)
17) B. Gosal (2011-present)

This region has passed between the Tories and Liberals frequently, but it should be noted the NDP finished a close 2nd in the 2011 election, and if it continues making inroads with the Sikh community (which is dominant here), could win this riding next time. 

Future
Bramalea--Gore--Malton has around 175,000 which is huge for a riding. Expect major changes here for the next election. The community of Malton, which is located in Mississauga isolated from the rest of the city, so there may be seen a need to keep with a Brampton riding as its closer to Brampton's population. Perhaps moving the border east to around Airport Road could create a new Gore--Malton riding while the west part could be a Bramalea--Springdale riding?

Provincial history
From 1987 to 1999, this area was divided into Brampton North and Brampton South, the border of which was Queen St. Before that, it was in the riding of Brampton. 

Brampton was represented by W.G. Davis from 1975 to 1985 then by R.V. Callahan from 1985 to 1987. Callahan continued to represent Brampton South until 1995 when he was replaced by T.P. Clement. Brampton North was represent by J.C. McClelland from 1987 to 1995 and then by J. Spina. Since 1999, the area has been represented by R.S. Gill from 1999 to 2003 and then by K.S. Kular since 2003. 

Political geography (2008 election)
This area was deeply divided in this 2008 election. The Gore area voted overwhelmingly Liberal (except the rural parts of Northeast Brampton) while Bramalea was overwhelmingly Conservative. The area of Brampton east of Dixie Road but in the riding of Brampton--Springdale i.e. the community of Springdale voted overwhelmingly Liberal as well. 

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