My Neighbourhood Blog - Scarborough Village
History/geography
In the 1830’s Scarborough Village was built and known for the first community in Scarborough to have its own postoffice. This neighbourhood was once describe by Robert R. Bonis as "consisting only of a brick schoolhouse, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a building for the sale of farm implements, the Methodist parsonage, less than a dozen dwellings, and a large railway hotel converted to other uses.” The geographic permitter are Canadian National Railway tracks to the North, Scarborough Golf Club Road to the east, Lake Ontario to the south and Bellamy Road to the west.
Local Attractions
Scarborough Village, although a small neighbourhood, it has many local attractions. The main attractions are the Schools, A recreation centre, a theatre, a local gym, strip malls with popular stores such as Walmart, Subway, Mcdonalds, Dollarama, and Metro. There is also a go station and it’s close to the beautiful scarborough bluffs. The most known and popular attraction is the theatre/rec centre where plays are preformed and free extra curricular activities are provided for people of all ages. There are activities like art classes, baby sing along hour and yoga etc.
Problems and Issues
Scarborough village is considered one of the 13 priority neighbourhoods in Toronto. This means that thirty three percent of the community in living with low income. There are many who have no jobs and are living in Toronto community housing. Twenty seven percent of the community has only a high school education, which in my opinion is too high of a percentage. Sixty three percent of the community is making under 50,000 dollars a year after taxes. Because of these issues, there tends to be a higher crime rate in the neighbourhood. Often times you'll see people loitering, and causing trouble because they are unhappy with their situations. This creates an unpleasant atmosphere sometimes, where local employees and fellow neighbours are disrespected and then are unpleasant to most customers. Being one the priority neighbourhoods is disappointing, however, it shines the light on our community, giving us a chance to fight for better and make a change.
Current News Story
On September 29 2014 a young boy named Dillon Phillips, 22, was shot and killed in the stairwell at 3171 Eglinton Ave. E, a Toronto Community Building. He was found basically lifeless in the stairwell between the first and second floor and was pronounced dead at the scene. There are security cameras around the unit which will be used to assist Toronto police in their investigation, however, no suspects have been found yet. Dillon Phillips was a young father who lived with his mother a couple blocks aways from where he was murdered. The day after this tragedy flowers, candles, and one beer bottle along with two posters which marked RIP Dillon, and personal condolences hung by the door closet to the stairwell where he was found. While many knew Dillon Phillips and had nothing but good things to say about him, one lady said “It will happen again.”“No decent person belongs in this building.”
Local Resident Interview
Derron Grey - Local Resident
How long have you lived in Scarborough Village?
“I've been living in this community since early September, so that's almost 3 months. “
Who do you live with?
“I live with my girlfriend, stepdaughter, and son.”
Why did you choose to live here?
“Its decent and affordable”
Would you consider this a good neighbourhood?
“Yes i consider this a nice neighbourhood. As long as your not looking for trouble for the most part its avoidable.”
How would you describe the people in this community?
“ I didn't meet much people in the neighbourhood yet but the ones I've seen all look like their doing good for them-self or at least trying to.”
Do you participate in any local activities?
“No I don't participate in any activities.”
Overall do you like living here?
“Overall it's a nice neighbourhood but I don't think it's a place I want to grow my kids forever, just because its a lower class neighbourhood. I want better for my family.”
Yves Jean-Baptiste - Local Resident
How long have you lived in scarborough village?
“Almost four months”
Who do you live with?
“I live with a roommate”
Why did you choose to live here?
“I moved here because it is close to family and friends, plus it’s in my budget”
Would you consider this a good neighbourhood?
“Not really, too much suspicious activities going on, I've seen people get jumped and everyone that I stay around are always telling me to be careful”
How would you describe the people in this community
“The people here don't really talk or associate with people they don't know”
Do you participate in any local activities?
“Yea, GoodLife Fitness that’s it. Which I have to pay for from my own money. I went to the recreation centre with my daughter a couple of times and it’s always empty, and the employees don't want to work.”
Overall do you like living here?
“Living here is fine, I don’t get myself caught up, but I would take anywhere better in a heartbeat”
Do you have any other comments?
“From my experience, living here is always the worst case scenario in my opinion.”
Jeanine Petit - Local Resident
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How long have you lived in Scarborough Village?
“ Six months”
Who do you live with?
“My family, my Mother three sisters and my daughter”
Why did you choose to live here?
“Im just living in Scarborough until I can find and afford my own place”
Would you consider this a good neighbourhood?
“No, The people scare me especially by the first building at Markham and Eglinton. I Don't feel safe walking at night”
How would you describe the people in this community
“some are friendly, most are rude”
Do you participate in any local activities?
“No!”
Overall do you like living here?
“No, this is temporary. I cant wait to move.”
Local Resources:
Scarborough Village Theatre
Scarborough Village Recreation centre
Path ways to education
Local Gym
Scarborough village Skating Arena
http://www.rinktime.com/skating_rinks/on/scarborough_village_arena_skating_rink_arena_scarborough_on.cfm
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