By Jared Lalonde

Population: 56,620
Voter turnout in 2006 municipal election: 40 per cent

Located in Toronto's northwest end, Ward 7 York West is home to sizeable Italian, Indian, and Jamaican communities.

The population of Ward 7 has dropped by nearly four per cent between 2001 and 2006, when the last census was conducted.

York West has an average household income of just over $58,000, significantly lower than Toronto as a whole.

There are nine candidates in the ward, including incumbent Giorgio Mammoliti, who dropped a bid to become mayor in July.

Key Issues

Great Canadian Flag: In August, a plan was put to the city council to erect a 125-metre flagpole as the main attraction for a new public square to be built at Finch Avenue West and Arrow Road, just west of Hwy. 400. Championed by Mammoliti, the $3.5 million development costs for the property will be covered by the Emery Village Business Improvement Association as part of the area's revitalization project. Some candidates believe the cost of the project is too great for the BIA to handle, and that the money could be spent elsewhere.

Development: Gun violence and crime prevention have been issues in York West for a number of years. The Jane-Finch area, located in the ward, has been labelled one of Toronto's 13 priority neighbourhoods because of violence in the community. Solutions being put forward include having an increased police presence, a crackdown on illegal businesses, as well as community curfews on children under the age of 14.

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