A couple of University of Toronto students raised several eyebrows at Scarborough Community Council this week in poking a few holes in the myth that Scarborough isn't getting its fair share of city services as compared to the rest of the amalgamated City of Toronto.
The four-month research project's findings, compiled by Dorinda So and Katherine Chan, indicate the area does indeed received its share of four common city services, while its share of six others was "uncertain".
The services, such as police and transit, were among those studied.
Not surprisingly, the findings were met with a mixed reaction.
Ward 39 (Scarborough-Agincourt) Councillor Mike Del Grande for instance, remains convinced that Scarborough is being woefully under-served in comparison to other Toronto communities.
In a contrary position, Ward 38 (Scarborough Centre) Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker says Scarborough residents can finally rest assured that no anti-Scarborough sentiment exists at city hall. He believes the downloading of program costs from the provincial level of government to the municipal level in the 1990s contributed to a dearth of funding for cities overall, which has led to the perception that Scarborough is being shortchanged.
The absolute truth would likely be found somewhere in the middle of those two contrary positions.
Regardless of where Scarborough residents sit on the issue - and our Scarborough politicians too - it is the perception of neglect that must continue to be addressed by city hall and local councillors.
As Ward 36 (Scarborough Southwest) Councillor Brian Ashton noted at the community council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 15, Scarborough must move beyond analysis and self-absorption and try to determine how the community can adequately fit into the greater City of Toronto and how it can contribute to building a better megacity.
That's something that Scarborough residents can get behind and take action on to help rid the rest of the city of the incorrect perception that Scarborough has little more to offer the city than gangs, guns and strip malls.
If there is one area in which the city can immediately and effectively address Scarborough's needs (and also serve to demonstrate that the rest of the city cares about its eastern neighbour) it would be to improve spotty TTC service in the northeastern portion of Scarborough, which has grown considerably in recent years.
But it's time now for Scarborough councillors to end the commissioning of studies in an attempt to prove or disprove simple perceptions. It's time for Scarborough councillors and citizens to actively promote everything that Scarborough has to offer the rest of the city and to actively counter inaccurate, negative statements about this great community.