Electoral Boundary Commission in Kamloops (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES

Electoral boundary commission hears opposition to proposed changes in Kamloops

Oct 18, 2022 | 4:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — Currently there are 87 provincial electoral districts in British Columbia. However, a proposal from B.C.’s Electoral Boundary Commission could see that number increased by six to 93 districts. Four of the newly created districts would be in the lower mainland, while Vancouver Island and the Interior will also increase by one riding.

Kamloops is currently served by two MLAs in the ridings of Kamloops – North Thompson and Kamloops – South Thompson, with the city essentially cut in half along the Thompson River. The electoral boundary commission is proposing to change that.

“The changes in the population of British Columbia, which has increased by 300,000 people over the past five years, make a difference. The principle of representation by population is fundamental to democracy and we want to have relative equality of voting power across the province,” said Justice Nitya Iyer, Chair of the Electoral Boundary Commission.

The proposal is to create a Kamloops-Centre riding divided along Summit Drive to the south the North Thompson River to the east, and the CN rail line to the north. The division would also see Tobiano separated into the Fraser-Nicola riding along with Merritt.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

7h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

“The lines that you are proposing don’t line up with health authorities, they don’t line up with school districts, they don’t line up with regional districts, they don’t line up with municipalities. So, we are creating more and more lines and less and less organization in how anybody can interface with any level of government,” said a Kamloops resident who addressed the Commission.

On Tuesday (Oct. 18) afternoon, the boundary commission was in Kamloops to hold a public hearing, where a few concerned citizens voiced their opinions. The mayors of Clearwater and Barriere both spoke against moving their communities out of the current Kamloops-North Thompson riding.

“Historically we have economical ties with Kamloops, that is the main tie. Emergency services, Royal Inland Hospital is the ties. We don’t really have a lot in common with the Cariboo,” said Barriere Mayor Ward Stamer.

“All of our economic, all of our school, all of our medical flows back to Kamloops. It is the region we do business in for everything,” added Clearwater Mayor Merlin Blackwell.

Residents have until November 22 to submit their thoughts to the commission. The final report is expected to be released in the spring of 2023.

The final proposal will include explanations for every change that was made or not made throughout the process.

“Anyone who has made the time to contribute to our process, I think, is offered an explanation. If we can’t accept what they are proposing, an explanation of why,” said Iyer.