Proposed boundary in Purple, Current in Black (image credit - https://redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/)
ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES

Residents split on potential of dividing Kamloops’ federal riding

Jun 16, 2022 | 4:05 PM

KAMLOOPS — When Kamloops residents head to the polls in the next federal election, they might not be voting on the same list of candidates as their neighbours. The federal electoral boundaries commission is proposing cutting the city into two.

“Keep Kamloops as one. The City of Kamloops has always been represented by one member of parliament since the days of Davey Fulton. I don’t see why, at this point in time they would see the need, particularly to take a very small part of Kamloops out of the riding,” said Mayor Ken Christian.

If approved, Kamloops residents living in Valleyview, Rose Hill, Juniper and Barnhartvale would no longer be represented by the same MP as the rest of Kamloops, as they would join the newly-created North-Okanagan-Shuswap riding.

“The fact of potentially having two MPs — if we have grown to that level, then so be it. But let’s divide Kamloops in a logical way. Right now they are taking approximately 15,000 people or about 14 per cent of our population out and those individuals would be required to go to Salmon Arm or elsewhere to access their member of parliament,” added Christian.

Current Boundary (image credit – https://redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/)
Proposed Boundary (image credit – https://redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/)

Much like the arbitrary line that may soon separate the community, Kamloops residents are split on the proposal.”

“I completely agree, let’s keep it as one. Splitting Kamloops — no, I don’t agree with that,” said Robbie.

“Anytime we can get more representatives in Ottawa, representing the west, it’s a good day,” countered Bob.

“It’s a small world. They are probably aware of our issues, too, or we can make them aware of them. So, not a concern,” stated Peter.

Mayor Christian will be addressing the commission Thursday evening (June 16), opposed to the current proposal, hoping to convince them a better model exists.

“If you are going to split Kamloops then split it north-south or east-west, but divide it in half and let’s have two MPs that way.”

The commission is in Kamloops for one night only, Thursday evening at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre. The discussion begins at 7:00 p.m. for those looking to attend.

Proposed Boundary (image credit – https://redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/)