Changes to federal riding boundaries are set to withdraw 100 Mile House and 108 Mile Ranch from the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo (KTC) riding and put them in the Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon.
Cathy McLeod, who currently represents all of the South Cariboo in the KTC, says it's not a political decision, but rather a new electoral map for British Columbia proposed by the independent Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission. It will be considered at public hearings this fall.
As a result of the increase of almost a half-million people in B.C.'s population during the past decade, she explains the province will gain six electoral ridings, and also see Valemount join the Peace River-Prince George Riding.
"[It's] trying to come up with some reasonably equal distributions amongst the ridings in terms of population."
The aim is to keep each riding at about 104,000, McLeod says, adding the change will see KTC drop from about 125,000 to 110,000.
100 Mile "obviously has a significant interest in the proposal," she notes, so its residents may want to take advantage of the opportunity to submit their comments or request an oral presentation at the fall hearing.
"This is their first draft, and now is the opportunity for the public to indicate ... if it makes sense, and certainly the ultimate boundaries might be somewhat different than [this]. It's up to the public and the communities to provide input."
Asked if she has concerns about bringing local rural issues such as challenges with South Cariboo agriculture into a Lower Mainland riding, McLeod says it is a commission decision and residents with concerns should address them accordingly.
"It's not my decision. Certainly from my perspective, I've enjoyed every community that is in this riding and ... working with 100 Mile House on its issues, and proud of the fact they have an [MP] office there."
The chair of the three-member commission, Judge John E. Hall, says high population growth in the Kamloops area, Chilliwack and in three other regions prompted the "substantial adjustments" to boundary lines.
Beyond the numbers, he explains the commission focused on historical patterns and community "interest or identity" toward a goal of effective representation in Parliament.
"We also bore in mind the proper representation of First Nations communities and residents of the northern electoral districts," says Hall.
Most areas west of 100 Mile House are not affected, such as Canim Lake, Lone Butte, Interlakes and most of the Watch Lake/Green Lake area. McLeod advises those residents to consult the online map viewer at www.federal-redistribution.ca to see if their areas are included.
A public hearing for residents in the riding to present their views on the proposal is slated for Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Kamloops Convention Centre at 1250 Rogers Way.
Anyone requesting to make a presentation or submitting a comment must do so in writing by Aug. 30. It can be done by e-mail to bc-cb@rfed-rcf.ca, fax to 1-855-747-7237, online at www.federal-redistribution.ca under British Columbia – Public Hearings, or mailed to Commission Secretary, Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for B.C.; 1095 West Pender St.; Suite 301; Vancouver, B.C.; V6E 2M6.
More information, the specific format to be followed in written submissions and a link to download the proposal are also available at the website.