The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for British Columbia has proposed a new electoral map for B.C. for the province’s consideration at public hearings this fall.
The province is gaining six electoral districts as a result of population growth since 2001, as captured in the 2011 census.
“High population growth was noted between the North Shore and Chilliwack, on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan as well as in the Kamloops area,” said John Hall, chair of the three-member commission, in a statement.
“These changes have prompted us to make substantial adjustments to the boundary lines in these regions.”
In a statement, Hall said that besides population growth, the commission is considering factors such as having the proper representation of First Nations communities and northern electoral districts in parliament.
Under the Electoral Boundaries Adjustment Act, the commission’s main aim in redrawing boundaries is to divide the province into electoral districts as close to the average population as “reasonably possible.” The population of a district should remain within 25% of the average, once consideration is given to communities of interest or identity, and historical and geographic factors. The commission can depart from the 25% guideline to deal with “extraordinary circumstances.”
Public meetings will be held throughout B.C., with Vancouver’s public meetings slated for September 24 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Harbour Center Building at 515 West Hastings Street.
