Changes proposed for provincial electoral boundaries that could cut the southern part of the County of Stettler from the main local riding has upset at least one municipal leader.
While the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission proposes that the majority of the County of Stettler north of Highway 594 and the Town of Stettler would become part of the new Stettler-Wainwright riding with the Country of Paintearth, areas of Big Valley, Endiang and Byemoor would shift to the new Brooks-Drumheller constituency.
“We’re going to do everything in our power to stop it,” said county Reeve Earl Marshall.
“They’re really ripping our division apart.”
He said council plans to file a letter of opposition to the commission and to Premier Ed Stelmach.
Reeve Marshall and council simply want the current boundaries to remain the same under the current Drumheller-Stettler riding where current MLA Jack Hayden – who resides in the Endiang area – and is very familiar with the county and surrounding area.
“Under the new boundaries, we would lose Jack,” said Reeve Marshall.
However, the mayor of the Village of Big Valley isn’t as concerned.
“I don’t know if there would be that much change with the new boundaries,” said Big Valley Mayor Walter Stefanik.
“In a politician’s eyes, it won’t be much
different.”
Altering the boundaries also appears to be less of an issue for the Town of Stettler.
”Where we end up, will be up to the commission, but my biggest concern is splitting the county – it doesn’t make sense,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
Required under legislation to provide equal representation, the commission proposes numerous changes to better serve the growing population.
“Based on changes to population distribution since the last electoral boundaries review and project growth, the commission’s recommendation is to add two divisions in Calgary, one in Edmonton, and one division in the rest of Alberta,” said Judge Ernest Walter who chairs the commission.
“This would ensure effective representation across the province.”
Anyone wishing to response or dispute the proposed changes gets an opportunity to speak during a second round of public hearings scheduled from April 12 to 30.
“The commission has found it both very interesting and challenging to weigh the concerns and relevant factors put before it during the preparation of this interim report.”
For population distribution, Stettler-Wainwright has a population of 41,678, while Brooks-Drumheller has a population of 43,113.
Using the 2009 official population list, the total population being considered by the commission is 3,556,583. Based on this number, electoral divisions will have an average population, or quotient, of 40,880. Electoral divisions are to be within +/- 25 per cent of the provincial average population with the exception that up to four constituencies may exceed that range where sparse population is spread over large areas.
To view the report and related maps, visit www.altaebc.ab.ca.