The next B.C. provincial election is set for 2024.
By the time it rolls around, some Tri-Cities residents could be voting in new ridings if recent realignment proposals are ultimately approved.
On Oct. 3, the BC Electoral Boundaries Commission put forward changes that would create six new districts and increase the number of seats in the Victoria legislature from 87 to 93.
"British Columbia is a growing province," commission chair Justice Nitya Iyer said in a news release.
"The population has increased by more than 300,000 people over the last five years. Our recommendation to increase the number of electoral districts in B.C. reflects that growth."
Changes in the Tri-Cities
Currently, there are four ridings in the Tri-Cities:
- Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
- Coquitlam-Maillardville
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody-Coquitlam
While none of the six new proposed districts are in the Tri-Cities — Burnaby, Langford, Langley, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria — the commission's realignment would impact Maillardville and Westwood Plateau residents as both would join a neighbouring riding.
If approved, the Tri-Cities would make up the following districts:
- Coquitlam-Burke Mountain
- Coquitlam-Mundy Park
- New Westminster-Maillardville
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody-Westwood Plateau
"Before we began our deliberations, we travelled throughout the province, meeting as many people as we could, seeking input on electoral boundaries," Iyer added, noting their team held 50 public meetings in 43 communities and received more than 1,300 submissions before completing its proposal.
"Our recommendations are the result of the considerations in the Act, the data we collected and the diverse perspectives of British Columbians."
New neighbours
Coquitlam-Mundy Park, if the commission's application is accepted, would move Maillardville residents south to join New Westminster.
What remains would include the Harbour Chines, Cariboo, Austin Heights, Fraser Mills, Ranch Park and Mayfair neighbourhoods, following North Road to the west and the Fraser River to the south, and extending as far north as the Canadian Pacific Railway line.
The commission also wants to move the riding's eastern boundary into Port Coquitlam so that both kʷikʷəƛəm̓ (Kwikwetlem) First Nation reserves would be in the same electoral district.
It argues the realignment of Maillardville — as far north and east as Austin Avenue and Schoolhouse Street — would support New Westminster's "quickly" growing population, as well as moving some of its western residential areas into Burnaby.
Meanwhile, in northeast Coquitlam, Westwood Plateau residents, and some in Burquitlam, would join Port Moody's electoral riding.
The commission claims the move will potentially allow "room for growth" in Coquitlam-Burke Mountain "given that its population is near the top of the usual deviation range."
Port Moody-Westwood Plateau would extend as far south as Smith Avenue and north to Say Nuth Khaw Yum (Indian Arm) Provincial Park.
Coquitlam-Burke Mountain would still consist of the Eagle Ridge, River Springs and Sun Valley neighbourhoods.
Port Coquitlam's riding would continue to follow the municipality's boundaries, but without the Kwikwetlem 2 reserve.
It would also have the largest population of the Tri-Cities' ridings under the proposed changes — 61,483.
Final round of public consultations
The commission is starting a final round of public consultations before issuing its final report by April 3, 2023.
Two virtual public hearings for all regions will be held Oct. 21 and Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
An in-person public meeting will also take place on Nov. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in New Westminster in the Hyack Room at Inn At The Quay (900 Quayside Dr.).
More information on public hearings can be found on the commission website.
- with files from Jess Balzer, Burnaby NOW
