Part of the Delta North provincial electoral district could be on the move to Delta South.
The BC Electoral Boundaries Commission this week published its Preliminary Report with recommendations for changing provincial electoral districts for the next two provincial general elections.
Key recommendations to the Legislative Assembly include the creation of six additional electoral districts, bringing the total number of seats to 93 from the current 87.
As far as what’s proposed for the ridings of Delta South and Delta North, the preliminary report recommends moving the area south of 64th Avenue out of the Delta North and into Delta South.
“This will distribute the populations of these two ridings more evenly and create room for anticipated population growth in Delta North,” the report explains. “Delta South includes Ladner, Tsawwassen, Parkdale Gardens, Boundary Bay and agricultural lands. Moving the area south of 64th Avenue into this riding keeps the area around Watershed Memorial Park in one electoral district.”
The commission notes it will now begin a final round of public consultations.
The commission says it also proposes adding the electoral districts in areas of rapid population growth, specifically Langford on Vancouver Island, Burnaby, Langley, Surrey, Vancouver and Kelowna.
“British Columbia is a growing province,” said Chair Justice Nitya Iyer 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.”
The commission says it also recommends adjustments to the boundaries of 71 electoral districts based on the geographic, demographic, communication and transportation considerations set out the in Electoral Boundaries Commission Act.
Its final report must be released by April 3, 2023.
The Legislative Assembly will then decide whether to accept all, some or none of the commission’s recommendations.
Public hearings will begin this month in communities throughout the province.
British Columbians can also provide input by completing a website survey or by writing to the Commission directly by email or post.
All public input must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 22, 2022.
To read the preliminary report, view the schedule of upcoming public hearings or provide input on the commission’s recommendations, visit its website at bcebc.ca.
