If the new proposed changes to the federal electoral map are approved, B.C. will gain several new electoral districts and Delta will become its own riding.
Canada's electoral districts are reviewed every 10 years by independent commissions in each province and changes are made based on population numbers, as captured by the federal census, as well as other factors, such as communities of interest or identity, and historical and geographical factors.
After a population increase of close to 500,000 in the last 10 years, B.C. is in line for six new electoral districts and the change means that Delta's northern and southern communities will be brought together as one riding.
Currently, Ladner and Tsawwassen are part of Delta-Richmond East while the rest of the community is represented under the Newton-North Delta riding.
If the proposed changes are approved, Delta will become its own riding while Richmond will be divided into Richmond East and Richmond West; and Surrey's four ridings will be reconfigured.
"High population growth was noted between the North Shore and Chilliwack, on Vancouver Islands, in the Okanagan as well as in the Kamloops area," said judge John E. Hall, who is chairing the three-member commission. "These changes have prompted us to make substantial adjustments to the boundary lines in these regions."
In addition to looking at population numbers, the commission focused on historical patterns and community of interest or identity when looking at achieving effective representation in Parliament.
"We also bore in mind the proper representation of First Nations communities and residents of the northern electoral districts," Hall said.
Delta was its own constituency for one term in the late 1980s and early '90s when Dr. Stan Wilbee was the Tory MP.
The commission is holding a series of public meetings this fall on the new federal electoral boundaries.
Residents are invited to share their views on the proposed changes.
A meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13 at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn at 7 p.m. Anyone wishing to make a presentation at the meeting must send the commission a notice no later than Aug. 30.
For more information visit www. federal-redistribution.ca, call 1855747-7236 or e-mail bc.cb@rfed-rcf. ca.
