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County supports riding plan

Lacombe County is backing an Electoral Commission proposal that would include the municipality in a new Red Deer-Wolf Creek riding.

Lacombe County is backing an Electoral Commission proposal that would include the municipality in a new Red Deer-Wolf Creek riding.

Under current boundaries, the county is located within Wetaskiwin riding.

The new riding would see the county be part of a riding that starts just south of Wetaskiwin and includes Sylvan Lake and the northern half of the City of Red Deer.

“I think it works well for us,” said county commissioner Terry Hager on Thursday.

However, being paired with a large urban centre such as Red Deer could change the urban-rural balance, he cautioned.

Since there is a good chance the MP will be drawn from the city, that could take some of the attention away from rural issues.

Coun. Rod McDermand was concerned Red Deer would become the focus of the new riding. “I’m not in favour of this.”

Coun. Brenda Knight liked that the new boundary keeps all of Sylvan Lake, where there is much development activity, within the riding.

The new boundary will work better as far as commercial links go, said Coun. Cliff Soper in an interview.

“We have very little in common with Wetaskiwin. Our interactions tend to be more towards Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds and Lacombe and Red Deer.

“I think in that respect it’s better.”

Soper agreed the riding will be more urban, but doesn’t expect it will be an issue.

“I still think the population density in north Red Deer and the amount of people living there isn’t that great to be overwhelming.”

Council voted 5-2 in favour of sending a letter to the commission in support of the new boundary. McDermand and Coun. Paula Law voted against.

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act requires boundaries to be adjusted every 10 years to accommodate population shifts. In Alberta, population growth means the number of federal seats will be boosted to 34 from 28.

A number of public hearings have been scheduled, including two in Red Deer at the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel on Sept. 19 beginning at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The commission must report back to the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada by Dec. 21.

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com