Changes to Vernon and Kelowna Horse Riding Proposals for MLA

Kelowna Lake-Country MLA Norm Letnick is calling on the BC Electoral Boundaries Commission (BCEBC) to reconsider some of the proposed state electoral district changes.

The commission’s preliminary report on redrawing the boundaries recommends extending Kelowna Lake Country north to include a significant portion of Vernon: Beachcomber Bay, Okanagan Landing and East Bella.・Vista Highland.

These communities are now part of Vernon Monashee Riding. The rationale is that the change would reduce Vernon-Monashee’s population and put it on par with Kelowna Lake Country.

Letnick cited data from the Canadian Census in a November 23 submission to BCEBC. This suggests that the two equestrian populations may only change by about 1,200 over the next five years.

“It is therefore likely that maintaining the KLC’s current northern boundary with VM riding would still be possible without significant impact on delegates,” Letnick told the commission.

He noted that opposition to the change was made to BCEBC by the City of Vernon and the Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

Letnick thanked the committee for recognizing the need for a fourth Central Okanagan MLA and the need to create Kelowna Central Riding.

Public input to BCEBC is now closed.

The commission’s final report is expected to be submitted to Congress by April 3, 2023.

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BC Legislative Elections Electoral Reform Okanagan