Proposed Changes to Kelowna Lake Country Equestrian Concerns Regarding 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 Beachcomber Bay, Okanagan Landing, and East Bella Vista Highlands.

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.

He also noted that some Big White residents again expressed their disappointment at being included in the Boundary-Similkameen horseback ride.

“From economy to education, road infrastructure and maintenance, health care to political representation, Big White has consistently represented them in Kelowna’s three MLAs,” he explained.

Letnick believes he and other MLAs support the majority of Kelowna and Big White residents in moving their communities to Kelowna Lake Country or Kelowna Mission 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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@Gary Barnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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BC Legislative Elections Electoral Reform Okanagan