If proposed changes to federal electoral districts proceed, MP Denise Savoie will no longer live in her own riding.
She, along with all other residents of Victoria West, will be carved off into a new riding comprising Esquimalt and much of the West Shore.
“Unfortunately, the proposed boundaries do not reflect the geographic realities of southern Vancouver Island,” Savoie wrote in a prepared statement. “The proposed boundaries in the Greater Victoria area are drawn in a way that will divide communities.”
The proposed Esquimalt-Colwood district would include all of Esquimalt, Highlands and View Royal, and portions of Victoria, Langford, Colwood and Saanich.
“Whereas up until now, all these communities belonged to the same riding as much as possible, they are now being divided in an almost haphazard way,” Savoie said.
Victoria city council also has a concern about the proposed boundary change.
On Thursday council passed a motion by Coun. Lisa Helps, Vic West neighbourhood liaison, that Mayor Dean Fortin make a submission on behalf of the city at an upcoming public hearing.
“We believe it is important that, as much as possible, the federal boundaries reflect the municipal boundaries,” Helps wrote.
The hearing, one of numerous sessions being held across the country to gather public opinion on the proposed boundary changes, happens Oct. 17 at the Victoria Conference Centre at 7 p.m.
Notices of submission are due by Aug. 30. Visit www.redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca for instructions on how to make a submission.
rholmen@vicnews.com
