After a recent boundary re-drawing, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission made the decision to keep Airdrie and Cochrane in the same federal electoral district – much to the relief of the member of parliament who currently represents the two communities.
Canada's federal riding lines are changed every decade to match the population shifts in different regions. Elections Canada sets a target average of around 110,000 people per riding, but this can change based on factors like location, how many people live there, and other social or geographical factors.
Last year’s boundary reconfiguration was a result of Alberta’s growing population, which resulted in the need for three additional ridings.
The newly drawn riding borders were tabled in the House of Commons on July 19. The new boundaries include an electoral district called Airdrie-Cochrane, similar in composition to the provincial riding of the same name, but encompassing the entirety of Airdrie.
Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards, who previously expressed reservations about earlier proposed changes to the composition of ridings in Alberta, was notably pleased with the final outcome. A previous proposal suggested including Airdrie in a riding with Chestermere, while Cochrane would be added to a new riding with Canmore and Olds.
The Conservative Party of Canada MP emphasized the cohesion between Airdrie and Cochrane played a significant role in his advocating for their continued inclusion within the same electoral district.
“I think it’s a good decision,” Richards said. “A lot of people in both communities expressed their concerns about it and I did as well. I was glad to see that the commission in their final draft has put the two communities back together.”
The MP further pointed out that during the public engagement process conducted by the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission, strong arguments were presented in favour of maintaining the existing connection between the two communities.
“Airdrie and Cochrane have so much in common. We have so many similar challenges and similar opportunities. It just only makes sense for the two to be in the same constituency,” Richards said.
“We have similar growth challenges, infrastructure needs, and it even trickles down to our youth sports. A lot of our youth sports organizations are combined in many cases to work together - there are just so many other examples.”
Richards acknowledged the decision meant he would no longer represent certain communities that previously fell under the Banff-Airdrie boundaries, such as Canmore and Banff. However, he expressed an understanding of the broader picture.
“A change like this obviously brings some difficulties,” he said. “It’s not easy but it’s important because this brings three new seats for Alberta and that means better representation for our province, which is really important and something that we fought really hard to have happened.”
Richards also argued the decision to keep Airdrie and Cochrane in the same federal electoral district resonates with the concept of "communities of interest" that is integral to fair and effective representation. The close working relationships, shared activities, and growth trajectories of these neighbouring communities provide a compelling basis for their continued affiliation.
The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission’s final report is set to become official in September. The new voting map will be used in the first federal election happening at least seven months after that.
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called a snap election before then, the previous electoral boundaries would remain in effect.
“The commission has put its final report, but it wouldn’t take effect for any election prior to next summer, so if there’s an election prior to that, these boundaries will remain as they are now,” Richards explained.
