Have you seen the recommendations from the Electoral Boundary Commission report? 

An interim report was released on May 25 with some suggestions that could mean big changes for the Airdrie and Cochrane ridings.

Some proposed recommendations would see an Airdrie-Cochrane riding, while a Banff-Stoney constituency would capture any remaining areas of the current electoral divisions of Airdrie, Chestermere-Rocky View and Banff-Cochrane, taking in the Stoney-Nakota and Tsuut’ina First Nations reserves.

Banff-Cochrane MLA Cameron Westhead, says this a decision for Albertans to make and he looks forward to hearing feedback. "I am really interested to hear what the people of Cochrane and the rest of the constituency have to say with the proposed boundaries. This is an interim report and a there's going to be a real good opportunity for folks to have their say on what they think about the proposed changes."

Some public submissions suggest Cochrane and Airdrie are better aligned culturally and economically while creating a riding combing both First Nation reserves will create a stronger voice for our indigenous communities; Westhead, feels no matter which communities fall into a particular constituency it is up to the appointed MLA to represent each area well in respect to their particular needs. "No matter who I am representing I try to do my best at looking at all different sides and points of view. So this is really a chance for Albertans and voters to have their say on how they feel their representation has been and whether they think these proposed changes would suit them the best."

An initial deadline of February 8, 2017 was given for written submissions and 749 were received; 12 of those were later updated. Westhead is hopeful with the boundary recommendations being made public, people have a better understanding and more feedback will come forth in July.

"With the boundaries made more clear and with some substantial changes I really encourage people to participate in the process and let the commission know what they think about those changes."

Next round of consultation will occur the week of July 17.

READ MORE:

Cochrane Could See Big Change to Electoral Boundaries