Lakeland electoral district could be changing

The Lakeland’s federal electoral district could be seeing a change by the next election. 

On June 10, a series of changes were proposed by the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Alberta that would overhaul how the election map is drawn in the province. 

The Lakeland riding would see Fort Saskatchewan, Redwater, and Gibbons join the district, while Lloydminster, Vegreville, and counties along Highway 16 would be redrawn into the Battle River-Crowfoot area. 

Lakeland would also absorb some areas of Sturgeon County-Parkland. 

This change comes because of the 2021 census which saw population growth in Alberta. That means the province is gaining three more districts, from 34 to 37, which is the most significant change of any Canadian province. 

No changes are proposed for the Fort McMurray-Cold Lake riding. 

Since the last census, Alberta’s population has grown by roughly 600,000 residents and each district’s quota is ideally 115,206 people.

There is a slate of public hearings scheduled in September for voters to voice their concerns about these changes. 

St. Paul is scheduled to host one on Thursday, September 8 and those looking to make a presentation must register by August 15.