Report on federal electoral boundaries tabled on Monday

A look at the new federal electoral boundaries that will split Barrie into two sections. 

Where do you draw the line?

The 2012 Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario has developed its proposal for Ontario's new federal electoral map.

The report was tabled in the House of Commons on Monday.

The new federal riding of Barrie — Innisfil will be comprised of the part of the City of Barrie lying generally south of Dunlop Street West and the Town of Innisfil down to the boundary with Bradford West Gwillimbury.

The new riding of Barrie-Oro-Springwater includes the Township of Springwater and the western part of the Township of Oro-Medonte.

The boundary changes were made after information from the most recent census revealed Ontario's population has increased significantly since the previous census.

“When drawing the boundaries for the 121 electoral districts, we received advice from hundreds of citizens and organizations across the province. The commission is satisfied that it has balanced its statutory obligations with the views of the people of Ontario in striving for the goal of effective representation,” said Justice George Valin, chairman of the three-member commission.

The commission took into account such factors as communities of interest or identity, the historical pattern of electoral districts, and a manageable geographic size for districts in sparsely populated, rural or northern regions of the province.

The province gained 15 electoral districts as a result of the boundary changes, from 106 to 121.

Ontario's provincial electoral districts match exactly the federal boundaries with the exception of one fewer northern seat.

Queen’s Park will likely add additional seats as well, but it will be up to the provincial government whether it would match the federal boundaries or redraw a distinct provincial political map.

By Ian McInroy, Barrie Examiner