MLAs propose new Okanagan riding and new names

The three MLAs for the Kelowna area are proposing a new riding for the fast-growing region after the next election.

“Your local MLAs have crunched some numbers and will be proposing to the British Columbia Electoral Boundaries Commission a new Kelowna Center Riding and a fourth MLA after the next election,” said Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country.

Under the proposal by Letnick, Ben Stewart (Kelowna West) and Renee Merrifield (Kelowna-Mission), they suggest the ridings be renamed West Kelowna, Kelowna North-Lake Country, Kelowna South and Kelowna Central.

(Image credit: Kelowna MLAs)

The MLAs estimate the Central Okanagan’s population will be 216,365 for the 2024 election, and growing to 292,147, and an average of 73,000 per riding, eight years later.

“There is a mix of urban and rural in the Central Okanagan. All three constituency offices and staff are equally very busy, as are the associated MLAs,” said the elected reps, who are all Liberals.

Submissions to BC Electoral Boundary Commission by Kelowna MLAs (Image credit: Kelowna MLA’s

The commission will be holding two public meetings in Kelowna on April 6.

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Proposed Kelowna ridings (Courtesy Norm Letnick)