Rural, urban could clash in new west coast districts: Charles Pender

The mayor of Corner Brook says he's concerned about the conflicting needs of rural versus urban areas in western Newfoundland, after the electoral boundaries commission released its proposed restructuring on Friday.

In the Corner Brook area, district lines have been redrawn.

Humber North and Humber South-St. George's, as well as a new Corner Brook district, have replaced the former districts.

Charles Pender said it's a large area to group together.

"I do have some concerns about how widespread the new seats would be if this proposal goes through," he said.

"We're looking at going as far south as passed St. George's somewhere and on the northern side, taking in the northern side of Bay of Islands and then up so far as almost to Deer Lake, Pynn's Brook, that area, so it's a lot larger district."

While the new district is named Corner Brook, there will be smaller rural regions absorbed into the newly proposed border.

Pender said that could make it challenging for the elected officials to maintain a fair balance.

"We've seen in the past that there are always a lot of different issues for those communities than for Corner Brook as a more urban setting, so I think you are going see a lot of confusion," said Pender.

"Any MHA who has to represent those areas are going to be challenged to try to balance between the needs of the urban area of Corner Brook and then the more rural areas around us."

Not yet approved

Meanwhile, Liberal MHA Andrew Parsons said there will be a period of adjustment for voters in the reformed districts.

"There are some changes to take in there. I know up in the Northern Peninsula there is some change there, in and around Corner Brook, and I guess affecting Stephenville there is some change," Parsons said.

"It is different, there is no doubt. When you have eight less seats you're going to see that."

Parsons said the Liberal caucus has yet to meet to discuss the proposed changes, but he did emphasize that changes need to be reviewed before they can be approved.