Alberta is poised to enter its next provincial election with a freshly drawn electoral map, a change that will fundamentally shape how its citizens are represented in the legislature. The upcoming redistribution will see the total number of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) increase from 87 to 89, with constituency boundaries across the province being redrawn. For the residents of Edmonton, this process has sparked significant concern about whether their city's voice will be fairly heard.
The Pillars of a Fair Electoral Map
Understanding the apprehension requires a look at the foundational principles of electoral boundary reform. First and foremost is the principle of representation by population. A fair map strives to ensure each riding, whether urban or rural, contains a roughly equal number of constituents, guaranteeing that every vote carries similar weight.
The second pillar involves preserving "communities of interest." This means boundary lines should, as much as possible, keep people with shared lifestyles and concerns—such as common urban or rural interests—within the same constituency, allowing for more focused and effective representation.
Finally, the process must be conducted by an accountable, non-partisan body to prevent political maneuvering from distorting democratic representation. While the work of the independent boundary commission is commended, it also places a responsibility on the public to speak up if the proposed map appears flawed.
Edmonton's Unprecedented Growth Story
The core of Edmonton's concern lies in its dramatic and ongoing transformation. The city has shed its old reputation as a place young people leave after graduation. Today, it is a magnet for new residents who are choosing to stay, driven by relative affordability and robust opportunity compared to other major Canadian cities.
Edmonton's population now stands at 1.2 million, consistently exceeding its own growth projections. This boom is visibly reflected in the housing market, where the city led the nation in housing starts last year, reaching a record-high level not seen since at least 1990.
Perhaps more telling is the shift in where this growth is happening. Historically, expansion was almost exclusively suburban. However, recent changes to zoning bylaws have catalyzed development in the core, with 40 per cent of new housing now occurring in mature, central neighbourhoods. This revitalization is reversing previous population declines in the urban core, creating a more densely populated and vibrant city centre.
The Stakes for Representation
This multifaceted growth—both in sprawling suburbs and booming central communities—forms the basis of Edmonton's call for careful consideration in the redistricting process. The worry is that the proposed map may not accurately capture this new reality, potentially diluting the political clout of Canada's fifth-largest city by splitting communities of interest or failing to account for its true population density and distribution.
As the boundary commission finalizes its work, the message from concerned Edmontonians is clear: the new electoral map must tell the true story of a dynamic, growing city. Fair representation is not just a matter of drawing lines on a map; it is about ensuring that the diverse voices and shared interests of over a million people are effectively championed in the Alberta legislature for elections to come.
