Commentaire 17 – commentaires et rétroaction

Fred Hacker, KC

Permit me to provide my comments on the proposed redistribution and name change of the current federal riding known as "Simcoe North".

Boundary Change

I would respectfully recommend that the proposed boundary change not be implemented for the following reasons:

1. The proposed change will increase the number of constituents in the riding to the south (Barrie Springwater Oro-Medonte), which is much more likely to have significant population growth in the future. In other words, a further redistribution will be necessitated sooner by changing the boundary.
2. The constituents affected by the proposed name change relate more to the Simcoe North riding then they do to the riding to the south. Specifically, they look to the Orillia area for education, professional services, shopping and recreation rather than to the Barrie area. Many of their community and volunteer affiliations are with residents to the north rather than to the south.

Name Change

I have grappled with what the rationale might be for this proposed name change and, frankly, I see none. It would seem to make sense that the name of a riding would not be changed unless there was a compelling logical rationale. I see none.

1. It would make sense to name an electoral district with a name that is easily pronounced. "Penetanguishene-Couchiching" will be a challenge to pronounce for even the residents of the riding.
2. It would make sense that the name of an electoral district would be reasonably easy to spell. I can't think of two more difficult geographic entities to spell than the two that have been chosen.
3. It would make sense to choose prominent geographic features in the naming of a riding. Orillia and Midland are the largest population centres (not Penetanguishene). Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe are the largest bodies of water (not Lake Couchiching).
4. It would make sense to use a name for a riding that would assist the population at large in being able to identify the geographic area of the riding. My suspicion is that 99% of Canadians would have no idea where a riding with the new name was located.
5. It makes sense to me that the current name would be retained. The western part of the riding is known to area residents as "North Simcoe". The eastern part of the riding is geographically located to the north of Lake Simcoe. "Simcoe North" just seems to make sense.
6. It would also make sense to consider the historic significance of the current name. Simcoe North is one of just eight ridings that were originally named in the British North America Act.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Hacker KC