As proposed changes to the federal riding boundary inch towards becoming reality, which side of the fence do the communities that will lose, and gain, Rainy River District sit?
Although the district is separate from communities like Kenora, Atikokan, and Thunder Bay, one thing that seems to be a common thread is the need to preserve the northern voice.
“We are definitely in support of helping our fellow communities to make sure our voice is still strong as Northwestern Ontario,” said Kenora Mayor David Canfield.
Canfield was responding to a petition by Alberton Township, and later Fort Frances council, to oppose the federal riding boundary change proposed by the Federal Boundary Commission.
But he noted a formal declaration in opposition to the boundary change wouldn’t be discussed until next Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting.
A similar response came out of Ear Falls, a rural area in the Kenora riding also unaffected by the boundary change.
“I have had discussions with members of council [in Ear Falls] and we were shocked,” said Mayor Geoff McClain, who also is the Liberal candidate in Kenora-Rainy River in the upcoming provincial election.
“We thought Atikokan would be joining us,” he noted. “Given that we do share some commons services, it was a surprise to us.
“Any re-drawing or change of representation in the north is not a a good thing,” McClain added. “We’re concerned if there’s any diminishing of the voices in the north.”
The Kenora riding is losing Rainy River District—and its main concern is a loss of a common, strong voice.
Meanwhile, what does Thunder Bay think about all this?
“I am aware that the people of Fort Frances would rather stay in the Kenora riding,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “I certainly respect their feelings.”
Boshcoff, who is running as the Liberal candidate in the Thunder Bay-Atikokan riding in the next federal election, was worried more about the re-drawing of the boundary within Thunder Bay and that Atikokan stayed in their riding than what was happening with Rainy River District.
“We’re pleased that Atikokan is staying with us,” he said. “We are, of course, physically and in other ways closer to Atikokan. I know Atikokan lobbied hard not to move.”
“Our position up here is we’ve been part of the Thunder Bay region for years and have more in common with Thunder Bay,” agreed Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown.
According to Justice Douglas Lissaman, chair of the Ontario provincial boundary commission, the voices from Atikokan were heard by the commission.
He also made reference to the fact he didn’t remember seeing local MP Robert Nault at any of the public forums.
“I still am [in shock],” Nault said of the proposal, adding it was widely believed Atikokan would be added to the Kenora-Rainy River riding.
He suggested there wasn’t a big need to be at the forums because the proposed change hadn’t been discussed prior to its release.
Boshcoff commented the potential for a tourism corridor along the border with the U.S. would be a great result of Rainy River District joining the Thunder Bay riding.
“We’ll have regional peace,” he said, though adding, “It’s no doubt that the territory will present challenges.”
As a potential candidate for the new riding, Boshcoff said he will learn what he doesn’t know already about Rainy River District.
“If it’s going to be, then I will look optimistically,” he said. “I will learn your issues. I would be pleased to serve. They will get the service from me.
“As a mayor, I understand the need for representation.”
But would having a Thunder Bay MP represent the district diminish the voice in the Rainy River valley?
“I would say that is a valid concern,” Boshcoff said.
Both he and McClain stressed the need to retain the northern voice and northern seats.
“The north doesn’t want to lose any seats,” Boshcoff remarked, though adding that adding seats wasn’t logical, either. “If they put them in the north, then they have to put them everywhere.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
