Dear Editor:
Re: Showdown brewing in Yorkton, Yorkton This Week, September 28, 2016.
Representation by population. That is the premise that we adhere to when we have elections federally and provincially. This probably was applicable when the R.M. Of Orkney was first implemented over a century ago (1913).When there may have been a family on every quarter of land. The dynamics of this R.M. have changed considerably. Farms are extremely larger and larger, one family owning several quarters of land, and people wanting to live in a small farm type setting known as an acreage.
The six divisions within the R.M. of Orkney, definitely are not based on today’s population. Currently Division 1 has over 50 per cent of the R.M.’s total population and Division 1 accounts for 63 per cent of total taxation revenue. Yet believe it or not we only have one representative.
This issue of boundary changes to better reflect population, was brought forth to council to consider. This is not new. Both the R.M. of Sherwood Park (Regina) and Corman Park (Saskatoon) have made boundary changes. Orkney Council have indicated they will not look into it.
This issue will be brought forward again at the next council meeting October 13. Come and hear what they have to say.
Hopefully next week I will have positive things to say. If not, we have other issues to write about. Talk to friends and neighbors. Ask them what they think. Without everyone’s imput and involvement things will not change.
Joe Zarowny
R.M. of Orkney
