Local MLA Dan Davies is continuing a push to formally change the name of the Peace River North riding to include and recognize the Northern Rockies.
Davies last week reintroduced a private member’s bill to change the name of the riding to Peace River-Northern Rockies, similar to how it’s named federally.
“The regional municipality of Northern Rockies comprises roughly 10 per cent of British Columbia's land mass, which is a major part of the landscape of our province. It also includes Fort Nelson, which is the largest community in the regional municipality,” Davies said in the legislature on Feb. 23.
“The Northern Rockies is home to some of the most important resources in our provincial economy, being home to one of the largest natural gas plays in the world, incredible potential for timber supply and opportunities for mining," Davies said. "More recently it has become known for its potential in geothermal and hydrogen, and we must not forget about the vast opportunities for tourism in this incredibly beautiful part of our province.”
Davies first introduced his bill in 2018, hoping to have the riding name changed before the last election.
He’s now hoping to time a change with a forthcoming report from the Electoral Boundaries Commission that reviewed riding boundaries across the province.
“As the electoral boundary commission is in its final stages for their report, the timing to request this change is perfect,” said Davies.
“I believe that it is important for Northern Rockies to be recognized and represented in this Legislature, as well as to help people not mix up my fine colleague from Peace River South with Peace River North, which often happens.”
