Wawa to be included in new Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma riding

WAWA — Voters in Wawa will find themselves in a different riding for the next federal election.

Parliament last week approved the proposed redistribution of Ontario federal electoral districts, which results in a reduction of one riding in Northern Ontario.

The changes include Wawa, along with Hornepayne, being added to the Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma riding, which will also include Sault Ste. Marie, Dubreuilville, St. Joseph Island, Thessalon, Blind River, Elliot Lake and Spanish.

Wawa and Hornepayne are currently in the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing riding that is represented by NDP MP Carol Hughes.

"We will be watching, and monitoring the situation closely," Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon said. "At this time, I don't feel like the smaller municipalities further from the field will benefit from the process, but I will be optimistic.”

Pilon said Wawa voters were not consulted on the riding changes nor engaged on how the decision was to be made.

“So, it is something that we're going to have to live with and, hopefully, we'll make the best of the new boundaries in the future,” said Pilon.

One of the larger concerns of losing a seat in the House of Commons is loss of the that democratic voice for the region.

However, Pilon looks at the changes as an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with the MP that will represent Wawa.

“I think once the dust settles and we have an opportunity to meet with our new representation. I believe that there's going to be an opportunity to again build relationships. Let our new representatives know and educate them on the issues that are important too. The right pairs of the municipality of and I believe that there's always an opportunity to make our voice heard and to work in collaboration with those who represent us,” said Pilon.