Bow River (Alberta) 30/338

 Bow River (Alberta)

Today we're back in Alberta with Bow River!

Bow River has existed as a riding since 1914, and has been dissolved and re-created twice since its creation. The population centers are Chestermere (19,887 in 2016), Brooks (14,451 in 2016), and Strathmore (13,756 in 2016). The riding is largely rural, but Chestermere is considered a commuter town to Calgary. The riding also contains Siksika 146 indigenous reserve, the largest indigenous reserve in Canada after Blood 148.

Politically, I'm sure you know the story. We're in rural Alberta, so this is the Tories bread and butter. The polls were all won by the Conservatives in 2019 except for the three that encompass the Siksika First Nation, two by the Liberals, one by the NDP. The riding is currently held by Conservative MP Martin Shields. (Take a look at that mustache, go off King.)

One interesting thing is that this riding was represented by a few other parties before the Tories took over in 1958. Edward Joseph Garland represented the riding from 1921-1935 under the banners of Progressive, United Farmers of Alberta, and Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. The riding was held by the Social Credit party from 1935-1958. In 2019, the riding was 33/34 in Alberta and 337/338 in Canada by margin.

Rating: 

Name: 7.8/10 - I really like ridings named after landscape pieces, we know this, the only reason it isn't higher is because it's a long river that isn't just in this riding.

Shape: 2.7/10 - This might seem harsh, but it has to be done. It's just so squiggly and gross and cuts around places that could be dealt with differently.

Individuality: 4.1/10 - I do like the contrast in the middle where you can see where the reserve is.

Total: 14.6/30 (48.6%)

See you tomorrow with our first Brampton riding, Brampton Centre!