Residents of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, a vast provincial riding in British Columbia, have recently gained a valuable resource with the opening of a new constituency office in Ashcroft. This initiative by Conservative MLA Lorne Doerkson, who was re-elected during October 2024, marks an important step in ensuring that representation and assistance are accessible to the southern part of the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding. Conveniently located in a dental office building on Brink Street, the office is poised to serve the community effectively.
The Cariboo-Chilcotin riding is notably expansive, stretching from Cherry Creek and Tobiano in the southeast to Anahim Lake in the northwest. Doerkson’s decision to add the Ashcroft office to his existing locations in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House stems from recent boundary changes that integrated Ashcroft into his riding from the Fraser-Nicola constituency. This adjustment acknowledges the unique needs of the local populace and underscores the necessity for accessible governance.
Doerkson, who resides in Williams Lake, recognizes the challenges that come with representing such a large area, which requires substantial travel. “It takes seven hours to drive across,” he states, highlighting the geographical vastness of the riding. This sentiment underscores the importance of having multiple constituency offices, allowing constituents to seek assistance without the burden of extensive travel.
The new Ashcroft office is dedicated to helping residents navigate various provincial systems. Doerkson emphasized, “We want to focus on provincial problems, but we can direct them if it’s outside our ability to help.” This role as a conduit to provincial services is crucial, as constituents may encounter permitting issues or other bureaucratic challenges that require guidance and intervention. The office aims to be a supportive presence in the community, bolstering connections between residents and the provincial government.
To further enhance the office’s operation, Victoria Astren has been appointed as the constituency assistant at the Ashcroft office. Doerkson has expressed confidence in her capabilities, noting her training in 100 Mile House and her commitment to serving the community. This local presence is critical to building rapport and understanding the specific needs of Ashcroft residents.
Local art and community elements are also being incorporated into the office space, reflecting a dedication to making the office inviting and relatable. The goal is to establish an environment where residents feel comfortable seeking assistance and engaging with their elected representatives. With Doerkson also promising to make additional visits to Ashcroft on other days, there is a commitment to consistent support beyond the official office hours.
Speaking to the changes necessitated by the opening of the Ashcroft office, Doerkson mentioned that it required modifications to the hours of the Williams Lake and 100 Mile House locations. This adjustment, however, is aimed at enhancing service to Ashcroft and maintaining the high standards set by previous MLA Jackie Tegart, who also operated an office in the community. “Jackie was a great MLA and represented the area well,” Doerkson acknowledged, stressing the importance of continuing her legacy of effective representation.
The office hours in Ashcroft are set for Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m., commencing June 9. These hours facilitate accessibility for constituents while allowing for flexibility in meeting needs outside of these times.
Communities within the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding will particularly benefit from this new office. With a focus on collaborative problem-solving and building connections, Doerkson aims to fill the service void created by the boundary changes. The office represents a commitment to local governance that is responsive to the needs of its residents.
Doerkson’s proactive vision signifies a broader trend of accessibility and support in provincial offices, reinforcing the idea that constituents should not only be seen as voters but as integral members of a community that merits attention and care from its representatives.
For residents eager to reach out, the Ashcroft constituency office can be contacted at (250) 305-3800 or via their toll-free number, 1-866-305-3804. Mail can be sent to the office’s address, P.O. Box 1118, Ashcroft, B.C. V0K 1A0, ensuring that various forms of communication remain open.
In summary, the opening of Lorne Doerkson’s Ashcroft office is a meaningful development for the Cariboo-Chilcotin community. As it aims to provide essential support and navigate provincial challenges, the office is committed to fostering community connections. With dedicated personnel and a focus on accessibility, this initiative is poised to enhance governance in the region and ensure that every resident feels heard and supported in their endeavors.
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