Ward Boundary Review

Final Ward Boundary Report

On April 26th, 2021, Strategy Corp Inc presented to Council the final report that outlined the six different ward boundary options that would achieve an effective system of fair representation. At the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 3rd, 2021, Council will make a decision based on the information identified in this report. After that, a public meeting will be held at a later date to get the community's feedback.

View final report

Ward Boundary Options

Have YOUR Say

Interactive Mapping

*Please note that for the interactive mapping, you will need to click on the layers to activate them on your screen. You will find all options under the folder called 'Ward Boundary Review.'

Phase 1 and 2 Public Consultations are Closed

Phase 1 Public Consultations was open from January 11th to February 1st. The township conducted one online survey and held two virtual public meetings to solicit feedback on the existing ward boundaries and priorities in designing future wards.

Phase 2 Public Consultations was open from March 10th to April 2nd. The township conducted one online survey and held two virtual public meetings to solicit feedback on the six different ward boundary options.

Public Consultations can be viewed on the Township of Ramara YouTube Channel.

Interim Report Available Now!

On Monday, February 22nd, StrategyCorp presented our interim report to Council. The report presented the findings of the first round of consultations, and our preliminary recommendations to Council.

A copy of the full Interim Report can be found here or downloaded from Reach out Ramara in the documents section

On Monday, November 23rd, Council approved the retention of StrategyCorp Inc. to conduct an arms-length Ward Boundary Review on behalf of the Township.

The review will consider the following:

Acceptability of the status quo; and
Options for reconfiguration of ward boundaries.

Consideration of these parameters will follow the Guiding Principles of Effective Representation and provide options that accommodate projected growth through the 2022, 2026, and 2030 municipal elections.

The Consultant will be responsible for providing recommendations coming out of this review based on its assessment and public consultation.

Ramara’s Council will then decide how to implement the Reports recommendations.

Council would have to pass a by-law to implement any changes to Ramara’s ward boundaries.

Why a Ward Boundary Review

Ramara’s current ward boundaries have not been reviewed since Ramara’s conception in 1994 – over 25 years ago.

The object of the Review is to ensure that Ramara’s ward boundaries continue to provide a system of effective and equitable representation for all residents.

How You Can Participate

Public input and feedback are key to the success of this Ward Boundary Review. This process will provide you with the chance to have a say in shaping local government and we encourage involvement from all residents.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to facilitating any in-person public meetings, StrategyCorp will be requesting public participation in an online survey, as well as through digital public meetings.

Follow our Reach Out Ramara page at www.reachoutramara.ca/ward-boundary-review. There you will find more information on this review and information on how to get involved with the current round of consultation on the Draft Ward Boundaries, which runs from March 8th to March 29th.

You can also check this page regularly for updates on the Ward Boundary Review process and outcomes.

Project Timeline

Phase 1 - Public Consultations are Closed

From January 11th to February 1st, the township conducted an online survey and held two virtual public meetings to solicit feedback on the existing ward boundaries and priorities in designing future wards.

Phase 2 - Draft Ward Boundary Options - Complete

Interim Report Available Now!

On Monday, February 22nd, StrategyCorp presented our interim report to Council. The report presented the findings of the first round of consultations, and our preliminary recommendations to Council.

A copy of the full Interim Report can be found here or downloaded from Reach out Ramara in the documents section

Phase 3 - Public Consultation 2 - Open

From March 8th to April 2, we are conducting an online survey and two virtual public meetings to get your input on Ramara’s Draft Ward Boundaries.

The first virtual public meeting will be on Wednesday, March 17th from 9:30am - 11:00am, and the second will be on Wednesday, March 24th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.

Please visit www.reachoutramara.ca/ward-boundary-review to complete our online survey and for more information on how to sign up for our virtual town halls.

Phase 4 - Final Report

Final report will be brought to Council around May to early June 2021.

Guiding Principles of Effective Representation

The Ward Boundary Review will be guided by the overarching principle of effective representation” as set out by the Supreme Court of Canada in Reference re Provincial Electoral Boundaries which establishes the following guiding principles:

Representation by Population: wards should have relatively equal population totals. However, a degree of variation is acceptable given differences in geography and population densities as well as the town’s characteristics;
Population and Electoral Trends: consider anticipated population increases/decreases so that ward sizes will be balanced for up to three terms of Council;
Means of Communication and Accessibility: group existing neighbourhoods into wards that reflect current transportation and communication patterns;
Geographic and Topographical Features: use geographical and topographical features to delineate ward boundaries while keeping wards compact and easy to understand; and,
Community or Diversity of Interests: as far as possible, ward boundaries should be drawn around recognized settlement areas, traditional neighbourhoods and community groupings – not through them.

Resources

Approved Terms of Reference

Current Electoral Wards and Boundaries