Ward Boundary Review

Phase 1 Public Consultations are now Open!

From January 11th to February 1st, we are conducting an online survey and two virtual public meetings to get your input on Ramara’s ward boundaries.

The first public meeting will be on January 20th from 9:30am - 11:00am, and the second will be on January 27th 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.

On Monday, November 23^rd, 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 all the ways you can stay up-to-date and participate.

You can also check this page regularly for updates and to find out when and how you can participate and provide your valuable feedback.

Project Timeline

Phase 1 - Public Consultations are now Open!

From January 11^th to February 1^st, we are conducting an online survey and two virtual public meetings to get your input on Ramara’s ward boundaries.

The first Town hall will be on January 20^th from 9:30am - 11:00am, and the second will be on January 27^th 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 2 - Draft Ward Boundary Options

A draft copy of the ward boundary options will be presented to Council around mid February 2021.

Phase 3 - Public Consultation 2

Second round of public consultation will begin around late February 2021 to Mid March 2021.

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