The first final option is based on Preliminary Option 1 as presented in the Preliminary Options Report (PDF) and in the public engagement sessions.
The original option had very good population parity in 2024 with all wards in the acceptable range and the difference between the smallest and largest ward populations was under 3,000. However, the Consultant Team had heard that the proposed ‘Lakeshore’ ward (Preliminary Option 1, Ward 1) was too large and the seasonal homes and increase in population during the summer would hinder effective representation. The Consultant Team also heard that the Byng area on the west side of the Grand River should be associated with Ward 6 and the Dunnville community.
As a result, the first final option attempts to maintain most of the design from Preliminary Option 1 while addressing the feedback received.
Final Option 1 retains a six-ward configuration while addressing the need to distribute the populations within Caledonia across two wards (proposed Wards 3 and 4), utilizing the Grand River as the dividing line between the two. The remaining four wards then capture the remainder of Haldimand, respecting communities of interest, as much as possible, that we have heard have similarities and social connections.
In this option,
- Adjustments are made between Wards 1 and 4 (wards 2, 3, 5, 6 same as Preliminary Option 1);
- Ward 6 is outside of the acceptable population range in 2024 (+35%) but comes into parity; and
- Ward 2 and 3 fall outside of the acceptable 25% population range in the longer term.
