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Haldimand County Ward Boundary Review project kicks off with Council workshop, community open houses

Haldimand County has retained Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. to conduct a comprehensive review of its ward boundaries and Council composition. This review is being undertaken to ensure an effective and equitable system of representation ahead of the 2026 municipal election.

A review of a municipality’s ward boundaries is typically undertaken every three to four election cycles to ensure the electoral system represents the principles of effective representation. Council established this review as a top priority for the 2022-2026 term to ensure communities have an equitable voice when it comes to decision-making processes and to reflect population and demographic changes.

The project kicked off on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 with an interactive workshop for Council facilitated by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. Consultants highlighted the principles of effective representation and phases of the review process. Guiding principles for the review include:

  • Balancing present and future population distribution among the wards
  • Respecting established neighborhoods and communities
  • Respecting geographic features and defining natural and infrastructure boundaries

Following the interactive workshop on May 28, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. will begin the research and information collection phase and hold preliminary community consultation. This phase is expected to last until fall 2024 when data and community feedback will be analyzed, evaluated and utilized to develop recommendations for Council.

Public consultation is an essential piece of the review process and will be undertaken through various channels. Members of the public are encouraged to attend one of three preliminary open houses to learn more and provide input:

  • In-Person Open House: June 25, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn St. S., Cayuga.
  • Virtual Open House: June 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom (link to follow).

Residents who wish to learn more about the Ward Boundary Review project are encouraged to visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/wardboundaryreview and follow the county on social media for the latest updates.