Haldimand County adopting seven ward model for 2026 municipal election

After extensive research, community engagement, Council consultation and analysis led by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., Council has approved the reconfiguration of Haldimand County’s ward boundaries.

Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. presented two final options for Council consideration. One of the options featured a redistributed six ward model seeing Caledonia gain a ward and the removal of a ward in the Dunnville area. The other option presented a seven ward model with the addition of a ward in Caledonia, maintaining the representation in all other areas with some boundary redesign. After healthy debate, Council endorsed the seven ward option, which will increase the Council composition to 8 members – 7 Council members and one Mayor. This new structure will be in place for the 2026 municipal election. 

The formal review of Haldimand’s ward boundaries has been ongoing since 2024 when Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. were selected to lead the review and facilitate public consultation activities on behalf of Haldimand. The goal of the review – which Council identified as a priority for the current term – was to ensure an effective system of representation that took into consideration communities of interest, ahead of the 2026 municipal election. Prior to this review, a fulsome examination of ward boundaries had not been conducted in the 24 year history of Haldimand County.

Public consultation has been a key component of the review process and critical to ensuring the interests of residents are represented at the Council table. To capture this feedback, a number of community engagement opportunities were offered over a period of several months.

Timeline of Ward Boundary Review

May 28, 2024 – Consultants provide Council with an overview of the review process in an open meeting &
begin conducting one-on-one interviews with Council members and senior staff

June 25 and 27, 2024 – First round of in-person and virtual Public Information Sessions held to gather feedback

October 2 & 3, 2024 – Second in-person Public Information Session held to present initial four (4) options for ward re-configuration and obtain feedback

November 4, 2024 – Consultants provide an update to Council in an open meeting to solicit feedback
regarding potential options

February 4, 2025 – Consultants provide two final options for Council’s review and approval: a six (6) ward
and seven (7) ward option

February 10, 2025 – The bylaw is presented to Council to adopt the 7 ward option. A recorded vote was taken in open session and Council’s decision was ratified, with 3 members of Council voting in favour and the Mayor voting opposed, formally approving the 7 ward option.

As per the Municipal Act, any person or agency may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal if they have an objection to the by-law passed by Haldimand Council. Appeals must be filed within 45 days of the by-law being passed. The last day for filing an appeal is Thursday, March 27, 2025

Any appeals of By-law 2588/25, which divides the existing six (6) wards into seven (7) wards, must be filed with the Municipal Clerk by this date, setting out the objections to the by-law and the reasons in support of the objections.

Should there be no notices of appeal filed and if all appeals have been withdrawn before Thursday, January 1, 2026, the updated ward boundaries and Council composition will take effect for the 2026 municipal election. The currently salary for a Council member is $65,104 including stipend plus eligible expenses. 

“The purpose of a ward boundary review in municipal government is to ensure that representation by population is also balanced with other aspects such as communities of interest and community history. The consultants provided two valid options for consideration and Council chose to adopt the 7 ward model. Staff look forward to implementing this model, allowing adequate representation across Haldimand for years to come, while balancing our continuing growth with the rich history of our wonderful communities,” stated Haldimand County CAO Cathy Case.

For more information about the Ward Boundary Review process and to review the new boundaries, visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/wardboundaryreview.