Haldimand County has retained the services of Watson & Associates to review how well our Council and ward structure work for you. This review affects how you, the resident, is represented in local government.
Not sure which ward you’re in? Find out using our interactive Ward Map.
Residents are invited to attend one of public open houses below to review the current ward structure, view maps, provide input and ask questions. A survey has also been developed to test your knowledge on Haldimand’s history, electoral system and current wards/boundaries.
Additional opportunities to provide feedback will be posted here as they become available.
Please check back regularly for updates.
May 2024 – Project kickoff, preliminary presentation to Haldimand County Council (May 28, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting) & Council interviews
Summer 2024 – Research & community engagement
September to October – Consultant to present analysis & recommendations to Council
When Haldimand County was created in 2001 through the Town of Haldimand Act, 1999, six wards were established with one council representative to be elected from each ward and a Mayor elected at large. At the time, the population mix was dispersed fairly proportionally throughout the six wards. There have been minor adjustments made to the wards related to urban boundary changes, but on the whole, the current ward boundaries are similar to what was established in 2001.
A revised Growth Strategy Plan was adopted by Council in June 2021 and subsequently approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in November 2021 as part of the County’s Official Plan Update – Phase 1. This timeframe did not allow for a ward boundary review to take place by the legislated timelines for ward boundaries to be established in time for the 2022 municipal election.
In view of the continued recognition of the need to review ward boundaries, Council included a Ward Boundary Review as one of its priorities for the 2022 – 2026 term of Council.
Media releases will be posted here as they are publicized.
A ward is a geographical division of a city or town for administrative or political purposes.
A Ward Boundary Review is a task conducted on behalf of a municipality to assess whether the present wards constitute an effective and equitable system of representation and, if not, to propose alternatives. Haldimand County’s current system of representation consists of a seven member Council, composed of a Mayor and six elected Councillors (each representing one ward).
Haldimand County is a growing, single-tier municipality with a population of 49,216 (2021).
A revised Growth Strategy Plan was adopted by Council in June 2021 and subsequently approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in November 2021 as part of the County’s Official Plan Update – Phase 1.
In view of population shifts over time, Council has included a Ward Boundary Review as one of its priorities for the 2022 – 2026 term of Council.
The County has retained Watson & Associates and Dr. Robert (Bob) Williams to conduct a comprehensive and independent Ward Boundary Review through a process set out in a report to Council (CLE-10-2023) in August 2023.
Together the consultant team has conducted over twenty ward boundary reviews in Ontario. They will utilize their experience to assess the present electoral arrangements in Haldimand County and design alternatives consistent with the guiding principles.
Fair and Effective Representation – to ensure equal representation and give communities an equitable voice in decision-making processes.
Population and Demographic Changes – to align boundaries, reflect population shifts, and better serve evolving community distribution and interests.
The consultant team will direct the Ward Boundary Review process for the County and will gather background information on the present ward system from interviews with Council and senior staff members. The consultant team will also compile data on the present and projected population of the County. Based on that research, the consultants will assess the present ward boundaries and develop alternative designs consistent with the guiding principles for the review (see below).
Public consultation is essential for the review process to be legitimate and effective and will be undertaken through a number of mediums and forums.
The primary goal is to ensure that members of the public are provided with opportunities to:
A Final Report will be submitted to Council, who will:
Review the project Discussion Papers to learn about the topics that will be considered.
Discussion Paper A: The Haldimand County Electoral System
Discussion Paper B: What is the Optimal Size for a Municipal Council?
Discussion Paper C: The Method of Election for Councillors
Curious about how the Ward Boundary Review process works? Watch this video to learn more.
Haldimand County is asking for your input! Have a comment or question for us about the Ward Boundary Review project? Leave one below and we will get back to you. Comments and questions can be submitted throughout the duration of the project.
