02 Mar Ward Boundary Review Public Meetings
The City of Ottawa will be undertaking a Ward Boundary Review over the course of 2020. Public consultations are starting this month and I invite residents to participate in the discussion. Locally, a public meeting will be held on Monday, March 30 from 7:30pm-9:30pm at Jim Durrell Arena, 1265 Walkley Road.
Nine public consultation sessions have been scheduled at facilities across the City as follows:
The Consultant Team will be at each of the Public Consultation Sessions to provide a project overview, answer questions and receive feedback. In addition, a survey will be available for residents to complete and submit.
You can also get involved from the comfort of your own home by completing a survey or submitting comments at ottawa.ca/wardboundary.
Inquiries and comments can also be sent to wardboundary@ottawa.ca
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In June 2019, City Council directed staff to retain an independent consultant to conduct a comprehensive review and establish the city’s ward boundaries that could be used in at least the 2022, 2026 and 2030 municipal elections. Beate Bowron Etcetera Inc., in association with The Davidson Group and Hemson Consulting Ltd., will lead the review and ensure an objective and impartial process.
The last major ward boundary review was conducted 15 years ago, and Ottawa’s population has grown significantly since – especially in suburban wards. There are now significant population imbalances between wards that could affect fair and equal representation for you, the voter. That’s why it is important to get involved and have your say.
There will be two rounds of public consultation. Round one is underway, collecting your input on existing ward boundaries. Once the first phase is finished, the consultant team will prepare an information report that will set out options for revised ward boundaries, to be considered this spring by the Finance and Economic Development Committee and City Council. Round two will be later this year, and will seek opinions and feedback on those ward boundary options.