Local politicians have approved further review of Chatham-Kent’s council structure and its ward boundaries.
On Monday, council voted 13-3 in favour of instructing consultant firm StrategyCorp to return to council with options for restructuring council and ward boundaries for 13 or 15 members. In a separate motion, council also voted in favour of examining options should the council remain its current size — one mayor and 17 councillors.
StrategyCorp was hired by the municipality earlier this year to examine council composition and ward boundaries, in an effort to ensure an effective and equitable system of representation for all residents.
To date, StrategyCorp has conducted one-on-one meetings with councillors, the chief administrative officer and other senior staff. As well, public engagement was conducted through community meetings and an online survey.
Chatham-Kent has conducted previous reviews of the municipality’s ward boundaries in 2015, 2011, and 2008, however, no changes were adopted, leaving the ward boundaries unchanged since amalgamation in 1998.