Chatham-Kent’s new ward boundaries are expected to receive the final stamp of approval at tonight’s municipal council meeting.
If voted through Chatham-Kent council will go from 17 councillors and a mayor, to 14 councillors and a mayor, while the number of wards will jump from six to eight.
StrategyCorp, the consulting firm hired to determine the best possible council configurations, proposed the eight-ward structure to the council on February 10th, and it was voted through as the best option.
Under the new boundaries, three would have two councilors. Those would be, South West Kent (Ward 1), South East Kent (Ward 2) and Wallaceburg and area (Ward 5). Two would have one councilors, including North East Kent (Ward 3) and North West Kent (Ward 4).
Chatham would have three wards with two councilors each. North West Chatham (Ward 6), North East Chatham (Ward 7) and South Chatham (Ward 8).
If someone disagrees with the new ward boundaries, they have 45 days to appeal it by sending a notice to the municipality, explaining why they disagree with the by-law. The issue would then go to a tribunal to make a final decision on whether the appeal has merit.
If the bylaw is approved tonight, all of the changes would take effect in the 2026 municipal election.