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Innisfil's ward boundary review delayed until after next election

Ward boundaries, size of council will remain unchanged for the next election
2020-08-12InnisfilVirtualCouncilmeetingMK
Innisfil's 9-member Council meets virtually on Aug. 12, and votes to delay a Ward Boundary Review until after the next election. Miriam King/Innisfil Today

Back in 2017, Innisfil Council directed town staff to begin a Ward Boundary review – right after the 2018 municipal election.

The plan was to update and adjust the ward boundaries, which were established after amalgamation in 1991, and last reviewed in 2009.

In the years since the last review, the town has changed. Some areas have experienced more growth than others, creating an imbalance in population numbers between wards.

But a report to council on Wednesday night recommended delaying the boundary review until 2023 – after the next municipal election in 2022.

The report acknowledged that there are a number of underlying principles designed to ensure that wards are truly representative: Each ward should protect a ‘community of interest,’ respect any natural boundaries, consider the ward history, but also reflect population growth.

The acceptable difference in population, ward to ward, is a variance of up to 25 percent, plus or minus.

Currently, Innisfil’s voting population stands at 27,598, which should average out to 3,943 people in each of its seven wards.

Wards 3 and 5 don’t meet the criteria. Ward 3 (Alcona) exceeds the average by over 25 percent, and Ward 5 (Sandycove Acres) falls far short.

It should merit a review, but the report presented a number of reasons for a delay.

For one thing, staff noted, the Town of Innisfil’s population is “expected to regenerate and explode in coming years,” as the town pursues the Mobility Orbit planned development. Carrying out a review now could be “premature.”

An even more significant reason for delay is time. The ward boundary review would have to be completed by June 30, 2021, to allow for the expected comments and appeals by the Dec. 31, 2021 deadline – too short a timeframe considering limitations on staff and the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Council voted in favor of the recommended delay.

“I’m glad to see that staff recommend we do this after 2022 election,” said Deputy Mayor Dan Davidson. “As you can see this council has a lot on its plate as a result of COVID-19, staff have a lot to do as we come out of COVID-19.”

Coun. Donna Orsatti agreed, adding, “At that time, with the development and more homes, it gives a more accurate way of looking at ward boundary review.”

Council currently consists of nine members - the Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected at large, and seven councillors elected by ward.

The review, when it does take place, could look at a number of options – including maintaining the current seven wards but changing boundaries to more evenly distribute population; reducing the number of Wards to 5 for a smaller council; or even abolishing Wards altogether and moving to an At-Large system of representation.

The cost was estimated at upwards of $100,000, if an outside consultant is retained.


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Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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