A review of Chatham-Kent's Council composition and ward boundaries is about to get underway.
The municipality said the review aims to ensure the municipality can provide "an effective and equitable system of representation for all residents."
The review was approved by councillors in May and the public will get their say through two public engagement sessions on August 22 and again on August 28. Both sessions will be held at the John Bradley Convention Centre from 6-8 p.m. in Meeting Room 1A.
The current ward boundaries were drawn 25 years ago at amalgamation.
The municipality noted the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review will examine the following:
1) the size and structure of Council
2) how Councillors are elected
3) the electoral ward boundaries for the Municipality
Municipal officials said the review will consider the overriding principal of “effective representation”, including representation by population, current and future population through the 2026 and 2030 elections, communities of interest, and physical boundaries and geography of Chatham-Kent.
"This review will aim to design a Council and ward boundary structure that considers the Chatham-Kent of today and expected population growth through the 2026 and 2030 elections," said the municipality in a statement.
Recommendations from the municipality’s consultant, StrategyCorp, are expected in December 2024. Council will have the final say on implementing any changes based on the report.
The August 22 and 28 in-person meetings will be live streamed over the municipal Facebook and YouTube channels, said municipal officials. In-person attendance will be capped at 150, according to the municipality.
A survey will also be launched on August 22.
Click here for more information on the review and how you can get involved.