Chatham-Kent Council approved a by-law to reduce the Council size and update its ward boundaries at its Monday, March 3, 2025 meeting
Judy Smith, the municipal clerk and the director of municipal governance, recommended the approval in a staff report.
“This third-party review (by StrategyCorp) of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Council composition and ward boundaries ensure the Municipality can provide an effective and equitable system of representation for all residents through the 2026 and 2030 elections,” Smith said in her report.
“Changing ward boundaries and/or council composition requires much work to prepare for the 2026 municipal election. The Lifeamp Election Reserve may be used to cover any costs necessary to implement these changes.”
Smith added in report within 45 days after a by-law is passed, the Minister or any other person or agency may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal by filing a notice of appeal with the municipality setting out the objections to the by-law and the reasons in support of the objections.
Last month, Council approved a motion by West Kent Councillor Melissa Harrigan directing staff to bring forward a bylaw that would reduce Chatham-Kent’s Council size to 14 Councillors and one Mayor.
Municipal officials say this change is based on recommendations by consultant StrategyCorp.
The motion included one amendment to the proposed boundaries in StrategyCorp’s Report titled ‘Option 1’.
The amendment, brought by North Kent Councillor Jamie McGrail, will shift the community of Mitchell’s Bay from the new proposed ward 5 to the newly proposed ward 4.
The new ward boundaries will consist of eight new wards, up from the previous six.
Three wards in Chatham with two councillors each, three wards in the county with two councillors each and two wards in the county with one councillor each, Municipal officials added.
“This will be the first time Chatham-Kent has updated its ward boundaries since amalgamation in 1998,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“The proposed Council composition and ward boundaries reflect the significant change in the community since then and would ensure the electoral system continues to provide a system of effective representation at least through to the 2030 Municipal election.”
Municipal officials added: “The proposed changes are a result of significant public consultation, including two separate surveys and four public consultation sessions.”
More information, as well as the proposed new ward boundaries, can be found here: www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/council-composition-and-ward-boundary-review
