Municipal governance has been a hot-topic in Chatham-Kent in recent weeks.
It started when Chatham Coun. Derek Robertson entered a notice of motion where he proposed to hire a consultant to analyse the following: providing ward representation by population, providing equal representation by ward and reducing the size of council significantly.
Here is our full interview: Robertson: ‘Our governance model is broken
Before Roberton’s motion was debated in the council chambers, the Municipality brought in person, that former councillor Bill Weaver called the “go-to person” for municipal governance issues in Ontario – Andrew Sancton.
Sancton said there has not been any adjustments to the ward boundaries in Chatham-Kent since amalgamation in 1998.
“Basing them on old corporate boundaries from 20 years ago does not seem like the most rational way of drawing boundaries.”
Read our story, with more comments from Sancton here: Ward boundaries discussed at forum
Following the hour-long forum, a lengthy debate surrounding Robertson’s motion took place.
When it was all said and done, Chatham-Kent council opted not to seek a report on its own governance structure.
Read that full story here: Council says ‘no’ to restructuring
Since this decision as made, a petition has been started by former council candidate Lynn O’Brien.
Read Jim Blake’s story here: Petition launched to re-define Chatham-Kent’s boundaries
While the petition has triggered media attention in Chatham-Kent (Chatham Voice, Chatham Daily News) – the petition had gathered 57 supporters out of a needed 1,050, which would carry weight with the Ontario Municipal Board.
After discussing the motion during a council meeting previously and a day after we posed this poll question, Wallaceburg’s new political representative brought her ideas forward in a notice of motion.
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor wants staff to look into possibly including the fringe areas outside of Wallaceburg, as part of the Ward 5 boundaries.
Read the full story here: McGregor wants Wallaceburg’s boundaries changed
McGregor is set to table her motion at Monday’s council meeting on May 4.
Watch for coverage on the Sydenham Current.
In the mean time, have a look below at what our readers think about this specific issue.
Should Wallaceburg’s urban fringe boundaries be adjusted?
Yes 76.14% (67 votes)
No 23.86% (21 votes)
Total Votes: 88
I would estimate 99% of those voting yes we’re from Chatham