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Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review

On December 16, 2008, Council authorized a comprehensive review of council composition and ward boundaries.   Council directed that a team of independent consultants, who have knowledge of the geographical area to undertake a comprehensive council composition and ward boundary review.   This review will include public consultation.

 

At our website, you can: 

• Find out why the Town is reviewing the council composition and ward boundaries;
• Learn about the role and mandate of the consultants;
• Find out about the review and guiding principles;
• Examine the current ward structure;
• Obtain a list of key dates and timelines;
• Get answers to frequently asked questions;
• Find out how you can participate and submit your comments;
• Read the reports;

 

Your Views Are Important

Changing the composition of council and ward boundaries is both a challenge and opportunity for citizens of Bradford West Gwillimbury to get involved.   You can provide your written comments and suggestions.

 

Let us know what you think.

 

Need More Information 

 

Call and leave a message at (905)775-5366 extension 1101 or email your questions to Patricia Nash

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Why is the Town reviewing the issue of Council Composition and Ward Structure? 

 

In 2002, Bradford West Gwillimbury undertook a review to revise its ward boundaries.   The need for the review arose because growth within Bradford West Gwillimbury placed pressures on representative with the existing ward system.  The population numbers +/-variances did not comply with the Guiding Principles established by Council for populations.

 

What is Effective Representation?

 

In addition to population, issues such as geography, local history, community interest and minority representation need to be considered.  

 

How will the Town be reviewing its Composition and Ward Structure?

Watson and Associates on behalf of the Town will be conducting the council composition and ward boundary review which includes:

 

• Leading the public consultation process;
• Receiving and reviewing the comments and submissions from citizens, community groups, associations, and councilors;
• Formulating and testing options with the public and community organizations;
• Developing options for a ward structure and council size that will accommodate growth and population shifts for at least the next 12-15 years; and
• Preparing an Options Report and preparing and presenting a Final Report which will include recommendations to the Committee of the Whole and then Council.

 

What principles guide the composition and ward boundary review? 

• Protection of communities of interest and neighbourhoods
• Consideration of present and future population trends and development areas;
• Consideration of physical features as natural boundaries
• Consideration of representation by population.

 

What are the timelines for the Ward Boundary Review? 

 

Options Report – estimated April 2009

Consultation and Open House - April 30, 2009

Final Report  - estimated June 2009

 

When will these new composition and ward boundaries come into effect? 

 

Council will make the final decision on whether or not to implement any recommendations regarding ward boundaries and composition.   Any changes that are adopted would be implemented for the 2010 municipal election.

 

What is the anticipated cost of the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review? 

 

It is anticipated that the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review will cost approximately $25,000.00 which includes consulting costs, public involvement and internal staff time and resources.

 

How can I get more information of the Review? 

There are a number of way to find out more about the council composition and ward boundary review:

• Visit the Town’s website at www.town.bradfordwestgwillimbury.on.ca
• visit the Bradford West Gwillimbury Administration Office or Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library ward review
• Review the open house presentation that took place on April 29, 2009
• Call or leave a message at (905)775-5366 Ext. 1101
• Email your questions to Patricia Nash
• Fax your questions to (905)775-0153

 

For more information see Key Dates and Timelines.

 

Where can I review a map of the Town’s current ward structure or find out about current ward populations? 

 

• The Administration Centre located at 100 Dissette Street, Units 7 & 8, Bradford, ON
• Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, 100 Holland Court, Bradford, ON
• The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury website has information available.  Review of the current ward maps  and populations.  In additional, ward maps and additional boundary review information will be available

 

How can I assist in developing the Ward Boundary Review recommendations? 

 

Changing council composition and ward boundaries is a challenging task.   You can participate by completing the Feedback sheet.   You can also submit written comments and suggestions in person, first class mail, fax or email to the address below.   You could attend the public information session or public meeting to provide input and comment on options for new ward boundaries and size of Council.   Your views are important.   Tell the consultants what ward system you think would improve the effective representation of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

 

How can I submit my comments on the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review? 

 

There are several different ways to submit you comments to the Consultants:

 

• By phone at 905-775-5366
• By fax:  (905)775-0153
• By email :  Patricia Nash 
• By First Class mail; drop off Administration Centre 100 Dissette Street, Unit 7 &8, Bradford
• Watson and Associates  4304 Village Centre Court, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1S2

 

At the Open House session scheduled for April 30, 2009

At the public meeting to be announced (June 2009)

 

Is this going to affect the school board elections? 

 

School board electoral areas are composed of one or more municipal wards.    Therefore, changes to the ward boundaries will not affect the school boards’ electoral boundaries.   Any new boundaries would be established and implemented for the 2010 municipal election.

 

Your opinion counts: 

 

There are many ways that you can provide input: 

• By phone at 905-775-5366- Ext 1101
• By fax:  (905)775-0153
• By- Email :   Patricia Nash
• By First Class mail. 
• Attend information session and complete the feedback sheet
• Watson and Associates, 4304 Village Centre Court, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1S2
• Public Feedback Questionnaire 

 

Reports 

 

Options Report - Options Reports April 21, 2009

 

This report, to be completed by the consultants, will provide basic background information for the council composition and ward boundary review and sets out those key principles that must be respected in designing future ward boundaries.    The report will review several specific areas to provide general direction for both developing options and selecting ward boundaries.  The purpose of this report, to be completed by the consultants, is to present a series of options that can be used to review council composition and design new ward boundaries within the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.  

 

The Options Report is for discussion and comment.   Community groups, individual residents, members of Council, and other stakeholders will be able to indicate preferred options and make specific recommendations for changes.

 

Final Report 

 

This report, to be completed by the consultants, will provide recommendations for council composition and ward boundaries.   The report includes public involvement section outlines the information session, public involvement, describes who we heard from, how many people participated, and summarizes what the consultants heard.   The report will include recommendations, general conclusions,  and overview of next steps or the project.

 

The Options Report which includes proposed new ward changes, will be available at the Administration Centre at 100 Dissette Street, Unit 7 & 8, and Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library at 100 Holland Court, Bradford. BWG Ward Boundary Review Final Report June 3, 2009

 

Making a presentation to Council:

 

If you would like to make a presentation to Council regarding the Options Report, please contact the Clerk, Patricia Nash, either by phone at 90775-5366 X1101 or by email at Patricia Nash.   Presentations will be limited to five minutes and will be scheduled during the public meeting.

 

Written submissions may also be filed prior to the meeting by fax (905)775-0153, by email to Patricia Nash or by mail at:   Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, Administration Centre, 100 Dissette Street, Units 7 & 8, P.O. Box 100, Bradford, ON L3Z 2A7

 

All comments received will be provided to our consultants and Members of Council.   It is anticipated that council will consider the Final Report at its regular meeting scheduled in June, 2009.   Any approved changes to council composition or ward boundaries will be implemented by enactment of a by-law at the Regular Meeting of Council or at a later date as determined by Council.   The by-law will take effect for the municipal elections to be held in November 2010.  Notice of Public Meeting September 22, 2009

 

For more information on the council composition and ward boundary review, please call (905)775-5366 or explore the Town’s website.