Ward Boundary Review 2024
Township of South-West Oxford
Ward Boundary Review 2024
Background
In January, 2021, Council provided direction to staff to undertake a review of Township ward boundaries and council composition in advance of the 2026 municipal election. This direction was given by Council as a result of changing population trends within the Township’s existing wards, particularly in Wards 2 and 3 (Mount Elgin).
The primary goal of reviewing ward boundaries is to ensure that each ward within the Township has a proportionate number of residents. This ensures that every resident's vote carries equal weight in local elections and that each Councillor represents a reasonably equal number of constituents. Without periodic reviews, demographic shifts can lead to disparities where some wards become significantly larger or smaller than others in terms of population. By regularly reviewing ward boundaries, the Township upholds principles of fairness and ensures that the electoral system remains democratic and responsive to changes in population distribution.
Review
In August, 2023 it was reported to Council that staff had completed the preliminary review of the current electoral representation within the Township. The data indicates that the population count within Ward 2 is over the optimal size and range than the other five wards within the Township. This indicates that there may be justification to realign the Township’s ward boundaries to ensure fair and proportionate representation across the Township.
Proposed Changes
At their meeting on July 9, 2024, Council requested to proceed with the public consultation phase of the ward boundary review process to engage residents in the boundary review process. The goal is to ensure transparency in the process and to gather insights into local perspectives and concerns from residents. The map below illustrates the proposed new ward boundaries for the public’s consideration. View a Side-By-Side Comparison of the Current vs. Proposed Ward Boundaries.
Please note, any proposed changes would not come into effect until the 2026 Municipal Election.
Have your Say – Public Consultation
The Township of South-West Oxford welcomes your feedback. There are several ways to get involved in this project.
Public Meeting
Date: Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. - Public Meeting to begin at 6:50 p.m.
Location: Municipal Office, 312915 Dereham Line, Mount Elgin, ON, N0J 1N0
As a part of the Regular Meeting of Council. A portion of the meeting will be dedicated to receiving public input on the proposed ward boundary changes starting at 6:50 p.m.
Submit Your Feedback
Complete our online survey to submit your feedback regarding the proposed ward boundary changes. Copies of the survey will be available at the Municipal Office or are available in alternate formats upon request to the Clerk.
**The survey will be available until September 30, 2024.**
Contact the Clerk
Submit your comments and feedback to Clerk Julie Middleton: clerk@swox.org or 519-485-0477 ext. 7023.
Related Information
Survey (Closed)
Map of Current Ward Boundaries
Map of Proposed Ward Boundaries
Staff Report - CL 35-2024: Ward Boundary Review Update - Public Consultation