Public input sought on plan to restructure Essex ward boundaries

After a round of public consultations earlier this year, the Town of Essex is asking for further help from residents to draw new ward boundaries.

Council has voted to elect a deputy mayor in the 2018 election, keep the council at seven members and retain the ward election system. A review of ward boundaries has also been initiated.

Now, council is reaching out to the public to make that last decision a reality.

“Under the current system, six members of council, including the deputy mayor, are elected from amongst the four wards,” said Rob Auger, town clerk and manager of legislative services, in a statement.

“With Council’s recent decision to elect the deputy mayor at large, it means that the remaining five positions on council must be elected through a revised ward system.”

The council is now asking for feedback on the number and alignment of ward boundaries, while allowing each councillor equitable representation.

Watson and Associates Economists Ltd., an economic consulting firm, are conducting the review and public consultations at:

Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre located at 243 McAffee St., Harrow Centre from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 10; Essex Centre Sports Complex — Shaheen Room located at 60 Fairview Ave. W., Essex Centre from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11.

The consultation findings will be reviewed at a future council meeting. All changes to ward or council structures must be added to a municipal bylaw passed by Dec. 31, 2017.