Despite passing a motion in February supporting a third-party review of council size, along with ward boundaries, Chatham-Kent councilors have now decided not to pursue it any further.
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On Monday, staff recommended that Strategy Corp perform the service for $68,251, which would’ve been funded from the strategic development reserve.
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However, the recommendation failed due to a tie vote.
North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville, who had entered the successful motion earlier this year to seek the review, admitted being surprised.
“I’m perplexed and disappointed,” she said after the meeting, reiterating that Monday’s recommendation wasn’t making any final decisions on council size or boundaries.
“I feel bad that there was a waste of time and resources from municipal staff.”
Currently, there are 17 councilors spread through six wards, plus the mayor’s position.
Previous municipal reviews were conducted in 2015, 2011 and 2008, however, there has been no change to boundaries since amalgamation. The number of councilors has also remained the same.
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Believing the time had come to take another look at the issue, Jubenville said council owed this to constituents.
However, other councilors expressed concern about potentially having fewer voices around the table, as well as less representation for residents.
According to census data, Chatham-Kent’s population has increased approximately two per cent, from 103,671 in 2011 to 104,316 in 2021.
A staff report stated this growth has contributed to a variance in the ward averages, particularly within Ward 6 (the former city of Chatham), Ward 2 (South Kent) and Ward 4 (North Kent).
“The upcoming Chatham-Kent official plan review is expected to result in potential expansions or adjustments to certain urban boundaries,” the report said.
This story will be updated.
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