At city hall, ward boundary changes loom. So does political pushback

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Changes to London’s city-level election boundaries will move to public consultation this month, even if politicians aren’t totally pleased with the options so far.

During Tuesday’s meeting of city council’s strategic priorities and policy committee, politicians were presented with four preliminary options for new ward boundaries by consulting firm Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. A decision on what boundaries will be drawn won’t be made for months, but that didn’t stop some from levelling harsh critiques.

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“I don’t want to be dismissive of the really good work that you’ve predominantly done here,” said Ward 6 Coun. Sam Trosow. “I cannot understand how (in map 4) my neighbourhood in Broughdale goes through Adelaide, goes through Highbury, and goes all the way to Clarke Road.”

Described by consultants Robert Williams and Zachary Spicer, one option offers the closest option to the current wards, two offer the best population distribution and accommodation for growth with less regard for natural barriers or individual communities, and one does its best to maintain all factors.

It was acknowledged off the bat that some options would not be suitable, but Williams said several were necessary for political and community talks.

“In our experience, having a number of options to consider at this point helps stimulate public discussion, and that’s the point where we are at now,” Williams said.

Splitting certain communities was by far the biggest complaint from several councillors, including Old South in the fourth map, Lambeth in the first three maps, and Argyle in map two.

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Population projections were based on the city’s 2022 growth management strategy document, and did not factor in recent high-density, highrise planning committee approvals, Williams and Spicer explained in response to questions from politicians.

Mayor Josh Morgan said balancing keeping neighbourhoods together with population distribution would be impossible. Tweaks could also be made later, he added.

“If we try to struggle to balance all of these things perfectly, I think it will be an endless process,” he said. “These aren’t our wards . . . it’s the wards that the next elected representatives will represent.”

Giving each ward a name alongside a number was also discussed by several councillors to ease confusion among voters about what district they live in. That decision will be made when final ward designs are approved.

Four public engagement sessions will be held next week on the preliminary options, and the city will open an online survey on Wednesday.

City council will approve a final ward boundary map before year’s end, and after a grace period to deal with any potential appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal, it will take effect in time for the next municipal election in 2026.

jmoulton@postmedia.com

NEW WARD BOUNDARY MEETINGS

Oct. 16 (Hybrid/virtual event)

• Time: 5-7 p.m.
• Location: City hall, committee room #1&2
  • Can attend in-person or virtually

Oct. 17 (In-person events)

• Time: 5-7 p.m.
• Locations:
  • Medway Community Centre — full multipurpose room
  • East Lions Community Centre — multipurpose room 2
  • South London Community Centre — full Gemmel room

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