OTTAWA – The City of Ottawa’s first round of public consultation for ward boundary review doesn’t include a stop in West Carleton.

“The City of Ottawa encourages you to participate in the Ward Boundary Review 2020, either through the online public engagement survey at ottawa.ca/wardboundary or through any of the nine public consultations taking place between Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, April 1,” city staff released in a statement today (March 4).

In June 2019, city council directed staff to retain an independent consultant to conduct a comprehensive review and establish the city’s ward boundaries that could be used in at least the 2022, 2026 and 2030 municipal elections. Beate Bowron Etcetera Inc., in association with The Davidson Group and Hemson Consulting Ltd., will lead the review and ensure an objective and impartial process.

“The last major ward boundary review was conducted 15 years ago, and Ottawa’s population has grown significantly since – especially in suburban wards,” city staff said. “There are now significant population imbalances between wards that could affect fair and equal representation for you, the voter. That’s why it is important to get involved and have your say.” 

There will be two rounds of public consultation. Round one is underway, collecting your input on existing ward boundaries. Once the first phase is finished, the consultant team will prepare an information report that will set out options for revised ward boundaries, to be considered this spring by the Finance and Economic Development committee and city council. Round two will be later this year and will seek opinions and feedback on those ward boundary options.

Last June (2019), Mayor Jim Watson told West Carleton Online he didn’t expect much change in Ward 5.

“So, can we tweak it and at the same time keep the rural character of the four rural wards? I’m very much committed to that,” Watson said at the time. “So, it may mean a portion of one ward adds on to another ward, but I would very much want to ensure the majority of the people in a rural ward are rural residents.”

How to participate

Getting involved is easy and convenient. You can provide your input as part of round one either from the comfort of your own home by completing a survey or submitting comments at ottawa.ca/wardboundary, or by attending one of the following consultation sessions:

• Tuesday, March 10
  Ben Franklin Place – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Wednesday March 11           
  St-Laurent Complex – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24
  Richcraft Recreation Complex – Kanata – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 25
  Minto Recreation Complex – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 26
  Shenkman Arts Centre – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28
  Manotick Community Centre – 10:30 am to 12:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 30
  Jim Durrell Recreation Centre – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 31
  City Hall – 3 to 5 pm and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 1
  CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

You can get more ward boundary review information at ottawa.ca/wardboundary or by calling 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). Inquiries and comments can also be sent to wardboundary@ottawa.ca.