If Mayor Lou Maieron has his way, local residents might have even more representatives on their local council.
The mayor came to council on May 7 with a resolution seeking council direct staff to prepare an options report on restructuring the municipality into wards.
The report is to include:
– ward boundaries based on population;
– an option to add two additional councillors;
– define council’s role and responsibility in the process;
– reviews of neighbouring municipalities organized at large or by ward;
– a report listing the options to restructure the municipality into wards based on population.
“The public over many years has suggested that perhaps Erin structured into wards might receive more accountable representation for the majority of people.”
Maieron stated that following amalgamation and until the election of Deb Callaghan, the largest urban centre in the town did not have a representative from that community.
Additionally, other sections of the municipality have never had representatives.
In an at-large system, each councillor represents all residents of the municipality.
Maieron contended there are municipalities in Wellington County which do use a ward system.
He added there are municipalities smaller than Erin which have six councillors and a mayor.
“I’m only asking staff to prepare an options report.”
Maieron said that without a representative from a specific area, that area’s concerns may not be brought to the table as prominently as they could be.
“It’s just a suggestion.”
Maieron also agreed that it could increase the cost of council – “but it is our job to represent the whole town adequately.”
Councillor John Brennan asked that a cost impact also be included since additional councillors could bring a 40 per cent increase to the cost of council.
The motion carried.
A decision would need to be implemented by the end of 2013 for it to be in place for the 2014 election.
It was estimated the report could take three to four months to prepare.
