Ward Boundary Review

The Township is completing a ward boundary review to ensure that electoral wards are balanced and provide residents with equitable and responsive representation.

What is a ward boundary review?

A ward boundary review is a process undertaken by a local municipality to assess and potentially adjust the boundaries of its electoral wards and/or electoral systems. Electoral wards are geographical areas within a municipality that determine which residents are represented by each elected councillor.

Purpose of Review

The primary purpose of a ward boundary review is to ensure fair and effective representation for all residents within a municipality. By periodically reviewing and, if necessary, adjusting ward boundaries, the municipality aims to achieve a more balanced distribution of population among wards. This helps to ensure that each councillor represents a similar number of constituents, thus promoting equitable representation and responsiveness to community needs.

Get Involved

Springwater residents are invited to learn about ward boundaries and contribute their thoughts and considerations to the ward boundary review process. The first of two rounds of public engagement took place in June 2024; a second round will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

NEW - Phase 2 - Public Consultation

Residents and Stakeholders are invited to participate in phase 2 of the Ward Boundary Review public consultation. The consultants, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. have reviewed all relevant studies, data and feedback gathered through phase 1 and have prepared preliminary ward configurations for review and input. Based on the input received during phase 2, the consultants will provide final recommendations for Councils consideration in December, 2024.

Please join Township staff and Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. for two (2) in-person public consultations, taking place at the Township Administration Centre (2231 Nursery Road, Minesing):

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 PM
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 PM

Phase 2 Public Consultation Materials

Preliminary Options Report

The Preliminary Options Report has been compiled based on input from the community during Phase 1 public consultations. This comprehensive report highlights key themes from community feedback, explores population growth projections, and evaluates the current ward structure. The insights and recommendations contained within offer pathways to ensure fair and effective representation for all residents in our vibrant township.

Preliminary Options Report

Preliminary Options Survey - Have Your Say!

This survey will help the consultants to understand how the residents of Springwater view the current electoral arrangement, which in turn will provide thoughtful recommendations to Council. The deadline to complete the survey is October 27, 2024, by noon.

Springwater Ward Boundary Review Survey

Interactive Map

View the interactive Springwater Ward Boundary Review interactive ward map where you can find existing ward configurations for Springwater, along with some preliminary options for consideration.

View the Interactive Map in a larger format:

Interactive Map

Display Boards

Springwater Ward Boundary Review Phase Two Display Boards

Phase 1 - Public Consultation

Did you miss the first round of public engagement? Don't worry, view the recording or display boards.

Process

Learn about the Township's ward boundary system and the Ward Boundary Review process.

Timelines

Spring 2024 - Project Initiation, information gathering and research
Spring 2024 - Interviews with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and members of Council
Spring 2024 - Backgrounder Reports
May 1, 2024 - Council Workshop
June 17 & 20 2024 - Public Engagement Round 1
July-August 2024 - Existing Population and Growth Forecast
Summer 2024 - Development of Preliminary Ward Boundary Alternatives
October 8, 2024 - Public Consultation Round 2 - Preliminary Ward Boundary Alternatives
Fall 2024 / Winter 2025 - Finalization of Alternatives
January 2025 - Final Report & Recommendations

Know Your Ward

Not sure which ward you live in? Find out using our interactive map:

Discussion Papers

Review the project Discussion Papers to learn about the topics that will be considered in this review:

Just for Fun

Test your Springwater knowledge with this fun brainteaser quiz! See how well you know the Township and maybe even learn something new about the place you call home. It's just for fun, so challenge yourself and give it a try!

Guiding Principles

Representation by population

Wards should have a similar number of people living in them.

Population and growth trends

Wards should consider current and expected population changes so that ward sizes will be balanced for up to three terms of Council.

Communities of interest

Ward boundaries should be drawn around recognized settlement areas, traditional neighbourhoods, and community groupings—not through them.

Geographical and topographical features as boundaries

Wards should use geographical and topographical features to mark boundaries while keeping the wards compact and easy to understand.

Means of communication and accessibility

Wards should group existing neighbourhoods to reflect current transportation and communication patterns.