Ward Boundary Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ward boundary?

Ward boundaries form the basis for the election of City and Regional Councillors.

What is a Ward Boundary Review?

A ward boundary review is an exercise to ensure that a municipality's ward structure remains in line with the City's population trends and growth.

Why is a Ward Boundary Review necessary at this time?

Council approved a ward boundary review primarily to address population imbalance in electoral areas

What are the criteria for the review?

These Council approved criteria ensure:

a) Effective representation

Voters should be equally represented to the greatest extent possible
There should be equal representation at the City and Region of Peel

b) Representation by population

Population numbers should be relatively equal in each ward. A 25% (+/-) population variance from the average ward population is a consistent approach for addressing equality in population distribution
Address inconsistencies in population numbers as well as forecasted figures.

c) Population trends and growth are addressed

Consider the impact of development and intensification on population

d) Established and newer neighbourhoods continue to be preserved to the best extent possible

e) Ward boundary lines follow physical boundaries as much as possible

How have established neighbourhoods and communities of interest been defined as part of the review?

Secondary plans and community references on various City maps have been used during the course of this review.

What are the population figures that staff used during the review?

Population forecasts were provided by the Planning, Design and Development Department and are based on figures compiled in 2011. Forecasts include the years 2014, 2018 and 2022 to assist with representation for future growth.

When was the last ward boundary review conducted?

A Ward Boundary Review was conducted after the 2000 municipal election when City Council resolved to reduce its size from 17 members to 11 members. The changes in ward boundaries and Council composition were in place for the 2003 municipal election and have remained to this day.

What is the public being asked to comment on?

Council's recommended 12-ward scenario, which will increase Brampton City Council by two members.

Click here to view a map.

Any other alternatives and suggestions from the public are welcome.

If you wish to draw your own scenario - maps with population projections are available here, at the public consultation sessions, or by contacting us.

2014 | 2018 | 2022

Are there financial implications associated with the proposed scenario?

Any increase to the size of City Council will require a budget increase. For example, an increase to the size of Council by two members adds $300,000 to the annual budget. This cost includes Councillors' salaries, support staff and related expenses.

Any financial implications will be addressed in the report detailing the results of the public consultation in early 2013.

How are the public comments going to be presented to Council?

After the public consultation period (November 1-December 7, 2012) is completed, staff will compile all the comments and recommended scenarios to present to City Council in early 2013.

When is the final report on the Ward Boundary Review going to be presented to Council?

Staff will report to City Council in early 2013. The report will include a compilation of all public comments received and final recommendations.

Once City Council makes a final decision, by-laws will be passed, if necessary (only if any changes are made to the ward boundaries and/or council composition) in early 2013.

What happens if Council does not approve any changes to its existing structure or ward boundary alignment?

Current boundaries and Council structure will be in effect for the 2014 Municipal Election.

What happens if Council approves any ward boundary changes or change in size of Council?

Once Council passes the by-law(s) for ward changes to take effect, public notice must be given within 15 days.

There is a 45 day appeal period from the date the by-law is passed. Any person or agency may appeal a decision regarding ward boundary changes.

If no appeals are received, then the by-law(s) will be deemed final and binding. If an appeal is filed, the current structure of Council will remain in effect until a final decision is made by the Ontario Municipal Board.

What is the deadline for ward boundary/council changes to take place to be in effect for the 2014 Municipal Election?

All decisions, including decisions on any appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board, regarding a ward boundary realignment/change in size of Council must be finalized by December 31, 2013.

If I want to suggest a scenario or make comments, how do I do so?

Residents are invited to submit written comments and suggestions or ask questions. A summary of all comments, etc. will be provided to in the Staff report in early 2013.

Written comments and/or suggestions can be submitted at any one of the following opportunities up to and including Friday, December 7, 2012.

Call/Fax:

Wendy Cooke, Coordinator of Elections and Special Projects

Phone: 905.874.3481
TTY: 905.874.2130
Fax: 905.874.2119

In person:

Brampton City Hall – City Clerk’s Office, 1st Floor – 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Public Consultation Sessions:

Wednesday, November 14 - City Hall Atrium

Thursday, November 15 - South Fletcher’s Recreation Centre

Wednesday, November 21 - Cassie Campbell Recreation Centre

Thursday, November 22 - Brampton Soccer Centre

Tuesday, November 27 - Earnscliffe Recreation Centre

Thursday, November 29 - Century Gardens Recreation Centre

These sessions will be conducted in an “open house” format, with no formal presentation. This will allow residents the opportunity to view ward boundary scenarios at their leisure, and ask questions of staff.

Email: wbr@brampton.ca

Twitter: @bramptonwards

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