The Consultant Team of Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. and Dr. Robert Williams have released a report that includes preliminary ward boundary options for the City of Oshawa based on the information collected in the first round of consultation. Residents will be asked to evaluate and provide feedback on the preliminary ward models in the second round of community consultation. The resulting input will be used to develop recommended ward boundaries that will be introduced in the 2018 Municipal Elections. View the Oshawa preliminary ward boundary report now.

Residents are encouraged to attend the second round of consultations taking place on:

• Wednesday, April 19; Legends Centre (1661 Harmony Road N.),
  Leisure Room; from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 25; South Oshawa Community Centre (1455 Cedar St.),
  Meeting Rooms 1 & 2; from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, April 27; Civic Recreation Complex (99 Thornton Rd. S.),
  Bobby Orr Room; from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The community consultation sessions will begin with a presentation by the Consultant Team, who will provide a review of the round one findings, display options and provide an overview of preliminary ward boundary alternatives.

Following the presentation, attendees will participate in a facilitated discussion to obtain feedback on the preliminary ward boundary options. Individuals who are interested in attending any of the sessions are asked to R.S.V.P. by emailing wardboundaryreview@oshawa.ca or by calling 905-436-3311, ext. 5639 or 2226. The information collected during the community consultation will be used by the Consultant Team to finalize the recommended ward boundary options to be presented to City Council in June.

Further information on the review, including reports, presentations and other important items are available on the City’s website at www.oshawa.ca/owbr.

Background

The Ward Boundary Review is being completed in response to a ballot question placed on the 2014 Municipal Election ballot that asked voters if they wanted to continue with general city-wide elections, or return to elections conducted on the basis of wards. The results of the question were in favour of a return to ward elections and in December 2014, City Council directed that staff undertake the necessary work to reintroduce wards in time for the 2018 Municipal Elections.

In September 2016, the City of Oshawa launched a Ward Boundary Review and has retained Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., in association with Dr. Robert J. Williams, to undertake the study.