County passes first reading on new electoral boundaries

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County discussed and passed first reading of the new proposed electoral boundaries bylaw during the July 2, regular meeting of council. 

Periodic review of the county’s electoral boundaries is conducted in order to ensure the populations within each division is relatively similar. 

Due to population changes within the county’s borders being inconsistent between divisions, electoral boundaries may be redrawn in order to maintain relatively equal distribution.

“Administration initiated review of the electoral boundaries at the Feb. 13, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting. At the Mar. 28 Committee of the Whole meeting, the committee directed administration to proceed with the process of amending the electoral boundaries bylaw,” said Jessica Russel, who presented to county council on behalf of planning and development services. “At the May 7 regular meeting (of council), council accepted the terms of reference for the project, which outlines a process for the electoral boundaries review, including public consultation, advertising, and implementation.”

According to administration, public consultation is required in order to inform the public regarding electoral division boundaries amendments, and to facilitate understanding of the bylaw. 

Public consultation is not a legislated requirement of a bylaw to amend electoral boundaries; however, is included in the terms of reference in order to ensure adequate communication and transparency with county residents.

Following acceptance of the terms of reference, the electoral boundaries bylaw and associated maps were drafted and uploaded to the county website. 

Notice of the proposed bylaw was circulated to county residents by mail, and three open houses were held to provide opportunities for public consultation through in-person information sessions.

No members of the public spoke during the July 2 regular meeting of council in support or in opposition of the new drafted boundaries.

During discussion regarding the proposed new electoral boundaries, Coun. Shannon Laprise suggested making a final adjustment to Division 2, being Reeve Amber Link’s division, such that one of its boundaries would be in line with the border of the Town of Strathmore on the north side, as opposed to cutting through it. 

According to the Municipal Government Act, there is a required 60-day petition window that will have to expire before council is allowed to vote on second reading of the electoral boundaries bylaw.

Council was able to pass first reading of the bylaw and directed administration to return to council with an updated draft to reflect Laprise’s suggestion.

More information regarding the county’s proposed new electoral boundaries is available on their website.