By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
For the first time since amalgamation in 1998, Chatham-Kent’s municipal boundaries are changing.
Effective at the next municipal election in 2026, the municipality’s ward boundaries will be reconfigured.
Along with that, the number of councillors, including a mayor, will drop from 18 to 15.
Approved by council at the Feb. 10 meeting, the new scheme features eight wards, instead of the current six.
Ward 1 (West Kent) is the largest area geographically and representation stays the same with two elected councillors.
Ward 2 (South Kent) will see its representation drop to two councillors from three.
Ward 5 (Wallaceburg) will also continue with two councillors.
However, Ward 4 (North Kent) and Ward 3 (East Kent) will only have one councillor each, down from two.
Chatham, instead of being a single ward, will be divided into Wards 6, 7 and 8, with each ward electing two councillors apiece. Ward 8 will extend south to Highway 401.
Council approved the move in a 14 to 4 vote, with councillors Morena McDonald, Trevor Thompson, Aaron Hall, and Anthony Ceccacci voting against.
Sabine Matheson of StrategyCorp, the consulting firm hired to examine the issue and come up with solutions, presented council with two different options for a revamped Chatham-Kent, as well as a status quo option with adjusted borders.
In her presentation, Matheson explained each option thoroughly, noting StrategyCorp’s goal was to meet the “effective representation test,” creating a more even playing field for all C-K residents when they elect the next council.
According to Matheson, the options presented came as a result of many revisions, prompted by input from the public and council.
Geography and natural dividing lines were considered, she said, including using Hwy. 401 as a dividing line in the south part of the municipality, rather than the Thames River. Matheson said future population growth in each ward was also factored in.
The third-party review of C-K’s ward system and council composition kicked off in May 2024 following a motion from North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville. But it’s an idea that’s been floated unsuccessfully by previous councillors in the past.
Other amendments were brought to the floor.
A bid by West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan to make Chatham an “at-large” ward, rather than divide it into three wards, was narrowly defeated in a 9-9 vote.
However, an amendment by North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail to align Mitchell’s Bay with North Kent, rather than looping it in with Wallaceburg’s ward was approved, utilizing Electric Line as Ward 4’s south border, instead of Marsh Line.
Mayor Darrin Canniff voiced his appreciation to his fellow council members for moving ahead, calling it a “major change” that’s been brewing for a number of years
“I want to congratulate everyone,” the mayor said.
A bylaw enshrining the changes will be brought back for council’s approval in March.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent was created in 1998 when the Mike Harris government forced 22 Kent County townships, villages and the City of Chatham to merge into a single-tier government.
