Ottawa’s ward boundary review enters Round 2 of consultations

Another round of consultations on possible changes to ward boundaries in the city starts Wednesday. 

The consultation team is hoping to collect feedback from the public on six options to realign Ottawa’s wards.

The options range from adding more wards to the 23 that already exist in the city to cutting the wards back to 17. 

The current boundaries were adopted in 2006 and a number of wards are now far above the average ward population of 44,000. 

Barrhaven's population is now 43 per cent above average, Gloucester-South Nepean’s population is 23 per cent above average, and Cumberland’s population is 17 per cent above average.

The boundary review will end in December, and the city hopes that can be used in at least three municipal elections starting in 2022 and perhaps, a fourth municipal election in 2034.

A final report with recommendations is expected to be brought forward by the consultant team and considered by Ottawa's Finance, Economic and Development Committee, and City Council in December 2020.

Round 2 consultation will run from August 19 to September 25 on the City of Ottawa website. 

For those without access to a computer or require a hardcopy survey, please call 613-580-3620.