Council Composition & Ward Boundary Review

The City of Port Colborne is conducting a ward boundary review to consider:

How many local councillors Port Colborne should have
Where ward boundaries should be drawn and why

The process will help us to ensure that council representation and electoral wards are an accurate reflection of the distribution of communities and people across Port Colborne.

What is a ward boundary review?

A ward boundary review is a process in which a municipality assesses and potentially adjusts its electoral wards and/or electoral systems. Electoral wards are geographical areas within a municipality that determine which residents are represented by each elected councillor.

Watch this video explaining the process of a ward boundary review to learn more:

Purpose of review

The purpose of this ward boundary review is to ensure that residents will be represented by Council members in an effective, equitable and accurate manner. The review will consider the composition of council and will determine if it is necessary to adjust ward boundaries to achieve population balance between wards. Balanced wards help to ensure that each councillor represents a similar number of residents, allowing for better representation and response to community needs.

How will this review impact me?

When a ward boundary is changed, the lines dividing neighbourhoods can be slightly adjusted, meaning that the area you vote for and who represents you on the City of Port Colborne’s Council could change. It can also change the population numbers in your ward and can overall influence how municipal decisions are made.

How to get involved

Port Colborne is working with consultants Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. and Drs. Robert J. Williams and Zachary Spicer to conduct the ward boundary review. These consultants are reviewing all relevant information and are looking for feedback from the community, Council and other key audiences.

In winter 2024, Watson & Associates gathered feedback from the community about the current ward boundaries and council composition in Port Colborne through a survey and series of open houses. The feedback collected informed a Preliminary Options Report.

In spring 2025, the consultants are once again asking the public for their feedback! There are different ways you can participate:

Take this SURVEY to share your opinion on the proposed options in the preliminary report.
- If you have any additional comments/feedback following the survey, kindly provide them to the City Clerk at cityclerk@portcolborne.ca or 905-228-8031.
Attend an OPEN HOUSE to learn more and share your ideas about the proposed options in the preliminary report.
- Drop-in to the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, Golden Puck Room
- Wednesday, May 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, May 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- There is no registration required.