Port Hope council has voted to continue its ward boundary and council composition review while also building in a future population review tied to updated growth forecasts.
Council was presented with three options: proceed to completion, pause the process, or adopt a hybrid model. After debate and two recorded votes, council selected Option 2.
Under the approved motion, staff will continue advancing the ward boundary review based on council’s previous direction. If council later approves changes to the ward system arising from the review, staff will be directed to bring forward a budget item to undertake a population review within 24 months of the 2026 council term, once updated growth forecasts are available.
Councillor Clare Holloway Wadwani argued completing the work during the current term protects credibility, noting council members would not be influencing boundaries affecting their own re-election.
Mayor Olena Hankivsky raised concerns about moving forward without more accurate growth projections, particularly given potential impacts tied to Wesleyville development.
Municipal clerk Shrishma Davé provided clarification on what choosing Option 2 would mean for a future council.
An earlier motion to proceed straight through under Option 1 failed. The final recorded vote on Option 2 passed 5 to 2.
The consultant’s final recommendations are expected later this year, following additional public engagement.
More information is available through the Municipality of Port Hope.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)