Ward system to receive further study in future report to town council

Amherstburg Municipal Building.

The idea of bringing a ward system to Amherstburg is still being considered.

Mayor Michael Prue brought the issue forward during the most recent meeting of Amherstburg town council, noting that while the ballot question in 2022 narrowly passed, it passed nonetheless.

“Next year is an election year. The town has to do a number of things to get ready for election year. We have to determine the nature of the ballot, whether it will be electronic or written. We have to determine some of the functions for people with disabilities and how they will be able to vote,” said Prue. “There’s also the very thorny issue – and I know there’s some people who don’t think we should go down this road – but in the last election the people of Amherstburg, by a narrow margin, voted to have a ward system.”

Prue said the town has not yet followed through because the law in Ontario “is so difficult” for people to have a say in a referendum.

“You have to have a 60 per cent turnout and a 60 per cent in favour. It did not meet either of those criteria,” the mayor said.

Prue added the people of Amherstburg did say they preferred a ward system and left it to council whether or not to have it explored again.

Clerk Kevin Fox said an election report will be back before town council in the next two months and will cover everything Prue brought up, including the ward system.

Councillor Molly Allaire wanted to know if that report would cover issues relating to election signs. 

Fox said he will be working on a separate report with manager of licensing and enforcement Bill Tetler.

On the vote for a possible ward system, there were 3,303 who voted yes in the 2022 election and 3,253 who voted no. The voter turnout in the 2022 municipal election was 39.34 per cent in Amherstburg.

The next municipal election will be held Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.

Ward system to receive further study in future report to town council

By Ron Giofu