The Township of Clearview Council is reviewing its composition and ward boundaries to understand if our wards and Council representation is effective, equitable and an accurate reflection of who lives here. This review will have a lasting impact on how you’re represented at the municipal level, now and into the future. We need your help to answer some big questions about how you are represented.
Currently in Clearview there are seven wards with one councillor elected by the residents living in that area, to represent the ward on Clearview Council. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected At-Large, meaning that everyone in Clearview gets a chance to vote for those positions regardless of where they live.
What is a Ward Boundary Review?
Watch the video below to learn more about wards, the ward system in Clearview and how it effects you as a resident.
What Ward Do You Live in?
View the current Ward Boundary Map by clicking the button below to find out.
Clearview’s Council & Ward Boundaries are Changing
Beginning in December 2020, Clearview undertook a Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review consulting the public with a survey and public meeting along the way. With overwhelming public support in favour of maintaining the ward system, Clearview Council decided on July 12, 2021, to move to a five (5) ward structure with a 7 member Council: 5 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor. The 5 Ward Boundary Map is located below.
Notice of Passage of Ward Boundary Realignment By-law 21-77
At the July 26, 2021 meeting, Council passed By-law 21-77 to formally redivide the Township into five (5) wards. Below is a copy of the by-law and the public notice. For additional background information on Clearview’s Ward Boundary review, please click below on “About the Ward Boundary Review” for links to Council reports and decisions.
As populations change it’s important to review ward boundaries to ensure Council representation is effective, equitable and an accurate reflection of the people that live there.
Clearview’s ward boundaries were last reviewed in 2013, a lot has changed since then. Prior to the next municipal election in 2022, Council would like to review Clearview’s ward boundaries and check in with residents to get their thoughts on council composition and the voting method - by Ward or At-Large.
What’s the difference between voting by Ward and At-Large?
Voting by Ward means, voting for one candidate to represent the area in which you live, in addition to voting for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions.
Voting At-Large means, all voters in the Township can vote for all seats up for election (for example: if there are seven (7) councillor positions on council, voters can vote for seven (7) candidates in addition to Mayor and Deputy Mayor).
Watch the Ward Boundary Review Video for more information.
The Ward Boundary Review Process
Council Report LS-017-2020 – Council Composition Review
Meeting date: December 14, 2020
From this report, Council approved proceeding forward with public engagement on the four options through a survey/questionnaire. The four options included:
- 5 ward option (7 member council)
- 5 members elected at large (5 member council)
- 7 members elected at large (7 member council)
- Maintaining the current ward system
Council Report LS-004-2021 – Council Composition Review
Meeting date: March 22, 2021
From this report, Council approved proceeding forward with a public meeting regarding the following two preferred options identified as a) and d) in the report:
Option 1: A five (5) ward structure (7 member Council): 5 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor
Option 2: Maintain the current ward structure (9 member Council): 7 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor
The public meeting has been scheduled for June 28, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Public Meeting Presentation
Meeting date: June 28, 2021
At the public meeting, staff made a presentation outlining the Ward Boundary process to date and outlined the two preferred options in more detail. The public had the opportunity to provide written comments or make oral statements for Council’s consideration. A final report will be presented to Council at the July 12th meeting.
Council Report LS-007-2021 Ward Boundary Review – Ward Structure Decision
Meeting date: July 12, 2021
From this report, Council approved redividing the Township of Clearview into five (5) wards as outlined in Schedule B to the report, and identified as Option 5A in the 2013 Watson & Associates Electoral Review Report. The Clerk was directed to present a by-law at an upcoming meeting to re-divide the wards of the municipality.
What is a Ward?
A ward is an area of the municipality. Your house, your neighbours and your neighbourhood are located in a ward, a defined area of Clearview.
Current Clearview Ward Boundaries
Currently in Clearview there are seven wards with one councillor elected by the residents living in that area, to represent the ward on Clearview Council. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected At-Large, meaning that everyone in Clearview gets a chance to vote for those positions regardless of where they live.
View the current ward boundaries by clicking on Ward Boundary Map below.
Options Being Considered in the Ward Boundary Review
There are four options being considered by Clearview Council in the 2021 Ward Boundary Review:
Ward System Options
Option 1: A five (5) ward structure: 5 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor
Proposed Five-ward Boundary Map
Option 2: Maintain the current ward structure: 7 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor
At-Large System Options
Option 3: Five (5) member Council, all elected at-large: 3 Councillors, Deputy Mayor and Mayor
Option 4: Seven (7) member Council, all elected at-large: 5 Councillors, Deputy Mayor and Mayor
This review will have a lasting impact on how you’re represented at the municipal level, now and into the future. We need your help to answer some big questions about how you are represented.
Participate & Have Your Say
Ward Boundary Review Public Meeting | COMPLETE
The Township of Clearview will be holding a virtual public meeting on Monday, June 28th, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. to engage residents on the following preferred options for the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review:
Option 1: A five (5) ward structure: 5 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor
Proposed Five-ward Boundary Map
Option 2: Maintain the current ward structure: 7 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor
Public Participation
Members of the public may participate by providing written comments or making an oral statement virtually during the meeting. To register your public participation submission, please complete the registration form below. All public participation requests and comments must be received prior to noon, the Friday before the meeting.
Public Meeting Participation Request Form
Watch the Public Meeting live on Clearview's YouTube Channel.
Ward Boundary Review Survey | CLOSED
The Ward Boundary Review Survey was available both online and in hard copy, it closed on February 28, 2021.
Currently in Clearview there are seven wards with one councillor elected by the residents living in that area, to represent the ward on Clearview Council. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected at-large, meaning that everyone in Clearview gets a chance to vote for those positions regardless of where they live.
Visit the Clearview Council webpage to learn more about Clearview Council.
