Ward Boundaries and Changes
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In 2023, the Municipal Wards Commission established new ward boundaries which came into effect with the 2024 civic election.
Under The Cities Act, each ward must meet legislated population variance requirements. Population statistics showed the populations of Ward 2 were below the variation limit and Ward 7 exceeded the limit.
As such, the Municipal Wards Commission sought input from citizens in two phases, presenting three options in the initial phase and two revised options in the second phase. After careful consideration, the Commission made a decision to alter ward boundaries based on feedback received, legislated population requirements, community connections and interactions, and the integrity of neighbourhood boundaries.
The Commission selected Option A and presented its decision to City Council on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. New ward boundaries incorporated the following changes from the 2020 ward boundaries:
· Confederation Urban Centre, which was part of Ward 3, moved to join Ward 2
· Nutana Park, which was part of Ward 7, moved to join Ward 9
Past ward boundary reviews were conducted for each of the last three elections, in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
The Municipal Wards Commission is required to file its decision with the City.
Ward Boundary Q&As
How did the Municipal Wards Commission receive feedback?
Citizens were able to provide feedback via three methods:
- Online through the City's engagement page
- Emailing or sending a written letter to City Clerk's Office
- Dropping off a submission at the Service Saskatoon Customer Kiosk in the City Hall lobby
How many submissions were received in 2023?
Two hundred seventy-nine (279) online submissions were received through the engagement page. All feedback was considered by the Commission.
Why do ward boundaries have to change?
Due to factors like growth and construction, the population of some city wards has exceeded what is allowed under The Cities Act. The Act requires that each ward must contain –as nearly as is reasonably practicable– the same population and that ward populations cannot vary by more than 10% from the quotient, set by dividing the total population of the city by the number of wards into which it is divided. The Municipal Wards Commission must review ward boundaries at least once every three election cycles or when the population of a ward exceeds the acceptable variation limit of 10%.
When was the last review of ward boundaries in Saskatoon?
The last review of ward boundaries was in 2023.
What is the population estimate and which wards vary by more than 10%?
Saskatoon is growing and neighbourhoods are shifting. Recent population statistics show a total population of 285,445 (source: Sask Health 2022) and indicate the population of ward 7 exceeds the 10% variation limit, while the population of ward 2 is below. For these reasons, the Municipal Wards Commission was required to establish new ward boundaries.
Aside from population, what else is considered when determining ward boundaries?
The Municipal Wards Commission must also consider the following factors when establish ward boundaries:
- Current and prospective geographic conditions
- Density and relative rate of population growth
- Any special diversity or community of interest of residents
The Commission has traditionally respected community of interest in neighbourhoods by not drawing ward boundaries through neighbourhoods.
What is a community of interest?
A community of interest is a network of people who share the same knowledge, understanding, and topics of common interest. Its members take part in the community to exchange information, obtain answers to questions or problems, improve their understanding of a subject, or share common passions or to play.
Will I have an opportunity to review ward boundary options?
Yes. Following the first public consultation, the Municipal Wards Commission will review the draft boundary options. A second public consultation meeting will be held in order to receive additional citizen input prior to a final decision being made. Between the first and second public consultation citizens are invited to provide feedback online through www.saskatoon.ca/engage.
What happens if my ward boundary changes?
If your ward boundary changes, the shape of your ward and your city councillor change. This means you would vote in the new ward you will live in for the 2024 municipal election. Any change in wards does not affect your tax rate or anything else related to your residency.