After some lively debate, Quinte West Council has decided not to undertake a review of its structure and the city’s ward boundaries.
Councillor Leslie Roseblade had made the motion, noting it’s been 22 years since amalgamation and the ward boundaries may not fit the changing demographics of the city.
“The city has grown. There’s been construction in all wards and again, this is just a request for a review with maybe some recommendations. Maybe it’s fine the way it is, but I feel it’s time for a review. We’ve been asked by the public and other organizations if we would undertake a review and that’s what I’m requesting.”
But many other councillors, including Councillor Al DeWitt felt that a review wasn’t needed.
They all noted that the current structure and boundaries had been working well, and that the review process would be too costly and time consuming, especially with the pandemic ongoing.
“Yes we represent our wards, but we’re councillors of the city and the fact that a subdivision grows and spans from one ward into the next, to me is irrelevant. I think we’re all very capable of handling that call and I don’t think it should matter where our election signs go. I don’t think we should be spending money on a report, or a review, when what we have is not broken.”
The motion for a review was defeated by a 7-6 recorded vote, with Mayor Jim Harrison having to break the tie.
The recorded vote went as follows:
YES (6): Terry Cassidy (Sidney Ward), Michael Kotsovos (Trenton Ward), Don Kuntze (Sidney Ward), David O’Neil (Trenton Ward), Leslie Roseblade (Trenton Ward), Karen Sharpe (Sidney Ward)
NO (7): Jim Harrison (Mayor), Jim Alyea (Murray Ward), Al DeWitt (Sidney), Sally Freeman (Trenton), Fred Kuypers (Trenton), David McCue (Murray Ward), Linda Reid (Frankford Ward)
