Aurora looks to introduce ward system for 2022 municipal election

Council seeks residents' opinions on three, four, five or six wards

Yorkregion.com
December 3, 2019
Lisa Queen

The idea of bringing in a ward system for Aurora has been going on for at least three decades and when it surfaced yet again, longtime resident Rosalyn Gonsalves admits she opposed the plan.

Under the current at-large system, where six councillors represent the entire town rather than specific areas, she felt residents have a pool of politicians to go to with their concerns.

But Gonsalves, who served as the Aurora Chamber of Commerce general manager from 1985 to 2006, now supports a ward system.

“I think that there are pros and cons to everything that we do and perhaps this is worthwhile giving a chance,” she said.

At election time, it is now very difficult for voters to wade through dozens of candidates when casting their ballots, Gonsalves said.

Under a ward system, there would be far fewer candidates to choose from in each area.

Residents would be able to hold their councillor more accountable. If a politician was a dud, voters could turf him or her out at election time, said Gonsalves, although she acknowledged there’s a danger residents could end up with a “lemon” of a councillor for a four-year term.

Now, it’s too easy for underperforming councillors to hide in the shadows while more competent politicians take on more responsibilities, she said.

“My councillor would be accountable (under a ward system). Now, they can weasel their way around anything,” she said.

Council is looking for residents to give their opinions about introducing wards.

Aurora is one of the largest municipalities in Ontario still using the at-large system.

Following an initial round of public consultations, the town is looking at four potential options, with the town carved into three, four, five or six wards, which could be in place in time for the 2022 municipal elections.

You can give your opinion through an online survey from Dec. 4 to Jan. 17 or by attending meetings on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the skylight gallery of the town hall at 100 John West Way or Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Aurora Cultural Centre at 22 Church St.