Municipality of Yarmouth seeks community input on new electoral boundaries

The Municipality of Yarmouth is looking for input on its new electoral boundaries as it begins the transition from a warden system to a mayoral system. Council unanimously approved the change at their meeting on April 22 this year, and the change will take effect in the next municipal election, scheduled for fall 2028. Under the warden system, residents were represented by seven councillors who then chose a Warden amongst themselves, but the new system will have 6 electoral districts and a mayor. Each resident will get one vote for their councillor as well as a vote for the overall mayor. Due to these changes, the municipality has to redraw the boundaries of the six electoral districts. Rules and guidelines for establishing municipal boundaries are regulated by the Municipal Government Act, and are focused on voter parity, community interest and geography. The project is currently in the data public engagement phase, and community sessions are being held across the municipality next week. Tuesday September 15 – Forest Glen Community Centre Wednesday September 16 – Lake George Community Centre Thursday September 17 – Melbourne Community Centre Friday September 18 – Greenville Community Centre All sessions are being held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Other opportunities to get involved include completing the project survey, commenting on the interactive maps online or by contacting the project team at consultation@uplandstudio.ca.