Lethbridge council shoots down ward system discussion in 6-3 vote

The City of Lethbridge will not explore a ward system for municipal elections. Council voted against a motion that would've seen the idea discussed.

The City of Lethbridge will not explore a ward system for municipal elections.

Council voted Tuesday against a motion that would have seen discussions around a potential ward system.

“I’m disappointed we did not at least take it to the community for a conversation,” said Coun. Belinda Crowson.

“All I’ve ever wanted is an in-depth look into this and to actually hear from the public.”

Crowson and Coun. Jenn Schmidt-Rempel brought forward a motion to council to refer the ward system discussion to the city’s governance standing policy committee, to look at feedback raised during October’s municipal election and then decide whether a formal review of a ward system is needed.

Council voted 6-3 against it.

“For me, it is frustrating because it does show disrespect to the voter,” said Schmidt-Rempel.

“It shows we are not listening to what our residents perhaps want.”

In a ward system, councillors would represent assigned areas, rather than the entire city.

The potential for a ward system was raised during the 2021 municipal election and was put to a non-binding referendum question.

At that time, 55 per cent of voters voted in favour.

The item then went to city council, where the establishment of an electoral ward boundary commission with a cost of $300,000 was considered but ultimately voted against.

“At this point in time, it just didn’t make sense to revisit the issue,” said Coun. Rajko Dodic.

Schmidt-Rempel said this was the time to bring forward the motion, after only 19 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots in October.

“Would it be effective to increase voter turnout? I don’t know, but it was a discussion that we really should be having because that’s what the (electorate) wanted us to do,” said Schmidt-Rempel.

“We didn’t do that, and, in that part, we are failing the people who elected us.”