Lethbridge Council Rejects Ward System Discussion in 7-3 Vote

BREAKING: The City of Lethbridge Council has decisively voted against discussing a ward system for municipal elections, with a vote of 7-3 on Tuesday. This urgent decision means that residents will not have the opportunity to engage in conversations about how their representatives are elected.

Council members Belinda Crowson and Jenn Schmidt-Rempel proposed a motion to refer the ward system discussion to the city’s governance standing policy committee, seeking to gather public feedback from the October 2023 municipal election. However, the council’s rejection of this motion has sparked significant disappointment among those advocating for community involvement.

“I’m disappointed we did not at least take it to the community for a conversation,” Crowson expressed after the vote. She emphasized the importance of hearing from the public on this issue. Schmidt-Rempel echoed her sentiments, stating, “It shows we are not listening to what our residents perhaps want,” highlighting a growing frustration among council members regarding voter engagement.

The concept of a ward system would allow councillors to represent specific areas within Lethbridge, rather than the entire city. This idea first gained traction during the 2021 municipal election when 55 percent of voters expressed support for it in a non-binding referendum. However, council members previously rejected the establishment of an electoral ward boundary commission, which would have cost $300,000.

Council member Rajko Dodic indicated that revisiting the ward system was not a priority at this time, but Schmidt-Rempel argued that the lack of discussion could hinder voter turnout. With only 19 percent of eligible voters participating in the recent election, she noted, “We should be having this discussion because that’s what the electorate wanted us to do.”

As the implications of this decision unfold, many residents are left questioning how their voices can be heard in the electoral process. The council’s refusal to engage in this vital conversation may have lasting effects on community trust and voter participation in future elections.

Moving forward, it will be crucial to monitor public reaction and any potential calls for a renewed discussion surrounding the ward system. Community leaders and residents alike are urged to stay engaged as the council navigates its responsibilities in representing the diverse needs of Lethbridge citizens.