The Municipality of Port Hope has launched a comprehensive review of its council composition and ward boundaries to ensure fair and effective representation as the community grows and changes.
Since its establishment in 2001 through the amalgamation of the Town of Port Hope and the Township of Hope, council has consisted of a mayor and six councillors, with four representing the urban ward and two representing the rural ward. No formal review of this structure has been conducted since amalgamation.
The municipality says the review is being led by Watson and Associates Economists Ltd., a consultancy with expertise in governance and ward boundary studies. It will examine whether the current council composition and ward boundaries reflect the community today and prepare for future population shifts.
Officials say public consultation is a central element of the process. Residents are invited to provide feedback on the existing council structure and ward boundaries, with further opportunities for input planned after preliminary options are developed. Considerations include population size, geography, community history, community interests, and minority representation.
Council emphasizes that resident engagement is critical to ensuring recommendations support equitable governance. The review aims to provide balanced representation for both urban and rural areas of the municipality while accommodating expected growth.
Residents are encouraged to follow updates and participate in consultation through the municipality’s online engagement portal at engage.porthope.ca/ward-review.
The final report will provide recommendations for potential adjustments to ensure Port Hope council continues to represent the community effectively now and into the future.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
