'Impact on your life': Public outreach for Regina electoral boundaries underway
The City of Regina is asking residents to give their opinion about the latest electoral boundaries changes.
A public information was held on Monday at City Hall. Among the attendees was Tria Donaldson, a resident of Ward 3.
“I didn’t know that the review was happening so I was kind of surprised when I saw the proposed boundary changes and I really wanted to come and learn more about it and the impact it might have on municipal government here in Regina,” she told CTV News.
According to the city, boundary changes are mandatory when the city’s population varies more than 10 per cent or after three municipal elections.
The city’s last boundary review was in 2018.
“In particular there were four wards that had seen a significant change in their population, those being Wards 2, 4, 7 and 8,” city clerk Jim Nicol said.
“That necessitated the review because it was pushing them out of the plus or minus 10 per cent variance from the average population.”
Each ward on average contains around 23,000 residents.
The neighbourhoods of Greens on Gardiner and Harbour Landing have grown tremendously, according to Nicol.
Meanwhile, areas near the city centre, such as the north central or arcola areas have seen a population decline.
The process is mandatory, however, Donaldson believes that the process could be done better.
“I’m in that weird little part of the city where they never really know where to put us,” she said.
“I’m coming from a perspective of turnout. A lot of times the core neighbourhoods, north central, arcola area we see a lower voter turnout and getting those folks engaged into municipal politics, an area of government that really does affect their lives, can be challenging when there is changes that happen in terms of which councillor is representing them, which ward they’re in. So, my worry is down the line, if you’re making changes how are you going to ensure people feel engaged in their city council.”
For Donaldson, she hopes to see less change surrounding wards in the city’s central areas, as a way to help election turnout.
“I think when we’re talking about things like ward boundaries it can seem nerdy or it might not actually matter to folks,” she explained.
“But municipal government is the level of government that has the most impact on your life.”
Another public information session on the city's ward boundaries will be held on Thursday, March 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the cafeteria in Henry Baker Hall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.