Voters in Liverpool will likely see big changes when they go to the polls in the next municipal election.<\/p>\n
The Region of Queens is proposing to cut the number of councillors representing the former town from three to two.<\/p>\n
Currently Liverpool is represented by councillors from districts 2, 3 and 5.<\/p>\n
The recommendation comes as part of a municipal boundary review mandated by the provincial government.<\/p>\n
Every ten years municipalities across the province must review their districts and number of representatives to ensure residents in areas across the region receive equal representation.<\/p>\n
Mayor Darlene Norman says the proposed changes won\u2019t impact the sitting council.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese new boundaries will not come in force until the next election,\u201d said Norman. \u201cSo, at this point in time, who knows who will be sitting in those seats.\u201d<\/p>\n
The mayor says most councillors believed the public impression is that three councillors representing the town is putting too much focus on Liverpool and not enough on other areas in the region.<\/p>\n
Following public consultation and a staff report, council decided to submit the option of keeping one mayor and seven councillors for the provincial government\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n
She says council recognizes that some of the districts are still geographically quite large, but the review dictates it\u2019s the number of voters to be represented within each district which must be considered and not necessarily the distance a councillor would have to travel.<\/p>\n
Norman says considering the new boundaries will likely be in place for another ten years, she wants residents to be aware of the changes before they\u2019re sent off.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe final recommendation will come at our next council meeting. I encourage, if people have concerns or support or questions as to the breakup and the make-up of these that they contact myself or they contact their councillor,\u201d said Norman. \u201cThe final decision will rest with the Utility and Review Board.\u201d<\/p>\n
Council will vote on the changes when they meet in council chambers at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11.<\/p>\n