The Need for a Review
Years of population change, including the more recent incorporation of the Hamlets of Strome and Galahad, have left an uneven distribution throughout our seven electoral divisions.
It’s time to redraw our electoral boundaries to give residents the best possible municipal representation.
Flagstaff County Council is now conducting an Electoral Boundary Review based on the results of our recently completed census – and we’re looking for public feedback.
Electoral boundaries distinguish the divisions represented by our councillors. Our boundaries haven’t changed since we became a County in 1968. Currently, the County is divided into seven electoral divisions, each represented by a single councillor.
This Electoral Boundary Review is occurring not only to help ensure fair representation, but also for efficient delivery of public services.
What’s Being Considered?
Council is considering the option of reducing the number of divisions within the County from seven to five.
Budget Implications of Reducing Council to Five Councillors
The annual estimated cost to support one councillor position annually is approximately $56,925 ($227,700 over four years), which includes wages, travel, conference, benefits, laptop, and reimbursed expenses. Over a four-year electoral term, decreasing from seven councillor positions to five councillor positions equates to an estimated cost savings of $455,400 for the County.
Who’s Affected?
Amending the electoral boundaries may impact a portion of residents within the County, as their current elected official may change if their land is amended to a different division. The change in electoral boundaries may also impact nominations and candidates in upcoming elections for Council. As such, residents have an interest in understanding how the change in electoral boundaries may impact them.
The Review Process
This process began this past spring with the municipal census, which provided insights into demographic changes and population distribution.
The results of the municipal census provide the Current Division Boundary Information as follows:
Proposed Concept Maps
Using the 2024 population census data, along with pre-determined criteria agreed upon by Council, four concept maps were established. Council decided to put forth to the public two of these options, as well as the option to stay with the current electoral boundaries with seven divisions.
- Option 1: Five divisions based on balanced population. The electoral boundaries would result in the following population/residences split per division:
- Option 2: Seven divisions based on balanced residences. The electoral boundaries would result in the following population/residences split per division:
- Option 3: Seven divisions with no changes. Leaving the current electoral boundaries with no changes would result in the following population/residences split per division:
Online Survey
Your voice is important in this process. A two-question online survey will be available until October 2, and the County wants to hear from you. Click the red button below to make your opinion heard.
Residents are also welcome to email their feedback to: PublicInput@flagstaff.ab.ca by Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Public Open House
There will be a Public Open House from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at the Flagstaff County Administration Building.
Timeframe/Process
The following timeframe allows for the input to meaningfully influence Council’s decisions:
- The Electoral Boundary revision concept maps and information will be advertised, and feedback options made available for a minimum of three weeks.
- A public open house will be held at the administration office on Tuesday, October 1, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- The results of the public engagement will be presented at a Special Council Meeting on Monday, October 7.
- First Reading of the Electoral Boundaries Bylaw with a single boundary map to present to the public at the October 7th Special Council Meeting.
- Public hearing to consider a new Electoral Boundary Bylaw: Rescheduled Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 (to allow for the 60-day petition period).