The municipality is hosting meetings in Ameliasburgh, Wellington, Cherry Valley and Picton in the coming weeks where the public can learn more about the proposed ballot question and offer feedback.

Originally, Council suggested the question, “Are you in favour of a comprehensive governance review which would look at Council size, ward boundaries, structure and method of election?” go on the ballot. 

But after seeking legal input on Municipal Act requirements, Municipal Clerk Victoria Leskie proposed a simpler question.

After the consultations, Council will most likely pass a bylaw to add a simple yes/no question to the election ballot: “Are you in favour of a third-party review of Council size and related ward boundary changes?”

For the results to be legally binding on the municipality, at least 50 per cent of eligible electors must vote on the question and more than 50 per cent of those must vote in favour of the review.

For his part, Councillor Chris Braney, who has advocated for a size-of-council review for years, says he is sure the question would pass. “I’d even wager an 80 percent ‘yes’ vote,” he said. 

The cost of a third-party review would range between $60,000 and $100,000, depending on the scope of the work.

The Council elected in 2026 would take direction from the ballot survey in deciding to undertake a third-party review of the size of Council, and to implement any recommendations.

As prescribed by the Act, changes to council size and ward boundaries would not come into effect until the 2031 municipal election.