Regional councillor election system up for debate in Ontario town [Video]

Is it time for regional councillors in Whitby to be elected by ward like its four urban neighbours in Durham, or should the town continue to elect regional representatives on an at-large basis?

That’s a question council will debate – and not for the first time – before the summer recess, providing a notice of motion on a federal election night council meeting carries.

Ajax, Oshawa, Pickering and Clarington all elect their regional councillors by ward, meaning they represent individual wards as well the municipality as a whole at Durham Regional Council meetings.

The issue was raised in 2019 during a previous term of council but nothing came of it.

Tonight’s motion, moved by Ward 3 local councillor Niki Lundquist and seconded by Ward 2 local councillor Matt Cardwell, would direct staff to report to council before summer recess with “considerations and information” on electing Whitby’s four regional councillors by …