CLARIFICATION: This story has been updated to reflect that Councillor Justin Towndale is in favour of wards.
CORNWALL, Ontario – Cornwall City Council heavily debated whether or not to consult the public on council reform at their meeting on Monday, Jan. 13.
Councillor Justin Towndale first moved at the start of the term to engage with the public on returning Cornwall to a ward system and on the possibility of reducing the number of councillors.
Administration prepared a report for council on what this public consultation would look like. Administration suggested that the City promote a survey for the public to give feedback on the proposed reforms. The budget for the consultation included spending ad money in local newspapers, attending events like the Spring Home and Leisure show as well as printing posters and buying social media ads.
Some councillors voiced skepticism of even consulting the public on the matter.
“Won’t accept because it implies I think something should change and I don’t,” said Councillor Dean Hollingsworth.
Councillor Glen Grant stated that this was not a priority for Council.
“I feel there are more priorities we need to look at for our residents,” he said, “There is a cost related to it and at the end of the day, it will be the same thing. This shouldn’t even be on our radar. Let’s talk priorities.”
Councillor Claude McIntosh pointed out that Cornwall used to be on a ward system and that it hampered the work of council due to excessive “horse trading”.
Councillors Towndale and Todd Bennett made it known that they felt that the public should be consulted on these issues.
“The public is asking for these things. Since it is the public that put us here, they should have a say in the system,” Bennett said.
“I’m in favour of wards, I am in favour of a smaller council. Let’s get the public’s feedback on it,” stated Towndale.
Council narrowly passed a motion to receive administration’s report and to go ahead with the public consultation.
