Ward boundaries likely to change in Flamborough, Stoney Creek and the Mountain

Hamilton's ward boundaries will likely change in Stoney Creek, rural Flamborough and parts of the Mountain after a concerned citizen pushed the matter at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) this year.

The city reached an agreement with Mark Richardson, a resident who believed there should be more radical changes to Hamilton's ward boundaries. If the OMB approves it on Oct. 19, that will change how some residents vote in municipal elections.

Some of the rural parts of Ward 15 will become part of Ward 14, and Wards 9, 10 and 11 in Stoney Creek and Glanbrook will shift as well.

"This settlement is ultimately fair to both parties and is good for the city as a whole," Richardson said in a statement.

Richardson launched the challenge after some residents accused city council of gerrymandering this year.

Hamilton amalgamated in 2000, and the transition board said the city's ward boundaries should be temporary. Upcoming city councils, it said, should review the issue in 10 years.

But for 16 years, little was done. Finally, city council hired a consultant, which agreed the boundaries needed to change and presented two altered options. One even added a 16th ward.

Councillors altered the boundaries themselves and gave the ideas back to the consultants. In the end, city council voted for little change.

Represented by lawyer Craig Burley, Richardson challenged that at the OMB.

This compromise, Richardson said, acknowledges that Flamborough is a unique community. It's "comforting and easy" to draw lines according to population, he said. But in reality, it's not that simple.

"It has been quite an education, really."