Information session will take place on Sunday night
A virtual information session is taking place this weekend to discuss the advantages of creating a ward system in Niagara Falls.
The session is being organized by resident Melanie Holm, who was the Green Party candidate for the area in the last federal election.
She says a ward system would make it easier for residents to decide who to support during municipal elections.
"In the last election, I believe we had 28 candidates run for the election. That's a lot of people to investigate when you're trying to figure out who to vote for. I think by having wards and having fewer options makes it easier for people to actually do their research."
She also notes a ward system would lead to better representation in council.
"We have a lot of people with very similar opinions being elected by possibly the same people. By having wards, it allows for more diversity based on neighbourhoods. It gives a chance for people with varying interests to be elected."
Niagara Falls adopted an at-large system about 20 years ago, which Councilor Wayne Thomson has said is better for democracy.
He says a ward system could lead to councilors not supporting projects in other parts of the city without receiving support for initiatives happening in their area.
However, Holm says she thinks that can be avoided.
"I think it is definitely time to look at how we are electing people and how they're representing us. Just because we move back to the ward system doesn't mean it has to be the same ward system we had before. I think there are better ways to do it."
She adds while this meeting is virtual, there will be in-person meetings in the future.
Holm also plans to launch a petition in favour of creating a ward system, with a goal of 5,000 signatures.
The online session will take place Sunday night from 8:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.,
To reserve a spot, click here.
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