Rocky View County is undertaking an analysis and review of the County’s electoral boundaries and elected official governance structure.
The Electoral Boundary and Council Composition bylaw will be brought forward for Council’s consideration on Tuesday October 27, 2020. The proposed bylaw is now available.
Under the Municipal Government Act, electors of the County may petition Council to conduct a vote of electors regarding this bylaw. More information about petitions can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/petition-information-for-electors.aspx
In November 2019, Council approved Administration to retain consultants from ISL Engineering and Land Service Inc. (ISL) to conduct an independent and objective review of the County’s electoral boundaries and governance structure. The work undertaken by the consultant as directed in the approved project Terms of Reference, included a best practices review of comparable Alberta municipalities, a population analysis to determine the current demographic context in the County, a population projection to determine anticipated demographic change in the County, a spatial analysis, and the development and implementation of a public participation survey. The research and analysis conducted by the consultant was presented at two Council workshops to determine the scope of the review.
This scope was to encompass one councillor elected for each division and a governance structure of an appointed “Chief Elected Official” (currently referred to as the Reeve). The consultant provided the most robust recommendation that accommodates future population growth while balancing that growth with effective representation of residents.
ISL will be presenting the recommendations report to Council on Tuesday October 27, 2020. Please direct any inquires and/or comments regarding the recommendations report to your Councillor.
The Public Participation Summary, which includes a summary of feedback received through the online survey, is available for review.
Overview
The County’s last major electoral boundary review was completed in 2000 and since then the County’s total population has increased by 43% (from 28,441 to 42,291). Currently, Rocky View County has nine divisions, four of which are either above or below the typically accepted standard. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) for more information.
Under the Alberta Municipal Government Act (sections 148 and 150), Council has the authority to make changes to its divisional boundaries, the number of Councillors on Council, and to elect or appoint the “Chief Elected Official” (mayor) through the passing of a bylaw.
Background
In July 2019, Council passed an Electoral Boundary Review Policy (PDF) that outlines the process and establishes criteria of how the boundaries are to be reviewed.
It is the County’s intention to have the electoral boundary and governance review completed by the fall of 2020. The Electoral Boundary and Governance Review Terms of Reference was adopted by Council on January 28, 2020 (Minutes | Video).
Project Timeline
- Terms of Reference
January 2020
Project launches. - Background Research
February to March 2020
What we need to know and how to get there. - Public Engagement
April 2020
Online survey available to residents. - Options Review
May to June 2020
Potential options reviewed by Council. - Final Recommendation
Fall 2020
Final Electoral Boundary and Governance Review Report presented to Council.
Get Involved
There are several ways to get involved in the project.
- Contact project lead Charlotte Satink at elections@rockyview.ca or 403-230-1401 for questions, updates or further information.
- Follow the project on this webpage. We will post updates and additional information as necessary.