Arran-Elderslie is sticking with its ward-based electoral system.
Council voted during its meeting Monday to maintain the status quo for the 2026 municipal election cycle and continue with five ward councillors for Arran, Tara, Chesley, Paisley and Elderslie.
A mayor and deputy mayor are also elected in Arran-Elderslie, alongside the five ward councillors.
Community engagement efforts supported the decision. Nearly 500 residents in Arran-Elderslie responded to a survey about potential electoral changes, and 77 per cent preferred to retain the ward-based system.
“It’s important that we listen when the community has clearly spoken,” Arran-Elderslie Mayor Steve Hammell says in a statement. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. Council heard you, and today’s decision reflects that collective voice.”
Council’s decision Monday came after an engagement process launched last year, after council asked staff to garner community feedback to find residents’ preference between a ward- or at-large system for electing municipal councillors.
