No Choice But To Change: An Investigation into the History and Effects of the 2006 Municipal Ward Boundary Realignment in London, Ontario

Author

Stephen Turner, Western University

Date of Award

7-1-2013

Degree Type

Major Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Program

Political Science

Geographical Areas

London, Ontario

Abstract

In 2005, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) responded to a citizen petition in London, Ontario by imposing significantly changed municipal wards for the 2006 municipal election, focusing on the concept of communities of interest in setting the new electoral boundaries. This paper examines the effects of ward realignment to determine personal attitudes on the effects of the change. Interviews with 14 civically involved Londoners were conducted, in addition to an analysis of voter turnout, campaign expense, municipal budget, and neighbourhood demographic data over 10 years to identify any patterns that may have arisen. The findings reveal that municipal government improved as a result of ward realignment, but the success of government is entirely dependent on the effectiveness of the representatives elected to office.

Recommended Citation

Turner, Stephen, "No Choice But To Change: An Investigation into the History and Effects of the 2006 Municipal Ward Boundary Realignment in London, Ontario" (2013). MPA Major Research Papers. 121.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/lgp-mrps/121