The review was the result of a ruling by the Ontario Land Tribunal that overturned a bylaw passed last May.
Loyalist Township council has voted to delay any further ward boundary review until the next term of council.
In a 4–3 decision, council supported an amendment from Deputy Mayor Nathan Townend to pause the process following the repeal of a ward reconfiguration bylaw. The bylaw, passed in May 2025, was overturned by the Ontario Land Tribunal after an appeal from a local resident.
A staff report presented to council on Jan. 13 recommended reviewing the tribunal decision and increasing the 2025 ward boundary review budget by $40,000. Staff said the additional funding would be needed to continue the work.
Townend said the delay would ensure the issue is clearly brought forward to the next council and provide certainty for residents ahead of the 2026 election.
Councillor Jake Ennis opposed the move, arguing the current ward structure does not ensure effective representation. He urged council to complete the review.
Mayor Jim Hegadorn said continuing the review during an election year could confuse voters and add unbudgeted costs.
Story by Emily Chatwood
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