The latest version of the Ward Boundary Commission isn’t really even looking at changing the boundaries of Calgary’s wards. Even the commission chair figures the name is a bit misleading this time around.

Instead, the group, which has a meeting Jan. 19, will begin laying out plans for public engagement on the efficacy of a 14-ward system, according to the commission chair, Jordan Pinkster.

Pinkster has an idea of how the ward offices work; he worked in former Ward 12 Coun. Shane Keating’s office. That knowledge will be tested as the commission will provide recommendations to council later this September.

“This work is really about looking, at a systems level, in terms of what makes council effective, or otherwise, within the resources that are available to them, within the structures that exist under the (Municipal Government Act),” Pinkster said.

They are guided by work done 10 years ago, with a Ward Boundary Commission chaired by former Calgary Mayor Al Duerr.   That review suggested that perhaps after the 2021 election it would be time to review the number of councillors. Councillors mulled that prospect last June.

“I think it makes sense to at least explore what the trade-offs are, and to make a good, informed decision around it,” Coun. Evan Spencer said at the time.  

The last ward boundary commission report also suggests the city examine localized ward offices and co-location of city services in wards.

Examining much of that work further is likely, Pinkster said. They will be talking with the public, members of city administration, and, of course, councillors for their thoughts on what would work moving forward.

“I’d say we’re occupying a pretty blank slate here,” Pinkster said.

“I want to hear from as many people as we possibly can over the next three to four months, and then we’re going to take the summer to build a really good research set around this to help kind of compare and contrast.”

Firm direction on the mandate

While there are probably as many different opinions around the council horseshoe on adding councillors or even changing ward boundaries, the direction for this group has been set.

In the summer, Ward 11 Coun. Kourtney Penner mentioned that with any potential decision on councillors they would have to consider collateral cost impacts. She said there would be significant renovations required to add a potential six new councillors. Ward offices would have to be added.

Cost impact will be an add-on to the Ward Boundary Commission report, Pinkster said. Also, city administration will provide a cost summary for any changes that are being recommended.

“They're going to be realistic recommendations, they will be costed to the best opportunity possible through administration, and it should give council a really good launching off point to figure out what they want to move forward on,” Pinkster said.

More than anything, he wants Calgarians to be engaged in the process.

“Those ideas that we get from the public will frame our thoughts on this, and will likely be reflected in the recommendations that we bring forward,” Pinkster said.

“I think that's really, really critical.”

While ward boundaries aren’t being changed immediately, Pinkster said much of the data they gather and the recommendations they put to council would be used to inform changes after the 2025 municipal election.