Clearwater County could begin reviewing its seven electoral districts for the first time since 2012.

The review was prompted by population changes since the last review, as well as the 2025 amalgamation of Caroline.

Following amalgamation, data shows the population of Clearwater County increased from approximately 11,865 to 12,437 residents.

Based on the latest Statistics Canada census data, the amalgamation caused Ward 6 to have a population variance of more than 20 per cent, about three times greater than the average variance of the other wards.

Administration estimated the cost of the review could range from $75,000 to as much as $200,000.

Deputy Reeve Drew McKay questioned the cost, asking whether county administration could complete the work internally for much cheaper.

Legislative Coordinator Tracy Haight said the opposite was true, as the review requires specialized consulting services, including drafting recommendations for council and drawing the maps.

McKay raised concerns that consultants would use Statistics Canada data, which he believes could be skewed because many rural residents did not complete the latest census. He said the county would be better off conducting its own census before redrawing the boundaries.

CAO Michael Simpson said administration is already stretched thin, and asking staff to conduct a census or redraw boundaries would require a significant redirection of resources.

Reeve Jordon Northcott supported the review, saying it could be a worthwhile initiative that provides council with insights to help develop other policies, including land use bylaws and municipal development plans.

New Statistics Canada data on the region’s population is expected in February 2027.

Council narrowly approved moving forward with a request for proposal (RFP), with the matter to be revisited by council on Dec. 18.

Ward vs. division

Council also heard that during 2024 amalgamation open houses, some residents expressed support for returning the official name of electoral boundaries to divisions. They are currently defined as wards.

A motion from Coun. Bryan Cermak reflected his longstanding preference for calling the districts divisions rather than wards.

Concerns centred on the urban connotation associated with the word ward.

While agreeing that the term wasn’t appropriate, Coun. Breanne Powell said she was able to get elected in rural Clearwater County in a district defined as a ward.

She also said a name change is likely a low priority for residents and that the associated costs are not a good use of taxpayer dollars.

The motion to rename electoral districts as divisions was defeated.