Ward boundary by-law repealed; 77% deviation from voter parity for island ward found unreasonable.
The appellant appealed a municipal by-law that revised the ward boundaries of Loyalist Township to maintain Amherst Island as a separate ward, resulting in a 77% deviation from average ward population parity.
The Tribunal found that the ward boundary review process was fair and that Amherst Island is a distinct community of interest due to its geography and reliance on a ferry.
However, the Tribunal concluded that the 77% deviation from voter parity was unreasonable and not justified by the community of interest principle, as it undermined the overarching principle of effective representation.
The appeal was allowed and the by-law was repealed.
OLTOntario Land TribunalDec 18, 2025