Jennifer Smith

This election marks a fundamental change in how our town is represented on Council. I'm sure you've heard about it, but you may not realize what the implications are for Ward 2.

Right now, Milton is divided into four wards: two 'urban' and two rural. Each of those wards is represented by two local councillors, for a total of eight. Additionally, there are two local and regional councillors who also represent Milton at Halton Regional Council - one for the urban wards and one for the rural.



The trouble is, Ward 1 (the southern rural ward) is no longer so rural. Almost all of the new housing developments are there, meaning that almost half the town's current population is concentrated in that one ward.

Something clearly needed to be done.

The solution was to re-divide the town into eight more or less equivalent wards and elect one councillor per ward.



One thing to note about this map is that aside from the addition of a sparsely populated area north of Steeles, Ward 2 remains essentially unchanged. However - and this is the critical point - we have now gone from having a quarter of the local councillors to one eighth.

In other words, your representation on Town Council has just been cut in half.

What this means is that now more than ever, Ward 2 needs a strong voice on council. Someone who will fight to keep essential businesses and services right here in the heart of Milton. Someone who will do whatever is necessary to make sure that all the gains in the new developments don't result in losses for us, and that the strength of this ward grows along with the rest of the town.

This is my commitment to you: I will put Ward 2 first.