Altering Division Boundaries

Please note that the information provided below should be used as a guide and is not to be used as a substitute for the procedures set out in The Municipalities Act.

The incorporation order divides a rural municipality into divisions and assigns each division a number. The voters of each division elect a representative to act as their councillor for a two-year term. Councillors from odd numbered divisions are elected in even numbered years, while councillors for even numbered divisions are elected in odd numbered years. A reeve is elected in even numbered years. Elections are held every autumn, with terms of office beginning at the council meeting following the election.

Legislation

Section 49 of The Municipalities Act allows the Minister to alter the boundaries of, eliminate, or create one or more divisions or renumber the divisions in a rural municipality.

Procedures

Council may wish to restructure its divisions and alter the composition of council in order to better represent the interests of the ratepayers, to more equitably represent the population of the municipality, to more equitably represent the geographical composition of the municipality, or for other reasons that council considers appropriate. Whatever the reasons, it is recommended that council hold a public meeting, or some other form of public consultation, prior to an application.

Application

To initiate a division boundary alteration, an interested council should submit the following documentation to the ministry:

1. a resolution of council requesting the division boundary alteration;
2. an explanation of the reasons for the request;
3. a map and description of each new division by Township and Range. Section numbers may be referenced if the division boundary will not follow Township and Range lines; and
4. an outline of the public consultation undertaken to inform the ratepayers of council’s intention to alter the division boundaries.

As a result of a division boundary change, there will have to be a municipal election called for each division that is undergoing a change. Accordingly, unless specifically requested otherwise by the RM councils, orders are normally made effective to coincide with the regular autumn municipal election. Should changes impact divisions that are not in an election year, the order will have to specify a shorter (normally one-year) term of office for those councillors Accordingly, the Ministerial Order will make provision for:

1. the appointment of a returning officer;
2. the dates for receiving nominations and holding elections for councilors;
3. setting the polling places and election officials
4. the date on which the council shall hold its first meeting; and
5. setting out the term of office of the affected division councillors

As such, the RM is requested to include the above information with its submission.

Effects

The Ministerial Order will set out an effective date that the division boundary alteration will take effect and set the details for the election to find councillors to fill the altered divisions. The order will also confirm the lands of the RM and set out the boundaries of each municipal council division.

 Contact:

Minister of Municipal Affairs
c/o  Municipal Advisory Services
410 - 1855 Victoria Avenue
REGINA  SK  S4P 3T2

Phone:  (306) 787-8885
Fax:  (306) 787-3641