The number of councillors and how they are elected will stay the same in Alfred and Plantagenet.
At the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 16, council decided it would not proceed with any changes to the ward system or number of seats on council prior to the 2026 municipal election.
In 2021, council decided to reduce the number of seats on council from seven to five, with two councillors elected in each of the two wards and the mayor elected at-large. The reduced size of council took effect with the 2022 municipal election. In early 2025, Council discussed the possibility of changing the method of electing council members to either an at-large system with no wards, or a combination of ward councillors and at-large councillors.
On September 16, Chief Administrative Officer Michel Potvin presented a report to council identifying the three options council could consider. He noted that there is no uniformity among Ontario municipalities with respect to the use of wards, at-large representation, or a combination of both. The three options presented wereThe three options presented were:
1) maintaining the status quo with two councillors for each ward
2) four councillors elected at large
3) four councillors elected at large but an opportunity to seek feedback from residents before the decision to proceed is finalized.
Councillor Benoit Lamarche (Ward 1 Alfred-Lefaivre) stated his preference for maintaining the composition of council as it currently is due to the large territory of the township.
Councillor Jean-Pierre Cadieux, who also represents Ward 1, also said he prefers the current structure and wants to ensure representation for areas with smaller populations are maintained.
Ward 2 (Plantagenet-Treadwell-Wendover-Curran) Councillor Ian Walker preferred changing to councillors elected at-large but with consultation before the decision is made. He expressed regret that fellow Ward 2 Councillor Antoni Viau was not there to also support his preference and said that he would instead support changing to at-large representation without any consultation. Viau is on leave for personal reasons. Walker further expressed hope Mayor Yves Laviolette would also support his preference, but Laviolette quickly told Walker that would not be happening.
“I know for sure Mr. Viau is not here and you cannot decide which way he is going to vote. I am for Option One also,” said the mayor.
Council agreed to keep its composition the same in the 2026 election with two councillors elected in each ward and the mayor elected at large.
