First step taken to redistribute electoral wards

Jul 22, 2025

The process of adopting the municipal by-law that will formalize the division of the municipality into new electoral wards is entering its active phase.

Last Friday, the City of Edmundston received approval from the Department of Local Government to proceed with the necessary steps. This type of by-law follows a rigorous and well-defined procedure, including several mandatory steps.

Thus, at a special public meeting on Tuesday, July 22, council members adopted a resolution of notice of intent to officially initiate the process.

Here are the main steps to come:

1. Adoption of the resolution of intent (July 22, 2025)
2. Publication of a public notice 10 days before the by-law is tabled and its first reading
3. First reading of the by-law scheduled for August 19, 2025, or earlier, at a special meeting
4. Second and third readings, followed by final adoption, no later than September 16, 2025
5. Transmission of the adopted by-law to the department for official approval
6. Final filing with Elections NB before the October 31, 2025, deadline

The division of Edmundston into new electoral wards is part of an effort to strengthen the equitable representation of the entire population on the municipal council, following recommendations made last spring by an independent review committee composed of citizens and chaired by retired judge George Pérusse.

The committee recommended the creation of three wards, each represented by three elected officials. After careful consideration and discussion, council wishes to endorse the committee's recommendation.

Further communications will follow at each stage to enable the public to fully understand the implications of this change and to follow the democratic process.

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CONTACT: Mr. Eric Marquis, Mayor of Edmundston, 506.739.2115

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