Edmundston Municipal Wards Redefinition passed in first reading

Aug 19, 2025

At the regular meeting of Edmundston City Council, in accordance with sections 42 to 47 of the Local Governance Act, draft Municipal By-law No. 22R2025, redefining the municipality into three wards, was tabled for first reading.

This draft by-law stipulates that, beginning with the May 2026 municipal elections, the City Council will be composed of a mayor and nine councillors, three per ward.

It should be noted that in July 2025, the process to adopt Municipal By-law No. 22R2025—officializing the division of the Municipality of Edmundston into three electoral wards—entered its active phase, following approval by the Ministry of Local Government.

This type of by-law follows a rigorous procedure regulated by law, including several mandatory steps:

• Adoption of the notice of intent resolution by the municipal council

• Publication of a public notice 10 days before the filing of the by-law and its first reading

• First reading (in full) of the by-law at the public meeting on August 19, 2025

• Second reading (by title) at a special meeting on Tuesday, September 2

• Third reading (by title) and adoption at the public meeting on September 16

• Transmission of the adopted by-law to the Minister for official approval

• Final submission to the Director of Municipal Elections no later than October 31, 2025

This reorganization stems from the recommendations of an independent review committee, composed of citizens and chaired by retired judge George Pérusse, made last spring. The committee recommended the creation of three wards, each represented by three elected officials, to strengthen the equitable representation of the entire population on the municipal council.

Consultation and access to the draft by-law

The complete document and the map of the new wards can be viewed:

Online: "City Hall - Regulations and Publications - Draft By-laws" section of the City of Edmundston website

In person: City Hall Office, City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Municipality of Edmundston is committed to informing the public at every stage so that everyone can fully understand the implications of this change and follow the democratic process.

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CONTACT: Eric Marquis, Mayor of Edmundston, 506.739.2115