Douglastown and the Case for a Hybrid Ward System
I am proposing for a hybrid ward council - 6 wards + 2 at-large system.
Miramichi is a big city. At over 200 square kilometres, we’re not one neighbourhood moving at the same pace. Different parts of the city are growing in different ways, and some are changing a lot faster than others. But the way we elect council hasn’t really kept up with that.
Douglastown is a good example of that gap. There’s been steady growth there. More homes, more development, more people. It’s an area that’s clearly moving. But for over a decade, it hasn’t had consistent representation at the council table. Not because people don’t care, but because the system we use doesn’t guarantee that every part of the city has a voice.
That’s where the problem is.
When an area is growing and changing but doesn’t have someone consistently at the table speaking from that perspective, things get missed. Decisions are still made, but they’re made without the full picture. Over time, that creates imbalance, whether we intend it or not.
Right now, representation in Miramichi is largely left up to how the election happens to fall. Sometimes it works out. Sometimes it doesn’t. But in a city this size, with this kind of growth, that’s not a strong enough way to build a council.
We shouldn’t be leaving something this important to chance.
That’s why I think it’s time to have a serious conversation about moving to a hybrid system. One that includes both ward councillors and at-large councillors. A model like six wards and two at-large seats would make sure every part of the city has a direct voice, while still keeping a broader, city-wide view at the table.
It’s not about dividing the city up. It’s about making sure it’s properly represented.
Douglastown isn’t the only area that matters here, but it’s a clear example of what happens when growth and representation don’t line up. If we ignore that, we risk making decisions that don’t reflect what’s actually happening on the ground.
We can fix that. And we should.
If I’m elected mayor, I will take the lead on this conversation and advocate for a better, more balanced model of representation for Miramichi. That means working with council, engaging the public, and putting forward a clear path toward a hybrid system that ensures every part of our city has a voice at the table. In a city of this size, fair representation should not be left to chance. It should be built into how we govern, and I am committed to doing the work to get us there.
t.g.
