Vancouver Electoral Reform Commission

Vancouver City Council created the Vancouver Electoral Reform Commission in 2003 to re-examine what it feels is an important issue, and to find ways to improve civic democracy.

Thomas Berger, a former Supreme Court judge and head of several federal inquiries, was chosen to be the Commissioner.

During the first six months of 2004, the commission held 17 public forums in neighbourhoods all around Vancouver to hear from citizens about their views on whether we should consider a change from the at-large voting system to a ward system, or look at other alternatives. The commission also provided a questionnaire asking for public opinion on the issue, which was available in print and online. It also received many other written submissions as well.

Based on the feedback and discussions, Berger recommended in his report to Council on June 8, 2004 that the City should let citizens have a say and hold an October 16, 2004 vote on whether we should change from the at-large system to a ward system and increase the number of Councillors to 14 from 10.

Download the report:

A City of Neighbourhoods: Report of the 2004 Vancouver Electoral Reform Commission (1.2 MB, PDF)

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