Niagara councillors vote to slow regional chair’s governance consultations
Written by The Canadian Press on February 27, 2026
A move by the Niagara regional chair to review municipal governance with an eye to possible amalgamations appears to have hit a snag after an at-times testy council meeting.
A letter earlier this month from provincial appointee Bob Gale to mayors of the region said there are too many elected officials in Niagara — 126 — and tax increases are too high, so he is starting consultation on reforms including potential amalgamations or reducing the number of councillors.
Several mayors have said the letter caught them off guard and they want a more thorough process involving data and discussions with residents, rather than the tight, two-week timeline he gave mayors to provide feedback.
Premier Doug Ford said earlier this week that any move toward amalgamation has to be led by Niagara, and have the approval of the majority of mayors.
At a special meeting Thursday night, Niagara regional councillors — a group that includes some mayors and councillors from municipalities across the area — voted to conduct a full governance review and directed Gale to refrain from further action and using staff time or regional resources for his own consultations.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati is in favour of amalgamating down to four cities, but mayors of many of the region’s smaller municipalities are opposed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2026.
Allison Jones, The Canadian Press