Niagara’s regional government is getting ready for a major change that would give substantial power to an unelected chair appointed by the province.
If approved by the provincial government as anticipated, these changes would take the region into mostly uncharted political waters, altering how power is balanced and decisions are made at the council level.
When asked about his thoughts on the modifications under the Ford government’s Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, David Siegel, a professor emeritus of political science at Brock University, highlighted what is essentially giving bureaucrats authority akin to strong-mayor powers.
“Strong-mayor power, or whatever terms they are using, is probably the most crucial point so far because that person will be appointed by the provincial government,” Siegel stated. “They won’t be elected, and they will hold considerable control over what takes place in Niagara.”
“Jim Bradley was appointed chair but did not have a vote on council matters except to break ties. I believe this could be a sleeper issue and may represent one of the most significant shifts we’re witnessing.”
Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack introduced this regional governance act on April 2, which aims to reduce regional council down to just 12 mayors. After October’s municipal elections, those mayors will apply a yet-to-be-determined weighted voting system. The bill is speeding through the legislature.
Niagara Centre opposition MPP Jeff Burch, who serves as the NDP’s critic for municipal affairs and housing, mentioned that a third reading of the bill is expected on Monday.
“We’re likely looking at a vote on Tuesday or Thursday,” Burch said.
An overview of different reports and proposed changes regarding Niagara’s political setup over recent times.
With these newly authorized powers, the regional chair will take charge of proposing the municipal budget instead of staff or council members. While council can make adjustments to it, any amendments can be vetoed by the chair unless overridden by council.
The chair can also enact bylaws with support from one-third of council if they align with “provincial priorities,” like creating 1.5 million new homes by 2031 or enhancing infrastructure such as roads and public transit.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati noted he has been involved in discussions with provincial officials about who should become the next regional chair.
“They sought my opinion on several names,” Diodati shared. “Many individuals are vying for position-some obvious choices and some less so. There are roughly twelve people interested in being chair; it presents an intriguing mix. I don’t make final decisions but shared my perspective from experience.”
“We’re entering unknown territory here. No one really knows how things will unfold; however, I feel strongly that Niagara cannot maintain its current state.”
Diodati pointed out that residential tax rates stand at 14.2 percent while industrial tax rates hit 24.3 percent-both above Ontario’s average levels.
“Everywhere I go people tell me their taxes are too high,” Diodati remarked. “We’re not receiving enough value for our money; we carry significant debt alongside high servicing costs.”
“Our ratio of politicians to residents is quite disproportionate-roughly one municipal politician for every 4,200 residents in Niagara compared to Hamilton’s one per 37,000 and Toronto’s one per 108,000.”
“In Niagara there are around 20 employees for every 1,000 residents versus Hamilton’s count of only 14 employees per thousand.”
Diodati also expressed disappointment over failed attempts at sharing services among municipalities.
“They attempted sharing fire chiefs between Wainfleet and Port Colborne or merging fire services between Grimsby and Lincoln but those efforts fell short due largely to concerns about amalgamation,” he explained.
Diodati mentioned “other stalled discussions” while dismissing claims that these reforms represent a power grab by larger city mayors within Niagara.
“The CAOs are frustrated because there’s insufficient motivation due primarily to two factors,” he continued. “First off staff aren’t going to eliminate their own jobs through amalgamation; secondly politicians won’t vote themselves out of paid positions.”
Diodati expressed hesitance regarding top-down governance reform processes but feels it might be necessary moving forward since existing systems have been unchanged since 1970.
“We need courage when making tough calls,” he noted.”Just like trimming vines or shrubs benefits their health; we must prune dead branches if we want fruitful outcomes.”
The Standard reached out multiple times within past week through Flack’s acting press secretary seeking clarification around reforms along with appointment protocols but received no replies.<پA few names reportedly circulated among trusted sources indicate consideration underway including Lincoln Coun Rob Foster; Welland Mayor Frank Campion; Noel Buckley-a former president/general manager at Niagara Falls Convention Centre; alongside Bart Maves-a former Progressive Conservative MPP/Regional Councillor.”</پ
“Lincoln Coun Rob Foster is among potential candidates being considered for regional chair.”Metroland file photoThe ministry didn’t respond when The Standard emailed questions concerning vetting procedures regarding next possible appointee which faced complications after previous councillor Bob Gale was named as interim-chair post December eighteen only resigning March twelve amidst controversy related his ownership signed copy Adolf Hitler Mein Kampf book.”</प<pp Foster Campion declined comment while Buckley travelling unavailable connect via phone but Maves acknowledged hearing his name mentioned."I've chatted local folks regarding changes municipal operations role chairs although haven't engaged directly province yet until someone officially inquiries whether you're interested it's mere conjecture."“<Former Progressive Conservative MPP Bart Maves has emerged as another possible candidate." file photo“<I think we're probably heading towards some meaningful transformations , but wouldn't assume exact shape end result could take. Establishing leaner governments plus nurturing business-friendly environment across both regions remains interesting aspect." "<It has been whispered province might delay appointing next chairman until after upcoming October twenty-sixth elections , but anonymous source close Ford administration indicated minister anticipates announcement sometime late May early June. "<Chairman salary without benefits rests at $156723 lowest among Halton York Durham Peel Waterloo districts. Halton tops chart highest earnings coming in $275000 ; followed closely York $240000 ; Durham $224800 ; Peel hovering around two hundred thousand plus ; Waterloo paying about $177900. "<Most recent census shows median individual incomes standing respectively Niagaras'34800 vs Ontario average forty thousand Ottawa leading highest fifty thousand Kenora trailing behind lowest figure twenty-seven-two hundred." "<To avert amalgamations during March thirty-first letter nine mayors comprising Grimsby Port Colborne West Lincoln Pelham Thorold Wainfleet St Catharines Lincoln &Niagara-on-the-Lake sent update outlining reductions council sizes addressing Ford long-time concern." " A suggestion arose transitioning responsibilities surrounding public works like highways healthcare etc., toward locally governed service boards aiming decrease redundancy along curtail expenses even proposing separate water wastewater corporations subject financial assessments altogether.“‘Welland Mayor Frank Campion appears amongst contenders believed considered future leadership role within region.’ Julie Jocsak/ file photo ” Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop chose against signing aforementioned letter. In statement released April seventh requesting Premier Doug Ford reassess matter prior finalizing legislation ensuring evaluations based upon solid evidence thorough analysis business cases engaging locals before enacting major shifts.” “Redekop raised concerns surrounding prospect handpicked nominated leaders directly dependent premier risking undermining democratic principles stating unequivocally ‘This approach lacks legitimacy’.” “He elaborated explaining ‘An unelected leader could potentially countermand votes backed majority elected officials jeopardizing overall governance integrity.'” “Such moves risk deteriorating democratic practices throughout Ontario triggering alarms citizens everywhere”. “<St Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe emphasized withholding judgment pending clarity provided viewing mechanics voting structure adding 'Two-thirds majority able overturn mayoral veto remains ambiguous'." "'I've pushed advocating weighted options balancing population demands smaller towns input whereas having assertive authority shouldn’t concentrate solely into any single area'." "'Maintaining fairness essential governing bodies operating effectively ensuring representation diverse communities valid during critical issues related infrastructures safety public health affordability delivered appropriately'." "<Longtime local official Vance Badawey stressed importance letting municipalities dictate their frameworks voicing firsthand experiences reinforcing significance authentic communication resident needs". ""Ultimately respecting autonomy allowing directions initiated address particularities seen from grassroots perspectives enhances efficiency responsiveness growth-driven sectors.'' "'Diodati remarked potential job loss stemming from transitions doesn't deter him asserting 'If serious pushing advancement improvements then risking own roles acceptable'. "'Acknowledging nearing end political journey focusing collective betterment deserved opportunity adopting transformative strategies enabling brighter futures ahead.’" ' '<Since establishment seventy thus far Gale Bradley previously held leadership neither boasting designated formalized authority parallels present proposals empowering stronger roles.' ''"'John Campbell initially appointed guiding framework creation establishing longest tenure sixteen-year span succeeded Wilbert Dick ultimately opted not run subsequent contests becoming reinstated despite conventional methods utilized beforehand."
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