Niagara regional chair backs away from proposal to explore amalgamations

Niagara’s regional chair has backed away from a proposal that included possible amalgamations, after facing opposition from many of the area’s mayors.

Bob Gale said in a letter last month that he was starting consultations on reforms including potential amalgamations and reducing the number of councillors, saying there are too many elected officials in Niagara — 126 — and tax increases are too high.

Several mayors said while they agreed local governance could be made more efficient, they were not behind the idea of forced amalgamations.

Eight of the 12 Niagara region mayors have now sent a letter to the premier saying they will look at a number of governance reforms, including reducing the number of politicians on councils, but with no mention of support for amalgamations.

“These reforms reflect what our residents have told us directly: they want governance that is efficient, affordable, locally accountable, and reflective of the unique character of Niagara’s small and rural communities,” the mayors wrote. “We are delivering on that mandate.”

Premier Doug Ford has said he will respect whatever the majority of Niagara mayors decides.

A new letter from Gale to the province said he has heard “considerable feedback” on his earlier proposals, and now suggests reducing the size of regional council and some local councils, implementing weighted voting at regional council and exploring shared services.

“This package reflects what we have heard: Niagara needs meaningful governance reform, smaller and more effective councils, and a more efficient regional decision‑making table, while avoiding the disruption and risk of full amalgamation at this time,” he wrote.

“It preserves local identities and accountability, reduces the number of elected officials, and creates a regional council structure better able to respond to Niagara’s fiscal and infrastructure challenges.”

A spokesperson for Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack says the minister is reviewing Gale’s recommendations.

“Our government will support any conversation by local Niagara leaders that will keep taxes low, help attract investments to create jobs and ensure more efficient, higher-quality services for workers, businesses and families in the region,” Michael Minzak wrote in a statement.

Mayors of the larger Niagara regional municipalities, such as Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, were not signatories to the letter from the eight mayors. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has said he is in favour of amalgamating the region into four cities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2026.

Allison Jones, The Canadian Press