Niagara councillors vote for governance review amid amalgamation debate

The future of the Niagara region’s governance took another step Thursday night as councillors voted to conduct a full governance review.

This comes after calls for big changes to local government including amalgamation.

Regional Chair Bob Gale spoke at a state of the region event Friday, doubling down on his claim the status quo doesn’t work.

“I’m 71-years-old, I’m here for the right reasons,” said Gale. “If you don’t like it, tell Doug Ford to kick me out, but I’m on a mission here and we’re going to get better, or I’m going to keep trying.”

Gale reiterated his stance at the event that the Niagara region needs change.

“Some would say I opened a can of worms — I would say I simply pointed to the elephant in the room,” said Gale.

Gale refers to a letter he sent earlier this month to the province, which says there are too many elected officials in Niagara — currently sitting at 126 people, and that tax increases are too high.

In the letter he said he is starting consultations on reforms including a potential amalgamation of the region’s 12 cities and towns or reducing the number of local politicians.

At a special council meeting Thursday, many councillors took issue with what they describe as a “lack of consultation” before the letter was sent.

WATCH MORE: Niagara Region councilors discuss future amid amalgamation proposal

“Ive heard from some unhappy people this week, but I make no apologies,” said Gale, “because it is about time regional council passed that motion.”

Councillors voted to conduct a full governance review and directed Gale to refrain from any further independent action on the matter.

Following the State of the Region event, Gale refused to conduct any interviews saying that “he is on a mission and focused and he won’t be doing interviews right now.”

He did tell CHCH News that he wanted to see a governance review first and if it is necessary, amalgamation can happen.

Some of the region’s mayors are sharing differing opinions on the issue.

“There are some serious issues here — we can’t pretend they don’t exist,” said Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati. “Status quo is not an option. He started a conversation and I’m grateful for that.”

“I have heard from many of our residents that they are also not in favour of any kind of amalgamation,” said West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann. “Looking at the governance model and looking at efficiencies, I just think it needs to be done carefully — I agree, it needs to be done.”

“The resolution we put forward,” said Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, “I thought that that was timely and I hope it addresses what the provincial government is looking for.”

Premier Doug Ford said earlier this week that the issue must be decided by Niagara’s politicians and people.

WATCH MORE: Ford leaves amalgamation of Niagara region cities, towns up to local mayors