Niagara Falls councillor and veteran politician dies days after retirement

Flags are at half-mast in Niagara Falls today to honour Wayne Campbell who tragically died the same week he retired from public office.

Campbell had been a city councillor for 28 years and retired only this week. He died of prostate cancer yesterday after being diagnosed with the disease in 2022.

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati called Campbell a “true hero” and mentor.

“Known for his rough and gruff exterior, he was a squishy teddy bear on the inside, always doing what he believed was right, not what was popular. His 28 years of service to the residents of Niagara Falls, including his efforts to support youth struggling with addictions and mental health, left an indelible mark on our community,” Diodati wrote in an Instagram post.

The City of Niagara Falls is saddened to share the news that Councillor Wayne Campbell has passed away.

Flags have been lowered to half-mast in remembrance of Councillor Campbell, who vacated his City Council seat earlier this week after 28 years of service.

The City extends… pic.twitter.com/FnVUVsdVcc

— Niagara Falls Canada (@NiagaraFalls) February 28, 2025

Campbell ran for mayor in 2006 but was not voted in. He then stepped away from politics, but ran for council again in 2014, reportedly persuaded by Diodati.

A memorial service for Campbell will be announced in the coming days.

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