Province says forced Niagara amalgamation off the table for now

CHCH News has learned that forced amalgamation in the Niagara Region is off the table for now.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack will introduce legislation Thursday, which will “help to solve the governance issues in the Niagara Region.”

The legislation won’t be solely limited to Niagara and will allow the province to determine municipal composition in communities across the province.

It will also likely include the change to a mayors-only Niagara Regional Council as former regional chair Bob Gale, who had been appointed by the Ford government, had recommended.

WATCH MORE: Niagara mayors, residents divided over proposed regional amalgamation

Gale sparked controversy in February after suggesting municipal amalgamation as a way to address rising taxes and what he described as an overabundance of elected officials.

At the time, Premier Doug Ford said he would defer to the wishes of Niagara’s mayors. A majority — eight out of 12 — later wrote to the province supporting certain governance changes, but made clear they were not in favour of amalgamation.

Notably, mayors from some of the region’s largest municipalities, including Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, did not sign the letter. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati has publicly supported a model that would merge the region into four cities.

Gale later backed away from his proposal amid local pushback. He resigned shortly afterward following allegations he possessed a signed copy of Adolf Hitler’s manifesto.

WATCH MORE: Niagara Regional Chair Bob Gale resigns suddenly over Hitler-signed book

Despite that, Ford said on March 17 that he remains interested in the possibility of amalgamation, citing concerns about the number of politicians. He added the province would first conduct a broader review of regional governance before making any decisions.

The premier’s office clarified that same day that Ford intends to honour the position of most Niagara mayors, and that the review will consider options beyond amalgamation.

However, as CHCH News has learned Wednesday, the provincial government says it is ruling out forced amalgamation for now.

READ MORE: Ford still ‘keen’ on Niagara amalgamations, plans to review governance in the region