Public meetings, rally mark growing Niagara amalgamation fight

Voices are growing louder over the contentious topic of amalgamation in the Niagara Region.

A formal governance review of the region’s structure is set to happen in the near future – one that was voted on during a special regional council meeting last week.

A few municipalities across Niagara are undertaking their own reviews, which includes seeking citizen feedback.

St. Catharines City Council is holding its own special meeting Monday night, a public forum for residents and councillors to give their take on the topic.

Also, Monday afternoon, a group of people in Fort Erie, Ont. held a rally at the town hall, opposing regional amalgamation.

“Our voices matter. I echo the voices of the councilors that the way Bob Gale approached this was disrespectful to the councilors, especially the non-Mayor councilors.”

Locals in Fort Erie are arguing the current municipal structure works and the town is fiscally solid — as is.

“This town has been very financially responsible. We run in the black. The Town Council is absolutely amazing. We have an amazing mayor.”

“The thing that troubles me the most is that we really won’t have any representation on the council if this goes through.”

“I believe we need a vote. Whether it’s a referendum or however they handle it. The residents need to have their say.”

WATCH MORE: Niagara Region residents react to possible amalgamation

It all began last month, when newly appointed Regional Chair Bob Gale sent a letter to all of the mayors and the province’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, stating the region has become too costly to run and has too many elected officials.

Last Thursday, during a special regional meeting, regional councillors agreed to do a full governance review and directed Gale not to take further action and use public resources for his own consultations.

A special town council meeting in St. Catharines was held Monday night.

Earlier, Mayor Mat Siscoe told CHCH News there will be plenty of opportunity for residents to weigh in on the topic.

“Some people suggested a referendum. The reality is, to put a referendum question on the ballot, the deadline has actually passed for this year I believe, so that wouldn’t be possible in the upcoming election but I expect residents are going to come forward this evening,” says Siscoe.

“I should say we are going to be doing further public consultation. I know one councilor is already preparing a motion for this evening to ask for further public consultation meetings similar to this one.”

Gale had set a deadline of Tuesday to hear all feedback from the cities.

However, Mayor Siscoe told CHCH News the expectation is now that more consultation will take place — at least in St. Catharines.

He says all comments heard Monday night will be officially submitted to Gale.

WATCH MORE: Niagara councillors vote for governance review amid amalgamation debate