Fort Erie Stands Firm on Proposed Governance Changes

- Friday, February 20, 2026

Media Releases

This Media Release was posted on February 20 and updated on March 2.

Media Release Highlight:

• Niagara’s Regional Chair has requested feedback on possible governance changes in Niagara.
• Fort Erie is concerned about the lack of clear authority, consultation, and evidence supporting these proposed changes.
• Fort Erie opposes forced amalgamation without strong public consultation and clear, data-driven benefits.
• Fort Erie remains financially strong, with healthy reserves, low taxes, and a proven ability to succeed independently.

Full Release:

FORT ERIE (February 20, 2026): Bob Gale was appointed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford to be Niagara's Regional Chair on December 18 last year.

Yesterday, the newly appointed Gale sent letters to all 12 mayors in Niagara and a separate letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. While the letter to the mayors is dated February 5th, it was not sent until February 19th. The Regional Chair has requested feedback from all Niagara Mayors on potential governance review.

This will be the third time in the past seven years that an initiative has been started to review governance in Niagara, the first two by the Premier. It is unclear on what authority the Regional Chair is undertaking his review. He was not elected to his position, unlike mayors who have democratically earned the public trust, represent the interests of their residents and businesses and advocate for local governance issues that align with local priorities and values, high-quality public service, value for tax dollars and responsive service to their respective communities.

It is not reasonable to expect a careful and informed response to major and disruptive changes like governance reform or municipal amalgamation. Rushing a decision of this size shows poor judgment and does not allow for meaningful consultation.

The Town of Fort Erie will write to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to express concern about forced amalgamations and request that a business case be provided that is based on data-driven evidence to prove that a new structure will actually improve quality of life in this region. Municipal governments should strive to provide excellent, efficient and cost-effective services to residents and businesses every single day.

Changes to local governance must be supported by a clear business case that shows real benefits to the community, good value for taxpayers, or improved services. These benefits must be strong enough to justify the level of disruption these changes can cause. Municipal operating decisions should be data driven, transparent and subject to public scrutiny. Forced municipal amalgamations should not be undertaken without public consultation.

The Town of Fort Erie is delivering on local and Provincial goals that include economic growth, affordable housing and fiscal responsibility. The Town's reserves are healthy and tax rates are low.

Fort Erie is strong and has shown in the past that it can stand alone and thrive as a single-tier municipality. Fort Erie has also stood firmly against the forced amalgamation of municipalities.

“Fort Erie has a proud history of strong, independent local governance. Decisions that affect our community must be transparent, evidence based and shaped by the people who live and work here. We will continue to stand firmly against any forced amalgamation and advocate for the right of our residents to have a clear voice in the future of Fort Erie. Our community is strong, fiscally responsible, and well positioned to thrive on its own, and we will continue to defend that strength.”
– Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop

Residents will have opportunities in the coming months to share their feedback and take part in the discussion. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

ADDENDUM:

On February 26, Regional Council passed a three-part motion related to governance in Niagara. Find the full text below.

Approved Resolution:

Whereas Regional Chair Gale has confirmed publicly that he has not engaged in any discussion with or received any directive from the Premier of Ontario or the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding a governance review in Niagara or potential municipal amalgamations;

Whereas there has been no data, business case or specific information presented that would confirm any anticipated cost savings, efficiencies, enhanced services, or improved outcomes for the residents of Niagara as a result of any proposed governance changes;

Whereas significant decisions on local governance that will have a multi-generational impact and should be informed by comprehensive public consultation with the Niagara communities;

And whereas Premier Doug Ford has publicly reiterated on February 25, 2026 that “if it's going to go [governance changes], then it has to be from Niagara by Niagara. It has to have approvals from the majority of mayors, has to have approval for majority of the elected officials.”, and further that, “And hopefully 70- 80% of the population agree.”, which implies the necessity for public consultation and support on any proposed governance changes;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

1. That a governance review of Niagara BE INITIATED to address areas of duplication and improve service efficiency based on data, a business case with financial analysis and public consultation, including local area municipalities, commencing this term of Council;
2. That Regional Council DIRECTS Regional Chair Gale to refrain from any further action and utilization of any further Regional resources or staff time, with the exception of the above, in connection with a review of Regional governance or municipal amalgamation; and
3. That this resolution and amendment BE FORWARDED to the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Video of the meeting: Niagara Region Committee of the Whole - 2026-02-26 - YouTube

On March 2, 2026. Mayor Redekop released a statement. Read the statement here.