Niagara Mayors Present Governance Reform Agenda to Premier Ford

Eight municipalities unite behind a concrete plan to modernize regional governance, cut duplication, and keep taxes low for residents

The Mayors of Grimsby, Thorold, West Lincoln, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Pelham, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Wainfleet today delivered a joint letter to Premier Doug Ford presenting a clear agenda to modernize governance and service delivery in Niagara. The mayors are moving decisively to address the number of politicians, strengthen efficiency, eliminate duplication, and secure long-term economic growth for their municipalities and the taxpayers they serve.

The announcement follows a motion passed by an overwhelming majority of Niagara's elected representatives at Regional Council on February 26, 2026, directing a comprehensive governance and service delivery review. This is Niagara stepping up – not standing in the way. 

Aligning with Provincial Priorities

The mayors have heard the Province's concerns and are acting on them. Their reforms are practical, evidence-based, and designed to align with provincial priorities — while maintaining strong local representation and preserving the integrity of their communities.

A Clear Reform Agenda

The governance and service delivery review will include a focus on the following priority areas, with a firm commitment to act where a clear fiscal business case supports doing so:

• Water and Wastewater: Establishing one or more Water and Wastewater Public Corporation(s) under the Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2025.
• Regional Services: Subject to a financial review, reforming local and regional services to drive savings and deliver better value for every tax dollar – such as transitioning the Regional road network and remaining services such as Social Services, Public Health and EMS to locally-governed Public Service Boards.
• Council Size: Reducing the number of politicians by streamlining councils to reflect the needs and scale of each community.

Rooted in Community

These reforms reflect what residents have said directly: they want governance that is efficient, affordable, locally accountable, and built around the unique character of Niagara's small and rural communities. The mayors are delivering on that mandate.

Looking Ahead

We are committed to a made-in-Niagara local and regional governance reform that will be reflected in the 2026 municipal election as well as the ongoing support for the governance and service delivery review passed by Regional Council in February 2026. 

About the Participating Municipalities

This joint statement represents the municipalities of Thorold, West Lincoln, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Grimsby, Pelham, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Wainfleet — eight communities committed to building a stronger, more efficient Niagara for residents and taxpayers.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Christina Davidson
Communications Specialist, Town of Grimsby 
cdavidson@grimsby.ca | 905-945-9634