On February 19, 2026, Niagara Regional Chair Bob Gale wrote to the Mayors of Niagara and to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing outlining what he described as an urgent need to review municipal governance in the region. His letters raised the possibility of reviewing governance at the regional level and examining options such as moving toward a four-city or a single-city model for Niagara.
The City of Port Colborne understands that residents may have questions about what this means for our community. This page is intended to ensure transparency in the process by providing updates, explaining our position, and outlining how we are working to ensure the interests of our residents, businesses, and community partners are represented.
We are committed to keeping the community informed as more information becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to share feedback directly with Chair Gale by email at Bob.Gale@NiagaraRegion.ca or to Mayor Steele at Mayor@PortColborne.ca Please note that Chair Gale has indicated his deadline for comments is March 3, 2026.
March 4, 2026 - Joint Letter from the Lower-Tier Municipalities of Niagara Region
Port Colborne does not support amalgamation.
We believe that decisions that fundamentally change how communities are governed must be based on clear evidence, thoughtful analysis, and meaningful public consultation. At this time, no detailed proposal, business case, or supporting analysis has been presented.
We are open to conversations about improving governance at the regional level – particularly where there are opportunities to improve accountability, reduce duplication, and strengthen service delivery – but any changes must be carefully considered and grounded in data.
Regional Council Update: February 26, 2026
On February 26, 2026, Niagara Regional Council passed a motion to formally initiate a governance review to begin during this term of Council. The motion makes clear that any review must focus on reducing duplication, improving service efficiency, and controlling costs – and must be supported by solid data, a clear business case, detailed financial analysis, and meaningful public consultation with local municipalities and residents. It also reflects that no evidence has been presented to date demonstrating that structural changes would result in cost savings or improved outcomes.
It also directs Chair Gale to refrain from any further action or utilization of any further Regional resources or staff time related to this matter, other than those needed through the formal review process.
Video of the meeting: Niagara Region Committee of the Whole - 2026-02-26 - YouTube
| Approved Motion: |
| 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. |
What This Means for Residents
At this stage:
-
No decisions have been made.
-
There are no immediate changes to City services.
-
Council and staff are actively monitoring developments.
-
We are advocating for Port Colborne’s interests.
-
Residents can continue to expect the same level of service and support.
- Opportunities for residents to get involved and provide feedback on governance in Niagara are coming soon. There will be multiple opportunities to participate in the months ahead, including City-led engagement activities. More information will be shared soon.
Why This Conversation Is Happening
Across Niagara, there are ongoing discussions about:
- How services are delivered between the Region and local municipalities.
- Rising infrastructure costs, particularly for water, wastewater, and roads.
- Governance structures and decision– making processes.
- While these are important topics, any potential structural changes require careful study and community input.
Port Colborne’s Strength as a Community
Port Colborne is a strong, growing municipality with significant momentum.
We continue to:
-
Attract major investments and create local jobs.
-
Advance housing and community infrastructure.
-
Deliver services tailored to local needs.
-
Pursue innovative solutions, including new approaches to infrastructure funding.
-
Maintain a strong sense of community identity.
-
Our focus remains on supporting residents and building a sustainable future.
Our Approach Moving Forward
The City is advocating for:
-
A transparent and collaborative process.
-
Clear data and evidence to inform decisions.
-
Meaningful consultation with residents and municipalities.
-
Thoughtful consideration of local impacts.
-
Constructive dialogue across Niagara.
If changes are considered, we expect to be fully involved in discussions that affect Port Colborne so we can help protect our community’s interests.
Key Reference Documents
For many years, researchers, universities, think tanks, and local experts have studied municipal governance and amalgamation in Niagara and across Ontario. Below is a selection of key studies, including peer-reviewed research, that helps inform this discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Are we being amalgamated? |
| No decision has been made. Discussions are ongoing at the regional level, but there is no formal proposal at this time. |
| Will my taxes change? |
| There are no changes currently. Any future proposals would require detailed analysis and public discussion. |
| Will City services change? |
| There are no changes currently. Any future governance changes could impact service levels and they would be communicated if required. |
| What is the City doing? |
| Council and staff are actively engaged, advocating for Port Colborne, and calling for a clear, evidence-based process.
The City of Port Colborne does not support amalgamation. |
| Will residents have a say? |
| We believe that residents must be part of any conversation about governance changes and will continue to advocate for meaningful public engagement.
Residents are encouraged to share feedback directly with Chair Gale by email at Bob.Gale@NiagaraRegion.ca or to Mayor Steele at Mayor@PortColborne.ca Please note that Chair Gale has indicated his deadline for comments is March 3, 2026. |
Contact Information
Subscribe to page updates