“The Town will correspond directly with (Ontario’s) Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as needed to confirm its support for the governance review approved by (Niagara) Regional Council.” – Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop
A Statement from Mayor Redekop Regarding Governance
Posted March 3rd, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Town of Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario – Further to its meeting on February 26th, 2026, the Town of Fort Erie will be participating in the governance review approved by Regional Council.
The amended resolution of Regional Council states that the governance review will address areas of duplication and improve service efficiency based on data, a business case with financial analysis, and public consultation, including local area municipalities.
The resolution also directs the Regional Chair to refrain from any further action and from using additional Regional resources or staff time to pursue a governance review or municipal amalgamations in Niagara, except through the process authorized by Regional Council.
To confirm the restriction placed on the Regional Chair, I sent a letter to him on Friday, February 27, expressing the expectation that he will abide by Regional Council’s resolution.
The Town of Fort Erie will not be responding to the Regional Chair’s letter dated February 5, 2026, which requested comments from Niagara’s mayors regarding governance and potential municipal boundary changes and amalgamations.
The Town will correspond directly with the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as needed to confirm its support for the governance review approved by Regional Council, provide information throughout the process, and advance the interests of the Town of Fort Erie, its residents, and local businesses.
- 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.
Watch Video of the February 26th, 2026 Niagara Region committee-of-the-whole meeting by clicking on the screen immediately below:
For a related news commentary posted on Niagara At Large, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2026/02/27/niagara-regional-councillors-slams-brakes-on-gale-drive-for-forced-municipal-amalgamation/
Finally, here is a piece posted on Niagara At Large recently on showing Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop and members of his council exposing Bob Gale’s forced amalgamation push for what it is – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2026/02/25/fort-eries-mayor-pulls-back-curtain-on-the-total-tonnage-of-what-niagaras-new-regional-chair-doesnt-know-about-amalgamating-area-municipalities/
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