Thorold’s Mayor Stresses His Council’s Total Opposition To Gale’s Forced Amalgamation Push

City Invites Residents To Share Their Views On The Issue. See Link For Engaging In Community Feedback Below

A Statement from Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini

Posted March 3^rd, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini

The City of Thorold in Niagara, Ontario – Since receiving correspondence dated February 5, 2026 and February 19, 2026, from (Niagara) Regional Chair Bob Gale, the City (of Thorold) has been fully engaged in reviewing and addressing the matter of municipal governance raised in his letters.

Let me be clear: the City of Thorold is strongly opposed to amalgamation.

Chair Gale’s views on amalgamation are entirely inconsistent with, and do not represent, the position of the City of Thorold. We have consistently communicated our stance against amalgamation in previous governance reviews, and it is critical that any discussion or correspondence reflect actual positions of all the local area municipalities involved.

The City of Thorold expects to be consulted and included in any dialogue that impacts our community and we will continue to advocate firmly for our interests.

It is also important to clarify that the tax increases and deferred capital backlog referenced in Chair Gale’s letters are occurring at the Regional level, not at the Local Municipal level. Deal with these issues at the appropriate level of government. That being said, we remain committed to being part of responsible, constructive solutions.

The City of Thorold operates efficiently, manages its finances responsibly, and remains steadfast in its commitment to fiscal discipline. We have available land to support both residential and commercial/industrial growth, are centrally located within Niagara, and are doing more than our part to contribute to the Province of Ontario’s housing targets.

At the same time, the City of Thorold remains open to productive dialogue on ways to reduce waste and save taxpayers money. We will continue to advocate firmly for the best interests of our residents and ensure their voices are heard.

I encourage residents to share their perspectives on governance within the Niagara Region. Your input matters, and we want every member of our community to have the opportunity to be heard.

Feedback can be submitted through our online form by clicking on the link immediately below. 

Governance Review – Community Feedback

• Mayor Terry Ugulini, City of Thorold

To read a recent piece posted on Niagara At Large that contains the two letters Regional Chair sent to Niagara’s 12 municipal mayors, including Mayor Terry Ugulini, and to his masters in Ontario’s Ford government, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2026/02/21/fords-niagara-region-appointee-bob-gale-puts-squeeze-on-area-mayors-to-weigh-amalgamation-options/

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