“I’m getting hundreds of emails saying the same thing: decisions about Niagara should be made in Niagara. Forcing through changes from Queen’s Park without real data, a real business case and real consultation with residents makes no sense.” – Wayne Gates, MPP for the Riding of Niagara Falls that includes Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie
Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates
A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates
Posted March 26th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
NIAGARA , Ontario — MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) challenged Premier Doug Ford in Question Period today to rule out both forced amalgamation in Niagara and any version that pushes aside local voices.
“First it was outright amalgamation. Now it looks like amalgamation lite,” said Gates. “If three bigger cities get more control and smaller Niagara communities get pushed aside, that is not reform that will save a dime for taxpayers. That’s just about control.”
Despite being directed by Regional Council to step back from amalgamation, the Premier-appointed Chair later sent the Minister a proposal for weighted voting before resigning. Gates said that model would still shift power toward Niagara’s largest municipalities.
“I’m getting hundreds of emails, saying the same thing: decisions about Niagara should be made in Niagara.,” said Gates. “Forcing through changes from Queen’s Park without real data, a real business case and real consultation with residents makes no sense.”
Research has repeatedly found forced amalgamation does not reliably produce savings, and governments should look at other models for reform. The C.D. Howe Institute (2016) says costs generally increase after amalgamation, and Fraser Institute (2015) research found no tangible financial benefit in the Ontario cases it examined.
“The Premier needs to commit to consulting Niagara residents, honour their wishes and rule out forced amalgamation,” said Gates. “Seniors in Fort Erie, farmers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and families across Niagara deserve to know their communities will still have a local voice.”
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