Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he remains open to amalgamating Niagara Region municipalities, citing what he calls an excessive number of elected officials-126 for a population of roughly 500,000.
Ford’s stance follows a proposal last month by former regional chair Bob Gale-appointed by the Ford government-who suggested amalgamation to curb rising taxes and bureaucratic bloat. Gale later backed away amid public backlash and resigned after revelations he owned an autographed copy of Adolf Hitler’s manifesto.
Eight of Niagara’s 12 mayors sent Ford a letter supporting governance reforms like council streamlining and public water utilities-but explicitly opposing amalgamation. Ford acknowledged they didn’t meet his stated threshold of “50% plus one” mayoral support but quipped, “It’s like asking turkeys to vote for Thanksgiving.”
His office later clarified that the province will respect the majority view and explore alternatives during a broader regional governance review.
Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop warned that forcing amalgamation before fall municipal elections would be chaotic, noting such changes require more than seven months to implement properly.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati supports consolidating the region into four cities, but larger municipalities did not join the eight-mayor coalition. NDP Leader Marit Stiles dismissed the push, saying residents care more about fixing hallway healthcare and saving urgent care centers.