The PC government recently backed down on a promise of regional government reform in Niagara.  They acknowledged that Niagara had more politicians per capita than any other region in Ontario.

Here is an example of what the provincial government I am talking about

City of Hamilton population 579,200: Political positions 16

(1 mayor and 15 councilors)

Region of Niagara population 447,888: Political positions 139

Ft. Erie (1 mayor and 6 councilors)

Grimsby (1 mayor and 8 councilors)

Lincoln (1 mayor and 9 councilors)

Niagara falls (1 mayor and 8 councilors)

Niagara on the Lake (1 mayor and 8 councilors)

Pelham (1 mayor and 6 councilors)

Pt. Colborne (1 mayor and 8 councilors)

St. Catharines (1 mayor and 12 councilors)

Thorold (1 mayor and 8 councilors)

Wainfleet (1 mayor and 4 councilors)

Welland (1 mayor and 12 councilors)

West Lincoln (1 mayor and 6 councilors)

Regional council (1 regional chair and 31 councilors)

With recent events here in Niagara, changes to our municipal structure needs to happen as the current structure is costing local tax payers an unsustainable amount of money to live in this region.

In addition to the Niagara region having more politicians per capita than any other place in the province. This region has 13 different CAO for upper and lower tier governments; this region has 12 separate fire services and includes 2 separate fire dispatch services; this region has numerous transit services; and planning departments.

Despite there being a lot of duplication and opportunities for amalgamation and cost efficiencies, nothing is being done to change.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of parochialism when it comes to discussing service delivery in Niagara. With a 2/3 vote required by local politicians in order to change the way governance and services are delivered in Niagara, it is doubtful given Niagara's recent challenges, that Niagara will see any significant changes without provincial intervention. 

The City of Niagara Falls is threatening to take the Region of Niagara to court over garbage pick up. This is another example of why we need to take a serious look at governance reform in Niagara. Instead of wasting tax money on this issue, why are we not taking a more serious look at our governance structure.I find it quite ironic that if you live in Niagara falls; your property taxes will be used to fight both sides of the dispute.

The issue of governance in Niagara is not a new issue. The Ford government acknowledged the Niagara region has more politicians per capita than any other place in the province yet they have chosen to do nothing about it and when you discuss the issues with other politicians; they too choose to do nothing about this issue.

I am requesting the province step in and do more to change the governance structure here in Niagara