A significant turnover in leadership is expected in Niagara this fall, as four out of the 12 municipalities will see new mayors due to the current mayors choosing not to seek re-election. The cities of Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold, and Lincoln will all witness changes in their municipal councils.
The incoming mayors will not only lead their respective cities but will also have the additional responsibility of sitting on the regional council, a practice that has been in place since regional government was established in 1970. However, with the recent decision by the province to reduce the regional council to only the 12 mayors and a provincially-appointed regional chair, the workload for the new mayors is expected to increase significantly.
In Thorold, incumbent mayor Terry Ugulini has decided not to run for re-election after serving two terms. His departure has paved the way for two seasoned politicians, Henry D’Angela and Tim Whalen, to vie for the mayor’s position.
Similarly, in Lincoln, incumbent mayor Sandra Easton is stepping down after 12 years in office, creating an opportunity for town councillors Adam Russell, Greg Reimer, and Cheryl Keddy-Scott to compete for the mayoral seat.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also set for a change in leadership as Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa will not seek re-election. Candidates Erwin Wiens, Vaughn Goettler, and Andrea Kaiser are running for the position, each bringing their unique vision for the town’s future.
The city of Welland is experiencing a heated mayoral race with eight candidates, including Natashia Bergen, Pat Chiocchio, David Clow, Gary Graziani, April Jeffs, David McLeod, Brandon Simon, and Graham Speck, competing for the mayoral seat. The candidates have varied backgrounds and priorities, promising different approaches to governance and community development.
As the municipal elections approach, residents of Niagara are eager to see how the new mayors will steer their cities through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
