Dozens of supporters filled Lakeview Vineyard Equipment Inc. on Lakeshore Road Monday evening as Coun. Erwin Wiens launched his campaign for lord mayor with a warning that Niagara-on-the-Lake has to keep control of its own future.
Wiens said the town is facing rising costs, pressure over growth and what he called an ongoing threat of amalgamation.
“Let me be absolutely clear, I oppose amalgamation,” he said. “Our future should not be determined by people that don’t live here, not by bureaucracy or bureaucrats, not by distant decision-makers, not by solutions designed for urban centres that don’t reflect what we are.”
Wiens, who has served on council since 2018 and became deputy lord mayor after receiving the most votes among council candidates in 2022, officially launched his campaign for lord mayor on June 29.
He joins regional Coun. Andrea Kaiser and businessman Vaughan Goettler in the race to lead the next council after the Oct. 26 municipal election.
He told the crowd he is running on experience, relationships with other levels of government and a promise to keep local control in local hands.
In an interview, he said NOTL’s biggest strength is its economy, pointing to agriculture, tourism, new housing, parks and the town’s quality of life.
The town’s biggest threat, however, is amalgamation, he said, arguing NOTL needs to keep working with the province to protect local decision-making.
“I am running because our community needs experienced leadership and strong relationships at all levels of government to guide us through these uncertain times ahead.”
Wiens also made taxes and spending a major part of his pitch.
“Our families are dealing with rising costs. Seniors are watching every dollar. Young families are trying to start their lives here,” he said.
As lord mayor, he said he would push for “responsible budgeting,” “accountable spending” and “value for every tax dollar.”
“Fiscal responsibility is not a slogan; it’s a responsibility,” he said.
For local grape-grower Wiens, the mayor’s race is also about the land under NOTL’s feet. He argues the town’s farms, orchards, vineyards and wineries are central to its economy, identity and future.
“We’re a big deal,” he said. “Protecting (agricultural) lands, supporting irrigation infrastructure and ensuring farming remains viable for future generations will be among one of my highest priorities.”
Wiens also said tourism remains one of NOTL’s greatest strengths, but argued the town “must continue to support local businesses.”
“When managed properly, they will strengthen one another,” he said.
On development, Wiens said the debate on subject should not be positioned as “growth versus no growth.”
“The debate should be about development being supported by infrastructure, supporting the character of the community and being open for all, from the youngest generation to the oldest.”
Wiens is a retired Hamilton police officer, having served 31 years before retiring in 2020. He farms a vineyard with his wife, Dorothy Soo-Wiens, and sits on the town’s agricultural and irrigation committees.
So far, council candidates registered for the 2026 election include Weston Miller, Steve McGuinness, Gary Burroughs and Sandra O’Connor. Burroughs and O’Connor are current councillors.
As of Monday, current lord mayor Gary Zalepa had yet to announce his intentions. Current councillors Tim Balasiuk, Wendy Cheropita, Maria Mavridis, Andrew Niven and Adriana Vizzari also had not appeared on the town’s registered candidate list.
The next council will be smaller than the current one, after council approved reducing the table to seven members from nine (including lord mayor).
Residents interested in running have until Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. to file nomination papers.
