For Erin Montanaro, the qualities that shape her leadership in Niagara-on-the-Lake begin at home.
“As a woman and a mom of three, I believe I have a natural ability to nurture, support and encourage others,” said Montanaro, the supervisor of enforcement for the town.
“These qualities have helped shape my career, the relationships I’ve built both internally and externally and my ability to lead an incredible and dedicated team.”
As communities marked International Women’s Day on March 8, Montanaro reflected on the philosophy that guides how she supports the town, which she joined in 2017.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work in all aspects of bylaw enforcement,” Montanaro said.
Today, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the bylaw division and supervises a team responsible for handling investigations and enforcement across the community.
“My role is very much a support role for staff,” she said. “They know I am always there to provide guidance and support.”
Montanaro’s team includes two general bylaw officers, one hybrid parking and bylaw officer, one short-term rental coordinator, one urban forestry officer, five parking officers and two crossing guards who all report directly to her.
She said her team sees her as a leader “who empowers and encourages them to do what they feel is right.”
“I wear a uniform daily, not because I am required to, but because it is significant to me as a leader to show solidarity.”
Montanaro said a typical day could involve required participation in a meeting, reviewing service requests submitted through the town’s online portal, assigning investigations to officers and meeting with staff to discuss files. She also provides input into revisions and creations of new bylaws and policies in the bylaw division.
“Any inquiries or concerns that are sent my way, I try and respond promptly,” she said. “Whether by email, phone call or a person who visits town hall.”
Montanaro said when she meets with staff to discuss investigations, it’s a chance to offer guidance and support while staying briefed on new developments.
“Or, an opportunity to just bounce ideas off each other,” she said.
When complex investigations arise, she said she “typically will” assign the case to herself or “be heavily involved” with assisting officers to support the investigation.
Montanaro works closely “with various departments and external agencies,” she said, including planning — such as heritage planning involving heritage properties — and the building department on property standards concerns.
“Along with other departments on occasion,” she said.
Montanaro said the “most meaningful and gratifying” part of her role is being able to “help enhance the quality of life for residents” through protecting public health and safety and maintaining community standards.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to work in such a unique and beautiful place,” she said.
Also serving as a management member of the town’s joint health and safety committee and having post-secondary education in occupational health and safety, Montanaro said she has “a passion for it,” adding health and safety “is of the utmost importance” to her “as a supervisor, a colleague and a public servant.”
Montanaro, who served six years as an auxiliary constable with the Ontario Provincial Police from 2016 to 2022, said that when she’s not working, she channels her creativity into interior design and decorating.
“Where I always find a project to fulfil my artistic side,” she said.
