Wayne Gates
Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report

Last week, Niagara Region Chair Bob Gale sent a letter to the mayors of Niagara’s 12 cities and towns about what he considers the “urgent need” for governance reform, up to and including possible municipal amalgamation into a one-city or four-city model.

Let me clear: I’ve been ringing the alarm bells about this issue for a long time, and I am opposed to any plan of forced amalgamation of municipalities in Niagara, including Niagara-on-the-Lake.

And that’s for three main reasons: the lack of evidence supporting amalgamation as a cost-saving measure, the loss of local identity and decision-making for smaller communities like NOTL, and the way that this process is being handled by Premier Doug Ford’s appointed chair without proper consultation or transparency.

I am open to plans for reform that cut costs for taxpayers or improve services for residents. But what the data and research tell us is that forced amalgamation does not achieve the goals of lower costs or better services. In fact, it may make life even more expensive for residents.

According to a report titled “Toronto Ten Years After Amalgamation” by Harvey Schwartz at York University, “One of the justifications given by the provincial government in support of amalgamation was that it would reduce costs by eliminating duplication and simplifying municipal government. The evidence indicates that amalgamation has not reduced costs. On the contrary, it has increased costs.”

Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the most special and unique communities in all of Canada. It was the first capital of Upper Canada and is home to some of the greatest historical landmarks in all North America.

Our local economy is also dependent on this unique identity and culture, from the Shaw Festival to our wineries to so many local shops and businesses. We need to have the ability for local voices to make decisions that are best for the character and residents of the town. All of that is put under threat by amalgamation.

In terms of the lack of appropriate consultation on such a huge decision, let me quote Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, responding to chair Gale’s letter: “Any proposal that would fundamentally change our municipality must have a clear legislative foundation, a transparent process, and meaningful public consultation. None of that has occurred.”

Or the statement from Mayor Cheryl Ganann in West Lincoln: “I am very disappointed in the way that this matter was brought forward for discussion this past week. Starting with the letter from regional chair Bob Gale to Niagara mayors, dated Feb. 5 but not emailed until noon on Feb. 19, together with a letter sent to Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack that same day was not, in my mind, an appropriate way to start a discussion regarding an issue of such magnitude, an issue with potential repercussions for so many people living and working in Niagara today.”

Or, from the Town of Fort Erie: “It is not reasonable to expect a careful and informed response to major and disruptive changes like governance reform or municipal amalgamation within 12 days. Rushing a decision of this size shows poor judgment and does not allow for meaningful consultation.”

Chair Gale has offered no evidence, no research and no data to support his claims about amalgamation. Serious questions have been raised about whether a premier-appointed chair, who is a former Ontario PC candidate, is doing this for the benefit of the community or for the benefit of those in the premier’s office.

This is the wrong decision for Niagara-on-the-Lake, and I will be standing against it, every step of the way.

Wayne Gates is the member of provincial parliament for the Niagara Falls riding.