Governance Review in the Niagara Region

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Conversations about the future of regional governance in Niagara are actively taking place across the community, the region, and the province. Recently, the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 was introduced by the Government of Ontario, proposing a number of changes to how regional governments operate in fast-growing areas, including Niagara Region.

If passed, the legislation aims to support more efficient decision-making, reduce costs, and better align regional priorities with provincial goals - particularly around housing and infrastructure. Proposed changes include adjustments to council composition and governance structures, as well as enhanced authorities for regional leadership.

This page brings together key information, including timelines, background materials, and relevant documents, to help keep the community informed as discussions continue to evolve.


Council Resolution and Update on Municipal Governance Discussions

At a recent meeting, Council for the Town of Grimsby passed the following resolution:

  • Whereas the majority of Mayors signed a joint letter stating a commitment to building a governance model that is streamlined and transparent to the public; and
  • Whereas the provincial government has expressed a desire to reduce the number of municipal councillors in the Niagara Region; and
  • Whereas the timeline for Council to enact a By-law regarding ward structures, in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, has passed for the 2026 election;

Therefore be it resolved:

  1. That the Town of Grimsby supports the motion passed by Regional Council on February 26th, 2026, regarding the governance review;
  2. Resolved that Council endorse a reduction in Council size from eight (8) Councillors to six (6) for the 2026 municipal election and implementing Option 2B or 3 from the 2021 Council Structure and Ward Boundary Review Final Report, and a peer-review be completed to confirm projections, boundary rationale, and effective representation principles remain valid, if mandated by the Province;
  3. Resolved that the Town Clerk be directed to confirm with the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that without provincial intervention, the above changes cannot take place until the 2030 election; and
  4. That the Town Clerk be directed to circulate this motion to the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Premier of Ontario.

The report presented to Council is available here.


Survey

The survey has now closed; however, you may still submit your comments by emailing governancereview@grimsby.ca.


Public Information Centre

The Public Information Centre (PIC) has now concluded. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the discussion.

Residents can still stay informed by reviewing the presentation materials, which are available on the right-hand side of this page under “Documents.”


Never Miss an Update

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates. You can do so by using the “Follow Project” widget on this page.


Conversations about the future of regional governance in Niagara are actively taking place across the community, the region, and the province. Recently, the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 was introduced by the Government of Ontario, proposing a number of changes to how regional governments operate in fast-growing areas, including Niagara Region.

If passed, the legislation aims to support more efficient decision-making, reduce costs, and better align regional priorities with provincial goals - particularly around housing and infrastructure. Proposed changes include adjustments to council composition and governance structures, as well as enhanced authorities for regional leadership.

This page brings together key information, including timelines, background materials, and relevant documents, to help keep the community informed as discussions continue to evolve.


Council Resolution and Update on Municipal Governance Discussions

At a recent meeting, Council for the Town of Grimsby passed the following resolution:

  • Whereas the majority of Mayors signed a joint letter stating a commitment to building a governance model that is streamlined and transparent to the public; and
  • Whereas the provincial government has expressed a desire to reduce the number of municipal councillors in the Niagara Region; and
  • Whereas the timeline for Council to enact a By-law regarding ward structures, in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, has passed for the 2026 election;

Therefore be it resolved:

  1. That the Town of Grimsby supports the motion passed by Regional Council on February 26th, 2026, regarding the governance review;
  2. Resolved that Council endorse a reduction in Council size from eight (8) Councillors to six (6) for the 2026 municipal election and implementing Option 2B or 3 from the 2021 Council Structure and Ward Boundary Review Final Report, and a peer-review be completed to confirm projections, boundary rationale, and effective representation principles remain valid, if mandated by the Province;
  3. Resolved that the Town Clerk be directed to confirm with the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that without provincial intervention, the above changes cannot take place until the 2030 election; and
  4. That the Town Clerk be directed to circulate this motion to the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Premier of Ontario.

The report presented to Council is available here.


Survey

The survey has now closed; however, you may still submit your comments by emailing governancereview@grimsby.ca.


Public Information Centre

The Public Information Centre (PIC) has now concluded. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the discussion.

Residents can still stay informed by reviewing the presentation materials, which are available on the right-hand side of this page under “Documents.”


Never Miss an Update

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates. You can do so by using the “Follow Project” widget on this page.

  • CLOSED: The survey has now concluded. We appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback.

    Governance Structure Review - Public Survey

    Residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their views on governance in the Niagara Region. Your feedback will help Council better understand community priorities and perspectives as this conversation continues.

    Every voice matters, and we appreciate your participation.

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Page last updated: 13 Apr 2026, 10:36 AM