Governance changes in Niagara
Ontario's provincial government has made changes to how Niagara Region is governed. On May 7, 2026, the province passed the Better Regional Governance Act, which changes the composition of Regional Council and the duties and powers of the Regional Chair, beginning with the October 2026 municipal election.
Council composition
From 31 members to 12 — the 12 mayors of Niagara's area municipalities, plus the Regional Chair.
Regional Chair
No longer elected — the Regional Chair will be appointed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Effective date
Changes take effect Nov. 15, 2026, following the October 2026 municipal election.
Composition of Council
Currently, Regional Council is made up of 31 members: the 12 mayors of Niagara's area municipalities, 19 Regional Councillors independently elected by residents, and the Regional Chair.
Starting with the October 2026 election, the independently elected Regional Councillors will be eliminated. Regional Council will be made up of the 12 mayors plus the Regional Chair. This means that starting with the October 2026 election, you will not be able to vote for Regional Councillors on your ballot.
The province has also indicated that weighted voting could be introduced to reflect the population of each municipality.
The Better Regional Governance Act does not change the programs, services or responsibilities of Niagara Region, and does not include the amalgamation or dissolution of any municipalities. Senior staff at Niagara Region and the 12 area municipalities are working together to review municipal services and responsibilities throughout Niagara.
Regional Chair
Previously, Regional Council elected a Chair from among its members following each municipal election. The most recent Regional Chairs were appointed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Under the Better Regional Governance Act, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will appoint the next Regional Chair for the term beginning Nov. 15, 2026. The appointment will follow the municipal election on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.
Expanded decision-making powers
The appointed Regional Chair will have expanded decision-making powers, known as "Strong Chair" powers. This means the Regional Chair can make certain decisions that, in the past, would have been the responsibility of Council:
- Propose the Region's annual budget, subject to Council approval
- Make staffing decisions about the Chief Administrative Officer and other senior staff
- Veto by-laws that the Chair believes conflict with Provincial priorities
- Propose by-laws that advance Provincial priorities, which would require only one-third of Regional Council to approve
Role of Niagara Region in Niagara's governance system
As an upper-tier municipality, Niagara Region provides services that all or most municipalities need, but that would cost too much to deliver at the local level. This includes garbage collection, and the maintenance and operation of public infrastructure like Regional roads, bridges, water and wastewater plants and pumping stations.
The Region also delivers provincially mandated and funded services across Niagara, including long-term care homes, child care centres, social assistance, housing and homelessness supports, Public Health programs and ambulance services. The Region also funds agencies, boards and commissions like the Niagara Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Housing and Niagara Transit.
By consolidating services and debt across all municipalities, the Region is able to take advantage of stronger credit ratings and lower borrowing costs, saving money for everyone.
Niagara Region also provides a unified voice for all of Niagara when advocating with provincial and federal governments and when attracting businesses to the area.