Advocacy and government relations
Increasing Niagara's housing supply, investing in safe and reliable infrastructure, and ensuring programs meet changing community need remain top priorities as we continue to welcome new residents and businesses.
The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are important partners in supporting this growth as funding from upper levels of government ensures that Niagara Region can continue to offer world-class programs, services and amenities.
Niagara’s core priorities
Every day, the Region’s Government Relations team works to strengthen partnerships with all levels of government to advocate for increased co-investment in priority growth-related projects that will have long-term community benefit once realized. This includes:
South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Solutions
Provincial and federal partnership is needed to support phase one of this critical growth-enabling project. The project will include a new wastewater treatment plant, a trunk sewer connection and upgrades to existing infrastructure that will connect current facilities to the new treatment plant.
Once online, servicing capacity in the south Niagara area will increase, supporting an estimated 30,973 new homes, 15,000 new jobs and 3,000 hotel rooms and suites.
Two-way, all-day GO Train service
Provincial purchase of the CN Rail Corridor between Hamilton and Niagara Falls would immediately increase service on the Niagara Line from three roundtrips a day to nine roundtrips per day.
This would connect Niagara's 13 million annual visitors and 130,000 potential commuters to the greater Golden Horseshoe.
Highly Supportive Housing Initiative
Provincial and federal partnership is needed for a 25-unit highly supportive housing development that will serve chronically homeless individuals with complex needs.
As of June 30, 2026, Niagara has 703 chronically homeless individuals. Every $10 invested in supportive housing saves $21 in health care, emergency services, and policing and justice costs.
Sustainable municipal funding
Niagara Region continues to advocate that the provincial and federal governments update the municipal funding framework and prioritize sustainable, predictable funding reflective of community need.
As Niagara continues to welcome new residents and businesses, the demand for local services continues to rise. Municipalities collect nine per cent of total tax revenue and the ability to increase revenue streams and take on debt is limited.
How we advocate
Advocacy and intergovernmental relationship building is a year-round exercise. Niagara Region staff and Council actively engage with external partners to identify additional sources of funding and enhance programs and services to ensure Niagara, Ontario and Canada continue to Grow Better, Together.
Examples of the regular advocacy activities we engage in include:
Pre-budget submissions
Every year, Niagara participates in provincial and federal budget consultations to provide recommendations for policy and funding decisions.
Learn about Niagara’s 2026 Federal and Provincial Pre-Budget submissions.
AMO Conference
Each August, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario hosts a conference for Ontario municipalities to meet with provincial decision makers to advocate for local priorities.
Learn about the topics Regional Council and senior staff discussed with the Government of Ontario during the 2026 AMO conference.
Niagara Week
From October 27 – 29, 2025 Niagara Region hosted a multi-day advocacy event at Queen's Park.
Review the 2025 Niagara Week Activities Report to learn about outcomes of the advocacy event.