Every generation has moments when the choices we make will shape our community for years to come. For Pelham, that moment is now.
Did you know that the Province of Ontario has fundamentally changed how the Region of Niagara will be governed? Beginning with the next term of council, elected Regional Councillor positions will be eliminated, leaving only the Mayors of Niagara’s municipalities and an appointed Regional Chair at the decision-making table. Regional Council will shrink dramatically, and Pelham’s sole representative at the Region will be its Mayor.
One voice. One vote.
One person responsible for ensuring Pelham’s interests are protected when crucial decisions are made about taxes, infrastructure, roads, water services, housing, economic growth, and the future of our communities.
Over the past four years the Regional budget has ballooned to over $580 million dollars with approximately half of every property tax dollar collected from Pelham residents going directly to the Region. Regional government controls major services and infrastructure that directly impact our daily lives, including roads, water, wastewater, public health, paramedics, waste collection, and long-term planning.
Yet despite these significant costs, taxpayers have watched their bills climb dramatically. Over the last four years, residents have experienced property tax increases exceeding 30 percent! Families are feeling it. Seniors are feeling it. Our business community is feeling it. Young people trying to build a life in Pelham are feeling it.
When taxpayers are contributing such a large share of their hard-earned money to the Region, they deserve strong, consistent advocacy from their representative. The Mayor must physically be there – prepared, engaged and present.
Under the new system, there is no backup voice. There is no Regional Councillor to attend meetings, scrutinize budgets, challenge spending, or ensure Pelham’s concerns are heard. The Mayor alone will carry that responsibility.
Pelham has always been a community built by people who believe in hard work, service, and looking forward rather than backward. We are proud of our history, but we should never be afraid to embrace change when change can move us forward.
The governance rules have changed. The expectations have changed. And now, leadership must change too.
This election is about more than filling a position. It is about choosing the person who will carry Pelham’s voice into a new political landscape where representation has never mattered more.
Residents deserve a full-time Mayor who is present. Present at Regional Council. Present during budget meetings. Present when important decisions are made about the cost of policing, EMS, infrastructure investments, service levels, and tax increases. Present to ensure that Pelham is not overshadowed by the larger urban municipalities whose populations may carry greater influence under a weighted voting system.
Pelham is a growing community with unique needs and priorities. We need leadership that will fight for fair treatment, responsible spending, and value for taxpayers. We need someone who understands that every regional decision has a direct impact on the families and businesses who call Pelham home.
The governance rules have changed. The expectations for leadership must change as well.
For Pelham, the message is clear: this is not a time for divided attention. It is a time for dedicated leadership.
It is time for change.
