Bob Gale’s term as NPC Chair is scheduled to end on April 10, 2025. Pictured: Incoming NPC Chair Bob Gale. Photo Credit: Niagara Region.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has appointed local businessman and Niagara Falls Regional Councillor Bob Gale as the next Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC). Gale, a lifelong Niagara resident, will succeed outgoing Chair April Jeffs.
“I am grateful that Premier Ford put his trust in me to lead the Niagara Parks as we undertake important enhancements that will increase tourism and preserve its natural beauty,” Gale shared with The Niagara Independent. “My approach is simple, to continue making it better as efficiently as possible.”
Gale, the now-retired second generation owner/operator of Gales Gas Bars, also served as an NPC board member from 2006-2009. During this previous three year term, Gale fought to achieve better fiscal management through improving procurement procedures and fostering greater financial accountability. When it came to his attention that a 25-year lease agreement allowing Maid of The Mist to service ferry visitors through the Niagara Gorge had been renewed secretly, he filed a complaint with the Ontario Integrity Commissioner that the bids of potential competitors were not given fair consideration. His advocacy resulted in a better 30-year agreement that exceeds $500 million in value.
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff offered his hardy congratulations to Bob Gale and gratitude to Jeffs.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to April Jeffs for her years of service and hard work as previous chair of the Niagara Parks Commission,” said Oosterhoff. “April exemplified servant leadership, and I am sure she will bring her strong professionalism and governance insights to her new role with the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.”
“I also wish to congratulate Bob Gale on his appointment as chair of the Niagara Parks Commission. I am confident that Bob’s wealth of business and municipal experience will be invaluable in the next chapter of the Niagara Parks story, and I look forward to working closely with him to advance economic growth and tourism across the peninsula.”
While many have expressed great enthusiasm for Gale’s appointment, Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates is skeptical that the most recent NPC board chairs and vice chairs, namely Gale, Jeffs, as well as Bart Maves, were all Progressive Conservative candidates in recent Ontario elections.
Both Gale and Jeffs, however, have attempted to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Jessica Friesen, the daughter of Gale who ascended to an NPC board position in 2020, has resigned her post as her father assumes the chairmanship, a decision which has been applauded by Gale. Jeffs stepped down as chair in order to accept a seat on the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Board.
“It was truly an honour to serve on the Niagara Parks Commission for the past five and half years,” Jeffs told The Niagara Independent. “I am very grateful to the Premier for putting his trust in me to serve as vice-chair and later as chair, and to be able to continue Sandie Bellows’ legacy. I am very much looking forward to serving on the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. I know Bob will do a great job as chair and will continue to carry key projects like the refurbishment of the Toronto Power Station and Miller’s Creek Marina over the finish line.”
Gale’s term as NPC chair is scheduled to end on April 10, 2025. Those interested in learning more about NPC, it’s history and upcoming projects are invited to visit their website: Niagara Parks Commission.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
