On May 1, those interested in running for municipal offices in Niagara will gain access to register. There will be no openings at the regional level because the Ford government is eliminating those positions. As a result, 19 regional councillor seats will disappear, and these councillors must seek jobs in their communities to continue serving as elected officials. Because of the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, the regional council will have 13 members: 12 mayors and a provincially-appointed regional chair. Saving a discussion about democratic legitimacy for later, the reduction in the number of politicians will create interesting races in several municipalities throughout the region. Over the next three articles, this author will attempt to present scenarios that could literally change the faces of the region at the end of 2026.
NIAGARA FALLS
Everyone expects Jim Diodati, the long-time mayor, to seek a fifth term. First elected in 2010, Diodati has enjoyed an unprecedented run of electoral success. If he wins a fifth term, he will surpass Wayne Thomson as Niagara Falls’ longest-serving mayor. Thomson served 17 years over two tenures (1978-83 and 1991-2003). Diodati has chalked up significant victories every time he has won, even when he defeated sitting mayor Ted Salci in 2010. Rumours suggest a couple of serious candidates may emerge, though he does not expect serious competition this time. City councillors Victor Pietreangelo and Chris Drabowski are potential candidates, but their public statements suggest they will probably seek re-election to council seats. Tony Caruso, a perennial candidate, has announced his intention to run. Caruso, committed to common-sense governance (lower taxes, accountability, more efficient infrastructure spending, and improved regional transit), has never mounted a competitive challenge, though having run for various offices. Discounting the possibility of a high-profile candidacy, such as that of a well-known representative from another level of government, the incumbent will be a heavy favourite. If a challenger can keep others from running, it would be a significant advantage to his chances. Otherwise, Diodati looks like a shoo-in unless someone, unbeknownst to this point, can rise to contest Hollywood Jim’s machine.
FORT ERIE
Full disclosure: my brother Wayne has been the mayor of Fort Erie for over two decades, spread over two tenures. Regardless, an objective assessment of the race is possible. Redekop has a firm base of support, but opponents will raise issues, and after years in power, there are always voters seeking change, if only to give someone else a chance. There could be a case for electing someone younger or different. But who? The Fort Erie council has worked well during its term of office, ensuring that Fort Erie’s efforts to draw industry, encourage development, and update infrastructure occur efficiently and on schedule. Redekop has always represented the town well, speaking on its behalf with authority and knowledge. That should not be mistaken for unanimous approval. The mayor has critics, and recently, Regional Councillor Tom Insinna announced he will run for mayor in the border town. Councillors Tom Lewis and Darrin Flagg are both capable leaders who could also challenge the mayor, but both appear to have a good working relationship with him and may be happier to bide their time. Former mayoral candidate Ann Marie Noyes may wish to keep her council seat. Peter Taras, like Caruso in Niagara Falls, fancies himself a serious political candidate, but has yet to win a race. It’s early, but in a contest between Redekop and Insinna, the latter’s Conservative leanings could serve him well in a community that sits centre-right and might rally to support him. Like the Falls race, if it comes down to only two candidates, the challenger may have a chance. A multiple-candidate race will inevitably help the incumbent.
PORT COLBORNE
The race in Port Colborne has the potential to draw some attention from those interested in political drama. Bill Steele, the incumbent, has overseen relatively low tax increases and encouraged development with some of the lowest charges in the region. He would likely win a contest against most opponents, but recent rumours suggest he may not stand for re-election. Steele’s estranged brother, Charles, challenged him in the 2022 race. As odd as the situation sounds, the race received worldwide coverage, even earning space in one of Britain’s best news sources, The Guardian (Steele brothers face off for mayor of Port Colborne). Local businessman Mike Sloat ran in 2022, but the real wildcard would be if Vance Badawey, former MP for the area and Port’s long-time mayor, jumped in. Fortunately for Steele, as President and CEO of the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR), Badawey’s major cross-border leadership role somewhat reduces the likelihood he would return to a local mayoral office in 2026. A rematch against Fred Davies, the Conservative MP who defeated him last April, seems more on his mind. Badawey’s decision will determine how competitive this race becomes.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
Mayor Gary Zalepa could face an uphill climb to win re-election. Counterintuitively, Zalepa supported the Conservative government’s Better Regional Governance Act, which reduced the number of regional councillors and granted “strong mayor” powers to the regional chair. One of the trickiest aspects of being mayor in a small heritage community is balancing development opportunities with the preservation of the area’s history. During Zalepa’s term, he excused himself from the Rands Estate development because it bordered his personal property. He and the council approved the Parliament Oak Hotel and Conference Centre, but many residents opposed it. A sense of dysfunction best describes how the council operates, and it makes Zalepa’s job difficult. Nonetheless, a mayor serves as the council’s commander. He or she must provide leadership and direction. Many people believe Zalepa lacks the authority needed to oversee these challenging matters. As a result, several candidates are entertaining declaring for Lord Mayor. Included in this list are Erwin Weins, Wendy Cheropita, and Andrew Niven. Wiens, the Deputy Mayor, has been a prominent voice alongside Zalepa in reducing the size of council, though he has not yet declared if he will seek the top seat or run again as a councillor. Councillors Cheropita, Niven, and even former Lord Mayor Gary Borroughs may be weighing a run.
Nominations open on May 1. A healthy democracy encourages political participation. No one deserves anyone’s support; all must earn it. Public service comes in many forms. Holding elective office remains an important and trusted responsibility. These offices belong to the people, not the person who holds them. Let’s hope Niagara fields a robust list of candidates for all its offices. The next column will consider four more mayoral races in Niagara.
Dave Redekop is a retired elementary resource teacher who worked part-time at the St. Catharines Courthouse as a Registrar until being appointed Executive Director at Redeemer Bible Church in October 2023. He has worked on political campaigns since high school and attended university in South Carolina for five years, earning a Master’s in American History with a specialization in Civil Rights. Dave loves reading biographies.
