Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, has exercised his ministerial powers to appoint Bob Gale as the new Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
Gale currently represents Niagara Falls on Niagara Regional Council and has served in that role since 2014. He is also the Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission, a role he will be stepping down from to take on this new one.
Gale shared a statement with the Niagara Independent regarding his appointment.
“I’m honoured to be appointed Chair of the Niagara Region and grateful for the trust placed in me to help strengthen our communities,” said Gale. “Having served Niagara in various capacities over the years, I look forward to working collaboratively with council, staff, and our partners to advance priorities that support economic growth, efficiency, and affordability for local residents.”
“My focus will be on building a stronger, more prosperous region that continues to deliver for the people of Niagara.”
Gale’s appointment was triggered by the passing of former chair Jim Bradley earlier this fall.
This is the second time the Ford government has opted to appoint a Regional Chair. Although Bradley was first elected by his colleagues as Regional Chair back in 2018, the provincial government simply chose to re-appoint him in 2022.
Gale’s appointment was effective Dec. 18. He will remain in the post until at least the 2026 municipal elections, slated to be held in October.
“I am pleased to announce Bob Gale as the new Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, effective December 18, 2025,” said Flack. “His decades of experience in regional governance, executive leadership and public safety make him well-positioned to lead the advancement of provincial priorities in the region, including improving municipal service delivery for local residents, supporting greater efficiency and lowering costs for taxpayers.”
Gale has a strong background in public safety. Back in the 1970s, Gale was a Niagara Regional Police Officer, before leaving the force to lead his family’s oil company in the 1980s. Gale has also served as a member of the Niagara Regional Police Services Board from 2014 to 2022, serving as chair from 2014 to 2018.
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff released a statement on social media celebrating Gale’s appointment.
“With a wealth of experience in business, as regional councillor, and Chair of the Niagara Parks, Bob Gale will make a strong regional chair for the people of Niagara,” said Oosterhoff. “I look forward to working with him to build infrastructure and housing, cut red tape, and keep costs down for families and workers in the Region!”
Unlike Bradley, who had lifelong ties to the Ontario Liberal Party, Gale has connections with the governing Progressive Conservatives. Gale ran as a candidate under Premier Doug Ford’s leadership back in 2022 in Niagara Falls, losing to incumbent Wayne Gates.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
