Long-time Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton has decided not to seek re-election in this year’s municipal election.
Easton, who is now 81, has served three terms as Lincoln’s mayor. Before serving as mayor, Easton was a Ward 1 Councillor between 1982 and 1988.
“Serving as Mayor of Lincoln has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” wrote Easton in a statement announcing her retirement. “Lincoln is more than a municipality on a map, it is a community built on hard work, strong values, and neighbours who look out for one another.”
“After careful reflection, I have decided that I will not be seeking re-election in the October 2026 Municipal Election,” Easton continued. “This decision is grounded in where I am in my journey of public service and in the goals we have achieved together over the past 12 years and throughout my 18 years in elected public service.”
“I believe this is the right time to create space for renewed energy and leadership, particularly as we continue to navigate the need for government reform and economic stability across Niagara,” Easton added.
Easton pointed to several accomplishments as mayor as her time in office is set to close later this year.
“Together with Council, we have accomplished a great deal,” noted Easton. “I am proud to leave Lincoln in a stronger position economically, environmentally, and organizationally. This includes meaningful progress in infrastructure, cultural initiatives such as the new museum build and Indigenous engagement, health and community well-being, expanded transit and GO bus service, and continued investment in families and community spaces.”
The new museum building Easton was referring to is the new Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre building in Jordan, which opened its doors in 2021.
Lincoln’s Council will look different next term for another reason: last year, Lincoln went ahead with plans to shrink the size of Council from eight members to six members, in addition to the mayor. Easton has been a strong advocate for governance reform in Niagara in recent years.
Local MPP Sam Oosterhoff, who has worked with Easton for the better part of a decade, offered his thoughts on Easton’s legacy to the Niagara Independent.
“I have the deep privilege of considering Mayor Easton both a political mentor and a friend,” said Oosterhoff. “The mark she has made on Lincoln has truly been for the better, from infrastructure to healthcare, housing to governance.”
“Her legacy will be one that will endure for generations; as her tenure has overseen tremendous growth in every corner in the Town of Lincoln,” added Oosterhoff. “She accomplished this while retaining a keen sense of how to respect taxpayers and value for money, a skillful ability to advocate with other levels of government, and a sense of humour and purpose that made her instantly approachable and inspiring.”
“I am thankful for Mayor Easton’s years of service and wish her and (her husband) Tony all the very best in their next chapter.”
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.
