The by-election campaign to choose a new Ward 6 (Port Dalhousie) councillor for the city of St. Catharines culminated on Monday night with candidate Marty Mako defeating six challengers on his route to victory. Mako earned a total of 1,878 votes, representing more than 42 per cent in popular support.
Mako will join Bruce Williamson in representing the Port Dalhousie Ward. He will fill the seat of former councillor Carlos Garcia, who passed away in December 2024.
“I’m honoured to be elected as your City Councillor, and incredibly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me,” Mako penned in a social media post thanking his supporters. “I ran to serve, to listen, and to lead – and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Mako has a professional background in public health and currently works as a Niagara Emergency Medical Services Commander. Over the years, he has also volunteered in a wide range of community events and initiatives and served on numerous city advisory committees.
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe shared hearty congratulations with Mako and expressed his enthusiasm to work with him.
“His commitment to his community has been clear for as long as I have known him,” Siscoe said. “I know he will serve the residents of Port Dalhousie and the City of St. Catharines with grace and thoughtfulness. Welcome, Marty!”
Mako will begin his tenure as a councillor during a special time for the Port Dalhousie Ward, which is preparing to celebrate its 200th anniversary next year. The anniversary planning committee has been well-established at this juncture, with Mako serving as Chair.
Mako was certified as the winner of the by-election by Acting City Clerk Donna Delvecchio on April 15. He is slated to be officially sworn in during the April 29 meeting of city council. He will then serve for the remainder of the 2022-2026 municipal term.
“I’m looking forward to listening, learning, and working collaboratively with Council and residents to ensure our City provides quality services that are responsive to local needs,” Mako shared. “During the campaign, I heard many times that Port Dalhousie Councillors need to represent the ‘entire ward,’ and I intend to do that.”
“This is a community full of potential, and I’m excited to help shape what comes next.”
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
