Candidate registrations closed across Niagara on Aug. 21, and the list for all 12 municipalities has been finalized. There were a few last-minute entries, some surprise additions and omissions, and evidence of a healthy interest in elective service. An overview of each municipality, its candidates, and the issues dominating the landscape will occupy this column’s space for the next while. Covering each candidate will not be possible, but providing some context for each town and city, focusing on the key races, and airing out the areas of disagreement, agreement, and compromise will allow the reader a chance to become better informed, learn some things about matters happening in other locales, and further investigate specific problems that they may believe the candidates are not adequately addressing. Remember, there will be no Regional Council races this term, and how the threat of amalgamation gets handled will come down to the 12 mayors and the regional chair Premier Doug Ford appoints later in the fall.
Having started with Fort Erie, the analysis moves to Niagara-on-the-Lake next, setting the stage for the coming campaign and outlining what to expect as the election progresses through different phases. Regularly revisiting what’s happening on the ground will keep the races current and give readers up-to-date developments they can research at their convenience.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
2022
- Turnout – 47 per cent
- Mayor – Gary Zalepa – 49 per cent
- Councillors Declared – 13 (8 elected)
2026
- Candidates for Mayor – 3
- Councillors Declared – 11 (6 elected)
The picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake will be the venue for a tough three-way fight for Lord Mayor this fall. With incumbent Gary Zalepa stepping down, a newcomer will occupy the office after the October election. Three candidates have stepped forward, and all of them have some familiarity with the voters.
Erwin Weins, an incumbent member of council, led the field in the 2022 election and will be competing as someone who knows the town’s issues better than anyone else. Weins claims on his website that “I’ve spent my life working, raising a family, and giving back to Niagara-on-the-Lake. I understand the challenges we face—rising costs, responsible growth, and protecting what makes our town special. As your Lord Mayor, I will bring steady leadership, fiscal discipline, and a deep respect for our community to every decision. Together, we can keep Niagara-on-the-Lake thriving for generations to come.” His platform is fully available and easily accessed online.
Andrea Kaiser, the current Regional Councillor, has also registered for mayor and will emphasize her time at the Region and prior experience to make her case. On her website, Kaiser says, “I am running for Lord Mayor because I wish to protect what makes our town so special. Throughout my public service, I have built a track record of protecting our unique heritage, preserving agricultural lands, and advocating for responsible decision-making that respects the character of our community.” Kaiser’s website is leaner than Wiens’s, but it provides information about her record, her plan, and why she deserves the voters’ support in the former capital of Upper Canada.
Attempting to become mayor for the second time, Vaughn Goettler faces an uphill climb after finishing a distant third in 2022. Regardless, his website emphasizes Goettler’s place in the community as a business owner, his team-building skills, and his love for the community. His slogan, “A neighbour who listens, a leader who acts,” appeals to those looking for an outsider, someone new to politics who will not align with any prior council decisions.
The council race comes down to 11 candidates for six available spots, down from the eight in 2022. With Wiens running for mayor and Councillor Wendy Cheropita declining to run, there are six councillors seeking re-election and five new candidates for the remaining seats. Some intrigue surrounds Councillor Andrew Niven, who was appointed by council in 2024 following Councillor Nick Ruller’s resignation. Despite not having run in 2022, Council used Section 263 of the Municipal Act to justify Niven’s appointment, stating that, “Under the legislation, Council has the authority to appoint any eligible individual who meets the requirements.” As a high-profile chair of the NOTL Chamber of Commerce, Council broke with tradition and ignored the custom of appointing the runner-up (Allan Bisback) to ensure they had someone they considered able to transition quickly into the office. Niven will face voters for the first time, while Tim Balasiuk, Gary Burroughs, Maria Mavridis, Sandra O’Connor, and Adriana Cater Vizzari defend their seats.
Meanwhile, Karen Jones-Taylor, whose mother served as NOTL’s first female town councillor, will run on a platform to preserve the Old Town and to restrict development. Nicholas Colaneri, a vocal opponent of many council decisions, will also run as a defender of the town’s past, having launched a judicial review of the town’s decision to demolish the historical Royal George Theatre, citing non-compliance with the Ontario Heritage Act. Rick Mills was a late entrant, and neither the candidate nor his campaign has released any information at present. Presumably, he will share more in the weeks to come, but as an outsider, he will face an uphill climb. Steve McGuinness was an early registrant. As a retired accountant, he brings “Bay Street” experience, having held leadership roles at BMO Financial Group and State Street. And Weston Miller rounds out the slate. Miller’s website says he will provide “Leadership that puts residents first — strengthening quality of life, representing your voice at town hall, and working together to achieve responsible growth for the town we call home.”
The race for Lord Mayor and the council spots should all be worth watching in the sleepy little town that charms its visitors and reminds everyone of a golden era.
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.
