Wayne Olson is now officially a Niagara Regional Councillor.
Following a unanimous vote by Niagara Regional Council to approve the recommendation of Olson from the Town of Pelham, Olson was sworn in to fill the remainder of former councillor Diana Huson’s term.
Olson will fill the vacancy until Nov. 16, 2026, following the next round of municipal elections. Olson can choose to run for his own mandate next October.
This was all triggered by Huson’s resignation, effective March 15. She resigned to spend more time with her family after the death of her father.
Pelham Town Council opted not to hold a by-election, instead going forward with an application process.
Although some had been hesitant to appoint Olson to the role, given that his appointed triggers a vacancy on Pelham Town Council, four of seven voting members chose to select Olson regardless.
Olson abstained from the vote, despite serving as a Ward One Councillor. The vote to select Olson for the role was held on March 26.
After nearly a month of waiting, Olson officially took his seat on Regional Council on April 24.
Councillor Marvin Junkin (also the Mayor of Pelham) put forward the official motion to appoint Olson to Council, which was seconded by Councillor Haley Bateman.
After the unanimous vote, the clerk administered an oath of office.
Regional Chair Jim Bradley congratulated Olson upon his swearing in, following a round of applause from Olson’s new colleagues. He was then given an opportunity to speak.
“I want to mention that I’m assuming this role with a lot of gratitude and humility,” Olson said. “It’s a real pleasure to have an opportunity to represent your community and represent the residents of Niagara and the Town of Pelham.”
Olson also pointed to his background as a farmer, solider, and accountant, and pledged that his experience in all three roles will be on full display as he partakes in Regional Council. He also noted his extensive volunteer experience, before going on to hold local office.
“I’m ready for this next experience,” declared Olson. “My whole life has been more or less an apprenticeship, so I’m here open to experience your capable leadership, Chair Bradley, and looking forward to working with everybody else on the Council.”
Olson was then appointed to sit on all four standing committees, as well as the audit and agricultural policy and action committees. That vote was once again unanimous.
Jay Goldberg is the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. He previously served as 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.
