Public applications to fill Huson’s seat were received between March 10 and March 19 and will be evaluated by Council at a March 26 meeting.
There is a new vacancy on Niagara Regional Council following the resignation of Pelham Councillor Diana Huson.
Huson, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, announced in February that she would be stepping away from her role to spend more time with family following the recent death of her father. Her resignation was effective March 15, 2025.
In her six years on Council, Huson served on several committees, including as Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, as well as the founder and Chair of the Women’s Advisory Committee.
Huson also held an elected seat on the Ontario Caucus for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, where she had the opportunity to raise awareness of local issues with all levels of government.
The resignation of Huson has resulted in an extensive debate on the Pelham Town Council regarding how to fill the empty regional seat. The options weighed included holding a by-election, appointing a town councillor to fill the seat, and hosting an application process which would be open to all eligible town residents.
While the by-election route would have allowed residents to select Huson’s replacement, the fact that the next municipal election cycle takes place next year forged doubts about the fiscal prudence of such a plan.
Ward 1 Town Councillor Wayne Olson put his name forward to fill the vacancy. Council-at-large had reservations about simply appointing Olson, however, because doing so would create a vacancy on the lower-tier council.
Town Council eventually determined to proceed with the third option, and applications were received from March 10 to March 19. Applications will be evaluated by Council at a March 26 meeting.
Council may decide on an appointee at this time. It could also ask a shortlist of applicants to appear before Council at a subsequent meeting for further consideration. Ultimately, an appointee will be endorsed by Pelham Town Council to Niagara Regional Council.
Once Regional Council confirms the appointee, which it must do within sixty days of the seat officially becoming vacant, the new councillor will serve for the remainder of Huson’s term, which expires on Nov. 14, 2026.
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
