Wayne Thomson, Niagara Falls city councillor and longest-serving mayor in city history, retires from politics. Pictured: Wayne Thomson. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.
Wayne Thomson, a legendary Niagara Falls city councillor and the longest-serving mayor in Niagara Falls history, is retiring from local politics, it was announced earlier this week. Thomson, who is celebrating his 85th birthday on Sept. 24, is capping a métier of public service which spans more than half a century.
Thomson’s resignation from council was confirmed by current Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati during a meeting of city council on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
“He formed that skyline you see because without the casino business, we wouldn’t have the hotels that we have and the convention centre that we have,” Diodati said. “He brought a lot of notoriety to the city. Really interesting, really colourful, feisty and done so much for the city, so we’re sad to see him go.”
“Wayne touched a lot of people. He helped a lot of people. They can make a movie about this guy. We’re going to miss him. We wish him well. Thank you, Wayne.”
Thomson was born and raised in Niagara Falls and studied environmental health at Ryerson University. He and his wife, Bonnie, have three children and four grandchildren.
Thomson served for nearly 24 years on the city council, 17 cumulative years during two stints as mayor (1978-83; 1991-2003), and 17 years as a regional councillor and committee member. In addition to carrying out his duties as an elected official, Thomson also filled leadership positions on various local commissions, charitable organizations, as well as other community projects and initiatives.
Some of Thomson’s most notable accomplishments include reducing the size of the city council from 12 to 8 members (while subsequently removing the ward-based electoral system), helping to facilitate the building of high-rise hotels and two casinos; as well as making concrete improvements to transportation, tourism and the city skyline. Thomson also played a pivotal role in founding local charities, such as Outreach Emergency Services (now known as Project Share), Meals on Wheels, and the establishment of the MacBain Community Centre, among numerous other ventures.
Following city procedure, the vacant seat left by Thomson was offered to Chris Dabrowski, the one-term city councillor (2018-2022), who finished ninth in the 2022 Municipal Elections. Dabrowski promptly accepted the appointment and is now slated to serve for the remainder of this electoral cycle.
“Excited to get back to working for the residents of Niagara Falls,” Dabrowski shared in a social media post. “Wishing Councillor Wayne Thomson a well-deserved and happy retirement. You certainly earned it!”
Thomson was remembered fondly by many of his colleagues on council, who expressed their best wishes, as well as their nostalgia, about his retirement.
“He was the first Councillor to take me out for a coffee after I won the (2022) election and he was always there,” said Councillor Mona Patel. “He really treated me very well – I’ll be missing him sitting beside me – I want to wish him best of luck.”
“Such a good, good man,” reflected Councillor Mike Strange. “He’s been with the city for over 50 years and it’s amazing what he’s done here, from the first casino to all different stuff that he’s done… the hotels and everything,” he continued. “He’s put a lot of heart into this city, and he’s lived for this city.”
“It’s been a bit of a go for him, your worship, at council. A lot of us always say that, you know, he knows what he wants to say, right, he really does,” shared Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, who was a member of council when Thomson was Mayor of Niagara Falls. “His heart has always been in the right place – he’s always put Niagara Falls first,” he recounted. “He’s always fought as hard as he could for Niagara Falls, so we wish him all the best in the future.”
The Niagara Independent reached out to Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, who served alongside Thomson, for comment.
“I had the experience of working with Wayne Thomson as a fellow Mayor, Regional Councillor and Niagara Parks Commissioner,” Redekop recalled. “Wayne lived and breathed Niagara Falls, day in and day out, all the time. He loved the city he led and continuously looked for ways to raise its profile and enhance the lives of its residents. I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Thomson was not in attendance at Tuesday’s council meeting. However, Mayor Jim Diodati said that a celebration of Thomson’s remarkable career will take place at a later date.
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
