Thorold will have a new mayor later this year, as Mayor Terry Ugulini announced last week that he does not plan to seek a third straight term as head of council.
Before serving as mayor, Ugulini spent a single term serving on council.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished together and optimistic about where we are headed,” said Ugulini in a press release. “The City is going through a period of growth not only in the residential sector but also in the commercial/industrial sector. This bodes well for the future as we expand our tax base and bring in much-needed, good paying jobs, positioning Thorold for a strong and sustainable future.”
In Ugulini’s release, he noted that he was proud to have opposed amalgamation efforts spearheaded by former regional chair Bob Gale and given serious consideration by the Ford government.
Still, Thorold’s new mayor will step into a somewhat different role than the role Ugulini now occupies. Thanks to changes recently passed by the Ford government, Niagara’s 32-member regional government will be reduced to just 12 local mayors plus an appointed regional chair, meaning Thorold’s next mayor will be Thorold’s sole voice on regional council.
Ugulini, now 72, felt the time was right to retire. Yet he hopes his successor will remain the course he’s helped to chart over the past eight years.
“Although it’s time to turn the reins over, my only hope is that we continue down the path we are currently on,” said Ugulini. “It is our time, the future of the City of Thorold is bright, let’s take advantage of this opportunity, deliver results for our residents and lead the way for Niagara.”
Under Ugulini’s leadership, property taxes have largely been held in check in recent years, although increases have been kept lower in other nearby municipalities.
This year, Ugulini’s budget increased property taxes by some 3.49 per cent.
Local MPP Sam Oosterhoff spoke to the Niagara Independent regarding Ugulini’s retirement.
“I always appreciated working with Mayor Ugulini,” said Oosterhoff. “As he would say, the Mayor of the GTA (Greater Thorold Area) was welcoming, energetic, and very engaged with local constituents and businesses, helping to shape the future of Thorold for many years to come.”
“I wish him all the best in his next chapter,” Oosterhoff added.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and 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.
