A new report recommends slashing the number of Welland councillors in half. Pictured: Welland City Council. Photo Credit: City of Welland.
The City of Welland is the third largest municipality in the Niagara Region. With a population shy of 58,000, it ranks significantly behind the City of Niagara Falls, which has about 95,000 residents, and the City of St. Catharines, which nearly 137,000 people call home.
Despite these statistics, Welland has 12 councillors, not including the mayor. Putting these numbers into context, St. Catharines also has twelve councillors, while Niagara Falls has only eight councillors.
Municipally elected officials in Welland are currently the highest-paid lower-tier councillors in the Niagara Region. This has been the case for four years, when the previous council approved a 47 per cent pay increase for themselves. This year, councillors are slated to receive a total of $28,041 while the mayor will make $78,114.
Once comprehensive benefit packages and remunerations are added to the allocated funds for compensation, council will cost taxpayers a total of $631,848 in 2024, an increase of more than $70,000 from just a year ago.
In a recent report delivered by Welland City Clerk Tara Stephens, it is her conclusion that beginning in 2026, Welland should elect six councillors rather than the current twelve, and one councillor for each ward. Stephens shared concerns about overrepresentation because of a “low residents-per-councillor ratio.” Based on current projections, if council is reduced from thirteen members down to seven, taxpayers could save at least $254,250 annually.
Stephens’ report was completed after council approved an April motion by Councillor Leo Van Vliet, of Ward 2, which requested that municipal staff would investigate the potential benefits of reducing the size of council and reviewing the ward-based system. During a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3, however, council opted against making alterations to the number of councillors prior to the completion of more extensive research, as well as considering the views of community members.
“This is the beginning of the process, not the end of it,” explained Welland Mayor Frank Campion.
In general, council is not opposed to changing the current format, but is not yet in agreement on the way forward, whether that be about the total number of councillors, or what specific changes should be made to the ward-system. Most on council also feel it’s important to have residents weigh on.
Councillor Graham Speck of Ward 5 argued most strongly in favour of Stephens’ recommendation, advocating for six councillors, with one is elected per ward.
“I believe the simplest and quickest thing is to have one per ward,” Speck argued. “Having six at-large councillors doesn’t do us any favours.”
Marc Macdonald, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer – Corporate Communications at the City of Welland, outlined the next steps for municipal staff.
“The council composition report was referred back to staff with direction to engage the community to help Council determine the correct number of elected officials for the City of Welland,” Macdonald told The Niagara Independent. “Council felt more information and input from the community was important to make this decision.”
“In the next few weeks, staff will meet and develop what the engagement strategy looks like and implement and complete the work in the fall.”
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
