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Home / About / Amalgamation News / Residents confront Bob Gale at Council chambers on February 24th. View Livestream beginning at the 32:51 mark. Local residents personal experiences with amalgamation * Doug and Libby Bullock personal experience with Toronto's amalgamation * Doug and Libby's Ltr to the Lord Mayor 2023 * Richard Connelly's first hand experience with amalgation! * Gerry Marchese - St Davids We also experienced amalgamation when we lived in Carlisle that was originally part of Flamborough which was amalgamated with Hamilton. During the Flamborough days tax increases were almost non existent actually going down a couple of years. After Hamilton took over, taxes soared over 4 times where they started by the time we left and they are astronomical now about 12 years later many homes paying well above $20,000. It is very similar to NOTL being that Flamborough was a large land area lightly populated and mostly agricultural. March31st Bob Gale may be gone but amalgamation isn't over! March 7th NOTLRA Board responds to Local and Regional Councils on the amalgamation proposal. March 3rd Governance Review – Working Group Update February 28th Regional councillor Kaiser frustrated with Bob Gale's process February 19th Bob Gale letter to Minister Flack March 25th Town Council Approves Motion to Reduce Niagara-on-the-Lake Council Size March 4th Niagara-on-the-Lake Submits Amalgamation Feedback to the Province March 3rd Lord Mayor Zalepa video message February 25th Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Niagara’s mayors will decide on possible amalgamation March 10th NOTL Residents Association wants to see the data on amalgamation March 4th Niagara Mayors Present Governance Reform Agenda to Premier Ford March 3rd Niagara-on-the-Lake Shares Update on Niagara Regional Governance Review February 19th Lord Mayor Zalepa response to Bob Gales's letter

Home / News & Updates / Provincial / March 10, 2026 Doug Ford has opened the door to privatizing our water history show how that can put public health at risk Learn More Ontario to table budget March 26, with eye to productivity, competitiveness: minister

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Disclosures and Conflict of Interest Conflict of Interest A conflict of interest may arise for Councillors and the members of sub-committees appointed by Council when their personal or business interests clash with or affect the duties and decisions of the committee. These members are required to adhere to the regulations of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, which contains strict rules regulating their participation in matters to which they have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest. The onus to declare a conflict of interest lies with the member and not municipal staff. Please review the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act for complete details. If you require further information, please contact the Clerk's Department at 905-468-3266 . Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires Members of Council to declare any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in relation to a matter under consideration. A pecuniary interest in a matter is one where there is a reasonable likelihood or expectation of financial loss or gain of the Member or related persons as per the Act. The onus to declare a pecuniary interest rests with the member and time for this process is allocated on every meeting agenda. Changes to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act require municipalities to maintain a registry of all declarations made under this Act. The registry must include the original written declaration provided by the member of Council and must be available to the public. Effective December 2018, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has implemented this practice for Members of Council and where applicable, to Members of Committees and Boards. A table of the registry is available below. This table is updated online following a Council meeting. To view a copy of the forms submitted by Members of Council please contact the Clerk’s Office, any time between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Additional details can be obtained from the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.50 . Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry Table - 2019 (PDF) Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry Table - 2020 (PDF) Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry Table - 2021 (PDF) Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry Table - 2022(PDF) Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry Table - 2023 (PDF) Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry Table - 2024 (PDF) Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry Table - 2025 (PDF) Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry Table - 2026 (PDF)

Exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake's Public Governance Records Public governance records are essential for understanding how local governments operate and make decisions. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, these records provide insight into the town's administration, policies, and community engagement. This blog post will explore the significance of these records, how to access them, and their impact on the community. Niagara-on-the-Lake town hall building Understanding Public Governance Records Public governance records encompass a wide range of documents that detail the operations and decisions of local government. These records include: Meeting minutes : Summaries of discussions and decisions made during council meetings. Bylaws and policies : Official regulations and guidelines that govern community behavior and local governance. Financial reports: Documents detailing the town's budget, expenditures, and financial planning. Public notices: Announcements regarding community events, changes in policy, or upcoming meetings. These records are vital for transparency and accountability, allowing residents to stay informed about local governance. The Importance of Transparency Transparency in governance fosters trust between the community and its leaders. When residents have access to public governance records, they can: Hold officials accountable: By reviewing decisions and expenditures, residents can question and challenge local leaders. Engage in civic activities: Knowledge of governance processes encourages community members to participate in local meetings and discussions. Influence policy: Informed residents can advocate for changes that reflect the community's needs and desires. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, transparency is a cornerstone of local governance, ensuring that residents feel empowered to engage with their government. Accessing Public Governance Records Residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake can access public governance records through various channels: Town Website The town's official website is a primary resource for accessing governance records. Here, residents can find: Meeting agendas and minutes : Available for download, these documents provide insight into council discussions and decisions. Bylaws and policies: A comprehensive list of current regulations can be found, allowing residents to understand the rules governing their community. Financial reports : Budget documents and financial statements are often published for public review. In-Person Requests For those who prefer a more personal approach, residents can visit the town hall to request specific records. Staff members are available to assist with locating documents and answering questions about the governance process. Freedom of Information Requests If certain records are not readily available, residents can submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. This formal process allows individuals to request access to records held by the municipality, promoting further transparency. The Role of Public Engagement Public engagement is crucial for effective governance. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the town encourages residents to participate in various ways: Public meetings: Regularly scheduled council meetings allow residents to voice their opinions and ask questions. Surveys and feedback forms: The town often seeks input from residents on specific issues, ensuring that community voices are heard. Community events: Engaging events foster a sense of belonging and encourage residents to connect with local leaders. By actively participating in these opportunities, residents can influence local governance and contribute to the community's development. Challenges in Accessing Governance Records While Niagara-on-the-Lake strives for transparency, challenges can arise in accessing public governance records. Some common issues include: Complexity of documents: Some records may be difficult to understand without prior knowledge of governance processes. Limited availability: Not all records may be readily accessible, leading to frustration for residents seeking information. Bureaucratic hurdles: The FOI process can be time-consuming, deterring residents from pursuing access to records. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing efforts from local leaders to improve accessibility and clarity in governance records. The Future of Public Governance in Niagara-on-the-Lake As technology continues to evolve, so too does the potential for enhancing public governance in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Future developments may include: Digital platforms: Expanding online access to governance records through user-friendly interfaces can improve transparency. Interactive tools: Implementing tools that allow residents to engage with data and provide feedback can foster greater community involvement. Education initiatives: Offering workshops or resources to help residents understand governance processes can empower them to participate more effectively. By embracing these advancements, Niagara-on-the-Lake can continue to strengthen its commitment to transparency and community engagement. Conclusion Public governance records are a vital resource for residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake, providing insight into local decision-making processes. By promoting transparency and encouraging community engagement, the town fosters a strong relationship between its leaders and residents. As technology advances, the potential for improved access to governance records and enhanced public participation will only grow. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of their community. By staying informed and engaged, residents can play an active role in the governance of Niagara-on-the-Lake, contributing to a vibrant and responsive community.

Home / Community / Environment / The world is grappling with a host of pressing environmental challenges that demand immediate attention and action. From climate change-induced disasters to biodiversity loss and plastic pollution, environmental problems of 2025 and onward paint a stark picture of the urgent need for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The following links will provide you with information on local as well as provincial and world issues. In NOTL, the Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP) has been developed by the Environmental Advisory Committee and staff and wil be the primary document to drive environmental action going forward. INVASIVE SPECIES! THE GREENBELT! NOTL Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP) AGRICULTURE! Regional Tree and Forest Conservation Tree Canopy Coverage and Planting Initiatives 2026-04-21 Tree Canopy Coverage and Planting Initiatives 2026-04-21 / Community / Environment / / Community / Environment /

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