Media Release : City of Thorold Answer Province's Call to Reduce Their Own Size

At last night’s Council meeting, a motion was passed to reduce the size of Council from eight Councillors and the Mayor to six Councillors and the Mayor. This decision aligns with other like-sized Niagara municipalities that have also voluntarily reduced their council size to streamline local government and protect taxpayer dollars.

"We agree with the Province that the status quo isn't good enough for taxpayers, said Mayor Terry Ugulini.  Several Niagara municipalities have now heeded that call, made the difficult decisions, and reduced the size of their own Councils. Our communities want an efficient government that respects local identity and delivers real value.  We're doing our part, and we're confident the Province will do theirs."

Thorold alongside other Niagara municipalities have passed formal resolutions to voluntarily reduce their Councils without waiting for provincial direction, and without the disruption and uncertainty of forced amalgamation. Reducing the number of elected officials means less overlap, lower costs, and a more efficient use of every tax dollar delivered by the communities closest to the people they serve.

For these reductions to take effect in time for the 2026 municipal election, the Province must act by May 2026 to introduce the necessary legislative authority. 

Media inquiries
Natalie Stickles
Community Relations Specialist, Office of the CAO
natalie.stickles@thorold.ca
905-227-6613 x439