The math on eliminating representation

Earlier this week, I posted this about the (not at all) *huge savings* to be had by eliminating positions on local Councils.

Yesterday, as I fully suspected was the plan, Bob Gale sent a letter to Minister Flack recommending the elimination of a total of 14 municipally-elected council seats.

Regional Council composition 

That Regional Council be composed of the 12 municipal mayors plus a Regional Chair, directly addressing concerns that the current body is too large to operate efficiently while maintaining a clear voice for every municipality. 

and

Rationalized local council sizes

• St. Catharines will have 12 municipal councillors plus the mayor, 
• Niagara Falls will have 8 municipal councillors plus the mayor; 
• Welland, Niagara-on-Lake, Thorold, Pelham, West Lincoln, Grimsby, Lincoln, Port Colborne Fort Erie will each have 6 municipal councillors plus the mayor, 
• Wainfleet will have 4 municipal councillors plus the mayor. 

So, Niagara is losing 19 directly-elected Regional Councillors at a cost of $45,309.18 each for a total *savings* of $860,874.42 or 0.15% of of the property taxes you pay for the Region.

• St. Catharines loses no one, and their Councillors’ pay increases to $37,000 following the 2026 election.
• Niagara Falls loses no one.
• Welland loses four Councillors at $28,212 (average) each for a total *savings* of $112,848.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake loses two Councillors at $20,400 each for a total *savings* of $40,800.
• Thorold loses two Councillors at $16,279.16 each for a total *savings* of $32,558.32.
• Pelham loses no one.
• West Lincoln loses no one.
• Grimsby loses two Councillors at $25,893.87 (average) each for a total *savings* of $51,787.74.
• Lincoln loses two Councillors at $21,518 each for a total *savings* of $43,036.
• Port Colborne loses two Councillors at $22,973 each for a total *savings* of $45,946.
• Fort Erie loses no one.
• Wainfleet loses no one.

The property taxpayers’ overall savings here is $1,187,850.48.

Of course, it won’t be realized as that figure, because each municipality is paying a different amount of tax, and $326,976.06 of this *savings* will be split between six municipalities.

The point here is: You will lose representation, but you will not even notice this *savings* on your property tax bill.

Further, I fully expect that – with fewer positions – Councillors’ rates of remuneration will increase across the board to reflect that they are each representing more people.

Food for thought.