A message from Lord Mayor Betty Disero

A message from Lord Mayor Betty Disero sent out this afternoon, after an announcement from the Ontario government at about 9 a.m.: "A cloud of uncertainty has lifted at Town Hall following this morning’s amalgamation announcement. The announcement was made by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, who stated the province “will not force amalgamation of municipalities.”

"I want to thank the government of Ontario, Premier Ford, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, for their dedication to municipal government and for their commitment to ensuring municipalities have the resources we need to adequately and effectively navigate this modern era.

"Maintaining high service levels has always been a priority for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. I am confident that with the support of the provincial government, and in partnership with the Niagara Region, council and staff will continue to work with other local area municipalities to streamline services to, not only maintain service levels, but to enhance them.

"I am pleased that Niagara-on-the-Lake residents will continue to have a strong voice in this community and be well represented by our locally elected officials.

"With this announcement now behind us, I’m excited to move forward with our Strategic Plan initiatives and look forward to working with staff and council to further our culture of customer service excellence."