Mayor Campion’s Statement On Governance Reform In Niagara

Over the past few weeks, there has been significant public interest and discussion about governance reform in Niagara. This is understandable, but it is important to remember that this issue is not new. For more than 30 years, Niagara’s governance structure has been assessed repeatedly through provincial studies, consultant reports, and independent analyses, and yet no meaningful structural change has ever been implemented.

Campion

One of the most notable examinations, the 2000 Berkeley Report, reached a clear conclusion: Niagara’s two‑tier system is overly complex, duplicative, and in need of reform. Having two layers of municipal government has increased costs for taxpayers and created unnecessary barriers for residents and businesses trying to access services, obtain approvals, or pursue investment. More than two decades later, these findings remain accurate and important, especially as our financial pressures continue to grow.

Recently, I indicated that a four‑city model is my preferred approach. To be candid, this preference stems from a more fundamental belief: Niagara needs to eliminate a level of government, the regional tier. If there is a realistic way to remove the Region of Niagara without full amalgamation, then we should examine that option seriously. Doing so would mean that I, along with 31 other elected officials, would no longer hold positions at the Region. I accept that fully. If eliminating a layer of government results in a more efficient, responsive, and affordable system for taxpayers, then it is the right thing to do.

Throughout any reform process, one principle for me is non‑negotiable: Welland must keep its identity. I am committed to continuing to advocate for residents through thoughtful, constructive dialogue, always focused on achieving the best outcomes for the people of Welland.

Frank Campion, Mayor

Mayor Campion’s Statement On Municipal Amalgamation In Niagara

I appreciate the Regional Chair’s outreach and his request for input as he considers potential governance restructuring for Niagara.

The Chair is seeking feedback from mayors on two governance options: a four-city and a single-city model. This is part of a broader review of Niagara’s current governance structure, including potential municipal restructuring and amalgamations. After careful consideration, I firmly believe the four-city model is the right path forward.

A four-city structure would better align municipalities by population and shared interests, create stronger and more balanced municipal partners, reduce duplication and streamline decision making, while preserving meaningful local representation.

It would also strengthen coordination on priorities such as housing, transit integration, infrastructure delivery, and economic development. Niagara’s residents deserve a governance model that is efficient, accountable, and aligned with today’s realities.

I will be strongly requesting that the Chair advance the four-city model in his recommendations to Minister Flack. I believe this approach will better serve our communities, protect taxpayers, and position Niagara for sustainable growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

Frank Campion, Mayor

Attribution: City of Welland release

Jessica Ruddell Appointed Permanent CAO, Search For Director Of Community Services Begins

Jessica Ruddell/Supplied photo

WELLAND – Mayor Frank Campion is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Ruddell as the City’s permanent Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), as permitted under Section 284.5 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Mayor Campion commented that this appointment supports leadership continuity and stability as the City continues to advance Council’s priorities and serve the community.

With more than two decades of municipal service in senior leadership roles, Ruddell joined the municipality in January 2024 and has served as Acting CAO since October 20, 2025. During her time with the City, she has developed a strong understanding of the organization and its strategic initiatives and has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting Council and staff through key planning and budget discussions.

“Jessica has shown the leadership competencies essential to the CAO role, including creating and communicating vision and strategy, working closely with staff and the community, promoting innovation, guiding change, and achieving meaningful outcomes,” said Campion. “I am confident in her ability to lead the organization into the future with professionalism, integrity, and a continued focus on service excellence.”

Ruddell’s appointment provides expertise in day-to-day operations, supporting the City’s ability to deliver services consistently, and maintain momentum on ongoing strategic initiatives that matter to residents.

As a result of this appointment, the City of Welland will begin recruitment for a new director of community services.

Attribution: City of Welland media release

Province Of Ontario Supports The Future Of Hospital Care In Welland

WELLAND –  The City of Welland welcomes the Ontario government’s approval of both the renovations to the Welland Hospital—in preparation for the opening of the South Niagara Hospital—and a planning grant for the future Welland Hospital Redevelopment Project. Together, these investments reflect a strong provincial commitment to high-quality hospital care in Welland and the continued success of Niagara Health’s three-site hospital model.

The provincial approval enables renovation work at the Welland Hospital ahead of the South Niagara Hospital opening in 2028 to begin. The planning grant provides resources to support early-stage development, including feasibility studies, community engagement, and planning for a true campus of care that will ensure the Welland Hospital remains a cornerstone of healthcare in Niagara.

“This is tremendous news for Welland,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “The province’s investment reinforces the hospital’s place at the heart of our community and its continued importance to local residents. We are grateful to Niagara Health and the Ontario government for recognizing the essential role the Welland Hospital plays in our region’s health system. This is outstanding news for our dedicated healthcare professionals and local residents.” 

The announcement marks a major milestone for the City of Welland and its ongoing efforts to secure the long-term future of hospital care in the community. When the Welland Hospital was previously slated for closure during a regional hospital reorganization, Mayor Campion and four successive Councils worked tirelessly with other levels of government and community partners to protect and sustain local healthcare services.

By providing a planning grant for the Welland Hospital Redevelopment Project, the Ontario government has affirmed its confidence in Welland’s essential role within Niagara Health’s hospital network. This decision enables Niagara Health to move forward with planning the future of the Welland site and ensures continued access to high-quality care for residents.

The City of Welland extends its appreciation to the Ontario government and Niagara Health for their continued partnership and investment in the future of healthcare in Welland and across Niagara.

Attribution: City of Welland media release

Barky’s Billboard

Please support/participate in this ‘moving’ Recreation Month activity

The Active Transportation Advisory Committee is excited to invite YOU to our very first Walk with the Mayor, June 7, meet at the Market Square 10 a.m.  Rain or shine – we’re walking!
Connect, chat, and get moving as we take a stroll through the community and step into Recreation Month the right way—TOGETHER!

Register today: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/…/detail/8863…

Lace up, show up, and let’s make the first step a strong one. /Barky’s Billboard is a recurring feature on the blog. Supplied graphic.

Francophonie Day To Be Celebrated In Welland With Flag-Raising Ceremony

 WELLAND – The City of Welland proudly celebrates its Francophone community on March 20, International Francophonie Day, with its annual flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m., and Bridge 13 will be illuminated in green and white to symbolize the French-speaking community.

“Welland has a rich Francophone heritage, and we are honoured to recognize the contributions of our French-speaking residents,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “Our designation as a Francophone community is a strong point of pride, and we remain committed to preserving and celebrating our French culture.”

International Francophonie Day is observed worldwide to honour the French language and the diversity of Francophone culture. 

Welland, designated under Ontario’s French Language Services Act, is home to one of the largest Francophone populations in the Niagara Region, with more than 15,000 French speakers living across the area.

“The City continues to support and engage with our Francophone community,” said Campion. “Our website offers a dedicated French-language section, and we work closely with French-speaking organizations to ensure that resources and services are accessible.”

Residents are invited to take part in the celebration and to learn more about the city’s deep-rooted Francophone heritage. The City extends its appreciation to all who contribute to preserving and promoting French culture within the community.

La Journée de la Francophonie est célébrée à Welland par une cérémonie de levée du drapeau

WELLAND – La Ville de Welland est fière de célébrer sa communauté francophone le 20 mars, Journée internationale de la Francophonie, à l’occasion de la cérémonie annuelle de lever du drapeau à l’hôtel de ville. L’événement aura lieu à 10 h 30 et le pont 13 sera illuminé en vert et blanc pour symboliser la communauté francophone.

“Welland possède un riche héritage francophone, et nous sommes honorés de reconnaître les contributions de nos résidents francophones,” a déclaré le maire Frank Campion. “Notre désignation en tant que communauté francophone est une grande source de fierté, et nous restons déterminés à préserver et à célébrer notre culture française.”

La Journée internationale de la francophonie est célébrée dans le monde entier pour rendre hommage à la langue française et à la diversité de la culture francophone. 

Welland, désignée en vertu de la Loi sur les services en français de l’Ontario, abrite l’une des plus importantes populations francophones de la région de Niagara, avec plus de 15 000 francophones vivant dans notre région.

“La Ville continue de soutenir la communauté francophone et de s’engager auprès d’elle,” a déclaré Campion. “Notre site Web comporte une section dédiée à la langue française, et nous travaillons en étroite collaboration avec des organismes francophones pour veiller à ce que les ressources et les services soient accessibles.”

Les résidents sont invités à prendre part à la célébration et à en apprendre davantage sur l’héritage francophone profondément enraciné de la ville. La Ville remercie tous ceux qui contribuent à la préservation et à la promotion de la culture française au sein de la communauté.

Attribution: City of Welland media release.