Statement from Regional Chair Bob Gale on the proposed 2026 Niagara Region Budget

​Niagara Regional Chair, Bob Gale, has issued the following statement after conducting a review of the Region’s proposed 2026 budget.

"Following a Motion tabled by Councillor Easton and passed by Council on January 8, I asked staff to take a deeper look at our operations to identify immediate opportunities for budget savings. I directed the team to look for savings without touching health care, long-term care, or any essential or social services.

We have identified over $3 million in additional potential savings for the 2026 budget, responding directly to concerns raised by residents about affordability and rising costs.

I have heard clearly from taxpayers across Niagara that they are feeling financial pressure. Residents have been asking us to keep increases as low as possible, and I take that responsibility seriously.

If passed, these savings will keep real dollars in the pockets of families and businesses, where we can all agree it is better used.

I want to thank Regional Council for sending us to look for more efficiency and express my gratitude to the Regional staff who worked tirelessly to identity and recommend potential savings."

These identified savings and related budget measures remain subject to final approval by Regional Council.

Media contact

Nick Colosimo
Chief of Staff
Office of the Regional Chair
nick.colosimo@niagararegion.ca