Regional Chair Bob Gale of the Niagara Region announced on February 9, 2026, that he has found over $3 million in savings to help reduce a proposed property tax increase for residents in Port Colborne, Ontario. This plan to lower costs was discussed further during a budget review meeting held on February 12, 2026.
The regional tax hike was originally set at 6.98 per cent, which would have added about $225 to the bill of an average home. By cutting $2 million from grants for business development and finding other savings in how the region operates, Chair Gale aims to lower that increase while protecting spending on social services and long-term care.
Residents will also pay a regional bus service fee of $67.8 million, which will cost the average homeowner about $16. This cost is in addition to the City of Port Colborne local budget, which already includes a $179.93 annual increase for water and sewer services.
Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele and Regional Councillor Vance Badawey are representing the community during these final budget talks. Councillor Badawey was appointed to his seat in late 2025 to replace the previous representative who moved to a role in the federal government.
