Niagara-on-the-Lake Election 2026 is your one website for information on the 2026 municipal election. Photo by Rene Bertschi DID YOU KNOW - view more ELECTION DATE OCTOBER 26, 2026! Call on NOTL Electoral Candidates to Make Climate Resilience a Platform Priority This website has been created by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Residents Association to help voters easily find reliable, non-partisan information about the 2026 municipal election. On October 26, 2026, voters in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Region will choose the people who shape our future. This website helps you compare candidates, understand the issues, and vote informed. Why This Election Matters What's at Stake? Why Your Vote for Lord Mayor May Be the Most Important Vote You Cast for Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Future WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES! You will be voting for one Lord Mayor and six Councillors at large! They will be representing you from 2026 to 2030. Learn about the election process, candidates, and key community topics....click below! VOTING INFORMATION! Guide to Municipal Election Rules for NOTL Candidates Voter Information. Where to vote, Registration and more Key election dates >>> WHO ARE THE INCUMBENTS! There’s no ward system in Niagara-on-the-Lake, so residents and community members are represented by one Lord Mayor and eight Councillors at large! HOW THE TOWN WORKS! Explore everything you need to know about the upcoming municipal election in October 2026. From candidate profiles to key community issues, stay informed and engaged, but first let's explore how the Town actually works.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Vaughn Goettler Andrea Kaiser Erwin Wiens Candidate #1 Candidate #2 Candidate #3 Candidate #4 Candidate #5 Candidate #1 Candidate #2 Candidate #3 Candidate #4 Candidate #5 Candidate #6 No registration required! All residents are welcomed! Candidate names will be added after the final nomination date of August 21, 2026 and subject to feedback on what date they are available!

MUNICIPAL ISSUES IN THE 2026 ELECTION NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE THE ISSUES What Matters to Niagara-on-the-Lake Residents? The 2026 municipal election will help determine the direction of Niagara-on-the-Lake for the next four years and beyond. The issues facing our community are interconnected. Decisions about growth affect infrastructure. Infrastructure affects taxes, traffic and the environment. Tourism affects transportation, parking, housing and neighbourhoods. Governance determines how these decisions are made and how residents are informed, consulted and represented. The following issues reflect concerns identified through the Niagara-on-the-Lake Residents Association’s 2026 community survey, ongoing community discussion, public information and issues receiving attention throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake. These are not positions or recommendations. They are intended to help residents understand the major issues that candidates may be asked to address during the 2026 municipal election. 1. DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH How much, where and under what conditions should Niagara-on-the-Lake grow? Development and growth consistently rank among the most important concerns expressed by residents. Niagara-on-the-Lake faces increasing pressure for residential, commercial, hotel and tourism-related development. The challenge is determining the pace, scale, location and type of growth that the community can reasonably accommodate while protecting the characteristics that make Niagara-on-the-Lake unique. Growth decisions made today will influence infrastructure requirements, traffic, taxation, the environment, agricultural lands, neighbourhoods and community character for decades. Residents may want candidates to address: The pace, scale and location of new development. Appropriate residential and commercial density. Where additional growth should occur within the Town. Protection of agricultural lands and rural areas. Protection of established neighbourhoods and community character. The cumulative impact of multiple developments in the same area. Whether development decisions are consistent with the Town’s long-term vision. The relationship between development approvals and available infrastructure capacity. The transparency and public involvement associated with major development proposals. How the Town should balance provincial growth requirements with local priorities. Key question for candidates: How much growth can Niagara-on-the-Lake reasonably accommodate, where should it occur, and under what conditions should it be approved? 2. GOVERNANCE, REPRESENTATION & ACCOUNTABILITY How should Niagara-on-the-Lake be governed and represented? Residents have expressed concerns about transparency, accountability, Council procedures, public consultation and whether residents feel adequately heard before important decisions are made. The 2026 election also occurs at a significant point in the Town’s governance structure. Ontario’s Strong Mayor framework gives the Lord Mayor additional powers and responsibilities. At the same time, following the election, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Council will move from nine members to seven. These changes raise important questions about representation, accessibility, Council workload, checks and balances, committee structures and the ability of residents across Niagara-on-the-Lake’s communities to have their concerns heard. Residents may want candidates to address: Transparency in municipal decision-making. Meaningful public consultation before major decisions. How residents’ concerns are considered and documented. Accountability for decisions made by Council. The appropriate use of Strong Mayor powers. The balance between the Lord Mayor’s powers and Council’s responsibilities. The effectiveness and workload of a seven-member Council. Representation of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s different communities. Accessibility of elected representatives. Council committee structures and community representation. Access to municipal information. Communication between the Town and residents. Whether Council decisions reflect clearly stated priorities and long-term plans. Related: See NOTLRA’s paper on the potential impact of Strong Mayor powers in light of the reduced Council size. Key question for candidates: How will you ensure that residents are informed, listened to and adequately represented while maintaining transparency and accountability in municipal decision-making? 3. INFRASTRUCTURE, WATER, WASTEWATER & STORMWATER Can our infrastructure keep pace with our community and changing conditions? Infrastructure is one of the most important practical challenges facing Niagara-on-the-Lake. Water and wastewater capacity, roads, drainage and stormwater management are directly connected to growth, development and public safety. Recent extreme rainfall and flooding have brought particular attention to the condition and capacity of the Town’s drainage and stormwater systems. The Town must also address its long-term infrastructure needs, including maintenance, replacement, financing and future capacity. R esidents may want candidates to address: Water and wastewater capacity. Stormwater management and drainage. Flood mitigation and community protection. The condition and long-term needs of roads and other municipal infrastructure. Short-term maintenance and long-term infrastructure replacement. The Town’s infrastructure deficit. Infrastructure capacity and readiness before significant development is approved. Development charges and the principle that growth should pay for growth-related infrastructure. Infrastructure financing, reserves and debt. Coordination between the Town, Niagara Region and other levels of government. Whether current stormwater standards adequately reflect increasingly extreme rainfall events. How the Town should prepare for rainfall events that exceed existing drainage capacity. Key question for candidates: Should demonstrated infrastructure capacity and readiness be prerequisites for approving significant new development, and are current stormwater standards adequate for today’s and tomorrow’s extreme rainfall events? 4. ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE RESILIENCE How should environmental consequences influence municipal decisions? Environmental considerations are connected to virtually every major municipal issue, particularly development, drainage, flooding, transportation, agriculture and infrastructure. Recent flooding events have highlighted the potential consequences of extreme weather and the importance of understanding how development and municipal decisions may affect drainage, water flow, natural areas and community resilience. Environmental considerations include natural heritage, wetlands, trees, water quality, agricultural lands, stormwater management and biodiversity. The broader question is whether environmental impacts and climate resilience should be considered earlier and more consistently when major municipal decisions are made. R esidents may want candidates to address: The role of environmental impact in major municipal decisions. The environmental and long-term costs associated with development. Protection of wetlands, natural areas and waterways. Stormwater retention and drainage for flood mitigation. Tree preservation and the urban tree canopy. Protection of agricultural lands. Water quality and watershed protection. Sustainable transportation and infrastructure. Whether planning standards adequately account for changing environmental conditions. Whether updated climate and rainfall information should be used when planning infrastructure and evaluating development proposals. Key question for candidates: Should environmental impact and climate resilience be formal considerations in significant municipal decisions, and how would you balance environmental, economic and development considerations? 5. TAXES, SPENDING & AFFORDABILITY What should residents pay, and what should they receive in return? Municipal taxation is a concern for homeowners, businesses and residents on fixed incomes at a time when Niagara-on-the-Lake faces significant infrastructure, service and capital requirements. The next Council will have to balance affordability with the need to maintain municipal services, address infrastructure needs and respond to emerging community priorities. The question is not simply whether taxes should increase or decrease, but what level of service the community expects, what those services should cost and how they should be funded. Residents may want candidates to address: Municipal and Regional tax increases. Municipal spending priorities. The appropriate level of municipal services. Infrastructure financing, reserves and municipal debt. Capital projects and their long-term costs. Development charges and growth-related costs. Opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings. The balance between taxation, service levels and community expectations. The financial implications of new municipal programs or initiatives. The long-term financial sustainability of the Town. Key question for candidates: What services should the Town provide, what should they cost, and how should those costs be fairly shared among existing residents, businesses and new development? 6. TOURISM, TRANSPORTATION & PARKING How can Niagara-on-the-Lake manage tourism while protecting residents’ mobility and quality of life? Tourism is an important part of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s economy and provides employment and business opportunities. At the same time, visitor activity can create pressures on roads, parking, transportation infrastructure, public spaces and residential neighbourhoods. Traffic and parking pressures are particularly evident during peak tourism periods, but transportation affects residents throughout the year. The Town’s parking and transportation planning provides an opportunity to consider how visitors move through the community and how tourism-related pressures can be managed. R esidents may want candidates to address: Traffic congestion and transportation bottlenecks. Traffic generated by tourism and new development. Parking availability and management. Visitor parking outside core business districts. Park-and-ride opportunities. Public transit and transportation between communities. Pedestrian and cycling safety. The growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Cycling infrastructure and secure bicycle parking. Speeding, stunt driving and traffic enforcement. The impact of development on existing transportation infrastructure. Regional transportation planning and connections between communities. The impact of tourism on residential neighbourhoods. Hotel and accommodation development. Whether tourism should contribute appropriately toward the municipal costs it generates. Key question for candidates: How can Niagara-on-the-Lake manage tourism, traffic and parking more effectively while protecting residents’ mobility, quality of life and the character of the community? 7. HERITAGE, AGRICULTURE & COMMUNITY CHARACTER What must be protected as Niagara-on-the-Lake grows? Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage, agricultural lands, villages, rural landscapes and established neighbourhoods are fundamental to the community’s identity. Growth and preservation do not necessarily have to be competing objectives. However, achieving an appropriate balance requires deliberate planning and an understanding of what makes the community distinctive. Residents may want candidates to address: Protection of heritage properties and districts. Preservation of agricultural lands. Development in rural areas. Building design and compatibility with established communities. Protection of important views, streetscapes and landscapes. Protection of significant natural and shoreline areas. Adaptive reuse of heritage and institutional buildings. The cumulative impact of development on community character. The relationship between heritage preservation and economic development. How new development can be compatible with existing communities. Key question for candidates: How can Niagara-on-the-Lake accommodate a sensible rate of growth while protecting the heritage, agricultural and community character that residents value? 8. HOUSING & SHORT-TERM RENTALS How can Niagara-on-the-Lake provide housing while maintaining livable neighbourhoods? Housing affordability and availability are concerns for residents, seniors, families and local workers. At the same time, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s tourism economy has contributed to demand for short-term accommodation. Short-term rentals and long-term housing are related but distinct issues. The challenge is finding an appropriate balance between visitor accommodation, housing availability and stable residential neighbourhoods. R esidents may want candidates to address: Availability and attainability of long-term rental housing. Housing affordability. Housing for seniors. Housing for local workers. The impact of short-term rentals on neighbourhoods. The relationship between short-term rentals and long-term housing availability. Regulation and enforcement of short-term rentals. Whether existing policies are achieving their intended objectives. Whether housing policies should encourage residents to remain in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Key question for candidates: How can the Town increase access to appropriate and attainable housing while maintaining stable and livable neighbourhoods? THE ISSUES ARE CONNECTED The major issues facing Niagara-on-the-Lake cannot be considered in isolation. Development can affect: Growth → Infrastructure → Stormwater → Flooding → Traffic → Taxes → Environment → Community Character Tourism can affect: Visitors → Parking → Traffic → Infrastructure → Housing → Short-Term Rentals → Neighbourhoods Governance affects all of them: Transparency → Public Engagement → Decision-Making → Accountability This means that a candidate’s position on one issue may have consequences for several others. The most important question for voters may therefore not be simply which individual issues a candidate supports, but how the candidate intends to balance competing priorities and make decisions that serve Niagara-on-the-Lake over the long term. QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES As voters evaluate candidates, they may wish to ask: Vision & Priorities What are your three highest priorities for Niagara-on-the-Lake? What is your long-term vision for the Town? What would you do differently from the current Council? Growth & Development How much growth can Niagara-on-the-Lake reasonably accommodate, and where should it occur? Should infrastructure capacity and readiness be demonstrated before significant new development is approved? How will you balance provincial growth requirements with local priorities and community character? I nfrastructure, Flooding & Environment What are your priorities for addressing flooding, drainage and stormwater management? Are current stormwater standards adequate for increasingly extreme rainfall events? Should environmental impact and climate resilience be formal considerations in significant municipal decisions? T axes & Financial Management How will you balance tax increases with the need to maintain municipal services and infrastructure? What opportunities do you see for efficiencies, cost savings or changes in service levels? How should the Town pay for its long-term infrastructure needs? Tourism, Transportation & Housing How should tourism growth be managed? What changes, if any, should be made to short-term rental policies? What should be done to address traffic and parking during peak tourism periods? How can the Town improve transportation options for residents and visitors? What should the Town do to improve housing affordability and attainability for residents and local workers? Governance & Representation How should Strong Mayor powers be used and balanced with Council’s responsibilities? How will you ensure that a seven-member Council remains accessible and representative of all communities? What changes, if any, would you make to improve transparency, public consultation and accountability? Heritage & Community Character How will you protect Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage and agricultural identity while accommodating appropriate growth? SPECIFIC ISSUES RESIDENTS MAY WISH TO ASK CANDIDATES ABOUT Some matters do not fit neatly within a single major issue but may have significant implications for Niagara-on-the-Lake. Residents may wish to ask candidates for their views on: Niagara District Airport Expansion What is your understanding of the Province’s plans for the Niagara District Airport, including the potential accommodation of larger passenger aircraft, and what concerns or opportunities do you see for Virgil, Old Town and surrounding communities? Data Centres What is your position on potential data-centre development in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and what would you consider regarding infrastructure, water use, electricity demand, environmental impacts, employment and municipal costs or revenues? Casinos & Gambling What role, if any, should the Town play in responding to proposals for casinos or other gambling-related development? Cannabis Retail What role, if any, should the Town play in responding to cannabis retail or related proposals within the municipality? Climate & Community Resilience What practical measures should the Town consider to improve community resilience to flooding, extreme heat, severe storms and other changing environmental conditions? These questions are included to encourage informed discussion. Their inclusion does not indicate support or opposition to any particular proposal or policy. AN INFORMED VOTE MATTERS Municipal government has a direct impact on the everyday lives of Niagara-on-the-Lake residents. The decisions made by the next Council will influence development, taxation, infrastructure, transportation, the environment, housing, tourism and the character of our community for years to come. Ask questions. Compare the candidates. Look beyond campaign promises. Consider not only what candidates propose, but: How their priorities would be funded. What trade-offs may be required. Whether their proposals are realistic. How their positions on one issue may affect another. Whether their plans reflect a clear long-term vision for Niagara-on-the-Lake. An informed voter is better positioned to assess both what candidates promise and how they propose to deliver it. YOUR VOTE WILL HELP DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE. 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION OCTOBER 26, 2026 NOTLelection.ca is a non-partisan community information resource. The issues and questions presented above are intended to encourage informed discussion and help residents evaluate candidates. They do not represent endorsements of any candidate, party, position or policy.

Nicholas Colaneri- in the media View articles about Nick that have been highlighted in the media Aug ,2026 Articles to follow when available

Rick Mills- in the media View articles about Rick that have been highlighted in the media Aug ,2026 Articles to follow when available

CANDIDATES FOR LORD MAYOR 2026-2030 TERM Andrea Kaiser (I) (Reg Councillor) 905-658-8793voteandrea@kaiser.ca voteandreakaiser.com Facebook Instagram Vaughn Goettler 416-917-2040 info@vaughngoettler.ca http://votevaughngoettler.ca/ Contact Vaughn! Contact Andrea! Erwin Wiens (I) (Councillor) 289-969-5574 https://wiensformayor.ca erwin@wiensformayor.ca Facebook iIstagram Contact Erwin! CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL 2026-2030 TERM Gary Burroughs (I) (Councillor) 905-658-8717 burroughs2.gary@gmail.com burroughs2026.ca https://www.facebook.com/gary.burroughs.311 https://www.instagram.com/wix/ Maria Mavridis (I) (Councillor) 905-329-5145 info@marianotl.com www.marianotl.com Contact Gary! Contact Maria! Tim Balasiuk (I) (Councillor) 905-401-7879 timbalasiuk@gmail.com Contact Tim! Steve McGuinness 416-825-3000 votestevemcgnotl@gmail.com votestevemcguinness.ca/ https://smcgnotl.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589428643870 Weston Miller 289-213-8681 Weston@westonmiller.com westonmiller.com/ Contact Steve! Contact Weston! Contact Sandra! Contact Andrew Contact Adriana! Sandra O'Connor ( I) (Councillor) 289-868-9310 sandra.oconnor.notl@gmail.com Andrew Niven ( I) (Councillor) 905-651-5513 andrew@voteniven.com www.voteniven.com Adriana Vizzari ( I) (Councillor) 289-868-9310 vizzari.adriana@gmail.com Contact Nicholas! Contact Karen Contact Rick! Photos to follow! Karen Jones-Taylor k.jones55@hotmail.com Nicholas Colaneri 365-720-1962 Nicholas@colanerifornotl.com www.colanerifornotl.com Rick Mills 905-468-2242 The Province of Ontario has eliminated all regional councillor positions effective May 7,2026. Regional governance will now be adminstered by the 12 Mayors representing each Municipality plus one provincially APPOINTED Regional Chair! CANDIDATES FOR NiAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 2026-2030 TERM Larry Huibers (Incumbent) LarryHuibersTrustee@gmail.com Candidate Profile Natalia Benoit (incumbent) 647-768-9653 nataliathetrustee@gmail.com Candidate Profile Alex McKee (photo to follow) 647-985-2637 alex@alexmckee.com Candidate Profile! Jake Scervino 289-969-1798 jakescervino@gmail.com CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA 2026-2030 TERM Mike Brousseau (Incumbent) 905-401-9825 Candidate Profile Jennifer Ajandi 905-933-6106 Candidate Profile Kate Baggott (Incumbent) baggott.kate@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/kateforeducation Candidate Profile Jonathan Fast (Incumbent) Candidate Profile Lauren Bubnic lauren.bubnicfortrustee @gmail.com Candidate Profile Matthew Bradnam Mark Matchem http://markmatchem.ca/ M Areeb Aijaz vote4mareebaijaz@gmail.com Amir Ismael Candidates for Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (CSV) Amanda Leduc leducCSVNiagara@gmail.com www.instagram.com/leduccsvniagara/ Candidate Profile Matthew Graham Marcel Tikeng politikeng@gmail.com marcel-tikeng.lovable.app CONSEIL SCOLAIRE CATHOLIQUE MONAVENIR Melinda Chartrand Melinda.chartrand@gmail.

Karen Jones-Taylor - in the media View articles about Karen that have been highlighted in the media Aug ,2026 Articles to follow when available

Taxes and Affordability What is this issue about Background What should residents pay and what should they receive in return? Municipal taxation is a concern for homeowners, businesses, and residents on fixed incomes at a time when Niagara-on-the-Lake faces significant infrastructure, service, and capital requirements. The challenge for Council will be balancing affordability with the need to maintain and improve municipal services. Residents may want candidates to address: Municipal and Regional tax increases balanced against spending priorities. Municipal spending priorities. Service levels. Infrastructure financing municipal reserves and debt. Capital projects and their long-term costs. Development charges and growth paying for growth-related costs. Opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings. The balance between taxation, service levels, and community expectations. Incentives and building standards for residential climate resilience programs like sanitary sewer backflow preventers, abolition of grinder pumps in new construction, storm resistant roofing materials, wind-resistant windows, stormwater sump pumps, water detention and SWMS backups Community programs for climate resilience like managing powerline and tree proximities, elevating ground level transformers, removing legacy poles and abandoned cables Support shoreline resilience initiatives to mitigate erosion that threatens bird habitat and indigenous forests Establish emergency cooling or warming centres for seniors who can’t afford robust HVAC systems, Enhanced access to charging stations in parking lots, and more bicycle racks to allow locks and theft prevention Do candidates support or oppose data centers? Key question for candidates: What services should the Town provide, what should they cost, and how should those costs be fairly shared between existing residents, businesses, and new development? CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO THIS ISSUE Lord Mayor Candidate Vaughn Goettler on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Andrea Kaiser on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Erwin Wiens on this issue: Councillor Candidate Steve McGuinness on this issue Councillor Candidate Weston Miller on this issue: Councillor Candidate Gary Burroughs on this issue Councillor Candidate Sandra O'Connor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Andrew Niven on this issue: Councillor Candidate Tim Balisiuk on this issue: Councillor Candidate Maria Mavridis on this issue: Councillor Candidate Adriana Cater-Vizzari on this issue: Councillor Candidate Karen Jones-Taylor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Nicholas Colaneri on this issue: Councillor Candidate Rich Mills on this issue

Environment & Climate Resilience What is this issue about? Background: Should environmental impact be considered in every major municipal decision? Environmental considerations must be connected to virtually every municipal issue, particularly development, drainage, flooding, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. Recent flooding events have highlighted the potential consequences of extreme weather and the importance of understanding how development and municipal decisions may affect drainage, water flow, natural areas, and community resilience. Environmental considerations go beyond just recognizing the reality of climate change. They can encompass natural heritage, trees, wetlands, water quality, agricultural lands, stormwater and biodiversity, that can support the long-term resilience of the community. Residents may want candidates to address: Whether environmental impacts deserve an elevated status in major municipal decisions. The environmental consequences and long-term environmental cost of new development. Protection of wetlands, natural areas, and waterways. Stormwater retention and drainage for flood mitigation Tree preservation and urban canopy. Protection of agricultural land. Water quality and watershed protection. Sustainable transportation and infrastructure. Whether current planning standards adequately account for changing environmental conditions. Whether the Town should use updated climate and rainfall information when planning infrastructure and evaluating development proposals. Key question for candidates: Should environmental impact and climate resilience be a formal consideration in every significant municipal decision and how would you balance environmental, economic and development considerations? CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO THIS ISSUE Lord Mayor Candidate Vaughn Goettler on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Andrea Kaiser on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Erwin Wiens on this issue: Councillor Candidate Steve McGuiness on this issue Councillor Candidate Weston Miller on this issue: Councillor Candidate Gary Burroughs on this issue Councillor Candidate Sandra O'Connor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Andrew Niven on this issue: Councillor Candidate Tim Balasiuk on this issue: Councillor Candidate Maria Mavridis on this issue Councillor Candidate Adriana Cater-Vizzari on this issue: Councillor Candidate Karen Jones-Taylor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Nicholas Colaneri on this issue: Councillor Candidate Rich Mills on this issue

Heritage, Agriculture, Community Character What is this issue about? Background: How do we grow without losing what makes Niagara-on-the-Lake special? Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage, agricultural lands, villages, rural landscapes, and established neighbourhoods are fundamental to the community’s identity. Growth and preservation do not necessarily have to be competing objectives, but achieving an appropriate balance will require deliberate planning. Residents may want candidates to address: Protection of heritage properties and districts. Protection of our shorelines with respect to bird habitat and indigenous forests Preservation of agricultural lands. Development in rural areas. Building design and compatibility with existing communities. Protection of views, streetscapes, and landscapes. Adaptive reuse of heritage and institutional buildings. The cumulative impact of development on community character. The relationship between heritage preservation and economic development. Key question for candidates: How can Niagara-on-the-Lake accommodate a sensible rate of growth while protecting the heritage, agricultural and community character that residents value? CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO THIS ISSUE Lord Mayor Candidate Vaughn Goettler on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Andrea Kaiser on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Erwin Wiens on this issue: Councillor Candidate Steve McGuiness on this issue Councillor Candidate Weston Miller on this issue: Councillor Candidate Gary Burroughs on this issue Councillor Candidate Sandra O'Connor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Andrew Niven on this issue: Councillor Candidate Tim Balasiuk on this issue: Councillor Candidate Maria Mavridis on this issue: Councillor Candidate Adriana Cater-Vizzari on this issue: Councillor Candidate Karen Jones-Taylor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Nicholas Colaneri on this issue: Councillor Candidate Rich Mills on this issue

Tourism, Traffic, Transportation & Parking What is this issue about? Background: How do we balance tourism with residents’ mobility and quality of life? Tourism is an important part of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s economy and provides employment and business opportunities. However, visitor activity also creates pressures on roads, parking, transportation infrastructure, public spaces, and neighbourhoods. Traffic and parking problems are particularly evident during peak tourism periods, but transportation affects residents throughout the year. The Town’s current parking study also presents an opportunity to consider whether Niagara-on-the-Lake should explore more innovative ways of managing visitor traffic and moving visitors away from the most congested areas. Council and town staff need to explore innovative ideas and consider CBA’s (Cost Benefit Analyses) for new builds. Residents may want candidates to address: Traffic congestion. Traffic generated by tourism and new development. Parking availability and management. Visitor parking outside the core business districts. Park-and-ride opportunities. Public transit and visitor transportation. Pedestrian safety.in proximity to e-bikes and e-scooters Cycling infrastructure with more bike lanes and racks Traffic safety, a crack down on stunt driving and speed enforcement and speeding. Major intersections and transportation bottlenecks. The impact of development on existing transportation infrastructure. Regional transportation planning that supports Go Train upgrades, inter-community electric transport.  Do candidates understand the business plan for the planned Niagara District Airport expansion to accommodate mid-size passenger jets? Tourism-related infrastructure costs like increased policing and possible arrival of homeless people? The impact of tourism on residential neighbourhoods. Hotel and accommodation development. How tourism growth should be managed. Whether tourism should contribute appropriately toward the municipal costs it generates. Do candidates support or oppose gambling casinos in Nigara0on-the-Lake? Do candidates oppose the sale of cannibis in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Key question for candidates: How can Niagara-on-the-Lake manage tourism, traffic, and parking more effectively including innovative approaches such as park-and-ride and visitor transportation while protecting residents’ quality of life and the character of the community? CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO THIS ISSUE Lord Mayor Candidate Vaughn Goettler on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Andrea Kaiser on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Erwin Wiens on this issue: Councillor Candidate Steve McGuiness on this issue Councillor Candidate Weston Miller on this issue: Councillor Candidate Gary Burroughs on this issue Councillor Candidate Sandra O'Connor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Andrew Niven on this issue: Councillor Candidate Tim Balasiuk on this issue: Councillor Candidate Maria Mavridis on this issue: Councillor Candidate Adriana Cater-Vizzari on this issue: Councillor Candidate Karen Jones-Taylor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Nicholas Colaneri on this issue: Councillor Candidate Rich Mills on this issue

GOVERNANCE, REPRESENTATION & ACCOUNTABILITY What is this issue about How should Niagara-on-the-Lake be governed and represented? Residents have expressed concerns about transparency, accountability, Council procedures, public consultation and whether residents feel adequately heard before important decisions are made. The 2026 election also occurs at a significant point in the Town’s governance structure. Ontario’s Strong Mayor framework gives the Lord Mayor additional powers and responsibilities. At the same time, following the election, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Council will move from nine members to seven. These changes raise important questions about representation, accessibility, Council workload, checks and balances, committee structures and the ability of residents across Niagara-on-the-Lake’s communities to have their concerns heard. Residents may want candidates to address: Transparency in municipal decision-making. Meaningful public consultation before major decisions. How residents’ concerns are considered and documented. Accountability for decisions made by Council. The appropriate use of Strong Mayor powers. The balance between the Lord Mayor’s powers and Council’s responsibilities. The effectiveness and workload of a seven-member Council. Representation of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s different communities. Accessibility of elected representatives. Council committee structures and community representation. Access to municipal information. Communication between the Town and residents. Whether Council decisions reflect clearly stated priorities and long-term plans. Related: See NOTLRA’s paper on the potential impact of Strong Mayor powers in light of the reduced Council size. Key question for candidates: How will you ensure that residents are informed, listened to and adequately represented while maintaining transparency and accountability in municipal decision-making? CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO THIS ISSUE Lord Mayor Candidate Vaughn Goettler on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Andrea Kaiser on this issue: Lord Mayor Candidate Erwin Wiens on this issue: Councillor Candidate Steve McGuiness on this issue Councillor Candidate Weston Miller on this issue: Councillor Candidate Gary Burroughs on this issue Councillor Candidate Sandra O'Connor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Andrew Niven on this issue: Councillor Candidate Tim Balasiuk on this issue: Councillor Candidate Maria Mavridis on this issue Councillor Candidate Adriana Cater-Vizzari on this issue: Councillor Candidate Karen Jones-Taylor on this issue: Councillor Candidate Nicholas Colaneri on this issue: Councillor Candidate Rich Mills on this issue