Niagara Region officials didn’t leave Queen’s Park with any firm commitments, but a sense the provincial government fully understands the peninsula’s needs — and how Ontario can help fulfil them, says Chair Jim Bradley. “We weren’t going there expecting that they’re going to be signing agreements or flat out coming out publicly in favour of anything we’re asking for,” he said in an interview, recapping a week’s worth of meetings with key provincial officials. “But we wanted to put it on their radar, and I think that was very successful.
” Starting last Monday, the Region took part in Niagara Week hosted at Queen’s Park, which allowed councillors and senior staff to meet one-on-one with provincial leaders. Participants showcased core regional priorities and identified specific projects ready for provincial partnerships and co-investment. Among the priorities regional officials focused on were the need for provincial funding to support the $400-million south Niagara wastewater treatment plant, advocating for increased GO train service, additional assistance to build more housing and the Region’s ongoing efforts to integrate more services and reduce duplication.
The site of the proposed $400-million south Niagara wastewater treatment plant on Reixinger Road in Niagara Falls. Bradley said Premier Doug Ford has “certainly been aware” of the wastewater treatment plant to be built in Niagara Falls, and that provincial officials are “very interested i.
