Dear Residents of Lincoln,
The last two weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions when it comes to conversations around governance changes in Niagara, and I share those feelings with you. I also appreciate that there has been an abundance of misinformation and lack of clarity around the situation and where certain mayors or municipalities lay on each side of this conversation. While I have refrained from making a public statement on social media, I have made public comments both at Town of Lincoln Committee of the Whole on Monday, February 23. 2026 as well as at Regional Council on Thursday, February 26, 2026. I will endeavour to summarize my thoughts and position for you now.
First off, I want to thank my colleagues both at Regional Council and those here on Lincoln Council for their input and ongoing debate regarding this very important topic. In addition, I want to thank the residents of Lincoln and of all of Niagara that have contributed to the discussion, regardless of which side one takes, I appreciate those that have spoken up and engaged in this civic conversation; your interest and engagement in Niagara’s future is greatly appreciated.
Lincoln has always prioritized delivering high-quality services at an affordable cost, and that commitment will continue to guide every conversation about governance in our region.
I have long supported a thoughtful governance review that looks at how Niagara should be structured for the next 50 years, not just how it has been governed in the past. Any review must include clear objectives, transparency, and strong engagement with residents and municipalities, so the potential impacts are fully understood.
If structural change moves forward, and the options are limited to a single-city model or a 4-city model, my preference is for a 4-city model. This approach better preserves geographic representation and community identity while allowing for collaboration, efficiency, and financial sustainability.
It’s important to remember that no formal proposal has been presented yet. Lincoln will continue to participate constructively and collaboratively, guided by fiscal responsibility and by what is best for the residents we serve. We also remain committed to respecting the dedicated public servants who deliver essential services across our region every day.
On Monday evening, Lincoln Council will be discussing a motion regarding Lincoln’s position on governance review, I will be supporting this motion because it enforces that Council is willing to participate in a review, should one formally be adopted, while maintaining a commitment to fiscal responsibility. I encourage all residents to tune in on Monday.
While 8 of my mayoral colleagues recently released a public statement on their viewpoints of what should transpire next, I am disappointed that they did not include 4 of the municipalities that represent the lion’s share of the population of Niagara. I fear that inter-municipal relations have been strained given what has recently transpired these past two weeks, but, as always, I look forward to working with other mayors and municipalities on how we can work together to better the lives of our residents.
Lincoln’s Council recently made the bold move to reform our own house and we have reduced the size of Council for the 2026-2030 term of Council from 9 to 7.
Lincoln’s voice will continue to be clear and consistent in this important discussion, both for today, but also for the future of our community. I firmly believe that any changes to governance here in Niagara must be a solution made by all of Niagara.
~ Mayor Sandra Easton