September 18th, 2025 • Volume 7 • Issue 1
Regional Councillor Tom Insinna
Regional Budget Deliberations – Niagara Regional Police Service Budget – Updated Public Works Projects – New Home for Community Living – Community Pop-up Market – John and Edith Goulding
The Regional Budget deliberations continue as they have for the last several months. It has been the objective of staff to bring in each department and give a description of the work they do and the money that they believe they require to continue. In keeping in line with this educational approach to the budget, on September 4th, 2025, the Niagara Regional Police Service appeared at the Budget Review Committee of the Whole.
The presentation involved several police officers giving real-life scenarios about situations that had occurred throughout the Region. Included in the scenarios was a detailed account of the person-hours and the number of different units that were involved; examples were of a homicide and an assault with a weapon. The Investigative Support Units were also mentioned, and the roles they play during special investigations. A unit that is very necessary in policing, the Member Support Unit was also explained. They are the support team that strives to protect the minds behind the badge. They look after the psychological toll of these first responders. I will say I wish they were around years ago during my time in policing.
After the presentation of the various units came the preliminary numbers for the 2026 budget. Although it is still early in the budget process, the NRPS will probably come in with an approximate increase ask of 5.32% on top of last year, for a total of $261.3 million. The NRPS Chief will be looking at what efficiencies and cost savings can be found. Their final budget will be presented to the Budget Review Committee of the Whole in November.
The Region has updated the Public Works projects throughout the area. The Fort Erie projects are listed, and it is good to see that the new water tower construction has started by the Bridge St Landfill site on Pettit Rd. Once completed, the Central Ave water tower and the Stevensville Reservoir will be decommissioned. For a comprehensive list of all projects, visit the Niagara Region website under Public Works and click on ‘All Niagara Region Projects’.
I had the opportunity to go to the Grand Opening of the new home for Community Living here in Fort Erie. They are in the former police station on Thompson Road, where they will continue to serve our community. Community Living has been providing services to our Town for over 60 years. It was during my time serving on the Town Community Gaming and Development Corp. that I learned about all the good work Community Living – Fort Erie does. They are a non-profit organization that supports individuals who have intellectual challenges and their families. It was great to hear Selena Carlson singing as everyone arrived. If you have never heard this local Fort Erie talent, you need to listen to her new release.
The Community Pop-up Produce Market is happening in Crystal Beach at the Crystal Ridge Community Church on Elmwood Ave. on September 25. Doors open at 10 am and will remain open until they are sold out, brought to you by Advancing Crystal Beach, Meridian Credit Union, and the United Way of Niagara. Please remember to visit the Ridgeway Market on Saturdays and the Stevensville Market on Wednesdays, supporting our local merchants.
Congratulations to John and Edith Goulding on their 65th Anniversary, cheers to many more!
Please be kind to others and keep smiling!