Grimsby council debated reducing council size from eight to six councillors ahead of the October 2026 election, amid provincial pressure to streamline municipal governance. After heated discussion about representation, costs, and electoral systems, council rejected an at-large model but endorsed a ward-based reduction—contingent on provincial mandate. However, the timeline for implementing changes before the 2026 election has already passed under the Municipal Act, meaning any restructuring cannot occur until 2030 without special provincial intervention. Council also raised significant concerns about the efficiency of regional transit spending.

Topics Discussed

COUNCIL SIZE REDUCTION: Council debated reducing from eight to six councillors in response to provincial pressure. Resident Annette Gibbons opposed the reduction, citing timing concerns as the recommendation came before a scheduled public information session, and warning of increased workload, less representation despite Grimsby being "one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Niagara region," and reduced accountability. Councillor DeFlavio argued against the cut, stating "council is a very small part of the overall budget" and that removing two councillors would save only "thousands of dollars in a budget of millions of dollars." He emphasized "there's no connection between reducing the number of counselors and housing." Councillor Frank countered that "the train has left the station" and Queen's Park will impose changes regardless, warning "when Queens Park comes knocking on the door, if we haven't done anything, we're not going to be looked very favorably overall." Council ultimately rejected an at-large system but endorsed a ward-based reduction to six councillors, applicable only if mandated by the province.

ELECTORAL SYSTEM DEBATE: Council debated whether to maintain wards or switch to an at-large system. Councillor DeFlavio strongly opposed at-large elections, stating "if it was an at-large system, I wouldn't have been able to afford to put a flyer in every house in Grimsby" and warning the system would favor "the wealthiest person who can afford to send out flyers and put advertisements in the newspaper." Councillor Shaw rejected provincial pressure, declaring "I work for the people of Grimby. I don't work for Doug Ford. So, if Doug Ford says to jump, that doesn't mean I'm going to jump." Councillor Frank argued residents should have "six counselors to call on" rather than being limited to ward representatives, claiming "80% of what I do is across the town." The at-large option was defeated, with only two councillors voting in favor.

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE: A critical procedural issue emerged when the CAO confirmed that the deadline for council to approve changes to ward boundaries or council composition was January 2026—a deadline that has already passed. Without provincial intervention, any changes cannot take effect until the 2030 election, despite the 2026 election being just months away. Council directed the Town Clerk to confirm with the Premier and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that changes require provincial action. One councillor expressed concern about the compressed timeline, noting "people who were planning to run based on what they know now are going to be forced to change that...within the next month."

TRANSIT COST EFFICIENCY: Councillor Shara raised major concerns about regional transit spending, presenting a cost analysis showing Grimsby's 2025 tax levy contribution of $2.22 million results in a cost per trip of $92 for 9.7 km one way, compared to $11 for the same trip via Uber. She stated "I'm not looking at us nickel and diming these little efficiencies, but this is huge. And I think there are better ways of doing it," citing Innisfil's Uber partnership program as a model that has "earned international recognition" while serving a population of 44,000 at a fraction of the cost. The potential savings from switching to a fully-funded Uber service could reach $2 million.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS: A public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25th, with a public survey open until March 30th. Feedback will be compiled in a report for the next council meeting in April, where council can revisit the issue. Mayor Jordan encouraged residents to "email the province if if they are able to." The full survey report will be presented on April 13th, with recommendations to send complete results to the premier's office.

Motions

Passed: - Resolution 2B: Endorsing reduction to six councillors with ward system (requiring peer review), applicable only if mandated by the province - Direction to Town Clerk to confirm with Premier and Minister that changes cannot occur until 2030 without provincial intervention - Direction to Town Clerk to circulate motion to Regional Municipality of Niagara, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Premier of Ontario - Bylaws 2616-2619 (inclusive) - Bylaw 26-20 (confirming bylaw) - TC26-07: 2026 election restricted acts bylaw - TC26-08: Delegation of council authority bylaw

Rejected: - Resolution 2A: Endorsing reduction to six councillors with at-large electoral system (only Councillor Frank and Councillor Barazzi voted yes)

Deferred: - Grimsby Fire Department accomplishments report (due to fire chief's illness)

Attendees

Present: Mayor Jeff Jordan, Deputy Mayor (name not specified), Councillor DeFlavio, Councillor Frank, Councillor Bradzi, Councillor V, Councillor How, Councillor Gsteni, Councillor Shaw, Councillor Vardy, Councillor Dvoli

Also present: CAO Sarah, Town Clerk