Transparent financial reporting and strong teamwork earn Niagara Region national award for twenty-first consecutive year

April 8, 2026

Another year of transparent financial reporting and strong teamwork earns Niagara Region a national finance award. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has given Niagara Region a Canadian Award for Financial Reporting.

This marks the twenty-first consecutive year that Niagara Region has won this award.

Each year, Niagara Region works to deliver the most transparent, high-quality financial reporting possible. Working with over 800 cost centres, the Financial Management and Planning Division works to ensure the annual financial report gives residents, businesses, Council and curious readers the opportunity to learn more about their financial world from the past year.

“We really want to empower interested parties to follow along and understand what they are reading when it comes to our finances. This report houses the entire year's financial information in one comprehensive document. We want it to be as high-quality and as clear as possible for readers.”

Beth Brens, Director of Financial Management and Planning

The Canadian Award for Financial Reporting (CAnFR) recognizes excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and celebrates meeting the high standards of the CAnFR Program. This is a nationally celebrated award and is a significant achievement for the Region.

“We are so proud to receive this award once again. Each year, the number of financial transactions we input grows, as does the number of people we collaborate with to bring this report to life. From our small but mighty Financial Reporting Team to departments we collaborate with, it’s a product of our entire team’s commitment.”

Nora Charette, Associate Director of Finance Operations and Systems

The award was presented to the Financial Management and Planning Division for their work on the 2024 Annual Financial Report. The 2024 Annual Financial Report was judged by the impartial Canadian Review Committee members and was recognized as a high-quality document that demonstrates a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” that clearly communicates Niagara Region’s financial story and motivates potential users to read the report. Also adhering to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, Niagara Region ensures that all AODA barriers are removed within the report, so that it is accessible to all who wish to read it.

Niagara Region will continue to strive for the highest quality financial reporting and work towards creating clear, concise storytelling around its finances.

This award is just one example of Niagara Region’s commitment to transparency and accountability – principles that also guided the creation of the Region’s 2026 Budget. Throughout 2025, Niagara Region engaged with residents in-person and online, collecting over 1,000 pieces of individual feedback on what residents value the most when it comes to their regional tax dollars. These insights were later provided to Council to help inform their decisions on the 2026 Budget. From educational graphics on the website to social media assets, Niagara Region continues to work towards creating digestible tools and resources to help residents better understand where their tax dollars are being invested.

Media contact

Rachel Dedinsky
Senior Communications Specialist
Niagara Region
905-980-6000 ext. 3747
rachel.dedinsky@niagararegion.ca