Niagara Region discusses wastewater infrastructure, highly supportive housing in face-to-face meetings with Province

August 21, 2026

Niagara’s Acting Chair, members of Regional Council and senior staff met with Provincial decision-makers to find solutions to some of Niagara’s most pressing issues at the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa, Aug. 16-19.

At the conference, Niagara’s delegation met with eight members of Provincial cabinet to advance discussions on several key Regional initiatives. A major focus in these meetings was the need to cut red tape and speed up Provincial approvals to ensure work on Niagara’s much-needed new South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant can start quickly and smoothly once funding is in place. Construction is slated to begin in Summer 2027 and, if approved, the new plant will be the largest infrastructure project in the Region’s history, unlocking over 30,000 new housing units in its first phase.

Delegates also discussed Niagara’s strategy to build 25 new highly supportive housing units in Niagara. This proposal recognizes the complex needs of Niagara’s most vulnerable residents, providing wraparound housing services to keep those residents housed, safe and healthy, and saving millions in hospital and policing costs.

“The annual AMO conference is an important opportunity for the Region to get face-time with Provincial decision-makers,” said Chief Administrative Officer Ron Tripp. “These meetings allow us to share the unique challenges and opportunities inherent to Regional government, and to open up new lines of dialogue on key projects that are vital to the social and economic future of our region and our province.”

In addition to meeting with seven ministers and parliamentary assistants, Acting Regional Chair Tom Insinna represented Niagara Region at a joint meeting of the Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario and the Ontario Big City Mayors’ Caucus to discuss priority issues facing municipalities across Ontario.

“Our province’s greatest challenges can only be solved by all levels of government working together, and the productive conversations at this year’s AMO conference are the first step in that process,” said Acting Chair Insinna. “I would like to thank the Province of Ontario for hearing and understanding the issues that matter most to Niagara, and for working with us to deliver results for the people of Niagara.”  

Niagara Region’s Government Relations Strategy helps ensure the top issues facing residents in Niagara are heard by cabinet ministers and top officials at the Provincial and Federal governments. Over the coming months, Regional Council and senior staff will continue to engage with provincial staff and ministers to advance many of the projects and initiatives discussed at the 2026 AMO conference.

Media contact

Andrew Korchok, APR
Senior Communications Project Manager
Niagara Region
Andrew.korchok@niagararegion.ca
905-329-1642