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Diodati Won't Use Strong Mayor Powers

Niagara Falls mayor also spoke on Greenbelt

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati says he doesn't plan to use the strong mayor powers issued by the province. 

The powers were granted earlier this year, in order to help with provincial priorities such as housing. 

"I've got a great city council. We're very aligned. We very much work like a team. We all have the same feeling about our strategic initiatives and our goals, and we're working on it together."

He also commended Premier Doug Ford for his decision to change course on Greenbelt land development. 

"It shows that he listened and he reacted. And it takes a big person to admit when they've made a mistake."

Ford made the announcement in Niagara Falls yesterday, joined by members of his cabinet, who were in town for a retreat. 

Diodati says he spoke with Housing Minister Paul Calandra about the planned regional review. 

He says most of Niagara Regional Council is in favour of the review. 

"We all strongly agree that there's way too many politicians in Niagara. For our population, which is smaller than Hamilton, we've got 126 municipal politicians, whereas Hamilton only has 16. So there's a huge imbalance."

He says with the affordability and housing crises, having that many "cooks in the kitchen" slows things down, and the review could help the area become more efficient. 

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