Annual council remuneration report released

With councillor pay on the forefront of many Niagara minds in recent weeks as politicians grapple with possible governance changes, Fort Erie has released its report on council remuneration for 2025.

Municipalities are required to report council wages, benefits and expenses each year, with a March 31 deadline. As far as expenses go, councillors in Fort Erie were all within a relatively close range, from George McDermott’s $1,468 in expenses claimed at the low end, and Nick Dubanow’s $3,572 at the top end.

Mayor Wayne Redekop claimed $6,221 in expenses.

Councillors also received a $1,155 travel allowance, and under benefits, statements ranged from $3,645 to $9,285.

When combined with their base pay, total councillor income last year breaks down as follows: Nick Dubanow, $37,061; Darren Flagg, $36,916; Tom Lewis, $36,617; Ann-Marie Noyes, $35,293; Joan Christensen, $31,651; and George McDermott, $31,436.

Redekop’s total came to $94,450.

All told, the municipality spent just under $312,000 in council remuneration last year. That includes small payments to members of the committee of adjustment and property standards committee.

Regional Chair Bob Gale recently caused a stir when he proposed amalgamation as a way to reduce the number of municipal politicians in Niagara and save tax dollars.

The plan was met with fierce opposition.

His most recent idea is to reduce the number of councillors at the region and at some local municipalities, though under this revised plan Fort Erie would maintain six councillors.

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