Incumbent Dubanow and challenger Nadeau compete for Ward 2
October 12, 2026 at 6:40 PM
As Fort Erie residents prepare for the October 26 municipal election, Niagara This Week asked Ward 2 council candidates to share their priorities and vision for the community.
Divided by ward and arranged in alphabetical order, the following responses are in the candidates’ own words.
As a reminder, Wards 1 and 6 councillors have been acclaimed.
Incumbent Nick Dubanow, left, and Jon Nadeau.Who is running for Fort Erie Ward 2 council?
Nick Dubanow
Occupation I currently work in information technology management. Before that, I was office manager at Crescent Flooring in Ward 2 for more than a decade.
Previous political experience Fort Erie Ward 2 councillor since 2018; re-elected in 2022.
Community work Chair of Community Living Fort Erie’s board of directors and past volunteer coach with Fort Erie Minor Ball.
Why are you running? My spouse, Lauren, and I are raising our two kids here, and I care deeply about the community they’ll inherit. There is more work to do to keep Fort Erie strong, resilient and independent.
What is your top issue or issues for the ward? Douglas Memorial is non-negotiable–we need 24-7 urgent care and a community health hub. Renewing infrastructure and making neighbourhood streets safer are also priorities.
What is your top issue or issues for the city at large? Protecting Fort Erie’s independence by rejecting amalgamation, while managing growth and town finances responsibly and keeping decisions about our future here at home.
Why should voters choose you? I bring eight years of experience, a record of practical results and a commitment to being accessible and accountable to Ward 2 residents.
Was there a decision council made this term you think they got right and a decision that missed the mark? Council got the new Official Plan and neighbourhood traffic-calming policy right. When something doesn’t go right, the relationships I build with staff, stakeholders and fellow councillors help me address it and ensure the residents I represent are treated fairly at town hall.
Where can people find out more information about you? Website: nickdubanow.com, email: 2026@nickdubanow.com, call/text: (905) 871-9309.
Jonathan Nadeau
Occupation I own Legacy Flooring Specialists, a full-service flooring and custom shower contracting business specializing in waterproofing as well as being the co-owner of The Manic Maker, Bridgeburg’s cosy corner café, with my wife Dana.
Previous political experience While I haven’t run or held elected office, I bring years of experience in business management, the trades and community involvement. I believe those real-world experiences have given me a solid foundation for serving the residents of Ward 2.
Community work I’ve volunteered with the Bridgeburg BIA for the past three years. Dana and I have also supported numerous community fundraisers and organizations, including No Bare Bums Niagara, COPE, Ronald McDonald House, The Rotary Club and The Fort Erie Meteors.
Why are you running? I’m running for Ward 2 because I care about Fort Erie and believe I can make a difference.
As a tradesman, small business owner, husband and father, I understand the challenges families and businesses face. My experience caring for my son who was medically fragile his entire life also made protecting local health care, especially Douglas Memorial, deeply personal.
What is your top issue or issues for the ward? Protecting local health care is my top priority. I’ll continue to fight for essential services at Douglas Memorial and support the development of a strong community health-care hub so Fort Erie residents can access the care they need, close to home.
What is your top issue or issues for the city at large? Fort Erie’s biggest challenges are protecting local health care, managing growth responsibly and making sure our infrastructure and services keep up with the needs of our residents.
We need more attainable housing, stronger support for small businesses and tourism, and continued investment in our roads, neighbourhoods and downtown areas.
I also believe we need to protect our green spaces, spend taxpayers’ money responsibly and keep Fort Erie’s interests at the forefront of every decision.
Why should voters choose you? I bring real-life experience from the trades, retail management, small business ownership and caring for my son. I know what it means to work hard, face challenges and find solutions.
I’m approachable, I listen, and I’m not afraid to ask tough questions or speak up when something needs attention.
Was there a decision council made this term you think they got right and a decision that missed the mark, in your opinion? I believe council got it right by standing together to fight for Douglas Memorial and working toward a community health-care hub.
Where I think we could have done better is ensuring our infrastructure and services keep pace with growth. New housing is important, but so are the roads, water systems, health care and other services that support the people living here.
Where can people find out more information about you? Email: jon.nadeau.ward2@gmail.com, Facebook: facebook.com/JonNadeauWard2 and Instagram: instagram.com/jon.nadeau.ward2.
* * *
EDITOR’S NOTE: Candidate profiles were edited by Niagara This Week for what they describe as “length, clarity and style.”
Redekop files for re-election, setting up three-way race for mayor
Four big moments from Tuesday’s Fort Erie mayoral debate
Get to know Fort Erie’s Ward 5 candidates: What is their vision?
About The Author
Laura Barton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Laura Barton is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter based at Niagara This Week. Her reporting is funded by the Canadian government and allows her to report on stories about the communities of Fort Erie and Port Colborne.
Stay Informed