With Ontario’s municipal elections approaching on Oct. 26, eligible Niagara Falls residents are encouraged to register to vote and make their voices heard in determining the city’s future. The Brock Press has previously published an article outlining everything you need to know before you vote.
The Brock Press (TBP) got a chance to speak with St. Catharines’ mayoral candidates on their campaigns and policy stances. TBP contacted all five candidates running for mayor of St. Catharines: incumbent Mayor Mat Siscoe, Ann-Marie Zammit, Jimmy Jackson, Anthony Adeoye and Henry Bosch.
Siscoe provided his responses by email, while Zammit, Jackson, Adeoye and Bosch participated in interviews.
Although the candidates share concerns about affordability, infrastructure and the city’s economic future, their responses revealed different approaches to municipal leadership, the responsibilities of local government and the changes they believe St. Catharines needs.
For Siscoe, the election represents an opportunity to continue the work his administration began four years ago.
He told TBP that he initially ran for mayor because he believed St. Catharines had considerable potential but needed changes to its housing policies, economic development strategy and municipal finances.
Siscoe argued that his administration has made progress in these areas but that economic uncertainty, infrastructure challenges and changes to Niagara’s governance structure make continued leadership important.
“I want to finish the work we’ve started,” Siscoe said.
He highlighted an increase in housing starts from 648 in 2023 to 1,064 in 2025, alongside what he described as more than 5,000 additional units advancing through municipal planning processes.
Siscoe also pointed to affordable housing initiatives, provincial and federal funding agreements and municipal financial reviews as accomplishments of his first term.
Zammit entered the race with a different motivation, arguing that the provincial government’s approach to Niagara’s governance could weaken local democracy and reduce residents’ influence over municipal decisions. She expressed concern that restructuring Niagara’s political representation could remove elected officials who might otherwise challenge provincial policies.
Zammit said she decided to run because she wants to represent residents who oppose amalgamation and seek to preserve St. Catharines’ identity rather than see the city transformed primarily to accommodate economic development and tourism.
Throughout her interview, she emphasized public housing, infrastructure renewal, environmental protection and greater accessibility between elected officials and residents.
Jackson, a St. Catharines resident with a background in social work and industrial trades, described public safety as a major motivation for his campaign.
He told TBP that his experience working with vulnerable individuals has shaped his concerns about homelessness, addiction and the availability of treatment services.
Jackson argued that St. Catharines needs greater investment in transitional housing, addiction treatment and public safety, alongside improvements to municipal infrastructure.
He was particularly critical of the condition of the former General Motors property, calling for the site to be cleaned up and redeveloped.
Jackson also emphasized his concerns about crime, public drug use and the safety of children and families in public spaces.
Adeoye framed his campaign around what he considers a lack of accountability and responsiveness in municipal government.
He argued that residents have become frustrated with rising property taxes, housing costs and what he described as the city’s failure to prioritize essential services.
Adeoye told TBP that he wants to restore public confidence in municipal decision-making and ensure residents have a greater voice in shaping the city’s future.
Bosch similarly argued that St. Catharines needs a change in leadership.
He criticized what he considers a continuation of the same municipal priorities across successive administrations and said he wants to represent residents’ concerns rather than pursue a predetermined political agenda.
Bosch emphasized the importance of infrastructure, employment, affordability and cooperation with other levels of government.
Although each candidate identified different reasons for running, affordability emerged as a central issue across the interviews, particularly in relation to housing costs and the increasing financial pressures facing students.
Siscoe argued that addressing the housing shortage requires both increasing the number of units available and ensuring new development is appropriate for existing neighbourhoods.
He described his approach as building the type of housing communities need, including affordable rentals, family housing and higher-density development near transit and essential services.
However, Siscoe also emphasized that development should be compatible with surrounding neighbourhoods and supported by adequate infrastructure.
He said his administration has approved projects that meet these criteria while opposing proposals that would create excessive density or present environmental concerns, including development within vulnerable floodplain areas.
Siscoe also highlighted efforts to encourage the redevelopment of vacant and contaminated properties rather than allowing them to remain unused.
Zammit challenged whether existing municipal affordable housing programs are producing housing that low-income residents can afford.
She argued that housing classified as affordable under current government definitions can remain inaccessible to minimum-wage workers, students and people receiving social assistance.
According to Zammit, municipalities should reconsider the income thresholds used to determine affordability and ensure development incentives produce housing that addresses the needs of lower-income households.
She told TBP that she has challenged St. Catharines’ community improvement policies through the Ontario Land Tribunal, seeking changes to the way affordability is defined.
Zammit also advocated for a housing-first approach to homelessness, arguing that stable accommodation provides the foundation individuals need to address other challenges in their lives.
She emphasized that increasing publicly supported housing could reduce financial pressure across the broader rental market.
Beyond housing, Zammit proposed exploring a municipally owned grocery store, particularly in downtown St. Catharines, where she argued access to affordable groceries is limited.
She suggested that municipal purchasing power could potentially be used to provide food at lower prices than conventional retailers.
Zammit also called for stronger provincial action on wages and social assistance rates, arguing that housing and food insecurity cannot be addressed without considering whether residents have sufficient income to cover basic necessities.
Jackson similarly identified the cost of living as a major concern, particularly for students, seniors and families. He proposed reducing municipal property taxes and advocating for greater provincial and federal financial support.
When questioned about how the municipality would maintain services and infrastructure investment with reduced tax revenue, Jackson argued that economic development and external government funding could help offset the financial impact.
He proposed attracting additional tourism, entertainment and investment to St. Catharines, including the possibility of developing a convention centre after the former GM site is remediated.
Jackson also suggested that additional concerts and events at existing downtown venues could generate economic activity.
He emphasized that investment in roads, sewers and other essential infrastructure could make the city more attractive to developers and businesses.
Adeoye also questioned the effectiveness of existing affordable housing initiatives.
He argued that municipal approval of new housing developments does not necessarily result in completed homes.
According to Adeoye, projects can remain stalled because of lengthy approval processes, additional regulatory requirements or developers holding approved properties without beginning construction.
He proposed reviewing approval procedures to identify unnecessary delays while preserving regulations necessary to protect the environment and surrounding communities.
Adeoye also suggested establishing clearer timelines for developers to begin construction after receiving approval.
Under his proposal, developments that fail to proceed within the required period could face consequences, potentially including the withdrawal of approvals where legally permitted.
He argued that the city should ensure projects are practically ready to proceed before presenting them as solutions to the housing shortage.
Bosch connected affordability to wages, employment opportunities and the increasing cost of essential services.
He argued that residents cannot maintain stable housing when employment is limited to low-paying or insufficiently scheduled work.
Bosch called for stronger advocacy around living wages and greater support for local businesses, which he believes face growing competition from larger retailers.
He also expressed support for improving access to post-secondary education, suggesting that reducing financial barriers to education could help create a more skilled workforce and strengthen the economy.
While the candidates differed on specific housing policies, their responses demonstrated that affordability is not simply a question of constructing more homes. It also involves wages, rental costs, taxation, access to food and the relationship between municipal development and essential services.
Another major issue facing St. Catharines is homelessness, addiction and mental health.
Siscoe acknowledged that these challenges are interconnected and require cooperation between municipal, regional and provincial governments.
He highlighted the advancement of affordable and supportive housing projects, including transitional housing at 320 Geneva Street.
Siscoe also pointed to the city’s Public Space Use By-law, which he said was introduced to help ensure public spaces remain safe and accessible.
However, he emphasized that enforcement alone cannot replace treatment, housing and social support.
He said he would continue advocating through Niagara Region and the Ontario Big City Mayors’ Caucus for improvements to addiction treatment, mental health services and homelessness supports.
Zammit placed particular emphasis on housing-first policies, arguing that people experiencing homelessness need secure and stable accommodation before they can effectively address addiction, mental illness or other challenges.
She criticized what she considers the inadequacy of current housing incentives and advocated for a stronger public housing supply.
Zammit also argued that provincial income-support programs must provide enough assistance for individuals to maintain housing and afford food.
Jackson proposed expanding addiction treatment and transitional housing while reconsidering the reliance on harm-reduction services.
Drawing on his social work experience, he acknowledged that harm reduction can save lives but questioned whether existing services provide sufficient opportunities for long-term recovery.
He expressed concern about open drug use, discarded needles and other drug-related paraphernalia in public spaces, particularly near schools and residential neighbourhoods.
Jackson argued that municipalities need additional treatment facilities and programs aimed at helping individuals recover from addiction and eventually secure employment and stable housing.
He also linked the pressures on local social services to federal immigration policy, alleging that inadequate screening and increased demand have strained municipal resources.
Adeoye emphasized the need for municipal government to deliver services more effectively and respond to residents’ concerns about affordability and public safety.
His broader approach centred on reviewing municipal priorities and ensuring that available resources are directed toward essential needs.
Bosch argued that homelessness cannot be understood solely through addiction or mental illness.
He emphasized that financial hardship can also leave individuals and families without stable accommodation, including people who are employed but cannot afford housing.
Bosch advocated for greater cooperation with social service agencies and stronger provincial and federal support.
He argued that addressing homelessness requires understanding the various circumstances that lead people into housing insecurity rather than assuming a single explanation applies to everyone.
Although the candidates agreed that homelessness and addiction require attention, they differed in their emphasis on housing, income support, treatment, enforcement and the responsibilities of different levels of government.
The interviews also addressed one of the most significant events affecting St. Catharines in 2026: the severe flooding experienced during the summer.
The flooding raised concerns about the condition of the city’s stormwater systems, sewer infrastructure and preparedness for increasingly extreme weather events.
Siscoe described the flooding as unprecedented, noting that St. Catharines experienced three extraordinary rainfall events in less than two weeks.
However, he acknowledged that unusually severe weather does not eliminate the responsibility to prepare for future emergencies.
He highlighted the city’s commitment to increasing investment in water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, the establishment of an independent Flood Resilience Task Force and the approval of $20 million for an emergency homeowner flood protection program.
Siscoe also discussed the possibility of incorporating natural stormwater management into the city’s parks and green spaces.
He pointed to approaches used in other municipalities, including Montreal’s “sponge parks,” which are designed to absorb and retain excess rainfall.
He argued that the city should develop a long-term infrastructure plan prioritizing the most vulnerable neighbourhoods while seeking provincial and federal assistance.
Zammit argued that the flooding exposed infrastructure deficiencies that municipal officials had been aware of for years.
She referred to previous engineering and floodplain studies, including mapping conducted by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, and questioned why their findings had not resulted in more extensive preventative action.
Zammit expressed particular concern about recurring flooding in parts of north St. Catharines, including the Geneva Street and Scott Street area.
She argued that maintaining and upgrading underground infrastructure must become a municipal priority, even though such projects are less visible than other forms of development.
Zammit also raised concerns about emergency preparedness and the availability of clear public information during disasters.
She described residents being uncertain about whom to contact for assistance and argued that the city should establish accessible emergency procedures that explain what people should do when flooding or other disasters occur.
For Zammit, infrastructure planning must address both physical improvements and the municipality’s ability to communicate with residents during emergencies.
Jackson was sharply critical of the city’s handling of infrastructure maintenance.
He alleged that municipal officials had received warnings about infrastructure vulnerabilities but failed to adequately address them.
Jackson argued that the city’s roads, sewers and stormwater systems need significant investment and that the flooding demonstrated the consequences of delaying those improvements.
He also connected infrastructure renewal to economic development, suggesting that modernized roads and utilities could support additional business investment and housing construction.
To fund these upgrades, Jackson proposed advocating for greater federal and provincial investment rather than relying exclusively on local property taxes.
Adeoye similarly argued that St. Catharines has neglected essential infrastructure over successive municipal administrations.
He described infrastructure as the foundation upon which other municipal services and development depend.
Adeoye questioned whether spending priorities had placed too much emphasis on visible improvements while failing to adequately address underground systems.
He proposed reviewing municipal budgets and redirecting additional resources toward sewer upgrades, stormwater management and emergency preparedness.
Adeoye also criticized what he described as delays in the city’s response to the flooding and argued that emergency planning should receive greater attention.
Bosch proposed developing a multi-year infrastructure renewal strategy rather than relying on occasional spending increases following major failures.
He argued that St. Catharines’ infrastructure challenges have been recognized for years but that repeated delays have allowed problems to become more expensive.
Bosch suggested that the city should establish dedicated annual funding for infrastructure improvements over multiple budget cycles.
He also expressed concern that continued residential development could place additional pressure on roads, sewers and other systems that are already struggling to accommodate existing demand.
His approach would involve reviewing financial priorities and ensuring infrastructure investment remains consistent even when other spending demands arise.
Despite their differing criticisms and proposals, all five candidates recognized that infrastructure renewal will be an important responsibility for the next municipal administration.
The future of Niagara’s regional government was another prominent topic, particularly amid discussions about amalgamation and the provincial government’s changes to regional political representation.
Siscoe argued that Niagara’s existing two-tier government structure is unnecessarily complicated and can create overlapping responsibilities.
He expressed support for examining a four-city model that would better reflect Niagara’s urban and economic geography while maintaining important shared regional services, including police, public health and transit.
However, Siscoe emphasized that restructuring should not proceed simply for the sake of change.
He argued that any proposal would need to demonstrate improvements in service delivery, accountability and financial efficiency, accompanied by meaningful public consultation.
Siscoe suggested that the immediate debate about amalgamation had largely concluded and that his focus would be on representing St. Catharines within the governance structure established by the province.
Zammit strongly opposed amalgamation, describing it as a threat to local identity and democratic representation.
She expressed concern that the elimination of separately elected regional councillors would reduce the number of elected officials capable of challenging provincial decisions.
Zammit argued that consolidating municipalities could weaken residents’ ability to influence decisions affecting their communities.
She also questioned whether the provincial government’s priorities for Niagara, particularly around tourism and development, adequately reflect the interests of local residents.
Jackson emphasized restoring local government accountability and ensuring that municipal leaders remain responsive to the communities they represent.
His broader position focused on protecting residents’ interests while pursuing greater support from provincial and federal governments.
Adeoye opposed combining Niagara’s municipalities into a single governing body.
He argued that St. Catharines has a distinct culture, history and identity that should be preserved.
Rather than amalgamation, Adeoye advocated for greater cooperation between municipalities to address shared responsibilities and eliminate unnecessary duplication.
He suggested that regional governments should work collaboratively on service delivery while allowing each municipality to maintain its own identity and priorities.
Bosch also opposed amalgamation.
He argued that Niagara’s 12 municipalities have individual identities that contribute to the region’s character.
Although Bosch acknowledged that the two-tier system could be improved, he expressed concern that consolidating municipalities would diminish local representation.
He also criticized the removal of elected regional councillors, suggesting that concentrating regional decision-making among mayors could change the balance of representation between larger and smaller municipalities.
The candidates’ positions demonstrate differing views about whether regional restructuring should prioritize administrative efficiency, municipal independence or preserving the number of elected representatives.
For students, these governance changes are particularly relevant because Niagara Region is responsible for services affecting transportation, public health and other aspects of everyday life.
Among the most discussed student concerns was Niagara Region Transit (NRT).
For students travelling between Brock University, Niagara College and municipalities across Niagara, limited routes, lengthy transfers and infrequent service can make commuting difficult.
Siscoe, who serves as chair of Niagara Transit, acknowledged that the regional system requires further improvements.
He described the consolidation of previously separate municipal transit services as an essential first step toward creating a more coordinated transportation network. However, he recognized that students continue to experience long waiting periods, inconvenient transfers and limited service between municipalities.
Siscoe highlighted the ongoing Transit Master Plan, which is examining improved regional connections, increased service frequency, longer operating hours and better access to educational institutions.
He argued that Niagara Transit must evolve into a genuinely integrated regional network connecting residents to schools, employment and essential services.
Zammit was more critical of the current system’s operations.
She argued that public transportation should be accessible throughout Niagara rather than concentrated primarily in the region’s larger urban centres.
Drawing on her experiences living in Niagara and Toronto, Zammit described how the lack of reliable transportation can make car ownership almost unavoidable.
She also expressed frustration with limited evening service, arguing that residents who can take public transit to work may be unable to use it to return home.
Zammit told TBP that she had spoken with representatives of the Amalgamated Transit Union about expanding operating hours and improving routes. She suggested that some improvements could be made through better deployment of existing buses and operators rather than requiring an entirely new fleet.
Zammit argued that Niagara’s population is large enough to justify a more comprehensive transportation system and that improved transit would also support the region’s tourism ambitions.
Adeoye similarly supported the regional consolidation of transit but questioned whether services are being allocated effectively.
He argued that NRT should pay closer attention to the specific transportation needs of individual municipalities rather than applying the same approach across the region.
For Adeoye, this means considering factors such as population, employment patterns and demand for transportation when determining where buses and routes should be concentrated.
He proposed reviewing transit management and establishing clearer service objectives for each municipality.
Rather than immediately committing to purchasing additional buses, Adeoye argued that the region should first determine whether existing resources could be used more effectively.
Bosch was critical of the structure and implementation of the regional transit system.
He argued that a genuinely regional system should provide meaningful connections to all Niagara municipalities, including smaller communities that currently have limited service.
Bosch questioned whether the consolidation process had adequately considered the operational costs and service needs of the entire region.
He suggested that maintaining stronger local transit services while gradually expanding connections to smaller municipalities might have provided a more effective transition.
Bosch also highlighted the significant travel times involved in reaching certain Niagara communities by transit, arguing that the system remains impractical for many residents.
He expressed interest in working with Brock University and Niagara College to improve transportation and employment opportunities for students.
Jackson’s broader transportation and infrastructure priorities focused on improving municipal services and securing government funding for projects that support residents’ everyday needs.
Jackson also alleged that language barriers involving temporary foreign workers employed as trainers have created communication difficulties and potential safety concerns. These claims were based on conversations he said he had with transit employees but are not supported by empirical data.
Jackson maintained that addressing these operational issues should be a priority before making decisions about expanding service. Although he acknowledged that additional buses and drivers may be necessary to improve accessibility for students and workers travelling throughout Niagara, he argued that a comprehensive financial audit would first be needed to determine whether such investments are feasible. He emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and understanding the costs of service improvements before committing public funds.
Taken together, the interviews demonstrate that transit accessibility remains a major regional issue, regardless of whether candidates believe improvements should come through additional investment, management changes or reconsideration of how the system operates.
Another emerging issue addressed during the interviews was artificial intelligence and the possibility of A.I. data centres being developed in St. Catharines.
Siscoe argued that the city currently lacks the land and power infrastructure needed to accommodate a major data centre.
He said any future proposal would need to address concerns raised in other communities before municipal leaders could consider proceeding.
Zammit expressed unequivocal opposition to A.I. data centres.
As an actor and member of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, she discussed her involvement in efforts to secure protections for performers whose voices, images and creative work could be affected by artificial intelligence.
She argued that A.I. presents risks to employment and creative industries, while data centres raise serious concerns about water consumption, electricity demand, noise pollution and environmental sustainability.
Zammit also questioned whether the potential economic benefits would outweigh the costs imposed on residents and existing businesses.
Adeoye took a more cautious position.
He acknowledged the controversy surrounding A.I. data centres and argued that municipalities should conduct thorough research before approving or rejecting future proposals.
Adeoye emphasized the importance of balancing potential economic opportunities with environmental consequences, including demands on water and electricity infrastructure.
He said development should not proceed if it would negatively affect residents or impose unjustified costs.
Bosch also expressed caution about A.I., arguing that technology should serve as a tool rather than replace human judgment.
He emphasized that decisions concerning municipal services and development should continue to be informed by residents and elected representatives rather than relying exclusively on automated systems.
The candidates were also questioned about the rise of extremist groups in Niagara Region (for example, Second Sons, Atomwaffen Division and Dominion Society) and how municipal government should respond to their rise.
Siscoe stated that he condemns extremist activity and hatred directed toward marginalized communities.
He specifically identified racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and hatred targeting the 2SLGBTQI+ community as unacceptable.
Siscoe acknowledged the importance of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly but argued that those rights do not excuse threats, harassment or violence.
He emphasized working with Niagara Regional Police and community organizations to respond to extremist activity and support targeted residents.
Zammit similarly expressed strong opposition to extremist organizations, arguing that groups promoting racial hatred and exclusion should not be tolerated in St. Catharines.
She discussed encountering extremist propaganda in public spaces and raised concerns about the safety of residents who attempt to remove hateful materials.
Zammit maintained that municipal leadership should clearly condemn extremist activity and protect residents from intimidation.
Adeoye advocated for a zero-tolerance approach to extremist behaviour.
He argued that St. Catharines should remain a place where residents can participate in community life without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
Adeoye emphasized enforcing existing laws and protecting equal rights for all residents.
Bosch’s approach focused on the responsibilities of law enforcement and municipal government to address extremist activity.
He suggested that the city should work with Niagara Regional Police and ensure that adequate resources are available where additional intervention is required.
Jackson took a different approach to the discussion of extremist groups in Niagara Region, including Second Sons, Atomwaffen Division and Dominion Society. While acknowledging that these organizations are characterized as far-right extremist groups, he questioned how they are portrayed by politicians and the media, arguing that “hate is subjective” and emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Jackson told TBP that he had personally met and spoken with members of some of these groups and had shared certain views they expressed, although he maintained that he does not agree with all their positions. He also claimed that some members are military veterans and disputed portrayals of them as inherently hateful.
Jackson argued that such groups should be permitted to express their views provided they do not engage in violence, stating that municipalities need to be willing to have “uncomfortable conversations” rather than dismiss their concerns outright.
He connected some of those concerns to immigration policy, particularly what he described as inadequate screening of newcomers, while emphasizing that he supports immigrants who contribute to Canadian society. Jackson maintained that, as mayor, he would represent all residents, including those whose views are considered controversial, and prioritize dialogue over exclusion.
Questions about government accountability and transparency produced another range of proposals.
Siscoe defended his administration’s record, pointing to multi-year budgeting, Core Services Reviews and Value for Money Audits as measures intended to strengthen financial oversight.
He also highlighted the use of telephone town halls alongside in-person meetings to improve opportunities for residents to communicate with municipal officials.
Siscoe argued that government accountability requires more than making promises; residents should also have access to information showing whether those promises have been fulfilled.
Zammit argued that existing opportunities for public participation remain difficult for many residents to access.
She described receiving complaints from individuals who had contacted City Hall without receiving responses.
Zammit proposed regular mayoral office hours, including evening availability for residents who work during the day.
She also advocated for more timely responses to public inquiries, suggesting that residents should at least receive acknowledgement that their concerns have been received.
Beyond communication, Zammit proposed changing the physical arrangement of council chambers to make public participation feel more inclusive.
She argued that the existing seating arrangement can create a sense of separation between elected officials and residents.
Zammit suggested that rearranging council chambers to allow participants and elected officials to face one another could help make municipal government feel more accessible.
Jackson similarly criticized what he considers insufficient accountability within the current administration.
He argued that elected officials should be held responsible for decisions concerning infrastructure, public spending and the handling of major municipal challenges.
Jackson emphasized listening to residents, obtaining advice from qualified professionals and being willing to challenge existing policies when they fail to produce results.
Adeoye expressed concern about declining public engagement in municipal politics, particularly among younger residents.
He argued that voter education and outreach should become greater priorities for City Hall.
Adeoye suggested that students and young people need more information about municipal elections, the role of elected representatives and the ways local government influences their lives.
He advocated for a more transparent and accessible municipal administration that actively encourages residents to participate in decision-making.
Bosch also emphasized consultation and responsiveness.
He argued that elected officials should listen to residents and draw on the expertise of municipal employees before making decisions.
Bosch expressed concern about political leaders pursuing their own priorities without adequately considering public input.
He maintained that rebuilding trust requires making residents feel represented and ensuring that municipal decisions are guided by the needs of the community.
In addition to these issues, the candidates discussed St. Catharines’ broader economic future and the priorities they would advocate for at the regional and provincial levels.
Siscoe emphasized infrastructure funding, housing development, regional transit and economic investment.
He argued that St. Catharines needs to attract businesses and create well-paying employment opportunities while addressing the challenges associated with growth.
Siscoe also highlighted his previous career as a high school teacher, explaining that he wants St. Catharines to become a city where young people can envision remaining after graduation.
He emphasized the importance of affordable housing, safe neighbourhoods, reliable transportation and meaningful careers.
Zammit’s broader vision placed greater emphasis on social and environmental sustainability.
She advocated for public housing, affordable food, infrastructure renewal and municipal policies that prioritize existing residents.
She also emphasized the importance of ensuring that development does not come at the expense of environmental protections or community well-being.
Jackson’s economic priorities centred on expanding employment, improving public safety and redeveloping underused properties.
He expressed particular interest in remediating the former GM site and exploring whether the property could accommodate new commercial, residential, recreational or convention facilities.
Jackson argued that St. Catharines should attract more tourism and entertainment activity, including concerts and events that could bring additional spending into the city.
Adeoye emphasized infrastructure renewal, efficient development approvals and restoring accountability in municipal government.
He argued that economic growth should be supported by reliable infrastructure and that municipalities must ensure approved housing and commercial projects can proceed without unnecessary delays.
Bosch focused on infrastructure, local businesses, wages and opportunities for young people.
He argued that supporting smaller businesses and creating employment opportunities could help residents manage rising costs.
Bosch also emphasized stronger partnerships with educational institutions, including opportunities for co-operative education and employment experience.
He said he would like to see more students remain in Niagara after graduation and find work that allows them to build long-term careers in the region.
Across the interviews, the five candidates presented different visions for St. Catharines at a time when the municipality is confronting significant economic, environmental and political challenges.
Siscoe is campaigning on the progress of his first term, emphasizing housing development, infrastructure investment, municipal financial oversight and the continuation of existing projects.
Zammit is advocating for a housing-first approach, stronger affordability measures, environmental protection, opposition to amalgamation and greater accessibility between elected officials and residents.
Jackson is focusing on public safety, addiction treatment, reduced property taxes, infrastructure improvements and economic development.
Adeoye is calling for greater municipal accountability, faster housing development, improved infrastructure planning and more effective regional services.
Bosch is emphasizing consultation, long-term infrastructure investment, affordable living, local business development and preserving St. Catharines’ municipal identity.
Despite their disagreements, the candidates’ responses demonstrate the significance of municipal decisions for students and other residents.
Housing policies influence whether students can afford to live near their campuses. Transit planning determines how easily they can travel between school, employment and home. Infrastructure decisions affect neighbourhood safety and the city’s ability to respond to extreme weather.
Meanwhile, regional governance changes could alter how decisions concerning public transportation, healthcare, housing and other essential services are made.
With the municipal election scheduled for Oct. 26, St. Catharines voters have an opportunity to determine which priorities will guide the city over the next four years.
For Brock University and Niagara College students, understanding these proposals provides an opportunity to become more informed about the decisions affecting their communities and the futures they hope to build in Niagara.