Home / Issue comparison Compare mayoral candidates on the issues See the eight candidates' proposals for housing, taxes and infrastructure, with links to their platforms and other sources.
By Welland Votes Reviewed October 17, 2026 Editorial policy
Housing and homelessness Taxes and spending Infrastructure and growth For candidates' backgrounds, public records and implementation plans, see the full mayoral comparison .
Housing and homelessness: published proposals from all eight mayoral candidates Candidate Published proposals Brandon Simon Landlords voluntarily charging existing Welland residents at least 30% below CMHC Average Market Rent may qualify for property-tax incentives of up to 100% and waived rental-certification fees. Rental certification with inspections every two years. Would replace the overnight shelter with a 24-hour Work-to-Live community offering accommodation, employment assistance, mental-health and addiction supports, and benefits access where eligible. Supports downtown housing through building-permit incentives and property-tax stability, and would advocate better transit connections with Niagara College. Gary Graziani Would explore a Hope Village housing community, initially for approximately 60 people, with expansion dependent on need and funding. Would examine City land, underused buildings, government funding and housing partnerships for shelter and affordable housing. Delivery details Hope Village would require investigation of land, construction and operating costs, funding, partnerships and safety requirements. Graham Speck Wants shelter policy changed to better serve shelter users, neighbours and businesses. Supports protecting prime agricultural land and directing development to areas with existing services. David McLeod Supports downtown density with infrastructure investment and traffic and pedestrian safety measures, and would fast-track downtown renewal. Delivery details Ties downtown density to infrastructure that is in place or planned, with traffic and pedestrian safeguards. April Jeffs Would establish a homelessness and addiction task force and seek more local treatment capacity and coordinated support. Delivery details Would collect Welland-specific homelessness data with the Region to establish a baseline and measure results. Pat Chiocchio Would align housing with infrastructure readiness and link housing solutions to mental-health and addiction services. Delivery details Identifies HART Hub satellite services as a proposed treatment-access approach. Natashia Bergen Supports Housing First, fast-tracked affordable and supportive housing, and preventing people from losing their homes. Survivor-centred housing, youth prevention programs and anti-trafficking training for the tourism industry. Delivery details Partnerships with non-profits and builders for housing. David Clow Requests clearing illegal encampments and open drug activity from public property while offering on-site access to shelter and treatment. Requests expanded local treatment and temporary housing capacity.
Back to issues Taxes and spending: published proposals from all eight mayoral candidates Candidate Published proposals Brandon Simon Would work toward keeping property-tax increases below inflation and freeze the mayor's salary for the four-year term. Gary Graziani Would review spending and fees, redirect non-essential costs and aim to keep tax increases at or below inflation where achievable, while maintaining essential services. Delivery details Would propose a City Affordability Team involving residents, businesses, Council and staff for 2027 to 2030. Graham Speck Advocates spending restraint and streamlining City departments for efficiency and affordability. David McLeod Prioritizes service-focused taxes and infrastructure investment, with stable taxes and water rates. April Jeffs Would commission an independent value-for-money audit and core-services review, keep taxes as low as possible and grow the commercial tax base. Would explore a property-tax deferral program for eligible seniors, with deferred increases recovered when the property is sold or transferred. Delivery details Proposes open budget town halls and an independent review covering programs, services, contracts, fees and spending. Pat Chiocchio Program performance measures, regular public reporting and departments justifying spending from scratch. Line-by-line spending audits and annual efficiency-savings targets. Delivery details Annual savings targets, regular program reporting and benchmarks for homelessness spending. Natashia Bergen Would review the City budget line by line within her first 100 days, with performance indicators reviewed quarterly. Delivery details Using agricultural revenue to help fund local and social supports. David Clow
Back to issues Infrastructure and growth: published proposals from all eight mayoral candidates Candidate Published proposals Brandon Simon Would review multi-unit parking for visitors, caregivers, accessible users and personal support workers. Would plan new neighbourhoods alongside roads, parks, sidewalks, transit and municipal services, and prioritize infrastructure renewal through long-term planning. Delivery details Using part of a Community Investment Reserve for neighbourhood improvements, alongside employment-support partners. Gary Graziani Would prioritize deteriorated roads, curbs and sidewalks, coordinate underground work and examine responsible use of reserves. Would review development incentives and charges, support infill and consider infrastructure capacity and long-term costs before growth. Delivery details Would establish a cycle of repairs based on condition, safety, urgency and available funding. Graham Speck Supports protecting prime agricultural land and directing development to areas with existing services. A parking requirement of 1.1 total spaces per dwelling unit, including visitor parking. David McLeod Supports downtown density with infrastructure investment and traffic and pedestrian safety measures, and would fast-track downtown renewal. Supports tree-canopy preservation, climate readiness and emergency preparedness. April Jeffs Would prioritize roads, infrastructure repair and core services before discretionary projects. Would improve downtown lighting and public spaces, streamline investment approvals and support year-round events. Pat Chiocchio Supports roads, bridges and core infrastructure across all wards, streamlined approvals and business growth. Natashia Bergen Would review road and underground maintenance priorities and identify infrastructure needs before approving major growth. Would identify funding before approving infrastructure costs and replacement funding before reducing development charges. Delivery details Would track housing approvals, construction and infrastructure capacity, and seek provincial and federal funding. David Clow
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