A shocking announcement from the Doug Ford PC government today.
Ford has cancelled the election for Niagara Regional Chair and councillors will appoint the position once again.
That means the successful candidate for Chair must be elected as a Regional Councillor first in the October election.
The deadline to file paperwork for all positions in the fall election was 2pm today.
One hour before the deadline, current Chair Alan Caslin made a switcharoo.
At 1pm, Caslin filed his papers to run for Niagara Regional Council representing St. Catharines.
Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn has also re-filed his papers seeking a regional councillor position for the town of Pelham.
Regional Chair candidate, Damian Goulbourne says he will not run for regional council in light of Ford's move.
He made a statement saying he not allow a decision by the Ontario government undermine regional council candidate goals of becoming one of two Regional Councillors for Welland.
We have not heard from other candidates John Ringo Beam and Aaron Scott Michael Stack who just filed today.
A notable filing at the deadline today, former St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley is making a political comeback filing papers to join the list of candidates seeking a spot on Niagara Regional Council.
Also former NOTL Mayor David Eke has filed for regional councillor position for the City of Niagara Falls. Former Regional Councillor in the Falls Barb Greenwood also put her name back in for a spot at the region.
Embattled St. Catharines Councillor Andy Petrowski who had previously said he would not seek re-election confirming his decision as he did not file any papers by today's deadline.
Gary Burroughs changed polticial paths and is seeking a seat on NOTL council as opposed to the Region.
Bill Hodgson from Lincoln announced earlier this year his plans to retire from politics as did Port Colborne Mayor John Maloney.
A check to the Acting City Clerk in Niagara Falls confirms Regional Councillor Bart Maves did not file any papers for re-election as of the 2 p.m. deadline
And Port Colborne Regional Councillor Dave Barrick did also not file before today's deadline and isn't seeking re-election.
CKTB news has been given confirmation from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs that today's 2 p.m. deadline is final and will not be re-opened following today's announcement by Premier Ford in scrapping the at-large system for electing a Niagara Regional Chair.
The Ministry also confirming expenses of chair candidates will not be reimbursed.