Some heavy issues were talked about in today's virtual state of the region in Niagara.
35,000 jobs have been lost over the last three months, and the region and its 12 municipalities are already projecting a $7.5 million deficit.
Regional Chair Jim Bradley says based on research conducted by Niagara Region Economic Development, it is projected that the pandemic will result in almost $16 billion in lost revenues by the end of December should conditions not improve.
He says according to a recent survey, one in three Niagara businesses reported they are at risk of permanent closure.
Bradley says hopefully with Niagara moving to stage 2 at midnight is a positive step forward.
Bradley says the idea of amalgamation has been raised again as one possible solution to find savings as we start to recover from COVID-19.
He says while there are a number of differing opinions, a governance review revealed a number of areas where we could find efficiencies through the streamlining of certain services, but a full amalgamation wasn't recommended.
Bradley closed his online speech with acknowledging the lives lost in Niagara due to COVID.
" Hundreds have been infected across the region, and over 60 individuals have paid the ultimate price for COVID-19. On behalf of Niagara Region, I want to express that our thoughts are with their friends and families."