The Ontario government has appointed longtime Niagara Region public servant Bob Gale as the new chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, a move it says will support economic growth, improve municipal service delivery and help lower costs for local taxpayers.
The appointment, effective Dec. 18, 2025, was announced by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack in a statement released Wednesday. Gale succeeds the late Jim Bradley, who served as regional chair from 2022 until his death earlier this year.
“I am pleased to announce Bob Gale as the new Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, effective December 18, 2025. His decades of experience in regional governance, executive leadership and public safety make him well-positioned to lead the advancement of provincial priorities in the region, including improving municipal service delivery for local residents, supporting greater efficiency and lowering costs for local taxpayers,” Flack said.
Gale brings a mix of political, executive and community leadership experience to the role, along with deep roots in the region. A lifelong Niagara resident, he has previously served as a regional councillor for the City of Niagara Falls and as chair of the Niagara Parks Commission, one of the region’s most prominent tourism and economic development agencies.
His background also includes extensive involvement in public safety and policing oversight. Gale served on the Niagara Regional Police Services Board from 2014 to 2022 and held the role of chair from 2014 to 2018. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Niagara Regional Police officer in the 1970s before transitioning into the private sector, where he led his family’s oil company beginning in 1980.
The province said Gale’s varied career has equipped him with a practical understanding of municipal governance, fiscal management and community needs—an asset as Niagara faces ongoing pressures related to growth, housing demand and infrastructure costs.
Beyond elected office and executive roles, Gale has been active across a wide range of community organizations. He has served on boards including the YMCA, Niagara Falls Sunrise Rotary, the Niagara Falls High School Advisory Board, the Greater Niagara General Hospital Foundation Board, and as an honourary member of the Boys and Girls Club Board.
According to the province, that record of civic involvement has earned Gale broad respect across the region and reflects a long-standing commitment to community development and social well-being.
“Strong leadership plays an essential role in building vibrant, resilient communities, and I look forward to working alongside Bob Gale to build more homes, support economic growth and strengthen communities across Niagara Region,” Flack said.
The chair of Niagara Region plays a central role in setting regional priorities, guiding council deliberations and working with provincial and municipal partners on issues ranging from housing and transit to economic development and public services. The appointment comes at a time when Niagara, like many Ontario regions, is balancing population growth with affordability concerns and the need for efficient service delivery.
Flack also used the announcement to pay tribute to Gale’s predecessor, acknowledging the impact of Jim Bradley’s long public career.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the late Jim Bradley, who served as Niagara Regional Chair from 2022 until his death earlier this year. His decades of public service and deep dedication to the people of Niagara left a lasting impact on the region and the province. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and contributions.”
Gale’s appointment signals continuity in leadership while positioning the region to advance provincial priorities tied to housing supply, economic competitiveness and fiscal discipline. As chair, he is expected to work closely with local municipalities, business leaders and community stakeholders to align regional initiatives with broader economic and infrastructure goals.
The province did not indicate the length of Gale’s term, but officials emphasized confidence in his ability to guide Niagara through its next phase of growth while maintaining a focus on efficiency and accountability for taxpayers.
