Official notification of the new regional appointments was the opening piece of business at the Police Services Board meeting held on December 15, 2022. Regional Councillors Pat Chiocchio (Welland) and Laura Ip (St. Catharines) were appointed to the Board by Regional Council on December 1, 2022, to replace former Regional Councillor and Mayor of Wainfleet Kevin Gibson and Regional Councillor Bob Gale (Niagara Falls) whose final term ended on November 24 and December 1, 2022, respectively. Regional Councillor and Mayor of Port Colborne Bill Steele was re-appointed for a second four-year term (2022-2026).
To read the Board Members bios click on their name below.
Quotes:
Regional Councillor Pat Chiocchio
“I’m very honoured to be appointed to the Police Services Board”, says Regional Councillor Chiocchio. “I think the Board has accomplished a great deal over the last term of Council and I look forward to working with other members of the Board and the Niagara Regional Police Service. I am grateful to my colleagues on Regional Council for giving me the opportunity to play a role in the important work the Board performs on behalf of the residents of Niagara.”
Regional Councillor Laura Ip
“I’m very excited about this opportunity”, says Regional Councillor Ip. “Policing is a key public service, and this is an important time considering the evolving role of police services in our communities. I look forward to what we can collectively accomplish over the next four years as we work to improve policing services and enhance the safety and quality of life for all citizens of Niagara.”
Regional Councillor and Mayor Bill Steele
Bill Steele, Chair of the Board, welcomed their appointments and said “I look forward to working with Regional Councillors Chiocchio and Ip as we continue to build on the momentum the Board has established, especially in our efforts to fulfill our mandate of providing the citizens of Niagara with accountable, civilian oversight. I would also like to extend sincere thanks to Regional Councillor Bob Gale and former Mayor Kevin Gibson who have committed an enormous amount of time while serving the Police Services Board.”
The Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Services Board is the civilian body governing the Niagara Regional Police Service and is comprised of seven members. By statute, three are members of the Regional Council of Niagara, three are citizens of Niagara appointed by the provincial government, and one member is a citizen appointment made by the Regional Council of Niagara. It is responsible for the provision of adequate and effective police services for 12 municipalities, totaling some 450,000 residents and an estimated 15,000,000 visitors annually.
For further information contact:
Deb Morton, Executive Director
Niagara Police Services Board
(905) 688-4111 Extension 1025170