Rich MERLINO
Niagara Falls City Council
Monday, October 26, 2026

Vote Rich Merlino

No Hidden Agendas

Transparency, accountability
and value for your tax dollar,
for all of Niagara Falls.

Request a Lawn Sign See Rich's Priorities
Rich Merlino, candidate for Niagara Falls City Council

Meet Rich

Rich Merlino was born and raised in Niagara Falls. He and his wife Lisa have been married for 36 years and raised their three children, now adults, right here in the city.

Rich has always been active in the community. He has given his time through Rotary, hospice and palliative care, the City's Recreation Committee (which he chaired), local school councils and minor hockey, as well as volunteering for other great causes.

Rich previously ran for Niagara Falls City Council in 2010 (11th place), 2014 (11th place) and 2018 (10th place). He took a break and didn't put his name forward in 2022. Now he's back and wants a seat at the table.

Rich believes Niagara Falls residents deserve a Council that spends carefully, listens to residents and does business in the open as much as possible. No hidden agendas.

Get in touch

Have a question or an issue you'd like Rich to hear about? Reach out anytime.

Phone: 905-401-2626
Email: onerichmerlino@gmail.com

Show your support: get a sign

A record of community service

2023
Paul Harris Fellowship AwardRotary International's highest recognition for service
  • 2022 – PresentBoard MemberNiagara-on-the-Lake Palliative Care Services
  • 2003 – 2015Member/ChairCity of Niagara Falls Recreation Committee
  • 2000 – 2016MemberNiagara Falls Sunrise Rotary Club
  • 2010 – 2015MemberRegional Niagara Bicycling Committee
  • 2013Board MemberDaval Hospice
  • 2009Manager of the YearNiagara Falls Jr. Canucks, Single A Hockey
  • Committee MemberNiagara Falls Sports Foundation
  • Fundraising CommitteeGale Centre Arena
  • Fundraising CommitteeThe Run/Spin for the General
  • Former ChairFather Hennepin Catholic School Council
  • Former MemberSt. Michael Catholic Secondary School Council

Rich's priorities

What Rich will stand for on Niagara Falls City Council.

  • A return to the ward system for Niagara FallsCouncillors who answer to your neighbourhood
  • TransparencyEliminate the $1,000 fee to file an Integrity Commissioner complaint
  • Reduce government spendingEvery dollar spent carefully
  • Value for your tax dollarKeep debt under control
  • HealthcarePut pressure on the Provincial Government for better local healthcare
  • Involuntary addiction treatmentSupports the Provincial Government's proposal for involuntary addiction treatment
  • Sewers, roads and infrastructureFix the basics first
  • Support local tradesGive local businesses a fair shot in the tender process
  • A balance between tourism and the residents of Niagara FallsServices for the people who live here, too
  • No hidden agendasWhat you see is what you get

How to vote

Niagara Falls elects 8 councillors city-wide, so every voter in the city can vote for Rich.

You don't need to vote for ALL 8! Only check off the candidates you want to represent you.

Election Day

Monday, October 26, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at your assigned polling location.

Vote early

At City Hall, weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., September 28 to October 23. Advance poll dates are posted on the City's voter page.

Are you on the list?

Check or update your voter registration at registertovoteon.ca. Bring ID when you vote.