Her votes are on the record. They do not speak for us
Homeless Encampments and Funding for The New Hospital
Two major
decisions.
When Niagara Falls City Council faced difficult choices about health care and public safety, Councillor Lori Lococo voted against the majority on both occasions.
Being a political leader requires difficult choices. It’s not always easy. It’s not clear-cut.
But, leaders must weigh the wishes of their citizens, costs, public concerns and the long-term interests of their communities.
In Niagara Falls, two important issues stand out. In both cases, stakes were high.
01
Your safety and homeless encampments. Their safety too
Council Council approved the motion.
Lococo Councillor Lococo voted NO.
In November 2024, Council debated a proposal urging Ontario to strengthen its response to homeless encampments, including more power to clear the camps and mental health interventions.
“Tough love” became part of the solution to get rid of dirty and dangerous tent cities, to reclaim public parks for children and families.
Lococo cast the only opposing vote.
Council voted “yes” - reflecting the views of the majority of seniors, and families who call Niagara Falls home.
02
The new hospital for Niagara Falls
Council Council voted 8–1.
Lococo Councillor Lococo voted NO.
After a decade of planning, Niagara Falls faced a major financial decision to replace the aging and broken down hospital we’ve had for nearly 70 years.
On July 11, 2023, Council approved a $30 million municipal contribution toward the new South Niagara Hospital.
$30million
for a
$3.6BILLION
That’s $30 million for a $3.6 BILLION, state-of-the-art hospital
Lococo cast the only opposing vote.
Eight members of Council supported the funding commitment, continuing the momentum and leadership that has spanned that long decade required to get our desperately needed replacement for the Portage Road building.
Leadership. Accountability. The public record.
Hospital funding and public safety are complex issues. Reasonable people can disagree about the right solutions.
These two votes reveal important differences in how members of Niagara Falls City Council approached difficult decisions.
The record is public.
The reasons matter.
Read the motions, examine the votes and consider what they reveal about the priorities and judgment of those seeking to lead Niagara Falls.