In the week leading up to the 2026 Municipal Election, we will be featuring profiles for candidates running for Mayor in Niagara's three largest municipalities - St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland.
Today's profile is Natashia Bergen, who is running for Mayor in Welland. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Natashia gained life experience across four Canadian provinces before settling in Welland in 2021. She is passionate about supporting all members of the community, celebrating diversity and finding innovative solutions to local challenges. With a background in horticulture, agriculture, senior care and supporting vulnerable community members, Natashia brings a compassionate and resilient approach to her candidacy for Mayor of Welland. Her focus is on empowering residents and building a community support system that works for everyone.
What is the single biggest issue facing your municipality right now, and what is the first concrete thing you would do as mayor to address it?
Okay, that's a big question. Where do I begin? One of the major issues I'm hearing about in Welland is housing, and that's a whole topic in itself. In my first 100 days, I'd like council and staff to conduct a line-by-line review of the city budget. I also believe we should establish a task force involving all stakeholders working with unhoused people to develop solutions. That would include community members and volunteer groups. We need to focus on housing and measurable results. I often talk about Burnaby, B.C., and its inclusionary rental bylaw, as well as other successful models across Canada. They're having greater success getting people into deeply affordable housing than we are, and I think those approaches need to be examined at both the municipal and regional levels. Our mayor represents Welland and now sits at the regional table in a greater capacity than before. Another issue that comes up frequently is taxes and transparency. I know that's a long list, but at the end of the day, I think everyone in Welland agrees that we want and need meaningful change. We want a city where our children can grow up safely. We all know the problems, but it's time for real solutions. We need representation that leads with care, logic and consideration — and gets things done.
Property taxes are a major concern for many residents. How would you balance keeping taxes affordable with the need to maintain roads, infrastructure and municipal services - and are you willing to raise taxes if you believe it's necessary?
Raising taxes is a last resort for me because taxpayers work hard for their money, right? They want to see value for their money when it goes to City Hall and the region. I really want to stress that every tax dollar we spend needs to be treated with respect and tied to measurable outcomes. This can be done through key performance indicators that staff and council review quarterly. At the end of the day, I believe growth should pay for growth. The cost of that growth should not fall on Welland's taxpayers.
Niagara continues to grow. How should your municipality handle new development and housing while making sure infrastructure and services can keep up with that growth?
When it comes to infrastructure, that's the foundation, and a solid foundation leads to solid economic development. We'll need to review all current road and underground maintenance requirements. We also need to look at existing plans and design phases to meet both present and future demands, identify what has been delayed, and reassess those priorities. One essential component is pursuing senior government funding through federal and provincial programs to fund infrastructure associated with housing growth. I also believe it's important to publicly track housing approvals, construction and infrastructure capacity. First and foremost, we will not approve infrastructure costs without first identifying funding sources and alternatives. I also will not reduce development charges without first identifying replacement funding.
What do you believe Niagara's municipalities and the Region should be doing differently together, and what would you personally do as mayor to improve regional cooperation?
I believe my first responsibility is to Welland. We need to clearly establish Welland's priorities before going to the regional table, working closely with council and residents. I think all municipalities can work together effectively if we're sharing the same vision for Niagara as a whole. Ultimately, it's about working together and reaching a consensus.
If elected, what is one thing you would change about how your municipality operates that residents would actually notice within your first year?
I think one of the first things residents will notice is a stronger culture of accountability throughout City Hall and the region. Transparency isn't about creating conflict; it's about building trust. My goal is a Welland where residents don't have to fight to find out what their government is doing. My focus is on open government, responsible spending and accountable leadership — a City Hall that works for the people of Welland.
Four years from now, what do you want residents to be able to point to and say, "That's what this mayor accomplished"?
It's like a house of cards. Everything is connected, right? At the end of the day, I want us to have safer streets, but that starts with providing attainable housing, better access to mental health services and greater affordability. Ultimately, it's about having roofs over people's heads, food in their bellies and always putting people first.
Bergen is one of eight candidates running for Mayor in Welland, alongside April Jeffs, Gary Graziani, Brandon Simon, David Clow, Graham Speck, Pat Chiocchio and David McLeod.