Voters select Marty Mako in Ward 6 By-election to fill vacant Council seat

St. Catharines City Council will return to full complement on April 29, with the swearing in of Marty Mako as City Councillor representing Ward 6 in Port Dalhousie.

Electors selected Mako during a by-election on Monday night, filling the Ward 6 seat declared vacant after the passing of Coun. Carlos Garcia last December. Mako earned the highest number of votes in the by-election race that featured seven candidates vying for the opportunity to join Coun. Bruce Williamson as representatives for Port Dalhousie ward.

The Acting City Clerk certified Marty Mako as the successful candidate.

Mako, a Commander with Niagara Emergency Medical Services (EMS), has previously served as a citizen member on the City’s Heritage Advisory, Recreation Master Plan and Sustainability Advisory Committees. Active in the community, volunteering for a variety of organizations and causes, he has most recently been chairing Port Dalhousie’s 200^th anniversary planning committee.

Mako said he is “incredibly honoured, thankful and humbled” to have been elected to represent Port Dalhousie residents.

Mako thanked all who participated in the Ward 6 By-election, whether by voting, volunteering or “sharing ideas about the future of Port Dalhousie,” and offered special thanks to the Office of the City Clerk and election staff for their “dedication and professionalism in delivering a smooth and accessible process.”

“I’m looking forward to listening, learning, and working collaboratively with Council and residents to ensure our City provides quality services that are responsive to local needs,” Mako said. “During the campaign, I heard many times that Port Dalhousie Councillors need to represent the ‘entire ward,’ and I intend to do that. This is a community full of potential, and I’m excited to help shape what comes next.”  

Mako is scheduled to be sworn in at the next City Council meeting taking place on Tuesday, April 29. Mayor Mat Siscoe expressed enthusiasm at Mako joining City Council.

“I am excited to welcome Marty Mako to City Council,” Mayor Mat Siscoe said. “His commitment to his community has been clear for as long as I have known him. I know he will serve the residents of Port Dalhousie and the City of St. Catharines with grace and thoughtfulness. Welcome, Marty!”