Matt Paul – Ward 4

Ridgeway

I am a lifelong Niagara resident, financial services professional, community volunteer, and local event organizer and am seeking to represent Ward 4 in Ridgeway on Fort Erie Town Council.

Raised in nearby Wainfleet and with strong family connections throughout Port Colborne and Welland, I understand the values that have shaped Niagara communities for generations: hard work, family, volunteerism, and neighbour helping neighbour. Today, I proudly call Ridgeway home and am committed to ensuring Ward 4 remains a great place to live.

I bring more than two decades of experience in financial services, banking, insurance, and customer relations. My career has focused on helping individuals and families make informed financial decisions, manage risk, and plan for the future. Working within the financial sector built extensive experience in budgeting, accountability, problem solving, and understanding the financial challenges facing households and businesses.

I served on a transit advisory committee in Rockland, Ontario, where I gained firsthand experience examining transportation needs, accessibility issues, and the importance of connecting communities through practical transit solutions. That experience reinforced my belief that local government works best when residents have a direct voice in shaping services and infrastructure.

I am the founder and organizer of Live Human Chess events held in Ottawa and Niagara. These large-scale community events bring together families, volunteers, businesses, and participants while raising awareness and support for charitable organizations, including homelessness initiatives and health-related causes like Dementia and Alzheimers.

Through these events, I have worked closely with local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and community organizations to deliver meaningful experiences while supporting important causes.

Away from work and volunteer activities, I enjoy hockey, music, and singing. I believe sports and the arts play an important role in building stronger communities, creating opportunities for young people, and bringing residents together.

As a Ward 4 candidate, I am focused on listening to residents, encouraging open dialogue, supporting responsible growth, improving communication between council and the community, and ensuring that Ridgeway remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

I welcome ideas, concerns, and conversations as we together help shape the future of Ward 4 and the Town of Fort Erie.