Meet Erwin

Born and raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Erwin is the son of immigrant parents who came to Canada and built a life as tender fruit farmers. Growing up on the family farm instilled in him a strong work ethic, an appreciation for agriculture and a commitment to serving his community.

As a child, Erwin loved sports, particularly hockey and lacrosse. And to this day, he still plays hockey with the Kings who have been playing as a team for over 40 years. One of his many jobs in his youth was at the Queenston Golf Club, where he learned to play golf in his spare time -a pastime he still enjoys, even getting a hole in one at the NOTL golf tournament in 2023.

Although he grew up in the tender fruit industry and loved farming, Erwin also dreamed of becoming a police officer. He pursued a degree in Criminology at Carleton University before joining Peel Regional Police and then Hamilton Police Service, where he served 31 years until his retirement in 2020.

In 2003, while still working as a full-time police constable, Erwin and his wife Dorothy, purchased their first farm on Line 9. He quickly became involved with the Grape Growers of Ontario, first as a committee member then serving on its Board of Directors. In 2023 he was honoured by his peers as the Grape King. He also became a volunteer firefighter with the Virgil station.

Erwin has always believed in getting involved, working hard and finding practical solutions - his career as a police officer taught him this. As he often says, “dirt and diesel are in my blood.” His work has included championing regional initiatives, supporting the grape growing industry, promoting agricultural sustainability and serving on several agricultural and irrigation committees both at the Municipal and Regional level. These experiences have allowed him to contribute practically to one of Niagara-on-the Lake’s most important economic sectors.

One of the most rewarding aspects of farming for Erwin has been working with researchers from Brock University, Niagara College and Niagara Falls University to conduct vineyard trials focused on grapevine viruses and improving vineyard health for future grape growers.

Since being elected to Town Council in 2018, Erwin has worked to serve residents wholeheartedly. Most recently serving as Deputy Lord Mayor, he gained valuable leadership experience that has prepared him to serve as Lord Mayor. He also represents Niagara-on-the-Lake as a Commissioner with the Niagara Parks Commission and the Niagara District Airport Commission.

None of this would have been possible without the support of his wife of 35 years, Dorothy. They met at Carleton University and have learned through the years to work together as well as giving back to those around them. They raised their four daughters in town, and now enjoy having them return home often to visit.

Together, Erwin and Dorothy have spent almost 4 decades working together - raising a family, operating a farm, serving their community, members of Cornerstone Church, members of the Lions Club, members of the Legion and showing that meaningful leadership begins with service, teamwork and a sincere desire to make Niagara-on-the-Lake an even better place to live, work and grow.