Dan Giancola
In my own words

Family is
everything.

Before you decide whether to vote for me, I need you to know something about who I am and where I come from.

Dan Giancola, candidate for Niagara Falls City Council, smiling in a blush pink blazer
Dan Giancola speaking into a microphone in front of a large group of young soccer players on a Niagara field
Three generations of the extended Giancola family gathered on a back deck in Niagara Falls
Dan Giancola in his Toronto Argonauts jersey sharing a laugh with a young fan in a wheelchair
Dan Giancola presenting a $35,000 cheque to Refuse To Lose Against PTSD at his Give The Boot To fundraiser in October 2019
Dan Giancola presenting a $14,000 cheque to Ronald McDonald House at the seventh Give The Boot To fundraiser in June 2026
Dan Giancola with a fellow volunteer rinkside at a charity hockey night in Niagara
Dan Giancola with fellow volunteers and the Niagara IceDogs mascot at a charity hockey night
Dan Giancola pushing a young athlete's wheelchair along the track at an accessible sports day
Dan Giancola crouching to talk with a young athlete in a power wheelchair at a track event

Hi, my name is Dan Giancola and I am running for Niagara Falls City Council. I cannot express my gratitude enough for this incredible opportunity. But before all this happens, I need you all to know something about me.

I am a proud resident of Niagara Falls for the last twenty-six years. I am of Italian descent — my dad, Dan Sr., was born in Italy, and my mother, Sandra, was born in the United States, also of Italian descent. I am the oldest of three boys: my brother Tino is the middle child, and Joe is the youngest. You won't find three brothers closer than us. I have been married to my wife, Christina Bradley Giancola, for twenty-six years, and we have a beautiful daughter, Skylar.

Growing up, there was nothing more important than family, and my brothers and I learned that at a very young age. For as long as I can remember, my family would travel to the States to have dinner at my great-grandparents' house every Sunday. There was never an excuse not to be there. My great-grandfather made it very clear to us that family is everything.

I've carried this my entire life in everything that I have done, and that includes my fitness studio, BTO Performance Group and Personal Training. I've created a family atmosphere where everyone is welcome and free of judgement. We support each other and raise each other up.

I'm now taking the philosophy I learned at a young age and applying it to the residents of Niagara Falls.

Dan Giancola at BTO Performance, the Niagara fitness studio he has run since 2012, in front of the studio's logo wall

I want to be your voice at City Hall. I want to hear what all your concerns are, no matter how big or small they may be. I've always been a man of integrity, trust, honesty, transparency, and loyalty to the residents of Niagara Falls.

I've dedicated my life to giving back to my communities. Together with some amazing people, my fundraising events have raised over $175,000 in seven years. I've asked for nothing in return. I do it because it's what I want to do. I have also served as Ambassador for GROW in Niagara Falls for one year and as Ambassador for Start Me Up Niagara for two years — work that put me shoulder to shoulder with the people and organizations doing the hardest work in our region. We are stronger together.

I'm not a man who makes promises he can't keep. You just have to ask my daughter, Skylar. I've never broken a promise to her in my entire life. I will promise you this: if elected, I will do everything I can to represent you, the residents of Niagara Falls.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for considering me as your upcoming City Councillor. If elected, I will do you all proud. I give you my word.

With gratitude,Dan Giancola

One more thing

“You're just not smart enough.”

In my last week of high school, I had a sit-down with my guidance counsellor about my future. He let me know that my marks weren't good enough for college or university — that I just wasn't smart enough. He recommended I take a trade. My dream of moving on to college or university was shattered. I couldn't accept what he told me, because that isn't me. That's not my genetic makeup.

Fast forward to today. Husband. Father. Professional football player and two-time Grey Cup champion. Business owner for fourteen years and counting. Fitness apparel owner. Motivational speaker. Author. Not bad for someone who was told he wasn't good enough or smart enough.

Now I find myself in uncharted waters. I'm running for Niagara Falls City Councillor. I believe in my heart that I can do this job and represent the residents of Niagara Falls with pride, honour, and humility. I've always been a man of integrity and transparency — the way my parents brought myself and both my brothers up. I will be your voice at City Hall. That I promise you.

If you feel I'm worthy of your vote, I thank you so much for your vote in advance. I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

What I'll bring forward See my record