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04/20/2021 City of Niagara Falls Agenda City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 20, 2021 @ 4:00 PM Council Chambers/Zoom App Due to the COVID-19 and the Closure of City Hall, all electronic meetings can be viewed on this page, the City of Niagara Falls You Tube channel, the City of Niagara Falls Facebook page, along with YourTV Niagara. Page 1. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL 1.1. Resolution to go In-Camera (added) April 20, 2021 - Resolution to go In-Camera 17 2. CALL TO ORDER O Canada: Performed by: Emily and Alana Kapitanchuk (Recorded version) 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1. Council Minutes of March 23, 2021 Minutes - City Council - 23 Mar 2021 18 - 35 4. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Disclosures of pecuniary interest and a brief explanation thereof will be made for the current Council Meeting at this time. 5. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS 6. PRESENTATIONS 6.1. PBD-2021-18 (Presentation added) 36 - 268 Page 1 of 539 City of Niagara Falls Employment Lands Strategy Phase 2 Report Adam Fisher and Jamie Cook, Consultants from Land Economics, are on standby to speak to this matter. PBD-2021-18 Employment Lands Strategy Phase II Results PBD-2021-18 Appendix Presentation - City of Niagara Falls ELS Council - April 2021 7. REPORTS 7.1. L-2021-07 Encroachment Agreement with the City 6361 Fallsview Boulevard and exterior canopy encroachment into the Fallsview Boulevard road allowance (Steadfast Hospitality Inc.) Our File No. 2020-146 John Pellegrino, representing the Hilton, is on standby to speak to this matter. L-2021-07 - Encroachment Agreement for Steadfast Hospitality Inc. (6361 Fallsview Blvd.) with attachments 269 - 276 7.2. CD-2021-01 Potential Waiver of 2021 Municipal Business Licence Fees to Support COVID-19 Recovery CD-2021-01 Waiver of Business Licence Fees 277 - 279 7.3. F-2021-15 2020 Sleep Cheap Event and WonderFalls Pass F-2021-15 Sleep Cheap 280 - 282 7.4. F-2021-25 Tax and Water Rebate Programs for People with Disabilities F-2021-25 Tax & Water Rebate for People with Disabilities F-2021-25 Attachment 1 283 - 287 Page 2 of 539 7.5. F-2021-26 2021 Property Tax Penalty and Interest Rate F-2021-26 Property Tax Penalty & Interest Rate F-2021-26 Attachment 1 288 - 292 7.6. HR-2021-03 Ontario Living Wage Network Initiative HR-2021-03 Ontario Living Wage Network Costs Correspondence from Bert Dandy 293 - 298 7.7. HR-2021-04 City Council Training Angela Peebles is on standby and is requesting to speak to this matter. HR-2021-04 City Council Training 299 - 300 7.8. MW-2021-26 (Correspondence from residents/business owners added) Queen Street – 2021 Promenade Proposal Joe Mrkalj, from Grand Central, is on standby to speak to this matter. MW-2021-26 - Queen Street 2021 Promenade Proposal MW-2021-26 - Queen Street 2021 Promenade Proposal - Attachment #1 MW-2021-26 - Queen Street 2021 Promenade Proposal - Attachment #2 MW-2021-26 - Queen Street 2021 Promenade Proposal - Attachment #3 MW-2021-26 - Queen Street 2021 Promenade Proposal - Attachment #4 Correspondence from Sarah McLeod (Resident and Business owner) 301 - 325 Page 3 of 539 Email from Tony Barranca Email from Carmen & Anna Tartaglia Letter from resident Email from Jennifer Freimanis Email from Sacha Heilig Email from Natalie Caruso Email from Natalie Caruso (continuation) Email from Catherine Bovaird Additional correspondence from Sasha Heilig, business owner Email from Tammy Lacas, business owner Email from Suwanna Upper - business owner 7.9. MW-2021-29 Block 92 Chippawa West Utility Easement MW-2021-29 Block 92 Chippawa West Utility Easement MW-2021-29 - Attachment 1 - Chippawa West Phase 2 Subdivision MW-2021-29- Attachment 2 - Block 92 326 - 329 7.10. PBD-2021-013 AM-2019-019, Exemption Request to 2-Year Waiting Period for a Minor Variance 6400 & 6420 Kalar Road Owner: 2670279 Ontario Inc. (Lise Danecker) PBD-2021-013, AM-2019-019, Two- Year Waiting Period Exemption Request 330 - 335 7.11. PBD-2021-014 AM-2010-009 Zoning By-law Amendment Application 336 - 338 Page 4 of 539 Vacant Land on West Side of Montrose Road between McLeod Road and Charnwood Avenue Applicant: Gemini Corps. Agent: IBI Group Removal of Holding (H) Symbols PBD-2021-014, AM-2010-009, Removal of Holding 7.12. PBD-2021-16 SBA-2021-001 Amended Location of Electronic Sign Owner: Walker Industries Holdings Ltd Agent: Vann Media Advertising (Larry Vann) North side of Thorold Stone Road West of Garner Rd PBD-2021-16, SBA-2021-001, Electronic Billboard Amended Location, North side Thorold Stone Road 339 - 341 7.13. PBD-2021-19 (Report added) Municipal Service Centre Renovations 3200 Stanley Avenue PBD-2021-19 - Municipal Service Centre Renovation PBD-2021-19 - Attachment 1 - MW-2020-08 Municipal Service Centre Site Remediation and Repairs PBD-2021-19 - Attachment 2 - Pre-Approved Capital Budget Worksheet PBD-2021-19 - Attachment 3 - Service Centre 2021 Capital Budget Worksheet 342 - 351 7.14. R&C-2021-05 (Letter from Tony Baldinelli added) Niagara Military Museum Lease and Consent to Subletting of Lease R&C-2021-05- Niagara Military Museum Lease Agreement.docx R&C-2021-05- Attachment #1 User Groups.docx Correspondence from Jim Doherty, President, Niagara Military Museum Letter from Tony Baldinelli re - Niagara Military Museum 352 - 357 8. CONSENT AGENDA Page 5 of 539 The consent agenda is a set of reports that could be approved in one motion of council. The approval endorses all of the recommendations contained in each of the reports within the set. The single motion will save time. Prior to the motion being taken, a councillor may request that one or more of the reports be moved out of the consent agenda to be considered separately. F-2021-23 Monthly Tax Receivables Report – March F-2021-23 Tax Receivables Monthly Report (March) F-2021-23 Attachment 358 - 361 F-2021-24 Municipal Accounts F-2021-24 Municipal Accounts F-2021-24 Attachment 362 - 382 F-2021-27 (Attachment added) Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes Under Section 357 and 358 of The Municipal Act, 2001 F-2021-27 Cancellation Reduction or Refund of Taxes F-2021-27 Attachment 383 - 385 MW-2021-21 Assumption of Various Subdivisions MW-2021-21 Assumption of Various Subdivisions MW-2021-21 - Attachment #1 - Oldfield Estates Phase 1 MW-2021-21 - Attachment #2 - Oldfield Estates Phase 2 MW-2021-21 - Attachment #3 - Fernwood Estates Phase 3 386 - 397 Page 6 of 539 MW-2021-21 - Attachment #4 - German Village MW-2021-21 - Attachment #5 - Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 1 & 2 MW-2021-21 - Attachment #6 - Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 3 MW-2021-21 - Attachment #7 - Warren Woods Phase 4 Stage 1 MW-2021-21 - Attachment #8 - Miller Road Estates North MW-2021-22 Tender Award Contract No. 2021-08: 2021 Surface Treatment MW-2021-22 - 2021 Surface Treatment - Tender Award 398 - 400 MW-2021-23 Garner Road – Speed Limit Review MW-2021-23 Garner Road - Speed Limit Review MW-2021-23 - Attachment 1 - Garner Road - Speed Limit Review 401 - 404 MW-2021-24 Fingland Street & Forestview Boulevard Speed Control Follow-up Review MW-2021-24 Fingland Street & Forestview Boulevard Speed Control Follow Up MW-2021-24 - Attachment 1 - Fingland Street & Forestview Boulevard Speed Control Follow Up MW-2021-24 - Attachment 2 - Fingland Street & Forestview Boulevard Speed Control Follow Up 405 - 413 MW-2021-25 Rapids View Drive Parking Control Review MW-2021-25 Rapids View Drive - Parking Review 414 - 416 Page 7 of 539 MW-2021-25 - Attachment 1 - Rapids View Drive - Parking Review MW-2021-27 Sixth Avenue between Morrison Street & Willmott Street Parking Review MW-2021-27 Sixth Avenue - Parking Control Review MW-2021-27 - Attachment 1 - Sixth Avenue - Parking Control Review 417 - 419 MW-2021-28 (Report added) 4500 Park Street Tender Award MW-2021-28 - 4500 Park Street Tender Award MW-2021-28 - Attachment 1 - Location Map MW-2021-28 - Attachment 2 - CAO-2019-07 Affordable Housing Development Partnership MW-2021-28 - Attachment 3 - G40-20 & BP-35 MW-2021-28 - Attachment 4 - Downtown Area Parking Supply 420 - 433 PBD-2021-17 Development & Housing Monitoring Report, 2020 Year in Review PBD-2021-17, Development & Housing Monitor Report, 2020 Year in Review PBD-2021-17 Appendix 1, Development Housing Monitoring Report Presentation -Dev Hsg Mon Report 434 - 458 9. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 9.1. Resolution - Town of Lincoln - Support for McNally House Hospice and End of Life Care The attached resolution from the Town of Lincoln Council is requesting support for the McNally House Hospice and End of Life Care. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. 459 - 460 Page 8 of 539 TOL Resolution RE Support for McNally House Hospice and End of Life Care 9.2. Open Letter to Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) Members and Industry Employers On behalf of Cathy Seguin, President of the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA), she requests Council to receive the following correspondence for awareness. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. Open Letter to ORFA Members and Industry Employers 461 - 463 9.3. Historic Drummondville BIA (Main & Ferry) 2021 Budget Attached is the Historic Drummondville BIA's (Main & Ferry) proposed 2021 budget. RECOMMENDATION: For Council's Approval. 2021-Historic Drummondville-BIA-Budget 2021 Budget (2) 464 - 467 9.4. Thank you letter from Sleek Developments Inc - re: Millennium Towns Attached is a thank you letter for the City of Niagara Falls Council and staff to acknowledge the City's role in making the Millennium Towns project become a reality. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. Thank you letter from Sleek Developments Inc re Millennium Towns 468 9.5. Health Canada Canabis Consultation - Open for Comment until May 7, 2021 Health Canada has invited Canadians and Municipalities to share their perspectives on the factors that may be considered for refusal or revocation of a cannabis registration on public health and public safety grounds. Get your municipal comments in before closing on May 7 2021. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. Time Sensitive - Health Canada Cannabis Consultation 469 - 470 Page 9 of 539 9.6. Tourist Exemption for Retail Holiday Openings The Regional Clerks Office is looking for the City to offer its comments on the current application for Lowe's Home Improvement, Niagara Falls location, to open on all holidays (except Christmas). RECOMMENDATION: That Council support the Tourist Exemption for Retail Holiday Openings request. Clerks Memo - Lowes CLK-C 2021-057 - Tourism Exemption for Holiday Openings - Lowe's, Niagara Falls 471 - 480 9.7. Regional Correspondence The following items have been sent from the Niagara Region for information. 1) 2021 Niagara Employment Inventory Status Update 2) RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. CLK-C 2021-049 PDS 12-2021- Niagara Employment Inventory Status Update 481 - 486 9.8. Recognition of Doctor's Day - Request to turn City Hall Blue On May 1st, 2021 the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is asking Ontarians to show their appreciation for doctors on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the campaign, the OMA is asking municipalities across Ontario to turn the colours shining on their City Hall to blue. The CN Tower and Niagara Falls will also shine blue on May 1st. RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the request to turn the colours on City Hall to blue on Saturday, May 1st. Doctor's Day - Request to turn City Hall Blue - May 1 487 - 488 9.9. Monarch Ultra Run Across Ontario Inspires Pollinator Protection The attached informs us of the Monarch Ultra Relay Run, a 21 -day running event across southern Ontario to raise awareness of monarch butterflies and as a call to action to protect the environment. The organization is also raising funds for Camp Kawartha, a non-profit 489 - 492 Page 10 of 539 organization committed to nature education and environmental stewardship. The Monarch Ultra 21 day Relay Run will be passing through Niagara Falls on September 23, 2021. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. Monarch Ultra Run Across Ontario Media Advisory_Monarch Ultra Save The Date_Monarch Ultra 2021 9.10. Proclamation - April - BeADonor Month - Green Shirt Day April is a month dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging registration for organ and tissue donation in order to save more lives through transplant. Inspired by Logan Boulet, an organ donor and member of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team who died tragically, "National Green Shirt Day" celebrates organ and tissue donation across Canada. Jim Lowes, resident of Burlington, donated his kidney to a complete stranger on January 20, 2021 and is requesting that the City of Niagara Falls proclaim April 7th, 2021 as "National Green Shirt Day," to help promote organ donations. RECOMMENDATION: For the City of Niagara Falls to proclaim April 7, 2021 as "National Green Shirt Day" to help promote organ donations and to proclaim the month of April as BeADonar Month. Proclamation - National Green Shirt Day Celebrate BeADonar Month in April 493 - 497 9.11. Proclamation Request - Medical Laboratory Week COVID-19 has made this a difficult year for all Ontarians. Laboratories have gone above and beyond processing over 12M Covid -19 tests through this challenging time. They are also key to the economic recovery of our communities. This request is to have the City of Niagara Falls celebrate the great work of these hidden heroes by recognizing that April 11 -17 is Medical Laboratory Week in Ontario and across the country. RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Niagara Falls celebrate the great work of these hidden heroes by recognizing that April 11-17 is "Medical Laboratory Week" in Ontario and across the country. 498 - 503 Page 11 of 539 Proclamation Request - Medical Laboratory Professionals Week - letter to Mayor Diodati Med Lab Week Social Post 2021 9.12. Proclamation Request - Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance (CSPA), HS Heros, and the Hidradenitis &amp; Me Support Group, respectfully request June 7-13, 2021 to be proclaimed/recognized as Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week in Niagara Falls, Ontario. RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Niagara Falls proclaim the week of June 7-13, 2021 as Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week. Proclamation Request - HS Awareness Week June 7-13 2021 504 9.13. Proclamation Request - National Public Works Week Attached is a request for Council to consider proclaiming the week of May 16-21, 2021 as "National Public Works Week." The theme this year is "Stronger Together." RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the request to proclaim the week of May 16-21, 2021 as "National Public Works Week." Apr 20 2021 NPWW Letter to Council NPWW Resolution 505 - 506 9.14. Proclamation/Greeting Letter Request/Flag-Raising Request for 29th Falun Dafa Day Anniversary The attached letter is a request for the City of Niagara Falls to proclaim May 13, 2021 as "Falun Dafa Day" and to provide a greeting letter in recognition of Falun DafaDay for this year. In addition, there is a request for a flag-raising ceremony in May. This is an annual celebrationof 29 years spreading of Falun Dafa to the public, the contributions of the Falun Dafa community in Canada and to honor the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Niagara Falls proclaim May 13, 2021 as "Falun Dafa Day", to provide a greeting letter in recognition of Falun Dafa Day and to arrange for a flag-raising ceremony in May. 2021FalunDafaDayRequest-ProlamationGreetings-Mayor 507 - 516 Page 12 of 539 Flag-Raising request - Falun Dafa Day 9.15. Proclamation Request - Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month The attached proclamation request is to ask the City of Niagara Falls to declare the month of April as Limb Difference Awareness Month in Niagara Falls. RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Niagara Falls declare the month of April as "Limb Difference Awareness Month" in Niagara Falls. Proclamation - Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month 517 - 518 9.16. Park in the City Committee - Motion regarding additional signage on trails Motion brought forth from the Park in the City Commit tee to endorses the installation of signage throughout City trails and parks and other utilization of educational components to make the public aware of the dangers that ticks present to the public in terms of Lime disease. Additionally, that Staff look into options for safe treatments that can be used to minimize exposure. RECOMMENDATION: To Refer the Matter to Staff. Park in the City Committee (Motion) 519 9.17. Correspondence from Kenneth Westhuis (re: Niagara Grandview Manor Rezoning Application) Attached is correspondence from Kenneth Westhuis regarding Niagara Grandview Manor's rezoning application. RECOMMENDATION: To Refer the Matter to Staff. Correspondence from Kenneth Westhuis (re- Niagara Grandview Manor Rezoning App) 520 - 521 9.18. Downtown BIA – Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Funding RECOMMENDATION: To Refer the Matter to Staff. CIP Funding - SIgnage Request 522 Page 13 of 539 9.19. Correspondence from Jim Bechkos - a concerned citizen Attached is an email from Jim Bechkos expressing his concerns regarding the location of a cannabis store. RECOMMENDATION: To Refer the Matter to Staff. Email from Jim Bechkos - a concerned citizen 523 - 524 10. RESOLUTIONS 10.1. Resolution - AM-2019-019 That subject to subsection 45(1.4) of the Planning Act, 1990 R.S.O. Council consents to an exemption to the 2-year waiting period for minor variances and thereby allows 2670279 Ontario Inc. to file an applica tion to the City’s Committee of Adjustment for the development of the their Plan of Vacant Land Condominium that is regulated by By-law No. 2020-57. No. 4 - Resolution -AM-2019-019 525 10.2. Resolution - SBA-2021-001 That Council determines that the change to the proposed sign by-law for SBA-2021-001 is minor and does not require further notice. No. 5 - Resolution-SBA-2021-001 526 11. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA 12. BY-LAWS The City Clerk will advise of any additional by-laws or amendments to the by-law listed for Council consideration. 2021-44 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or municipal by-laws. 2021 APR 20 By-law Enforcement Officers 527 - 528 2021-45 - A by-law to provide for the levy and collection of sums required by the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area for the year 2021. 2021 Main and Ferry BIA Levy 529 Page 14 of 539 2021-46 - A by-law to appoint Jason Burgess as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of Niagara Falls. CAO Jason Burgess 530 2021-47 - A by -law to appoint the Fire Chief for the City of Niagara Falls. Fire Chief Zambito 531 2021-48 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 2010-132, which amended By- law No. 79-200, to remove the holding symbol (H) on the lands on the west side of Montrose Road between Charnwood Avenue and McLeod Road, to permit them to be developed (AM-2010-009). AM-2010-009 Bylaw - Holding Removal AM-2010-009 Schedule 532 - 534 2021-49 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 2021-24, being a by-law to prohibit or regulate the placing or erecting of signs, notices, and advertising devises on public and private property within the City of Niagara Falls. (SBA-2021-001). SBA-2021-001 By-law 535 2021-50 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 2019-44, being a by-law to require owners and operators of off-street parking facilities to provide designated parking spaces reserved for the sole use of vehicles operated by or carrying persons with disabilities, and to amend By-law 2014-65, being a By-law to establish a System of Administrative Penalties respecting the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles in the City of Niagara Falls. Apr 20 - Accessible Parking 536 - 538 2021-51 - A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of City Council at its meeting held on the 20th day of April, 2021. 04 20 21 Confirming By-law 539 13. NEW BUSINESS Page 15 of 539 14. ADJOURNMENT Page 16 of 539 The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Resolution April 20, 2021 Moved by: Seconded by: WHEREAS all meetings of Council are to be open to the public; and WHEREAS the only time a meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public is if the subject matter falls under one of the exceptions under s. 239(2) of the Municipal Act. WHEREAS on April 20th, 2021, Niagara Falls City Council will be holding a Closed Meeting as permitted under s. 239 (2) (c), and s. 239 (3) (b) of the Municipal Act: (2) A meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subj ect matter being considered is; (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege; (3) (b) an ongoing investigation respecting the municipality by the Ombudsman. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that on April 20th, 2021 Niagara Falls City Council will go into a closed meeting prior to their scheduled Meeting of Council that is scheduled at 4:00 p.m., to consider matters that fall under section 239 (2) (c) of the Municipal Act for a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for an offer to purchase land at 4500 Park Street and a separate offer to purchase land for an unopened Road Allowance between Beachwood Road and Thorold Townline Road. Council will also consider matters under section 239 (2) (f) of the Municipal Act dealing with advice that is subjet to solicitor-client privilege concerning the Library Board. Lastly, Council will deal with an ongoing investigation respecting the municipality by the Obudsman regarding a complaint received. AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. WILLIAM G. MATSON JAMES M. DIODATI CITY CLERK MAYOR Page 17 of 539 MINUTES City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 23, 2021, Chambers/Zoom App at 4:00 PM. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Diodati, Councillor Wayne Campbell, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni, Councillor Vince Kerrio Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Wayne Thomson COUNCIL ABSENT: COUNCIL LATE: 1. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL 1.1. Resolution to go In-Camera (Updated) Councillor Vince Kerrio requested that a letter received by Margaret Hoy regarding the Downtown BIA be added to the In- Camera agenda for discussion. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Campbell, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson that Council enter into an In-Camera session. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Lori Lococo declaring a conflict). 2. CALL TO ORDER O Canada: Performed by: Vocal Music Class at A.N. Myer Secondary School (Recorded) 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1. Council Minutes of March 2, 2021 ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Mike Strange, Seconded by Page 1 of 18 Page 18 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 Councillor Wayne Campbell that the minutes of March 2, 2021 be approved as recommended. Carried Unanimously 4. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Disclosures of pecuniary interest and a brief explanation thereof will be made for the current Council Meeting at this time. a) Councillor Vince Kerrio declared a conflict of interest to the following 2 matters on the agenda: • Under Consent Agenda: MW-2021-17 (Victoria Avenue @ Walnut Street - Removal of Turn Prohibitions) • Item #8.2 - Resolution - City of Sarnia - Provincial Colour Coded Capacity Limits -- as it relates to dining limits. b) Councillor Lori Lococo declared a conflict of interest to the following agenda items: • Item #6.6 - Zoning Amendment - Transit Station Secondary Plan - owns property in the area. • Item #9.1 - Resolution - Transit Station Secondary Plan - owns property in the area. • By-law 2021-40 - Rezone of lands for Transit Station Secondary Plan - owns property in the area. • Item #8.10 - Downtown BIA correspondence - as is spouse's former employment. 5. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS a) Mayor Diodati extended condolences on the passing of Ron Canavan, brother of Wendy Canavan of our Business Development Department and to Jim Moody, father of Dan Moody, former Sergeant at Arms for the City. b) Mayor Diodati provided the following updates: 1 Year Anniversary of first COVID case in Niagara [on screen] • Flags lowered to half-staff on Friday, March 12th • Acknowledge Niagara’s loss: o COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 374 residents • Niagara Mayors and Regional Chair—open letter to residents • The impact COVID-19 has had on the collective mental health of our community has been profound. Page 2 of 18 Page 19 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 o Suicides/ domestic violence/ mental health resources maxed • Major impact on our economy o many losing their jobs o some businesses closing forever o thousands of workers, especially in tourism, still out of work • Stories of resilience in our community / People coming together. • Light at the end of the tunnel = Vaccination program • Still must be diligent/ safe / respectful • Continue to be patient and kind to one another Vaccination Clinic at MacBain Centre • Open since Thursday, March 18th through to today • Have vaccinated 3200 residents at the clinic • It’s been very successful • Team effort between City of Niagara Falls and Public Health • Thank the community for their cooperation o coming just 5 minutes prior to vaccination time o prepared with health card/ following rules when there • Looking forward to the next cycle of the clinic returning to the MacBain Centre again soon c) Mayor Diodati recognized the following Hometown Hero: Hometown Hero Recognition: • One of our City Crossing Guards, Mr. Fred Winston, was recently honoured as a “Hometown Hero” • Thanks to Sheri Hawkins and her team at “Mainly Niagara” for starting the Hometown Hero program in our community o Recognizing people making a difference in the lives of others o Spreading kindness • Fred is a fixture at the corner of Lundy’s Lane & Dorchester Road • He has been smiling, waving and making people’s day for 8 years • He has a passion for doing his job well and ensuring his students cross safely • We presented him with a small gift to recognize his contributions to making our community great! [play video] • Thank you Fred—to you and your colleagues who do a great job every day! You make us proud! Page 3 of 18 Page 20 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 d) Mayor Diodati discussed the upcoming Earth Hour: • When? Saturday, March 27th at 8:30 - 9:30 PM • Lights on the Falls will be dark in support • Turn off your lights for 1 hour of darkness e) Mayor Diodati announced that the re-scheduled Spring Break is from April 12-16, 2021. f) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 2021. 6. REPORTS 6.1. F-2021-22 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members of Council and Commissions The report recommends for the information of Municipal Council. At the April 21, 2020 Council meeting, staff was ordered to report back further to show the number of meetings held by Council and Council Member attendance. This information has been included in an attachment. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Thomson, Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo that the report be approved as recommended and to have staff report back on including a gift registry for future "Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Council and Commissions" reports. Carried Unanimously 6.2. FS-2021-01 Next Generation 9-1-1 and Consolidated Dispatch The report recommends the following: 1. That staff be directed to continue the planning for the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) in coordination with partner agencies, Boards and Councils. 2. That staff be directed to continue the planning for the implementation of a consolidated emergency dispatch service for Niagara. 3. That staff be directed to continue the discussions and planning Page 4 of 18 Page 21 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 for the Back-up Dispatch Centre which will serve Emergency Service communications for the Niagara Region to be located on the back portion of the station 7 property. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Vince Kerrio that the report be approved as recommended. Carried Unanimously 6.3. FS-2021-02 Government of Ontario Fire Safety Grant Program The report recommends that Council approve the report and support the Niagara Falls Fire Department application under the Ontario Fire Safety Grant program. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell that Council approve the report and support the Niagara Falls Fire Department application under the Ontario Fire Safety Grant program. Carried Unanimously ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Mike Strange, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson that Council receive and file the Covid-19 Vaccine presentation as delivered by Chief Jim Boutilier. Carried Unanimously 6.4. MW-2021-19 Children's Memorial Walkway The report recommends the following: 1. That City Council approve of the Children’s Memorial Walkway concept plan for Firemen’s Park as outlined in Report MW -2021- 19; and further, 2. That City Council preapprove the allocation of 2022 capital funding in the amount of $160,000 to tender the construction works for the Children’s Memorial Walkway project in 2021. Page 5 of 18 Page 22 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell that the report be approved as recommended. Carried Unanimously 6.5. PBD-2021-11 (Comments & presentation added) SBA-2021-001 - Sign By-law Amendment Owner: Walker Industries Holdings Ltd. Agent: Vann Media (Larry Vann) North side of Thorold Stone Road, West of Garner Road The report recommends that Council support the Sign By-law amendment application to permit a 100% electronic message centre billboard sign on the north side of Thorold Stone Road, west of Garner Road subject to the following conditions: 1. The sign size and sign area of the sign to remain at 3.048 m x 6.096 m (10 ft. x 20 ft);that the sign be setback 10 m (33 ft.) from the existing Regional road (Thorold Stone Road); and, 2. That the sign be equipped with photo-cell technology to automatically adjust the sign’s brightness based on ambient light levels so as to not cause any impacts on surrounding residential use nor cause distraction to drivers along Thorold Stone Road. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Thomson, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell that the report be approved as recommended and that it be subject to Larry Vann contacting the opposing residents, J & L Colavecchia, to satisfy their concerns with the location of the sign. Carried (Councillor Chris Dabrowski was opposed to the vote). 6.6. PBD-2021-12 AM-2020-007, Zoning By-law Amendment Application Applicant: City of Niagara Falls Proposed Zoning Amendment to Implement the Transit Station Area Secondary Plan The report recommends the following: 1. That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 79-200 for Page 6 of 18 Page 23 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 the Transit Station secondary plan area. 2. That subject to subsection 34(17) of the Planning Act, Council determine that the proposed changes to the by-law with respect to setbacks for tall buildings are minor in nature and that no further notice is necessary and pass the resolution regarding this matter included in tonight’s agenda. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni that the report be approved as recommended and also that the properties belonging to Joedy Burdett be zoned CB4, as per Schedule 2 of the Amending Zoning By-law. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Lori Lococo declared a conflict). 7. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda is a set of reports that could be approved in one motion of council. The approval endorses all of the recommendations contained in each of the reports within the set. The single motion will save time. Prior to the motion being taken, a councillor may request that one or more of the reports be moved out of the consent agenda to be considered separately. F-2021-21 Monthly Tax Receivables Report – February The report recommends that Council receive the Monthly Tax Receivables report for information purposes L-2021-05 Encroachment Agreement with the City 5528 Ferry Street and encroachments into the Allendale Avenue road allowance (La Pue International Inc.) Our File No. 2020-51 The report recommends the following: 1. In the event that Council determines it is in the best interest to do so, that La Pue International Inc. be permitted to construct several tiebacks that will extend into the City’s road allowance, being a portion of Allendale Avenue, which abuts 5528 Ferry Street, for the purposes of construction of an underground parking structure under 5528 Ferry Street. Page 7 of 18 Page 24 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the required Encroachment Agreement. 3. That the City Solicitor be authorized to register the Encroachment Agreement on title to 5528 Ferry Street and the applicable parcel for the affected portion of Allendale Avenue road allowance in the Land Registry Office. MW-2021-17 Victoria Avenue at Walnut Street Removal of Turn Prohibitions The report recommends that the turn prohibitions be removed from the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Walnut Street following the construction of the planning improvements on the Casino Niagara site. MW-2021-18 Regulatory Sign Installations in New Subdivisions The report recommends that the regulatory signs outlined in this report be approved for the Forestview Estates subdivision. MW-2021-20 Drinking Water System Summary Report and Overview The report recommends that this report be received and filed. R&C-2021-04 Gale Centre Streaming Service The report recommends that Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to act on the behalf of the City to execute an agreement with GameOnStream Inc. (“GOS”) for live and on demand video streaming at the Gale Centre. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Thomson, Seconded by Councillor Vince Kerrio that the reports are approved as recommended. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Vince Kerrio declaring a conflict of interest to MW-2021-17). Page 8 of 18 Page 25 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 8. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 8.1. Resolution - City of St. Catharines - Living Wage Certification Application The attached is correspondence from St. Catharines City Council regarding a motion passed by Council respecting the City's Living Wage certification application. RECOMMENDATION: That the matter be referred to Staff. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Lori Lococo, Seconded by Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni that the matter be referred to Staff. Carried Unanimously 8.2. Resolution - City of Sarnia - Provincial Colour Coded Capacity Limits The attached resolution from the City of Sarnia is regarding the Provincial Colour Coded Capacity Limits. RECOMMENDATION: That Council support the motion of the City of Sarnia regarding the Provincial Colour Coded Capacity Limits. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson that Council support the motion from the City of Sarnia regarding the Provincial Colour Coded Capacity Limits advocating the Province of Ontario to adjust the capacity limits for dining, restaurants, sporting and recreational facilities, places of worship, event centers, and all retail/small businesses as part of the COVID-19 Colour Coded System. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Vince Kerrio declared a conflict). 8.3. Resolution - Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake - Support for Wine Sector The attached resolution was approved by the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake regarding support for the wine sector. RECOMMENDATION: That Council support the resolution from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Page 9 of 18 Page 26 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson that Council support the resolution from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake regarding support for the wine sector and that Niagara Region calls on the Province of Ontario to create a level playing field and to provide Ontario’s entrepreneurial wine industry with opportunities to invest more into innovation and job creation while providing consumer choice and convenience for the purchase of Ontario wines; furthermore, that the Province be urged to undertake the following: a. Eliminate the 6.1% tax applied to VQA (100% Ontario-grown) wines on sales in the 2021 Budget; b. Enable Ontario wines to offer direct delivery, with margin, to grocery stores; c. Establish long-term VQA wine support programs at the LCBO that would increase shelf space for VQA wines and; d. Eliminate import taxes on 100% Ontario VQA wines Carried Unanimously 8.4. Niagara Regional Council Motion - Schedule 6, Bill 197, COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council (NOTE: Council has already supported the same resolution from the City of St. Catharines on November 17, 2020). ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Campbell, Seconded by Councillor Vince Kerrio that Council receive and file the correspondence for information. Carried Unanimously 8.5. Long Term Care Crisis in Ontario Attached is a letter to the Mayor from C.A.R.P. (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) expressing concerns about the long term care crisis in Ontario. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. Page 10 of 18 Page 27 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange that Council receive and file the correspondence for information. Carried Unanimously 8.6. Niagara Region - Various Correspondence The following items have been sent from the Niagara Region for information. 1) Natural Environment Work Program - 2nd Point of Engagement 2) Niagara Official Plan Process and Local Municipality Conformity 3) Optional Small Business Tax Subclass Overview 4) Niagara Region Motion Respecting Homelessness, Mental Health and Addiction in Niagara 5) Support for the Wine Sector RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Thomson, Seconded by Councillor Vince Kerrio that Council receive and file the correspondence listed above for information. Carried Unanimously 8.7. Letter from Chippawa Public Docks Committee This letter is to inform the City of Niagara Falls that the Chippawa Public Docks Committee is dissolving its corporation. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Thomson, Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo that Council receive and file the letter from the Chippawa Public Docks Committee informing the City of Niagara Falls of dissolving its corporation and to send a letter back to the Chippawa Public Docks Committee thanking them for years of wonderful work. Carried Unanimously ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Vince Kerrio, Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo that Council direct staff to arrange for a plaque to be erected to honour and recognize the work done by the Page 11 of 18 Page 28 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 committee members. Carried Unanimously 8.8. Final Report - Code of Conduct Complaint - Integrity Commissioner (Bitter/Kerrio) Attached is the Integrity Commissioner's letter and the Final Report dated March 15, 2021 for the above noted matter. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski that Council receive and file the correspondence for information. Carried Unanimously 8.9. Investigation Report - Code of Conduct Complaint (IC-11926-1120) (De Luca/ Ioannoni) Attached is the Integrity Commissioner's letter dated March 18, 2021 and the Investigation Report for the above noted matter. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni, Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo that Council receive and file the correspondence for information. Carried Unanimously 8.10. Board of Management for Downtown Business Improvement Area Letter to Mayor and Council regarding the previous hiring process of a former employee. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Vince Kerrio, Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski that Council receive and file the letter to the Mayor and Council regarding the previous hiring process of a former Page 12 of 18 Page 29 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 employee. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Lori Lococo declared a conflict). 8.11. Women's Brain Health Day - Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 Women's Brain Health Initiative is requesting the lights that illuminate on the Horseshoe Falls and the Bridle Falls be lit up in purple the evening of Thursday, December 2nd, 2021. Purple is the branded colour for Women's Brain Health Day in Canada. RECOMMENDATION: That Council support the request to illuminate the Falls in purple the evening of Thursday, December 2, 2021 to recognize "Women's Brain Health Day." ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni that Council support the request to illuminate the Falls in purple the evening of Thursday, December 2, 2021 to recognize "Women's Brain Health Day." Carried Unanimously 8.12. Flag-Raising Request - Meals on Wheels The OCSA (Ontario Community Support Association) has declared the month of March as the "March for Meals Month." They are requesting that Niagara Falls Council approve the flag to be raised and flown for the first week of June 2021 as June is Senior's Month in Ontario. RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve raising the "Meals on Wheels" flag for the first week of June 2021 as June is Senior's Month in Ontario. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Thomson, Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo that Council approve raising the "Meals on Wheels" flag for the first week of June 2021 as June is Senior's Month in Ontario. Carried Unanimously 8.13. Flag-Raising Request - National Congress 2021 11th Anniversary - Italian Heritage Month The President of the National Congress Italia Canada, Niagara Peninsula District, is requesting the City of Niagara Falls to raise the Page 13 of 18 Page 30 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 Italian flag on June 4th, 2021 at 12:00 PM to honour Italian Heritage Month. RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the flag-raising request for June 4, 2021 to honour Italian Heritage Month. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Vince Kerrio, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Thomson that Council approve the flag-raising request for June 4, 2021 to honour Italian Heritage Month. Carried Unanimously 8.14. Flag-Raising Request - Haitian Day The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti to Canada is requesting that the City of Niagara Falls declare Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 as "Haitian Day" by raising the Haitian Flag and to illuminate the Falls with the colours of Haiti (red and blue). The Niagara Falls Illumination Board has approved the request to Illuminate the Falls at 9:45 PM on May 18, 2021 for a 15 minute duration. RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Niagara Falls declare Tuesday, May 18, 2021 as Haitian Day by raising the Haitian Flag. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell that the City of Niagara Falls declare Tuesday, May 18, 2021 as Haitian Day by raising the Haitian Flag. Carried Unanimously 8.15. Proclamation Request - World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day A resident is requesting that the City of Niagara Falls declare Thursday, November 18th, 2021 as World Pancreatic Cancer Day to help bring public awareness to the disease. RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Niagara Falls proclaim Thursday, November 18, 2021 as "World Pancreatic Cancer Day." ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni, Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange that the City of Niagara Falls proclaim Thursday, November 18, 2021 as "World Pancreatic Cancer Day." Page 14 of 18 Page 31 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 Carried Unanimously 8.16. Proclamation Request - Apraxia Awareness Day A request for the City of Niagara Falls to proclaim May 14th as "Apraxia Awareness Day." Childhood apraxia of speech is a very misunderstood and very challenging speech disorder, our kids need help. RECOMMENDATION: That the City of Niagara Falls proclaim May 14th, 2021 as "Apraxia Awareness Day." ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Thomson, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell that the City of Niagara Falls proclaim May 14th, 2021 as "Apraxia Awareness Day." Carried Unanimously 8.17. Illumination of Lights for Parkinson's Awareness On behalf of the Steve Ludzik Foundation, a letter is attached requesting the City to recognize Sunday, April 11th, 2021 as "National Parkinson's Day" by Illuminating Red Lights. RECOMMENDATION: For the Information of Council. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Mike Strange, Seconded by Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni that Council receive and file the letter requesting the City to recognize Sunday, April 11th, 2021 as "National Parkinson's Day" by Illuminating red lights and for the City of Niagara Falls to further declare Sunday, April 11, 2021 as "Steve Ludzik Day." Carried Unanimously 9. RESOLUTIONS 9.1. Resolution-Tall Building Setbacks are Minor That in accordance with subsection 34(17) of the Planning Act, 1990 R.S.O, Council determines that the changes to the proposed zoning by- law for AM-2020-007 to implement the Transit Station Area Secondary Plan are minor and do not require further notice. Page 15 of 18 Page 32 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Campbell, Seconded by Councillor Vince Kerrio that the resolution be approved. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Lori Lococo declared a conflict). 10. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA a) Ratification of In-Camera for March 22, 2021 ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Carolynn Ioannoni that Council direct staff to continue with any necessary steps involved in the CAO recruitment process. Carried Unanimously b) Ratification of In-Camera for March 23, 2021 ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange that Council direct staff to proceed with the Expressions of Interest received for the use of the MacBain Community Centre and report back to Council at a later date; and further that Council direct staff to continue with litigation proceedings as they pertain to the Steel Rail Development. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Wayne Campbell and Councillor Lori Lococo declaring a conflict for certain In-Camera items). 11. BY-LAWS The City Clerk will advise of any additional by-laws or amendments to the by- law listed for Council consideration. 2021- 37 - A by-law to enter into an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation related to the provincial Transfer Payment Agreement for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP): Public Transit Stream between Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Ontario represented by the Ministry of Transportation. 2021- 38 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and traffic on City Roads. (Prohibited Turns). Page 16 of 18 Page 33 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 2021- 39 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and traffic on City Roads. (Stopping Prohibited, Stop Signs at Intersections, Pedestrian Crossovers). 2021- 40 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to rezone lands within the Transit Station Secondary Plan Area to CB, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB4-1, CB5 AND CB6 (AM-2020-007). 2021- 41 - A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 138 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2020-011). 2021- 42 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for 108 dwelling units in 5, 3.5 storey apartment buildings and to repeal By- law Nos. 2005-55, 2005-196 and 2011-118 (AM-2020-011). 2021- 43 - A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of City Council at its meeting held on the 23rd day of March, 2021. ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange that the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Lori Lococo declared a conflict to by- law 2021-40) 12. NEW BUSINESS a) City Recycling Initiative - Gold Box program ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell that staff explore the gold box program for "super-recyclers" with the Region and report back on any incentive program. Carried Unanimously (Councillor Ioannoni and Councillor Thomson was absent from the vote). b) City-owned Land - Mewburn at Mountain Roads Page 17 of 18 Page 34 of 539 City Council March 23, 2021 ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell That staff come back with a report with a possible master plan/5 year plan with the Region for the lands on the north side of Mountain Road at Mewburn Road, extending east to Dorchester Road. Carried Unanimously c) Snow Removal - Sidewalks ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Chris Dabrowski, Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange that staff come back with a report on sidewalk ploughing for the City of Niagara Falls and how this may be expanded and the possible implementation of a by-law to be put in place and any other options for snow removal (ie. Snow buddy program). Carried Unanimously 13. ADJOURNMENT a) Adjournment ORDERED on the motion of Councillor Wayne Thomson, Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski that the meeting be adjourned at 7:10 pm. Carried Unanimously Mayor City Clerk Page 18 of 18 Page 35 of 539 PBD-2021-18 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Planning, Building & Development SUBJECT: PBD-2021-18 City of Niagara Falls Employment Lands Strategy Phase 2 Report RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That Council receive the presentation regarding the City of Niagara Falls Employment Lands Strategy Phase 2 Report attached as Appendix I. 2. That Council direct staff to proceed to Phase 3 of the Strategy including consultation with the community. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on the City of Niagara Falls Employment Lands Strategy. The goal of the Strategy is to ensure that the City has the right amount of developable employment land in the right location to meet forecasted industrial demand to the year 2051. With an estimated forecast of 2,990 jobs assigned to employment areas, it is determined that the City will have an employment land shortfall of approximately 60 gross hectares (147 gross acres) resulting in a need to designate additional land to house future industrial job growth. Accordingly, the City will need to explore new lands for a future employment area designation to ensure the long term employment forecast can be accommodated. A new employment area designation will require an amendment to the City’s Official Plan informed by public consultation. BACKGROUND The City of Niagara Falls is undertaking an Employment Lands Strategy. A key objective of the Strategy is to assess the City’s long term employment land needs to the year 2051, while also considering the adequacy and marketability of the City’s shovel ready employment lands in the near term. Ultimately, the Strategy is trying to ensure that the City has the right amount of developable employment land in the right location to meet forecasted industrial demand to the year 2051 with a supportive policy framework in the City’s Official Plan. Page 36 of 539 PBD-2021-18 April 20, 2021 What are Employment Areas and Lands? Employment lands are those lands designated Industrial in the City’s Official Plan and can include light, medium and heavy industrial lands organized into business parks or as a stand alone use. Employment lands can exist both inside and outside of employment areas. Employment areas can be defined as areas designated in an official plan for clusters of business and economic activities including but not limited to manufacturing, warehousing, o ffices and associated retail and ancillary uses. The City of Niagara Falls contains seven different employment areas located throughout the City’s urban area which will need to be mapped in the PlanOfficial City’s Falls Niagara of Most . employment lands exist within employment areas, with some designated employment lands lying outside of employment areas yet within the City’s urban area. Why are Employment Lands Important? Employment lands, home to many of the City’s large private sector employers, f orm a vital component of the City’s land use structure and are an integral component of the City’s economy. Employment lands in the City are home to approximately 320 businesses employing roughly 6,800 people concentrated mainly in the manufacturing sector. With a broad employment lands base, the City is better positioned to build a more balanced, competitive and complete community. Businesses located on employment lands generate relatively strong economic spin-offs and help diversify the City’s tax assessment base. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Policy Context The Planning Act requires City planning decisions to be consistent with Provincial Plans and policies. The management and planning of employment lands and areas is guided by both the 2020 Provincial Polic y Statement and 2019 Provincial Growth Plan which provide the general direction and policy framework that informs the way a municipality plans for employment lands and areas over the long term. Overall, provincial policy dictates that municipalities designate all employment areas in their respective Official Plans and protect them for appropriate employment uses for the long term. To protect employment areas for the long term, the Province prohibits the introduction of major retail uses and the inclusion of residential and other sensitive and incompatible uses into employment areas. Further, the Province provides restrictive criteria governing the conversion of land within an employment area to a non-employment use. Finally, Provincial policy directs municipalities to ensure that there is sufficient land available to accommodate forecasted employment growth. To ensure alignment with provincial policy, the Niagara Region and City of Niagara Falls’ Official Plans both contain a similar policy direction for employment areas. Page 37 of 539 PBD-2021-18 April 20, 2021 Employment Growth Forecasts In August 2020, Schedule 3 of the Provincial Growth Plan was updated with new Niagara Region population and employment forecasts to the year 2051. As part of the Niagara Region’s ongoing Municipal Comprehensive Review to support the new Regional Official Plan, a draft 2051 employment forecast allocation by employment type has been prepared for the City of Niagara Falls. In 2051 it is anticipated that Niagara Falls will have a total of 59,000 jobs, a growth of 17,400 jobs over 41,600 jobs reported in the City in the 2016 Census. More specifically, the increase in the number of jobs can be broken down as follows : population related employment 12,650 jobs, employment land employment 2,370 jobs, major office employment 1,310 jobs and rural area employment 1,430 jobs. For the purposes of the Strategy all of the employment land employment (2,370 jobs) and 5% of the population related employment (620 jobs) will be assigned to the City’s employment areas for a total of 2,990 jobs that will need to be accommodated. Employment Land Supply & Demand The City’s total employment land supply is 1,088 gross hectares (2,689 gross acres) and is comprised of 1,008 gross hectares (2,491 gross acres) of developed/occupied employment land and 79 gross hectares (195 gross acres) of vacant employment land. As highlighted above, by the year 2051, an estimated 2,990 additional jobs will need to be accommodated within the City’s employment areas. Based on a review of the City’s occupied and underutilized employment areas, a modest 10% employment intensification assumption has been made on employment areas. Intensification refers to additional job growth in employment areas that may occur though the expansion of existing buildings and additional development on partially vacant land. The intensification of existing employment uses could accommodate 299 additional jobs by the year 2051. Assuming an average target density on employment areas of 25 jobs per gross hectare (10 jobs per gross acre), the City of Niagara Falls is forecasted to absorb an average of 3 gross hectares (7 gross acres) of employment area per year over the next 26 years. This annual absorption will generate a total demand of 108 gross hectares (351 gross acres) over the long term planning horizon to 2051. Taking into consideration the 60 gross hectares (148 gross acres) of currently vacant developable land in existing employment areas, the City will need an additional 48 gross hectares (118 gross acres) of land as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 City of Niagara Falls Forecast Employment Area Land Needs (Demand vs. Supply), 2020 to 2051 Employment Growth 2020-2051 (jobs) A 2,691 Employment Area Demand at 2051 (hectares) B 108 Employment Density (jobs per gross hectare) C=A/B 25 Vacant Employment Area (gross hectare) D 60 Employment Area Surplus/Shortfall at 2051 E=D-B (48) Page 38 of 539 PBD-2021-18 April 20, 2021 Finally, long term land vacancy is a common characteristic that is experienced in employment areas across Ontario and beyond. As a prudent measure an estimate of 20% long term vacancy factor has been applied to the net developable vacant employment land inventory. Adjusted for land vacancy, the City’s long term employment land need has been upwardly adjusted to 60 gross hectares (147 gross acres). Potential Employment Land Conversions As part of the Phase 2 work, the consulting team was asked to assess a number of previously known candidate employment land sites with less desirable characteristics which may be appropriate to convert to a non-employment use. This assessment was completed within the framework of the 2019 Growth Plan and 2020 Provincial Policy Statement as well as site specific evaluation based on a broad range of criteria. The Phase 2 report has made recommendations on the known candidate sites as to whether they should continue to retain their industrial designation. To guard against converting too much employment land, all potential conversion requests must be examined comprehensively to fully understand the potential impacts of a conversion on the City’s existing employment land supply. Public and Stakeholder Engagement To date, consultation has entailed interviews with key stakeholders to better understand the current state of City’s employment lands in terms of their market supply potential, relative strengths and weaknesses by geographic location, and overall market competitiveness. Key stakeholders interviewed included Region and City staff, industrial brokers and local industrial based employers. In Phase 3 of the Strategy, broad consultation will need to occur with the public and other stakeholders through open houses and a statutory public meeting. Next Steps Upon Council’s endorsement of this report, the Strategy will enter Phase 3 which will investigate how and where the City should address removal of certain lands and the calculated 60 gross hectares (147 gross acres) shortfall such as the inclusion of a new business park. To address the shortfall, the City will need to immediately explore new lands for a future employment area designation to accommodate the long term employment forecast. The next step will be public and stakeho lder consultation through through open houses and a statutory public meeting which will inform a new employment area designation requiring an amendment to the City’s Official Plan. It is anticipated that the Phase 3 report will be presented to council by the end of the third quarter. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The Employment Lands Strategy is jointly funded through the 2020/2021 Council approved Economic Development and Planning operating budgets. There are no direct financial implications arising from this report. Page 39 of 539 PBD-2021-18 April 20, 2021 CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The development of an Employment Lands Strategy is consistent with the City’s Strategic priority of a Vibrant and Diverse Economy. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Appendix 1 – Employment Lands Strategy Phase 2 Report Recommended by: Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning, Building & Development Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer B.Dick:cv Attach. Page 40 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. 905-272-3600 April 1, 2021 info@watsonecon.ca Employment Lands Strategy City of Niagara Falls ________________________ Phase 2 Report Page 41 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Table of Contents Page Executive Summary ....................................................................................................... i 1. Introduction...................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Terms of Reference ................................................................................ 1-1 1.2 Background ............................................................................................. 1-2 1.2.1 What are Employment Lands? ................................................... 1-3 1.2.2 Why are Employment Lands Important? .................................... 1-3 2. Policy Context Review and Gap Analysis ..................................................... 2-1 2.1 Provincial Planning Policy Context ......................................................... 2-1 2.1.1 Planning Act ............................................................................... 2-1 2.1.2 Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 .............................................. 2-2 2.1.3 Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe ........ 2-4 2.1.4 Niagara Region Official Plan ...................................................... 2-9 2.1.5 City of Niagara Falls Official Plan ............................................. 2-13 2.2 Summary of Policy Context and Gaps .................................................. 2-24 3. Macro and Regional Economic Trends and City of Niagara Falls Employment Conditions ................................................................................. 3-1 3.1 Global Economic Trends and International Trade ................................... 3-1 3.2 Planning within the Context of an Evolving National and Provincial Economic Outlook ................................................................................... 3-4 3.2.1 Ontario Economic Outlook within the Canadian Context ........... 3-4 3.2.2 Emerging Industry Sector and Labour Force Trends ................. 3-5 3.3 Local Economic Trends and Growth Drivers within a Regional Context ................................................................................................... 3-9 3.3.1 Outward Growth Pressure.......................................................... 3-9 3.4 Regional Industrial Market Overview .................................................... 3-13 3.4.1 G.G.H. Industrial Lease Rates, 2013 to 2019 .......................... 3-13 3.4.2 G.G.H. Employment Land Prices, 2019 ................................... 3-14 Page 42 of 539 Table of Contents (Cont’d) Page Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 3.5 City of Niagara Falls Employment and Occupation Trends ................... 3-15 3.5.1 City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth, 2016 to 2020......... 3-16 3.5.2 City of Niagara Falls Occupation Outlook, 2020 to 2026.......... 3-17 3.6 Local Drivers and Disruptors of Future Growth in the City of Niagara Falls ......................................................................................... 3-18 3.6.1 Outward Growth Pressure within the G.G.H. ........................... 3-18 3.6.2 Geographic Location ................................................................ 3-19 3.6.3 Regional Economic Opportunities ............................................ 3-20 3.6.4 Innovation Landscape in the Niagara Region – Enabling Assets ...................................................................................... 3-21 3.6.5 Tourism .................................................................................... 3-23 3.6.6 Assessing the Impacts of Technology and Innovation on Economic Development and Population Growth ...................... 3-24 3.6.7 Quality of Life ........................................................................... 3-25 4. Employment Land Supply Analysis ............................................................... 4-1 4.1 City-wide Employment Land Inventory.................................................... 4-1 4.2 Vacant Employment Land Supply Characteristics by Land-Use Type and Location .................................................................................. 4-6 4.3 Intensification Potential in Employment Areas ...................................... 4-10 4.4 Conclusions .......................................................................................... 4-15 5. Competitiveness and Investment Readiness of the City’s Employment Areas .......................................................................................... 5-2 5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 5-2 5.2 City of Niagara Falls Employment Lands Profile ..................................... 5-2 5.2.1 Comparison of Regional Vacant Employment Land Supply ....... 5-2 5.3 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Constraints Review of Existing Employment Areas in the City of Niagara Falls ......................... 5-4 5.3.1 City of Niagara Falls S.W.O.C. Overview ................................... 5-4 5.3.2 City of Niagara Falls Target Sectors .......................................... 5-8 5.3.3 General Characteristics of Industrial/Business Parks .............. 5-12 5.3.4 City of Niagara Falls Employment Areas.................................. 5-16 5.4 Employment Area Attractiveness .......................................................... 5-21 5.5 Key Stakeholder Interviews .................................................................. 5-24 5.6 Observations ......................................................................................... 5-26 6. Employment Forecast and Employment A rea Land Demand to 2051......... 6-1 6.1 Overview of City of Niagara Falls Employment Forecast, 2016 to 2051 ................................................................................................... 6-1 Page 43 of 539 Table of Contents (Cont’d) Page Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 6.2 City of Niagara Falls Employment Base and Existing Conditions ............................................................................................. 6-3 6.2.1 Recent Employment Land Absorption Activity, 2010 to 2019 ........................................................................................... 6-3 6.2.2 City of Niagara Falls Existing Employment Structure Within Employment Areas ..................................................................... 6-4 6.2.3 City of Niagara Falls Employment Areas Employment Density and Building F.S.I. ......................................................... 6-6 6.3 Employment Land Demand, 2020 to 2051 .......................................... 6-7 6.3.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 6-7 7. Employment Land Conversion Review.......................................................... 7-2 7.1 Designated Employment Lands for Review and Potential Conversion .............................................................................................. 7-2 7.1.1 Definition and Requirements for Employment Land Conversions ............................................................................... 7-3 7.1.2 Evaluation Criteria ...................................................................... 7-5 7.2 Potential Conversion Sites ...................................................................... 7-6 7.2.1 Sites Recommended for Conversion ......................................... 7-8 7.2.2 Sites not Recommended for Conversion to a Non - Employment Land Use ............................................................. 7-10 7.3 Additional Vacant Employment Lands for Review and Potential Conversion ............................................................................................ 7-14 7.3.1 Sites Recommended for Conversion: ...................................... 7-15 8. Policy Recommendations ............................................................................... 8-1 8.1 Future Vision for the City’s Employment Lands ...................................... 8-1 8.2 Clarifying Employment Lands with Employment Areas ........................... 8-1 8.3 Provincial and Regional Policy Conformity and Alignment...................... 8-2 8.4 Employment Land Conversions .............................................................. 8-4 8.5 Future Land Needs ................................................................................. 8-4 8.6 Competitiveness of Supply ..................................................................... 8-5 8.7 Next Steps .............................................................................................. 8-7 9. Public vs. Private Sectors Development Options Review............................ 9-1 9.1.1 Municipal Trends in Industrial Land Development ..................... 9-1 9.1.2 Evaluation of Industrial Land Development Approaches in Niagara Falls .............................................................................. 9-3 9.1.3 Conclusions ............................................................................... 9-3 Appendix A City of Niagara Falls Employment and Demographic Trends ............. 1 Page 44 of 539 Table of Contents (Cont’d) Page Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Appendix B Historical Non-Residential Development Activity in the City of Niagara Falls ....................................................................................................... 1 Appendix C Industry Sector Requirements ............................................................... 1 Appendix D Marketing Strategies to Deliver Investment -Ready Lands ................... 1 Niagara Falls Competitive Positioning ....................................................... 2 Review of Niagara Region’s “Certified” Site Program and investment attraction activities ...................................................... 4 Marketing Plan ........................................................................................... 7 Potential Marketing Initiatives .................................................................. 10 Target Audiences ..................................................................................... 13 Recommendations ................................................................................... 14 Page 45 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx List of Acronyms and Abbreviations Acronym Full Description of Acronym A.I. Artificial Intelligence A.P.T.G. A Place to Grow B.U.A. Built-Up Area C.I.P. Community Improvement Plan C.R.A. Canada Revenue Agency C.M.A. Census Metropolitan Area D.G.A. Designated Greenfield Area E.L.S. Employment Lands Strategy F.S.I. Floor Space Index G.D.P. Gross Domestic Product G.F.A. Gross Floor Area G.G.H. Greater Golden Horseshoe G.I.S. Geographic Information Systems G.T.H.A. Greater Toronto Hamilton Area I.C.I. Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sector I.M.F. International Monetary Fund Page 46 of 539 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations (Cont’d) Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx L.N.A. Land Needs Assessment L.Q. Location Quotient M.C.R. Municipal Comprehensive Review M.T.S.A. Major Transit Station Area N.O.C. National Occupation Classification N.P.C. Niagara Parks Commission O.M.B. Ontario Municipal Board O.P. Official Plan O.P.A. Official Plan Amendment P.M.I. Purchasing Managers’ Index P.P.S. Provincial Policy Statement P.S.E.Z. Provincially Significant Employment Zone Sq.ft. Square Feet Sq.m. Square Metre S.W.O.C. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Constraints T.P.I.A. Toronto Pearson International Airport Q.E.W. Queen Elizabeth Way U.S. United States V.P.N. Virtual Private Network W.H.O. World Health Organization W.T.O. World Trade Organization Y.T.D. Year-to-Date Z.B.A. Zoning By-Law Amendment Page 47 of 539 Executive Summary Page 48 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE i https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Executive Summary Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. (Watson), in partnership with Dillon Consulting Ltd. (Dillon), and MDB Insight Inc. (MDB), hereinafter referred to as the Consultant Team, were retained in the winter of 2020 by the City of Niagara Falls to conduct an Employment Lands Strategy (E.L.S.) for the City. This E.L.S. will contribute to a long- term vision and planning policy framework which will enhance the City’s competitive position for industrial and office employment, including other employment -supportive uses in its Employment Areas. A key objective of this study is to assess City’s long - term employment land needs to the year 2051, while also considering the adequacy and marketability of the City’s “shovel-ready” employment lands within the near term. More specifically, this study provides the following: • An evaluation of the City’s current employment land supply and an asse ssment of “Investment Readiness” of its Employment Areas within the context of evolving macro-economic trends and anticipated employment sectors; • A review of regional and local macro-economic and demographic trends that are anticipated to impact the amount, type and location of the City’s long-term population and employment growth potential; • A S.W.O.C. (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Constraints) assessment of the City’s Employment Areas to accommodate future employment growth within identified target sectors; • An assessment of longer-term Employment Area land needs (i.e. supply versus demand) within the broader context of Region-wide trends in Employment Areas; • A review of employment sites identified for potential conversion to a non- employment use; • A review of the City’s current Official Plan (O.P.) policies related to Employment Areas. This review will identify potential gaps within the current policy framework as well as provide recommendations for considerations to be potentially addressed through an Official Plan Amendment (O.P.A.) and Zoning By -law Amendment (Z.B.A.); and • Recommended strategies to promote and attract industrial growth in Employment Areas on an international stage. This analysis represents the first and second phase of the Employment Lands Strategy (E.L.S.) for the City of Niagara Falls. This Phase 2 report provides further direction Page 49 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE ii https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx regarding employment land needs, a framework and evaluation of potential Employment Area conversions to non-employment uses, strategic planning policy recommendations, and marketing strategies to deliver investment-ready lands. The following provides a summary of the key findings of this Phase 2 report: Policy Context The Niagara Falls O.P. was approved in 1993 and has undergone a number of amendments since this time to respond to provincial and regional policy directions. The most recent consolidation of the O.P. occurred in 2019 and includes all amendments up to April 2019. consolidated, The O.P. captures a variety of the provincial policy changes; however, recent changes to the provincial policies should be considered as part of future O.P. updates. In addition, the Regional O.P. is currently under review as part of the M.C.R. process to bring it into conformity with the Growth Plan, 2019. Once completed, the outcome of the M.C.R. process may have an impact on the City’s employment lands. These potential changes to the regional policies should also be considered as part of future O.P. updates. Historical Employment Trends • Niagara Falls experienced a total growth rate in jobs of 3.8% (net increase of approximately 1,720 jobs) from 2016 to 2020 or an average annual employment increase of 1.1%, similar to that witnessed across Niagara Region. Jobs in Niagara Region increased by 4.3% (net increase of approximately 8,970 jobs) from 208,760 jobs in 2016 to 217,730 jobs in 2020 or an average annual increase of 1.1%. • The following sectors experienced the largest employment increase: o Accommodation and food services – increase of approximately 850 jobs (net increase of 7%); o Transportation and warehousing – increase of approximately 390 jobs (net increase of 32%); and o Construction – increase of approximately 320 jobs (net increase of 11%). Land Supply Analysis The following are key highlights of the designated employment land inventory: Page 50 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE iii https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • The following are key highlights of the designated employment land inventory: • The City’s employment land supply is 1,088 gross hectares (ha) (2,689 gross acres) and is comprised of 1,008 gross ha (2,491 gross acres) of developed/occupied employment land and 79 gross ha (195 acres) of vacant employment land; and • The City’s Employment Areas account for nearly half of the designated employment land supply. The vacant land supply, however, is greatest within Employment Areas, as they represent 74% of the vacant employment land supply. • As of July 2020, it is estimated that the City of Niagara Falls has a vacant employment supply of approximately 78 ha (193 acres), adjusted for internal infrastructure for large parcels. The City has 21 ha (52 acres) of vacant employment lands which are located outside Employment Areas. The North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area offers 41 ha (101 acres) of vacant employment land, accounting for more than half the vacant employment land supply in the City of Niagara Falls and a majority of vacant land within the City’s Employment Areas. The Montrose Road Industrial Area contains 11 ha (27 acres) of the remaining vacant land and the Stanley Avenue Business Park has 5 ha (12 acres) of net vacant employment land remaining. Shovel-ready lands and the remaining serviceable vacant employment lands are identified in Figure 4-6 through Figure 4-9. Lands identified as shovel-ready include lands which abut an arterial, collector, or local road and have sanitary, water , and storm stubbed at the property line. The following summarizes the key findings regarding the shovel-ready land supply: • It is estimated that there are 48 ha (119 acres) of shovel-ready employment lands in Niagara Falls, comprising 58% of the vacant designated employment land area. • There are 63 sites comprising 76 ha (188 acres) of land area that may have the potential to accommodate additional employment growth within Employment Areas in the City of Niagara Falls. Of the 63 parcels, only ten sites are larger than two ha in size and can be expected to potentially accommodate mid- to large-scale developments within the City of Niagara Falls. Stakeholder Consultations Page 51 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE iv https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Stakeholders were contacted and invited to participate in telephone interviews with the Consultant Team in the spring of 2020. Key stakeholders interviewed include Regional staff, City staff and departments, industrial brokers, and local industrial -based employers. The following details the key themes discussed by stakeholders: • There was overall agreement that the City is well-positioned to attract economic activity and improve its competitiveness in the long term; however, it was expressed that a lack of vacant, shovel-ready employment land is preventing successful attraction efforts • Stakeholders generally agreed that there is demand from the G.T.H.A. for employment land in Niagara Falls, following a “build it and they will come” mentality. In order to capitalize on the above characteristics and avoid missed opportunities in attracting businesses and emerging industries, there is a consistent need for varied types of Employment Areas (e.g. size, location, configuration, amenities, etc.), but mor e specifically there is a need for large, serviced, and developable Employment Areas. • In order to capitalize on the above characteristics and avoid missed opportunities in attracting businesses and emerging industries, there is a consistent need for varied types of Employment Areas (e.g. size, location, configuration, amenities, etc.), but more specifically there is a need for large, serviced, and developable Employment Areas. • The final key theme discussed among stakeholders focused on the types of employment the City can attract through its Employment Areas as well as the nature of industrial parcels required to accommodate these target industries. Employment Land Demand The revised local municipal allocations to 2051 for the Niagara Region have not yet been completed as a part of the Regional M.C.R.. As such, a revised employment forecast for the City of Niagara Falls to 2051 has been prepared herein. Key observations regarding the 2051 City of Nia gara Falls employment forecast by type are as follows: • Employment Land Employment (ELE) jobs are forecast to decrease by 155. This reflects a lower employment increment relative to the 2019 MCR employment allocations due to a lower overall ELE forecast for the Niagara Region; and Page 52 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE v https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Population-Related Employment (PRE) jobs in Niagara Falls are forecast to increase by from approximately 11,330 to 12,290, representing an increase of 960 jobs. Over the long-term planning horizon, Niagara Falls Employment Areas are anticipated to accommodate approximately 17% of the City’s total employment growth, totaling 2,990 employees. Employment Areas within the City are expected to accommodate 100% of City-wide employment land employment and 5% of forecast population-related employment. Assuming an average target density on Employment Areas of 25 jobs per gross ha (10 jobs per gross acre), the City of Niagara Falls is forecast to absorb an average of 3 gross ha (7 gross acres) of Employment Area per year over the next 26 years, generating a total land demand of 108 gross ha (266 gross acres) over the long-term planning horizon. In accordance with the City’s supply of designated, developable vacant urban serviced/serviceable Employment Areas and forecast demand for these lands, a deficit of 48 gross ha (118 gross acres) has been identified by 2051. Adjusted for land vacancy, the City’s long-term land need has been upwardly adjusted to 60 gross ha (147 gross acres). Conversion Analysis In consultation with City of Niagara Falls staff, the Consultant Team has assessed a number of candidate sites on employment lands which may be appropriate to convert to a non-employment uses. This exercise was completed within the framework of the Growth Plan, 2019 and the 2020 P.P.S. as well as site-specific evaluation criteria which are discussed below. In total, the City has identified six sites for review in this regard. To ensure protection of employment lands, it is important to consider on a site-by-site basis, the potential impact of a conversion on the City’s existing and developing employment lands. These evaluation criteria are discussed through a site -by-site analysis in Chapter 7. Of the six candidate sites considered for analysis, three sites have been recommended for conversion to a non -employment use. In addition to the above conversion analysis, the Consultant Team has identified five additional vacant industrial sites which should be reviewed for conversion Page 53 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE vi https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Policy Recommendations This section provides recommendations pertaining to the City’s employment lands. These recommendations consider the respective supply and demand analys es to 2051 as well as the broader policy context, including Provincial and Regional policies. The recommendations are grouped based on five themes, which include: • Future vision for the City’s Employment Lands; • Provincial and Regional Policy Conformity and Alignment; • Employment Land Conversion; • Future Land Needs; and • Competitiveness of Supply. Clarifying Employment Lands with Employment Areas - There are a number of technical revisions which should be considered to provide for enhanced clarity and readability of the City’s employment policies: • Consistent language and terminology; • Visual Representation; • Definitions; and • Organization of Conversion Policies. Provincial and Regional Policy Conformity and Alignment - There are a number of changes to the City’s current O.P. framework required to address matters of consistency and conformity with the P.P.S., 2020; Growth Plan, 2019 (including Amendment 1); and the Niagara Region O.P.: • Strengthen policies to protect the long-term viability for existing and planned industries; • Add a policy recognizing that Employment Areas adjacent to or near major goods movement facilities and corridors should be protected; • Strengthen policies to facilitate developing active transportation networks and a transit-supportive built form in Employment Areas; • Strengthen existing policies regarding the design of surface parking to minimize surface parking in Employment Areas; Page 54 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE vii https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Add a policy regarding the City’s role in working with the Region, and appropriate stakeholders such as Niagara Region Transit, to coordinate planning for economic development and transportation demand management; and • Designate the Niagara Economic Gateway on O.P. mapping. Future Land Needs – Ultimately, the study findings suggest that there is not sufficient land available to meet the project employment demand and, accordingly, additional land will need to be added to meet the demand. There is a need for the City to provide additional land to meet the demand to the 2051 planning horizon. Competitiveness of Supply – The Regional O.P. identifies a set of policies for the Niagara Economic Gateway, which includes the Niagara Falls Priority Investment Area, to promote economic development. While the Niagara Falls O.P. focuses on promoting industrial development, an opportunity exists to broaden the discussion by considering potential investment incentives for these areas, which are currently not delineated within the City’s O.P. Page 55 of 539 Report Page 56 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Chapter 1 Introduction Page 57 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 1-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 1. Introduction 1.1 Terms of Reference Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. (Watson), in partnership with Dillon Consulting Ltd. (Dillon), and MDB Insight Inc. (MDB), hereinafter referred to as the Consultant Team, were retained in the winter of 2020 by the City of Niagara Falls to conduct an Employment Lands Strategy (E.L.S.) for the City. This E.L.S. will contribute to a long- term vision and planning policy framework which will enhance the City’s competitive position for industrial and office employment, including other employment-supportive uses in its Employment Areas. A key objective of this study is to assess City’s long- term employment land needs to the year 2051, while also considering the adequacy and marketability of the City’s “shovel-ready” employment lands within the near term. More specifically, this study provides the following: • An evaluation of the City’s current employment land supply and an assessment of “Investment Readiness” of its Employment Areas within the context of evolving macro-economic trends and anticipated employment sectors; • A review of regional and local macro-economic and demographic trends that are anticipated to impact the amount, type and location of the City’s long -term population and employment growth potential; • A S.W.O.C. (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Constraints) assessment of the City’s Employment Areas to accommodate future employment growth within identified target sectors; • An assessment of longer-term Employment Area land needs (i.e. supply versus demand) within the broader context of Region-wide trends in Employment Areas; • A review of employment sites identified for potential conversion to a non- employment use; • A review of the City’s current O.P. policies related to Employment Areas. This review will identify potential gaps within the current policy framework as well as provide recommendations for considerations to be potentially addressed through an Official Plan Amendment (O.P.A.) and Zoning By-law Amendment (Z.B.A.); and • Recommended strategies to promote and attract industrial growth in Employment Areas on an international stage. Page 58 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 1-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx This analysis represents the first and second phase of the Employment Lands Strategy (E.L.S.) for the City of Niagara Falls. This Phase 2 report provides further direction regarding employment land needs, a framework and evaluation of potential Employment Area conversions to non-employment uses, strategic planning policy recommendations, and marketing strategies to deliver investment-ready lands. 1.2 Background The City faces a number of opportunities and challenges with respect to the management of its existing and future Employment Areas. From a macr o-economic perspective, the Greater Golden Horseshoe (G.G.H.) regional economy is transitioning from goods to services production. Within the service sector, economic growth has been particularly strong for small- to medium-scale knowledge-based businesses which are focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. The trend towards more knowledge - intensive and creative forms of economic activity is evident at the broader national and provincial levels as well as within the City of Niagara Falls. Recognizing t he recent structural changes in the regional economy, there has been a shift in planning philosophy that calls for developing Employment Areas to provide for a wider range of amenities and employment-supportive uses that complement both knowledge-based and traditional industrial sectors. While manufacturing remains vitally important to the provincial economy with re spect to jobs and economic output, this sector is continually evolving across Ontario. Looking forward, there will continue to be a manufacturing focus in Niagara Falls and the surrounding economic region . Industrial processes, however, have become more capital intensive and automated, as local industries are required to streamline production through increased product innovation, specialization, and integration of technology. Future trends in the manufacturing sector will have a direct impact on employment density in Niagara Region’s Employment Areas and ultimately on future employment land needs. While manufacturing remains a major area of eco nomic activity across the region, business growth continues to diversify into other industrial and knowledge-based sectors. If properly planned for, the transitioning regional economy represents a potential opportunity for the City. To ensure the continued growth and diversity of the City’s economy, planning and marketing efforts must be Page 59 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 1-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx geared toward both the broader strengths of the City and its Employment Areas, as well as specific target sector investment attraction efforts. 1.2.1 What are Employment Lands? Employment lands typically include a broad range of designated lands, including light, medium and heavy industrial lands, business parks and rural industrial lands. Employment Areas accommodate primarily export-based employment, including a wide range of industrial uses (e.g. manufacturing, distribution/logistics, transportation services), as well as specific commercial and institutional uses (e.g. office, service, ancillary/accessory retail) which generally support the industrial/business function of the Employment Areas. Within the City of Niagara Falls, employment lands also intersect with the tourism sector, with warehousing, food processing, and storage operations functioning as tourism-supportive uses. Employment lands can exist both inside and outside Employment Areas. The Niagara Region O.P. defines Employment Areas as lands that “are designated in an official plan for clusters of business and economic activities including, but not limited to, manufacturing, warehousing, offices, and associated retail and ancillary facilities.” The City of Niagara Falls contains seven different Employment Areas (see Figure 2-4) located throughout the City’s urban boundary, with the City’s business parks located on the southern limits. Most of Niagara Falls employment lands exist within Employment Areas, with some designated employment lands scattered throughout the City’s urban boundary outside Employment Areas. Generally, the City’s employment lands that are located outside the City’s Employment Areas do not result in a clustered, cohesive landscape of business and employment activities. 1.2.2 Why are Employment Lands Important? Employment lands form a vital component of the City of Niagara Falls’ land-use structure and are an integral part of the local economic development potential of the City and Region. They are also home to many of the City’s large private-sector employers. Through development of its employment land base, the City is better positioned to build more balanced, complete, and competitive communities. Development typically accommodated on employment lands generates relatively strong economic multipliers (i.e. spin-off effects) that benefit the City and Region directly and indirectly. In addition, Page 60 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 1-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx employment lands development generates employment opportunities that can improve local socio-economic conditions (i.e. live/work opportunities). Furthermore, achieving non-residential growth adds to a community's assessment base, which can help support lower property taxes and stronger municipal service levels. Employment lands development also tends to produce more positive net fiscal benefits for the community than other types of development (e.g. residential and retail). Thus, a healthy balance between residential and non-residential development is considered an important policy objective for Niagara Region and its local municipalities. Page 61 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Ph ase 2 Report.docx Chapter 2 Policy Context Review and Gap Analysis Page 62 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 2. Policy Context Review and Gap Analysis The following section provides an overview of the relevant provincial, regional and City policies that apply to Employment Areas within the City of Niagara Falls. The policies discussed herein will frame the scope of the City’s employment lands supply analysis and policy directions. 2.1 Provincial Planning Policy Context Planning for Employment Areas in Ontario is guided by a number of interrelated provincial documents, plans, guidelines and supporting documents. These documents provide the legislative requirements and general direction that informs the way municipalities plan for Employment Areas over the long term. The following section provides an overview of the key provincial, regional , and local policy context, which informs the employment land supply analysis in the City of Niagara Falls. 2.1.1 Planning Act The Planning Act (1990) is the enabling legislation for land -use planning in Ontario. The Planning Act sets out the framework for statutory planning and identifies the delegated powers for municipal land-use planning. The Planning Act defines Employment Areas and establishes the provincial interest in planning for employment opportunities. The Planning Act defines Employment Areas as: an area of land designated in an official plan for clusters of business and economic uses including, without limitation, the uses listed in subsection (5), or as otherwise prescribed by regulation. Uses that pertain to the definition include: a) manufacturing uses; b) warehousing uses; c) office uses; d) retail uses that are associated with manufacturing, warehousing and office uses; and Page 63 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx e) facilities that are ancillary to manufacturing, warehousing, office and ancillary retail uses. The Planning Act establishes that the adequate provision of employment opportunities is a matter of provincial interest and provides the legislative framework that is further implemented through several other provincial plans including the Provincial Policy Statement (P.P.S.), 2020, and Growth Plan, 2019 (A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (G.G.H.)). 2.1.2 Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 The P.P.S., 2020, issued under section 3 of the Planning Act, provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to planning and regulating the development and use of land. The Planning Act requires that all decisions that affect land-use planning matters must be consistent with the P.P.S., therefore all municipal O.P.s are required to be consistent with the policies in the P.P.S. Section 1 of the P.P.S. outlines policies on “Building Strong Healthy Communities.” P.P.S. policy 1.3 promotes strong, livable, and healthy communities and requires that municipalities: • Protect the environment, public health and safety; • Provide the appropriate mix and range of employment, including industrial and commercial; • Promote economic development and competitiveness; • Provide an appropriate mix and range of employment types to meet long -term needs; • Encourage compact, cost-effective development patterns; and • Ensure that necessary infrastructure is made available. The P.P.S. also encourages “compact, mixed-use development that incorporates compatible employment uses to support liveable and resilient communities .” P.P.S. policy 1.2.6.2 on land-use compatibility has been added to the P .P.S. to address the protection of the long-term viability of existing or planned industrial, manufacturing , or other uses in instances where land-use compatibility is being challenged by the encroachment of sensitive uses. Page 64 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx There are several existing and new policies within the revised P .P.S. that are relevant to the City of Niagara Falls’ employment land supply analysis, including: • Land-Use Compatibility – The revised P.P.S. includes a new policy which emphasizes the protection of the long-term viability of existing industrial and manufacturing uses in instances where avoidance of incompatibility uses in proximity to existing industrial and manufacturing uses is not possible. As per P.P.S. policy 1.2.6.2, the introduction of sensitive uses adjacent to existing industrial and manufacturing uses is only permitte d if a set of conditions can be met, including the following: o There is a demonstrated need for the proposed use; o After evaluating, there are no reasonable alternative locations for the proposed use; o Adverse effects to the proposed sensitive use are minimiz ed and mitigated; and o Potential impacts to industrial, manufacturing or other uses are minimized and mitigated. • Identifying Sites for Strategic Investment – The revised P.P.S. includes policies regarding the identification of strategic sites for investment to promote economic development and competitiveness. As per P.P.S. policy 1.3.1 c, municipalities are to identify and monitor suitable employment sites, including market-ready sites for investment, and address potential barriers to investment. • Protection of Employment Areas – As per P.P.S. policy 1.3.2.1, municipalities are expected to plan, protect, and preserve Employment Areas and provide the infrastructure to support growth. • Protection of Industrial and Manufacturing Uses – The revised P.P.S. includes stronger policy direction on protecting existing industrial and manufacturing uses from non-compatible land uses. As per P.P.S. policy 1.3.2.2 appropriate separation distances and mitigation measures must be included between sensitive land uses and Employment Areas. Policy 1.3.2.3 prohibits residential uses and sensitive land uses that are not ancillary to the pr imary employment use. In addition, Employment Areas planned for industrial or manufacturing are required to include an appropriate transition t o adjacent non- Employment Areas. • Conversion of Lands Within Employment Areas – Municipalities may allow for the conversion of lands within Employment Areas but only through an M.C.R. Page 65 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Some flexibility, however, is provided to allow for conversion outside the M.C.R. process, as noted in P.P.S. policy 1.3.2.5. • Proximity to Major Goods Movement Facilities and Corridors – P.P.S. policies 1.3.2.6 and 1.8.1 c note that municipalities are to protect Employment Areas in proximity to major Goods Movement facilities and corridors for employment uses that rely on these locations. The P.P.S. defines major Goods Movement facilities and corridors as “transportation facilities and corridors associated with the inter- and intra-provincial movement of goods.” • Planning Beyond the 25-year Planning Horizon – P.P.S. policies 1.1.2 and 1.3.2.7 have been revised to authorize the planning of Employment Areas beyond a 25-year planning horizon. This may have implications on Employment Area conversions within the City of Niagara Falls and as such should be considered as part of the employment land supply analysis. 2.1.3 Provincial Growth Pl an for the Greater Golden Horseshoe The Growth Plan, 2019, hereinafter referred to as Growth Plan (outlines where and how growth and development should occur between now and a planning horizon of 2051 within the Golden Greater Horseshoe (G.G.H.). The Growth Plan includes population and employment forecasts and policy direction for a range of areas including land use, infrastructure, housing, transportat ion planning, and employment. On August 28, 2020, the Province released Amendment 1 to A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the GGH, 2019 which has been incorporated into an Office Consolidation, August 2020 document. The Growth Plan, 2019 has been updated in conjunction with a revised outcome-based LNA methodology for the GGH. These documents are in effect as of August 28, Page 66 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-5 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 2020. The key policies that are relevant to the City’s E.L.S. include the following: • The Planning Horizon has been Extended to 2051 – The population and employment growth forecast horizon in Schedule 3 of the Growth Plan has now been extended to 2051. Within the G.G.H., the Growth Plan provides that the applicable time horizon for land-use planning is 2051. • The Forecasts in Schedule 3 of the Growth Plan are to be Treated as Minimums – Lower forecasts for population, dwellings by type or employment are not permitted. • Higher Growth Forecast Alternatives are Permitted – G.G.H. upper-tier and single-tier municipalities may establish higher growth forecasts through their respective M.C.R. exercise. • Major Transit Station Areas (M.T.S.A.s) in Provincially Significant Employment Zones (P.S.E.Z.) – This policy amendment would allow conversions of Employment Areas identified as a P.S.E.Z. and located within an M.T.S.A., as delineated in an O.P., to occur before the next M.C.R. The Growth Plan defines Employment Area s as “areas designated in an O.P. for clusters of business and economic activities including, but not limited to, manufacturing, warehousing, offices, and associated retail and ancillary facilities.” There are several policies within the Growth Plan that are relevant to the City of Niagara Falls employment land supply analysis, including the following: • Promote Economic Competitiveness – As per Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.1 a-d, economic competitiveness must be promoted through the efficient use of Employment Areas, ensuring sufficient land is available to accommodate f orecast employment growth, to plan better connected areas, and to align land-use planning and economic development goals to attract and retain investment and employment. • Guidance on Transit and Active Transportation – As per Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.4, when planning for employment, surface parking should be minimized and complemented by a built form that facilitates/supports active transportation networks and transit. In addition, as per Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.5, municipalities are required to identify and designate lands within settlement areas Page 67 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-6 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx adjacent to or near major goods movement facilities and corridors including major highway interchanges. • Restricting Employment Area Conversion – The Growth Plan includes clarity on who can initiate an M.C.R. and flexible opportunities for conversion of Employment Areas. As per Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.9, conversions of Employment Areas in the City to non-employment uses may be permitted only through a Regionally-initiated M.C.R. As per Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.10, however, lands within an existing Employment Area may be converted to non- employment uses outside a Regionally-initiated M.C.R. where certain criterion can be met: o There is a demonstrated need for the conversion; o Proposed uses do not adversely affect the viability of the Employment Area, intensification/density targets, or other Growth Plan policies; o Proposed uses can be accommodated through existing or planned infrastructure; o The conversion must maintain a “significant number” of jobs on the subject lands; and o The lands will not be a part of a P.S.E.Z. The updated conversion policy does not identify who can initiate a request outside of an M.C.R. It is anticipated that the City, Region, or landowners will be able to request conversions at any time on an ongoing basis where the above- noted criterion can be satisfied. • Designating and Protecting Employment Areas – As per Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.6, upper- and single-tier municipalities are to “designate all Employment Areas in their respective O.P. and protect them for appropriate employment uses over the long term.” In addition, as per policy 2.2.5.7, the Growth Plan requires that municipalities prohibit residential and limit other sensitive uses that are not ancillary to the primary employment use, prohibit major retail uses, and provide appropriate interface between employment and adjacent non-Employment Areas to maintain land-use compatibility. • Gateway Economic Zone – As per Growth Plan Schedule 2 and policy 2.2.5.18, the economic importance of the Niagara-United States border is recognized through the Gateway Economic Zone; please see Figure 2-1 of this report. The Growth Plan defines the Gateway Economic Zone as “Settlement areas…that, due to their proximity to major international border crossings, have unique Page 68 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-7 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx economic importance to the region and Ontario.” The purpose of the Gateway Economic Zone is to support economic diversity and promote increased opportunities for cross-border trade, movement of goods, and tourism. • Directing Office, Institutional and Retail Uses Generally Away from Employment Areas – The Growth Plan includes stronger policy direction to protect existing industrial uses from non-compatible land uses. As per Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.8, the development of sensitive land uses, major retail uses , or major office uses will avoid any adverse impacts on industrial, manufacturing, or other similar uses. Where avoidance is not possible, appropriate mitigation measures must be in place. • Coordination – The Growth Plan emphasizes the value of coordinated, multi- jurisdictional planning for transportation demand ma nagement and economic development for large areas that have a high concentration of employment. As per Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.17, the upper- and single-tier municipalities, the Province, and other appropriate stakeholders are encouraged to undertake a c o- ordinated approach to planning for large areas with high concentrations of employment that cross municipal boundaries and are major trip generators. Page 69 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-8 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 2-1 Provincial Gateway Economic Zone Guiding the policies mentioned above is Growth Plan policy 2.2.5.13, which requires municipalities to identify minimum density targets for all Employment Areas within settlement areas. In addition, Schedule 3 of the Growth Plan outlines the population and employment projections for the Region of Niagara. The previous employment forecast for the Region of Niagara identifie d a growth of 74,000 jobs between 2016 and 2041. The updated Schedule 3 employment forecast in the Growth Plan now displays slower employment growth than previously identified, with Niagara Region employment expected to increase by 81,000 jobs between 2016 and 2051. Table 2-1 illustrates the comparison of population and employment growth for the Region of Niagara in both of these forecast scenarios. Page 70 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-9 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Table 2-1 Growth Plan Population and Employment Projections 2.1.4 Niagara Region Official Plan The Region of Niagara’s O.P., was approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs in December 1994 and has undergone a number of amendments since this time to update the Plan to respond to changing provincial policy planning direction and other matters. The most recent consolidation of the Regional OP occurred in June 2014 and contains all amendments up to and inclusive of that date. The Regional OP guides growth and development within the Niagara Region.1 The Regional O.P. establishes the Regional Structure and the Economic Gateway Employment Lands for the Niagara Region. The Economic Gateway Employment Lands are comprised of Gateway Economic Centres, Gateway Economic Zones, rural employment lands, and employment lands. In the context of the City of Niagara Falls, the Gateway Economic Zone identified on Schedule G1 of the Regional O.P. and employment lands identified on Schedule G2 of the Regional O.P. are of relevance. 2.1.4.1 Gateway Economic Zones Gateway Economic Zones are identified on Schedule G1 - Niagara Economic Gateway of the Regional O.P. – please refer to Figure 2-2 of this report. The Gateway Economic Zone includes all settlement areas within Niagara Falls, including the Queen Elizabeth Way (Q.E.W.) Corridor between Fort Erie and Niagara Falls. As per the Regional O.P., the Niagara Region is uniquely positioned within Ontario’s economic mar ket, being located adjacent to the United States (U.S.) border. The vision of the Niagara Economic Gateway employment lands is to attract investment and promote employment growth in strategic locations. The vision includes the transformation of vacant la nds into 1 Regional O.P. is currently under review as part of the M.C.R. process to bring it into conformity with the Growth Plan, 2019. The review will include an analysis of how an d where Niagara Region is growing. Population Employment 2016 2016 2031 2041 2051 2031 2041 2051 Growth Plan 2019 459,000 191,000 543,000 610,000 235,000 265,000 Growth Plan 2019, Amended 2020 459,000 191,000 674,000 272,000 Existing Population Employment Forecast Page 71 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-10 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx a diversified mix of vibrant, attractively designed, accessible , and sustainable Employment Areas. The Regional O.P. emphasizes that challenges related to the Niagara Economic Gateway should be addressed in a coordinated manner. Section 3A outlines a variety of key policy directions for the Niagara Economic Gateway, including: • Identifying the location of the Niagara Economic Gateway Zone; • Encouraging local area municipalities to develop community improvement plans (C.I.P.s) in accordance with the Region’s C.I.P. to maximize incentives and provide consistent opportunities for investment; • Indicating that the Region supports the development and implementation of a Development Permit System in the Niagara Economic Gateway (now referred to as the Community Planning Permit System) to achieve the Region’s goals, objectives, and policies of the Regional O.P. and local area municipal O.P.s; • Identifying a Niagara Falls Priority Investment Area to capitalize on market opportunities for cross border trade by identifying a location for secure storage, warehousing and logistics facilities in close proximity to a border crossing ; • Recognizing the unique position the City of Niagara Falls has along the Q.E.W. and identifying a Q.E.W. Business Park to capitalize on long-term opportunities for businesses and services in close proximity to 400-series highways focusing on manufacturing, warehousing, and other Employment Area uses; • Indicating that the Region will identify transportation and infrastructure improvements and upgrades required to support the Niagara Gateway Employment Lands Strategy; • Directing municipalities to develop phasing strategies for vacant, unserviced Employment Areas; • Supporting local municipal planning and economic development efforts through leadership and coordination; • Discouraging the conversion of Employment Areas to non-employment uses; • Aligning regional and municipal capital planning for new infrastructure and transportation with the Strategic Locations for Investment identified in Amendment RPPA 1-2012; • Emphasizing that land-use compatibility within the Gateway Economic Zone and Centre is a primary focus of the Regional O.P.; and Page 72 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-11 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Indicating that the Region will monitor the implementation of the Gateway Economic Zone and Centre, and report on land development and job creation within the Gateway. Every five years, the Region will undertake a review of the Gateway policies to assess growth, development, land budget, and policy implementation. Figure 2-2 Niagara Economic Gateway Employment Lands 2.1.4.2 Employment Areas Employment Areas are identified on Schedule G2 – Niagara Economic Gateway Employment Lands of the Regional O.P.; please refer to Figure 2-2 of this report. The Regional O.P. defines Employment Areas as lands that “are designated in an official plan for clusters of business and economic activities including, but not limited to, manufacturing, warehousing, offices, and associated retail and ancillary facilities.” Section 3 “Employment” and section 4 “Managing Growth” provide the policy direction Page 73 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-12 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx for Employment Areas within the Niagara Region. Section 3C of the Regional O.P. outlines a number of key policy directions for Employment Areas, including: • Indication that the main objective of the Employment Areas is to ensure economic competitiveness by: o Permitting an appropriate mix of industrial, commercial , and institutional uses within Employment Areas to meet long-term needs; o Maintaining a range and choice of suitable sites for employment uses to promote a diversified economic base, taking into account the needs of existing and future businesses; o Planning for the protection of Employment Areas; o Directing local O.P.s to include Employment Area conversion policies in accordance with Chapter 4.E of the Regional O.P.; and o Identifying the necessary infrastructure and services that are required to support current and forecast employment needs ; • A requirement for local municipalities to provide policies and desi gnations to implement the Regional O.P., including the preservation of lands within Urban Areas that are adjacent to or in close proximity to existing major highway interchanges, ports or rail yards, as Employment Areas providing for manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and associated retail, office, and ancillary employment uses, where appropriate; • Management of land-use compatibility including requiring an analysis to assess any constraints relating to the introduction of new sensitive land uses th at are proposed adjacent to or in proximity to Employment Areas; and • Support for local and regional efforts to develop clusters of associated economic activities. Section 4E of the Regional O.P. outlines a number of key policy directions for the conversion of Employment Areas, including: • Identification of the requirements for a conversion of Employment Areas for non - employment uses to be considered only through an M.C.R. and that a decision of Regional Council to refuse applications or non-decisions is not subject to appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (L.P.A.T.).1 1 Formerly referred to as the Ontario Municipal Board (O.M.B.). Page 74 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-13 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 2.1.5 City of Niagara Falls Official Plan The City of Niagara Falls O.P. sets out land-use policies and permissions for all lands within the City. The Niagara Falls O.P. defines employment lands as: an area of land designated for clusters of business and economic uses being: manufacturing, warehousing, office uses and retail uses associated with or facilities ancillary to them; and areas supporting opportunities for cross-border trade, movement of goods and tourism. The City’s Industrial Lands are comprised of lands within the Industrial designation, which are described in Part 2, section 8 of the Niagara Falls O.P. Lands designated as Industrial on Schedule A: Future Land Use of the Niagara Falls O.P. are considered the City’s employment lands, are the subject lands for this study, and are represented on Figure 2-3. The following highlights some key policies for lands designated Industrial. 2.1.5.1 Industrial Designation Lands designated Industrial are intended to en sure that an adequate supply of land is available to provide opportunities for the expansion of existing industrial and the stimulation of new industrial growth. The policies promote infilling and redevelopmen t within established industrial districts within the Built-Up Area (B.U.A.), in addition to the development of lands within Designated Greenfield Areas (D.G.A.) for new industrial and employment uses. Figure 2-3 displays the City’s industrial lands. As per Niagara Falls O.P. policy 8.2, the primary uses permitted within the Industrial designation include manufacturing, assembly, fabricating, processi ng, reclaiming, recycling, warehousing, distribution, laboratory and research, and storage. In addition, all forms of service industries and utilities are permitted. Adult entertainment parlours and body-rub parlours are also permitted within the industr ial designation, subject to other policies of the Niagara Falls O.P. Other uses that are permitted within the designation include: • Ancillary uses to industrial operations including offices, retail and wholesale showrooms, and outlets for products produced on the premises; Page 75 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-14 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Commercial services such as, but not limited to, banks, restaurants, convenience retail outlets, material suppliers, which are incidental to the industrial district servicing industries and their personnel; • Corporate and business offices; and • Health and fitness facilities, conference centres, and private clubs. Page 76 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-15 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 2-3 City of Niagara Falls Industrial Lands The Niagara Falls O.P. identifies several categories of industrial uses ranging from heavy to prestige use to be established in the zoning by-law. The O.P. established policies to guide the categories include clustering industries, minimizing land-use conflicts, and providing separation of uses wherever possible. The policies also Page 77 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-16 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx recognize the importance of highway frontage and access for industrial uses. The Niagara Falls O.P. does not currently delineate Employment Areas. As such, the Employment Area boundaries established within this report have been provided by City of Niagara Falls staff in accordance with the draft Employment Area delineations established in the Niagara Region Employment Area Strategy Ba ckground Report, March 2020. Figure 2-4 of this report provides an overview of the Employment Areas within the City, which include: • Highway 405 Employment Area; • North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area ; • Q.E.W./420 Employment Area; • Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area; • Dorchester Road Employment Area; • Montrose Road Industrial Area; and • Stanley Avenue Business Park. Page 78 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-17 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 2-4 City of Niagara Falls Employment Areas Page 79 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-18 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Some of these Employment Areas include Special Policy Areas and the Transit Station Secondary Plan Area, which are delineated on Schedule A: Future Land Use, and Schedule A5: Transit Station Secondary Plan Area of the Niagara Falls O.P. The information below provides an overview of the Special Policy Areas and the Transit Station Secondary Plan Area as they apply to the respective Employment Areas: • North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area: o Special Policy Area “7” is located within the North Niagara Falls Secu re Storage Employment Area. As per policy 13.7, the area is recognized as a regeneration area that will accommodate a mix of light industrial, service commercial, office uses and recreational facilities. In addition, a portion of the area is located within the Transit Station Secondary Plan. While the intent of the Niagara Falls O.P. is to continue the expansion of the existing general industrial businesses within the Special Policy Ar ea, the long-term intent is to transition the area to light industrial, service commercial and tourist commercial uses. For the areas surrounding the Transit Station this means that transitioning heavy industrial uses towards lighter industrial uses will support the development of a greater mix of housing units in the area (Part 2, section 13, policy 13.7.2). o Special Policy Area “62” is located within the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area. As per policy 13.62.1.1, the intent for these lands is to support a broader range of employment activities including “light industrial; warehousing; office; laboratory and research facilities; automotive uses; service commercial uses such as restaurants, printing shops, fitness and recreation, convenience stores; and, institutional uses such as community centres, arenas, and churches.” o Lands in and around this area also include stable residential neighbourhood. There may be an opportunity to explore some site-specific conversion opportunities where there is potential to address historic land use compatibility issues or advance opportunities for transit oriented development. • Montrose Road Industrial Area: o Special Policy Area “4” is located within the Montrose Road Industrial Area. As per policy 14.4, in addition to these lands being designated as Page 80 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-19 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Industrial, these lands may be used to accommodate an existing camping establishment. • Stanley Avenue Business Park: o Special Policy Area “25” is located within the Stanley Avenue Business Park. As per policy 13.25, in addition to the Industrial designation, policies related to the Theme Park – Marineland designation apply. Permitted uses include office and service buildings ancillary to the Marineland operations. It should be noted that the Industrial designation is not intended to serve a significant commercial function. As per policy 8.4.1, the rezoning of industrial lands for non- industrial uses is to be limited. In addition, the O.P. recognizes the City’s natural features – Niagara Falls – and their location along the U.S. border, which make them a local and international tourist attraction and an employment generator for the City. The Niagara Falls O.P. Part 2, section 4, policy 4.1.4, recognizes the unique importance of the City’s Tourist Commercial Areas, and particularly the accommodation sector, in providing a source of employment for residents. Accordingly, the O.P. provides an additional level of protection to these lands, noting that they should be protected from conversion to a non - tourist commercial use through the application of the employment lands conversion policies set out in the O.P. When the City updates its commercial policies, it should consider the effectiveness of policy 4.1.4. 2.1.5.2 Urban Structure The Niagara Falls O.P. outlines an Urban Structure Plan on Schedule A2. Lands designated Industrial fall within the following Urban Structure elements: • Built-up Area; • Node; • Brownfield Pilot Project Area; • Designated Greenfield Area; and • Q.E.W. Employment Corridor. The following provides a brief discussion on each of the Urban Structure Elements as it relates to lands designated Industrial, which are represented on Figure 2-5. Page 81 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-20 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Built-up Area (B.U.A.) Policies pertaining to the City’s B.U.A. are delineated on Schedule A2: Urban Structure Plan of the Niagara Falls O.P.; please refer to Figure 2-5 of this report. Lands designated as B.U.A. are intended to provide for a mix of uses, including housing, commercial, parkland, and industrial. Part 2, section 8, policy 8.1 states that the City has a substantial supply of land available for industrial development within the B.U.A. The B.U.A. includes underutilized parcels along the Q.E.W. Employment Corridor. As per policy 8.8, the Q.E.W. Employment Corridor is identified as being well suited for the development of employment uses. As noted in section 8 of the Niagara Falls O.P. the intensification and redevelopment of these lands for industrial purposes is encouraged. Node The City has identified nodes as areas that have the potential to accommodate higher density development over the long term on Schedule A2: Urban Structure Plan of the Niagara Falls O.P.; please refer to Figure 2-5 of this report. Section 3 identifies the following nodes within the City of Niagara Falls: • Downtown Node; • Drummondville Node; • Stamford Node; and • Morrison/Dorchester Node. As per Part 1, section 3, policy 3.10 of the Niagara Falls O.P., nodes are areas in which residential intensification is encouraged in order to regenerate and increase the vitality of existing commercial or industrial areas. Policy 3.10 states that the intent is not to dislocate and re-designate non-residential uses within these nodes but to promote the long-term compatibility between residential and non-residential uses within these areas. As such section 3 provides guidance on matters such as building height, vistas, streetscape, and heritage characteristics within nodes. Brownfield Pilot Project Area The Brownfield Pilot Project Area is designated on Schedule A2: Urban Structure Plan of the Niagara Falls O.P.; please refer to Figure 2-5 of this report. The Brownfield Pilot Project Area is partially located within the City’s industrial lands along Stanley Avenue . Page 82 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-21 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx The City established the Brownfields C.I.P. in 2006, which is referenced in Niagara Falls O.P. Part 2, section 13, policy 13.7.1.8. The purpose of the C.I.P. is to establish a framework for incentive programs for brownfield remediation, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse, as well as the overall improvement of br ownfield areas. Greenfield Area Policies pertaining to the City’s Greenfield Area are outlined in Part 2, section 8, policies 8.5 to 8.7 and delineated on Schedule A2: Urban Structure Plan of the Niagara Falls O.P.; please refer to Figure 2-5 of this report. Lands designated as Greenfiel d Area are intended to provide for industrial uses and to contribute to the creation of a complete community, while considering adequate separation distance between residential and other sensitive land uses and heavy industrial uses. Policy 8.6 states that land uses must be planned in accordance with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks D6 Guidelines. According to Niagara Falls O.P. policy 8.6, the following uses are permitted within the Greenfield Area: • Offices; • Government services, research, and training facilities; • Facilities for the production of alternate energy sources; • Prestige industrial uses, including research and development facilities, communications facilities, and manufacturing and processing of fully processed materials deemed not to be obnoxious by reason of dust, odour, fumes, particulate matter, noise and/or excessive vibrations; • Commercial facilities such as, but not limited to, restaurants and material suppliers, which are incidental to the employment designation industries and their personnel; and • Ancillary retail and service uses which shall not exceed 450 square metres (sq.m) (4,844 square feet (sq.ft.)) in gross floor area and only where internally integrated as a component of an employment use. Q.E.W. Employment Corridor Policies pertaining to the Q.E.W. Employment Corridor are outlined in Part 2, section 2, policy 8.8 of the Niagara Falls O.P. The Q.E.W. Employment Corridor within the City of Page 83 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-22 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Niagara Falls extends from south of Lundy's Lane to the interchange at Lyon's Creek Road. The Q.E.W. Employment Corridor is delineated on Schedule A2: Urban Structure Plan of the Niagara Falls O.P. and identified as a location for industrial growth; please refer to Figure 2-5 of this report. The corridor includes a substantial amount of vacant greenfield land and underutilized parcels within the B .U.A. Due to the corridor’s proximity to the U.S. border, it has potential to be a major economic player . As such, the sub-policies under policy 8.8 are directed to protect the lands along the corridor for long-term economic opportunities, including: • Protecting the Q.E.W. Employment Corridor from conversion to, and encroachment from, non-employment uses; • Setting the lands aside for manufacturing, warehousing, wholesaling, and logistics uses. Offices and large-scale institutional uses are also to be permitted as long as these uses require direct access to the Q .E.W.; and • Permitting retail that is ancillary to the main industrial use at a maximum of 25% of the gross floor area of the main industrial use, but not exceeding 465 sq.m (5,005 sq.ft.). Uses that do not require direct access to the Q.E.W. are prohibited, which includes automotive uses, service commercial including restaurants, printing shops, fitness and recreation, and convenience stores, among others. In addition, lands that are located to the east side of the Q .E.W., south of the Welland River, are designated as Resort Commercial in the Official Plan, but are zoned General Industrial (GI) in the City’s Zoning By-law. These lands may provide for employment uses, in accordance with the provisions of the GI zone, and are therefore included the Q.E.W. Employment Corridor. As per policy 8.8.7, however, further planning of the area is required to assess the types of uses that are appropriate for the area. Page 84 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-23 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 2-5 City of Niagara Urban Structure Plan Page 85 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-24 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 2.2 Summary of Policy Context and Gaps The Niagara Falls O.P. was approved in 1993 and has undergone a number of amendments since this time to respond to provincial and regional policy directions. The most recent consolidation of the O.P. occurred in 2019 and includes all amendments up to April 2019 consolidated. The O.P. captures a variety of the provincial policy changes; however, recent changes to the provincial policies should be considered as part of future O.P. updates. In addition, the Regional O.P. is currently under review as part of the M.C.R. process to bring it into conformity with the Growth Plan, 2019. Once completed, the outcome of the M.C.R. process may have an impact on the City’s employment lands. These potential changes to the regional policies should also be considered as part of future O .P. updates. Based on current provincial and regional policies, potential provincial and regional gaps that the City may want to consider include: • Designating the Niagara Economic Gateway on O.P. mapping; • Protecting the long-term viability of existing industrial and manufacturing uses in instances where the encroachment of incompatib le uses is not avoidable; • Providing direction on what to do if the encroachment of sensitive land uses and existing industrial and manufacturing uses is not avoidable; • Identifying industrial sites for strategic investment. While Niagara Falls O.P. Section 8 “Industrial” focuses on promoting industrial development, an opportunity exists to broaden the discussion by considering potential investment incentives for these areas; • Identifying infrastructure and servicing required to support forecast employment growth; • Promoting coordination between agencies and stakeholders in the context of industrial sites. An opportunity may exist to establish detailed plans for some of the City’s employment lands; • Ensuring urban design policies emphasize the need for appropriate transitions between industrial areas and adjacent non-Employment Areas; • Potentially coordinating transportation initiatives (including active transportation initiatives) to industrial areas; Page 86 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 2-25 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niaga ra Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Examining the impact of planning Employment Areas beyond a 25-year planning horizon on Employment Area conversions within the City; and • Potentially exploring the implementation of a Community Planning Permit System for areas within the Niagara Falls Economic Gateway. It should be noted that there are currently no P.S.E.Z. identified within the City of Niagara Falls. The Regional O.P. and the Niagara Falls O.P. provide direction on the lands currently designated for employment within the Region, and these will form the basis of the employment land supply analysis. Page 87 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Chapter 3 Macro and Regional Economic Trends and City of Niagara Falls Employment Conditions Page 88 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 3. Macro and Regional Eco nomic Trends and City of Niagara Falls Employment Conditions The following chapter provides a summary of the macro-economic trends influencing regional labour force and employment trends within Ontario, the Niagara Region, and the City of Niagara Falls over the past two decades. In examining the City’s employment lands, it is essential to understand the broader influences and factors that affect the regional economy as a whole. This section briefly examines recent macro- economic trends influencing labour force and employment trends at all levels, including; internationally, nationally, provincially, sub-provincial area (G.G.H.) and regionally (Niagara Region). 3.1 Global Economic Trends and International Trade To date, the downward impacts of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on global economic output have been severe. Economic sectors such as travel and tourism, accommodation and food, manufacturing, energy, and financial have been hit particularly hard. Canada’s gross domestic product (G.D.P.) declined by approximately 39% in the second quarter of 2020 (April to June) which is the most severe decline due to COVID-19 to-date. As containment measures gradually loosened, beginning in May 2020, businesses came out of lockdown during the summer months and eco nomic activity grew at a pace of 40.5% in the third quarter, although GDP was still short o f pre- pandemic levels. The start of the fourth quarter continued with growth; however, newly imposed COVID-19 restrictions towards the end of November will likely cause another contraction to economic activity.1, 2 Overall, required modifications to social behavior (i.e. physical distancing) and increased work at home requirements resulting from government-induced containment measures and increased health risks have resulted in significant economic disruption largely related to changes in consumer demand an d consumption patterns. Furthermore, escalating tensions and constraints related to international trade have also 1 Reuters Business News, August 28, 2020. 2 CBC Business News, Canada’s economy bounced back at record 40% pace in third quarter – but GDP still below pre-CO VID levels, December 1, 2020. Page 89 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx begun to raise further questions regarding the potential vulnerabilities of globalization and the structure of current global supply chains. At the current time, the level of sustained economic impact related to this “exogenous shock” to the world and the Canadian economy is still uncertain. Notwithstanding this uncertainty, it is generally clear that the longer COVID-19 persists on an international scale, the greater the severity of the current global recession. Despite the longer-term consequences of COVID-19 to some industries, firms, and individuals, the long-term economic outlook for the G.G.H. remains positive and the region will continue to be attractive to newcomers. While the housing market across the G.G.H. got off to a slow start in early 2020 due to COVID-19, pent-up demand and historically low mortgage rates have accelerated housing demand across the G.G.H., particularly in less populated regions, in the second half of 2020. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, outward growth pressure from the G .T.H.A. to the G.G.H. Outer Ring has accelerated. According to the Niagara Association of Realtors, residential home sales activity has accelerated through 2020, as total sales in November 2020, for example, increased by 20.5% compared to November 2019. Housing prices have also accelerated in the Region, increasing from a Homes Price Index (H.P.I.) of $430,000 in November 2019 to $511,500 in November 2020, resulting in an 18.9% increase.1 Notwithstanding the recent positive real estate trends identified for the G .G.H. as a whole, the G.G.H. Outer Ring, and the Niagara Region, there are a number of reasons to remain cautious with respect to the broader demand for housing across the GGH over the near term (i.e. next one to three years). A recent report released by R.B.C. Economics identifies that on-going border restrictions, travel-related health fears, and the global economic downturn are expected to reduce immigration levels sharply in 2020.2 The R.B.C. report also points out that while temporary foreign workers are exempt from entry restrictions, fewer are coming to Canada due to l ogistical and financial burdens related to COVID-19 work restrictions and isolation requirements. After the COVID-19 crisis, many economists warn that immigration may remain 1 Niagara Association of REALTORS® November 2020 Mark et Update. https://creastats.crea.ca/board/stca. Accessed January, 2021. 2 R.B.C. Economics. Current Analysis. COVID-19 Derails Canadian Immigration. May 29, 2020. Page 90 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx relatively low compared to recent years, because relatively higher unemployment ra tes during the post-COVID-19 economic recovery period in Canada may reduce the incentive for immigrants coming into the Country.1 This near-term scenario has the potential to reduce population growth levels and soften the housing market in areas of Ontario where population growth is most heavily dependent on immigration. For the G.G.H., the City of Toronto, Peel Region, and York Region would potentially be the most heavily impacted by such a trend, while the remaining “905” Area of the G .T.H.A., and the G.G.H. Outer Ring, which is more dependent on inter-provincial and intra-provincial net migration as a source of housing demand, may potentially be less impacted. In addition to its broader impacts on the economy, COVID-19 is also anticipated to accelerate changes in work and commerce as a result of tech nological disruptions which were already in play prior to the pandemic. As such, enterprises will increasingly be required to rethink the way they conduct business with an increased emphasis on remote work enabled by technologies such as virtual private networks (V.P.N.s), virtual meetings, cloud technology and other remote work collaboration tools. These trends are anticipated to have a direct influence on commercial and industrial real estate needs over both the near and longer term. In light of these anticipated trends, it is important to consider the manner in which these impacts are likely to influence the nature of employment by type as well as by place of work. Today, approximately 5% of the City of Niagara Falls workforce is identified as working from home on a full-time basis, up from 4% in 2001. During this same time period, the percentage of workers who reported having no fixed place of work increased from approximately 6% to 10%.2 It is anticipated that the percentage of people who work from home on a full-time and part- time basis, as well as those who do not have a fixed place of work, will steadily increase over the long term. As this percentage continues to steadily rise, it may reduce the relative need for future commercial and institutional bu ilding space associated with the employment forecasts set out in Schedule 3 of the Growth Plan, 2019. 1 Stalling immigration may add to Canada’s COVID-19 economic woes. Fergal Smith, Steve Scherer. Reuters. May 27, 2020. 2 Statistics Canada defines no fixed place of work employees as “persons who do not go from home to the same workplace location at the beginning of each shift. Such persons include building and landscape contractors, travelling salespersons, independent truck drivers, etc.” Page 91 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 3.2 Planning within the Context of an Evolving National and Provincial Economic Outlook 3.2.1 Ontario Economic Outlook within the Canadian Context The Ontario economy is facing significant structural changes. Over the past several decades, the provincial economic base, as measured by G.D.P. output, has shifted from the goods-producing sector (i.e. manufacturing and primary resources) to the services- producing sector. This has largely been driven by G.D.P. declines in the manufacturing sector which were accelerated as a result of the 2008/2009 global economic downturn . It noted that these G.D.P. declines in the manufacturing sector had begun to show signs of stabilization over the past several years, prior to the recent global recession of 2020 . Over the past decade, the Ontario economy experienced a steady rebound in economic activity since the 2008/2009 downturn; however, this recovery was relatively slow to materialize with levels sharply rebounding from 2013 to 2018, as illustrated in Figure 3-1. As previously mentioned, this economic rebound has been partially driven by a gradual recovery in the manufacturing sector, fueled by a lower -valued Canadian dollar and the gradual strengthening of the U.S. economy.8F 1 Growth in 2019 eased to 1.6%, largely as a result of a tightening labour market and slowing global economic growth.9F 2 While the recent performance of the Ontario economy has remai ned relatively strong over the past several years through to early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to the national and provincial economies that are important to recognize. As illustrated in Figure 3-1, the Ontario economy is forecast to contract -4.2% in 2020 before growth rebounds 3.7% in 2021.10F 3 Domestically, the Ontario housing market also continues to pose a risk to the overall economy, which is important to recognize when considering forecast labour forc e and employment growth trends. The sharp rise in Ontario’s housing prices, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area Hamilton (G.T.H.A.), has contributed to record consumer debt loads and eroded housing affordability. The impacts of COVID-19 on the regional and 1 Valued at approximately $0.74 U.S. as of July, 2020. 2 BMO Provincial Outlook, Spring 2019. 3 COVID-19 Recession Deepens Fast from Coast to Coast. RBC Economics. April 13, 2020. Page 92 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-5 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx local housing markets are largely unknown at the current time. It is assumed that near- term housing demand across some of Ontario, particularly larger urban centres which are more heavily influenced my international migration, may be negatively impacted in 2020 and potentially 2021, resulting from a weakened labour market, reduced consumer spending, potential increases in mortgage defaults , and delinquent rent payments. Over the long term, the broader outlook for the Ontario housing market remains positive, but subject to significant variation at the regional level. Figure 3-1 Annual Real G.D.P. Growth, Ontario and Canada Historical (2007 to 2019), and Forecast (2020 to 2021) 3.2.2 Emerging Industry Sector and Labour Force Trends 3.2.2.1 Outlook for the Manufacturing Sector The Purchasing Managers’ Index (P.M.I.) is a prevailing economic indicator for economic trends in the manufacturing and services sectors which is based on purchasing managers’ market condition outlook and serves as a key measure of the direction of the manufacturing sector on a monthly basis . The P.M.I. index ranges between a number of 1 to 100. A P.M.I. value greater than 50 represents an expansion relative to the previous month, while a P.M.I. value less than 50 represents a contraction. Figure 3-3 summarizes the P.M.I. index for Canada between 2012 and 2.2% 0.5% -2.5% 3.0% 2.5% 1.7%2.0% 2.5% 1.1%1.4% 3.0% 1.8%1.6% -4.9% 3.4% 2.0% 0.0% -3.5% 3.2% 1.8%1.5%1.3% 2.7%2.5%2.6%2.8% 2.1% 1.6% -4.2% 3.7% -6.0% -5.0% -4.0% -3.0% -2.0% -1.0% 0.0% 1.0% 2.0% 3.0% 4.0% 5.0% 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020(f)2021(f)Annual Real G.D.P. Growth (%)Canada Ontario Source: 2007 to 2018 derived from B.M.O. Capital Markets Economics, Provincial Economic Outlook, and 2019 to 2021 from RBC Economics Provincial Outlook -Update, April 2020, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. Note: 2020 to 2021 are forecast by RBC Economics. Page 93 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-6 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 2020 (April). As illustrated in Figure 3-3, the P.M.I. index has largely exhibited moderate to strong expansion between 2012 and 2018 with the exception of 2015, as well as briefly in 2013 and early 2016. In contrast, the P.M.I. index was noticeably below the historical average in 2019. The P.M.I. index shows steep contractions at the beginning of March 2020 in manufacturing and services sector activity due to the negative effects of COVID-19 on the global economy, international trade, and the general demand for goods and services. These conditions worsened into April 2020; however, they showed signs of a moderate rebound in May and June and strong growth from August to November 2020. Figure 3-2 Purchasing Managers’ Index for Canada, 2001 to 2020 Y.T.D. While manufacturing remains vitally important to the provincial economy with respect to jobs and economic output, this sector is not anticipated to generate significant labour - force growth across the Province over the coming decades. While there will continue to be a manufacturing focus in Ontario, industrial processes have become more capital/ technology intensive and automated. The competitive nature of the manufacturing sector will require production to be increasingly cost effective and value -added oriented, which bodes well for firms that are specialized and capital/technology intensive. As a 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 SepNovJanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJulOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJuneAugOctDecFebAprJuneAugOct2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index)Canada Average Above 50.0= growth from previous month 50.0= no change from previous month Below 50.0=decline from previous month Increasing rate of growth Decreasing rate of growth Source: Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Canada PMI Index, June 2012 -June 2020. Canada Average= 52.5 Page 94 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-7 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx result of increased efficiencies in the manufacturing sector, G.D.P. has increased relative to generally flat labour force trends as G.D.P. output per employee rises. As summarized in Figure 3-3, the manufacturing sector in Ontario experienced significant declines between 2004 and 2009 with respect to labour force and G.D.P. Between 2009 and 2019, however, provincial labour force levels have stabilized and G.D.P. output has shown signs of recovery in the manufacturing sector. While showing modest growth since 2016, labour force levels in the manufacturing sector are anticipated to decline in 2020 due to the impacts of COVID-19, but showed a moderate rebound between June 2020 to October 2020. In view of the potential impacts of the second wave of COVID -19, on December 21, 2020, the Provincial Government announced another provincewide shutdown effective as of Saturday, December 26, 2020.1 At present, the economic impacts from this shutdown on the Ontario manufacturing sector and the broader economy are unclear. Figure 3-3 Manufacturing Labour Force Employment and G.D.P. in Ontario, 2001 to 2020 Y.T.D. 1 https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-provincewide-shutdown Updated: January 7, 2021. Published: December 21, 2020 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000 110,000 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 Manufacturing G.D.P. (Millions)Labour Force Employment in Manufacturing (000s)Year Labour Force - Annual Labour Force - Monthly (3-Month Moving Average) G.D.P. - Annual (Chained 2012 Dollars) Source:Annual labour force data from Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, Table 282-0125, and monthly data from Table 14-10-0091-01. Annual G.D.P. data from Statistics Canada Table 36-10-0402-01, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 95 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-8 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 3.2.2.2 Regional Labour Force Trends Figure 3-4 summarizes total labour force and unemployment rate trends for the St. Catharines-Niagara Census Metropolitan Area (C.M.A.). Labour force data is not available for Niagara Region post-2016, but it is captured in the broader St. Catharines- Niagara C.M.A. economic region. Key observations include the following: • The total labour force within the St. Catharines -Niagara C.M.A. grew from 186,400 in 2001 to 199,600 in 2 019, an increase of 13,200. From 2001 to 2016 the total labour force grew at a steady annual rate of 0.6%. Between 2016 and 2019, the labour force market slightly declined; • Between 2001 and 2019, the unemployment rate in the St. Catharines-Niagara C.M.A. peaked at 10.4% in 2009, coinciding with the 2008 global recession, followed by a steady decline to a recent historical low of 5.8% in 2019; and • Despite the strong recent historical performance of the St. Catharines -Niagara C.M.A. labour market, the unemployment rate peaked in June 2020 at 12.9% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. • The unemployment has since declined, and as of December 2020, it has decreased to 9.1%. According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been driven by temporary layoffs, indicating that much of the labour force is expected to return to their former pla ce of work as restrictions are relaxed.1 1 Statistics Canada, The Daily, Labour Force Survey, April 2020. Page 96 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-9 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 3-3 St. Catharines-Niagara C.M.A. Total Labour Force and Unemployment Rate Trends, 2001 to 2020 3.3 Local Economic Trends and Growth Drivers within a Regional Context This section examines labour force trends over the past 15 years in the City of Niagara Falls in relation to Niagara Region and the Province of Ontario. These trends are important to understand given the close relationship between regional labour for ce growth, net migration, and population growth. 3.3.1 Outward Growth Pressure Niagara Falls is located in the southeast of one of the fastest growing Regions in North America, known as the G.G.H. This region comprises the municipalities that make up the G.T.H.A., as well as the surrounding Regions/Counties within Central Ontario, known as the G.G.H. “Outer Ring,” which extends from Haldimand County in the southwest to Simcoe County in the north, to Niagara Region in the southeast (refer to Map 3-1). The strength of the broader regional G.G.H. economy presents a key opportunity for the City of Niagara Falls economy and its residents within commuting 186.4 192.8 196.1 203.1 199.6 170 191.6 6.4% 8.2% 7.1% 5.8% 12.9% 9.1% 6.3%6.3% 7.9% 6.5% 5.6% 12.4% 9.4% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 0 50 100 150 200 250 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Jan 2020 Feb 2020 Mar 2020 Apr 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 Aug 2020 Sept 2020 Oct 2020 Nov 2020 Dec Unemployment Rate (%)Employed Labour Force (000s)Year St. Catharines-Niagara C.M.A. Employed Labour Force (Annual)St. Catharines-Niagara C.M.A. Employed Labour Force (Monthly) St. Catharines-Niagara C.M.A. Unemployment Rate Ontario Unemployment Rate Note: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey and Census labour force statistics may differ. Source: St.Catharines-Niagara Census Metropolitan Area (C.M.A.) employed labour force and unemployment rate from Statistics Canada Table 14-10-0096-01 and 14-10-0294-02. Province of Ontario unemployment rate from Statistics Canada Table 14-10-0090-01. By Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 97 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-10 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx distance to many of the growing regional employment markets within this region, particularly within the west G.G.H. As identified in the Growth Plan, 2019 and Proposed Amendment 1 to A Place to Grow (2020), the long-term outlook for the G.G.H. is positive, characterized by strong population growth primarily through migrati on, fueled by economic growth that is increasingly concentrated in large urban centres. The population of the G.G.H. is forecast to increase from 9.5 million in 2016 to 14.9 million in 2051.1 This represents a population increase of 5.3 million people (153,000 annually), or 1.3% annually between 2016 and 2051. With respect to the region’s economic potential, the G.G.H. employment base is fo recast to increase from 4.6 million in 2016 to 7 million in 2051. This represents an employment increase of 2.4 million jobs (69,000 annually), or 1.2% annually between 2016 and 20 51. Currently, the G.G.H. represents the fourth largest and one of the fastest growing larger City/Regions in North America. The G.G.H. represents the economic powerhouse of Ontario and the centre of a large portion of the economic activity in Canada. The G.G.H. is also economically diverse with most of the top 20 traded industry clusters throughout North America having a strong presence in this region. Within the G.G.H., the G.T.H.A. industrial and office commercial real estate markets are significant, having the third and sixth largest inventories, respectively, in North America.12F 2 With a robust economy and diverse mix of export -based employment sectors, the G.G.H. is highly attractive on an international level to new businesses and investors. The G.G.H. also has a strong appeal given the area’s regional infrastructure (i.e. Toronto Pearson International Airport (T.P.I.A.), other regional airports, provincial highways, inter-modal facilities), access to labour force, post-secondary institutions, and proximity to the U.S. border. In turn, this continues to support steady population and 1 As previously mentioned, proposed Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan extends the Schedule 3 forecast to 2051. 2 Source: Derived from Cushman & Wakefield Toronto Industrial Market Beat and U.S. Industrial Market Beat Snapshot, Q3 2017, and Cushman & Wakefield Toronto Office Market Beat and U.S. Office Market Beat Snapshot, Q3 2017 by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. Page 98 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-11 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx housing growth within this region, largely driven by international and inter -provincial net migration to this region. Map 3-1 City of Niagara Falls within the Context of the G.G.H. Figure 3-5 through Figure 3-7 summarize the long-term population employment growth forecast for the G.G.H. between the G.T.H.A. and the G.G.H. Outer Ring. Figure 3-5 identifies that the G.T.H.A. has historically experienced greater population and employment growth relative to the G.G.H. over the 2001 to 2016 period. Looking forward, forecast annual population and employment growth within the G.G.H. Outer Ring is anticipated to increase significantly, driven by continued outward growth pressure from the G.T.H.A. In fact, the forecast annual rate of employment growth in the G.G.H. Outer Ring is expected to exceed that of the G.T.H.A. between 2016 and 2051. Page 99 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-12 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 3-4 Historical and Forecast Population Growth for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (G.G.H.), 2001 to 2051 Figure 3-5 Historical and Forecast Employment Growth for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (G.G.H.), 2001 to 2051 Figure 3-6 Historical and Forecast Annual Employment Growth Rate for the Gre ater Golden Horseshoe (G.G.H.), 2001 to 2051 Area 2001 2016 2051 Total Population Growth Annual Population Growth Total Population Growth Annual Population Growth G.T.H.A.5,808,000 7,183,000 11,172,000 1,375,000 91,700 3,989,000 114,000 G.G.H. Outer Ring 2,046,000 2,355,000 3,703,000 309,000 20,600 1,348,000 38,500 Total G.G.H 7,854,000 9,538,000 14,875,000 1,684,000 112,300 5,337,000 152,500 Note: Population includes the net Census undercount. 2001 to 2016 2016 to 2051 Source: 2001 to 2016 derived from Statistics Canada Census. 2016 to 2051 derived from Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Forecasts to 2051 Technical Report, June 16, 2020, Hemson Consulting Ltd. Figure by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Population Area 2001 2016 2051 Total Employment Growth Annual Employment Growth Total Employment Growth Annual Employment Growth G.T.H.A.2,938,000 3,564,000 5,360,000 626,000 41,700 1,796,000 51,300 G.G.H. Outer Ring 890,000 1,034,000 1,650,000 144,000 9,600 616,000 17,600 Total G.G.H 3,828,000 4,598,000 7,010,000 770,000 51,300 2,412,000 68,900 2001 to 2016 2016 to 2051 Source: 2001 to 2016 derived from Statistics Canada Census. 2016 to 2051 derived from Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Forecasts to 2051 Technical Report, June 16, 2020, Hemson Consulting Ltd. Figure by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Employment 1.2%1.2%1.3%1.2%1.0% 1.4% 0.0% 0.4% 0.8% 1.2% 1.6% 2001-2016 2016-2051Annual Growth RatePeriod G.G.H.G.T.H.A.G.G.H. Outer Ring Source:2001 to 2016 derived from Statistics Canada Census data. 2016 to 2051 derived Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Forecasts to 2051 Technical Report, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 100 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-13 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx As previously mentioned, the strength of the broader regional G.G.H. economy, in particular the G.G.H. Outer Ring, presents a significant opportunity for the Niagara Region economy and its residents within commuting distance to this growing regional employment market. As previously identified in Chapter 2, the population in the Niagara Region is expected to increase from 459,000 in 2016 to 674,000 in 2051, representing a growth of 215,000. Employment within the Niagara Region is also forecast to grow from 191,000 in 2016 to 272,000 in 2051, which is an increase of 81,000 jobs.1 According to the 2016 Census, 94% of Niagara Falls residents work within Niagara Region, while the rest commute outside the Region for work. The G.T.H.A. represents the largest employment hub outside Niagara Region, as it employs 5% of Niagara Falls residents. With a relatively high live/work ratio within Niagara Region and a growing regional economy, it is anticipated that residents within the City of Niagara Falls will remain reliant on employment opportunities within the Region. 3.4 Regional Industrial Market Overview 3.4.1 G.G.H. Industrial Lease Rates, 2013 to 2019 A key variable in understanding the relative strength of the industrial market is the net market rents for industrial space, typically expressed on a per sq.ft. of gross lease area on an annual lease basis and referred to as “net market rent.” Figure 3-8 summarizes the average market rent trends for industrial space in the City of Niagara Falls, City of Hamilton, and the City of Toronto. As shown, average industrial net market rents within the City of Niagara Falls are lower than the City of Toronto, but are similar to the City of Hamilton depending on the year. Relatively high prices in Niagara Falls are largely a result of diminishing lease opportunities throughout the City. As a result, the City of Niagara Falls may struggle to attract G.T.H.A. industrial renters looking to relocate, due to its relatively uncompetitive industrial lease rates compared to the City of Hamilton, which has the geographical advantage of being in closer proximity to the City of Toronto. 1 In accordance with the reference scenario as per Proposed Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan, 2019. Page 101 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-14 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 3-7 Industrial Lease Rates ($ per sq.ft.) in the G.G.H., 2013 to 2019 3.4.2 G.G.H. Employment Land Prices, 2019 From a competitiveness perspective, lower employment land prices can provide a key advantage, especially for land-expansive uses such as transportation, wholesale trade/logistics, warehousing, and large-scale manufacturing. Though competitive land prices can provide an economic advantage in terms of the cost of development, very low land prices may also be indicative of low demand. Figure 3-8 summarizes average employment land prices ($ per acre) for select Niagara Region local municipalities and comparator municipalities in the G.G.H., based on recent market survey data. As shown, employment land prices range between $70,000 and $1,754,000 per acre, with land prices generally highest in the central, west , and north G.T.H.A. (City of Toronto, and York, Halton, and Peel Regions) and lowest in Niagara Region. With the exception of St. Catharines, employment land prices within the Niagara Region are significantly lower than those in the G.T.H.A. In contrast to $4.95 $4.77 $4.89 $5.09 $5.23 $5.19 $6.87 $4.65 $4.80 $4.67 $5.39 $5.53 $6.18 $5.65 $4.83 $4.57 $4.71 $4.63 $5.64 $7.03 $9.33 $0.00 $2.00 $4.00 $6.00 $8.00 $10.00 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Average Lease Rate ($ per sq.ft.)YearCity of Toronto City of Hamilton City of Niagara Falls Source: Colliers Niagara Region Industrial Market Report, to August 31, 2019 and Colliers International Research, Altus RealNet.Derived by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 102 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-15 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx relatively similar net market rents, Niagara Region offers affordable employment land for purchase. This affordability is not necessarily indicative of stronger demand, especially from G.T.H.A. developers, since factors such as location and perceived development risk can impede employment land growth within Niagara Region. Figure 3-8 G.G.H. Employment Land Prices, 2019 3.5 City of Niagara Falls Employment and Occupation Trends The following subsection details employment growth trends and occupation outlook for the City of Niagara Falls. Further detail regarding the City’s historical employment $70,000 $106,000 $126,000 $136,000 $166,000 $190,000 $205,000 $212,000 $241,000 $267,000 $539,000 $544,000 $664,000 $922,000 $924,000 $1,021,000 $1,046,000 $1,437,000 $1,547,000 $1,754,000 $1,754,000 Average, 661,000 $- $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 Welland Waterloo Pickering Fort Erie Kitchener Thorold Niagara Falls Cambridge Hamilton Whitby St. Catharines Caledon Oshawa Aurora Burlington Oakville Mississauga Markham Toronto Vaughan Brampton Employment Land Prices ($/Acre)Lower/Single-Tier MunicipalitySource:Prices based on 2019 transactions. Data provided by Colliers International, derived by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 103 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-16 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx growth trends, educational attainment and business environment can be found in Appendix A. 3.5.1 City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth, 2016 to 2020 Figure 3-9 summarizes total job growth by industry from the 2016 to 2020 period. Key insights are described below: • Niagara Falls experienced a total growth rate in jobs of 3.8% (net increase of approximately 1,720 jobs) from 2016 to 2020 or an average annual employment increase of 1.1%, similar to that witnessed across Niagara Region. Jobs in Niagara Region increased by 4.3% (net increase of approximately 8,970 jobs) from 208,760 jobs in 2016 to 217,730 jobs in 2020 or an average annual increase of 1.1%. • The following sectors experienced the largest employment increase: o Accommodation and food services – increase of approximately 850 jobs (net increase of 7%); o Transportation and warehousing – increase of approximately 390 jobs (net increase of 32%); and o Construction – increase of approximately 320 jobs (net increase of 11%). • Professional, scientific, and technical services and manufacturing have also experienced employment growth in recent years ; and • Arts, entertainment, and recreation, finance and insurance, educational services and information and cultural industries experienced a decline in jobs from 2016 to 2020. Figure 3-9 City of Niagara Falls Job Growth by Sector, 2016 to 2020 Industry (NAICS) Jobs Job Change 2016-2020 2016 2020 Net Change % Change Total Jobs by Industry 45,379 47,103 1,723 4% Accommodation and food services 11,910 12,758 848 7% Transportation and warehousing 1,237 1,628 391 32% Construction 2,807 3,127 320 11% Professional, scientific, and technical services 1,504 1,802 298 20% Manufacturing 2,389 2,684 295 12% Admin & support, waste management & remediation services 2,424 2,708 284 12% Page 104 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-17 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Industry (NAICS) Jobs Job Change 2016-2020 2016 2020 Net Change % Change Retail trade 5,331 5,470 139 3% Other services (except public administration) 1,833 1,919 86 5% Health care and social assistance 4,015 4,084 69 2% Wholesale trade 1,400 1,461 61 4% Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting 166 164 (2) -1% Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 60 54 (5) -9% Management of companies and enterprises 82 33 (49) -60% Utilities 361 287 (74) -21% Information and cultural industries 364 289 (75) -21% Public administration 1,756 1,647 (109) -6% Arts, entertainment, and recreation 4,777 4,631 (146) -3% Real estate and rental and leasing 662 515 (146) -22% Finance and insurance 751 569 (182) -24% Educational services 1,551 1,272 (279) -18% Source: EMSI Analyst, 2020. 3.5.2 City of Niagara Falls Occupation Outlook, 2020 to 2026 The Niagara Falls economy is characterized by a strong tourism sector, as evidenced by the employment in tourism and culture and related support service industries, including arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services, and retail. The prevalence of the service industry as it relates to the tourism sector provides the city with the opportunity to capitalize on a variety of trends, including the growth of culinary tourism, cultural tourism and a growing number of artisan food, craft brewers and wineries. It also provides for employment that can be satisfied by a broad range of age groups and skills development. The resurgence of the tourism and hospitality sector post COVID-19 will support the demand for a labour force capable of participating in these sectors. Occupational projections to 2026 suggest the continued demand for workers that support the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors. These include food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, cooks, retail salespersons, amusement, recreation and sport operators and attendants and supervisors in accommodation, travel, tourism, and related services. Page 105 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-18 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 3.6 Local Drivers and Disruptors of Future Growth in the City of Niagara Falls This section explores growth drivers and disruptors for the City of Niagara Falls from a regional and local perspective. A broad range of considerations related to demographics, economics, socio-economic and infrastructure are anticipated to drive future economic and population growth in the City of Niagara Falls over the next several decades. 3.6.1 Outward Growth Pressure within the G.G.H. As discussed previously, Niagara Falls is located within one of the fastest growing Cities/Regions in North America, the G.G.H. The magnitude and distribution of growth throughout the G.G.H. is of key significance to Niagara Region and the City of Niagara Falls. More specifically, as the more mature areas o f the G.G.H. gradually build out, increasing outward growth pressure will be placed on the outlying municipalities of the G.G.H. “Outer Ring,” and beyond. For Niagara Falls this outward growth pressure is anticipated to be most heavily felt from the west G.T.H.A. Strong net migration levels, primarily from the Toronto and Hamilton C.M.A.s, will continue to drive housing growth across the City with demand across a broad range of housing typologies.1 In turn, population growth will also continue to drive growth in population-related employment sectors including retail, personal services, business services, and health and social services. The bulk of these new residents coming to the Niagara Region in the 19-54 age category will ultimately seek competitively priced ground-oriented housing forms (i.e. low- and medium-density) to accommodate existing and future families. In comparison to the municipalities in the G.T.H.A., average housing prices in Niagara Falls are lower and more affordable relative to loca l income. As such, relatively greater housing affordability in Niagara Falls compared to the west G.T.H.A. represents a key driver of net migration to the City. It is noted, however, that as housing prices continue to steadily rise across the G.G.H., including the City of Niagara Falls, an increasing 1 Over half of all intraprovincial migration to the St. Catharines-Niagara C.M.A. came from the Toronto and Hamilton C.M.A.s. Page 106 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-19 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx proportion of the population in the City will need to be accommodated in various forms of high-density housing (i.e. walk-up apartments, triplexes, and low-rise apartments). It is also important to recognize that the accommodation of skilled labour and the attraction of new businesses are inextricably linked and positively reinforce one another. To ensure that economic growth is not constrained by future labour shortages, continued efforts will be required by both the Regional government and the City of Niagara Falls to explore ways to attract and accommodate new skilled working residents to the City across a diverse range of employment opportunities and a broader choice of affordable housing options. Attraction efforts must also be linked to housing accommodation (both ownership and rental), municipal services , and infrastructure, as well as quality of life attributes which appeal to the younger mobile population, while not detracting from the region’s attractiveness to older population segments. As with other hard services, broadband infrastructure investment is essential to economic growth particularly if the City wishes to attract technology -based employment or support existing businesses and entrepreneurs with a need for reliable internet. The South Western Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) initiative is a key pr oject that will ensure that Western Ontario and Niagara Region has access to a high -speed fibre optic Internet network. A $21.2 million broadband investment in early 2021 will ensure broadband connectivity to 5,629 households and businesses in the Niagara Region.1 As part of the project, SWIFT has awarded the Niagara Regional Broadband Network Limited (NRBN) $5 million to provide high-speed connectivity to 626 households and businesses by late-2022.2 NRBN is municipally owned by Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake.3 3.6.2 Geographic Location Location plays a key role in the geographic distribution of the dominant industry clusters visible across Ontario today. In addition to its proximity to the G.T.H.A. and close access to the U.S. border, the City benefits from its location along the Q.E.W., which serves as a major trade corridor and links major urban centres in Ontario . With the development of the Niagara Falls GO Transit station expected to be completed by 2023, 1 https://swiftruralbroadband.ca/swift-announces-21m-broadband-expansion-plan-for- niagara-region/ 2 Ibid. 3 https://nrbn.ca/ Page 107 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-20 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx the City will increasingly accommodate residents commuting to the G.T.H.A. for work. The City will also remain an attractive location for those Canadian residents seeking work in the Buffalo, New York, employment market. With close access to the U.S. border, the City stands to capture broad economic opportunities by increasing the capacity for trade and investment across Canada and the U.S. Many of the City’s Employment Areas are located in close proximity to the Q.E.W. and the U.S. border. 3.6.3 Regional Economic Opportunities Export-based economic growth throughout the local and surrounding regional economy will continue to generate demand for new housing within the City of Niagara Falls. New housing construction and associated local population growth is anticipated to generate demand for local industries within the City related to the construction sector as well population-related employment sectors such as retail, accommodation, and food, plus other personal service uses. Other local “knowledge-based” and “creative class” employment sectors such as information and cultural industries, arts, entertainment, and recreation, and professional, scientific and technical services are also beginning to experience moderate employment growth. Population growth combined with the aging of the existing population base will also place increasing demands on employment sectors and municipal services related to the growing population base of seniors, primarily related to the health care and social assistance sector. The local economic base is also oriented towards small businesses and home-based occupations. Such businesses act as incubators for local economic development and stimulate innovation and entrepreneurialism within the City. Home-based job growth will be facilitated by opportunities related to telecommuting and increased technology. Demographics also play a role in the employment outlook for work at home employment. As the population and labour force continue to age, it is likely that an increased number of working and semi-retired residents will be seeking lifestyles that will allow them to work from home on a full-time or part-time basis. In addition to its broader impacts on the economy, COVID-19 is also anticipated to accelerate changes in work and commerce as a result of technological disruptions which were already in play prior to the pandemic. As such , enterprises will increasingly be required to rethink the way they conduct business with an increased emphasis on remote work enabled by technologies such as virtual private networks (V.P.N.s), virtual meetings, cloud technology and other remote work collaboration tools . These trends Page 108 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-21 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx are anticipated to have a direct influence on commercial and i ndustrial real estate needs over both the near and longer terms. The City is making targeted investments, including the South Western Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) initiative and ownership of the Niagara Regional Broadband Network (NRBN), to ensure that the community has increased access to broadband adoption and can capitalise on these technology -based trends. These identified trends are anticipated to place increasing pressure for urban amenities, including municipal infrastructure, programs, and services, as well as increased options for shopping and entertainment. In turn, such growth pressures are an ticipated to drive the need for future population -related employment services, placing demands on the local labour force as well as the housing marke t to support this growing local population and employment base. 3.6.4 Innovation Landscape in the Niagara Region – Enabling Assets The following list of assets has been developed through the documentation provided by the City of Niagara Falls, the business directory, and independent research. The database provided below is not exhaustive and is meant to illustrate t he breadth of the innovation support system for the Region and the City. Similar to the broader national and provincial trends, the City of Niagara Falls is undergoing a rapid transformation from traditional economies to one that is centred on technology-based development with a demand for knowledge -based industries. In fact, one of the core pillars identified within the City’s 2018 Econom ic Diversification Strategy was the creation of Niagara Falls as a “magnet city,” that draws new people, investment, and business activity due to a combination of strong lifestyle, environmental, and economic attributes. The attraction of “young wealth creators” and the “cultivation of new ideas” formed underlying principles of this document and will continue to influence priority development moving forward. Supporting the demand for knowledge and technology -based sectors, the Niagara Region is home to a significant number of business incubators, business accelerators and business support services. Given the rise of the “Digital Age”, connectivity is essential to a community’s long term economic growth. The City of Niagara Falls has recognized this need and is taking targeted steps to ensure its broad innovation ecosystem is supported by reliable broadband infrastructure. This includes participation Page 109 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-22 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx in the South Western Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) initiative and the formation of the Niagara Regional Broadband Network (NRBN) to ensure a hig h-speed fibre optic internet network across the city, including rural and remote areas. The list below highlights some of the most relevant actors within the innovation landscape in the Niagara Region. Although the majority of these serve the broader Regional Municipality, the location of these innovation elements is concentrated in two areas, namely, the City of St. Catharines and the City of Niagara Falls. Incubators, Accelerators, and Innovation Support Services Brock University’s Learning, Innovation, Networking, and Collaboration (L.I.N.C.) resides at the intersection of Brock’s experiential education and trans- disciplinary research. The LINC is a shared space located in the new Rankin Family Pavilion, with a diverse community that crosses all disciplines, faculties and the private sector – a place for “collisions” of bright minds where students, alumni, researchers, and regional innovators are encouraged to interact. Brock-Niagara Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (V.P.M.I.) Funding was also announced for Brock University to establish this institute. The VPMI will be a single-site resource to help businesses in the growing bioproducts, bioscience, bio-agriculture, and chemical manufacturing sectors to scale up and increase their competitiveness. Business Innovation Zone (B.I.Z.) Program is run by the City of Niagara Falls and helps nurture entrepreneurial companies to grow and prosper by providing the education and support young businesses need. The Canadian Food & Wine Institute (C.F.W.I.) is Canada’s only commercial Teaching Winery, and vineyards give students a hands-on curriculum and an in-depth knowledge that sets graduates on the road to employ ment or entrepreneurship. The COMMIS Culinary Workspace is a co-working space for food entrepreneurs, chefs, and artisans all working to bring products to market in the Niagara Region. The Generator at One serves as a catalyst for interactive digital media growth in Niagara. The vision of this organization is to create a nurturing environment for interactive digital media (I.D.M.) for companies, researchers, and students. Greenhouse Technology Network (G.T.N.) In 2019, federal funding was announced for Niagara College in collaboration with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and the University of Guelph to develop this network. The network will bring together greenhouse growers and technology experts to accelerate the development, commercialization, and adoption of new, leading-edge greenhouse technologies. iHub is a dynamic incubation entity focused on the Educational Technology (EdTech) sector. iHub facilitates collaboration with educators, students, parents, researchers, industry leaders, and iHub portfolio companies to enhance and innovate modern education experience and foster local economic development and growth. Page 110 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-23 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Innovative Niagara brings together an extensive range of resources th roughout the Region in order to foster the growth of innovative industry clusters, including interactive digital media, health and wellness, life science, bio-products, and green energy/technology. The incubator hosts a suite of educational and networking events throughout the Niagara region, including Learn at Lunch seminars, industry networking events, entrepreneurial training programs, and intensive hands -on workshops. Niagara Falls Ryerson Innovation Hub (N.F.R.I.H.) brings together founders and teams to enable innovation. The hub will offer access to expertise, mentorship, research and development and international partnerships to incubate and accelerate the growth of promising digital media start-ups. Funding will support 85 companies, commercialize 12 new innovations, and stimulate diversification of the Niagara Falls economy, and is free for local firms. Founded by the City of Niagara Falls, Ryerson University, and Spark Niagara, NFRIH has created an educational ecosystem, which will foster entrepreneurial growth. The Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre is a one-stop shop for information and advice on starting or growing a small business. The organization offers free and confidential consultations to discuss business ideas and assist i n the development of a business plan. The Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre can guide small businesses and entrepreneurs through any registration and licensing requirements and help answer any business-related questions. The South Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation (also known as the Niagara Business & Innovation Fund) invests in a wide range of business platforms from existing to new and emerging innovative ideas that will help transform the Niagara economy. Spark Niagara is a collaborative workplace community for today’s entrepreneurial workforce. Spark offers a space where start-ups and established businesses can locate as well as a supportive, safe, and secure collaborative environment for entrepreneurs in all stages of development. Venture Niagara stimulates the growth of Niagara’s rural economy by providing a broad range of risk financing and assistance to small business entrepreneurs and fostering purposeful community development initiatives. 3.6.5 Tourism Niagara Region has a robust tourism sector, specifically within Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. In 2018, approximately 40,000 people were directly employed through Regional tourism opportunities.1 Employment generated from the City’s tourism sector directly leads to an increase in the City’s population. As tourism-based population 1 New report shows tourism impact on Niagara’s economy. Niagarafalls.ca Page 111 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-24 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx growth continually occurs within the City, there exists a pressure to provide housing, local infrastructure, and commercial accommodations. As such, the City’s industrial uses associated with ancillary retail will remain a predominant form of employment across the City’s Employment Areas. The Q.E.W./420 Employment Area exemplifies this type of employment, with ancillary retail businesses such as Artcraft Kitchens utilized for light manufacturing, Roman Cheese Products Ltd., conducting food processing or Advantage Kitchen Supplies, providing kitchen equipment. Growth in the tourism sector will continue to drive these indirect employment opportunities within the City’s employment lands. 3.6.6 Assessing the Impacts of Technology and Innovation on Economic Development and Population Growth Long-term labour force growth potential across the national, provincial, regional , and local levels, will be directly influenced by continued structural changes and disruptions driven by technology and automation. According to the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship, over the next 10 to 20 years 42% of the Canadian labour force is at high risk of being affected by automation, either thr ough significant task restructuring or elimination. Jobs that are anticipated to be most highly impacted by automation are primarily within occupations that are administrative, routine , or oriented towards sales and service. As such, employment within the City’s tourism sector could face potential disruption over the longer term. The Brookfield Institute report also notes that highly skilled occupations are expected to grow much more quickly than the rest of the labour force and are at a lower risk of be ing negatively affected by automation. This suggests that more highly skilled labour will be a significant driver of Canada’s future economic growth.18F 1 To prevent an undesirable, lose-lose scenario associated with anticipated technological change in the economy – talent shortages, unemployment, and growing inequality – a number of critical actions are needed. This includes businesses assuming an active role in supporting their existing workforce through reskilling and upskilling, individuals taking a proactive approach to their own lifelong learning, and governments creating an 1 The Talented Mr. Robot. The impacts of automation on the Canadian workforce. Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship. June 2016. Page 112 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 3-25 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx enabling environment to assist in these efforts.1 Initiatives such as Niagara Regional Broadband, Niagara Falls Smart City efforts, and increasing access to fibre will be important assets to leverage in the changing economy. While the long-term net economic impacts of automation and/or artificial intelligence (A.I.) appear to be positive, global competition fr om both established and emerging markets looking to capitalize on potential opportunities related to this technology will be increasingly fierce. Building on its strong community foundations above, the Region of Niagara and the City of Niagara Falls can influence their readiness towards an ever- evolving knowledge-based economy through on-going leadership and investment. Ultimately, these efforts are important to enhance youth in-migration, talent attraction, and local employment opportunities geared towar ds an increasingly skilled labour force. 3.6.7 Quality of Life Quality of life is a key factor influencing the residential location decisions of individuals and their families. It is also a factor considered by companies regarding location decisions. Typically, quality of life encompasses several sub-factors such as employment opportunities, cost of living, housing affordability, crime levels, quality of schools, transportation, recreational opportunities, climate, arts and culture, entertainment, amenities, and population diversity. The importance of such factors, however, will vary considerably depending on life stage and individual preferences. The City offers a high quality of life which is expected to drive net migration from a broad range of demographic groups, including first -time home buyers, families, empty nesters, and seniors. The City also has a reputation for being an affordable location in which to live in Ontario, specifically within the G.G.H. The City has a wide range of recreational opportunities with a vibrant tourism industry located within proximity to other recreational destinations such as Niagara-on-the-Lake and Buffalo, New York. 1 World Economic Forum. Insight Report. The Future of Jobs Report. Centre for the New Economy and Society. 2018. Page 113 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Chapter 4 Employment Land Supply Analysis Page 114 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 4. Employment Land Supply Analysis The chapter provides a comprehensive inventory of existing vacant developable employment land supply within the City of Niagara Falls. The Consultant Team has worked collaboratively with City staff to develop the employment land supply using geographic information systems (G.I.S.) mapping software. The findings of this chapter include an analysis of current developed and vacant employment land supply with a particular focus placed on the supply of “shovel-ready” and net developable employment lands by Employment Area. Shovel-ready employment lands are identified as lands which abut an arterial, collector, or local road and have sanitary, water, and storm stubbed at the property line . A further assessment has also been undertaken regarding intensification opportunities on developed parcels within Employment Areas. 4.1 City-wide Employment Land Inventory Figure 4-1 to Figure 4-3 summarize the City’s gross employment land supply by location. Figure 4-4 provides a map illustrating the location of the City’s Employment Areas. The following are key highlights of the designated employment land inventory: • The City’s employment land supply is 1,088 gross hectares (ha) (2,689 gross acres) and is comprised of 1,008 gross ha (2,491 gross acres) of developed/occupied employment land and 79 gross ha (195 acres) of vacant employment land; and • The City’s Employment Areas account for nearly half of the designated employment land supply. The vacant land supply, however, is greatest within Employment Areas, as they represent 74% of the vacant employment land supply. Page 115 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 4-1 City of Niagara Falls Designated Employment Area Lands Developed/Occupied and Vacant Employment Lands as of July 2020 In determining the vacant land inventory on a net basis, adjus tments for environmental features, utility corridors, and hydrological features were identified. Further, larger vacant parcels (i.e. 10 ha/25 acres or greater) which were not considered shovel-ready were also subject to an additional downward adjustment to reflect internal infrastructure (i.e. roads, stormwater ponds, easements, etc.). Figure 4-2 provides a summary of the vacant employment land supply by Employment Area and Figure 4-3 displays the distribution of designated employment land supply within Niagara Falls, showing that over half of all the City’s employment lands are located outside Employment Areas. Figure 4-4 displays a map of the City’s employment lands, Employment Areas, and the Industrial Lands surrounding the Solvay (formerly Solvay) property. Solvay is a chemical manufacturer in the City. There exists a two-kilometer environmental buffer around these Solvay Lands in which industrial development is permitted. For the purposes of this analysis, the Solvay lands are considered as a part of the ‘Developed/Occupied Land Area.’ The lands owned by Solvay are unlikely to develop beyond existing uses and as such, including them in the vacant land supply would artificially overstate the amount of developable industrial land within the City. The remaining industrial lands within the two-kilometer buffer are in proximity to McLeod Vacant, 58 gross ha Vacant, 21 gross ha Occupied, 481 gross ha Occupied, 528 gross ha 539 gross ha 549 gross ha 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Designated Employment Areas Employment Lands Outside Employment AreasGross Land Area (ha)Source: Watson &Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Note: Gross has been calculated in accordance with Growth Plan, 2019. Take-outs include environmental features, major roads and highway corridors. Page 116 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Road, which have historically been undesirable for industrial uses because of residential encroachment and unsatisfactory trucking routes. Chapter 7 and 8 discuss the industrial lands within surrounding two-kilometer Solvay arc in greater detail. As of July 2020, it is estimated that the City of Niagara Falls has a vacant employment supply of approximately 78 ha (193 acres), adjusted for internal infrastructure for large parcels. The City has 21 ha (52 acres) of vacant employment lands which are located outside Employment Areas. The North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area offers 41 ha (101 acres) of vacant employment land, accounting for more than half the vacant employment land supply in the City of Niagara Falls and a majority of vacant land within the City’s Employment Areas. The Montrose Road Industrial Area contains 11 ha (27 acres) of the remaining vacant land and the Stanley Avenue Business Park has 5 ha (12 acres) of net vacant employment land remaining. Figure 4-2 City of Niagara Falls Developed/Occupied and Vacant Employment Land s as of July 2020 Gross1 Net2 Gross1 Net3 Net of Internal Infrastructure4 Gross Net A B C D E F = A + C G = B + D Montrose Road Industrial Area 136 133 11 11 11 147 145 Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area 29 27 0 0 0 29 27 North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area 112 112 43 43 41 155 155 Stanley Avenue Business Park 123 121 5 5 5 128 126 Highway 405 Employment Area 16 16 0 0 0 16 16 Q.E.W./420 Employment Area 55 54 0 0 0 55 54 Dorchester Road Employment Area 11 11 0 0 0 11 11 Outside Employment Areas 528 522 21 21 21 549 543 Total 1,008 997 79 79 78 1,088 1,076 Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. 1. Gross (columns A and C) has been calculated in accordance with the Growth Plan, 2019. Take-outs include environmental features, major roads and hydro corridors. 2. Net developed land area (Column B) has been calculated based on parcel fabric (excludes local roads, parks and other non-developable features). 3. Net vacant land area (Column D) is calculated based on parcel fabric (excludes roads, parks and other non-developable features). Developed/Occupied Land Area, ha Location Vacant Employment Lands, ha Total Designated Land Area, ha 4. Net of internal infrastructure (Column E) has been calculated based on parcel fabric (excludes local roads, parks and other non-developable features) and a downward adjustment to large parcels (greater than 10 ha/25 acres) of 10% for internal infrastructure. Page 117 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 4-3 City of Niagara Falls: Distribution of Designated Employment Land Area by Location Outside Employment Areas, 50% North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area, 14% Montrose Road Industrial Area, 13% Stanley Avenue Business Park, 12% Q.E.W./420 Employment Area, 5% Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area, 3% Highway 405 Employment Area, 1%Dorchester Road Employment Area, 1% Source:Derived from the City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Note: Based on gross land area with take-outs in accordance with Growth Plan, 2019. Page 118 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-5 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 4-4 City of Niagara Falls Designated Employment Lands Page 119 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-6 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 4.2 Vacant Employment Land Supply Characteristics by Land-Use Type and Location Figure 4-5 provides a map of the City’s Employment Areas and the vacant employment land inventory in the City of Niagara Falls as of July 2020. Vacant employment parcels have been identified with an overlay on the map (turquoise overlay). As illustrated, the bulk of the City’s vacant land supply is located in the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area, as well as outside the City’s Employment Areas. The designations of these vacant industrial parcels have been reviewed in Chapter 7. Page 120 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-7 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 4-5 City of Niagara Falls Map of Designated Employment Areas and Vacant Employment Su pply, July 2020 In accordance with servicing data provided for the City of Niagara Falls land sites, vacant employment lands that are shovel-ready and have the potential to develop within a short term (i.e. within approximately 6 months) have been identi fied. It is important to note that the term shovel-ready used in this report refers to the zoning and servicing of land to accommodate development within a short-term time framework. Another factor that warrants consideration through an economic developm ent strategy is the identification of lands that are market-ready or available for development (i.e. for sale/for lease). Page 121 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-8 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Shovel-ready lands and the remaining serviceable vacant employment lands are identified in Figure 4-6 through Figure 4-9. Lands identified as shovel-ready include lands which abut an arterial, collector, or local road and have sanitary, water, and storm stubbed at the property line. The following summarizes the key findings regarding the shovel-ready land supply: • It is estimated that there are 48 ha (119 acres) of shovel-ready employment lands in Niagara Falls, comprising 58% of the vacant designated employment land area; • The shovel-ready employment land supply in Niagara Falls includes a range of parcel sizes, with only one large parcel greater than 10 ha; • The majority of the shovel-ready parcels are less than two ha in size, yet most of the shovel-ready land supply is comprised of parcels greater than five ha; • The North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Area contains most of the City’s vacant, shovel-ready land supply within Employment Areas. These privately-owned vacant lands, however, are unlikely to be absorbed because of high pricing; and • Almost all of the City’s remaining serviceable vacant employment land within Employment Areas is located on parcels less than 5 ha, of which the majority are located in the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Area. Figure 4-6 City of Niagara Falls Vacant Designated Employment Land Supply by Parcel Size and Shovel -Ready Status Less than 1 ha 8 3 6%5 2 5%13 4 5% 1 - 2 ha 5 7 15%4 6 18%9 13 16% 2 - 5 ha 2 8 16%3 9 25%5 16 20% 5 - 10 ha 2 15 31%0 0 0%2 15 18% Greater than 10 ha 1 15 32%1 18 52%2 33 41% Total 18 48 100%13 34 100%31 82 100% % Total Shovel-Ready 58%58%42%42%100%100% Source: Derived from City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Note: Using gross land area. Excluding underutilized parcels. 1 "Shovel-Ready" lands are defined as those that are serviced and zoned and generally considered potentially developable within the next 6 months. Serviceable2 Total Designated Vacant Parcel Size Range Shovel-Ready1 Count of Parcels Gross Land Area ha % of Land Area Count of Parcels 2 Remaining vacant designated employment lands that are not shovel-ready and can accommodate servicing for new development by 2051. All designated employment lands are considered serviceable within the City of Niagara Falls. Gross Land Area ha % of Land Area Count of Parcels Gross Land Area ha % of Land Area Page 122 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-9 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 4-7 City of Niagara Falls Vacant Designated Employment Land Supply by Shovel-ready Status, Gross Land Area (ha) Figure 4-8 City of Niagara Falls Location of Shovel-ready Land Supply by Employment Area Shovel-Ready, 48 ha, 58% Serviceable, 34 ha, 42% Source: Derived from City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area, 80% Montrose Road Industrial Area, 17% Stanley Avenue Business Park, 4% Source: Derived from City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 123 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-10 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 4-9 City of Niagara Falls Location of Vacant Serviceable and Shovel-ready Land Supply by Employment Area, Net Land Area (ha) 4.3 Intensification Potential in Employment Areas Intensification on employment lands can take a number of forms, including further development of underutilized and partially vacant l ots (infill), expansion (horizontal or vertical) of existing buildings and redevelopment of employment land parcels. Intensification offers the potential to accommodate future employment growth and achieve increased land utilization resulting in higher employment density in existing Employment Areas. Higher land utilization on existing employment lands can also lead to more effective use of existing infrastructure (e.g. roads, water/sewer servicing). Through a high-level desktop review using the developed industrial parcel inventory within Employment Areas, building footprints, and orthophoto overlays, 76 ha (188 acres) of developed employment lands were identified as underutilized. This reflects parcels that have: • A vacant portion (potential for severance or building expansion); 1.5 7.0 33.6 3.1 4.2 9.1 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 Stanley Avenue Business Park Montrose Road Industrial Area North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment AreaDesignated Vacant Employment LandsEmployment Area Shovel-Ready Serviceable 11 ha 43 ha Source: Derived from City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. 5 ha Page 124 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-11 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Relatively low building coverage (ratio of building space to land area is less than 15%) or sites that are currently used exclusively for storage and/or parking; and • Redevelopment sites that are derelict, abandoned, or underutilized built sites. As summarized in Figure 4-10, there are 63 sites comprising 76 ha (188 acres) of land area that may have the potential to accommodate additional employment growth within Employment Areas in the City of Niagara Falls. Of the 63 parcels, only ten sites are larger than two ha in size and can be expected to potentially accommodate mid- to large-scale developments within the City of Niagara Falls. Most of the underutilized parcels are less than one ha in size, and can only be expected to accommodate minor expansions and small-scale redevelopment opportunities. It is important to emphasize that these are privately owned lands, in which the landowner development intentions are unclear. While there is potential for intensification on these parcels, it does not mean that the lands are readily available for development and contribute to the City’s developable land supply. Figure 4-10 City of Niagara Falls Intensification Potential – Size Range of Parcels A further review was completed to categorize underutilized lands according to potential: • No Potential – sites are unlikely to redevelop over the forecast horizon (e.g. lands with no access to existing or planned roads, sites are utilized for municipal infrastructure/public works facilities); • Low Potential – opportunity only for expansion to existing operations on-site (i.e. cannot accommodate severances or another site opportunity due to lot configuration) or redevelopment; and Parcel Size Range Less than 1 ha 39 62%20 26% 1 - 2 ha 14 22%20 27% 2 - 5 ha 8 13%21 27% 5 - 10 ha 2 3%15 20% Greater than 10 ha 0 0%0 0% Total 63 100%76 100% Source: City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Count of Parcels Gross Land Area, ha Page 125 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-12 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • High Potential – sites can accommodate a wide-range of development opportunities including either an expansion of existing operation or accommodating an additional business operation on site. Opportunities for infill development and building expansion are present within the City’s existing Employment Areas. As summarized in Figure 4-11, 16 sites totalling 19 ha (47 acres) have the highest potential for intensification, including opportunities for facility expansions or the development of another business operation (i.e. severance). Intensification of these sites would increase employment densities and generate higher utilization of developed employment lands. Sites with low potential for intensification include 39 sites totalling 54 ha (133 acres). As previously mentioned, low potential sites due to parcel configuration are likely unable t o accommodate additional business operation opportunities (i.e. through severances). The remaining eight sites totaling 4 ha (10 acre) are considered to have no opportunity for intensification in the short- to long- term. Figure 4-11 City of Niagara Falls Underutilized Parcels Based on Intensification Potential Identifying and evaluating intensification opportunities against market demand is challenging. The intensification potential of the underutilized employment lands will largely be determined by future development plans of existing or future landowners, which is highly speculative. Over the past five years (2015 to 2019), the City has seen modest expansions/additions within Employment Areas, with annual expansion activity of 1,700 sq.m (18,300 sq.ft.) (for greater detail regarding historical development activity, refer to Appendix B). Two-thirds of this activity occurred from two expansion permits – Graybar Canada in the Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area, and U-Haul in the Q.E.W./420 Employment Area. Infill and redevelopment of existing developed lands is expected to Number of Sites Net Land Area, ha 8 4 39 54 16 19 63 76 High Potential Total Source: City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Intensification Opportunity No Opportunity Low Potential Page 126 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-13 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx continue over time, largely driven by rising employment land values and the continued buildout of the City’s designated employment lands. Figure 4-12 and Figure 4-13 summarize employment intensification potential by Employment Area. The greatest potential for intensification on employment lands is within the Stanley Avenue Business Park (36% of City-wide underutilized lands). The Montrose Road Industrial Area contains the second largest share of underutilized lands within Employment Areas, representing 27% of inten sification potential. Outside of these business parks, intensification opportunities are relatively dispersed across the remaining City of Niagara Falls Employment Areas. Page 127 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-14 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 4-12 City of Niagara Falls Map of Intensification Potential within Employment Areas Page 128 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 4-15 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 4-13 City of Niagara Falls Intensification Potential by Employment Area 4.4 Conclusions The City of Niagara Falls has a well-established industrial base and its Employment Areas are an integral part of the City’s economic development potential. The City’s inventory of vacant designated employment lands is diminishing. The remaining vacant lands and current underutilized inventory are largely privately owned. Future development intentions of these private landowners is largely unknown. In order for the City of Niagara Falls to continue to be competitive and attractive to a broad range of industrial and commercial sectors, the City needs to ensure that it has a sufficient supply and market choice of serviced and serviceable employment lands to meet long- term employment demands on employment lands. Stanley Avenue Business Park, 36% Montrose Road Industrial Area, 27% Q.E.W./420 Employment Area, 11% North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area, 10% Highway 405 Employment Area, 8% Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area, 6% Dorchester Road Employment Area, 1% Source:Derived from City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Note: Based on gross land area with take-outs in accordance with Growth Plan, 2019. Page 129 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Chapter 5 Competitiveness and Investment Readiness of the City’s Employment Areas Page 130 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 5. Competitiveness and Investment Readiness of the City’s Employment Areas 5.1 Introduction The following Chapter provides a S.W.O.C. analysis of existing Employment Areas in the City. The specific requirements of each identified industr y cluster are assessed to determine which Employment Areas are best positioned to accommodate specific employment sectors identified for growth over the long term. Factors that can be considered include: • Recent absorption activity on employment lands by sector and geographic area; • Employment density trends by Employment Area; • Quality of developed and vacant employment land area; • Market choice of developable land in terms of site size, configuration, acces s, zoning, servicing, surrounding land uses, and fu ture expansion potential; • Parcel fragmentation (physical and by ownership); • The feasibility of identifying large contiguous areas for development (large areas of land provide for larger economies of scale and greater efficiencies, in addition to providing multiple siting options for individual users); • The location of the lands in relation to key highways and transit corridors; and • The effects of residential encroachment on the City’s employment lands . 5.2 City of Niagara Falls Employment Lands Profile 5.2.1 Comparison of Regional Vacant Employment Land Supply Municipalities compete directly for business attraction with other communities in the regional market area and beyond. The City of Niagara Falls has a number of competitors along the Q.E.W. and surrounding area with which it competes for business attraction and retention. These municipalities also offer location and other regional attributes that appeal to prospective international and local firms. The City’s competitiveness has been explored within a regional context in the Niagara Region’s Employment Area Strategy (2020). As such, it is the goal of this chapter to Page 131 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx further analyze the City’s Employment Areas and their respective attractiveness to the City’s identified target sectors. To first contextualize this analysis, Figure 5-1 summarizes the total amount of designated vacant employment land by surveyed municipality.1 Key findings include the following: • As previously mentioned in Chapter 4, Niagara Falls has 79 gross developable ha (195 acres) of designated vacant employment land, accounting for 4% of the Regional supply; and • Thorold, Port Colborne, and Welland account for the largest share of the Regional vacant land supply, accounting for a combined 68%. These municipalities make up the Gateway Economic Centre. Figure 5-1 City of Niagara Falls and Surrounding Market Area Municipalities Total Designated Vacant Employment Land 1 According to Niagara Region’s Employment Area Strategy: Background Report and Recommendations, March 20, 2020. Niagara Region’s Employment Area Strategy reports a vacant land supply of 242 ha for the City of Niagara Falls, while the results of this analysis show a gross vacant land supply of 79 ha. This discrepancy is largely caused by the removal of the Solvay Industrial Lands from the developable land supply. 643 427 391 146 79 432 30% 20%18% 7%4% 20% 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Thorold Port Colborne Welland Fort Erie Niagara Falls Remaining Niagara Region Gateway Economic Centre Gateway Economic Zone Outside Economic GatewayDesignated Vacant Employment Lands (ha)Municipality Source: Niagara Region’s Employment Area Strategy: Background Report and Recommendations, March 20, 2020. Figure by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 132 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 5.3 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Constraints Review of Existing Employment Areas in the City of Niagara Falls Market competitiveness is typically driven by a broad range of factors that can strongly influence business location decisions, both for new development an d expansion. These factors include access to transportation infrastructure, access to labour and employment markets, supply and market choice of land development opportunities, cost structure of the business environment, and quality of life aspects. With the continued shift towards a more knowledge-based economy, the business landscape has been particularly challenging for Ontario’s small to mid-sized municipalities, especially as it relates to being competitive with respect to labour force attraction attributes, local infrastructure (e.g. high-speed internet, transportation networks, including high-order transit) and supporting amenities. As previously discussed, the economic development prospects of Niagara Falls are in many ways tied to the success of the broader regional m arket. The City of Niagara Falls is a relatively competitive location along the broader Q.E.W. Niagara to Toronto highway corridor in terms of employment land prices, lower industrial property tax rates than the Niagara Region average, non-residential development charges1 and overall development costs. This, along with the City’s proximity to the G.T.H.A., and the U.S. border, provides an important competitive advantage for industrial develop ment. The degree to which Niagara Falls can capitalize on its regional location advantages will depend largely on the quality and quantity of its employment lands to accommodate preferred employment uses. 5.3.1 City of Niagara Falls S.W.O.C. Overview As a background to Niagara Region’s M .C.R. process, an Employment Area Strategy Background Report was prepared which provided a detailed S.W.O.C. analysis for each 1 If an industrial development meets the Niagara Region's definition of Industrial Use (as per By-law 2017-98) and can demonstrate the positive economic impact the business will generate in Niagara, then up to 100% of the Regional development charge can be received as a grant. Page 133 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-5 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx of the Region’s Employment Areas. Building on the results of this analysis, the following will examine the City’s position within the broader competitive landscape. Strengths • Location – Geographically, Niagara Falls is well-positioned to provide unique location-based benefits for employers in terms of access to international trade corridors and major goods movement facilities. • Excellent Road, Rail, and Seaway In frastructure Assets – The City’s extensive road infrastructure connections include the 400 -series highway, the Q.E.W., and the I-90 corridor that allows access to the eastern U.S. Overall, local businesses can reach upwards of 2,000,000 customers in less than 1 hour’s drive. In addition, the Welland Canal is located in Niagara Region and provides a strategic trade corridor via the St. Lawrence Seaway for inter - and intra-regional trade and tourism. • Investment in Broadband Infrastructure – The City is making targeted investments in improving the broadband infrastructure across the community. This includes the South Western Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) initiative to build an ultra-high-speed fibre optic internet network in the city. The initiative’s economic benefits include expanded access to online and e-commerce tools for small businesses, improved online access for residents, and Federal and Provincial investment to improve Niagara’s information infrastructure. The City is also a key stakeholder in the Niagara Regional Broadband Network (NRBN), a regional telecommunications provider of high-performance data and voice solutions for local businesses. • Foreign Trade Zone Point – The Foreign Trade Zone Point enables businesses to receive tariff and tax exemptions wit h respect to the purchase or importation of raw materials, components, or finished goods. Such materials and goods can generally be stored, processed, or assembled in the G.T.H.A. for re-export (in which case taxes and duties generally would not apply) or for entry into the domestic market, at which time taxes and duties would be deferred until the time of entry. • Gateway Economic Zone and Gateway Economic Centre in Niagara – These areas are distinguished for their unique economic importance to the region a nd Ontario based on proximity to major international border crossings. There are no other areas in the Province that have these designations. Page 134 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-6 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Cluster Development – Investment attraction and business retention and enhancement initiatives are focused on identified sectors including tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, and manufacturing-related agribusiness. • Growing Innovation Ecosystem – There is currently a growing innovation ecosystem anchored by incubators, accelerators, and innovation support services including Innovative Niagara, Spark Niagara , and the Niagara Falls Ryerson Innovation Hub (NFRIH), among others. The presence and access to educational institutions, including Brock University in St. Catharines and Niagara College in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ensure access to incubation and commercialization, and targeted response to industry needs. Weaknesses • Knowledge Economy Gaps – A key theme across many City reports (e.g. Economic Diversification Strategy 2018) was the lack of access to knowledge - based workers. This contention is supported by the data, with professional, scientific, and technical service jobs accounting for only 4% of total jobs in 2020 and recording a low location quotient (L.Q.) score of 0.47 when compared to the Province.1 • Gaps within the Regional Public Transit System – While the Region enjoys strong transportation assets, limited transit options within the City hinder growth. Local businesses are unable to attract workers to their operations, particularly when these workers do not live-in proximity to where they work. However, the City is undertaking targeted steps to improve transit infrastructure. This includes a regional partnership with the City of Niagara Falls, St. Catharines Transit Commission, the City of Welland, and the Region of Niagara to develop the Inter - Municipal Transit in Niagara. As part of the initiative, the Niagara Transit Service Delivery and Governance Strategy provides strategic recommendations for the improvement of transit service throughout Niagara. • Continued Decline in Manufacturing Jobs – Manufacturing sectors jobs across Ontario are at risk of continued automation which may displace portions of the local/regional labour force. This, however, does not necessarily mean a 1 An L.Q. of 1 would represent a comparable employment concentratio n to the provincial average. Page 135 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-7 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx decline in demand for floor space, which has implications for the amount of land and location for this use. Opportunities • Continued focus on Downtown Revitalization – The City is seeking to address this through the Niagara Falls Ryerson Innovation Hub (N.F.R.I.H.) which will become part of the Niagara Falls Business Innovation Zone program to support local business and entrepreneurial development. The City has also developed the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Financial Incentive Programs to restore and improve commercial and mixed-use building facades and promote the physical improvements of existing buildings and properties. • Magnet City – In the City’s Economic Diversification Strategy 2018 there is strong mention of positioning the region as a “Magnet City” by attracting more private investment, research grants and public funds and investing in key infrastructure and cultural assets. This vision is a substantial opportunity for the City as it would be a driver of job and population growth. • Improved Transit – The City is improving regional transit options as part of the Growth Plan. For example, in 2019, GO Transit announced the first transit expansion for two trains for weekday service to/from Niagara Falls Metrolink . Planned expansion of the GO Rail Service to Niagara Falls by 2023 by the Province of Ontario is a significant infrastructure investment that will have considerable benefit to the community. • Agri-Business – The City’s proximity to agriculture lands within Niagara Region along with Niagara College’s Food and Wine Institutes are core strengths . This, along with the City’s strength in manufacturing, presents opportunities to su pport value-added/ancillary uses in agri-business and food processing sectors. • Workforce Development – Focusing on workforce development is a key component of economic development; focus on attracting both skilled workforce capable of participating in the technology-based economy and semi-skilled and low-skilled workforce to service industries. • Leveraging Technology-Based Development – Niagara Falls is well- positioned to capitalize upon advances in technology (e.g. A .I. and Machine Learning) to increase local sector efficiency and attract new technology-focused businesses. Current policy action by the City, such as the establishment of the Page 136 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-8 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx N.F.R.I.H. and the Niagara Regional Broadband Network (N.R.B.N.) is evidence of the City’s willingness to embrace digital transformation. Constraints • Industry 4.0 and Industrial Production – The rise and rapid adoption of new technologies will continue to shift industrial and manufacturing processes to be more automated and capital/technology intensive. This may result in the loss of some jobs (as process become automated) and an increase in demand for a more skilled labour force. The adoption of technology will also require that Employment Lands be developed with a wide range of employment-supportive uses, broadband and transit infrastructure, eco -design principles, and urban amenities that support the knowledge economy's attraction a nd growth. • Digital Disruption and E-Commerce – The rise of e-commerce will continue to impact retail real estate, as some chains shrink the size of their store model footprint. Over time, this could translate into fewer retail employees on a floor space basis and less demand for retail overall. This will impact land demand for new retail development and affect retail employment growth rates. • COVID-19 – One of the largest short-term constraints facing businesses within the City of Niagara Falls is COVID-19. The forced closure of businesses nationwide for an extended period of time has devastated the economy, particularly vulnerable sectors such as tourism and retail which rel y heavily on in- person trade and form core components of Niagara Falls’ local economy. While it is hard to predict the long-term implications of the pandemic on business performance, the current limits on travel and the closure of the U.S. border suggest that local businesses face a long road to recovery. • U.S.-China Trade Dispute – The ongoing U.S. and China trade dispute will continue to impact export-oriented industries in Canada. 5.3.2 City of Niagara Falls Target Sectors As per the Niagara Falls 2018 Business Profile, the target sectors for the City include tourism, manufacturing, retail/commercial and the knowledge-based industries. As the City has developed sector profiles, there is a gap in information as to the landscape and business environment for the tourism, retail, and knowledge sectors. The following information presents an overview of the target sectors for Niagara Falls as understood through existing literature and a high-level data analysis. While the following is Page 137 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-9 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx understood to be the City’s target sectors, only certain uses would typically fall within Employment Areas (discussed further in section 5.4). Tourism Sector Niagara Region estimates show that tourism spending in the region is over $2 billion annually and that every $100 million increase in direct revenue in tourism produces an indirect output of $69 million.1 Niagara Falls is a critical part of this revenue generation – the 2018 City of Niagara Falls Economic Diversification Strategy and the 2018 Niagara Region Tourism Profile estimates that the City welcomes 14 million tourists each year, resulting in an overall tax base of more than 30%. As of 2018, the sector accounted for 39,995 jobs, an increase of 6,059 jobs (18%) from 2011. This sector is comprised of five core subsectors including accommodation and hospitality (27,270 jobs or 68% of total); arts, entertainment, and recreation (8,974 jobs or 22% of total); beverage manufacturing (2,519 jobs or 6% of total); transportation (828 jobs or 2% of total); and, travel arrangem ent and recreation services (404 jobs or 1% of total). From a business perspective, there was a total of 2,824 business es recorded in the sector in 2018, of which 55% had employees. Accommodation and hospitality had the highest concentration of businesse s at 63% of the total. The continued success of the tourism sector is dependent on several factors, as identified in the City’s Economic Diversification Strategy . It calls for downtown revitalization and the better leveraging of existing assets, including the new 5,000 seat Theatre in the Tourism district, Marineland and increased arts and cultural events. This is of particular relevance, given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Focus should be given to strategic actions which support local tourism operators and enhance existing offerings. Manufacturing Sector As per the 2018 Niagara Region Manufacturing sector profile ,2 the manufacturing sector is the fourth largest employment sector for Niagara Region, accounting for 18,791 jobs spread across 1,130 businesses. The sector accounted for $2.4 billion (14%) of the 1 Niagara Canada, Key Sectors Tourism, https://niagaracanada.com/key- sectors/tourism/ 2 Niagara Region, Niagara Manufacturing Profile, 2018. Page 138 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-10 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Niagara Region’s total G.D.P. and is forecast to grow at 1.3% (compound annual growth rate) annually from 2019 to 2022. Niagara Falls is well-positioned to capitalize on the strengths of the manufacturing sector. As per the 2019 Canadian Business Counts, a total of 170 manufacturing businesses were registered in the City, of which 91 were businesses with employees. With an L.Q. of 0.84 as a factor of the Province, the sector is well-positioned for growth opportunities. As per the 2018 Economic Diversification Strategy, Niagara Falls has economic specializations in specific manufacturing sub-sectors, including fertilizer and other agricultural chemical manufacturing; fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing; beverage manufacturing, alumina and aluminium production and processing (e.g. castings); resin, synthetic rubber, artificial/synthetic fibers and filaments manufacturing. Planning for the manufacturing sector shou ld consider the increasing impact of automation of both skills and jobs. Industry 4.01 signifies a shift in the type of work and the skills that employees will be required to perform . Advanced manufacturing is evolving and is requiring integrated operations on larger sites in a “campus-style” setting. These integrated facilities often accommodate a combination of office, research and development, warehousing and logistics, and on-site manufacturing. While new technologies have resurfaced concerns over te chnology eliminating jobs, they help drive innovation and give rise to entirely new industries and economic opportunities . As a result, in the long run, technology has often helped to produce more jobs than it destroyed. Retail/Commercial In 2020, the retail sector accounted for 5,470 jobs (11.6% of total jobs) and 628 businesses. The majority of the sector (64% or 399 businesses) had employees and was characterized by a small or medium -sized business (82% had less than 20 employees). Tourism also has a significant impact on the local retail sector which should be considered, but which is mostly concentrated in tourist commercial zoned areas. 1 The Fourth Industrial Revolution through the continued automation of traditional industrial practices through advanced technologies. Page 139 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-11 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx A key theme identified within the economic diversification strategy was that the downtown area of the City of Niagara Falls has struggled in recent years to generate and retain retail traffic. Recent revitalization investments have supported th e Downtown’s vibrancy and with the future development of the GO Train Station located in this area, revitalization efforts will continue to promote the Downtown as a retail, cultural, arts, and recreation hub. However, as technology continues to advance, the retail sector will experience ongoing disruptions. The advent of COVID-19 has illustrated the vulnerabilities of physical retail spaces and growing preferences amongst consumers to purchase goods online via e-commerce. E-commerce has already had a pronounced effect on retail real estate, as some chains shrink the size of their store model footprint through improvements in inventory management reducing storage floor space requirements. Knowledge-Based Industries The knowledge-based sector of the City of Niagara Falls is a small, albeit slowly growing sector. As a sector profile has not yet been conducted, insights from EMSI Analysis data 2020 has been used to quantify the sector size and impact on jobs with the professional, scientific and technical services, finance and insurance, and information and cultural industries sectors used to represent the sector . Overall, total jobs accounted for 2,659 or 6% of total jobs, with the professional, scientific, and technical services sector accounting for the majority (68% of jobs). From a business perspective, the knowledge-based industries accounted for 969 businesses (14% of total), with a concentration again within the professional, scientific and technical services sector (55% of businesses). Niagara Falls’ education and occupational profile suggest s that the major fields of study including architecture, engineering, an d related technologies, business, management, and public administration, and health and related fields with a comparatively lower proportion of the labour force with an education related to STEM fields including mathematics, computer and information sciences, and physical and life sciences and technologies. Niagara Falls’ share of the total workforce employed in occupations considered knowledge-based is currently lower than both the Niagara Region and Province. Recent increases in skilled and technology w orkers across the Province is fuelling growth in the sector as is the commitment by the City towards f urther developing the innovation ecosystem (e.g. the NFRIH initiative). The Niagara Regional Broadband Page 140 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-12 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Network (NRBN) and the South Western Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) are vital supports to grow the knowledge economy and innovation assets. Similar ly, the planned construction of the South Niagara Hospital Project is a crucial growth initiative in growing an advanced and technology-focused integrated healthcare system and will require a parallel response in advancing a knowledge -based labour force. Key challenges remain, such as putting in place adequate support systems to attract talent and foster local growth, as well as differentiating the City from other key competitors (e.g., Waterloo and Hamilton). Similarly, managing the COVID-19 impacts on knowledge-based industries, particularly regarding their need for office space as they shift towards more online models, is an important consideration. Observations While the above target sectors have been ident ified for the City of Niagara Falls as a whole, not all employment uses within these sectors will be accommodated within Employment Areas. Future and existing Employment Areas in Niagara Falls have the opportunity to accommodate a wide-variety of employment sectors and businesses within a range of building types and forms. In the addition to the above, the City’s Employment Areas are expected to experience growth in wholesale trade, construction, utilities, and a broad range of commercial and employment supportive uses in accordance with permitted zoning and land use requirements - this will be further discussed in Phase 2. The degree to which the City of Niagara Falls will facilitate emerging employment uses will be subject to the availability and quality of employment lands and the City’s regional competitiveness position. 5.3.3 General Characteristics of Industrial/Business Parks Industrial/business parks require good access to regional transportation net works, on- site infrastructure including roadways and utilities, a critical mass, and available, zoned, shovel-ready lands. Industrial/business parks are typically located on flat to slightly rolling topography in areas with minimal environmental issues. Roadways within industrial/business parks tend to be laid out in a grid system to optimize circulation and parcel configuration. Parcels are typically square or rectangular in shape to optimize site design. Many of these attributes help to optimize the end-users’ speed to market, while minimizing development costs and project risk. Page 141 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-13 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx At both the regional and local levels, location requirements of industry can vary considerably depending on the nature of the employment sector/use. Employment sectors typically situated in industrial areas have varying site-specific requirements. To be successful in attracting a broad range of employment sectors, it is recommended that the City’s Employment Areas provide the corresponding attributes summarized in Appendix C. The specific attributes that are required for an industrial/business park to be successful are largely based on the intended function and designations. These are discussed in more detail below within the context of general industrial parks, business parks and research and development parks. General Industrial Parks Industrial Areas have a more general industrial orientation and accommodate largely industrial uses such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, distribution , and transportation sectors. These areas typically offer the following physical requireme nts: • Access – Proximity to controlled access highways (i.e. Q.E.W.) is critical for the success of general industrial parks that have a significant degree of manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and logistics uses. These parks do not necessarily have to be adjacent to a controlled access highway but must be in proximity and easily accessible via major arterials that pass through limited residential or mixed-use commercial area(s); • Critical Mass – Size is vital to ensure a wide selection/flexibility of land options, and parks must include a sufficient supply of large parcels. As a minimum, 80 ha (200 acres) is generally a suitable size for a park, in order to reach the critical mass needed to provide reasonable presence, choice and economies of scale; • Location – The location must provide efficient and effective vehicular access and circulation, particularly for heavy truck traffic, with a minimum of two access points to enter/exit the industrial park; • Land-Use Compatibility – Buffering is important for general industrial parks in order to minimize noise and air pollution to neighbouring residential and other sensitive land uses; • Market Choice – Parcel size and configuration need to be conducive for a wide range of industrial land uses, especially for land-extensive uses such as wholesale trade and transportation; and Page 142 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-14 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Competitive Development/Operating Costs – Land prices must be competitive, given the land-extensive nature associated with many uses in general industrial parks. Business Parks A strong employment growth outlook in knowledge-based sectors continues to generate an increasing need to accommodate light industrial and office uses on both employment lands and within commercial, mixed-use areas. In terms of built form, knowledge-based sectors are typically accommodated in multi-tenant and standalone industrial and office buildings. To address the broad needs of the knowledge-based sector, a range of lands by type, size, and location should be considered. In industrial/business parks, prestige office uses are often positioned at gateway locations (i.e. at major highway interchanges) with direct highway access/exposure as well as strong connectivity to arterial roads. Industrial Areas which are designated as business parks typically have a more prestige character than general industrial parks.1 The following are characteristics typically associated with prestige employment uses, such as: • Access – Access and exposure/visibility to controlled access highways or major arterial roadways are more critical for business parks, particularly for corporate offices; • Critical Mass – Size is less important to prestige business parks relative to general industrial areas; however, the business park must be generally large enough to foster a sense of place within a well-defined precinct and to allow for on-site amenities; • Land-Use Compatibility – Buffering is often required for prestige business parks located in proximity to general Employment Areas or residential uses. Open space/parkland and recreational trails are also often provided for pedestrian movement and leisure; and • Character – Business parks typically present a more prestigious image, created through higher quality building design, stricter urban design standards (i.e. curb 1 Prestige or light industrial lands typically accommodate a larger share of office employment and a relatively higher share of employment-supportive employment uses when compared to general industrial areas. For these reasons, prestige or light industrial areas often have higher average density levels compared to general industrial areas. Page 143 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-15 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx and gutter, streetlighting, buried utilities, stormwater management, etc.) and landscaping requirements to create a campus style setting . Typically, such areas would also impose stricter land-use permission regarding heavy industrial uses and outdoor storage. According to the City of Niagara Falls O.P., ancillary office and retail uses are permitted on designated employment lands, as well as standalone corporate and business office s, which are subject to guidelines established in Section 8.4 of the O.P. The City of Niagara Falls’ zoning by-law establishes further categorizations of employment land uses by Prestige Industrial Zone; Light Industrial Zones; General Industrial Zone; Heavy Industrial Zone; and Transportation-Distribution Industrial Zone. Generally, the City’s Employment Areas are zoned as Light Industrial, with the Stanley Avenue Business Park zoned as General Industrial, and the Montrose Road Industrial Area as Prestige Industrial. Industrial lands zoned as Prestige Industrial are scattered throughout the City, with a concentration within the Montrose Road Industrial Area that could potentially accommodate employment uses commonly associated with Prestige Business Parks . At the current time, none of the City’s Employm ent Areas or Business Parks possesses the cohesive characteristics to be considered as “Prestige” and can instead be understood as General Industrial Parks, as defined above. Research and Development Parks Research parks represent communities of innovation that link industry with government and academia. These parks are typically developed in partnership wi th key stakeholders such as municipal, provincial, and federal governments, affiliated universities, and economic development agencies. Typically, research and development parks are developed with the objective to attract, accommodate, and facilitate business ventures and investment as well as to create synergies related to the commercialization of research activities. Research and development parks also tend to provide resources (i.e. incubators) to support existing and new business ventures. The sizes of research parks in Canada range from a single parcel with one building adjacent to a university to larger standalone campuses. In terms of uses, research parks are comprised primarily of office, institutional, research and development facilities a nd a limited retail base. Key features of a research park include: • Large anchor; • Cluster of firms and organization in the knowledge -based sector; Page 144 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-16 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Prestige “campus-like” setting for office and light industrial uses; • Access and exposure to highways and arterial roads, and transportation connectivity; • Access to skilled and unskilled labour; • Proximity to markets and related industry clusters; • Access to on-site amenities and proximity to off-site amenities; • Availability of office space for lease or purchase; • Partnership and support with government, organizations, and firms; • Land area ranging from a single parcel with one building to a large campus with a developable land area of 30 to 50 ha; • High quality design environment to stimulate creativity and innovation; and • Availability of supporting infrastructure and resources (i.e. training/research and incubator facilities, synergies with post-secondary institutions). The City of Niagara Falls is currently planning for a Medical Business Park adjacent t o the new community hospital which will function as a medical A.I. research hub.1 The new state of the art hospital will host advanced AI capabilities and is expected to cost approximately $1 billion. 5.3.4 City of Niagara Falls Employment Areas The following provides an overview of existing conditions within the City’s designated Employment Areas. 5.3.4.1 Stanley Avenue Business Park The Niagara Falls Stanley Avenue Business Park is comprised of 121 net hectares of developed employment land, and five net ha (12 net acres) of undeveloped designated vacant employment land remaining. The lands are located in the southeast area of the City, approximately ten minutes from the nearest Q.E.W. exit and the Rainbow Bridge border crossing to the U.S. The City’s heavier industrial uses are found here, with a large concentration of employment within the manufacturing sector, followed by a relatively high concentration of employment within the construction and wholesale trade sectors. There are currently three vacant parcels within the park, two of which are constrained by environmental features. As such, new development opportunities within 1 City of Niagara Falls Economic Diversification Strategy. June 11, 2018. Page 145 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-17 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Centennial Concrete Niagara Inc., on Progress Street. Tire Resort at 6160 Don Murie Street. the Stanley Avenue Business Park are minimal. Business retention and increasing employment densities should remain the focus at this park. 5.3.4.2 Montrose Road Industrial Area The Montrose Road Industrial Area is located immediately south of McLeod Road, parallel to the Q.E.W. on both the east and west side. The park is located only a couple of minutes from the nearest Q.E.W. exit and 20 minutes from the Peace Bridge border crossing into Buffalo, New York. Unlike the Stanley Avenue Business Park, border access can be achieved via the Q.E.W., without driving through residential arterial roads. The Montrose Road Industrial Area has facilitated a larger share of the City’s development activity over the past five years, accommodating new employment in a number of small to medium-sized businesses within the administrative and support, waste management and remediation services, construction and public administration . Montrose Road Industrial Area consists of 145 net ha (358 net acres) of employment land which is largely developed, with only six vacant parcels remaining which total 6.4 net ha (16 net acres). Five of the remaining parcels are approximately less than 1 hectare in size, with one developable site almost 5 ha. The vacant lands within the Montrose Road Industrial Area are considered to be shovel-ready. Page 146 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-18 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Niagara Falls Nissan on Oakwood Drive. Jellystone Park Camp Resort on Oakwood Drive. Premier Trucking Group on Oakwood Drive. Roman Cheese Products Ltd., on Montrose Road. U-Haul on Kent Avenue. 5.3.4.3 Q.E.W./420 Employment Area The Q.E.W./420 Employment Area is centrally located within the City, in proximity to residential neighbourhoods, with visible exposure to the Q.E.W. This Employment Area is easily accessed to the north from the Q.E.W. and to the south from Highway 420. Approximately 860 jobs exist within this Employment Area, with a concentration of manufacturing (43%) and retail trade (19%). Many of the business establishments in this area are mixed-use, with light manufacturing/warehousing operations combined with a retail storefront. No vacant lots remain here, so planning considerations should be focused on maintaining high er employment densities through leasing, business expansions and redevelopment opportunities. 5.3.4.4 North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area The North Secure Storage Employment Area is the second largest in the City . Unlike the City’s other Employment Areas, the employment land here is quite fragmented by internal roads, rail and hydro lines, and environmental constraints. Approximately 1,000 jobs exist within this Employment Area, without any discernable industry con centration. Employment is mixed between retail trade, health care and social assistance, transportation and warehousing, finance and insurance, and construction. Youngs Insurance Brokers and Lococo’s are some of the largest employers in the area, with 140 Page 147 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-19 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Lococo’s on Victoria Avenue. Youngs Insurance Brokers on Regional Rd 57. Cotton Inc., storage area located within the Employment Area, on Fruitbelt Parkway. and 80 employees, respectively. There are 17 vacant parcels (36 net ha) of employment land, accounting for almost 80% of th e City’s vacant employment land within Employment Areas and approximately 40% of the City-wide vacant employment land supply. There is a range of small-to-large parcels, with a mix of shovel-ready sites. Business attraction to this area may be difficult because of the parcel fragmentation, residential encroachment, location, and lack of vacant parcels. 5.3.4.5 Highway 405 Employment Area The Highway 405 Employment Area is abutting the north of the City’s urban boundary, with direct access to Highway 405. It is located approximately 15 minutes from the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge border crossing to the U.S. It is a relatively small Employment Area with a scattered mix of residential lots and employment uses . Only three businesses exist here according to the Niagara Region 2019 Business Inventory. Of important note, Modern Landfill Inc. and Cotton Inc. are technically located outside the Employment Area to the north and west of Fruitbelt Pkwy. Modern Landfill and Cotton are significant employers within the City, having a staff of 106 and 187, respectively. There are no remaining vacant parcels within the Employment Area . Page 148 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-20 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Stamford Fireplaces on Oakwood Drive. Battlefield Equipment Rentals (left) and Danceworks (right), on Oakwood Drive. 6893 Oakwood Drive Plaza. WRB Sales & Marketing Inc., on Dorchester Road. Storage One Self Storage on Dorchester Road. Palfinger Inc., on Dorchester Road. 5.3.4.6 Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area Located just north of the Montrose Road Industrial Area, sites within the Q.E.W. Employment Area benefit from proximity to the Q.E.W. interchange. Its employment density is the highest in the City at 45 jobs per net hectare (18 jobs per acre) containing approximately 920 jobs. To the left of the Q.E.W. there are more retail/commercial uses, while employment to the right of the Q.E.W. is largely comprised of two nursing homes employing over 100 persons each . There are no vacant employment lands remaining in this Employment Area. 5.3.4.7 Dorchester Road Employment Area The Dorchester Road Employment Area is approximately five minutes from the Q.E.W. This is the City’s smallest Employment Area with four businesses employing approximately 160 individuals. The predominant employment use is in manufacturing through Palfinger Inc., which has 122 employees. There are no designated vacant employment lands remaining in the Dorchester Road Employment Area. Page 149 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-21 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 5.4 Employment Area Attractiveness Building on the analysis completed in this chapter, the City's Employment Areas are assessed herein to better understand their potential to accommodate future employment growth. This is summarized in Figure 5-2. Consideration has been given to industry sector attractiveness, including the sectors that the industrial area is best suited to accommodate, and the strength of that area with regard to those sectors. Qualitative observations are provided and categorized as follows: ✓ notes a positive rating of the industrial area with regard to the factor being examined; - notes a neutral (i.e. neither positive, nor negative) rating of the industrial area with regard to the specific factor; and  notes a negative rating for the industrial area with regard to the factor being examined. Figure 5-2: Employment Area Attractiveness Employment Area Vacant Employment Land Supply Intensification Opportunities Industry Sector Attractiveness Stanley Avenue Business Park - Limited opportunities for new development. - Five gross ha of vacant developable land remaining. - Only 1.5 ha considered to be shovel-ready. ✓ Largest supply of underutilized parcels in the City. Containing 36% of the City’s underutilized lands within Employment Areas.  Residential encroachment along Ramsey Road and Kister Road. - With limited parcels available for development, a significant increase in employment is unlikely. Future efforts can be focused on increasing densities through lease and redevelopment opportunities. - Unlikely to support future employment gains outside of established base sectors – manufacturing, wholesale trade, and construction. Montrose Road - Opportunities for new development on vacant parcels are becoming constrained, with 11 ha of ✓ Second largest supply of underutilized parcels in the City. Containing 27% of the City’s underutilized ✓ Diverse employment base exists in the park, with a concentration in administrative and support, waste management and remediation Page 150 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-22 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Employment Area Vacant Employment Land Supply Intensification Opportunities Industry Sector Attractiveness Industrial Area vacant land remaining in the park. ✓ Approximately two-thirds of the vacant land supply is considered shovel- ready. - Many of the vacant parcels will likely be developed by 2021. lands within Employment Areas. ✓ The Montrose Road Industrial Area also contains the largest share of underutilized lands considered to have “high potential” for redevelopment and expansion. services, construction, public administration, and manufacturing. ✓ Opportunity for new knowledge-based development. Concentrix currently provides 160 knowledge-based jobs within the business park. Q.E.W./420 Employment Area  No vacant parcels remaining. - Approximately 9 ha of underutilized lands have been identified across 6 parcels.  Two-thirds of the underutilized land supply can be considered to have a “high potential” for redevelopment, representing the second largest share of “high potential” Employment Area intensification opportunities.  A strong concentration of employment within the manufacturing sector currently exists in the Employment Area. Retail trade represents the second largest source of employment, with all other forms of employment minimally dispersed throughout. - With no vacant land remaining, future increases in employment densities will likely be achieved through the expansion of currently existing businesses. The employment makeup of this Employment Area is expected to remain the same. North Secure Storage Employment Area ✓ Sufficient vacant land supply of 43 gross ha, with a mix of parcel sizes. ✓ Almost 80% of the vacant supply considered as shovel-ready, representing a majority of the City’s shovel-ready supply. - Minimal intensification opportunities currently exist. - Four parcels identified as underutilized, all considered to have “low potential.” - Residential encroachment and no direct highway access ✓ Large vacant parcels to the north of the Employment Area available for a wider range of potential industrial uses. - Parcel fragmentation leads to a lack of “campus-like” setting. Supportive of more standalone uses. - Diverse employment base, with no discernable industry concentration existing. Opportunity for potential office/knowledge-based uses, such as Page 151 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-23 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Employment Area Vacant Employment Land Supply Intensification Opportunities Industry Sector Attractiveness without utilizing residential streets. Youngs Insurance Brokers Inc., which currently employs 140 individuals. - Tourist uses adjacent to Employment Area along the Niagara Parkway. Businesses such as Great Wolf Lodge and Niagara Helicopters Ltd., currently function to the east of the Employment Area. Highway 405 Employment Area  No vacant land remaining. ✓ Intensification opportunities exist in the Employment Area. Eight underutilized parcels exist, with a range of development potential.  Residential lots are scattered throughout the Employment Area. - Heavier industrial uses currently exist with Modern Landfill Inc. and Cotton Inc. located directly to the west of the Employment Area. Together these companies employ 106 and 187 staff in the waste management and construction sectors, respectively.  Outside of the above two companies, less than ten jobs exist in the Employment Area according to the Niagara Region 2019 Business Directory. - If intensification opportunities arise, industrial uses can be accommodated with immediate access to Highway 405 and the close distance to the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area  No vacant parcels available for development.  Intensification opportunities exist to the east of the Q.E.W.  Four ha of underutilized lands, with “low” to “high” potential. - Future redevelopment opportunities would best accommodate manufacturing and construction uses, considering the current employment base. - Large base within the health care and social assistance sector, generated by nursing home employment. Page 152 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-24 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Employment Area Vacant Employment Land Supply Intensification Opportunities Industry Sector Attractiveness ✓ Highway exposure and close proximity to retail amenities on McLeod Road. Dorchester Road Employment Area  No vacant parcels remaining.  One potential underutilized site on Quantum Niagara Gymnastics property. - Redevelopment opportunities would best accommodate manufacturing and construction uses, considering the current employment base. 5.5 Key Stakeholder Interviews Key stakeholders were interviewed to better understand the current state of the City’s employment lands in terms of their market supply potential, relative strengths and weaknesses by geographic location, and overall market competitiveness. These interviews also provided the ground insight in developing a cohesive vision related to the City’s Employment Areas and, more broadly, future local economic opportunities. The Consultant Team worked with City staff to develop a list of stakeholders to interview, with the goal being to obtain a cross-section of stakeholders across different industry sectors and organizations that would provide local insight into the City’s existing economy and emerging industries. Key stakeholders interviewed include Regional staff, City staff and departments, industrial brokers, and local industrial-based employers. Stakeholders were contacted and invited to participate in telephone interviews with the Consultant Team in the spring of 2020. The key takeaways from these interviews are as summarized below: • There was overall agreement that the City is well-positioned to attract economic activity and improve its competitiveness in the long term; however, it was expressed that a lack of vacant, shovel-ready employment land is preventing successful attraction efforts . Stakeholders expressed that the City needs more vacant employment land that is not environmentally constrained, has municipal servicing, and is not suffering from residential encroachment. The City’s employment lands are expensive to service and Page 153 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-25 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx parcels that are not shovel-ready are far less desirable to outside developers. Stakeholders also expressed concerns regarding residential encroachment making the City’s employment lands less desirable. Potential manufacturing companies do not want to commute through the City’s residential areas or absorb the potential risk associated with paying for land-use compatibility mitigation measures (e.g. conducting noise audits or building retaining walls). • Stakeholders generally agreed that there is demand from the G.T.H.A. for employment land in Niagara Falls, following a “build it and they will come” mentality. Previous success marketing the Montrose Road Industrial Area employment lands points to the City’s ability to capture developer demand, and the relocation of small to medium-sized G.T.H.A. companies. The City is poised to capture G.T.H.A., industrial developers looking outwards for vacant, serviced employment land, yet Hamilton is currently absorbing most of this outward pressure. Stakeholders have claimed that G.T.H.A. developers are cautious to purchase land in Niagara Falls, preferring leasing opportunities because of the reduced risk – this may change as Hamilton’s available industrial supply slowly becomes absorbed. With Niagara Falls industrial lease rates not significantly cheaper than the G.T.H.A., the City will have a difficult time attracting this outward industrial pressure. o Some stakeholders viewed the City’s proximity to the U.S. border as a strategic advantage in attracting developer demand, while others viewed this as an overstated growth driver. o Stakeholders discussed that competition to attract development exists within the Niagara Region. The City has recently lost industrial interest to Welland and Thorold where there is a perception of greater shovel-ready supply and larger parcel sizes. • In order to capitalize on the above characteristics and avoid missed opportunities in attracting businesses and emerging industries, there is a consistent need for varied types of Employment Areas (e.g. size, location, configuration, amenities, etc.), but more specifically there is a need for large, serviced, and developable Employment Areas. Stakeholders expressed that there is an overall challenge to attract new businesses and encourage existing businesses to scale-up because of limited market supply of Employment Areas in the City. Overall, stakeholders agreed that in the absence of varied types of Employment Areas, the City’s market supply potential and Page 154 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-26 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx attractiveness can become strained. It also has the potential to limit the types of sectors that the City and Niagara Region could support and/or pursue. This is concerning given the changing nature of employment and need to capitalize on emerging knowledge-based and services-producing sectors in the near term. o The development of a new Employment Area sou th of the City’s urban boundary was a consistent suggestion from stakeholders. • The final key theme discussed among stakeholders focused on the types of employment the City can attract through its Employment Areas as well as the nature of industrial parcels required to accommodate these target industries. Stakeholders discussed Niagara Falls’ previous success in attracting food-related industries to the City. There has been a dedicated effort to move away from low-density employment uses, such as logistics operations, towards knowledge-based employment. The development of a potential medical business park adjacent to the City’s new hospital is an example of the desired employment land uses moving forward. The City’s supply of vacant employment land is not currently supportive of new operations within such industries, because smaller parcel sizes cannot support operations with long-term expansion visions. Maintaining an adequate supply of larger parcel sizes will be important for the City of Niagara Falls moving forward. While some stakeholders expressed the need for larger parcel sizes, others referenced past business attraction to the Montrose Road Industrial Area, where parcel sizes had to be reduced to accommodate developer demand. 5.6 Observations The City faces a number of opportunities and challenges with respect to the management and growth of its existing and future Employment Areas in light of the evolving structural changes in the economy and disruptive factors which continue to influence the nature of the economy. One of these challenges relates to macro- economic trends over which the City has limited control. This includes the relative strength of the global economy, international trade policy and the competitiveness of the Canadian economic base relative to other established and emerging global markets. In contrast to the above, Niagara Falls has considerable control and ability to position itself in a positive manner when considering the City’s regional competitive ranking. A major factor for the future competitiveness of the City’s economic base relates to the Page 155 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-27 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx structure, quality, and “readiness” of its employment lands. Over the next several decades the City’s employment base is anticipated to steadily grow across a broad range of export-based and population serving employment sectors – growth within knowledge-based sectors will be an attraction effort for the City. The City, however, will be competing to attract and retain these sectors with other municipalities across the G.G.H. and beyond. To accommodate the steadily growing economic base the City’s land-use planning policies must anticipate the evolving nature of the local and regional economies and reflect the diverse needs of industry and businesses of all sizes over the long term. To ensure the long-term competitiveness, growth, and diversity of the City’s economy, planning and marketing efforts must be geared toward the broader strengths of the City and its communities, specific target sector investment attraction efforts, and an adequate supply of quality, shovel-ready lands within Employment Areas. The supply of vacant employment land within the City of Niagara Falls is diminishing, with 95 gross ha (235 acres) remaining. Almost two-thirds of the vacant land supply is located within Employment Areas, with the remaining land spread throughout the Niagara Falls urban boundary. While there are opportunities within the City for intensification, the availability of future land uses is subject to speculation and is not necessarily a reliable indicator of readily developable land supply. As such, focus should be given to the vacant employment land within the City considered to be shovel- ready – of the total vacant land supply, 60 gross ha can be considered shovel-ready. As Chapter 5 has demonstrated, a majority of this shovel-ready land exists within the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area. The Stanley Avenue Business Park is nearly built-out due to environmental constraints and the Montrose Road Industrial Area will likely be approaching buildout in the next few years. As such, business attraction efforts within the City’s Employment Areas will be focused toward the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area. The age of this Employment Area and the vacant land supply remaining is indicative of business attracting efforts proving difficult. As discussed, many of the parcels within this Employment Area are fragmented, suffer from residential encroachment, and do not offer direct Q.E.W. exposure. The availability of shovel-ready land outside this Employment Area is dwindling. Having a sufficient supply of shovel-ready lots is vital in attracting new business operations to the City. Stakeholders expressed the importance of this shovel -ready land, as well as the need for a range of different parcel sizes to attract different industry Page 156 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 5-28 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx types, employment lands that are not compromised by residential encroachment, and parcels that are located with direct Q.E.W. access. As the supply of vacant, shovel- ready supply continues to shrink, attracting target employment sectors to the City will become an increasingly more difficult task. As such, there will be a need to explore future Employment Area development within the City of Niagara Falls, to ensure that a range of shovel-ready parcel sizes are available to attract target sectors. Page 157 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Chapter 6 Employment Forecast and Employment Area Land Demand to 2051 Page 158 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 6. Employment Forecast and Employment Area Land Demand to 2051 6.1 Overview of City of Niagara Falls Employment Forecast, 2016 to 2051 As part of the Niagara Region M.C.R., an employment forecast by employment type was prepared in 2019 for the City of Niagara Falls over a 2016 to 2041 forecast period.1. Schedule 3 in the Growth Plan, 2019, was updated in August, 2020, including a revised Niagara Region population and employment forecast to the year 2051.2 The revised local municipal allocations to 2051 for the Niagara Region have not yet been completed as a part of the Regional M .C.R.. As such, a revised employment forecast for the City of Niagara Falls to 2051 has been prepared herein. Employment land employment (ELE) and population-related employment (PRE) employment growth is the key focus of the 2051 update, as only growth within these employment categories is expected to generate a land demand within the City’s Employment Areas. The revised Niagara Falls employment forecast by type has been prepared by reviewing the above Provincial and Regional data sources, as well as a review of key regional economic drivers, and other local conditions influencing potential growth on the City’s Employment Areas, as previously discussed in Chapters 3, 4 and 5 herein. Figure 6-1 displays the 2016 to 2041 employment forecast for the Niagara Region and the City of Niagara Falls, as prepared through the Niagara Region M.C.R. (2019). The revised employment forecast by employment type to 2051 for the Niagara Region is summarized in Figure 6-2. The City of Niagara Falls employment forecast allocation b y employment type, as derived through this Employment Lands Strategy, is also summarized in Figure 6-2. It is noted that the share of employment forecast by 1 Data from Niagara Region Municipal Comprehensive Review – Review and Update of MCR Forecast Allocations and Land Needs Assessment Results, September 9, 2019. 2 In accordance with Schedule 3 of A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Gre ater Golden Horseshoe, Office Consolidation 2020, Ontario. Page 159 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx employment type for the City of Niagara Falls is consistent between the two long -term employment forecasts summarized in Figures 6-1 and Figures 6-2. Key observations regarding the 2051 City of Nia gara Falls employment forecast by type are as follows: • Employment Land Employment (ELE) jobs are forecast to decrease by 155. This reflects a lower employment increment relative to the 2019 MCR employment allocations due to a lower overall ELE forecast for the Niagara Region; and • Population-Related Employment (PRE) jobs in Niagara Falls are forecast to increase by from approximately 11,330 to 12,290, representing an increase of 960 jobs. Figure 6-1 Employment Forecast for Niagara Region and the City of Niagara Falls, 2016 to 20 41 44,240 18,040 6,190 5,600 11,330 2,550 990 890 26% 14%16%16%0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000 Population Related Employment Land Major Office Rural AreaTotal Employment (2016 to 2041)Employment Type Niagara Region City of Niagara Falls Source: 2016 to 2041 ELE Growth (2019) from Niagara Region Municipal Comprehensive Review –Review and Update of MCR Forecast Allocations and Land Needs Assessment Results, September 9, 2019. Derived by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 160 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 6-2 Employment Forecast for Niagara Region and the City of Niagara Falls, 2016 to 2051 6.2 City of Niagara Falls Employment Base and Existing Conditions 6.2.1 Recent Employment Land Absorption Activity, 2010 to 201 9 Figure 6-3 summarizes recent absorption on employment lands in the City of Niagara Falls from 2010 to 2019. The City’s Employment Areas have averaged 3,300 sq.m (35,500 sq.ft.) annually in non-residential building activity over the 2010 to 2019 period, which accounts for only 11% of City-wide non-residential development activity. Roughly half the non-residential development activity within the industrial sector occurred within the City’s Employment Areas (see Appendix B for more details). During this period, a total of approximately 10 ha (25 acres) have been absorbed in the City’s Employment Areas, which represents an average of 1 ha (2.5 acres) per year. Recent employment absorption activity has primarily been in the newly developed Montrose Road Industrial Area with 62% of the total absorption over the 2010 to 2019 period. . A review of the City’s site plan activity indicates there is one potential development of a two -storey industrial building in the Stanley Avenue Business Park (on approximately 1.5 ha) which is anticipated to be absorbed in 2020. 48,000 17,000 9,000 8,000 12,290 2,400 1,440 1,270 26% 14%16%16%0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 Population Related Employment Land Major Office Rural Area Total Employment (2016 to 2051)Employment Type Niagara Region City of Niagara Falls Source: 2016 to 2051 from Golden Greater Horseshoe Technical Report: Growth Forecasts to 2051. Note:City of Niagara Falls Estimate for 2016 to 2051 by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 161 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 6-3 City of Niagara Falls Absorption within Employment Areas (Gross ha), 2010 to 2019 6.2.2 City of Niagara Falls Existing Employment Structure Within Employment Areas Existing developed and designated urban Employment Areas within the City of Niagara Falls accommodate approximately 5,300 jobs, representing approximately 15% of the employment base. As illustrated in Figure 5-2, 27% of local employment within Employment Areas is concentrated in the manufacturing sector, followed by moderate shares within construction; retail trade; and health care and social assistan ce. The remaining employment is largely concentrated in other service-oriented sectors. Similar trends exist on the City’s employment lands outside Employment Areas, where 41% of jobs are in the manufacturing sector, followed by wholesale trade with 17%. 1.7 3.5 1.6 1.6 1.1 0.7 Historical Average, 1.0 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Land Absorption (ha)Year Source:Derived from City of Niagara Falls building permits and G.I.S. data, 2010 to 2019, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 162 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-5 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 6-4 Share of Employment in Niagara Falls Employment Areas by Major Sector, 2019 Employment lands in the City of Niagara Falls are home to approximately 320 businesses, employing roughly 6,800 individuals. Figure 6-5 displays the share of the jobs by Employment Area and remaining employment lands. The City’s employment lands outside Employment Areas account for the largest share of employment land employment, with 22%. The Stanley Avenue Business Park and Montrose R oad Industrial Area account for the next largest share of employment, with 19% and 15%, respectively. Manufacturing, 27% Construction, 13% Retail trade, 11% Health care and social assistance, 10% Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services, 8% Wholesale trade, 8% Other services (except public administration), 5% Transportation and warehousing, 4% Arts, entertainment and recreation, 3% Source: Niagara Region Business Directory, 2019, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 163 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-6 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 6-5 Share of Employment on Employment Lands by Number of Employees 6.2.3 City of Niagara Falls Employment Areas Employment Density and Building F.S.I. In accordance with the identified employment within developed Employment Areas across the City of Niagara Falls, the City-wide average employment density within Employment Areas is 18 jobs per net ha (7 jobs per net acre), as presented in Figure 4-9. The highest employment densities are found within the Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area, with an average of 51 jobs per net hectare (21 jobs per net acre). The Montrose Road Industrial Area and Stanley Avenue Business Park are located further from the inner City and maintain employment densities of 17 and 16 jobs per net hectare, respectively. These business parks exhibit slightly lower employment densities compared to the City-wide average. Average building floor space index (F.S.I.), often referred to as building lot coverage for single-storey industrial areas, also provides a good indication of general land Outside Employment Areas 22% Niagara Falls Stanley Avenue Business Park 19% Niagara Falls Montrose Road Industrial Area 15% North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area 15% Niagara Falls Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area 14% Niagara Falls Q.E.W./420 Employment Area 13% Niagara Falls Dorchester Road Employment Area 2% Niagara Falls Highway 405 Employment Area 0% Source: Niagara Region Business Directory, 2019, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 164 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-7 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx utilization.1 The average F.S.I. regarding occupied Employment Areas in the City of Niagara Falls is 11%, as shown in Figure 5-4. The F.S.I. is highest in Dorchester Road Employment Area, followed by the Q.E.W./420 Employment Area and the Stanley Avenue Business Park, which range between 14% and 19%. The F.S.I. is considerably lower in the remaining Employment Areas. Montrose Road Industrial Area has a low F.S.I. of 6% which is likely attributed to larger parcels and a lack of manufacturing uses that would otherwise require larger building footprints.2 Compared to other Employment Areas, employment within the Montrose Road Industrial Area is comprised of only 11% manufacturing, which is considerably lower than the City -wide average of 27%. Figure 6-6 City of Niagara Falls Employment Lands Employment Density and F.S.I. 6.3 Employment Land Demand, 2020 to 2051 6.3.1 Introduction Employment Areas accommodate primarily export-based employment, including a wide range of industrial uses (e.g. manufacturing, distribution/logistics, transportation services), as well as specific population-related uses (e.g. office, services, 1 F.S.I. (Floor Space Index) calculated by building G.F.A./net parcel size. 2 Further to these trends, many of the parcels within the Montrose Road Industrial Area have been sold and are in the pre -development stage. As these businesses are built, total employment will rise. Montrose Road Industrial Area 17 6% Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area 51 12% North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area 11 10% Stanley Avenue Business Park 16 14% Highway 405 Employment Area 8 3% Q.E.W./420 Employment Area 25 16% Dorchester Road Employment Area 43 19% Employment Area Average 18 11% Employment Area Employment Density (Jobs/gross ha) F.S.I. Source: Employment density provided by the Niagara Region. F.S.I. derived from Niagara Region Business Directory, 2019 and G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 165 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-8 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx ancillary/accessory retail). In contrast to other urban land uses (e.g. commercial and mixed-use areas), Employment Areas provide an opportunity to accommodate export- based employment sectors that cannot be easily accommodated in other areas of the City. In order for Niagara Falls to continue to be competitive and attractive to a broad range of industrial and commercial sectors, the City needs to ensure that it has a sufficient supply and market choice of serviced Employment Areas. Most notably, this should include medium to larger sites with good transportation access as well as other local/regional transportation infrastructure. Historically, industrial lands outside of Employment Areas have captured a significant share of employment land employment in the City. Future planning efforts should focus on directing employment land employment towards Employment Areas and avoiding the future designation of industrial lands outside of Employment Areas. Refer to Chapter 7 for additional direction regarding industrial areas outside of Employment Areas. Anticipated Employment Area land needs within the City of Niagara Falls should give consideration to the following: • Long-term employment land employment growth potential; • Forecast employment density assumptions (i.e. employees/net hectare or acre) in Employment Areas; • Trends in forecast Employment Area absorption; and • The amount of vacant, developable land within Employment Areas across the City Niagara Falls. Figure 6-7 summarizes the City of Niagara Falls’ Employment Area forecast from 2020 to 2051. Over the long-term planning horizon, Niagara Falls Employment Areas are anticipated to accommodate approximately 17% of the City’s total employment growth, totaling 2,990 employees. Employment Areas within the City are expected to accommodate 100% of City-wide employment land employment and 5% of forecast population-related employment. Page 166 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-9 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 6-7 City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth on Employment Areas, 2020 to 2051 In accordance with the City’s long-term employment forecast, Figure 6-8 summarizes forecast Employment Area demand from 2020 to 2051 in 5-year increments. Based on a review of the City’s occupied and underutilized Employment Areas, a 10% employment intensification1 assumption has been made on Employment Areas. Assuming an average target density on Employment Areas of 25 jobs per gross ha (10 jobs per gross acre)2, the City of Niagara Falls is forecast to absorb an average of 3 gross ha (7 gross acres) of Employment Area per year over the next 26 years, generating a total land demand of 108 gross ha (266 gross acres) over the long-term planning horizon. 1 Intensification can refer to expansion of existing buildings, additional development on partially vacant Employment Area, and/or infill development. 2 Existing density of 18 jobs per gross Ha in the City’s Employment Areas. Densities are expected to increase in line with changes to forecast employment structu re. Assumption of 25 jobs per net hectare was developed through conversations with City of Niagara Falls staff. City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth by Type City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth in Employment Areas 2020-2051 2020-2051 Major Office 1,310 - 0% Population Related 12,650 620 5% Employment Land 2,370 2,370 100% Rural Area 1,430 - 0% Total Employment 17,760 2,990 17% Employment Type % in Employment Areas Source: Share of employment in Niagara Falls Employment Areas derived from Niagara Region Municipal Comprehensive Review – Review and Update of MCR Forecast Allocations and Land Needs Assessment Results, September 9, 2019. Total 2020 to 2051 employment growth derived from Golden Greater Horseshoe Technical Report: Growth Forecasts to 2051. Figure by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 167 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-10 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 6-8 City of Niagara Falls Forecast Employment Area Land Demand, 2020 to 2051 In conjunction with the conversion recommendations presented in Chapter 7, Figure 6-9 summarizes the City’s supply of net developable vacant lands in Employment Area as of mid-2020, adjusted for conversions. In total, 60 gross hectares (148 gross acres) of vacant developable Employment Areas have been identified; with a majority of the vacant lands within the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area. Figure 6-9 City of Niagara Falls Employment Area Supply (Ha) Total Employment in Employment Areas Intensification in Employment Areas - 10% Total Employment in Employment Areas Adjusted for Intensification A B C = A - B D E = C / D F 2020-2025 400 40 360 25 14 3 2020-2030 950 95 855 25 34 3 2020-2035 1,360 136 1,224 25 49 3 2020-2040 1,740 174 1,566 25 63 3 2020-2045 2,290 229 2,061 25 82 3 2020-2051 2,990 299 2,691 25 108 3 Total Employment Area Land Demand (Gross ha) Average Annual Employment Area Land Demand (Gross ha) Source: Share of employment in Niagara Falls Employment Areas derived from Niagara Region Municipal Comprehensive Review – Review and Update of MCR Forecast Allocations and Land Needs Assessment Results, September 9, 2019. Total 2020 to 2051 employment growth derived from Golden Greater Horseshoe Technical Report: Growth Forecasts to 2051. Figure by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Growth Period Employment Growth in Employment Area Employment Density (Jobs per gross ha) City of Niagara Falls Total Gross Land Area (ha) Environmental Constraints Adjustment1 Net of Internal Infrastructure2 Net Developable Employment Land Supply Percentage of Vacant Employment Area Land Supply A B C D = A - B - C Montrose Road Industrial Area 11 0 0 11 19% Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area 0 0 0 0 0% North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area 44 0 2 43 73% Stanley Avenue Business Park 5 0 0 5 8% Highway 405 Employment Area 0 0 0 0 0% Q.E.W./420 Employment Area 0 0 0 0 0% Dorchester Road Employment Area 0 0 0 0 0% Industrial Lands Outside of Employment Areas 0 0 0 0 0% Total 60 0 2 58 100% Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. 1. Take-outs have been calculated in accordance with the Growth Plan, 2020. Take-outs include environmental features, major roads and hydro corridors. Vacant Industrial Lands, ha 2. Net of internal infrastructure (Column E) has been calculated based on parcel fabric (excludes local roads, parks and other non-developable features) and a downward adjustment to large parcels (greater than 10 ha/25 acres) of 10% for internal infrastructure. Location Page 168 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-11 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 6-10 summarizes forecast Employment Area land needs for the City of Niagara Falls over the long-term planning horizon. In accordance with the City’s supply of designated, developable vacant urban serviced/serviceable Employment Areas and forecast demand for these lands, a deficit of 48 gross ha (118 gross acres) has been identified by 2051. Figure 6-10 City of Niagara Falls Forecast Employment Area Land Needs (Demand vs. Supply), 2020 to 2051 Some of the City’s vacant employment land parcels will likely not develop over the planning horizon, due to small size, fragmentation, odd configuration, access issues, inactivity/land banking, etc., which may tie up potentially vacant and developable lands. Long-term land vacancy is a common characteristic that is broadly experienced in Employment Areas across Ontario and beyond. For the purpose of this analysis, an estimate of 20% long-term land vacancy has been applied to the net developable vacant employment land inventory. Adjusted for land vacancy, the City’s long -term land need has been upwardly adjusted to 60 gross ha (147 gross acres). The Niagara Region is exploring location options for a South Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant. A new treatment plant will have a sizable footprint (20 acres) that may be accommodated in a future Employment Area. To service this facility there will also be a need for new pumping stations in south Niagara Falls. If the planned pumping station is to be developed within a new Employment Area, additional land may be required to facilitate this treatment facility beyond the 60 gross ha (147 gross acres) identified above. It is also noted that gross Employment Area land needs identified herein exclude lands associated with non-developable natural environmental features. Land Need Employment Growth 2020-2051 A 2,691 Employment Area Demand at 2051 B 108 Employment Density (Jobs per gross ha)C = A / B 25 Vacant Employment Area (gross ha)D 60 Employment Area Surplus/Shortfall at 2051 E = D - B (48) Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. City of Niagara Falls Employment Areas Page 169 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 6-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Chapter 7 Employment Land Conversion Review Page 170 of 539 7. Employment Land Conversion Review 7.1 Designated Employment Lands for Review and Potential Conversion In consultation with City of Niagara Falls staff, the Consultant Team has assessed a number of candidate sites on employment lands which may be appropriate to convert to a non-employment uses. This exercise was completed within the framework of the Growth Plan, 2019 and the 2020 P.P.S. as well as site-specific evaluation criteria which are discussed below. In total, the City has identified six sites for review in this regard. An overview of these sites is provided in Figure 7-1. Figure 7-1 City of Niagara Falls Properties with Pressure for Conversion Source – Compiled by Watson and Associates Economists Ltd., 2020 Page 171 of 539 Table 7-1 City of Niagara Falls Candidate Employment Land Sites for Conversion to a Non-Employment Use Site # Site Address OP Designation/Zoning Conversion Request by Owner Current Use of Site Site Area (ha) 1 9304 McLeod Road Industrial No Industrial 19 2 MTSA Site 1 (South of Buttery Street) Industrial No Industrial 16 3 MTSA Site 2 (North of Bridge Street) Industrial No Industrial 3 4 7983-8003 Montrose Road Industrial + Environmental Protection to west No Industrial + Environment Protection Area + Open Space 20 5 5259 Dorchester Road Major Commercial No Major Commercial 8 6 Stanley Avenue Industrial No Industrial / Brownfield Pilot 31 7.1.1 Definition and Requirements for Employment Land Conversions The Growth Plan, 2019 and P.P.S, 2020 provide a framework for assessing the conversions of lands within Employment Areas. The following briefly summarizes the Growth Plan, 2019 policies in regard to Employment Area conversions (policies 2.2.5.9 and 2.2.5.10): Page 172 of 539 Municipal Comprehensive Review: • Conversions of Employment Areas in the City to non-employment uses may be permitted only through a Regionally-initiated M.C.R., based on the following criterion: o there is a need for the conversion; o the lands are not required over the horizon of this Plan for the employment purposes for which they are designated; o the municipality will maintain sufficient employment lands to accommodate forecasted employment growth to the horizon of this Plan; o the proposed uses would not adverse ly affect the overall viability of the Employment Area or the achievement of the minimum intensification and density targets in this Plan, as well as the other policies of this Plan; and o there are existing or planned infrastructure and public service facilities to accommodate the proposed uses. Outside a Municipal Comprehensive Review: • Lands within an existing Employment Area may be converted to non-employment uses outside a Regionally-initiated M.C.R. (until the next M.C.R) where certain criterion can be met: o There is a need for the conversion; o the proposed uses would not adversely affect the overall viability of the Employment Area or the achievement of the minimum intensification and density targets in this Plan, as well as the other policies of this Plan; and o there are existing or planned infrastructure and public service facilities to accommodate the proposed uses. o the conversion must maintain a “significant number” o f jobs on the subject lands through the establishment of a development criteria; and o the site must not be a part of a provincially significant employment zone P.S.E.Z). Subsection 2.2.5.11 of the Growth Plan, 2019 further states that any change to an O.P. to permit new or expanded opportunities for major retail in an Employment Area may only occur in accordance with policy 2.2.5.9 or policy 2.2.5.10, as previously summarized for the criteria for the M.C.R. Page 173 of 539 The P.P.S, 2020 provides further direction with respect to the conversion of Employment Areas to non-employment uses. Subsection 1.3.2.2. of the 2020 P.P.S. states: “Planning Authorities may permit conversion of lands within employment areas to non-employment uses through a comprehensive review, only where it has been demonstrated that the land is not required for employment purposes over the long term and that there is a need for the conversion.” Within the context of the City of Niagara Falls, all but one of the industrial sites being evaluated for conversion to a non-employment use fall outside of Employment Areas. The Growth Plan, 2019 provides a less prescriptive framework for the conversion of employment lands outside of Employment Areas. According to section 2.2.5.14 of the 2019 Growth Plan, employment lands that fall outside of Employment Areas should follow a development criterion “to ensure that the redevelopment of any employment lands will retain space for a similar number of jobs to remain accommodated on site.” 7.1.2 Evaluation Criteria In addition to the employment land conversion criteria established in the P.P.S., 2020 and the Growth Plan 2019, each candidate site has also been reviewed subject to a site-specific evaluation based on a broad range of criteria as listed below: • Site is located outside an established or proposed industrial/business park; • Site is isolated from surrounding designated employment lands; • Site is surrounded by non-employment land uses on at least three sides; • Conversion would not create incompatible land uses; • Conversion of site will not negatively affect employment lands in the area; • Conversion would be consistent/supportive of City policy planning objectives; • Conversion doesn’t contravene any City policy planning objectives; • Site offers limited market choice for employment lands development due to size, configuration, physical conditions, or other constraints; and • Site does not offer potential future expansion on existing or neighbouring employment lands. Page 174 of 539 7.2 Potential Conversion Sites To ensure protection of employment lands, it is important to consider on a site-by-site basis, the potential impact of a conversion on the City’s existing and developing employment lands. These evaluation criteria are discussed through a site-by-site analysis below and are summarized in Figure 7-2. Of the six candidate sites considered for analysis, three sites have been recommended for conversion to a non-employment use. Page 175 of 539 Figure 7-2 City of Niagara Falls Planning and Economic Considerations and Evaluation of Potential Conversion Sites A B Site is isolated from surrounding designated employment lands C D E F G H Site offers limited market choice for employment lands development due to size, configuration, physical conditions, other I Site does not offer potential for future expansion by neighbouring employment lands Site #Site Name A B C D E F G H I Recommendation 1 9304 McLeod Road Recommended for Conversion 2 MTSA Site 1 (South of Buttery Street) Consider widening permissions for allowing more Mixed Use type Development compatible with Transit Station Area 3 MTSA Site 2 (North of Bridge Street) Consider widening permissions for allowing more Mixed Use type Development compatible with Transit Station Area 4 7983-8003 Montrose Road Not Recommended for Conversion 5 5259 Dorchester Road Not Recommended for Conversion 6 Stanley Avenue Not Recommended for Conversion Source: Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. Conversion would be consistent/supportive of City and Region's policy planning objectives Conversion doesn’t contravene any City and Region's policy planning objectives Planning and Economic Considerations and Evaluation of Potential Conversion Site Site is located outside or on the fringe of an employment area Site is surrounded by non-employment land uses on at least three sides Conversion would not create incompatible land uses Conversion of site will not negatively affect employment lands in the area Page 176 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-8 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 7.2.1 Sites Recommended for Conversion Site 1: 9304 McLeod Road The subject site is 19 gross ha (47 acres) and is located at the intersection of McLeod and Beechwood Road, falling outside of the 2km Solvay arc but partially within the 200m residential setback.1 As identified in Figure 7-3, the subject site is vacant and adjacent to designated industrial, agricultural and residential lands. Figure 7-3 City of Niagara Falls Site 1 - 9304 McLeod Rd 1 According to 2.3.1. of the City of Niagara Falls O.P., residential development within this 200m setback is limited to single-detached dwelling units on larger lots. The building height shall be a maximum of 2.5 storeys or 8 metres, whichever is the lesser, in accordance with the implementing zoning by-law. 1 Page 177 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-9 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx While designated industrial, there is no industrial development on or around the site – the site has historically not been able to attract businesses. The lands west of Beechwood Road, north of Brown Road are heavily impacted by Provincially Significant Wetlands. When considering the size of the wetlands in combination with their required setback, makes these constrained lands unlikely to develop for industrial purposes. Further, the requirement to travel through residential neighbourhoods from the nearest Q.E.W. interchange and the residential encroachment to the east along McLeod Road, makes this an unattractive site for industrial uses. In alignment with recommendations regarding the industrial lands surrounding Solvay (see the Site 13 discussion for further detail), this parcel is recommended to be converted away from an industrial designation. The future land use of this area, and whether it should remain in the urban boundary, should be defined through the Regional Municipal Comprehensive Review (M.C.R.) process. Site 2: GO Transit Station MTSA Industrial Lands As shown in Figure 7-4, Site 2 is approximately 16 hectares and is adjacent to the future location of the Niagara Falls GO Transit Station. The site is currently vacant. Under the GO Transit Station Secondary Plan process, the site was previously considered for a variety of alternative transit supportive uses, including mixed use, office, residential and entertainment uses. The current Secondary Plan designates the lands as Industrial with a special policy directing the City/Region to consider this area for possible conversion through the respective MCR processes. In support of the Secondary Plan directi on, it is recommended that the site be considered for a range of mixed -use development opportunities that would help to promote development in proximity to the station and support on-going revitalization efforts in the Downtown. Within this site, a residential designation in proximity to active industrial uses on the north side of Buttrey side is not recommended, however, elsewhere on the site where compatibility issues can be mitigated it would be appropriate to consider transit supportive development, inc luding residential uses. Site 3: Bridge Street Industrial Lands As displayed in Figure 7-4, Site 3 is located to the North of Bridge Street and represents a cluster of parcels totaling three hectares, a majority of which contributing to the City- wide vacant industrial land supply. The parcels within Site 6 are recommended to be converted to a residential designation. A residential conversion is supported through the Page 178 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-10 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx conversion criteria evaluation and the vacant parcels within this site have already been the subject of development interest for mid- to high-rise residential development. Figure 7-4 City of Niagara Falls Sites 2 and 3 - GO Transit Station MTSA and Bridge Street Industrial Lands 7.2.2 Sites not Recommended for Conversion to a Non-Employment Land Use Site 4: 7983-8003 Montrose Road Site 4 is currently designated as both ‘Open Space’ and ‘Industrial’ according to the City of Niagara Falls O.P. and represents a gross land area of 20 ha. Of this total land area, nine gross ha is designated as industrial and the remaining is environmental protection area or open space. The industrial lands within this site are a part of the Warren Woods Secondary Plan. Developers have built a residential neighborhood directly to the West of this plot of land and have requested that Site 4 be re-zoned to residential. Page 179 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-11 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 7-5 City of Niagara Falls Site 4 – 7983-8003 Montrose Road Under the conversion criteria evaluation outlined above in Figure 7-2, this site does not meet the requirements to convert to a residential use. Furthermore, considering the site’s visibility and proximity to the Q.E.W., it is recommended that the segment of industrial lands within Site 4 remain designated as ‘Industrial.’ Site 5: 5259 Dorchester Road The subject site is eight gross ha (20 acres) in land area and is currently designated ‘Major Commercial’ as per the City of Niagara Falls O.P. A Zoning By-law Amendment application has been made to the City which requests that the site be re-zoned to Residential. Page 180 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-12 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 7-6 City of Niagara Falls Site 5 – 5259 Dorchester Road It is recommended that the City maintain this site designated as ‘Major Commercial.’ A conversion to a residential designation on this site could cause a potential land use compatibility issue with the existing industrial use above at Arterra Wines.1 Due to this site’s physical characteristics and location, it has the potential over the long term to support significant employment growth within the City. Site 6: Stanley Avenue and Thorold Stone Road Site 6 is currently designated as ‘Industrial’ according to the City of Niagara Falls O.P. and has three parcels totaling a gross land area of 31 gross ha. The parcels within this site are classified as vacant and are located within the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area. This site is brownfield land that is currently being remediated and is for sale as light industrial land. 1 According to the Niagara Region Employment Survey (2019), Arterra Wines currently supports approximately 220 employees. Page 181 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-13 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 7-7 City of Niagara Falls Site 6 - Stanley Avenue and Thorold Stone Road The parcels within Site 6 are recommended to remain designated as ‘Industrial.’ Under the conversion criteria evaluation matrix, there is no justification to convert this site from its current designation. Considering that the subject sites are located within the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area and are located adjacent to industrial uses, they do not make suitable candidates for residential development. Page 182 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-14 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 7.3 Additional Vacant Employment Lands for Review and Potential Conversion In addition to the above conversion analysis, the Consultant Team has identified five additional vacant industrial sites which should be reviewed for conversion – see Figure 7-8 for a summary of these sites. Figure 7-9 identifies the geographic location of these industrial sites recommended for conversion to a different non-residential land use. It is important to consider, on a site-by-site basis, the potential impact of conversion, ensuring the protection of the City of Niagara Falls industrial land supply. Figure 7-8 City of Niagara Falls Summary of Additional Vacant Employment Lands for Review and Potential Conversion Site # Site Location Current O.P. Designation Recommended O.P. Designation Site Area (ha) 7 Portage Road Industrial Remain Industrial. The North Secure Storage Employment Area boundary to be extended to capture this site. 2 8 Kalar Road and Beaverdams Road Industrial Neighbourhood Commercial 0.2 9 Portage Road and Valley Way Industrial Commercial or Institutional 0.2 10 Industrial Lands in Proximity to Solvay Industrial Industrial lands south of Brown Road to remain industrial. Industrial lands north of Brown Road within the 2km Solvay arc be removed from the urban boundary. Industrial lands to the north of 2km Solvay arc remain in the urban area but be converted away from an industrial designation. 442 Page 183 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-15 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 7-9 City of Niagara Falls Additional Sites Reviewed for Conversion 7.3.1 Sites Recommended for Conversion: Site 7: Vacant Industrial Parcel to the Southwest of the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area As identified in Figure 7-10, the vacant industrial parcel is located to the southwest of the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area. A Jeep dealership has purchased this property and is developing it as a parking lot to store its car inventory, 7 8 9 10 Page 184 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-16 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx with the northwest strip of the parcel functioning as a small driveway. Site 7 currently represents two gross hectares (four acres) of the City’s vacant industrial land supply. Figure 7-10 City of Niagara Falls Portage Road Vacant Industrial Parcel It is recommended that the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area boundary be extended south to capture Site 7 and the remaining occupied industrial lands above the red line identified in Figure 7-10. This recommendation would lead to the vacant land supply of the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area increasing by two gross hectares. 7 Page 185 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-17 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx It is also recommended that the occupied industrial parcel south of the red line is given a commercial designation. Considering the proximity of residential lands to the east and commercial lands to the west, a commercial designation is the most consistent use for this site. Site 8: Vacant Industrial Parcel at the Intersection of Kalar Road and Beaverdams Road As displayed in Figure 7-11, Site 8 has been flagged for potential conversion. The site is surrounding by agricultural, residential and industrial land uses. This site represents 0.2 hectares of the gross vacant industrial land supply (0.5 gross acres). Figure 7-11 Vacant Industrial Parcel at the Intersection of Kalar Road and Beaverdams Road 8 Page 186 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-18 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx The close location of this site to residential land uses and the relatively small size of this parcel, makes Site 8 unlikely to support a future industrial use. Considering the active industrial use to the south, a conversion to a residential use is not recommended. As such, it is recommended to convert this vacant site to neighbourhood commercial, reducing the City-wide industrial land supply by 0.2 gross hectares. Site 9: Vacant Industrial Parcel at the Intersection of Portage Road and Valley Way Site 9 has been flagged for potential conversion. As shown in Figure 7-12, the vacant site currently falls within an industrial land use designation and is surrounded by residential uses to the north and west. Site 9 represents 0.2 gross hectares (0.5 gross acres) of the City-wide vacant industrial land supply. Figure 7-12 City of Niagara Falls Vacant Industrial Parcel at the Intersection of Portage Road and Valley Way 9 Page 187 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-19 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Site 9 is recommended to be converted from industrial to either commercial or institutional. The adjacent parcels do not function as industrial uses and a future industrial land use on Site 9 would cause a potential land use conflict. The conversion of this site results in a reduction of the City-wide vacant land supply by 0.2 gross hectares. While beyond the scope of this report, future conversion consideration should be given to the entirety of the occupied industrial lands identified in Figure 7-12. The industrial designation does not conform with the existing land use associated with the Niagara Regional Police Service Headquarters. Site 10: Industrial Lands in Proximity to Solvay As displayed in Figure 7-13, the lands occupied by Solvay and the surrounding industrial lands account for 442 gross hectares (1,092 gross acres). For the purposes of this Employment Lands Strategy, these lands have been removed from the City-wide vacant industrial land supply outlined in Chapter 4 because of the lack of oppo rtunity for development. Further to removing these lands from the City-wide industrial land supply, it is recommended that the lands within the 2km Solvay arc above Brown Road be removed from the urban boundary - Figure 7-13 highlights the lands recommended for removal. The lands within the 2km Solvay arc cannot be developed for residential purposes are not attractive for industrial development – removing them from the urban boundary presents an opportunity to expand the urban boundary elsewhere, creating more opportunity for industrial development in more marketable and suitable locations. It is also recommended that the industrial lands north of the Solvay arc and south of McLeod Road be removed from the urban boundary. The land use of these industrial lands should be considered within the broader context of the City’s urban structure and long-term land needs. The land use of 9304 McLeod Road lands (highlighted i n red hatching in Figure 7-13) should be reviewed through the Niagara Region M.C.R. process, subject to the City of Niagara Falls long-term residential land needs. The Solvay property south of Brown Road is recommended to remain in the urban boundary and be classified as developed industrial land. Solvay has no intention of selling, leasing, or developing the lands south of Brown Road. The Solvay lands recommended for removal from the urban boundary account for 1 66 gross hectares (410 gross acres). If the 9304 McLeod Road lands are also removed from the urban boundary or converted from an industrial designation, an additional 19 Page 188 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-20 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx hectares (47 gross acres) of industrial land would be removed. The remaining developed industrial land area south of Brown Road would account for 276 gross hectares (682 gross acres). Page 189 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 7-21 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 7-13 City of Niagara Falls Industrial Lands in Proximity to Solvay Page 190 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Chapter 8 Policy Recommendations Page 191 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 8-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial La nds Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 8. Policy Recommendations This section provides recommendations pertaining to the City’s employment lands. These recommendations consider the respective supply and demand analyses to 2051 as well as the broader policy context, including Provincial and Regional policies. The recommendations are grouped based on five themes, which include: • Future vision for the City’s Employment Lands; • Provincial and Regional Policy Conformity and Alignment; • Employment Land Conversion; • Future Land Needs; and • Competitiveness of Supply. 8.1 Future Vision for the City’s Employment Lands The future vision with respect to employment lands is set out below: “Employment Lands within the City of Niagara Falls will provide the City with a diverse collection of parcels; opportunities for Greenfield Development and intensification of existing sites; and, allow the City to competitively resp ond to market demands and meet the City’s employment needs to 2051.” 8.2 Clarifying Employment Lands with Employment Areas There are a number of technical revisions which should be considered to provide for enhanced clarity and readability of the City’s employment policies. This section provides recommendations in this regard. • Consistent language and terminology – Presently, Section 8 of Part 2 of the City’s O.P. speaks to the “Industrial” Land use designation with these areas identified on Schedule A of the O.P.; however, within Secondary Plans and other parts of the O.P., the terms “Employment Areas” a nd “Employment Lands” are used both in policy and on Secondary Plan Land Use Schedules to refer to Industrial lands. Ultimately, it appears that the terms “Industrial” and “Employment” are used interchangeably to refer to the same thing, which can cause confusion. Accordingly, it is recommended that the policy sections of the O.P. be revised in this regard, in order to provide clarity in understanding the land Page 192 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 8-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx use typology as well as for alignment with provincial and regional nomenclature respecting employment lands. It is recommended that the terminology used in the O.P. be consistent with the Provincial language, adopting “employment lands” and “Employment Areas”, as the case may be. • Visual Representation – The O.P. should include a schedule showing the difference between Employment Areas and employment lands. • Definitions – Appendix I of the O.P. contains definitions used throughout the Plan. Currently, “Employment Lands” is identified as a defined term; however, there may be a need to revise this definition as well as introduce new definitions to reflect the Provincial planning framework and defined terms set out in the 2019 Growth Plan which differentiates between Employment Areas and Employment Lands. There may also be a need to add “Gateway Economic Zon e” as a defined term, in addition to identifying it on the land use schedule. • Organization of Conversion Policies – Employment Land Conversion policies are contained both within Section 2 of Part 4 (Policies 2.9 and 2.10) and Section 8 of Part 2 of the Plan. It is recommended that the conversion policies be centralized in one location in the Plan, for readability and clarity. 8.3 Provincial and Regional Policy Conformity and Alignment There are a number of changes to the City’s current O.P. framework required t o address matters of consistency and conformity with the P.P.S., 2020; Growth Plan, 2019 (including Amendment 1); and the Niagara Region O.P. The following section includes the recommended policy directions in this regard. • Strengthen policies to protect the long-term viability for existing and planned industries – Policy 8.3.1 of Part 2 of the O.P. addresses the grouping of industries with similar characteristics and performance standards to protect against the effects of incompatible land uses. The P.P.S., 2020 introduces a set of conditions that must be met in order to permit the introduction of sensitive uses adjacent to existing industrial and manufacturing uses, including what to do if avoidance is not possible. The Growth Plan, 2019 (including Amendmen t 1) also provides direction on what to do if the encroachment of sensitive land uses and existing industrial and manufacturing uses is not avoidable. While Niagara Falls Page 193 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 8-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx O.P. policies 7.3 and 8.6 address land use compatibility, it is recommended that the policy language be strengthened regarding instances where avoidance of incompatible uses is not possible. The City should reaffirm its commitment to maintain existing employment uses through this change. • Add a policy recognizing that Employment Areas adjacent to or near major goods movement facilities and corridors should be protected – Section 8 of Part 2 of the O.P. includes policies that address the provision of adequate highway access for industrial zones, including lands within the Q.E.W. Employment Corridor. Where an Employment Area is adjacent to or near an identified goods movement facility or corridor, the wording of these policies should be updated to demonstrate alignment with the policies of the Growth Plan. • Strengthen policies to facilitate developing active transportation networks and a transit-supportive built form in Employment Areas – Policy 8.16 of Part 2 of the O.P. supports establishing, maintaining and improving the accessibility of industrial areas by providing public transit services. In addition, the O.P. supports retail and office uses ancillary to the industrial use, thereby promoting active transportation. The Growth Plan, 2019 directs municipalities to develop active transportation networks and facilitate a transit-supportive built form. This reflects an opportunity for the City to strengthen policies to prioritize transit, pedestrians, cycling, and accessibility within the City’s Employment Areas to ensure they are accessible to employees and are connected with the surrounding land uses. The application and implementation of the Growth Plan policy directives will require a context sensitive approach given the range of Employment Areas in the City. • Strengthen existing policies regarding the design of surface parking to minimize surface parking in Employment Areas – Part 2 of the Niagara Falls O.P., policies 8.12 and 8.13, address the need to provide adequate parking for industrial sites. The City’s surface parking related policies within Part 1 of the Niagara Falls O.P, policy 3.14.1 Urban Design, encourages parking on-site and within a parking structure. As previously referenced, the Growth Plan, 2 019 establishes that municipalities will develop active transportation networks and facilitate transit-supportive built form. This is complementary to the need to minimize surface parking. The City should consider strengthening existing policies such that transportation demand management measures (e.g., bicycle Page 194 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 8-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx parking, showers, etc.) are prioritized and clear direction is provided to allow fo r opportunities to minimize surface parking in Employment Areas. • Add a policy regarding the City’s role in working with the Region, and appropriate stakeholders such as Niagara Region Transit, to coordinate planning for economic development and transportation demand management – Within Part 5 of the Niagara Falls O.P., Policy 4.8 discusses coordination between the City and the Region of Niagara regarding transit related coordination to support the mixed-use vision of Downtown Niagara Falls. Growth Plan, 2019 policy 2.2.5.17 encourage a coordinated approach to planning for economic development and transportation demand management in areas with a high concentration of employment that cross municipal boundaries. While the Niagara Falls O.P. includes policies on transit related coordination to support the mixed-use vision of the City’s downtown, an opportunity exists to add a policy regarding the potential to coordinate transportation initiatives in the context of industrial areas. • Designate the Niagara Economic Gateway on O.P. mapping – As per the Regional O.P., it is recommended that the City delineate the Niagara Economic Gateway as part the O.P.A to implement the policy directions discussed in this Chapter. This will support alignment with the Re gional O.P. and strengthen regional and municipal policy objectives on economic growth within the area. 8.4 Employment Land Conversions As noted in Chapter 7 of this report, a number of sites are recommended for conversion from employment to a non-employment use, as well as removal from the urban area in some instances. It is recommended that the O.P. Schedules and any associated policies be updated, as required, to reflect the recommended conversion areas with the appropriate land use designations applied. Additionally, a Zoning By-law Amendment will be required to ensure the appropriate zone is applied to implement the recommended new land use. 8.5 Future Land Needs Based on the analysis completed above, the supply of vacant developable land within the City’s Employment Areas is diminishing, with 60 gross hectares remaining. Page 195 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 8-5 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Ultimately, the results of the analysis indicate a deficit of 48 gross hectares of employment land by 2051 (60 gross hectares when adjusted for land vacancy, and other constraints such as parcel size, configuration and access issues). Ultimately, the study findings suggest that there is not sufficient land available to meet the project employment demand and, accordingly, additional land will need to be added to meet the demand. Notwithstanding the conversion analysis recommended removing certain lands from the employment designation, this was done to reflect a more reasonable supply of land given constraints and, ultimately, there is still a need for the City to provide additional land to meet the demand to the 2051 planning horizon. This section pr ovides recommendations in this regard. • Introduce a new Employment Area to address the identified shortfall and provide an opportunity to increase competitiveness and accommodate target industries – Identification of a new Employment Area is required in order to accommodate the anticipated demand to 2051 and position the City to be more competitive in the market through ensuring the availability of land to accommodate a broader range of parcel sizes to meet the needs of industrial users, who have indicated a gap in availability of medium to larger sized sites in the City. This new Employment Area should be identified and confirmed through the Region’s M.C.R. process. • Strengthen policies to protect and retain the existing vacant employment land supply – To remain competitive over the long-term, the City should also protect its existing vacant supply to ensure that future demand on employment lands is not unduly constrained by a lack of market choice through out its remaining vacant parcels and constrained by conflicting land uses. This can be achieved through the introduction of stronger policies in the O.P. respecting adjacency and land use compatibility as recommended in Section 8.2 above . 8.6 Competitiveness of Supply The Regional O.P. identifies a set of policies for the Niagara Economic Gateway, which includes the Niagara Falls Priority Investment Area, to promote economic development. While the Niagara Falls O.P. focuses on promoting industrial development, an opportunity exists to broaden the discussion by considering potential investment- incentives for these areas, which are currently not delineated within the City’s O.P. Page 196 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 8-6 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Add policy language on Niagara Falls Q .E.W. Business Park – Regional O.P. policy 3.A.3.9 introduces the concept for the Niagara Falls Q.E.W. Business Park. A similar policy should be introduced to the City of Niagara Falls O.P. in order to capitalize on long-term opportunities for business and services in close proximity to 400 series highways focusing on manufacturing, warehousing and other employment land uses. • Add policies to encourage a range of parcel sizes and develop priorities to ensure a supply of shovel-ready lands for medium to larger sites – The supply analysis identified that there is 60 gross ha of vacant Employment Area land remaining, reflecting a supply of approximately 20 years. Working with Niagara Region, the City should identify priority Employment Areas for future development, particularly medium and larger sized sites which offer opportunities to accommodate large-scale operations on full municipal services. • Refine policies and develop priorities that strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of Employment Areas by permitting a range of employment supportive uses and worker amenities – Overall, the permitted uses within the City’s O.P. industrial designations are well aligned to respond to the forecast employment sectors. However, there may be an opportunity to further enhance competitiveness by providing additional clarity for employment- supportive uses. The market analysis identified the need for Employment Areas to provide a wider range of services and amenities which complement and help to support both knowledge-based and traditional industrial sectors. Recog nizing the importance of amenities and services oriented to employees, policies could be refined to permit/clarify the circumstances where the City would permit employment supportive uses as stand-alone (primary) uses in areas that are not identified for a heavy industrial land use. • Identify and prioritize opportunities for quality of life enhancements to strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of Employment Areas – The employment land demand analysis identified that “quality of life” enhancements will be a key factor in the City’s economic growth. In addition to supporting a range of employee amenities, through the O.P. review process the City should develop priorities for making physical improvements to its existing Employment Areas. This could include opportunities to add or enhance existing elements such as open space/park land, lighting, wayfinding/branding, trails, Page 197 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 8-7 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx active transportation connections, transit access and other types of hard infrastructure which help to make Employment Areas attractive places to work. 8.7 Next Steps Once Phase 2 of the Employment Lands Strategy has been completed, a draft Official Plan Amendment (O.P.A.) and a corresponding Zoning By-law Amendment (Z.B.A) will be prepared and Planning Act process initiated to ad dress the recommended changes noted in this section respecting conformity, land needs outcomes (i.e. conversion sites), and technical revisions. Following conclusion of Phase 2 and 3 of this Study, the City may also wish to consider initiating a process to implement those recommendations contained in this report that would need to be addressed outside of a policy and zoning framework (e.g. a CIP, Design Guidelines, Marketing Plan, and Identification of a new Employment Area). Page 198 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Chapter 9 Public vs. Private Sectors Development Options Review Page 199 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 9-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Ind ustrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx 9. Public vs. Private Sectors Development Options Review The purpose of this section is to evaluate the future role and approach for the City regarding future industrial land assembly and development. 9.1.1 Municipal Trends in Industrial Land Development In recent decades, most industrial/business parks in Ontario within municipalities outside of the Greater Toronto Area (G.T.A.) and the Ottawa area have been municipally developed, whereas in the G.T.A. and Ottawa they have been primari ly privately developed. Examples of communities which have had active municipal land development include Barrie, Belleville, Brantford, Cornwall, London and Peterborough. Similarly, the City of Niagara Falls has a strong and successful history of municipal industrial land development. Relatively low land prices and slower rates of development activity in these c ommunities compared to the G.T.A., create difficulties in attracting and sustaining private sector development of industrial lands. The relatively low market price of serviced land creates conditions that limit private sector interest and involvement in land development (i.e. the costs of servicing lands are too high relative to market prices of serviced land). The absence of the private sector necessitates municipal development of industrial/business parks. Under these circumstances, many municipalities take a pro-active approach and develop municipal industrial/business parks, investing municipal dollars to buy, subdivide and fully service the land. Recouping municipally funded servicing costs (in full or in part) occurs through land sales to end users who then develop the parcels. Figure 9-1 illustrates the cost components to servicing land, the potential return on investment and the corresponding market price of land required to sustain the private - sector development market. Servicing land is a costly undertaking, typically averaging between $70,000 and $90,000 per acre. Factoring in the cost of land acquisition (typically between $20,000 and $40,000 per acre), the total cost of serviced land can easily exceed $100,000 per acre. To allow for a minimum return on investment, the market value of serviced land typically has to be in excess of $200,000. The potential for private-sector development above this point increases with the market value of serviced land. Page 200 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 9-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure 9-1 Private Sector Industrial Land Development Profitability Threshold Most communities in eastern and southwestern Ontario have serviced land market values well below $200,000. Industrial land prices in Niagara Falls are slightly above the $200,000 per acre threshold, at $205,000. In comparison, north/west G.T.A. communities, including Mississauga, Brampton and Vaughan, have industrial land prices sufficiently high to support strong and dynamic private -sector development of industrial lands. The relatively high threshold point for the private sector is driven by the differing cost/ benefit methods and expectations regarding return on investment. The private sector typically only includes the revenue of the sale of the serviced land in its return on investment analysis. This is unlike the City which factors in not only the revenue generated from the sale of the serviced land, but also the potential employment, tax Note: Conceptual structure based on sample survey. Local circumstances may vary. STRONG Potential for PRIVATE SECTOR Involvement MODERATE Potential for PRIVATE SECTOR Involvement LIMITED Potential for PRIVATE SECTOR Involvement Return on Investment Servicing Cost $70,000 -$90,000 / Acre Land Acquisition Cost Market Price of Serviced Land (Per Acre) $500,000 + $400,000 $200,000 $100,000 Private Sector Threshold Page 201 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 9-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx assessment and development charge revenue generated from the proposed development. This fundamental difference in approach can have a significant impact in terms of expected return on investment (revenue from sale of serviced land less costs). 9.1.2 Evaluation of Industrial Land Development Approaches in Niagara Falls The private sector is not considered sufficiently strong and economically viable to support large-scale employment land development in Niagara Falls. As such, it is expected that the City will need to remain as the primary developer of industrial areas in Niagara Falls. However, industrial land prices have increased to the point where potential public-private partnerships under certain conditions may be possible. Municipal development offers many advantages for the City. Municipal development of industrial lands tends to provide stronger control over the type and appearance of development that can be more consistent and supportive of a municipa l strategy and other planning and urban design policy directions. This includes the ability to be more selective in the sale of land to end users, promoting development of sectors or uses that are considered “desirable.” In Niagara Falls, this may include the development of target sectors and “incubator” industries. Under municipal development, the control of proj ect phasing/timing can be based on municipal-wide needs as opposed to being market driven and dependent on private sector interests. In addition, City-sold lands require that the purchaser build within a defined time period, whereas in the private-sector market, no such requirements are in place. Municipal land development, however, requires extensive financial resources and exposes a municipality to financial and market risk. High up-front land acquisition and development costs are demanding for medium -sized communities such as Niagara Falls. 9.1.3 Conclusions • The City of Niagara Falls has a strong tradition of successful municipal industrial/ business park development; Page 202 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE 9-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Historically, industrial land prices in Niagara Falls, as in other eastern Ontario municipalities, have been too low to facilitate broad private sector development of industrial lands requiring the City to act as a land developer; and • From a market demand perspective, the City will likely need to be involved in industrial land development for the foreseeable future, though there may be opportunities to partner with exter nal parties on select projects. Page 203 of 539 Appendices Page 204 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phas e 2 Report.docx Appendix A City of Niagara Falls Employment and Demographic Trends Page 205 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phas e 2 Report.docx Appendix A: City of Niagara Falls Employment and Demographic Trends Employment Trends and Industry Cluster Trends This section examines the employment base and growth trends for the City of Niagara Falls in relation to Niagara Region and the Province of Ontario. City of Niagara Falls Employment Trends Figure A-1 shows the total number of jobs (self-employed and employees) by in dustry for the City of Niagara Falls from 2001 to 2020. Key observations include the following: • In 2020, Niagara Falls had an employment base of 47,103 jobs, including both self-employed and employees of local businesses. The City accounted for 22% of all jobs in Niagara Region (217,731 jobs); • Jobs in the City grew from 39,467 in 2001 to 47,103 jobs in 2020, a net increase of 7,636 or 19.3%; and • After experiencing a decline in 2004, jobs in the City grew until 2007 where it peaked at 46,529 jobs, after which jobs declined coinciding with the onset of the 2008/2009 global economic recession and post-recession impacts that resulted in a decline in jobs until 2011. Page 206 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure A-1 Total Jobs, Self-employed and Employed, City of Niagara Falls, 2001 to 2020 Source: EMSI Analyst, 2020. Niagara Falls has a diverse industrial base, as shown in Figure A-2. The largest sector is accommodation and food services, accounting for 27% of all jobs . This is not surprising given the importance of the tourism sector to the City. Other top sectors include retail trade, and arts, entertainment, and recreation, making up 11.6% and 9.8% of all jobs in the City, respectively. Combined, these three sectors make up 49% of all jobs in the City and form important components of the t ourism sector, which is a target sector for the City. Other sectors of importance include health care and construction, which are generally population-related employment based. Manufacturing is also an important sector, accounting for 5.7% of all jobs in the City. 34,000 36,000 38,000 40,000 42,000 44,000 46,000 48,000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Jobs by IndustryJobs by Industry Page 207 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure A-2 City of Niagara Falls Jobs by Sector, 2020 Industry (N.A.I.C.S.) Jobs % of Total Total Jobs 47,103 100.0% Accommodation and food services 12,758 27.1% Retail trade 5,470 11.6% Arts, entertainment, and recreation 4,631 9.8% Health care and social assistance 4,084 8.7% Construction 3,127 6.6% Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services 2,708 5.7% Manufacturing 2,684 5.7% Other services (except public administration) 1,919 4.1% Professional, scientific, and technical services 1,802 3.8% Public administration 1,647 3.5% Transportation and warehousing 1,628 3.5% Wholesale trade 1,461 3.1% Educational services 1,272 2.7% Finance and insurance 569 1.2% Real estate and rental and leasing 515 1.1% Information and cultural industries 289 0.6% Utilities 287 0.6% Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting 164 0.3% Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 54 0.1% Management of companies and enterprises 33 0.1% Source: EMSI Analyst, 2020. Figure A-3 shows the concentration of jobs in the City of Niagara Falls relative to Niagara Region and the Province. The strength of the business and industrial sectors was measured using the location quotient (L.Q.). Key observations include the following: • Niagara Falls’ economy is largely oriented towards the tourism, cultural and support services, including arts, entertainment, and recreation, accommodation and food services, and retail trade; • Compared to the Province, Niagara Falls has a relatively low concentration of employment (L.Q. below 0.50) in several key sectors, including finance and insurance, information and cultural industries, educational services, and professional, scientific, and technical services (P.S.T.S.). These sectors are Page 208 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-5 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx important components of the knowledge economy for the G.T.H.A. The City could focus on putting adequate support systems in place to attract talent and foster local growth; • While manufacturing is a target sector for the City, the sector shows a low concentration of jobs with an L.Q. of 0.61 as a factor of the Province and 0.75 as a factor of Niagara Region. It is understood that the increased automation of skills and jobs is one of the most prominent threats facing the local manufacturing sector. While the degree of automation is unknown, technology needs will continue to impact manufacturing labour needs and employment land requirements. Page 209 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-6 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure A-3 City of Niagara Falls Jobs Location Quotient Relative to Niagara Region & Ontario, 2020 Source: EMSI Analyst, 2020. Educational Attainment and Occupation In 2020, 18% of the Niagara Falls labour force had no certificate, diploma, or degree, similar to that of the rest of Niagara Region. The City has a higher share of the labour force with a high school diploma at 33% compared to the Province at 27%. The share 0.56 0.49 0.79 0.15 1.03 0.41 0.78 0.79 0.90 0.75 0.76 0.83 0.67 1.27 0.87 0.97 0.92 0.91 2.04 2.35 0.16 0.24 0.30 0.32 0.33 0.38 0.47 0.47 0.57 0.61 0.62 0.73 0.76 0.92 0.98 0.99 1.00 1.10 3.79 4.61 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 Mgmt. of companies & enterprises Finance & insurance Information & cultural industries Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting Mining, quarrying, & oil & gas extraction Educational services PSTS Real estate, rental & leasing Public admin Manufacturing Wholesale trade Transportation & warehousing Health care & social assistance Utilities Other services (except public admin) Admin & support, waste mgmt & remediation svc. Construction Retail trade Accommodation & food svc Arts, entertainment & recreation LQ as a factor of Ontario LQ as a factor of Niagara Region Page 210 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-7 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx of people with a college, CEGEP, or non-university diploma or degree is also comparable to the rest of Niagara Region and the Province . Niagara Falls, however, has a comparatively low proportion of the labour force with a university certificate, diploma, or degree at a bachelor level or above at 15% compared to the Province at 26%. Figure A-5 City of Niagara Falls Educational Attainment, 2020 Source: Manifold Data Mining, 2020. Architecture, engineering, and related technologies, business, management, and public administration, and health and related fields are the major fields of study for Niagara Falls (Figure A-6). Niagara Falls has a comparatively lower proportion of the labour force with education related to STEM fields including mathematics, computer and information sciences, and physical and life sciences and technologies. A similar trend is seen across the rest of Niagara Region and Ontario. 20% 33% 4%4% 23% 2% 15% 18% 31% 4%4% 24% 2% 18%18% 27% 3%3% 21% 2% 26% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% No certificate, diploma, or degree Secondary (high) school diploma or equivalency certificate Trades certificate or diploma Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification College, CEGEP, or other non- university certificate or diploma University certificate or diploma below bachelor level University certificate, diploma, or degree at bachelor level or above Niagara Falls Rest of Niagara Region Ontario Page 211 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-8 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure A-6 City of Niagara Falls Education by Major Field of Study, 2020 Source: Manifold Data Mining, 2020. Business Environment and Structure Statistics Canada’s Canadian Business Counts data provides a record of business establishments by industry and size, collected from the Canada Revenue Agency (C.R.A.), and is an effective indicator of economic performance over time. The data collected for Niagara Falls includes all local businesses that meet at least one of the three criteria below: • Have an employee workforce for which they submit payroll remittances to C .R.A.; or • Have a minimum of $30,000 in annual sales revenue; or • Are incorporated under a federal or provincial act and have filed a federal corporate income tax form within the past three years. The Canadian Business Counts Data records business counts by “Tot al,” “Indeterminate,” and “Subtotal” categories. The establishments in the “Indeterminate” category include the self-employed (i.e. those who do not maintain an employee payroll but may have a workforce consisting of contracted workers, family members, or business owners). It should be noted that the Canadian Business Counts Data uses the C.R.A. as a primary resource in establishment counts; therefore, businesses without a 21% 21% 19% 19% 18% 21% 17% 17% 14% 10% 11% 13% 10% 8% 6% 6% 7% 6% 5% 5% 6% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 5% 5% 6% 6% Niagara Falls Rest of Niagara Region Ontario Major Field of Study (%) Architecture, engineering, and related technologies Business, management, and public administration Health and related fields Social and behavioural sciences and law Personal, protective and transportation services Education Humanities Visual and performing arts and communications technologies Mathematics, computer, and information sciences All other fields of study Page 212 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-9 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx business number or indicating annual sales less than $30,000 are not included . The population of these small, unincorporated businesses is thought to be in the range of 600,000 in all of Canada. Current Business Structure A detailed review of the business counts data provides an understanding of the key characteristics that define Niagara Falls’ business community. When combined with the broader industry analysis, the business counts will assist in understanding the key industry opportunities for City and associated employment land implications. As of December 2019, a total of 7,506 businesses were registered in Niagara Falls. These include businesses classified by industry (6,875 businesses) and those unclassified (631 businesses). Figure A-7 shows the total businesses classified by industry in the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Region. Key observations include the following: • Of the 6,875 businesses classified by industry, the majority were self-employed establishments (65% or 4,476 businesses) while the remaining were businesses with employees (35% or 2,399 businesses); and • Niagara Falls accounted for 18% of all businesses by industry in Niagara Region (37,320 businesses). Page 213 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-10 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure A-7 Total Businesses by Industry, Niagara Region, and the City of Niagara Falls, 2019 Source: Canadian Business Counts, 2020 As shown in Figure A-8, of the 2,399 businesses with employees, the majority are small businesses employing between one and nine employees (24% of total businesses by industry). The City is also a centre for large business establishments with approximately 71 businesses, employing at least 100 employees. Figure A-8 Business by Size, Niagara Falls, 2019 Total Businesses by Industry (2019) Without employees Total, with employees 1-4 5-9 10-19 20-49 50-99 100-199 200-499 500 + 6,875 4,476 1,115 503 333 248 129 41 23 7 100% 65% 16% 7% 5% 4% 1.9% 0.6% 0.3% 0.1% Source: Canadian Business Counts, 2020 Business Structure by Sector Figure A-9 illustrates the business counts by industry sector and the proportion of businesses by self-employed and employee-based establishments. 24,283 4,476 13,037 2,399 - 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 Niagara Region Niagara FallsBusinesses by IndustryIndeterminate With employees Page 214 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-11 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx The following sectors exhibited the highest proportion of business establishments by industry in 2019. These include sole-proprietorships and businesses with employees : • Real estate and rental and leasing – 1,641 businesses (24% of total); • Construction – 740 businesses (11% of total); and • Retail trade – 628 businesses (9% of total). The sectors with the highest number of sole proprietors in 2019 were: • Real estate and rental and leasing – 1,531 businesses (34% of total without employees); • Construction – 484 businesses (11% of total without employees); and • Professional, scientific, and technical services – 362 businesses (8% of total without employees). Analyzing businesses with employees, it was determined that top industry sectors in 2019 were: • Retail trade – 399 businesses (17% of total with employees); • Accommodation and food services – 394 businesses (16% of total with employees); and • Construction – 256 businesses (11% of total with employees). Page 215 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-12 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure A-9 Businesses by Industry Sector (N.A.I.C.S.), Niagara Falls, 2019 Businesses by Industry Sector (N.A.I.C.S.) Total Without employees Total, with employees Counts % of Total Counts % of Total Counts % of Total Total 6,875 100% 4,476 100% 2,399 100% Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting 36 0.5% 28 0.6% 8 0.3% Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 6 0.1% 3 0.1% 3 0.1% Utilities 8 0.1% 6 0.1% 2 0.1% Construction 740 10.8% 484 10.8% 256 10.7% Manufacturing 170 2.5% 79 1.8% 91 3.8% Wholesale trade 159 2.3% 78 1.7% 81 3.4% Retail trade 628 9.1% 229 5.1% 399 16.6% Transportation and warehousing 408 5.9% 299 6.7% 109 4.5% Information and cultural industries 73 1.1% 48 1.1% 25 1.0% Finance and insurance 356 5.2% 267 6.0% 89 3.7% Real estate and rental and leasing 1,641 23.9% 1,531 34.2% 110 4.6% Professional, scientific, and technical services 540 7.9% 362 8.1% 178 7.4% Management of companies and enterprises 49 0.7% 41 0.9% 8 0.3% Admin & support, waste mgmt. & remediation 271 3.9% 170 3.8% 101 4.2% Educational services 56 0.8% 43 1.0% 13 0.5% Health care and social assistance 455 6.6% 211 4.7% 244 10.2% Arts, entertainment, and recreation 156 2.3% 85 1.9% 71 3.0% Accommodation and food services 579 8.4% 185 4.1% 394 16.4% Other services (except public administration) 542 7.9% 327 7.3% 215 9.0% Public administration 2 0.0% - 0.0% 2 0.1% Source: Canadian Business Counts, 2020 The business L.Q. profile details the concentration of businesses across all sectors for the City of Niagara Falls. The analysis benchmarks the City’s business sectors to the Region and the Province of Ontario. The key findings are listed below: • Accommodation and food services with an L.Q. of 2.74 indicates that the City of Niagara Falls has a proportionately “high” concentration of businesses in that industry compared to the Province. Similarly, when compared to Niagara Region, it shows an L.Q. of 1.79, indicating a high concentration. This is consistent with the findings indicated in the jobs L .Q. analysis above. Page 216 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-13 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Other sectors of comparative strength, when compared to the Province, include retail trade (L.Q. of 1.39), arts, entertainment, and recreation (L .Q. of 1.30) and other services (except public administration) (L .Q. of 1.18). It is noted that these sectors, along with accommodation and food services, form core components of the tourism sector which is a driving force in the local economy and had been a core economic development focus across recent years. • Sectors that are “on par” with the Province include construction (L.Q. of 1.09) and real estate and rental leasing. • Conversely, notable sectors of comparative weakness when compared to Niagara Region and the Province include educational services (L.Q. of 0.67) and professional, scientific, and technical services (L.Q. of 0.57). These are areas that the City of Niagara Falls has indicated in their 2018 Economic Development Strategy as priorities for growth. • Note, the high L.Q. reading of 1.42 when compared to Niagara Region for the mining and oil gas extraction sector is due to extremely low business counts and should not be misinterpreted for a sector of strength. Page 217 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE A-14 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure A-10 City of Niagara Falls Business Location Quotient Relative to Niagara Region & Ontario, 2020 Source: Canadian Business Counts, 2020 0.17 0.29 0.42 0.52 0.62 0.63 0.65 0.70 0.71 0.75 0.84 0.92 0.95 0.96 0.96 1.00 1.00 1.44 2.07 2.41 0.09 0.64 0.53 0.93 0.86 0.92 1.08 0.54 0.86 1.48 0.77 0.88 0.81 0.98 1.01 0.96 0.91 1.15 1.54 1.82 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Public administration Educational services Professional, scientific and technical services Information and cultural industries Management of companies and enterprises Transportation and warehousing Utilities Wholesale trade Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction Manufacturing Administrative and support, waste management and… Construction Real estate and rental and leasing Finance and insurance Health care and social assistance Other services (except public administration) Retail trade Arts, entertainment and recreation Accommodation and food services LQ as a factor of Niagara Region LQ as a factor of Ontario Page 218 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE B-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Appendix B Historical Non-Residential Development Activity in the City of Niagara Falls Page 219 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE B-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Appendix B: Historical Non-Residential Development Activity in the City of Niagara Falls Historical Non-Residential Building Permit Activity by Industrial-Commercial- Institutional (I.C.I.), 2010 to 2019 Figure B-1 summarizes non-residential building construction by industrial, commercial , and institutional sector (I.C.I.) for the City of Niagara Falls during the 2010 to 2019 period expressed in G.F.A. (gross floor area) (sq.m). • The City of Niagara Falls has averaged 29,100 sq.m (312,800 sq.ft.) of non- residential building activity annually over the 2010 to 2019 period. Construction of commercial buildings accounted for 71% of recent non-residential activity, while construction activity related to industrial development accounted for 11%; • Roughly half of all industrial building permit activity occurred outside the City’s Employment Areas. A large share of this building permit activity outside Employment Areas was located at Solvay in 2012; • Over half (59% of G.F.A.) the non-residential building activity has been accounted through the construction of new buildings; and • Only 8% of G.F.A. associated with addition/expansions to existing buildings has occurred within the industrial sector. The commercial sector accounted for a majority of the G.F.A. expansions within the City. Page 220 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE B-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure B-1 Annual G.F.A. Development Activity (sq.m.) by I.C.I. Sectors, 2010 to 2019 Figure B-2 summarizes non-residential building construction in Employment Areas throughout Niagara Falls during the 2010 to 2019 period, expressed in G.F.A. (sq.m). As shown, the City’s Employment Areas have averaged 3,300 sq.m (35,500 sq.ft.) annually in non-residential building activity over the 2010 to 2019 period, which accounts for only 11% of City-wide non-residential development activity. Roughly half the non-residential development activity within the industrial sector occurred within the City’s Employment Areas. Construction activity in Employment Areas has been dominated by new construction, accounting for 59% of building construction activity. Major expansions and new construction activity in the City’s Employment Areas over the 2010 to 2019 period have largely occurred within the Montrose Road Industrial Area and the Niagara Falls Q.E.W./420 Employment Area. Together, these lands accounted for 70% of all G.F.A. development on Employment Areas. The Stanley Avenue Business Park accounted for 14% of G.F.A. growth, with the remaining Employment Areas facilitating minimal development. Industrial development patterns similarly occurred primarily in the Stanley Avenue Business Park, the Niagara Falls Q .E.W./420 Employment Area, and the Montrose Road Industrial Area. 74,800 13,800 13,900 51,000 27,800 18,100 26,000 22,500 13,800 28,800 Historical Average, 29,100 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Total G.F.A. (sq.m.)Year Industrial Commercial Institutional Historical Average Source:Derived from City of Niagara Falls building permits, 2010 to 2019, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 221 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE B-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Figure B-2 City of Niagara Falls Annual G.F.A. Development Activity (sq.m.) in Employment Areas, 2010 to 2019 4,400 1,300 200 9,700 2,500 5,500 1,400 2,300 1,100 4,700 Historical Average, 3,300 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019G.F.A. of New Construction and Expansion in Employment Areas (sq.m.)Year New Construction Expansions/Additions Historical Average Source:Derived from City of Niagara Falls building permits, 2010 to 2019, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Page 222 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Appendix C Industry Sector Requirements Page 223 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE D-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Appendix C: Industry Sector Requirements At both the regional and local levels, location requirements of industry can vary considerably depending on the nature of the employment secto r/use. Employment sectors typically situated in industrial areas have varying site-specific requirements. To be successful in attracting a broad range of employment sectors, it is recommended that the City’s Employment Areas provide the following corresponding attributes, as summarized in Figure C-1. Figure C-1 Employment Sector/Land Use Requirements Employment Sector/Land Use Requirements Advanced Manufacturing • Access to 400-series/controlled access highways. • Access to skilled and unskilled labour. • Proximity to markets and related industries. • Proximity to U.S. • Competitive land prices. • Parcel size: 1-4+ ha. • Buffers from surrounding non-industrial uses. • General or prestige setting. • Expansion potential. Distribution and Logistics • Access to 400-series/controlled access highways. • Excellent access/traffic circulation for heavy truck traffic. • Truck access, loading/unloading requirements. • Proximity to markets, U.S. border. • Competitive land prices. • Parcel size: 5-20 ha. • Flexibility in parcel configuration to accommodate large- scale users. • Possible need for open storage. • Compatible surrounding land uses/buffers from surrounding non-industrial uses. • Expansion potential. • Ceiling height (typically 30 to 50+ ft.). • Access to on-site amenities and proximity to off-site services. Page 224 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Research and Development/ “Knowledge-based” Sectors • Access to skilled labour force. • Proximity to related industry cluster (companies and public institutions such as universities). • Prestige “campus-like” setting. • Parcel size: 1-2 ha for standalone building or facility space within multi-tenant incubator/accelerator type building. • Flexible leasing options. • Proximity to transit. • Access to on-site amenities and proximity to off-site services. Corporate/ Government Office • Prestige setting. • Access to skilled labour force. • Access and exposure to 400-series/limited access highway or major arterials. • Access to on-site amenities and proximity to off-site services. • Parcel size: 1-2 ha. • Proximity to transit. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services/Business Services • Access to on-site amenities and proximity to off-site services. • Prestige setting. • Access to skilled labour force. • Flexible leasing structures and market choice (multi- tenant vs. freestanding office, Class A vs. Type B Office Space, and multi-tenant industrial condominiums). • Proximity to transit. Construction • Access to skilled and semi-skilled labour force. • Competitive land prices. • Proximity to customer base. • Range of size of development sites. • Need for open storage. Page 225 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE D-1 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Appendix D Marketing Strategies to Deliver Investment-Ready Lands Page 226 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE D-2 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niagara Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Stra tegy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Appendix D: Marketing Strategies to Deliver Investment-Ready Lands The marketing strategies to deliver investment-ready lands in the City of Niagara Falls focuses on highlighting the opportunity areas that would enable the City to market employment lands internationally and attract a skilled labour force. It includes an understanding of the City’s value proposition to attract potential investors and a review of Niagara Region’s “Certified” Site Program to understa nd where opportunities may lie in profiling Niagara Falls investment -ready lands. A marketing plan is also provided to showcase the City’s investment-ready and redevelopment sites to prospective businesses. The Plan includes marketing goals, current market ing efforts, target audiences and target markets along with recommendations. This section of the report is laid out as follows: • Niagara Falls Competitive Positioning – Niagara Falls is competitively positioned in terms of securing investment. The unique at tributes of the City and the broader regional landscape are key factors in attracting investment. While the City has a growing base of target sectors, it is important to accurately define the target industries and ensure an investment-ready environment to attract those industries. • Review of Niagara Region’s “Certified” Site Program – while the certified site program is an efficient tool for investment readiness, the investment attraction attributes need to be strengthened. The City is well-positioned to tie into regional efforts and profile investment-ready lands through the program. • Marketing Plan – builds on existing strategies and tactics to ensure continued investment attraction and business growth. Niagara Falls Competitive Positioning The City’s value proposition focuses on current strengths, including resources and employees and the assets and attributes that can enable the City to realise success in sector-based investment attraction and marketing. It emphasises factors that impact Page 227 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-3 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx business location decisions and include access to a large regional labour force, a cost - effective business environment, a growing innovation ecosystem and an attractive Employment Area. Investment Ready Environment – Niagara Falls is home to some of the most affordable employment lands within the G.G.H., with the average cost per acre at $205,000, compared to the G.G.H. average of $661,000. The City also has a lower average industrial net market rents at $6.87 per sq. ft. compared to $9.33 per sq. ft in the City of Toronto. Also, programs such as the Niagara Gateway Economic Zone and Centre Community Improvement Plan (C.I.P.), provide significant tax increment-based grants to strength private sector investment, development, redevelopment, and construction activity in strategic locations of the City, namely the Q.E.W. business park and priority investment area. The City also has a strong export-ready environment, enabled by Niagara Region’s Canadian Foreign Trade Zone designation. The investment-ready environment is an important marketing tool for the City. It can be leveraged in attracting investment from growing companies in the G.T.H.A. as well as American border states such as Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York. Growing Employment Base – Niagara Falls has a strong and growing employment base, experiencing an employment growth rate of 3.8% (net increase of approximately 1,720 jobs) from 2016 to 2020 or an average annual employment increase of 1.1%, similar to that witnessed across Niagara Region. The City’s skilled labour force is concentrated in sectors including accommodation and food services, transportation and warehousing and construction. In addition to these sectors, professional, scientific, and technical services and manufacturing have also experienced employment growth in recent years. Industry and occupation projections show that the retail sector, tourism and food services will remain in demand in the future, positioning the City as a regional centre for services and tourism. The City is well-positioned to capitalise on outward growth pressure from the G.G.H., as residents move from the Hamilton and Toronto C.M.A.s, seeking a more affordable place to live. The City should continue to highlight its strong workforce to the G.T.H.A. as well as American border states to ensure that companies looking to expand are aware of the range of skills available in the area. Page 228 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-4 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Growing Innovative Sectors – Niagara Falls is characterised by a diverse ecosystem of businesses in priority sectors, namely, tourism, manufacturing, retail, and knowledge- based sectors. The Region has a booming tourism sector valued at over $2 billion, driven by large numbers of international visitors attracted to Niagara Falls, numerous arts and cultural events and strong regional retail and culinary businesses. Ongoing downtown revitalisation efforts including the Niagara Falls Ryerson Innovation Hub (N.F.R.I.H.) and upgrades to the existing VIA Rail station and commitment to becoming a Magnet City are positioning the City to become a critical hub within the G.G.H. The City is also competitively positioned to capitalise on automation in the manufacturing sector; the sector currently generates over 14% of total GDP and is the 4 th largest employer in the Region and is an important component of the region's future diversified economy. A Cluster of Enabling Innovation Assets – in addition to the strong regional transportation network, the City is supported by an enabling ecosystem of innovation assets. Key assets include: the NFRIH, a business incubator focused on digital media technologies; Innovate Niagara, a Regional Innovation Centre focused on supporting innovative entrepreneurs and companies; and Spark Niagara, a collaborative workplace community. The region is continually building on the ecosystem with a proposed Medical Business Park, that will function as a medical AI research hub; and the new Brock-Niagara Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (V.P.M.I.). Overall, these smart investments are extremely promising and could differentiate Niagara from other notable competitors such as Waterloo and Hamilton in securing investment from the G.T.H.A. as well as American border states. Review of Niagara Region’s “Certified” Site Program and investment attraction activities This section provides a brief overview of the Niagara Region’s “Certified” Site Program with a focus on understanding the overall effectiveness of the program at attracting new investment and implications for the City of Niagara Falls. The program has been in operation for just over one year and is currently being reviewed. Page 229 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-5 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx The basis for the Certified Site Program was the 2015 Council’s strategic priorities, calling for a more prosperous Niagara. The program was envisioned to be a tool that would profile and market the Region’s industrial and commercial development sites. It would include a certification process through which ‘premiere’ sites would be identified and marketed as potential locations for significant development project s. In 2018, MDB Insight was commissioned to develop a certified premier site program alongside an industrial-commercial development and redevelopment site inventory. The study developed design criteria whereby industrial and commercial development sites we re scored on factors including site ownership, land use, services and utilities, incentives, access to market and development constraints, among other criteria. The Region-wide Program was designed to provide a Premiere Certified Site designation to proper ties that fulfil predetermined program requirements. The certification would be valid for a period of four years with a re-certification process conducted after two years. Benefits of the Premiere Certified Site designation include marketing and investment attraction support through the following channels: • Advertising in key industry publications and trade shows; • Customized sales materials; • A profile on the investment website; and • Visibility on Niagara Region’s social media channels. The current certified site program is housed on the Niagara Region’s website. The website includes a short video outlining how an economic development staff can help potential investors or business owners navigate the regulatory environment and set up in Niagara. The website also includes an inventory of commercial and industr ial land and buildings available for sale and lease, and a contact form to reach the Business Development and Expedited Services Manager. While the Region was contacted as part of a review of the certified site program, no additional material or information has been provided to date. A more detailed analysis of website data is warranted that includes an understanding of the total number of visitors to the certified site selection website, the investors who submitted a ‘contact us’ form, Page 230 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-6 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx and overall conversion rate into site sales. A stronger context for the premiere sites is also required. Other observations are reflected below. Strong regional investment readiness tools – investment readiness is traditionally defined as the capacity of a municipality to understand and meet the specific needs and expectations of investors. This includes but is not limited to having a functioning website, easy and accessible information on certified employment lands, informatio n on demographic and socio-economic indicators, along with other financial incentive schemes. The Niagara region is strong in this category, with the certified site program providing a clear overview of available employment land and buildings or potential investors. Need to integrate target specific sectors – the site selection tool provides options to filter sites by City (Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Fort Erie) and land area (less than 10 acres, 10-50 acres and more than 50 acres). It also provides information on current zoning and permitted uses. However, there is an opportunity to build on existing information and outline sector focus and details around operations. For example, Ontario’s Investment Ready: Certified Site Program lists the applicable sectors for each site, along with companies that are in the immediate vicinity. This serves as an important investment attraction as potential investors can see what the target sectors are, what type of investment is best suited for the site and potential for cluster development, including interconnected businesses and suppliers. Stronger Profile of City’s investment-ready Lands – while the opportunities associated with the Montrose Business Park are profiled in the site selection tool along with an information sheet, there is no link backs to the City of Niagara Falls website or economic development team. A stronger profile of the City on the website is needed so that potential investors are aware of the sector opportunities, support resources and infrastructure in the City. A direct connection to a dedicated contact person at the City would also ensure that site selection inquires are met. Page 231 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-7 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Marketing Plan As part of the Niagara Falls’ Employment Land Strategy, a Marketing Plan is proposed to enable the City to deliver investment -ready lands. The Marketing Plan builds on existing strategies to ensure continued investment attraction and business growth. It details marketing goals, target markets and key marketing tools and tactics along with high-level recommendations that inform Niagara Falls’ Employment Land Strategy. The recommendations identified here aligns with the Region’s economic development agenda and enables the attraction of the City’s target industries and businesses. Marketing Goals Setting clear and defined marketing goals is key to a successful marketing plan and implementation. The overarching purpose of the Niagara Falls marketing plan is to showcase the City’s investment-ready and redevelopment site opportunities to prospective businesses. Improving brand awareness and generating high -quality leads along with increasing customer value, through leadership and engaging brand ambassadors are some of the ways through which the City can showcase its investment readiness. The goals of the Marketing Plan for Niagara Falls’ Employment Land Strategy are as follows: • Niagara Falls has a well-defined sector-based investment-ready value proposition; • Niagara Falls is viewed as competitive and investor -ready for both internal and external investors; • Potential investors, visitors and residents are aware of what development or investment sites are available; and • Investment attraction capitalises on the opportunities created in a post-COVID-19 world. Page 232 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-8 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Current Marketing Efforts Economic development branding and marketing strategies are often replicated on different platforms: versions of the same materials are found on websites, in marketing collateral, advertising, request for proposals, qualifications, and other customised documents. Current marketing efforts in the City of Niagara Falls include a dedicated Business Development Department, website, and a community profile. City of Niagara Falls Business Development Department – the Business Development Department (B.D.D.) is the first point of contact at the City of Niagara Falls to assist existing businesses, prospective investors, as well as community partners with business and community development projects. The Department is made of seven staff including a Director, two Economic Development Officers, a small business consultant, Special Projects Assistant and Business Information Officer. The B.D.D. Staff are involved in support and assistance including consultations, site selection, sale/lease of municipally owned land, market analysis, incentive assistance, business growth and export market development and as a government liaison. The Department also works with the Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Business Innovation Zone to provide additional guidance and support related to unique client needs. The B.D.D. information is available on the City’s website. However, potential investors may find it hard to reach the right person as each webpage does not explicitly mention which B.D.D. staff to contact. Website – a community’s website provides a window into the aspirations of a community and the first impression for site selectors. Consequently, getting the website ‘right’ has profound implications for overall investment attraction success. The website should include a repository of up-to-date information that captures both the spectrum and depth of community attributes. This will elevate the site selector’s confidence in the community’s capacity to meet project needs. A desktop review of Niagara Falls’ website reflects a well-designed effort geared to business development programming. Visitors to the website are immediately aware of locational attributes, Niagara Regional Broadband Network Limited (NRBN), incentives Page 233 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-9 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx including Community Improvement Plans with links to the Niagara Gateway Economic Zone and information on key industry sectors. The website references the 2019 – 2022 City of Niagara Falls Strategic Priorities, with recommendations for growing the economy, including streamlined business practices, key sectors for business growth and investment attraction and ensuring an adequate supply of accessible industrial and employment lands. The ‘small business’ webpage provides overview information on the Business Innovation Zone, the Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre and other Entrepreneurship Programs including Starter Company Plus and Futurpreneur Canada. The website also has a ‘site selection’ webpage. The review identifies some key gaps that the City could focus on in improving marketing efforts and positioning the City as investment-ready. • The ‘Doing Business’ webpage is a one-pager, with very little external information or links. There is no information on recent investment initiatives or business attraction achievements. Success stories or business profiles are not highlighted; • There is little evidence on the Niagara Falls website to suggest that any of the relevant objectives of the Strategic Priorities were implemented; • The Site Selection’ page has no online database of available Employment Areas, business parks or industrial land. The page instructs visitors to visit th e Realtor.ca map to gain an understanding of the available commercial and industrial property in the Niagara Falls area. Consideration should be given to highlighting or showcasing strategic properties or providing links to the Region’s premier site program; • The contact button links to a general email; there is no dedicated point pers on to deal with site selection enquires. The City may wish to reconsider this approach; • There may be a need to review the search engine optimization (S.E.O.)/visibility and tailored and targeted messaging may be needed to improve search results for conducting business in Niagara Falls if a gap is perceived; • Beyond a contact page, there is little room for actual feedback from the user perspective. For example, a pop up asking the visitor if they were able to find the Page 234 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-10 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx info they were looking for. If not, it can link to options redirecting visitors to the specific resource or contact person; and • Important information is buried in the footer of the website. There’s no redirection to a lot of the information available on the footer. Community Profile – similar to a community website, a community profile is a snapshot of the local community. It provides current and up -to-date information on the demographic, labour and industry profile of a community. It serves as one of the primary tools to attract investment and/or develop a strategy for future developments in a community. The Niagara Falls Community Overview markets Niagara Falls as ‘A Global Brand for Business’. The profile provides information on key competitive advantages, target sector facts and opportunities as well as new business investment and development that occurs across all industry sectors and business districts in Niagara Falls. While the community profile provides information on sector strengths and investments occurring in the City, there is a lack of information including key demographic and labour profile, available properties, business parks, innovation supports, export development and entrepreneurship services. Th e City can build on the profile and along with other marketing tools to ensure competitive standing both regionally and internationally. Potential Marketing Initiatives There are various media or technological tools that can be used to promote the investment opportunities in Niagara Falls and support the marketing goals and implement the marketing-related initiatives within the Employment Land Strategy. • Consistent Brand Development – consistent branding and logo deployment across all elements of the strategy and implementation will ensure that the broader vision is not lost; Page 235 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-11 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Tie into Regional Efforts – opportunities to fully integrated with the Niagara Region’s “Certified” Site Program to ensure sector-based investment; • Improved Website – along with existing information, the website could feature business profiles and testimonials, significant regional and local assets, and sites. A section dedicated to land and real estate inventory is also essential. It would feature links that profile local business parks and spec sheets for available land and buildings or links to Realtor.ca. Links to the Region’s premier site selection tool should also be available. All social media, news releases, and publicly facing economic development information should be availabl e within site; • Media Advertisements – look at advertising through marketing channels in the G.T.H.A. as well as American border states such as Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York; • Sector Investment Profiles/Pitch Decks – these profiles focus on specific target industries and serve as an investor prospectus or an elevator pitch to investors across the world. Along with a profile of the sector, it usually provides a market overview, sector development targets and strategies and sector-based value proposition; • Economic Mission/Trade Forum – trade missions in collaboration with the Region or the Province are critical to economic relations and investment. The impact of COVID-19 has also raised a need for virtual trade missio ns (V.T.M.s), placing additional pressure on developing a high-quality pitch package for investors; • Targeted Campaigns – research target sector companies that are looking to expand in the GT.H.A. as well as American border states such as Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York and develop targete d campaigns to connect with them at trade shows or through one-on-one conversations; and • Video/Photography Content Bank – video and photos bring the various components of the community to life and serve as a vital aspect of resident and visitor attraction as well as business and development investment. Assets that should be captured include recreation facilities and sports fields, trails, main Page 236 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-12 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx streets, unique business locations and historic buildings, pictures of busine sses, community festivals and events. Impact of COVID-19 – in addition to the above, any investment-ready marketing plan should consider the economic realities, opportunities and challenges arising in the current and post COVID-19 environment. In the short-term, companies are focused on stabilising their operations and retaining their workforce and customer base. As per Statistics Canada data, Foreign Direct Investment (F .D.I.) Inflow for the second quarter of 2020 period was CAD 10.8B; a decrease of 46.9% compared to $20.3B in Q2 of 2019. Given the need to rethink the analytical framework for F .D.I., marketing should be focused inward with Canadian companies as a central part of the effort.1 The marketing efforts listed here builds on the initiatives proposed by OCO Exporting.2 • In-market visits – while trade missions and forums will continue to be part of investment attraction, marketing in the near future should focus on local companies well as American border states in target sectors with a desire to grow. In-market visits with a scheduled itinerary of appointments with executives may be a more appropriate way to make the personal connections so vital to business recruitment; • Aftercare support – focus on providing more resources into helping existing companies expand in the local and regional market, particularly business planning and emergency preparedness planning; • Focus on Digital – given the impact of COVID-19, there is an immediate need to focus on developing digital media strategies and training to help clients conduct virtual matchmaking meetings and missions during this time ; and • Virtual Trade Missions (V.T.M.s) – curated virtual trade missions in specific sectors such as tech and agriculture, which can still conduct business despite COVID-19, may prove essential to helping a community continue to diversify and 1 A Plan for Economic Recovery & Reorientation, 2020. A Report by The Council of Canadian Innovators. 2 https://www.ocoexporting.com/four-steps-to-success-for-investment-promotion- agencies-in-a-post-covid-19-world/# Page 237 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-13 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx expand its reach abroad. It is also important to note that investing in virtual missions now may pay off in the future as they will help set the stage for in - person trade missions post-COVID-19. Beyond online missions, other trade- related events and activities can also be successfully transitioned online, including trade fairs and permanent online communication forums. Target Audiences The following section describes the target audiences for Niagara Falls’ marketing message: Internal Stakeholders/Municipal Staff – the Mayor, Council and staff should be educated on the economic development agenda and strong value proposition of the City. This ensures commitment and buy-in. Also, staff across the organization who have a working knowledge of Niagara Falls can refer businesses or development proponents to the marketing resources. Local Business Community – includes ambassadors, developers, influencers and the existing business owners/property owners. They can promote the value propos ition and vibrancy of Niagara Falls to regional, national, and international markets. Furthermor e, existing business and property owners represent the established business community and the most significant potential for economic growth through retention a nd expansion. These individuals are invested in the community and longstanding tenants or owner s involved through upturns and downturns in the economy. Regional Partners – organizations that operate within the Region should be aware of the Niagara Falls Employment Land Strategy and the resources being developed as a result of the strategy. In some cases, they can serve as potential partners in implementation. Site Selectors/Trade Commissioners – develop relationships with site selectors and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service – Ontario to promote opportunities within the City. Page 238 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-14 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Developers, Relocating Businesses and Entrepreneurs – new businesses and developers bring vibrancy to the local economy and have the potential to rehabilitate older buildings, fill vacant commercial spaces, build new developments and create local employment. New businesses bring vibrancy to the local economy and have the potential to rehabilitate older buildings and/or underutilized properties. New ventures often come with considerable financial and regulatory risk. Ensuring that potential investors are aware of possible support and the Region’s commitment to the Gateway Economic Zone is essential and could be the difference between investing and not. Real Estate Professionals – often overlooked, commercial real estate agents are a key market in terms of regional awareness. Real estate agents are often the gateway for potential investors or business owners. They can often provide their clients with a lasting image of your community before or after they have had a chance to visit your website. By tapping into the real estate community and ensuring they are aware of the Investment Readiness and Implementation Strategy and the vision for the community, the City can help to create a positive impression and turn real estate professionals into community ambassadors. Recommendations The following recommendations build on the review of the current marketing efforts for the City of Niagara Falls and the observations discussed in Chapter 5 of this report. As per the observations in Chapter 5, industrial lands zoned as Prestige Industrial are scattered throughout the City, and they lack the cohesive characteristics to be considered as “Prestige”. Furthermore, the Stanley Avenue Business P ark is nearly built-out due to environmental constraints and the Montrose Road Industr ial Area will likely be approaching build-out in the next few years. As such, business attraction efforts within the City’s Employment Areas will be focused on the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area. The age of this Employment Area along with fragmentation, residential encroachment and lack of direct Q .E.W. exposure affects business attraction efforts. Moreover, the availability of shovel-ready land outside this Employment Area is dwindling. Page 239 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-15 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx To ensure that the goals of the marketing plan are met, the recommendations here focus on the following priority areas, namely: • Planning and Land Use Considerations; • Targeted Sector Based Marketing; • Improve Sector Based Investment Fundamentals; and • Capitalise on Regional Collaboration Opportunities . Planning and Land Use Considerations • Leverage the actions of the Industrial Lands Strategy and the Prestige Industrial Zone categorised by the City of Niagara Falls’ zoning by-law to create cohesive characteristics (access, critical mass, land-use compatibility and character) to market employment land uses as “Prestige”. • Leverage the actions of the Industrial Lands Strategy and connect with landowners/operators to identify any gaps or opportunities to improve the competitiveness of the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area; • Continue to promote the Montrose Road Industrial Area, considered to have “high potential” for redevelopment and expansion ; • As the Montrose Road Industrial Area is approaching build-out, investigate and understand the future needs of business and industry and identify opportunities for infill; and • Considering the shrinking industrial land supply and the difficulty marketing the lands within the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area, the City should look for opportunities to develop a new Employment Area. Targeted Sector Based Marketing • Focus on medium-to-large privately-owned companies looking in expand in the G.T.H.A. and border American states in manufacturing and agri-business; • As identified earlier, invest in sectors with a well-developed investment-ready value proposition, sector market overview and sector development targets ; Page 240 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-16 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Investigate the feasibility of a Technology Working Group to advise Staff on emerging technology issues and opportunities eve ry quarter; • Capitalize on the digital economy, mainly as a result of COVID-19 to increase innovation and growth, reduce costs and generate revenues; • Develop and establish a Business Retention and Expansion (B.R.E.) program to improve overall investment readiness of the City; o Establish annual measurable expectations on the number of business owners and managers to meet within each sector; o Establish a business directory by target sectors and services for contact management. This inventory could be built into that in-house system and integrated with the corporate G.I.S. software; and o Develop an inventory of products and services that existing business require for a business operation to create more business-to-business opportunities within the local market. • In tandem with sector investment profiles, develop investment prospectuses with a significant focus on access to local and regional talent as a critical competitive advantage. Improve Sector Based Investment Fundamentals • Review economic and business development budgets and human resources to allow for focused time on investment readiness, marketing and selling activities in target sectors; • Develop a strong sector-based value proposition based on the following criteria: • Maintain a current and regularly updated source of sector-based data including skills inventory, available property information, community profile and labour market statistics; Depth of competition for investment/inves tment readiness Target Sectors Match to the region’s growth objectives Fit with the existing business assets and resources Long-term prospects for the opportunity to contribute to the economy Alignment with provincial and regional initiatives and incentives The degree to which local and regional champions will support the opportunity Page 241 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-17 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • Enhance the website with dedicated sector p riorities and Employment Area information and utilize social networking tools to enhance promotional efforts. Include a section dedicated to success stories, press releases, and other media that highlight the City’s competitive strengths; • Achieve the Gold Standard of service delivery: o Identify a one window concierge service that can act as a steward for developers and businesses looking to invest by guiding the business through the development process and helping to anticipate and meet the needs of specific processes; o All current and future promotional materials and tools must be available online and readily available either as the user is browsing alone or on the phone with B.D.D. staff; o Create an ability to provide immediate email responses with relevant attachments, including community profile, available properties, mapping, and market analyses; and o Encourage other departments to have land-use planning information available electronically (e.g. Zoning By-law, building application). • Investigate the applicability of customer relationship management software (C.R.M.) such as SalesForce.com if the City is not already using it. The software allows for the City to engage consultants to help with marketing automation, control sales data, document management, and p erform a detailed analysis of the sales data that clarifies the success or failure. Capitalise on Regional Collaboration Opportunities • Capitalize on the investment attraction efforts of Niagara Region. Ensure that the Niagara Region Certified Site Program and tools are accessible through Niagara Falls investment attraction materials and web presence; • Provide stronger profiles and increased awareness of the Niagara Gateway Economic Zone and Community Improvement Plans through the City’s website and social media; Page 242 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-18 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx • More detailed information about the Site Selection Tool o n the City’s webpage should be required. Steps should include links to regional/provincial site selection platforms like Ontario’s and Niagara Region. More robust includes services such as: o Site information, recommendations and tours within Niagara Canada ; o A shortlist of pre-qualified, investment-ready sites through the Niagara Premier Sites collection database; o An inventory of commercial and industrial buildings available for sale and lease; o Applicable maps, local research data and market intelligence, and infrastructure inventories; o Research and advice on applicable incentives, grants, funding, and financing and advice on navigating the development process ; o Tax modelling; and o Introductions to local government contacts, business stakeholders and educational partners Page 243 of 539 Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. PAGE C-19 https://watsonecon-my.sharepoint.com/personal/adam_fischer_watsonecon_ca/Documents/City of Niaga ra Falls ILS/Niagara Falls Industrial Lands Strategy Final Phase 2 Report.docx Page 244 of 539 Council Presentation April 20, 2021 City of Niagara Falls Employment Land Strategy 1Page 245 of 539 Study Purpose •Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. (Watson), in partnership with Dillon Consulting Ltd. (Dillon), and MDB Insight Inc. (MDB) were retained in the winter of 2020 by the City of Niagara Falls to conduct an Employment Lands Strategy (E.L.S.) for the City. •This E.L.S. will contribute to a long-term vision and planning policy framework which will enhance the City’s competitive position for industrial and office employment, including other employment-supportive uses in its Employment Areas. This study will provide the following outcomes: •Long-Term Land Needs Analysis; •Public and Stakeholder Engagement; and •Policy and Strategic Recommendations. 2Page 246 of 539 Purpose of Presentation •The purpose of this presentation is to provide Council with the findings of our technical analysis as it relates to Phase 1 and 2 of the E.L.S. •Furthermore, for information purposes, Watson will explore several of the non-residential policy recommendations for the City of Niagara Falls. •Ask City Council to authorize staff to proceed with an open house/public engagement and finalize the study. •Upon the competition of Phase 3 of the E.L.S., an additional council presentation will be provided to summarize the final results of the study. 3Page 247 of 539 Planning Context 4Page 248 of 539 Preliminary Employment Land Supply 5Page 249 of 539 Designated Employment Lands by Location Total: 1,142 gross ha 6 Outside Employment Areas, 53% North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area, 14% Montrose Business Park, 13% Stanley Avenue Business Park, 11% Q.E.W./420 Employment Area, 5% Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area, 3% Highway 405 Employment Area, 1%Dorchester Road Employment Area, 1% Source:Derived from the City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data, by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. Note: Based on gross land area with take-outs in accordance with Growth Plan, 2019. Vacant: 60 gross ha (5%)Page 250 of 539 Vacant Employment Lands Supply by Employment Area and Shovel-Ready Status 7 1.5 7.0 33.6 3.1 4.2 9.1 0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 Stanley Avenue Business Park Montrose Road Industrial Area North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment AreaDesignated Vacant Employment LandsEmployment Area Shovel-Ready Serviceable 11 ha 43 ha Source: Derived from City of Niagara Falls G.I.S. data by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020. 5 ha Page 251 of 539 City of Niagara Falls Target Employment Sectors 8Page 252 of 539 City of Niagara Falls Target Employment Sectors •Advanced Manufacturing •Construction •Research and Development / “Knowledge-Based” Sectors •Corporate / Government Office •Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services/Business Services 9Page 253 of 539 Employment Area Analysis 10Page 254 of 539 North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area 11 Youngs Insurance Brokers on Regional Rd 57. Diverse employment base, with no discernable industry concentration existing. 43 ha gross vacant land remaining. Buildout approaching. 34 ha of vacant land are shovel- ready Minimal supply of underutilized lands (8 gross ha) 112 gross ha developed (72% of Employment Area) There have been difficulties promoting vacant employment land absorption historically because of expensive land costs. Limited demand for parcels. Residential encroachment and parcel fragmentation Page 255 of 539 City of Niagara Falls Employment Areas 12 Turkstra Lumber on Kent Ave. Q.E.W./420 Employment Area Minimal vacant and underutilized lands remaining. Battlefield Equipment Rentals (left) and Danceworks (right), on Oakwood Drive. Q.E.W. Centre Employment Area Highway 405 Employment Area Palfinger Inc., on Dorchester Road. Dorchester Road Employment Area Future growth largely limited to redevelopment and expansion opportunities. Premier Trucking Group on Oakwood Drive Montrose Road Industrial Area Centennial Concrete Niagara Inc., on Progress Street Stanley Avenue Business ParkPage 256 of 539 Employment Forecast and Employment Area Land Demand to 2051 13Page 257 of 539 City of Niagara Falls Employment Forecast, 2016 to 2051 14 37,000 42,000 59,000 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 2001 2016 2051Total Employment (2016 to 2051)Year Source: 2001 to 2016 derived from Statistics Canada Census. 2051 by Watson & Associates, derived from A Place to Growth: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2020). Figure by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2021. 17,000 New Jobs Expected Over the 2016 to 2051 Forecast Period Page 258 of 539 City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth on Employment Areas, 2020 to 2051 15 City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth by Type City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth in Employment Areas 2020-2051 2020-2051 Major Office 1,310 - 0% Population Related 12,650 620 5% Employment Land 2,370 2,370 100% Rural Area 1,430 - 0% Total Employment 17,760 2,990 17% Employment Type % in Employment Areas Source: Share of employment in Niagara Falls Employment Areas derived from Niagara Region Municipal Comprehensive Review – Review and Update of MCR Forecast Allocations and Land Needs Assessment Results, September 9, 2019. Total 2020 to 2051 employment growth derived from Golden Greater Horseshoe Technical Report: Growth Forecasts to 2051. Figure by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., 2020.Page 259 of 539 City of Niagara Falls Employment Growth on Employment Areas, 2020 to 2051 16 Employment Area Demand, 2020 to 2051 Vacant Employment Area Supply Employment Area Land Need •Initial technical results indicate the City of Niagara Falls will experience a shortfall of employment land within the next 20 years. •As a part of it’s Official Plan Review, the City should begin exploring lands for a future Employment Area designation to ensure the long-term employment demand forecast can be accommodated.Page 260 of 539 City of Niagara Falls Vacant Employment Lands 17 Vacant Employment Land Remaining North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Area: 43 gross hectares Montrose Industrial Park: 11 gross hectares Stanley Avenue Business Park: 5 gross hectaresPage 261 of 539 Policy Recommendations 18Page 262 of 539 Policy Recommendations 19 •Key Themes: •Future vision for the City’s Employment Lands •“Employment Lands within the City of Niagara Falls will provide the City with a diverse collection of parcels; opportunities for Greenfield Development and intensification of existing sites; and, allow the City to competitively respond to market demands and meet the City’s employment needs to 2051.” •Provincial and Regional Policy Conformity and Alignment; •There are a number of changes to the City’s current O.P. framework required to address matters of consistency and conformity with the P.P.S., 2020; Growth Plan, 2019 (including Amendment 1); and the Niagara Region O.P. Page 263 of 539 Policy Recommendations 20 •Key Themes: •Employment Land Conversion •It is recommended that the O.P. Schedules and any associated policies be updated, as required, to reflect the recommended conversion areas with the appropriate land use designations applied. •Future Land Needs •There will be a need for the City to provide additional land to meet the demand to the 2051 planning horizon. The City will have to start developing employment lands in the short -term to avoid long-term supply issues. •Competitiveness of Supply •Continue to utilize investment-incentives such as the Economic Gateway Program and Municipal Employment Incentive Program.Page 264 of 539 Conclusions 21Page 265 of 539 Conclusions •The City should strengthen policies to protect and retain the existing vacant employment land supply to ensure that future demand on employment lands is not unduly constrained by a lack of market choice throughout its remaining vacant parcels and constrained by conflicting land uses. •The City of Niagara Falls is expected to experience an Employment Area land shortfall before 2051. •This shortfall, accompanied with the difficulty of marketing the North Niagara Falls Secure Storage Employment Area, will require a new Employment Area to be identified and developed. •As a part of it’s Official Plan Review, the City should begin exploring lands for a future Employment Area designation to ensure the long -term employment demand forecast can be accommodated.22Page 266 of 539 Next Steps 23Page 267 of 539 Phase 3 Next Steps •City Council to authorize staff to proceed with an open house/public engagement and finalize the study. •Stakeholder Session/Public Open House –Virtual Environment •Draft Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-Law Amendments •Statutory Public Meeting •Final Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-Law Amendments •Council Meeting to Deliver Phase 3 Results 24Page 268 of 539 L-2021-07 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Legal Services SUBJECT: L-2021-07 Encroachment Agreement with the City 6361 Fallsview Boulevard and exterior canopy encroachment into the Fallsview Boulevard road allowance (Steadfast Hospitality Inc.) Our File No. 2020-146 RECOMMENDATIONS 1. In the event that Council determines it is in the best interest to do so, that Steadfast Hospitality Inc. be permitted to construct an exterior canopy that will extend into the City’s road allowance, being a portion of Fallsview Boulevard, which abuts 6361 Fallsview Boulevard. 2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the required Encroachment Agreement. 3. That the City Solicitor be authorized to register the Encroachment Agreement on title to 6361 Fallsview Boulevard and the applicable parcel for the affected portion of the Fallsview Boulevard road allowance in the Land Registry Office. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Steadfast Hospitality Inc. (the “Owner”) is the registered owner of 6361 Fallsview Boulevard (the “Property”), and, has requested that it be permitted to construct an exterior canopy that will extend into the Fallsview Boulevard road allowance (the “Encroachment”), by way of entering into an Encroachment Agreement with the City. BACKGROUND 6361 Fallsview Boulevard is in the process of applying for a Building Permit for renovations/alterations to its hotel. The renovations/alterations include a proposed exterior canopy, which would extend into the sidewalks on Fallsview Boulevard. In order to proceed with the construction of the canopy, the Building Department has advised the Owner that an encroachment agreement with the City is required to build on the road allowance. Page 269 of 539 2 L-2021-07 April 20, 2021 CIRCULATION COMMENTS Information about the request to permit the construction of the canopy and enter into an encroachment agreement between the City and the Owner was circulated to City departments for comment. The following summarizes the comments received to date:  Planning Department 6361 Fallsview Blvd. is zoned Tourist Commercial (TC -878), in accordance with Zoning By-law 79-200, as amended by Site Specific By-law 2009-139. Based on the review of site plan drawings and the draft reference plan, the portion of the proposed canopy located on 6361 Fallsview Blvd. appears to be in compliance with By-Law 2009-139, and, the portion of the proposed canopy (subject to the proposed encroachment agreement), also appears to be in compliance with the regulations of the TC Zone and of Zoning By-Law No. 79-200, as amended. Planning has no concerns or objections to the proposed canopy encroachment.  Transportation No concerns or objections with the proposed canopy encroachment at the main entrance to the Hilton Hotel. Based on the review of site plan drawings and the draft reference plan provided by the Owner, the canopy will not impede drive sight lines of the traffic signals, impact the City’s transit stop, and, the canopy also maintains an approximate 1.5 metre clearance to the curb line.  Municipal Works No concerns or objections to the proposed canopy encroachment.  Fire Services No concerns or objections to the proposed canopy encroachment. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE The Encroachment Policies and Procedures Section 600.03 will require the Owner to pay for cost prepare to the with together ($500.00) agreement encroachment the disbursements relating to a search of title and costs to register the agreement. Section 600.03 requires the registration of a reference plan in order to assist the City in ensuring that no additions, alterations or expansions are made to the Encroachment, and, will provide subsequent purchasers/owners of 6361 Fallsview Boulevard effective notice of the encroachment types, locations, dimensions, terms and conditions. A copy of the draft reference plan is attached as Schedule “B” with the Encroachment being located within Part 1 on the draft reference plan. Page 270 of 539 3 L-2021-07 April 20, 2021 Section 600.03 also allows for the payment of an annual fee to permit the Encroachment as set by the City from time to time. There is currently no set schedule for annual encroachment fees, and, such annual fees are set on a case by case basis as determined by the City Solicitor, or, as further recommended by Staff and Council. At this time, and, in lieu of a more formal way of determining an annual fee, it is recommended that the encroachment agreement be prepared for nominal consideration. The encroachment agreement would allow for the canopy to be constructed in the City’s road allowance under terms and conditions as approved by the City Solicitor, which would include standard insurance and indemnity terms, and, that the restoration of the road allowance will be at the sole cost and expense of the Owner . A Road Occupancy Permit will also be required for areas of construction surrounding the Encroachment that are not covered under the agreement. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The Purchaser will be responsible for the costs relating to the reference plan and encroachment agreement. There will be a nominal annual fee of $2.00 for the encroachment until terminated. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The proposal does not directly impact any of the City’s strategic commitments. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Schedule “A” – Location Map for 6361 Fallsview Boulevard Schedule “B” – Parts of Draft Reference Plan for the Encroachment Schedule “C” – Site Plans & Drawings Recommended by: Ed Lustig, City Solicitor Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Attachments Page 271 of 539 4 L-2021-07 April 20, 2021 SCHEDULE “A” Location Map for 6361 Fallsview Boulevard Page 272 of 539 5 L-2021-07 April 20, 2021 SCHEDULE “B” Parts of Draft Reference Plan for the Encroachment Page 273 of 539 6 L-2021-07 April 20, 2021 SCHEDULE “C” Site Plans & Drawings Page 274 of 539 7 L-2021-07 April 20, 2021 Page 275 of 539 8 L-2021-07 April 20, 2021 Page 276 of 539 CD-2021-01 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: City Clerk SUBJECT: CD-2021-01 Potential Waiver of 2021 Municipal Business Licence Fees to Support COVID-19 Recovery RECOMMENDATION That Municipal Business Licence fees for 2021 be waived for the following business types: Amusement Place, Auctioneers, Barber Shops - Hair Dressing, and Esthetician Establishments, Bowling Alleys, Exhibitions (museum licence(s) on Clifton Hill), Cottage Rentals, Lodging Houses (B&B’s), Motels, Pawn Brokers, Public Halls, Restaurants, Tattoo and Body Piercing Parlours, Theatres. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report provides information on waiving certain municipal business licence fees in 2021. Only certain types of businesses are recommended to be included based on the anticipated impact that COVID-19 has on different businesses in the City. The financial implication of approving the staff recommendation is approximately $ 36,715.00. BACKGROUND At its meeting of March 2, 2021, Council had asked staff to come back with a report on the waiving of business licence fees and what the financial implications would be. By-law 2001-31, as amended, is a by-law respecting the issuing of business licenses. It identifies the types of businesses that are licensed by the City and requires the payment of a fee as part of a licence application or renewal. The fees for each business type are approved annually through the Schedule of Fees by-law and are intended to partially offset the cost of administering the business licensing program, as well as administer and required inspections by City or Regional staff. DISCUSSION The 2021 Operating Budget included approximately $95,000 in revenue for business licensing. If City Council wishes to waive business licensing fees for all businesses licenced by the City, then the financial impact is estimated to be in the $95,000 range. Page 277 of 539 2 CD-2021-01 April 20, 2021 Alternatively, Council may opt to waive the fees for only those types of businesses that have COVIDimpacted significantly most been by -report’s the in as 19 reflected recommendation. Following this approach, staff recommend that the business licence fees be waived for:  Amusement Place  Auctioneers  Barber Shops, Hair Dressing, and Esthetician Establishments  Bowling Alleys  Cottage Rentals  Exhibitions (museum licence(s) on Clifton Hill)  Lodging Houses (B&B’s)  Motels  Pawn Brokers  Public Halls  Restaurants  Tattoo and Body Piercing Parlours  Theatres If Council approves waiving business licensing fees for these businesses only, the financial impact is estimated to be approximately $36,715.00. Fees would continue to be charged for Bake Shops, Sign Installers, Butchers, Camping Establishments, Driving Schools and Instructors, Food Shops (take out or convenience stores), Dry C leaners, Public Garages and Service Stations, and Refreshment Vehicles. Fees related to adult entertainment and body-rub parlours are not a part of this report as the administration of these businesses has been delegated to the Niagara Region. The City’s Licensing By-law has some licences expiring as of December 31st and others as of April 30th. For those who have yet to renew their licence for the year, a fee waiver can be applied quite simply. For those who have already paid, a refund could be implemented. Any new applications during the year for any approved waivers would not be charged a fee. If Council opts to waive the fees for business licences, all other provisions of By-law 2001- 31, as amended, would remain in effect. This includes the requirement to obtain and maintain a valid business licence, the submission of any applications and documentation to support the licensing process, and applicable inspections which may have associated fees that are separate from the business licence fee and would continue to be collected. Businesses would also still be required to pay any fees related to licensing requirements of other levels of government, such as fees for a Master Business Licence which is issued by the Province. Page 278 of 539 3 CD-2021-01 April 20, 2021 Although no fee would be charged, renewal notices would still be sent to existing businesses who would be required to confirm that they continue to operate the business. This will ensure that important changes from the past year are captured, such as new ownership, change in business name or location, and contact information, and will avoid the administrative resources of processing renewals for businesses that are no longer operating. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS/BUDGET IMPACT Financial implications of approving the staff recommendation are estimated to be approximately $36,715.00. This $36,715.00 represents an external transfer by Council, funded through the tax levy. Recommended by: Bill Matson, City Clerk Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 279 of 539 F-2021-15 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance SUBJECT: F-2021-15 2020 Sleep Cheap Event and WonderFalls Pass RECOMMENDATION For the information of council. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The 2020 Sleep Cheap event raised $58,780.50 (2019 - $133,078). Overall, since its inception in 2004, the event has raised $2,2078,863. On the recommendation of the committee, grants were issued to the selected recipients outlined in the attachment. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Sleep Cheap event was not enhanced by the sale of the WonderFalls Pass. The 2020 WonderFalls pass sales totalled $ nil (2019 - $20,300). The WonderFalls pass provides Niagara residents with an opportunity for discounted prices to some of Niagara Falls non accommodation tourist attractions. In past years, staff recommend that proceeds from the sale of WonderFalls passes be transferred to a special purpose reserve to be used to improve parks and playgrounds in Niagara Falls. Overall, since its inception in 2015, the WonderFalls pass has raised $104,760. BACKGROUND Sleep Cheap is a fundraising event held annually in the City. The Sleep Cheap event is coordinated by the City in co-operation with members of the City’s tourism industry. The grant recipients are required to submit applications for funding. These applications are reviewed and recipients are selected by the organizing committee. All groups seeking grants must apply to the committee annually. The WonderFalls pass is an initiative developed and recommended by Niagara Falls City Councillor Victor Pietrangelo with the goal of raising funds to not only improve the parks and playgrounds in Niagara Falls, but to make them more accessible. The pass provides Niagara Region residents participating in Sleep Cheap the opportunity to visit some of Niagara Falls non accommodation tourist attractions at a significantly reduced rate. The program runs for the same period as the Sleep Cheap event. Page 280 of 539 2 F-2021-15 April 20, 2021 FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The various tourism operators contribute all of the funds raised during the Sleep Cheap event. Each of the contributing tourism operators receive a receipt for the funds collected and contributed to the City. A committee made up of a Councillor, City staff and tourism operators coordinate the event, collect the funds and determine the recipients for the monies raised. Attached is the committee’s recommended list of recipients with the designated amounts. As no funds were generated through 2020 Wonderfalls, no funds will be transferred to the special purpose reserve designated for improvement of parks and playgrounds in Niagara Falls. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Distribution of funds. Recommended by: Jon Leavens, Acting Director of Finance Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 281 of 539 3 F-2021-15 April 20, 2021 Sleep Cheap 2020 - Distribution of Funds Charity Amount Granted Autism Ontario - Niagara Region Chapter $ 2,126.63 Boys and Girls Club of Niagara $ 5,000.00 Cultivating Hope Foundation $ 5,000.00 Education Foundation Niagara $ 5,000.00 FACS Niagara Foundation $ 4,000.00 GROW $ 5,000.00 Niagara Children's Centre $ 5,000.00 Habitat For Humanity Niagara $ 1,860.00 Niagara Falls Community Outreach $ 5,000.00 Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education $ 5,000.00 Project Share $ 5,000.00 St. John Ambulance $ 5,000.00 Total Contributions to Charity $ 52,986.63 Optional 25% Dedication to charity By Hotels Niagara Community Foundation $ 5,533.75 Niagara Humane Society $ 260.12 Grand Total $ 58,780.50 Page 282 of 539 F-2021-25 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance SUBJECT: F-2021-25 Tax and Water Rebate Programs for People with Disabilities RECOMMENDATION 1. That, if Council wish to proceed with the rebate programs, Council select option 1, and specify with or without program stacking. 2. That, if Council wish to proceed with the rebate programs and recommendation 1 is not approved, Council select option 2 and specify with or without program stacking. 3. That, if Council do not wish to proceed with the rebate programs, this report is for the information of Council. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY To provide Council with information regarding the creation of two separate tax and water rebate programs for residents with disabilities. This report outlines how such programs may be implemented and its financial implications on current/future operating budgets. BACKGROUND At the March 2, 2021 Council meeting, Council directed staff to investigate the possibility of creating a property tax rebate program for people with disabilities and a water rebate program for people with disabilities. Both programs could operate similar to the existing low-income seniors’ property tax and water rebate programs. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Applicants must satisfy two criteria to qualify for each program. Qualified applicants for the Property Tax Rebate program must own residential property in the City of Niagara Falls and receive funding through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Qualified applicants for the Water Rebate program must have a municipal water account with the City of Niagara Falls and receive funding through the ODSP. Page 283 of 539 2 F-2021-25 April 20, 2020 ODSP is a social assistance program offered by the Province of Ontario. ODSP provides income and employment support to eligible Ontario residents who have disabilities. Under the ODSP Act, a “person with a disability” is a person with a substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent and is expected to last a year or more. Consideration must be given as to whether the City permits stacking of this program along with the existing low-income senor’s program. The concern is that depending on an applicant’s financial position, acceptance of the second rebate may jeopardize their ability to qualify tiersgovernment by offered programs for other . instance, For ODSP caseworkers determine financial need based on a formula comparing cost of household’s basic living to household income. Acceptance of this rebate in conjunction with another rebate may impact their financial need status with ODSP. In this situation, an applicant may want to discuss the financial impacts of accepting this rebate with their personal case worker. It is staff’s opinion to only offer one rebate per household for both property taxes and water. A low-income senior rebate could not be combined with a disability rebate for the same property address. Similar to the low-income senior’s rebate, City staff could receive applications from residents that qualify for the program at City Hall, The MacBain Community Centre or online. The City can notify the public of the new program through billing mailouts, the City website and newspaper advertisement. Applications would be made available at a specific time of year and be applied directly against the resident’s property tax and/or water account. The resident would need to fill out an application providing a copy of their identification showing the property as their primary residence as well proof of receiving ODSP. If Council decides to move forward with this program staff will create an application similar to the Low-Income Seniors Rebate Application. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The budget impact of each program will be different and vary according to the actual number of ODSP recipients that are eligible for the water rebate and/or the property tax rebate program. City staff contacted ODSP for Niagara Falls statistics. As of March 4, 2021, according to ODSP, there are 3,864 people receiving ODSP who live in the City of Niagara Falls. ODSP cannot differentiate as to whether those people own a home or are renting. As no other Niagara municipality offers such a program, staff are unable to project the proportions of ODSP recipient taxpayers and water rate payers from other municipalities to City information to determine an estimated program expense. Table 1 in attachment 1 provides a range of program expense estimates based on hypothetical percentages of ODSP recipients who could potentially own property in Niagara Falls. The estimate uses a rebate of $80.00, equal to the low-income seniors’ program. The burden of the new expense created by the property tax rebate program would be spread proportionately over the various property tax classes. For illustration Page 284 of 539 3 F-2021-25 April 20, 2020 purposes, the table includes the impact on the tax levy based on the February 9, 2021 budget and annual financial impact on an average residential property tax bill. Table 2 in attachment 1 provides a range of program expense estimates based on the hypothetical percentages of ODSP recipients who could potentially be water rate payers. The estimate uses a rebate of $100.00, equal to the low-income seniors’ program. The burden of the new expense incurred by the water rebate program would be spread proportionately over the various rate payer types. For illustration purposes, table shows the annual impact on an average residential water bill for each percentage scenario, based on 2021 water rates. Below are 2 options for Council to consider if they wish to implement the programs. Option 1 Direct staff to implement programs in the 2022 fiscal period. Choosing this option will require no 2021 budget amendments. The 2022 water and operating budgets can be designed to include expense estimates based on the tables in attachment 1. Option 2 Direct staff to implement programs in the 2021 fiscal period. Implementing the programs in 2021 will require a budget amendment to both the water and operating budgets. Staff can amend 2021 budgets using the estimated expenses for 50% participation. As the 2021 tax rates have not been set, the tax rates will be calculated to include the expense of $154,560 or a 0.21% increase to the 2021 tax levy. Conversely, 2021 water rates have been approved. The estimated 2021 expense of $193,200 would need to be funded either by a year end fund surplus or if in deficit position, this deficit would need to be carried over and incorporated into the 2022 water rates. CITY’S STATEGIC COMMITMENT This report is consistent with the following Council strategic commitments: 1. To be financially responsible to the residents of Niagara Falls by practising prudent fiscal management of existing resources and by making sound long-term choices that allow core City programs and services to be sustainable now and into the future. 2. To be efficient and effective in our delivery of municipal services and use of resources and accountable to our citizens and stakeholders. Page 285 of 539 4 F-2021-25 April 20, 2020 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Property tax and water rebate program for people with disabilities scenarios Recommended by: Jon Leavens, Acting Director of Finance Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 286 of 539 F-2021-25 Attachment Property tax and water rebate program for people with disabilities scenarios TABLE 1 - Property Tax Rebate for people with disabilites estimated expense and impact Percentage property owners 100%75%50%25% CNF ODSP recipents 3,864 2,898 1,932 966 Tax rebate program total estimated expense ($80/rebate)309,120 231,840 154,560 77,280 2021 Impact on net tax levy after growth - Feb 9 2021 0.43%0.32%0.21%0.11% Annual impact on average household property tax bill 5.84$ 4.34$ 2.84$ 1.34$ TABLE 2 - Water Rebate for people with disabilites estimated expense and impact Percentage water ratepayers 100%75%50%25% CNF ODSP recipents 3,864 2,898 1,932 966 Water Rebate Program total estimated expense ($100/rebate)386,400 289,800 193,200 96,600 Annual impact on average household water bill (annual 160/m3)7.40$ 5.64$ 3.76$ 1.88$ Page 287 of 539 F-2021-26 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance SUBJECT: F-2021-26 2021 Property Tax Penalty and Interest Rate RECOMMENDATION 1. That Council approve the return of the property tax penalty and interest rate from 0.5% to 1.25% per month, effective July 1, 2021. 2. If council do not approve recommendation 1, wishing to continue at 0.5% lower rate, council approve a 2021 budget amendment to increase the property tax levy by $250,000 to cover decreased penalty and interest revenue. 3. That, at a future date, Staff submit a report to Council outlining a comprehensive reserve policy that consolidates reserve balances and aligns a reserve funding strategy with the long-term goals and objectives of the City. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The penalty and interest (P&I) rate applied to overdue property tax accounts is an important financial mechanism and should be set at a level that discourages late payment of property taxes. Council approved the creation of the Special COVID-19 Preauthorized Property Tax Payment Plan for those taxpayers experiencing financial hardship. Staff is recommending that property taxpayers with tax arrears who are not enrolled in this program be subject to 1.25% per month. P&I charged on overdue property tax accounts is considered revenue and must be included in the annual operating budget. Whether this revenue is used to fund current operations or future operations by transfer to reserve, P&I charges will remain a reliable revenue source to the City. BACKGROUND At the March 2, 2021 Council meeting, Council directed staff to investigate the impact of extending the property tax P&I rate at 0.5% for the balance of the 2021 fiscal period. Page 288 of 539 2 F-2021-26 April 20, 2021 Concerns were raised with respect to the fairness of charging 1.25% per month on overdue property tax receivables and whether P&I ought to be included in the annual operating budget as revenue. Rather, a budget where P&I cash collections can flow directly to reserve, reducing dependency on this funding source. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the City has provided financial relief to property taxpayers through P&I rate reductions and the implementation of a relief payment program. From April 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020 current P&I rates were decreased to 0%. In October 2020, Council approved a decrease in P&I rates by 60%, from 1.25% to 0.5%. This lower rate of interest will continue until June 30, 2021 for all taxpayers. On December 8, 2020 Council approved the Special COVID-19 Pre- Authorized Property Tax Payment Plan, allowing eligible taxpayers to pay their outstanding 2020 and 2021 property taxes at 0%, over a 12-month period. For those property taxpayers not enrolled in the Special COVID-19 Pre-Authorized Property Tax Payment Plan, staff is recommending that P&I on overdue tax receivable balances be set at 1.25% per month beginning July 1, 2021. Staff is recommending this course of action to discourage late payment, promote fairness amongst property taxpayers and meet targets outlined in the 2021 budget. The Municipal Act indicates 1.25% per month is the maximum rate of interest a municipality can charge on property tax arrears. Currently, all other Niagara municipalities are charging 1.25% per month on tax arrears which are not enrolled in special COVID programs. This trend is also prevalent amongst Ontario municipalities. Municipalities are not financial institutions and set non-competitive lending rates as to minimize short term receivables. Property taxpayers have the option to engage the services and competitive lending rates of financial institutions to pay their obligations to the City. Late payments adversely affect operating cash flow. Four property tax installment due dates are set throughout the year to generate adequate operating cash flow. Operating cash flow is to support the current operating budget and remittances to the Region and four school boards. Financing current liabilities through non operating cash sources reduce reserve balances earmarked for future financing activity. Eventually, these balances will require replenishment through future annual tax levy increases which are spread amongst all taxpayers. Maintaining low rates of interest penalizes those taxpayers who pay on time as they end up subsidizing those who do not. The 2021 budget amount of $1,700,000 represents a $300,000 or 15% decrease from prior year budget. This budget decrease accounts for the rate reduction carried over to 2021. In 2021, all taxpayers must bear the burden to make up the $300,000 difference. Furthermore, an unfavourable budget variance for P&I revenue in the current year, will be spread amongst all taxpayers to make up the shortfall. Page 289 of 539 3 F-2021-26 April 20, 2021 Lastly, taxpayers who honour payment due dates have given up their financial resources at an earlier date than those who do not. Consequently, those who are compliant with City payment terms face a greater opportunity cost then those who are not compliant. P&I charged on property tax arrears meets the definition of revenue and cannot be removed from the budgeting process. The Municipal Act indicates that as part of the annual operating budget, the budget shall provide that the estimated revenue is equal to the estimated expenditures. To remove P&I revenue from the budgeting process, a reasonable estimate would need to equal zero. This scenario would require City policy to set P&I rate to 0% or abolish the concept of payment due dates. For the reasons provided earlier, staff do not advocate this scenario. Attachment 1 is a simplified, hypothetical example, demonstrating the tax levy impact, for the first and second years, of developing a reserve policy where P&I revenue is automatically transferred to a reserve. In the year of implementation, the tax levy dollar increase would equal the amount budgeted for P&I as P&I funding has shifted from all other municipal expenditures to a contribution to reserve. In the subsequent year, the P&I funding the reserve has been built into the budget base and thus, the tax levy increases by the net amount of all expenses. P&I revenue is now relied upon to fund a specific reserve rather than general operating expenses. The City currently does not have a comprehensive reserve policy. A comprehensive reserve policy is one component of a larger long term financial strategy that is developed in conjunction with a City masterplan and asset management plan. A reserve policy specifies purpose,the reserve.each of levels target and sources funding A comprehensive reserve policy report would be large in scope, involving many factors and could be provided to Council at a future date. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS At the time of drafting this report, an unfavourable variance of approximately $180,000 or (31.6%) exists. Comparing 2020 and 2021 receivable trends, it is estimated that keeping the rate of interest at 0.5% for the balance of 2021 will result in an unfavourable budget variance of approximately $250,000 or 0.34% would be required to cover the revenue shortfall. CITY’S STATEGIC COMMITMENT This report is consistent with the following Council strategic commitments: 1. To be financially responsible to the residents of Niagara Falls by practising prudent fiscal management of existing resources and by making sound long-term choices that allow core City programs and services to be sustainable now and into the future. Page 290 of 539 4 F-2021-26 April 20, 2021 2. To be efficient and effective in our delivery of municipal services and use of resources and accountable to our citizens and stakeholders. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. For demonstration purposes - A hypothetical example of changing the budget funding structure to have P&I revenue fund a reserve as oppose to general operations. Recommended by: Jon Leavens, Acting Director of Finance Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 291 of 539 F-2021-26 Attachment For demonstration purposes - A hypothetical example of changing the budget funding structure to have P&I revenue fund a reserve as oppose to general operations First Year of implementation No reserve contribution Reserve contribution from P&I while from P&I while $% maintaining a balanced budget maintaining a balanced budget Variance Variance Comments Revenue - except tax levy Penalty and interest revenue (2,000,000) (2,000,000) - 0.00% All other revenue sources (43,000,000) (43,000,000) - 0.00% Total Revenue - except tax levy (45,000,000) (45,000,000) - 0.00% Expenses Contribution to reserve - 2,000,000 2,000,000 New expense built in to budget process from approved reserve policy All other municipal operating expenses 125,000,000 125,000,000 - 0.00% Total Expenses 125,000,000 127,000,000 2,000,000 1.60%overall increase to introduce new expense built into budget Tax Levy required to balance budget (80,000,000) (82,000,000) (2,000,000) 2.50%Increase to tax levy to as P&I funding shifted to reserve Surplus /Deficit - - - Second Year With 2% increase in all municipal operating expenses equally funded by tax levy and all other revenue sources 1st Year 2nd Year $% Budget Budget Variance Variance Comments Revenue - except tax levy Penalty and interest revenue (2,000,000) (2,000,000) - 0.00%No change following reserve policy All other revenue sources (43,000,000) (43,860,000) (860,000) 2.00%To fund 2% increase in all muncipal operating expenses Total Revenue - except tax levy (45,000,000) (45,860,000) (860,000) 1.91% Expenses Contribution to reserve 2,000,000 2,000,000 - 0.00%No change following reserve policy All muncipal operating expenses 125,000,000 127,500,000 2,500,000 2.00%2% scenario increase in expenses Total Expenses 127,000,000 129,500,000 2,500,000 Tax Levy required to balance budget (82,000,000) (83,640,000) (1,640,000) 2.00%To fund 2% increase in all muncipal operating expenses Surplus /Deficit - - - Page 292 of 539 HR-2021-03 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Human Resources SUBJECT: HR-2021-03 Ontario Living Wage Network Initiative RECOMMENDATION That City Council receive the following information on the Ontario Living Wage Network certification and the potential financial impact of becoming a “Living Wage Employer”. An analysis of some of the benefits and challenges of becoming a living wage employer are also included in this report. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City Council reviewed a staff report at the June 25, 2019 meeting which outlined the Ontario Living Wage Network initiative and the different levels of certification. This report was received for the information of Council. At the March 2, 2021 meeting of Council this report was reconsidered and staff were further directed to come back with a report on the financial impact of the becoming a Living Wage employer and how the Corporation, including contractors, may be affected. On February 22, 2021, St. Catharines announced that it would make an application to become a “certified living wage” employer becoming one of the few municipalities in Ontario to do so. This commitment has a target date of December 31, 2024 which included meeting the level three designation as “Champion”. This motion has been circulated to all local area municipalities. Should the City of Niagara decide to make a similar application to become a certified living wage employer, this report endeavours to outline the financial impact as well as the challenges and opportunities of achieving all three levels including the “champion” certification. This would ensure that all full-time and part-time employees are paid a living wage as well as all external contracted (third party) employees that provide the various services to the City on a regular basis. For all intents and purposes, the City of Niagara Falls is already a living wage employer for full time, permanent staff without the certification. Page 293 of 539 HR-2021-03 April 20, 2021 At present, The Ontario Living Wage Network has determined the living wage in the Niagara region to be $18.12 per hour, which is calculated to be the hourly wage rate necessary to cover basic living expenses such as food and shelter. This living wage may rise over time as rates are reviewed and calculated annually by the Ontario Living Wage Network. According to their website, the living wage is determined regionally and currently differs across the province. Municipality Living Wage per hour Region of Waterloo $16.35 City of Hamilton $16.45 Haldimand Norfolk $16.58 City of Guelph $17.00 Region of Durham $17.00 Simcoe County $18.01 Region of Halton $20.38 City of Toronto $22.08 The minimum wage for the province of Ontario is 14.25 per hour. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS The Ontario Living Wage initiative is a network of employers, employees, non-for profit organizations, community groups and proponents of decent work and living standards for all Ontario workers. The purpose of the Ontario Living Wage Network is to strengthen and support local community efforts and provincial initiatives to encourage employers across Ontario to provide decent work that pays a living wage for all of their employees. The living wage for the Niagara Region is calculated by the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network using the National Living Wage Framework developed by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is led by committee coordinators from various community membered organizations in the Niagara region. A living wage is the broad consensus on the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and participate in their community. It is not the same as the minimum wage, which is the provincially legislated minimum all employers must pay. Rather, living wage sets a higher test and reflects what people need to earn to cover the actual costs of living in their community. This is done by drawing on community-specific data to determine the expenses to a family with two working adults and two children. Page 294 of 539 HR-2021-03 April 20, 2021 To become a certified Living Wage Employer, there are three phased (3) levels of certification as follows: Supporter: All permanent, full-time employees are paid a living wage. Employers are committed to begin raising the pay of all part-time employees to the living wage. Leader: All permanent full-time and part-time employees are paid a living wage. Employers are also committed to including living wage in service contracts for externally contracted (third party) employees that provide service on a regular basis. Champion: All permanent full-time and part-time employees are paid a living wage, and all externally (third party) contracted staff that provide service on a regular basis are also paid a living wage or will be when the contract renews With St. Catharines applying for certification as “Living Wage Employer”, they will become the fifth municipality in the province of Ontario to achieve this designation. Other municipalities include Cambridge, Kingston, North Perth and the County of Huron. It is not clear whether any of these municipalities have achieved “Champion” status. Should the City of Niagara Falls be interested in becoming a Living Wage employer and obtain the level 3 “Champion” certification, it must commit that the contracted employees who provide services to the City on a regular on-going basis (at least 120 hours per year) are paid at least the Niagara living wage (ie. janitorial cleaners, security, window cleaners, and landscapers, etc). However, ad hoc contract work is exempt. Bidders and contracted services are not required to disclose the rates of pay of their employees. Without this information, estimating the potential cost of becoming a Living Wage Employer is difficult. Current contracts do not have language to enable the City to request this disclosure of information from private businesses. As part of the Living Wage certification, Employers are not required to renegotiate existing contracts before they come up for renewal. However, all future agreements or contracts would contain a living wage clause and requirement. The certification program is based on an honour system and audits are not performed on living wage employers, including external contracted services. It is difficult to determine the impact of an open, fair and competitive bidding process should external contractors be required to pay the living wage. One might assume if companies are required to pay the living wage, there may be less bids or higher bids for City services. Due to economies of scale, larger companies may be better positioned to bid on tenders. Page 295 of 539 HR-2021-03 April 20, 2021 With regards to the current bidding process, qualified tenders are based on low bid which will require new legal language to the City’s requests for proposals. Also, the living wage may be adjusted annually so costs may change from year to year depending upon the rates of inflation. According to the City’s procurement department, there are approximately 60 multi-year service contracts in place with vendors that could be affected by the living wage criteria. These are “regular” contractors providing at least 120 hours of services per year. There are currently only six (6) “City” vendors who are currently approved for certification on the Ontario Living Wage website. Benefits Challenges Improved attraction and retention Higher cost of wage and benefits for crossing guards, PT arena staff, contract staff and students, etc. Positive community branding as socially responsible Employer Higher cost of tenders/external services and impact on competitive bidding process Assists in addressing poverty in community Salary compression for some positions and indirect associated costs More consumer spending power in the community Control over “living wage” annual increases (determined by OLWN) Less absenteeism, improved employee engagement Impact on City budget, tax levy and external contractors FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS To become an Ontario Living Wage employer at the supporter and leader levels would approximately cost the City an additional $97,000 annually in today’s dollars. This would mean all permanent full-time and part-time staff would be paid at least the hourly Niagara living wage rate of $18.12 per hour. This total above includes the cost of students who may be deemed excluded. In addition, as a funded organization of the City, the Niagara Falls Public Library would also need to adjust their hourly rates at an anticipated additional cost of $18,000 per annum. This brings the total costs of “Level 1 and 2” to approximately $115,000 for this ye ar. If the living wage program had been implemented for the 2021 budget, this would represent a 0.16% increase to the tax levy without any offsetting of other expenditure costs. Page 296 of 539 HR-2021-03 April 20, 2021 Given the limited information available, it is not possible to estimate the cost to external contractors or cost implications on future tendering. Assuming some of the City’s regular service contractors pay an hourly rate equal to the minimum wage, an increase to the living wage would be an increase of 34% to their current payroll per employee. To be able to estimate the total financial impact to the City, we would need to know the total increase in labour costs that vendors would to pass onto the City in future tenders through the competitive bidding process. This may also exclude some companies from bidding on the services. As a result, it is very difficult to determine the financial impact. The City would be required to sign a licensing agreement for certification and pa y an annual fee of $400 per year to the Ontario Living Wage network. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The City of Niagara Falls remains committed to its Strategic Priorities of fostering economic growth and prosperity as well as ensuring organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Recommended by: Trent Dark, Director, Human Resources Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 297 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:City may become living wage employer, NFR, 27 March 2021, pg. A1 From: bert dandy Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 1:36 PM To: letters@niagaradailies.com; postmaster@metroland.com; Niagara Independent <news@niagaraindependent.ca> Cc: Webmaster <webmaster@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: City may become living wage employer, NFR, 27 March 2021, pg. A1 It appears that Niagara Falls will consider the 'Living wage' concept for city employees (and maybe contractors as well) at the council meeting on the 20th. Although the concept seems fair to those who would benefit from it, I hope our councillors will consider the p roblems and unexpected costs that may be incurred as a result. If each worker earning minimum wage of $14.25 receives a boost to the living wage of $18.12 (27.16%), will his or her supervisor earning a higher level, say $16 to $18, expect a matching increase to maintain the hierarchy of the pay structure? And the next one above that level and so on. This could result in a similar increase for everyone in the organization up to and including the Clerk and CAO. Basic mathematics would indicate that the total cost to the taxpayers would not "be much lower than [$566,500 estimate for St. Catharines]", but will be in the neighbourhood of more than $51 million - 100 times the estimate given by Mr. Dark! This is based on the assumption that the 27.16% raise is applied across the board to maintain the appropriate salary grids and council should be very careful. You can be sure that the AMA, CUPE and NFPFFA will take note and ask for similar increases above their usual demands. Using the 2015-2018 CUPE Rate Schedule there are 23 pay levels ranging from $14.66 to $41.67 per hour. [ https://www.sdc.gov.on.ca/sites/mol/drs/ca/Public%20Administration/913-17117-18%20(951- 0069-18).pdf ] I couldn't easily locate the current contract but the scale ill be the same and many non-union management positions pay even more. -- Bert Dandy Page 298 of 539 HR-2021-04 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Iodate and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Human Resources SUBJECT: HR-2021-04 City Council Training RECOMMENDATION That City Council receive the following information and options for an in-camera training and education session on the City’s code of conduct and teambuilding. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At the meeting of March 2, 2021, Council directed staff to come back with a report to outline options to consider which would help facilitate better team building and cohesion amongst City Council members. This report outlines options for Councils’ consideration and review. Should one or more of these options be acceptable, staff will work with an external facilitator to further develop specific course content and a training outline for an educational session at an upcoming meeting of City Council. BACKGROUND OPTIONS To better enhance team building amongst City Council, staff are recommending the three options for their review and consideration: Option 1. Code of Conduct This would involve a one hour session led by the City’s integrity commissioner, Edward “Ted” McDermott, who would review the City’s Code of Conduct, focusing on the necessary behaviors, actions and standards of conduct that are expected by all the members of City Council. Mr. McDermott would also outline the role of the integrity commissioner and review key jurisprudence that has been established in the province of Ontario. This content would be followed by an interactive question and answer period with the integrity commissioner and all members of Council. Page 299 of 539 HR-2021-04 April 20, 2021 Option 2. Building a Better Team This would involve a one hour session led by an external facilitator (to be selected by Human Resources) who will lead Council members through a highly interactive session to establish future behavioral ground rules to guide their future relationships and interactions inside and outside of the Council Chambers. The focus of the discussion on ground rules would examine how disagreements can happen, how conflict can be respectfully resolved, how constructive feedback is given, how decisions can be made better, how trust is earned, how Council can enhance their interpersonal communication and relationships and to explore ideas to make the team more cohesive and inclusive. Option 3. Hybrid - Code of Conduct & Teambuilding This would involve a two hour session which would essentially be a combination of the two options above. The first part of this session would led by Mr. McDermott, the City’s integrity commissioner, focusing on the Council members code of conduct. The second part of the session would be a facilitated discussion on teambuilding as noted in option two. At the discretion of Council, this session could involve the CAO and senior staff as well to include Council-staff relations. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The training and educational options that are noted above would cost up to a maximum of $5,000. This will cover the cost of external facilitation, necessary materials and related expenses. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The City of Niagara Falls remains committed to its Strategic Priorities of fostering economic growth and prosperity as well as ensuring organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Recommended by: Trent Dark, Director, Human Resources Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 300 of 539 MW-2021-26 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works - Transportation Services SUBJECT: MW-2021-26 Queen Street – 2021 Promenade Proposal RECOMMENDATION 1. That Council receive for information the attached request from the Queen Street BIA requesting the following: a. the placement of eight (8) permanent road closure gates on Queen Street; b. periodic road closures on Queen Street for two (2) blocks: Valley Way to St. Lawrence Avenue, and St. Lawrence Avenue to Crysler Avenue; c. nightly closures on the affected blocks on weekdays between 5:00pm and midnight; and on weekends from Friday at 5:00pm until Sunday at midnight; d. financial support in the amount of $6,500; and further; 2. That Council approve a pilot program in 2021 the installation of four (4) gates necessary to close a single block of Queen Street between St. Lawrence Avenue and Crysler Avenue, on the evenings and weekends requested by the Downtown BIA, starting in May 2021 and continuing to the end of December 2021; and further, 3. That Council approve 50% of the Downtown BIA funding request in the amount of $3,250 for costs associated with supply and installation of the gates at the St. Lawrence Avenue and Crysler Avenue intersections only; and further; 4. That Council direct Staff to report back to Council upon the completion of this pilot program comments, any findings, with observations, and concerns, recommendations in regards to the potential for future installations along the Queen Street corridor. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff consulted with the Downtown BIA regarding their proposal to close Queen Street from May 2021 to the end of December 2021 with permanent metal gates to allow for the creation of a pedestrian promenade. This promenade would allow for restaurants to expand their sidewalk cafes and for weekly public events to be hosted. Page 301 of 539 2 MW-2021-26 April 20, 2021 Following discussions with the Downtown BIA and various City departments, it was agreed upon that the closure of Queen Street between St. Lawrence Avenue and Crysler Avenue (only) could be safely facilitated with the proposed gate installations. It was proposed by the Downtown BIA that the road would be open from 12:01AM until 5:00PM every weekday, closing each evening to allow for patio expansions and weekly events. On weekends, the Downtown BIA would close the road on Friday at 5:00PM until Sunday at 11:59PM. The Downtown BIA is also requesting a financial donation by the City towards the cost of the gate installation in the amount for $6,500. Given the recommendation to proceed with only one block of roadway, and half of the number of gates, staff recommend granting the 50% of the BIA’s request. BACKGROUND Due to the impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health measures implemented in Niagara Region by the Ontario Government, the local hospitality industry has been significantly affected by reduced seating and building capacity regulations. Therefore to help provide relief to this industry, the City of Niagara Falls has provided opportunities for restaurants to expand their outdoor seating to areas within the public realm, including within parking lanes, city boulevards and sidewalks, and on closed sections of road. Specifically, for the restaurants and businesses along Queen Street from St. Lawrence Avenue to Crysler Avenue, the City, in collaboration with the Downtown BIA facilitated the closure of this roadway from June 2020 to January 2021. During the winter of 2021, the Downtown BIA approached City Staff to discuss the closure of Queen Street with the installation of permanent metal gates to enable the creation of a pedestrian promenade. The promenade area will allow for restaurants within the road closure to expand their sidewalk cafes and provide space for public events to be facilitated by the Downtown BIA. A letter outlining the Downtown BIA’s request is available in Attachments #1, the initial requested area is illustrated in Attachment #2, and the gate design is provided in Attachment #3. Staff from Municipal Works, Transportation, Parking, Transit, Fire and Business Development undertook consultation with the Downtown BIA. Through this consultation a number of alternatives were discussed and it was agreed upon that the closure of Queen Street with gates between St. Lawrence Avenue and Crysler Avenue was acceptable, as illustrated in Attachment #4. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE The Downtown BIA is requesting approval to install permanent metal gates to facilitate the daily closure of Queen Street from May to the end of December 2021. The proposed gates would be installed at the intersections of Queen Street with St. Lawrence Avenue and Crysler Avenue, behind the crosswalk to ensure pedestrian movements were safe Page 302 of 539 3 MW-2021-26 April 20, 2021 and accessible. It was proposed by the Downtown BIA that the road would be open from 12:01AM until 5:00PM every weekday, closing each evening to allow for patio expansions and weekly events. On weekends, the Downtown BIA would close the road on Friday at 5:00PM until Sunday at 11:59PM. Initially, the requested closure encompassed a larger area, expanding westerly to the intersection of Queen Street at Valley Way/Buckley Avenue. This proposal was not supported by staff, as the installation of gates should only be considered at all-way stop controlled intersections to ensure safe traffic movements and increase driver awareness that the roadway is closed/blocked. Following discussion with the Downtown BIA, they’ve agreed to limit the closure to the block between St. Lawrence Avenue and Crysler Avenue. Vehicles parked on Queen Street during the daytime hours, will be permitted to do so until 4:00PM, at which time the parking machines will no longer issue any new tickets. This will allow for parked vehicles to clear this space and allow for the 5:00PM closure. No concerns were raised by the City departments consulted. Transit service (routes 102, 104/204) will be rerouted to Park Street during the closure periods of May to December 2021. Transit Services will notify their patrons of this change, providing public notification at all of the affected transit stops and by posting a notice on the City’s website. Fire Services will be provided keys to open the gates when/if they require access. Next steps for this proposal are for the Downtown BIA to: 1. finalize the gate designs for City approval; 2. obtain engineering drawings and utility locates for the gate base installation; 3. develop a notification procedure to notify all affected agencies and stakeholder of when Queen Street will be closed/open; and 4. develop public notification signage to be posted on Queen Street to notify the general public / motorist of the closure times. Should Council approve of this initiative and pilot program for 2021, Staff will carefully monitor the initiative and obtain further stakeholder feedback in order to report back to Council on the results and any potential expansion of this initiative elsewhere in the Downtown BIA. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The Downtown BIA is requesting a financial donation by the City towards the cost of eight (8) gates in the amount for $6,500. Given that Staff recommend installation of only four (4) locations at this time, Staff recommend that Council approve a grant request in the amount of $3,250 for this initiative. Additional transit notification signage and modifications to the parking machines can be carried out by Transportation Services staff with negligible budgetary impact. Page 303 of 539 4 MW-2021-26 April 20, 2021 Staff recommend accommodating this request within the 2021 General Purposes Budget account 11-3-342010-040000 Traffic Control Services - Contracted Services. This budgeted item accommodates special event traffic control, which is expected to be reduced in 2021 due to Public Health directives regarding COVID-19. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The recommendations in this report Encourage multi-modal travel and active transportation initiatives, and enhance motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety. ATTACHMENTS Attachment #1 – 2021 Promenade Proposal (Initial BIA concept) Attachment #2 – Proposal Gate Design Attachment #3 – Correspondence from the Downtown BIA Attachment #4 – 2021 Promenade Proposal (Staff recommended) Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer M. Bilodeau Page 304 of 539 4605 QUEEN STREET NIAGARA, ON L2E 2L7 P. 905-356-5444 / DOWNTOWNIAGARAFALLS.COM March 23rd, 2021 Mayor and City Council City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6X5 To Whom This May Concern, After a successful 2020 season and months of 2021 planning and deliberation, the Board of Management for the Downtown Niagara Falls BIA seeks permission to install permanent gates along Queen Street in the attached designated locations within the staff report. The gates would allow for daily road opening and closures in the Downtown core from May until the end of December. The gates would be installed in the attached locations, leaving the road open from 12:01 AM until 5 PM every weekday, closing each evening to allow for patio expansions and weekly events. On weekends, the BIA would close the road on Friday at 5 PM until Sunday at 11:59 PM to allow restaurants to expand for the three evenings while also allowing for weekend events. The Board of Management understands that professional services during the workday benefit from the road being open, while restaurants benefit from the closures and pedestrian walkways. The proposed plan benefits both parties, allowing for compromise while also being an economically viable option for all involved. The Downtown would also post signage with opening/closure times and dates to allow consistent messaging to all Downtown stakeholders. The Downtown BIA is also seeking a financial donation towards the cost of the gate installation in the amount of $6,500. Any support from Council would be much appreciated, as the BIA hopes to cover the remaining cost via event revenues, grants, and sponsorships. Sincerely, The Board of Management for Downtown Niagara Falls Page 305 of 539 Sitemap Entertainment District Gates Proposal Page 306 of 539 Page 307 of 539 42.00 .50 168.00 168.00 3.00 4.00 2.50 4.00 38.00 10.00 4x4 x 1/4" WALL BARREL HINGE B 10 x 10 x 1/2" BASEPLATE CONNECTION TABWELDED ONE SIDE ONLYTHRU HOLE FOR PADLOCK / CHAIN ETC THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF ADCL. ANY REPRODUCTION IN PART OR AS A WHOLE WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF ADL IS PROHIBITED. DESCRIPTION 0 PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL TOLERANCES: (INCHES) FRACTIONAL 1/64" ANGULAR: MACH .5 BEND 2 TWO PLACE DECIMAL .01" THREE PLACE DECIMAL .002" FOUR PLACE DECIMAL .0005" DRAWN ENG APPR. DATENAME COMPANY SIZEC DWG. NO.REV SCALE: NONE UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: SHEET 1 OF 1 96786-108 STREET GATES QUEEN STREET BIA JOSH B 2021-03-22 Page 308 of 539 MW-2021-26 Queen Street 2021 Promenade Proposal Recommended Promenade Area Proposed Gate Installation Existing All-Way Stop Queen StSt. Lawrence AvCryslerAvPage 309 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject: Queen St. promenade On Tue, Apr 13, 2021, 1:22 PM Sarah McLeod, < wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: Sarah McLeod > Date: April 12, 2021 at 2:52:03 PM EDT To: Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca>, Wayne Campbell <wcampbell@niagarafalls.ca>, Chris Dabrowski <cdabrowski@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Queen St. promenade Hello, I'm writing to you this afternoon regarding decisions being made on Queen St., specifically the closing of the street. As a Niagara resident, a business owner, and one who likes to support businesses within my community, including businesses on Queen St., I'm struggling to understand why the street is planned to be closed daily, when it has been proven with financial statistics, as well as many businesses on the street being negatively impacted by previous closures. It's disheartening to hear how these citizens of our city are being treated, they are blatantly being bullied by the BIA. I'm writing this to let you know, it isn't a few upset business owners, those people have friends and family, and seeing how this treatment of them is continuing, we the public are aware of it, we are here for them and we will help them, because we all live in this community. If I'm to live here, make my living here, raise my family here, I have everything to gain when businesses thrive. I've spent a lot of time on Queen St. over the years, having drinks with friends, eating great food, watching live shows. I've supported some of my favourites on the street during every lockdown because I'm extremely fortunate and grateful that I have not only been able to continue to work, but my business has only gotten busier. I don't want to see some who have become friends, some who I've known for years, some just lovely acquaintances, lose there business because of poor decisions of the BIA. How is it fair? The BIA is not in business of helping the street as a collective, it is picking and choosing, and name calling and bullying the ones who have legitimate questions regarding how their hard earned money is being spent. I just can't fathom why this street is this way, it's not new, the decline has been ongoing and allowed to happen, I believe purposefully. The BIA has been doing nothing to make Queen St. thrive, it Page 310 of 539 2 was admitted by the person in charge. This isn't what any downtown should look like, so derelict, it should be bustling every day of the week, it's the soul of a city, and it's being crushed. I'm hoping you sincerely reflect on my words, they're coming from a place of passion for a city I call home, and one I'm beginning to dislike, and wanting to leave behind. On behalf of the street as a whole, I am here for the time being, and as a member of the community, will be here in whatever capacity I'm needed to help make positive change. Regards, Sarah niagarafalls.ca Only select services are available to the public at City facilities, as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to serve you online at niagarafalls.ca. We thank you in advance for your understanding, should we take longer than usual to respond to your inquiry. The City of Niagara Falls Confidentiality Notice The information contained in this communication including any attachments may be confidential, is intended only for the use of the recipient(s) named above, and may be legally privileged. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure or copying of this communication, or any of its contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please re-send this communication to the sender and permanently delete the original and any copy from your computer system. Thank you Page 311 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Queen Street closure -----Original Message----- From: Tony Barranca < Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 8:16 AM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Queen Street closure Mr. Mayor and City Council: This Spring and summer, the DBIA is planning to close two blocks on Queen Street. As a successful family business for over 46 years and presently pay four Bia levies, we strongly recommend NOT to close the street. No one benefits from it. Instead , it causes confusion for out of town visitors /clients getting lost when having to make detours around it. A disruption to emergency vehicles, garbage pickup , transit bus re-routing and extra expense to open and close the street.Please use common sense, listen to the majority of the merchants who are still trying to make a living and survive on Queen Street. Sincerely, Tony, Mary & Rob Barranca Hair Lovers Place & Back Alley Barbershop Sent from my iPad Page 312 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject: Queen Street BIA -----Original Message----- From: Carmen Tartaglia < Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 8:38 AM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Queen Street BIA Bill: Please pass our concerns on to all Council members regarding issues we would like addressed by Council as they have the authority to direct the BIA . The BIA is planning to start once again interrupting a steady flow of traffic from Victoria Ave. to River Rd. Last years closure of eventually just one block for months had a noticeable negative effect on our business sales as well as sales for other business people we spoke to. We received calls from customers, many of whom are seniors asking how to get to us after learning of the closure. One new customer and recent new resident who happens to also be a city bus driver, remarked after shopping that he almost gave up on coming in from being frustrated by the detour to find us. We are sure the new influx of residents as well as Tourists would be turned off and confused by any closure. Anyone we talked to about it found it to be foolish and an absolute bad business move for the Street. Business people we talk to fear an even poorer year this year than last given the Government Lockdowns to date with more expected . We have spent over 36 years on Queen St. investing heavily and building a successful business which compliments Downtown and the City and are passionate to see it succeed. Our success did not come by listening to Board Members and Staff, many of whom have no skin in the game trying to do what they think is best for our business. Too many times their decisions have harmed more than helped us. In the past street closures for various functions have proven to be very disruptive, hindered sales and eventually ended with us closing until they were finished. Also Council should consider rescinding the decision to remove the Park St. Lot. That Parking is vitally important to all businesses, it is at a premium now and it will only become a greater deterrent to shoppers if they are inconvenienced more by having to fight for a spot or walk blocks from the small city off street lots that exist. While Council is at it, consider the Authority you have and common sense the business minded members there have and bow to the wishes of the many on the street who find it even more devastating to allow a very few Board members to increase our budget at a time when we face the most financially challenging times ever. We will be lucky to see even a half a fiscal year of business from the way things are shaping up . Anna & Carmen Tartaglia. Roberts Jewellers Page 313 of 539 4640 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON 437-2140488 7even.star92@gmail.com 29,September,2021 Whom this may concern, I was miss informed by one of the business owners on Queen street. They mentioned that the petition is about closing the road as they did during covid-19 for the patios. Hesitantly,I signed it because I didn’t want the road to be closed for a long period of time. However, the truth was that they wanted me to sign it so I could stop the events, such as a car show and movie nights which I really wanted to participate in. The events were a part of my income source despite the street being closed during the time of the event. Nonetheless, it is for the safety of the people who are attending the event which is our first priority. I’m with Ron, the chairman of BIA downtown NiagaraFalls, for hosting the events on our street so that it brings us business. Page 314 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject: Request for City Council From: jenn@jeffrosbbq.ca <jenn@jeffrosbbq.ca> Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 2:51 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: RE: Request for City Council Hi Bill, Thanks for your reply, I would like to submit the following to Council for the meeting: On behalf of Jeffro's BBQ, Moodies Bakery and DJ's on Queen, we do not want any street closures for 2021. We are currently in our third lockdown with no end in sight. These closures affect the businesses negatively, doing more harm than good. Our regulars do not come down if the street is closed and it blocks traffic flow. It attracts homeless people rather than customers. Now that the Park Street parking lot has been permanently closed, we require the Queen Street parking more than ever. I have attached a petition of businesses that do not want the street closures. We had to stop collecting signatures because of the lockdown. We also have an online petition going getting support from the rest of the city as well. We have invested everything we have into these businesses. The mayor put out a statement this week telling everyone to support small businesses because the last surviving businesses are fighting to hang on. We really are fighting to hang on and this proposed street closure will only succeed in killing the businesses down here. Thanks for your time, Jennifer Freimanis -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Request for City Council From: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Date: Fri, April 16, 2021 5:41 pm To: "'jenn@jeffrosbbq.ca'" <jenn@jeffrosbbq.ca> Jennifer, I can add your comments to the agenda for all of Council to read and consider. We would not be having any Delegations or Appointments in front of Council at this time. Bill Matson | City Clerk | Director of Clerks Services | City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street | Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 | (905) 356-7521 ext 4342 | Fax 905-356-9083 | billmatson@niagarafalls.ca Page 315 of 539 2 niagarafalls.ca Only select services are available to the public at City facilities, as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to serve you online at niagarafalls.ca. We thank you in advance for your understanding, should we take longer than usual to respond to your inquiry. The City of Niagara Falls Confidentiality Notice The information contained in this communication including any attachments may be confidential, is intended only for the use of the recipient(s) named above, and may be legally privileged. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure or copying of this communication, or any of its contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please re-send this communication to the sender and permanently delete the original and any copy from your computer system. Thank you Page 316 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:: NO to road closures Hard Copy and Digital Petitions From: Sacha Heilig <voicingqueen@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:02 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca>; CouncilMembers <councilmembers@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: NO to road closures Hard Copy and Digital Petitions Hi Bill Can you please forward to Council and the Mayor this link to the online Petition against the Downtown Queen Street Road Closures, as well as photographs of our hard copy. Both are reflections of levy paying members as who cannot have this closure. The online partition is a mixture of Membership and Citizens of Niagara Falls. The online petition has been in circulation for 4 days and has over 300 signatures. The .jpeg files are the actual petition that was signed in person by over 30 levy paying businesses/building owners on Queen Street. Please, this can't be ignored as these are credible votes from the DBIA Membership. I hope this can be taken into consideration at Tuesday Council Meeting. Thanks so much Sacha Heilig Muthership Tattoo https://www.change.org/p/the-queen-street-bia-the-city-of-niagara-falls-no-more-queen-street- closures?recruiter=1164692507&recruited_by_id=32af48c0-28d7-11eb-8703- d386cc2da892&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&fbcl id=IwAR3XmOs-8QDcKG7B0seCCWbGE2QFag5o8b5OOMoTMttXgE_o6KgV04-6goc Page 317 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo From: Nαtαlie Cαruso < Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:08 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Natalie Caruso, Owner of Little Shop of Beauty, Im writing to you today to express the magnitude of the negative impact these road closures have had in the past and will continue to have should you disregard the needs of the Businesses. Road closures effect the convenience of our guest reaching our store front. Not only that but it reduces the chances of them ever finding parking which they are already oblige to pay to receive a service. Road closures do nothing positive for the businesses. Our hours run from 9-5 and 5-8 so this impedes on our evening guests. In the past road closures have left our streets a complete disaster and businesses like myself have had to close to reduce stress on not only ourselves but for our guests who have to park blocks away just to reach the Main Street to get to us. Not to mention during a pandemic entertainment should be the last thing we are focusing on. Our main concern should be the businesses who have worked tirelessly to keep queen street lively and their business thriving. Closing and forcing the businesses to reduce their hours after experiencing a great loss since covid is by far The most harmful thing you can do as a collective trying to “revitalize” a district all while ignoring those who it is effecting. Aka the community. Page 318 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo From: Nαtαlie Cαruso < Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:09 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: (Continued) Queen streets community. Those who have been paying for this levy increase but do not want to also pay for the Repercussions of the closures. When I voiced my concerned I was told I had to wait till the end of May to speak at an events committee. An invite that took me reaching out several times to receive. Park street parking lot is located directly behind my business and my guest have been parking there for the last five years. Our guest spend an average of 2+ hours in our chair all of which requires them to add more money in the Metre so having park street parking lot was a great alternative. With the loss of that we are already short parking. Offering parking with space to walk allows them their time to reach other busineses and support instead of inconveniencing them and punishing them by forcing them to find parking elsewhere while walking through a promenade during the middle of a pandemic when businesses are trying to make ends meat. Covid has effected my business tremendously. And on top of taking money out of my pocket with this levy increase this threatens my business and my chances of making back that money by shortening my business hours. I am so displeased as a business owner who has been on Queen five years and as a former bia member. This board was created to help the community and focus its priority on the businesses. Not allow our concerns to fall on deaf ears. I hope this message reaches you and is received with great intent. My community means the world to me. As does my business I worked my entire life for. I refuse to let it crumble because the decisions are falling on those that fail to see the concerns of those who are paying to make it happen in the first place. Waiting patiently for your response , Natalie Page 319 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Queen St detour... NO From: Catherine Bovaird < Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:08 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Queen St detour... NO Hello Bill, I live at , Niagara Falls. I understand the city is going to reroute traffic around the BIA initiative to close down their block again, this time for summer activities. Please don't allow it. 1. Blocking downtown traffic is totally inconvenient for me. 2. I didn't see any shops on Queen St benefit from the blocking. 3. The movies were nice BUT the block can be set up for it on the movie night. It doesn't require full day/week blocking. My major complaint about blocking off the BIA block is that it disrupts traffic and spoils shopping on Queen Street. Thanks so much for your attention to this matter, Catherine Bovaird Page 320 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Request to add to agenda - Proposed Gate Installation DBIA Begin forwarded message: From: Sacha Heilig < Date: April 19, 2021 at 10:47:28 AM EDT To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca>, Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca>, CouncilMembers <councilmembers@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Request to add to agenda - Proposed Gate Installation DBIA Good morning Bill. Can this letter be added to tomorrows City Council Meeting to be read out loud? It is in accordance to Section 7.7 of the Current Agenda. It'd be very much appreciated. Thank you! Dear Mayor and Council I ask you please take the following words into consideration for your vote towards the Proposed Permanent Gate Installations on Downtown Queen Street. On March 23rd you received a letter from the Downtown Board of Management delivering a projected plan to permanently install 8 road closures on Queen Street that will be delivered in Council April 20th. The Downtown Board of Management has taken a position to decide what’s best for all small business owners without information collected from its General Membership. No ROI’s can be provided, when requested, at this point. There has been zero communication from the Downtown Sitting Board and its General Membership for nearly 1 year. In their March 23rd letter to you all, they’ve outlined their “understanding” of what professional services and restaurant businesses need at this time in relation to support THEIR project. This statement only comes from the Sitting Board and not the General Membership. NO impact surveys have been made to the General Membership in relation to * impact of the Covid-19 pandemic * impact of continued shutdowns * impact of loss of capacity for restaurants, personal services, entertainment, etc. * review of last years Promenade launch * declared reported loss of income from all of the above I do believe this is crucial information that needs to be obtained from Membership prior to any such investments be made from the Downtown BIA, as well as from the City of Niagara Falls at this point. The Permanent Gate Installation is premature given the circumstances of the current pandemic and what businesses on Queen Street need to survive.

 Additionally, I’d like to outline that no Minutes were made available to General Membership from May 2020, until March 2021, when the new website was launched. The DBIA continued to email newsletters with dead links but did not offer Membership the insight to be aware that resources could be made available through the City Clerks Office. 

I apologize in advance, as I myself did not Page 321 of 539 2 know we could obtain records for minutes here. Much of us are truly not Politicians at heart, or understand how all this works. In those lost months, a levy increase was passed without much knowledge of the General Membership, or input given. As the deciding Authorities on this issue, and continued issue of Downtown Queen Street, my suggestion would be to halt the project until reviews are made. Ensuring streets remain open is a guaranteed factor to success in a year when success has been taken away. To add another risked variable (Promenade/Street Closures) to an equation when businesses are starving is inappropriate at this time. To support the Installation of these gates, is the continued support of what Small Businesses Downtown DO NOT NEED at this moment. We have been burdened with an ongoing pandemic, increased costs to products, increased loss to people, and a considerable levy increase in what is a historic time in our lives. 

The Downtown BIA Directors have ignored requests for meetings and requests of information. I do not see how any business person would move forward with a project plan based on those statements alone. What ensures success of this District is COMMUNICATION and COMMUNITY - 2 things money cannot buy that we are lacking. I believe it should be revisited next year with a better understanding and collection of information from all, to ensure its success in investment moving forward. Thank you for considering this information, Sacha Heilig Page 322 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo To:Bill Matson Subject:RE: Queen Street Promenade From: Happy Feet Dance <info@happyfeetdance.biz> Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 2:46 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Wayne Campbell <wcampbell@niagarafalls.ca>; Chris Dabrowski <cdabrowski@niagarafalls.ca>; CouncilMembers <councilmembers@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Queen Street Promenade Good Day Bill, Will you kindly add my letter to Tuesday’s meeting agenda regarding the Queen Street Promenade? ***** Dear City Council and Mayor, I am writing today to OPPOSE the motion to close a portion of Queen Street to vehicular traffic for the DBIA proposed “Promenade”. (MW-2021-26 Queen Street – 2021 Promenade Proposal). The frequency of the closures is overkill and will severely impact businesses on the street. Small Businesses on Queen Street and the surrounding area have suffered endless lockdowns since March 2020. We are struggling to maintain our livelihoods and keep our businesses afloat. Many businesses have invested their entire life savings into fulfilling their dreams and I am certainly one of them. Most of the businesses on Queen are considered “non-essential” and are the first to be deemed closed or heavily restricted during the current provincial measures. Daily Street Closures for “events” will further impact businesses that are already on the verge of collapse. Business owners on Queen have banded together, created a petition, sent multiple emails to the DBIA, Council and our concerns have been pushed aside and ignored. We definitely feel unheard and that is absolutely unacceptable given the fact that the DBIA works for the membership and NOT the other way around. City Council needs to recognize this when making any decisions regarding the future of Queen Street. How is this proposal a viable option to reinvigorate Queen Street during a Global Pandemic or for the future? Given the trajectory of the Pandemic and cases rising exponentially, this Promenade may not even be permitted to happen! The BIA budget increase is alarming to Business and Property Owners downtown during a Global Pandemic. From what I understand, they are asking for additional funding to cover the cost of the gates on top of what has already been budgeted. It is wrong and insensitive for the DBIA and Council to avoid the outcry and advocacy from local Business Owners who are ultimately the Constituents who elected Council in the first place. We are local residents, trying to fulfil our dreams and run our businesses without interference. After multiple attempts to meet with the Sitting DBIA board and reaching out to Council, the Downtown Business Owners are STILL struggling to be heard. Page 323 of 539 2 Street closures are NOT what Business Owners on Queen want or envision for the future. Should Council approve this proposal from the DBIA, has anyone considered where the potential “patrons” of the proposed “events” will park? With the Park St Lot closure, a devastating loss to the current businesses on Queen Street, where will the potential patrons park? To be honest, it is extremely disheartening that so many businesses are speaking out about all of these drastic changes and we are being ignored. The loss of the Park St. lot is extremely devastating to many surrounding businesses and from the map the City released, showing what limited parking remains, it appears that Downtown will not be able to accommodate an influx of potential patrons arriving by car. Exactly how many parking spots currently remain in the downtown core? As mentioned above, the frequency of nightly and weekend street closures will not make any event downtown “unique”. It is repetitive. “Events” should be something to mark on your calendar and gear up for…with the planned frequency, it is easy to say “Let’s just go next week” or “We were just there last week”. Also, there are still so many vacant buildings downtown, even with the additional 15 that opened recently. Why not promote the businesses that are currently on the street and draw interest from the Community before planning weekly events. At least let the pandemic get under control and allow us all to recover for a little while! Then maybe, if the BIA is willing to involve ALL businesses on the street through meetings, surveys or reaching out, we can collectively come to an understanding of what we all envision for the future of Queen Street. The Street has a bright, post-pandemic future, but this has to be a collective vision, rather than the vision of a select few pushing it onto everyone else whether or not they agree. Thank you for your time, Tammy Lacas Owner Niagara Falls Page 324 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo To:Bill Matson Subject:RE: Hi Bill, From: Suwanna Upper < Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 4:05 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Wayne Campbell <wcampbell@niagarafalls.ca>; cdabrowski@niagarafalla.ca; CouncilMembers <councilmembers@niagarafalls.ca>; Moodie's Bakery <moodiesbakery@icloud.com> Subject: Hi Bill, Hi Bill, My name is Suwanna Upper owner Moodie’s Bakery Queen street, Niagara Falls Ont. L2E2L5 I would like to bring up my concerns on Queen street road closer for 2021. Last year 2020, when the Queen street was closed that interrupted bakery. Our customer had complained of street closers and called the bakery asked for the directions get to the bakery. It was very frustrating. I remembered the time that BIA member asked me to stayed open longer hour for the street event Promenade. First Saturday we opened till 8:00pm sold one bottle of water. Second Saturday and third Saturday sold nothing. In my opinion street must stay open at all time keep the traffic flow. Now, we are in lockdown. Things are going to be a very difficult. Bottom line running a business is dollar sign! I am not supporting Queen street road closed. Bill, can you please pass this concerns to all Council members? Thank you for understanding. Suwanna Upper Moodie’s Bakery Sent from my iPhone Page 325 of 539 MW-2021-29 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works – Engineering Services SUBJECT: MW-2021-29 Block 92 Chippawa West Utility Easement RECOMMENDATION 1. That Council approve Staff coordinating the required easements for Bell Canada and Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. as outlined in the this report; and further, 2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute all necessary agree ments in order to grant the easements. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Chippawa West Phase 2 Subdivision utilized Block 92 (formerly Block 368) as an emergency access which included Municipal and utility infrastructure. Easements are required for all infrastructure that falls outside of the public right -of-ways. Upon a secondary access being completed for the subdivision Council approved the dedication of Part 2 on reference plan 59R-14751 back to the developer with Part 1 being retained for a pedestrian walkway to be constructed by the developer at a future date. As part of final review and staging of these works it was brought to Municipal Works attention that easements required by third party utility agencies Bell Canada and Niagara Peninsula Energy were still outstanding. Municipal Works Staff see no conflicts with granting a blanket easement over Part 1 on reference plan 59R-14751 for maintenance and replacement of the utility plant for both Bell Canada and Niagara Peninsula Energy. The purpose of this report is to recommend that Council direct Staff to coordinate with Bell Canada and Niagara Peninsula Energy for granting of an easement as outlined in this report over Part 1 on reference plan 59R-14751. BACKGROUND Chippawa West Phase 2 Stage 1 Development was registered in 2012. As part of those approvals third party utility agencies require developments to grant easements as needed for all utility plant outside of public right of ways. Block 92 (formerly Block 368) was an emergency access required on earlier phases of the Development and was also utilized for connection of Municipal and utility infrastructure. At time of registration of the lands an easement in favour of the Municipal was granted for sanitary and watermain infrastructure that services the entire development. Page 326 of 539 2 MW-2021-29 April 20, 2021 Following a secondary access being provided for the subdivision Council dedicated Part 2 on reference plan 59R-14751 back to Queensway Chippawa Props. Inc as part of approved Council Report MW -2017-47. Part 1 which includes Municipal and utility infrastructure is in the ownership of the Municipality and has a planned pedestrian access that will be constructed by the Developer. As part of final review and staging of these works it was brought to Municipal Works attention that easements required by third party utility agencies Bell Canada and Niagara Peninsula Energy were still outstanding. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE The existing utility plant within Block 92 (formerly Block 368) was a requirement for servicing of the development. Municipal Works Staff see no conflicts with granting a blanket easement for maintenance and replacement of the utility plant for both Bell Canada and Niagara Peninsula Energy. Council’s approval and granting of the easement will address the outstanding requirement to cover access to the existing utilities that currently runs in parallel with the development and pedestrian access. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Municipal Works Staff see no financial burden to the Corporation and any costs associated with registering such easements will be the sole burden of the developer, Queensway Chippawa Props. Inc. As the lands were dedicated as part of the development, Municipal Works Staff recommend no monetary value for easements themselves. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Implementation of these works meets the intent of Council’s Strategic Priorities to establish infrastructure investment priorities and to strengthen and promote economic development within the City. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Chippawa West Phase 2 Subdivision – Staging Plan 2. Block 92 Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer N. Golia Page 327 of 539 MW -2021-29 Attachment 1 – Chippawa West Phase 2 Subdivision Stage 1 Registered 2012 Stage 1A Registered 2013 Stage 2 Registered 2014 Stage 3 Registered 2016 Stage 4 Registered 2018 Stage 5 Pre-Servicing Underway LEGEND: Emerald Avenue Tallgrass Avenue Eclipse Way Shuttleworth Drive Block 92 (Formally Block 368) Page 328 of 539 MW -2021-29 Attachment 2 – Block 92 Block 92 (Formally Block 368) PART 1 Retained by City; Developer to Construct Walkway Currently within the property Municipal Sanitary Sewer, Watermain and Bell, Niagara Peninsula Energy Utility Infrastructure PART 2 Returned to the Developer for severance into three separate lots View of Block 92 from Lyons Parkway Page 329 of 539 PBD-2021-013 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Planning, Building & Development SUBJECT: PBD-2021-013 AM-2019-019, Exemption Request to 2-Year Waiting Period for a Minor Variance 6400 & 6420 Kalar Road Owner: 2670279 Ontario Inc. (Lise Danecker) RECOMMENDATION That subject to subsection 45(1.4) of the Planning Act, 1990 R.S.O., Council consider passing the resolution on tonight’s agenda to grant an exemption to the 2-year waiting period for minor variances and thereby allow 2670279 Ontario Inc. to file an application to the City’s Committee of Adjustment for the proposed development. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  The Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015 established a 2-year waiting period between an applicant-initiated site-specific rezoning of a property and a minor variance application.  The intent of the new 2-year waiting period is to provide greater control to Council which will determine whether it is appropriate for the Committee of Adjustment to alter recent zoning by-laws through the minor variance process.  If Council allows an application to the Committee of Adjustment, it would still be subject to all the normal Planning Act requirements for a public hearing, notice and appeal rights. Council’s decision to permit a privately-initiated application would simply mean that they are satisfied that the zoning regulations can be reviewed and varied by the Committee of Adjustment.  2670279 Ontario Inc. is requesting that Council consider passing a resolution to allow them to file an application to the City’s Committee of Adjustment for their Draft Approved Vacant Land of Condominium for 6400 & 6420 Kalar Road . The applicable zoning by-law was passed June 23, 2020. BACKGROUND Proposal On June 23, 2020, City Council passed By-law No. 2020-57 which amended Zoning By- law 79-200 to permit the a site specific Low Density, Grouped Multiple Dwellings (R4) zone for 6400 & 6420 Kalar Road (see Schedule 1). City Council also approved the Draft Vacant Land of Condominium Plan for the subject lands, which contains 29 townhouse dwelling units. The proposed concept is shown on Schedule 2. Page 330 of 539 2 PBD-2021-013 April 20, 2021 2670279 Ontario Inc. has begun the detailed design stage for the development and they have concluded that a minor variance is desirable to provide more marketable units. 2670279 Ontario Inc. intends to request a reduced rear yard from 7.5 metres to 6 metres for units 12 to 18, permit a concurrent reduction in the privacy yard for these units, and permit outdoor decks to encroach 2.5 metres into the required 7.5 metre side yards (for units 1 to 10 and 19 to 29). In order for an application to be submitted to the City’s Committee of Adjustment, it is necessary for Council to pass a resolution granting an exemption to the required 2-year waiting period. Planning Changes The Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015 amended the Planning Act by establishing a 2-year waiting period for minor variance applications. This means minor variance applications are not permitted for two years following a privately-initiated site- specific rezoning of a property. The intent of the new 2-year waiting period is to provide greater control to Council to prevent zoning provisions that Council determined to be appropriate from being reversed or altered through the minor variance process for 2 years. Notwithstanding the 2-year waiting period for minor variances, subsection 45(1.4) of the Planning Act, 1990 R.S.O. provides Council with the ability to allow applications to be filed for minor variances by passing a resolution. If Council passes the resolution, the normal Planning Act requirements for a public hearing, notice and appeal rights still apply. Council’s decision to permit applications would simply mean that they are satisfied that the zoning regulations it implemented can be reviewed and varied by the Committee of Adjustment. ANALYSIS 2670279 Ontario Inc. is requesting Council to consider passing a resolution that would permit them to request the City’s Committee of Adjustment to vary zoning regulations that were approved for the proposed development. The variance application that the applicant wishes to pursue would request a reduced rear yard from 7.5 metres to 6 metres for units 12 to 18, permit a concurrent reduction in the required privacy yard for these units, and to permit outdoor decks to encroach 2.5 metres into the required 7.5 metre side yards for units 1 to 10 and 19 to 29. Staff note that it has been 9 months since the amending zoning regulations were approved. There would be no benefit to waiting the balance of the 2 year waiting period before the filing of a minor variance application in this case. The applicant wishes to proceed to the detailed design of the project and is seeking to obtain the appropriate planning approvals. A resolution is included in tonight’s Council agenda. Should Council adopt the resolution, the owner will be able to make their request to the Committee of Adjustment for the desired variance. The standard Planning Act procedures for notification, public hearing and satisfying the four tests of the Planning Act would apply to the minor variance application. Page 331 of 539 3 PBD-2021-013 April 20, 2021 CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Removal of the 2-year waiting period will allow the developer to file an application with the City’s Committee of Adjustment and expedite the request in an efficient time period. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS  Schedule 1 – Location Map  Schedule 2 – Proposed Concept  Schedule 3 – Request Letter Recommended by: Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning, Building & Development Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer A.Cooper:cv Attach. S:\PDR\2021\PBD-2021-013, AM-2019-019, Two- Year Waiting Period Exemption Request.docx Page 332 of 539 4 PBD-2021-013 April 20, 2021 SCHEDULE 1 (Location Map) Page 333 of 539 5 PBD-2021-013 April 20, 2021 SCHEDULE 2 (Proposed Concept) Page 334 of 539 6 PBD-2021-013 April 20, 2021 Schedule 3 (Request Letter) Page 335 of 539 PBD-2021-014 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati And Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Planning, Building & Development SUBJECT: PBD-2021-014 AM-2010-009 Zoning By-law Amendment Application Vacant Land on West Side of Montrose Road between McLeod Road and Charnwood Avenue Applicant: Gemini Corps. Agent: IBI Group Removal of Holding (H) Symbols RECOMMENDATION That Council pass the by-law appearing on tonight’s agenda to remove the holding (H) symbol and related regulations from the vacant land on the west side of Montrose Road between McLeod Road and Charnwood Avenue, which are currently zoned Residential Apartment 5C Density (R5C(H)-912), to permit the development of the property for residential purposes. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2010, Council passed By-law No. 2010-132 to permit the development of lands located on the west side of Montrose Road between McLeod Road and Charnwood Avenue. A holding (H) symbol was included in the By-law to ensure the landowner completed the necessary Environmental Site Assessments, filed a Record of Site Condition (RSC) in the Environmental Site Registry and submitted to the City and Region proof that the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has acknowledged receipt of the RSC. Gemini Corps is requesting the H symbol and related regulation be removed to permit the development of a portion of the land for residential development. The H symbol will remain in effect for the land to the south, also zoned R5C(H)-912, which is not part of the applicant’s land. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has acknowledged the filing of the Record of Site Conditions (RSC). The Region has accepted the acknowledgement from the MECP for the RSC. Therefore the H symbol can be removed from the subject land. BACKGROUND In 2010, Council passed By-law No. 2010-132 to permit the development of lands, located on the west side of Montrose Road between McLeod Road and Charnwood Ave, for residential uses. A holding (H) symbol and related regulations was included in the By-law to ensure the landowner completed the necessary Environmental Site Assessments, filed a Record of Site Condition (RSC) in the Environmental Site Registry and submitted to the City and Region proof that the MECP has acknowledged receipt of the RSC. Page 336 of 539 2 PBD-2021-014 April 20, 2021 ANALYSIS Gemini Corp. wishes to proceed with the development of a portion of these lands for residential purposes. A location map can be found in Schedule 1. The parcel is zoned R5C(H)-912 in accordance with Zoning By-law No. 79-200, as amended by By-law No. 2010- 132. The R5C-912 zoning permits the parcel to be developed with townhouse dwellings and apartment buildings subject to the removal of the H symbol. The H symbol were included in the amending by-law to ensure the landowner completed the necessary Environmental Site Assessments and filed a Record of Site Condition (RSC). IBI Group on behalf of the applicant has submitted a letter requesting Council pass the by- law included in today’s agenda for the removal of the H symbol that applies to the parcel. The H symbol will remain in place for the vacant property immediately to the south. CIRCULATION COMMENTS The Planning Act requires notice of the removal of a holding (H) symbol to be given to landowners affected by it and any members of the public or agencies that have submitted a written request for notice. In accordance with these regulations, notice regarding the removal of the H symbol was circulated to the applicant, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, and Building and Engineering Services. The Region is satisfied the requirements for lifting the H symbol have been met and have no objections. Therefore, the H symbol; can be lifted from the subject lands. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Development of the subject lands supports Council’s desire for complete communities and additional housing options for the City’s residents. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS  Schedule 1 – Location Map Recommended by: Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning, Building & Development Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer A.Cooper:cv Attach. H:\Reports\PBD-2021-014, AM-2010-009, Removal of Holding.docx Page 337 of 539 3 PBD-2021-014 April 20, 2021 SCHEDULE 1 (Location Map) Page 338 of 539 PBD-2021-16 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Planning, Building & Development SUBJECT: PBD-2021-16 SBA-2021-001 Amended Location of Electronic Sign Owner: Walker Industries Holdings Ltd Agent: Vann Media Advertising (Larry Vann) North side of Thorold Stone Road West of Garner Rd RECOMMENDATION That Council determine that the proposed changes to the by-law with respect to setback from another billboard is minor in nature and that no further notice is necessary and pass the resolution regarding this matter included in tonight’s agenda. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At the last Council meeting, Council approved an Electronic Message Centre Billboard sign for the north side of Thorold Stone Road west of Garner Road subject to certain conditions. One of the conditions imposed by City Council was that the sign be located 46 metres (150 ft) further east than the proposed location. Staff, upon revie wing the Sign By- law regulations, found the change in location would place the proposed billboard less than 300 metres from a billboard on the south side of Thorold Stone Road. This distance separation was not previously advertised. The purpose of this report is to acknowledge that the location of this sign will not comply with the Sign By-law and allow Council to determine that this change is minor and no further notification is necessary BACKGROUND On March 23, Council approved an application for a Sign By-law Amendment to allow a Billboard on the north side of Thorold Stone Road to be 100% Electronic Message Centre. Council limited the sign to a size of 3.05m x 6.09m (10 ft. x 20 ft.), 7.7m (25.2 ft.) and the sign to be located 10 metres from the Regional Road and the sign be shut-off at midnight and further that the sign be placed an additional 46 metres (150 feet) to the east and for the applicant to contact Mr. & Mrs. Colavecchia on the south side of Thorold Stone Road. Staff have received written confirmation from the Colavecchias that they are satisfied with the location further from their house. However, the new location now puts the sign closer to another billboard sign than permitted in the Sign By-law. The Sign By-law regulates that billboard signs shall not be located within 300 m of another billboard sign so the signs do not create a wall of signs in any one area. The new location is approximately 245 m from the other billboard (See Appendix 1). Page 339 of 539 2 PBD-2021-16 April 20, 2021 The electronic billboard will now be located 122 metres from the Colavecchia residence and thus reduces the impact on that property. The existing billboard is 245 metres east of the proposed location and on the opposite side of the road. Thus, it should not contribute to a wall of signs. The next closest house is even further away to the south-east. The immediate surrounding lands are used for agricultural purposes. Therefore, there is a positive benefit to relocating the sign east of the previously proposed location and little negative impact. The relocation was discussed at a public meeting before Council although not previously advertised. ANALYSIS This location maintains the general intent and purpose of the by-law; maintains the intent and purpose of the Official Plan, which states that sign amendments may be subject to conditions. Council may adopt the resolution tonight provided it determines tha t the additional change is minor and no further notice is necessary. The by-law amendment can be passed later in the agenda. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no financial implications. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT One of the City’s strategic priorities is to support economic growth and development through streamlined business practices to meet both local and city-wide priorities. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS  Appendix 1 – Location Map Recommended by: Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning, Building & Development Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer P.Boyle/A.Herlovitch:cv Attach. S:\PDR\2021\PBD-2021-16, SBA-2021-001, Electronic Billboard Amended Location, North side Thorold Stone Road.docx Page 340 of 539 3 PBD-2021-16 April 20, 2021 APPENDIX 1 LOCATION MAP Page 341 of 539 1 PBD-2021-19 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Building Services SUBJECT: PBD-2021-19 Municipal Works Service Centre Renovations 3200 Stanley Avenue RECOMMENDATION 1. That Council award the tender for Project RFT12-2021, Municipal Service Centre Renovation, to Bromac Construction Inc. in the amount of $2,799,000.00 plus non- refundable HST; 2. That Council authorizes Staff to engage ARC Engineering Inc. in the amount of $175,000.00 plus non-refundable HST for Contract Administration for the duration of the Municipal Service Centre Renovation project; 3. That Council amends the previously approved Capital budget of $4,971,000, and approve the new proposed Capital Budget of $5,547,395 for the additional costs. 4. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary contract documents. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Municipal Works Service Centre building was built in the mid 60’s with a renovation completed in 1990. Since the renovation improvements to the main building have been minimal. The Municipal Works Service Centre provides offices, stores, a mechanic shop, forestry shops, a welding shop, and a carpentry shop. Last year an emergency site remediation took place due to underground leaking fuel tanks as described in report MW - 2020-08 (see attachment #1). This resulted in the relocation of City staff to the other municipal facilities such as: Gale Centre (primarily), Transit Building, and other temporary locations. This provided an opportunity to assess the immediate condition of main building and determine the extent of interior improvements required to meet current codes and regulations. Staff engaged ARC Engineering Inc. to evaluate the mechanical and electrical systems, and identify any fire and building code concerns. In addition, OESN was engaged to evaluate the air quality within the building. ARC Engineering identified that significant upgrades will be required to make the Municipal Work Service Centre a safer work place and extend the life of the building. Page 342 of 539 2 PBD-2021-19 April 20, 2021 Council approved a total 2021 Capital budget of $4,971,000.00 for site remediation and interior building improvements. Following the approval ARC Engineering Inc. engaged to prepare the assessment, design and tender document for the renovation. Publication for Tenders were issued on March 17, 2021 and closed on April 14, 2021. Ten (10) bids were submitted with Bromac Construction Inc. being the low bid in the amount of $2,799,000.00, with HST not included. The lowest bid was compliant therefore, staff’s recommendation is for the City of Niagara Falls to enter into a contract with Bromac Construction Inc. to commence the construction renovation work early May. BACKGROUND In February of 2020 City staff observed that the underground fuel tanks at the Municipal Service Centre experienced significant leakage after a noticeable decrease in gasoline levels. Upon discovery, City staff immediately contacted the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, to assist in remedial action. In addition, the building was shut down relocating all staff to other municipal facilities until such time the building is safe. Due to the building being partially vacant until the tank remediation was completed this provided an opportunity to evaluate the existing conditions of the entire facility and incorporate improvements to make this building a safer work environment, evaluate the efficiency of the work space, and extend the life of the facility for years to come. The construction improvements to meet these objectives would require to building be designed in accordance with current building code, fire code, electrical code, and air quality with accordance in Airand Refrigerating of Heating, American Society - Engineers Conditioning standard. efforts the require would This of of number a departments such as Municipal Works, Building Services, Fire Services, as well as the Health and Safety Committee to discuss the required improvements. In addition, a number of consultants were engaged to assist in the evaluation and design of these systems. The improvements recommended by consultants include:  Stand-by Generator to provide emergency power to entire site.  Hydro Service Upgrade (existing service is undersized for site).  Electrical upgrades including lighting, interior services & panel upgrades to meet Electrical Code.  New heating and ventilation system to provide an improved air quality and balanced air pressure.  Building Automation System.  Structural Components to support Mechanical Upgrades (Mezzanine Construction for HVAC Equipment, Roof Equipment Platform, Mechanical Penthouse Construction to house HVAC Equipment, Footing and Foundation Construction).  Exterior enclosure repairs to building envelope.  Partition and door improvements to improve exterior envelope and security.  New door way and egress requirements.  Sealing of the floor.  Cabinets to safely contain flammable liquids. Page 343 of 539 3 PBD-2021-19 April 20, 2021  NPEI Connection Charge.  Waste Oil Management System.  Structural Improvements.  Storage Racking for Stores Division.  Improvements to Mechanic’s Pit for Health and Safety.  Mechanic’s Area & Stores Area Floor Coating.  Access Control Devices for Mechanic’s Area and Stores Area and Environmental Services Area. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE The City of Niagara Falls retained ARC Engineering Inc. to prepare the bidding documents, drawings and specifications used to call tenders for the construction renovation of the Service Centre main building that closed on April 14, 2021. All qualifications, extensions and the total for each tender have been verified and no errors were found. The lowest bid at tender opening has been found to be compliant. All bidders were required to submit a copy of all signed addendums and supporting documentations. As a result, staff and our consultant recommend the award of the tender to Bromac Construction Inc. in the amount of $2,799,000.00, HST not included. Tenders were submitted by the following companies: Name Tender Price (excluding HST) Bromac Construction Inc. $2,799,000.00 NIACON Ltd. $2,944,381.61 T.R. Hinan Contractors Inc. $2,979,000.00 Merit Contractors Niagara Ltd. $3,009,000.00 BDA Inc. $3,215,000.00 TRP Construction General Contractors $3,233,000.00 MJ Dixon Construction Ltd. $3,433,000.00 Renokrew $3,465,568.88 Atlas Constructors Inc. $3,475,000.00 Devlan Construction Ltd. $4,300,000.00 Work is expected to begin early May with a substantial completion by early September. During this period, most staff working from the Municipal Service Centre will be required to be relocated to other facilities including the Gale Centre (primarily), Transit Building, and other temporary locations. Municipal Works has been developing a relocation plan in order to leave the main building vacant to allow the Contractor the space required to complete the renovations in a timely manner. Page 344 of 539 4 PBD-2021-19 April 20, 2021 FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The approved Capital Budget in 2021 for the site remediation and main service building repair totalled $4,971,000.00. This figure includes the $2,125,000.00 amount pre- authorized from report MW -2002-08 and the 2021 approved budget for $2,846,000.00. Due to site remediation costs, consulting fees, and other unforeseen site improvements concerns, the remaining balance for the main building repairs is $2,677,505.00. Contract administration and a ten percent (10%) construction contingency have been included as part of the total project costs. These additional costs results in a $576,395 increase to the capital project of $5,547,395. Total Project costs for the main building renovation will include: Resource Cost, excluding HST 1. Base Bid Tender (Bromac Construction Inc.) $2,799,000.00 2. Consultant Cost Contract Administration (ARC Engineering Inc.) $175,000.00 3. Construction Contingency (10% of base bid) $279,900.00 Total Project Cost $3,253,900.00 This project is funded from debentures. The life cycle of the building is approximately 25- 30 years with the loan period of the debenture term to be determined. ATTACHMENTS: 1. MW -2020-08 – Municipal Service Centre Site Remediation and Building Repairs - April 21, 2020. 2. 2021 Capital Budget Sheet approved through MW -2020-08. 3. 2021 Capital Budget Sheet. Recommended by: Sam Valeo, Director of Building and Municipal Enforcement / Chief Building Official Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 345 of 539 MW-2020-08 April 21, 2020 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works SUBJECT: MW-2020-08 Municipal Service Centre Site Remediation and Building Repairs RECOMMENDATION That City Council receive for information report MW-2020-08 regarding the Municipal Service Centre Site Remediation and Repairs; and further; That Council authorize a 2021 pre-budget allocation of $2,125,000 for the purpose of site remediation and building repairs; and further; That Council authorize the Director of Municipal Works/City Engineer to exercise the emergency purchasing provisions of the Supply and Services Bylaw in order to expedite all efforts related to regaining occupancy of the main Municipal Service Centre building. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In mid-February 2020 City Staff became aware of the loss of significant amounts of gasoline from the underground storage tanks adjacent to the main Municipal Service Centre building located at 3200 Stanley Avenue. Tank removal and site remediation activities were expedited immediately upon discovery in accordance with Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks requirements. At the time of preparation of this report, these activities are continuing. Gasoline was determined to have travelled underneath a major portion of main Municipal Service Centre building. The entire building (approximately 33,000 square feet) has been closed for occupancy since February 27, 2020. Without the availability of the main Municipal Service Centre building, the methods and efficiencies in delivering of municipal services have been drastically impacted. Accordingly, Staff have expedited all remediation efforts in order to remediate the property and repair the building as necessary to meet current occupational environmental standards - despite challenging working conditions and the current COVID-19 pandemic. The total unanticipated costs for site remediation and building repairs is estimated to be in the neighbourhood of $2,335,000 which includes operating expenses of approximately $210,000. This total includes costs incurred to date plus estimated costs for work yet to be accomplished. Staff are recommending that Council authorize $2,125,000 as a pre-budget allocation from the 2021 budget and that the Director of Municipal Works be authorized to exercise the emergency Page 346 of 539 2 MW-2020-08 April 21, 2020 purchasing provisions of the procurement bylaw in order to expedite recovery efforts related to re-occupancy of the building. BACKGROUND In mid-February 2020 City Staff became aware of the loss of gasoline from the underground storage tanks adjacent to the main Municipal Service Centre building located at 3200 Stanley Avenue. Spills Action Centre division of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks were immediately notified and have been working closely with Staff and Contractors performing remediation. Tank removal was completed on February 28, 2020 and site remediation activities were expedited immediately following removal. This work includes exploratory drilling, laboratory sampling, and removal of contaminated material. At the time of preparation of this report, most of the remediation related to the grounds (outside of the building) have been completed; however, delineation of the fuel leak and corresponding remediation work within the building is continuing. Gasoline was determined to have travelled primarily beneath the floor of the stockroom, mechanics garage, welding shop, carpentry shop and Environmental Services work areas of the main Municipal Service Centre building. Albeit at varying degrees of severity, all areas of the building have been impacted by the contamination under the building and by the possibility of fuel vapour seepage up through the building floor. Consequently the entire building (approximately 33,000 square feet) has been closed for occupancy since February 27, 2020. Without the available use of the main Municipal Service Centre building, the methods and efficiencies in delivering of municipal services have been drastically impacted. Over 100 employees have been impacted and relocations proceeded as follows:  Office staff have been relocated to the Gale Centre or the Morrison/Dorchester Hub;  Mechanics staff have been operating from several makeshift locations in other buildings at the Municipal Service Centre, as well as sharing space at the WEGO building;  Environmental Services have been operating from the Gale Centre;  Streets and Construction have been operating from the Gale Centre;  Parks and Forestry have been operating from the Fairview Cemetery; and,  Stores have relocated some stock and supplies to other buildings at the Service Centre and are operating from makeshift offices in those buildings ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Given the significant amount of disruption, Staff have prioritized all remediation efforts in order to clean the impacted areas and to repair the building as necessary to meet current occupational environmental standards. This work continues despite challenging working conditions and the current COVID-19 pandemic. Incurred and committed costs for all of the activities completed to date is estimated to be $825,000 for the following:  Removal of above ground fueling island Page 347 of 539 3 MW-2020-08 April 21, 2020  Removal of diesel and gasoline underground fuel tanks  Removal of impacted soil and replacement with clean backfill  Removal and replacement of impacted watermain and storm sewers  Delineation and modelling of fuel migration via boreholes inside and outside the building  Installation of monitoring wells  Removal of the underground waste oil tank (unrelated to fuel tanks, but tests indicated that this tank was no longer adequate)  Removal of all material, tools and equipment from the mechanics garage In order to expedite occupancy and regain full use of the building for the operations, upcoming expenses totaling approximately $1,510,000 will be required for the following:  Paving of the excavated areas ($100,000)  Continued environmental monitoring and subsurface vapour extraction ($50,000)  Cleaning, grinding, stripping and sealing of floor and walls ($200,000)  Temporary storage ($10,000)  HVAC and air-handler replacement ($1,000,000)  Health and Safety related building improvements including garage safety equipment ($150,000) It should be noted that all of the work noted above are minimum prerequisites necessary to be completed in order to regain occupancy and to maintain compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Standards. Despite these significant costs, unfortunately many other elements of the Municipal Service Centre not described in this report (e.g. roofs, electrical, etc.) are also near or at the end of their useful life and therefore pose a risk of greatly disrupting operations if they fail. These items are not included in this report, but must be monitored and maintained in working order until such time as a new facility is constructed. Budgeting for these items can proceed as usual through annual budget allocations. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION This report outlines an approximate total estimated cost of $2,335,000 for costs incurred and future costs related to site remediation and building repairs at the Municipal Service Centre. There are no current or prior accounts available to cover these costs, and delaying any further will significantly compromise the ability for Municipal Works to deliver basic services. Costs related to cleaning, grinding, stripping and sealing of floor and walls ($200,000) and temporary storage ($10,000) cannot be capitalized and will need to be expended in the operating Page 348 of 539 4 MW-2020-08 April 21, 2020 budget. The operating budget for the service centre contracted services contains a budget of $10,000 for general maintenance. This account will be over budget at the end of the year and if the Operating Fund is in a deficit position overall at the end of 2020 staff will need to look at using reserves (to the extent they are available) to cover the deficit or if not enough reserves are available to cover any shortfall, the remaining amount will need to be levied on the taxpayer in the 2021 operating budget to make up any remaining overall deficit. The remaining $2,125,000 in expenses are capital in nature with $825,000 already spent to date. Staff are recommending authorization to continue spending in 2020 with a total budget of $2,125,000 with the funding source to be determined during the 2021 capital budget deliberations. This is in addition to he approved budget from 2019 of $775,000 to replace the fuel tanks. Staff also recommend that Council authorize the Director of Municipal Works/City Engineer to proceed with procurement of remediation and building repairs as quickly as possible by utilizing the emergency purchasing provisions in the Supply and Services Bylaw. ATTACHMENTS N/A Respectfully submitted: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works / City Engineer Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Erik Nickel Page 349 of 539 Requesting Department:Total Project Division:Cost:2,125,000 Project Name: Project Description: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Opening Balance - Jan. 01 (Surplus)/Deficit Expenditure Forecast Consulting Land/Building 2,125,000 Furniture/Equipment Construction: Roads Water Storm Sewers Sanitary Sewers Sitework/Landscaping Contingency Other TOTAL EXPENDITURES 2,125,000 - - - - Funding Sources Transfer from Operating Transfer from Sewer Transfer from Water Capital SPRs OLG Reserve Fund Reserve Funds Development Charges Debentures (2,125,000) Federal/Provincial Gas Tax Federal/Provincial Grants External Contributions Other TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES (2,125,000) - - - - Closing Balance - Dec. 31 (Surplus)/Deficit - - Capital Budget Worksheet 2021 - - - - - Building & Municipal Enforcement Services Facilities Service Centre - - - Approved through Report MW-2020-08. Expedited Municipal Service Centre site remediation and building repairs. Page 350 of 539 Requesting Department:Total Project Division:Cost:2,846,000 Project Name: Project Description: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Opening Balance - Jan. 01 (Surplus)/Deficit Expenditure Forecast Consulting Land/Building 2,846,000 Furniture/Equipment Construction: Roads Water Storm Sewers Sanitary Sewers Sitework/Landscaping Contingency Other TOTAL EXPENDITURES 2,846,000 - - - - Funding Sources Transfer from Operating Transfer from Sewer Transfer from Water Capital SPRs OLG Reserve Fund Reserve Funds Development Charges Debentures (2,846,000) Federal/Provincial Gas Tax Federal/Provincial Grants External Contributions Other TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES (2,846,000) - - - - Closing Balance - Dec. 31 (Surplus)/Deficit - - Capital Budget Worksheet 2021 - - - - - Building & Municipal Enforcement Services Facilities Service Centre - - - Municipal Service Centre site remediation and building repairs beyond originally approved funds via report MW-2020-08. Page 351 of 539 R&C-2021-05 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Recreation & Culture SUBJECT: R&C-2021-05 Niagara Military Museum Lease and Consent to Subletting of Lease RECOMMENDATION 1. That City Council approve the five year Lease Agreement for the use of the Armoury by the Niagara Military Museum; 2. That City Council also approve the Consent to Subletting of Lease; 3. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Lease and Consent to Subletting of Lease. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In March of 2013 the City entered into a five year Lease Agreement, with an option to renew for an additional one year period, with the Niagara Military Museum (NMM) fo r the Niagara Falls Armoury. The 2013 Lease Agreement was amended in September of 2014 and expired in March of 2019. City Staff and the NMM Board have met on several occasions to discuss the new Lease and recommended new terms and conditions. NMM requested a five year lease to have the ability to apply for Trillium operating and capital grants. To be consistent with other lease agreements staff have added a condition to the agreement that the NMM will cover all utility costs. The City is responsible for capital projects and all facility repairs/projects must be approved by City Staff. The NMM has requested the ability to sublease to other tenants. City Staff has agreed to this request and has added “Consent to Subletting of the Lease” to be executed by the Mayor and City Clerk. If approved the NMM will provide City Staff with a list of tenants to be approved. All tenants will provide insurance coverage as required by the City. A list of tenants and user groups is attached to this report, attachment #1. Page 352 of 539 2 R&C-2021-05 April 20, 2021 BACKGROUND The Niagara Falls Armoury (1911-1999) is a significant historic facility. The NMM is regional volunteer group committed to preserving the Armoury for public tours, to collect and display artefacts and to communicate Canada’s military heritage. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE The City has decided to retain the Armoury facility and supports the NMM leasing the facility. Utility and operating costs for the City building continue to increase every year. Annually, staff evaluate the condition and use of the building. If the building no longer serves a City purpose, the building may be declared surplus and sold. If parties agree to retain the building, operating options are discussed to reduce costs. To reduce leased City facility operating costs all organizations will be requested to cover the utility costs and day to day repairs. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The City of Niagara Falls maintains several City facilities that are leased by community organizations. The City is in the process of developing standard lease terms and conditions for all lease agreements. If the community organization is leasing the facility for nominal consideration, the organization will be asked to pay all utilities and be responsible for day-to-day repairs and maintenance. The City is responsible for major facility capital repairs. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The proposed Lease and Consent to Subletting of Lease are in keeping with Council’s commitment to financial sustainability, customer service excellence, organizational efficiency and effectiveness, and the creation of a well planned City. ATTACHMENT 1. Armoury Tenant and User Groups Recommended by: Kathy Moldenhauer, Director of Recreation & Culture Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 353 of 539 Armoury User Groups Attachment #1 USER GROUP NAMES DATES TIMES Niagara Military Museum Friday & Saturdays Last Monday of the month 11:00am – 4:00pm 2835 56th Field Artillery Regiment Cadet Corps Wednesdays, September through June 6:00pm – 9:00pm Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band* Tuesday and Thursday Sunday 6:00pm – 9:00pm 10:30am – 2:00pm Royal Canadian Naval Association Niagara Chapter* Thursday Last Sunday of every month 10:00am – 12:00pm 10:30am – 12:00pm Scouting Museum of Niagara Open for view same dates as the Niagara Military Museum Niagara Falls Concert Band tbc *Formally located at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 479 Page 354 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo To:Bill Matson Subject:RE: Request that a motion be placed before Council along with the lease renewal for Niagara Military Museum From: Jim Doherty <niamilmuseum@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 8, 2021 8:23 PM To: Berndt Meyer; Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: RE: Request that a motion be placed before Council along with the lease renewal for Niagara Military Museum Dear Mr. Matson: The City of Niagara Falls is in receipt of an executed Lease by the signing officers of Niagara Military Museum and the prepara tion of an execution by-law for the Lease will likely be set for the Council Meeting to be held on April 20, 2021. As has been the custom since the City of Niagara Falls obtained ownership of the former Niagara Falls Armoury, circa 2000, the cost of the utilities has been assumed by the City of Niagara Falls but at the pleasure of Mayor and Council. A revision in paragraph 5(c) will now require Niagara Military Museum to “pay directly to the appropriate authorities the cost of all utilities”. The Museum meets its current operating budget and exhibit costs but covering the cost of utilities (heating, air conditioning, water rates, charges for gas and electricity) would be the demise of the Museum. It would simply have to close. Niagara Military Museum is requesting that the City of Niagara Falls grandfather the utilities clause. We wish to submit a request that a motion be placed before Council to ask for the support of Council to grandfather the utility costs involved on the renewed lease, as has done in the past. Page 355 of 539 2 We respectfully request that you include our request for a motion to Mayor and Council from Niagara Military Museum at the Council meeting that includes our lease renewal. Jim Doherty, President -- NIAGARA MILITARY MUSEUM Preserving and sharing the Tri-Service Military Heritage of the Niagara Peninsula -- NIAGARA MILITARY MUSEUM Preserving and sharing the Tri-Service Military Heritage of the Niagara Peninsula Page 356 of 539 Tony Baldinelli,MP Member of Parliament Niagara liills House or COMMONS CHAMBREImas COMMUNES CANADA April 16,2021 Mayor Diodati and Council Members City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls,ON L2E 6X5 Mayor Diodati and Council Members, I wish to express my support for the Niagara Military Museum's request to have its new lease agreement with the City amended,so that the utilities provision (section 5c)be removed,as these additional cost burdens,not assumed under the previous lease,would place the financial viability of the Museum at risk. As you are aware,the Niagara Military Museum plays a very important role in our community.The incredible volunteer team has done a remarkable job of not only curating the important military artifacts of our community, but more importantly,in preserving and sharing the rich cultural history and stories of the contributions and sacrifices made by the residents of our community to this country.Recent examples include the incredible Hong Kong and Black Military history exhibits,which have garnered both local and national attention Museum officials have advised that they have worked diligently each year to meet their existing operating budget, under the current lease agreement with the city.However,the additional cost of utilities,if included in this current lease,would inevitably see them having to close their doors.This would be a tremendous loss for our community. I ask that you please consider the request of the Niagara Military Museum to waive the cost of utilities and allow the organization to continue to perform the incredible work they do in preserving and supporting the rich military history that exists in our community. Regards, Tony Baldinelli,MP Niagara Falls Ottawa Niagara Falls Fort Erie Room 645 N1agara-on-the-Lake 48 Jams Sm,Confederation Building.4056 Dorchester Street,Unit 107 Fort Erie,OntarioOttawa,Ontario ..LZA 254KIAOA6NiagaraFalls,Ontarm T P613 995 1547 L2E 6M9 Tell.:905-871-9991 9 " ’'Tcl,:905-353-9590 Fax.:905-971-5046Fax;613-992-7910 Fax‘:905_353_9588 Tony.Baldinelli@parl.gc.ca Page 357 of 539 F-2021-23 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance SUBJECT: F-2021-23 Monthly Tax Receivables Report – March RECOMMENDATION That Council receive the Monthly Tax Receivables report for information purposes. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report is prepared monthly to provide Council with an update on the City’s property tax receivables. Outstanding taxes as of March 31, 2021 were $17.8 million compared to $9.7 million in 2020. During March, tax receivables as a percentage of taxes billed increased from 10.2% in 2020 to 18.0 % in 2021. The City’s finance staff has begun the collection process for properties that are subject to registration for 2021 as well as continuing the collection process for properties that were subject to registration for 2020. There are currently seven properties scheduled for tax sale in the next two years. BACKGROUND This report is being provided as part of the monthly financial reporting to Council by staff. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Tax collection for 2021 lags behind the collection history for 2020 for the month of March. Table 1 shows that taxes outstanding at March 31, 2021 are $17.8 million. This represents an increase from $9.7 million in arrears for the same period in 2020. This table also breaks down the taxes outstanding by year. Finance staff continues to actively pursue property owners in arrears. Table 2 provides the breakdown of outstanding taxes by assessment class. The majority of outstanding taxes are for the residential and commercial property classes. Residential property taxes outstanding have increased by $1.5 million compared to March 2020 and commercial property taxes outstanding have increased by $8.5 million. Finance staff takes specific collection actions for properties that are subject to registration. At January 1, 2021, 362 properties were subject to registration for 2021. Table 3(a) summarizes the progress of these actions after two months of activity. This table shows 56.6% of the tax accounts or 205 properties have been paid in full or the owners have made suitable payment arrangements. During March, eight accounts were paid in full. Page 358 of 539 2 F-2021-23 April 20, 2021 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finance staff halted collection action for six months on accounts subject to registration in 2020. Table 3(b) summarizes the properties outstanding that were subject to registration in 2020 and finance staff continues to pursue collections. 61 properties remain from the 2020 listing, of which 42.6% or 26 properties have paid in full or made suitable payment arrangements in the month of March. Finance will continue collection action on these outstanding properties throughout 2021. Finance staff continues to make every effort to have accounts paid in order to avoid the registration process and the associated costs related to that process. Table 4 identifies the properties and associated tax arrears scheduled for tax sales in the future. During the month of March, no properties were registered. The outstanding taxes for registered properties represents 0.3% of the total taxes to be collected. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Tax arrears as a percentage of taxes billed in a year is a performance measure that stakeholders utilize to analyse an organization’s financial strengths. Niagara Falls, due to its high reliance on commercial assessment, is traditionally higher compared to municipalities of similar size. The percentage of taxes outstanding to taxes billed as at March 31, 2021 is 18.0%, which is an increase of 2020’s value at 10.2 %. The municipality has a record of full collection and earns penalty revenues to offset the higher measure. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Table 1 Taxes Receivable at March 31, 2021 Table 2 Taxes Receivable by Property Class at March 31, 2021 Table 3(a) Number of Properties Subject to Registration (as at January 1, 2021) Table 3(b) Number of Properties Subject to Registration (as at January 1, 2020) Table 4 Scheduled Tax Sales Dates for Registered Properties Recommended by: Jonathan Leavens, Acting Director of Finance Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer A.Ferguson Page 359 of 539 TABLE 1 Taxes Receivable at March 31, 2021 2021 2020 Outstanding Taxes @ February 28, 2021 76,721,834$ 64,652,374$ Penalty/Interest charged in March 92,356$ 123,025$ Taxes Collected during March 9,568,573$ 7,865,472$ Outstanding Taxes @ March 31, 2021 67,245,617$ 56,909,927$ Taxes Billed and Due April 30, 2021 49,452,731$ 47,241,991$ Taxes Past Due 17,792,886$ 9,667,936$ Outstanding Taxes by Year: 3 Years and Prior 2,313,453$ 1,634,966$ 2 Year 2,896,906$ 2,890,097$ 1 Year 11,954,630$ 6,819,010$ Current 50,080,627$ 45,565,854$ Total 67,245,617$ 56,909,927$ TABLE 2 2021 2020 Variance Taxes Owing Taxes Owing ($) Residential 32,022,623$ 30,495,900$ 1,526,723$ Multi-Residential 1,870,316$ 1,801,401$ 68,915$ Commercial 31,553,630$ 23,047,723$ 8,505,907$ Industrial 1,698,265$ 1,461,436$ 236,829$ Farmlands 100,785$ 103,468$ (2,683)$ Total Receivables 67,245,619$ 56,909,928$ 10,335,691$ Taxes Receivable by Property Class at March 31, 2021 Page 360 of 539 TABLE 3 (a) Number of Properties Subject to % Registration as at March 31, 2021 Initial Amount (January 1, 2021)362 Paid in Full 116 32.0% Payment Arrangements 89 24.6% Ongoing Collection 157 43.4% Action Registered 0 0.0% 362 100.0% TABLE 3 (b) Initial Amount (January 1, 2020)61 Paid in Full 16 26.2% Payment Arrangements 10 16.4% Ongoing Collection Action 35 57.4% Registered 0 0.0% 61 100.0% TABLE 4 November 2021 3 91,333$ May 2022 4 77,619$ Totals 9 168,952$ Scheduled Tax Sales Dates for Registered Properties Number of Properties Taxes Outstanding Amount Page 361 of 539 F-2021-24 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance SUBJECT: F-2021-24 Municipal Accounts RECOMMENDATION That Council approve the municipal accounts totaling $51,891,976.85 for the period February 13, 2021 to March 30, 2021. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The accounts have been reviewed by the Director of Finance and the by-law authorizing payment is listed on tonight’s Council agenda. Recommended by: Jonathan Leavens, Acting Director of Finance Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 362 of 539 Page 1 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount 1006057 ONTARIO LIMITED 444127 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 22,500.00 1238956 ONTARIO INC EDWARD P LUSTIG LLB 444128 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 24,916.50 1264240 ONTARIO LIMITED 444568 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 62,296.15 1578917 ONTARIO LIMITED O/A WILLIAMS PLUMBING AND HEATING444420 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 187.58 1776415 ONTARIO LTD O/A PURE WATER NIAGARA 443945 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 765.91 1776415 ONTARIO LTD O/A PURE WATER NIAGARA 443945 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 106.25 180 MARKETING 00334-0001 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 864.45 1948143 ONTARIO INC 444129 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,000.00 2156914 ONTARIO INC O/A IDEAL PLUMBING & HEATING 444005 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,763.00 2348441 ONTARIO INC O/A MR QUICK SOFT CLOTH 444254 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 79.10 2356976 ONTARIO INC 444006 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 445.03 2486489 ONTARIO INC 444255 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 2,956.24 2578139 ONTARIO INC O/A HALCO PORTABLES 00331-0001 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,356.00 2578139 ONTARIO INC O/A HALCO PORTABLES 00332-0001 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,073.55 2578139 ONTARIO INC O/A HALCO PORTABLES 00334-0002 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,356.00 2578139 ONTARIO INC O/A HALCO PORTABLES 00338-0001 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,237.35 2578139 ONTARIO INC O/A HALCO PORTABLES 00340-0001 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,768.45 2578139 ONTARIO INC O/A HALCO PORTABLES 00337-0001 15-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 920.95 2578139 ONTARIO INC O/A HALCO PORTABLES 00336-0001 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,065.69 2636577 ONTARIO INC.444130 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 2680944 ONTARIO INC.444131 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 2,500.00 2766720 ONTARIO INC.444007 24-Feb-2021 GRANT 12,500.00 284612 ONTARIO LIMITED 444132 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 407 ETR EXPRESS TOLL ROUTE 444256 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 35.78 447285 ONTARIO INC 444421 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 4,675.79 5009882 ONTARIO LTD.444569 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 259.90 723716 ONTARIO LTD O/A AIR CARE SERVICES 00337-0002 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,575.07 797045 ONTARIO LTD 444008 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 43.12 797045 ONTARIO LTD 444257 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 36.45 886947 ONTARIO LTD HILTON NIAGARA FALLS 444570 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 8,300.00 9662618 CANADA INC. (PROFLEET CARE)444258 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 395.50 A. VARALLI & FAMILY LTD. O/A IMPERIAL HOTEL & SUITES 444575 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 514.00 AAA BIGGAR'S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY 00340-0003 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 282.50 AAA BIGGAR'S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY 00331-0002 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 136.74 AAA BIGGAR'S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY 00332-0002 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 10.17 AAA BIGGAR'S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY 00337-0003 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 59.88 AAA BIGGAR'S LOCKSMITH & SECURITY 00332-0002 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 357.37 ABANTE,MARTIN& ABANTE, GLORIA 444009 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 23.67 ACCEO SOLUTIONS INC.00338-0002 22-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 1,186.50 ACCEO SOLUTIONS INC.00331-0003 15-Feb-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 2.15 ACKLANDS-GRAINGER INC 444133 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,620.42 ADDY,ROB 444422 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 66.67 ADVANCE TOWING & RECOVERY 443947 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 50.85 ADVANCE TOWING & RECOVERY 444010 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 197.75 ADVANCE TOWING & RECOVERY 444134 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 678.00 ADVANCE TOWING & RECOVERY 444259 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 197.75 ADVANCE TOWING & RECOVERY 444423 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,813.75 ADVANCE TOWING & RECOVERY 444571 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 943.55 AFTERMARKET PARTS COMPANY LLC 444011 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,613.54 AFTERMARKET PARTS COMPANY LLC 443948 17-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 4,341.60 AFTERMARKET PARTS COMPANY LLC 444260 10-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 269.17 AFTERMARKET PARTS COMPANY LLC 444424 17-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 4,556.65 AFTERMARKET PARTS COMPANY LLC 444572 24-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 457.13 AFTERMARKET PARTS COMPANY LLC 444011 24-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,642.53 AIR PAINTERS 443949 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 14,519.65 AIRD & BERLIS LLP 00338-0003 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 15,760.91 AIRD & BERLIS LLP 00332-0003 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 13,341.49 AJ STONE COMPANY LTD 00331-0004 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 433.91 AJ STONE COMPANY LTD 00332-0004 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 632.53 AJ STONE COMPANY LTD 00334-0003 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,757.30 AJ STONE COMPANY LTD 00338-0004 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 9,965.47 ALFIDOME CONSTRUCTION NIAGARA 444135 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 8,386.21 ALFIDOME CONSTRUCTION NIAGARA 444261 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 105,677.97 ALFIDOME CONSTRUCTION NIAGARA 444573 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 11,486.45 ALFIDOME CONSTRUCTION NIAGARA 444135 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 12,007.07 ALI,HAIDER 444574 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 Page 363 of 539 Page 2 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount ALKERTON,MICHELLE 444262 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 169.24 ALLEN,DAVID NEIL& ALLEN, DARLENE JULIE 444012 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 10.84 ALLEN'S LANDSCAPE SUPPLY DEPOT INC 444013 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,814.16 ALSTON,JOE 444263 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 71.16 ALTIERI BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD 00331-0005 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 175.04 ALTIERI BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD 00338-0005 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 124.24 AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION #1582 00332-0005 22-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 4,065.09 AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION #1582 00336-0002 08-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 4,065.09 AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION #1582 00338-0006 22-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 4,129.27 AMG ENVIRONMENTAL INC 00334-0004 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,203.50 AMG ENVIRONMENTAL INC 00340-0004 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,203.50 ANDERSON,CURT 444304 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 93.99 ANDERSON,SUZANNE 444136 03-Mar-2021 TRAINING 206.97 ANDREW JAYDEN HOLDINGS INC.444621 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 ANDREWS,EMILY 444265 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 3,357.75 ANDREY,ANDREW 444264 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 99.98 ANEES,TARIQ 444137 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 ANTHONY'S EXCAVATING CENTRAL INC 00331-0006 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 24,102.90 ANTHONY'S EXCAVATING CENTRAL INC 00336-0003 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,678.10 ANTOLICH,MARK 444015 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 150.00 ANTONIO,BREANNA 444014 24-Feb-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 18.14 APPLIED ELECTRONICS LIMITED 444138 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 48,230.94 AQUAFOR BEECH LIMITED 444016 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,544.00 ARC ENGINEERING INC 00337-0004 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 9,344.99 ARC ENGINEERING INC 00332-0006 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 32,935.83 ARCHER,OMAR& ARCHER, LUCKISHA 444266 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 38.50 ARTISTA DESIGN & PRINT INC 00332-0007 22-Feb-2021 ADVERTISING 412.45 ARTISTA DESIGN & PRINT INC 00331-0007 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 5,053.36 ARTISTA DESIGN & PRINT INC 00337-0005 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 79.10 ARTISTA DESIGN & PRINT INC 00340-0005 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 720.38 ARTISTA DESIGN & PRINT INC 00331-0007 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 33.90 ARTISTA DESIGN & PRINT INC 00332-0007 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 4,843.18 ASSOCIATED ENGINEERING (ONT) LTD 444139 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 6,261.98 ASSOCIATED ENGINEERING (ONT) LTD 444267 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,579.80 ASSOCIATED ENGINEERING (ONT) LTD 443950 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,087.63 ATLAS INC 444268 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 915.30 AULD,WINSTON 444017 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 49.81 AUTISM ONTARIO-NIAGARA REGION CHAPTER 444140 03-Mar-2021 DONATION 2,126.63 AUTO LINE TOYOTA O/B 1032447 ONTARIO LTD.444018 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 617.87 AUTOTRIM & SIGNS OF NIAGARA 00337-0006 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,774.30 AUTOTRIM & SIGNS OF NIAGARA 00338-0007 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,542.17 AUTOTRIM & SIGNS OF NIAGARA 00332-0008 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 4,288.34 B & C TRUCK CENTRE 444274 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 14.76 B.M.R. MFG. INC.444022 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 12,229.43 BACON,LAUREN 444269 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 5,000.00 BADHESHA,PRABHDEEP 444579 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 135.60 BAIN PRINTING LIMITED 00332-0009 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 429.40 BAIN PRINTING LIMITED 00336-0004 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 28.25 BAKER TRANSIT PARTS INC.00331-0008 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,667.96 BAKER TRANSIT PARTS INC.00332-0010 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 4,964.94 BAKER TRANSIT PARTS INC.00334-0005 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,408.92 BAKER TRANSIT PARTS INC.00336-0005 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 3,350.82 BAKER TRANSIT PARTS INC.00337-0007 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 571.03 BAKER TRANSIT PARTS INC.00338-0008 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 667.87 BAKER TRANSIT PARTS INC.00340-0006 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,193.13 BAKER TURNER INC.444270 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,248.65 BALA,AMRIT 444271 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 181.95 BARCLAY,TODD SAMUEL 444141 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 BARCLAY,TODD SAMUEL 444576 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 BASELINE CONTRACTORS INC.444272 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 32,628.75 BASTIEN,APRIL 444019 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 151.29 BATTLEFIELD EQUIPMENT RENTALS 444273 10-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 809.95 BATTLEFIELD EQUIPMENT RENTALS 444142 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,347.21 BEATTIE,PHILIP 444020 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 BELL CANADA 444143 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 99.44 BELL CANADA 444425 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 120,491.59 Page 364 of 539 Page 3 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount BELL CANADA - PUBLIC ACCESS 443951 17-Feb-2021 SERVICES 169.50 BELL CANADA - PUBLIC ACCESS 444577 24-Mar-2021 SERVICES 113.00 BEN BERG FARM & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LTD 00331-0009 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 681.90 BEN BERG FARM & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LTD 00336-0006 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,893.52 BEN BERG FARM & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LTD 00337-0008 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,868.05 BEN BERG FARM & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LTD 00338-0010 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 853.82 BEN BERG FARM & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LTD 00340-0007 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,043.50 BEN BERG FARM & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LTD 00331-0009 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 73.89 BEN BERG FARM & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LTD 00332-0012 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 179.05 BERTIE TIRE CENTRE LTD.443952 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 26,258.36 BERTIE TIRE CENTRE LTD.00337-0009 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,844.95 BEST CONSULTANTS MARTIN GERSKUP ARCHITECT INC.444021 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 8,298.72 BHAGRIA,LUCKY 444578 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 BICKLE MAIN INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC 00331-0010 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 27.30 BICKLE MAIN INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC 00332-0013 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 101.70 BICKLE MAIN INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC 00336-0007 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 505.45 BICKLE MAIN INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC 00337-0010 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 119.17 BICKLE MAIN INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC 00338-0011 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 56.73 BICKLE MAIN INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC 00331-0010 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 63.11 BISSETTE,JOHN 444275 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,620.47 BLASZKIEWICZ,ANNA 444580 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 197.18 BMO NATIONAL SERVICES 444276 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 257.55 BOATENG,SHIRLEY 444277 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 146.90 BOB ROBINSON & SON CONSTRUCTION 00331-0011 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,630.08 BOB ROBINSON & SON CONSTRUCTION 00332-0014 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,096.20 BOB ROBINSON & SON CONSTRUCTION 00337-0011 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 8,015.94 BOB ROBINSON & SON CONSTRUCTION 00340-0008 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,285.53 BOB ROBINSON & SON CONSTRUCTION 00337-0011 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 10,756.09 BOBCAT OF HAMILTON LTD 00336-0008 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 173.41 BOBCAT OF HAMILTON LTD 00337-0012 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,663.66 BOBCAT OF HAMILTON LTD 00338-0012 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 883.16 BOBCAT OF HAMILTON LTD 00331-0012 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 4,294.00 BOOT SHOP 00334-0007 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 480.25 BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NIAGARA 444145 03-Mar-2021 DONATION 5,000.00 BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NIAGARA 444023 24-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 17,250.75 BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NIAGARA 444581 24-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 17,733.75 BOZO,LISETT AMELIA 444278 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 49.78 BRADSHAW,WARREN 444024 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 89.94 BRAUN,RONALD 444146 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 169.49 BRENNAN PAVING LTD.443953 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 9,317.36 BRINKS CANADA LTD 444025 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 752.95 BRINKS CANADA LTD 444582 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 929.07 BRINKS CANADA LTD 443954 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 361.00 BRINKS CANADA LTD 443954 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,100.04 BROCK FORD SALES 443955 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 277,606.30 BROCK FORD SALES 444280 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 222.94 BROCK FORD SALES 444426 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 480.20 BROCK FORD SALES 444583 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 687.99 BROCK FORD SALES 443955 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 142.50 BROCK FORD SALES 444026 24-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 389.93 BROCK UNIVERSITY 444427 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 6,768.70 BROMAC CONSTRUCTION INC 00334-0008 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 404,269.90 BROMAC CONSTRUCTION INC 00338-0013 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 139,983.79 BROUGH,JOHN 444429 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 146.88 BROUGH,JOHN 444281 10-Mar-2021 TRAINING 297.50 BROWN,AARON 444279 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 2,500.00 BRUNNER MANUFACTURING 444584 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,252.46 BRUNNING,MICHAEL 444147 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 100.00 BRUNNING,TODD 444282 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 100.00 BULLER,ADAM 444283 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 750.00 BURNETT,COLIN 444284 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 219.10 BUTRYN,KRISTEN 444285 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 2,500.00 C U ADVERTISING 444593 24-Mar-2021 ADVERTISING 446.35 C.K. CONTRACTING 444155 03-Mar-2021 SERVICES 226.00 CADE HOLDINGS INC 444585 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 CALE SYSTEMS INC.444027 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,729.10 Page 365 of 539 Page 4 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount CALE SYSTEMS INC.444586 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 11,531.65 CALE SYSTEMS INC.444586 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 17,407.65 CAN AM INSTRUMENTS LTD 444587 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,838.30 CANADA CLEAN FUELS 00331-0013 15-Feb-2021 FUEL 14,747.53 CANADA CLEAN FUELS 00332-0015 22-Feb-2021 FUEL 77,135.21 CANADA CLEAN FUELS 00334-0009 01-Mar-2021 FUEL 47,958.94 CANADA CLEAN FUELS 00336-0009 08-Mar-2021 FUEL 42,389.26 CANADA CLEAN FUELS 00337-0013 15-Mar-2021 FUEL 44,963.56 CANADA CLEAN FUELS 00338-0014 22-Mar-2021 FUEL 37,957.35 CANADA CLEAN FUELS 00340-0009 29-Mar-2021 FUEL 14,612.25 CANADA POST CORPORATION 00331-0014 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 4,326.94 CANADA POST CORPORATION 00332-0016 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 29,256.96 CANADA POST CORPORATION 00334-0010 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 584.26 CANADA POST CORPORATION 00336-0010 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,133.99 CANADA POST CORPORATION 00337-0014 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3.24 CANADA POST CORPORATION 00338-0015 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 8,791.46 CANADA POST CORPORATION 00340-0010 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 582.18 CANADA POST CORPORATION 00338-0015 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 8,608.99 CANADIAN CORPS OF COMMISSIONAIRES (HAMILTON)00331-0015 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 11,620.67 CANADIAN CORPS OF COMMISSIONAIRES (HAMILTON)00334-0011 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 10,907.26 CANADIAN CORPS OF COMMISSIONAIRES (HAMILTON)00337-0015 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 10,423.58 CANADIAN CORPS OF COMMISSIONAIRES (HAMILTON)00340-0011 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 8,853.29 CANADIAN DOOR DOCTOR 00332-0017 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,254.37 CANADIAN DOOR DOCTOR 00334-0012 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,658.28 CANADIAN DOOR DOCTOR 00337-0016 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,837.95 CANADIAN LINEN & UNIFORM 00331-0016 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 646.55 CANADIAN LINEN & UNIFORM 00332-0018 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,485.08 CANADIAN LINEN & UNIFORM 00334-0013 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 543.74 CANADIAN LINEN & UNIFORM 00336-0011 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 521.44 CANADIAN LINEN & UNIFORM 00337-0017 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 831.41 CANADIAN LINEN & UNIFORM 00338-0016 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,402.35 CANADIAN LINEN & UNIFORM 00340-0012 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 653.27 CANADIAN LOCATORS INC.00334-0014 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 31,893.35 CANADIAN LOCATORS INC.00340-0013 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 38,042.52 CANADIAN LOCATORS INC.00331-0017 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 39,939.18 CANADIAN NATIONAL 00334-0015 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,826.50 CANADIAN NATIONAL 00340-0014 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,826.50 CANADIAN NIAGARA HOTELS INC 444148 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 800.00 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY CO 444287 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,214.50 CANADIAN TIRE PROPERTIES INC.00334-0016 01-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 4,480.62 CANADIAN TIRE PROPERTIES INC.00340-0015 29-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 3,772.98 CANCORE INDUSTRIES INC O/A HAMILTON RADIATOR SERVICE 00332-0019 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 202.21 CANCORE INDUSTRIES INC O/A HAMILTON RADIATOR SERVICE 00340-0016 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 202.21 CANDELORA,MELISSA 444286 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 88.67 CANON CANADA INC 444588 24-Mar-2021 SUPPLIES 352.15 CANSEL SURVEY EQUIPMENT INC 444028 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 37,600.75 CANTEC SECURITY SERVICES INC 00336-0012 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,746.00 CANTEC SECURITY SERVICES INC 00336-0012 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,537.00 CARCASOLE,STEVEN& CARCASOLE, SERENA 444290 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 227.74 CARGILL LIMITED 443956 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 46,416.69 CARGILL LIMITED 444149 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 23,577.84 CARGILL LIMITED 444288 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 119,432.32 CARGILL LIMITED 444431 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 15,757.72 CARGILL LIMITED 444589 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 45,312.68 CARNEVALE,BROOKE 444029 24-Feb-2021 TRAINING 206.23 CARQUEST CANADA LTD.444150 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 143.10 CARRIER COMMERCIAL SERVICE 444590 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,193.61 CARTER,SARAH 444289 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 7,500.00 CARTER-FLAGG,STEVEN 444430 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 110.00 CASHMORE,SHAWN 444152 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 61.24 CASSELS BROCK & BLACKWELL LLP 444151 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 7,717.90 CASSELS BROCK & BLACKWELL LLP 444591 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,274.23 CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED T9929 00331-0018 15-Feb-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 29,375.35 CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED T9929 00336-0013 08-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 29,375.35 CAVALLERI,KALEN 444153 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 146.89 CBM N.A. INC 00331-0019 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 614.86 Page 366 of 539 Page 5 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount CBM N.A. INC 00332-0020 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,776.14 CBM N.A. INC 00334-0017 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,555.07 CBM N.A. INC 00336-0014 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,340.30 CBM N.A. INC 00337-0018 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 22.60 CBM N.A. INC 00338-0017 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,330.69 CBM N.A. INC 00340-0017 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 3,234.96 CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS 00331-0020 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 824.90 CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS 00337-0019 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 824.90 CENTRALSQUARE CANADA SOFTWARE INC.444291 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 7,868.56 CERVUS EQUIPMENT #2602 00332-0021 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,104.49 CERVUS EQUIPMENT #2602 00334-0018 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 83.15 CERVUS EQUIPMENT #2602 00336-0015 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,904.65 CERVUS EQUIPMENT #2602 00337-0020 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 569.63 CERVUS EQUIPMENT #2602 00338-0018 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 627.00 CERVUS EQUIPMENT #2602 00340-0018 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 243.33 CHAMBERS WATER HAULAGE 1174723 ONTARIO LIMITED 00337-0021 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 80.00 CHARLES JONES INDUSTRIAL LTD 00332-0022 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,534.30 CHARLES JONES INDUSTRIAL LTD 00334-0019 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 435.27 CHARLES JONES INDUSTRIAL LTD 00336-0016 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 755.39 CHARLES JONES INDUSTRIAL LTD 00336-0016 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,685.78 CHEEMA,MANMINDER& CHEEMA, RAMANDEEP 444030 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 8.12 CHEF OF INDIA INC.443957 17-Feb-2021 REFUND 14.00 CHERNYAVSKAYA,ANZHELA 444292 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 82.92 CHIECA,LUCIANO 444293 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 84.01 CHRISTIAN,VISHESH VINODBHAI& CHRISTIE, HANNAH JOHN 444294 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 230.00 CHUGHTAI,SAJJAD& SAJJAD, MARIA 444295 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 135.79 CIBC ELECTRONIC BANKING OPERATIONS 444418 11-Mar-2021 REFUND 10,000.08 CIMA CANADA INC 00338-0019 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 98,701.67 CIMA CANADA INC 00338-0019 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,845.96 CIMCO REFRIGERATION 444154 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,814.23 CIPPARONE,PETER 443958 17-Feb-2021 REFUND 52.41 CIRCLE P. PAVING INC.00334-0020 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 135,766.84 CITY ELECTRIC SUPPLY 443959 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 281.68 CITY ELECTRIC SUPPLY 444592 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 222.37 CITY OF THOROLD 444297 10-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 565.00 CLAYTON,RICHARD 444298 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 84.01 CLEARY,JOSEPH 444299 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 750.00 CLEMENT,CORRIE 444156 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 150.00 CLEVER DEVICES ULC 444157 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 64,396.56 COGECO CONNEXION INC 443960 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 73.39 COGECO CONNEXION INC 444158 03-Mar-2021 SERVICES 46.00 COMPLETE COMFORT NIAGARA INC 444594 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 10,386.81 COMPUGEN INC 444032 24-Feb-2021 SERVICES 12,351.47 COMPUGEN INC 444595 24-Mar-2021 SERVICES 12,561.65 COMPUTROL 444432 17-Mar-2021 SERVICES 960.50 CONIDI,SARAH 444033 24-Feb-2021 TRAINING 417.49 COSCO,DANIEL 444159 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 111.24 COSTA,FRANK 444034 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 362.49 COSTABILE,ELISHYA 444300 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 5,000.00 CRAWFORD & COMPANY CANADA INC 443961 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 207.00 CRAWFORD & COMPANY CANADA INC 444035 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,035.50 CRAWFORD & COMPANY CANADA INC 444433 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,071.00 CRAWFORD & COMPANY CANADA INC 443961 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 402.50 CREWS,LINDSAY 444597 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 158.47 CRL CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION & DRAINAGE LTD 00332-0023 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 6,868.32 CRL CAMPBELL CONSTRUCTION & DRAINAGE LTD 00331-0021 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 55,618.60 CRONK,MELANIE 444036 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 76.09 CROZIER,MONICA 444301 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 4.95 CULLEN,RAELINE MAR 444302 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 CULTIVATING HOPE FOUNDATION 444160 03-Mar-2021 DONATION 5,000.00 CUNNINGHAM,CATHERINE 444303 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 110.94 CUPE LOCAL 1317 444161 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 175.00 CUPE LOCAL 133 00332-0024 22-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 9,158.79 CUPE LOCAL 133 00336-0017 08-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 9,248.91 CUPE LOCAL 133 00338-0020 22-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 9,251.05 D K TECHNICAL SERVICES INC 00338-0021 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 949.20 Page 367 of 539 Page 6 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount D K TECHNICAL SERVICES INC 00340-0019 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 873.13 D'AGOSTINO,JOE 444163 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 172.50 DAILEY,SHANIQUE 444306 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 158.34 DAMARIO,TONY 444307 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 15.21 DAOUST,JENNIFER 444308 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 162.78 DARLENE,SHERRI 444309 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 750.00 DAVIDSON ENVIRONMENTAL 00334-0021 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 84.07 DAVIDSON ENVIRONMENTAL 00340-0020 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 84.07 DAVIS,DALE& DAVIS, KIMBERLEY 444310 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 326.34 DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SERVICES CAN INC 443963 17-Feb-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 2,708.61 DELAY,JACOB 444435 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 186.88 DEMOL'S TIRE SALES & SERVICE 444311 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 30.00 DEMOL'S TIRE SALES & SERVICE 444599 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 60.00 DEPENDABLE EMERGENCY VEHICLES 444312 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,801.90 DEPENDABLE EMERGENCY VEHICLES 444600 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,570.96 DESIGN ELECTRONICS 443964 17-Feb-2021 SERVICES 1,532.68 DESIGN ELECTRONICS 444601 24-Mar-2021 SERVICES 333.35 DICAN INC.00340-0021 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 154.81 DICOSIMO JR,FRANK 444602 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 DILLON CONSULTING LIMITED 444164 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,329.31 DIODATI,JAMES PAUL 444436 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 102.69 DIODATI,JIM 444038 24-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 1,155.00 DIODATI,JIM 444603 24-Mar-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 1,155.00 DIRECT EQUIPMENT LTD 00337-0022 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 586.88 DIVITO,RUSSELL 444039 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 50.00 DIVITO,RUSSELL 444437 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 20.00 DIXON COMMERCIAL INVESTIGATORS (1982) INC.00334-0022 01-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 361.34 DOLLARAMA S.E.C.444165 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 2,500.00 DON'S SPRING REPAIR AND SERVICE 444313 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 316.40 DORMER,SARA 444438 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 35.15 DOWNTOWN BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 00336-0018 08-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 97,562.00 DRAGOSAVLJEVIC,DANIJEL 444439 17-Mar-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 113.28 DRAGUN CORPORATION 444166 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 12,619.28 DROST,GARY 444440 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 162.71 DROVER,DONALD 444040 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 100.00 DTAH ARCHITECTS LTD.444167 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 7,079.88 DUECK,GREG 444168 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 DUFFERIN CONCRETE 00332-0026 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 22.27 DUGUAY,JORDAN 444041 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 469.17 DUMONT SECURITY 00336-0019 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,275.31 DUMONT SECURITY 00337-0023 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 112.05 DUMONT SECURITY 00338-0022 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 421.80 DUMONT SECURITY 00331-0022 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,429.40 DUNK,NICOLAS 444442 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 212.41 DUN-RITE ALUMINUM AND VINYL LIMITED 444443 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 188.35 DUNSEITH,BRITTANY 444441 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 156.53 E & R LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT 444608 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 678.00 E. S. FOX LIMITED 00337-0024 15-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,855.14 EASY FINANCIAL 443965 17-Feb-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 267.01 EASY FINANCIAL 444169 03-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 267.01 EASY FINANCIAL 444444 17-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 267.01 EDUCATION FOUNDATION NIAGARA 444170 03-Mar-2021 DONATION 5,000.00 EGIZII,EMILIO& CURTIS, SHARON 444445 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 463.74 ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUTHORITY 443966 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,081.46 ELIA,SANDRO 443967 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 192.09 ELLIOTT,AVERI 444446 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 214.99 ELLIS ENGINEERING INC.00334-0023 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 11,185.10 ELLIS ENGINEERING INC.00338-0023 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,604.80 ELLIS ENGINEERING INC.00340-0022 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,432.33 ELLIS ENGINEERING INC.00332-0027 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 22,428.55 ELREG DISTRIBUTORS LTD 444314 10-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,818.94 EMCO CORPORATION 00331-0023 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,039.60 ENBRIDGE GAS INC. O/A ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION 00331-0024 15-Feb-2021 UTILITIES 17,041.01 ENBRIDGE GAS INC. O/A ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION 00332-0028 22-Feb-2021 UTILITIES 5,289.37 ENBRIDGE GAS INC. O/A ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION 00334-0024 01-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 7,206.50 ENBRIDGE GAS INC. O/A ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION 00336-0020 08-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 19,884.64 Page 368 of 539 Page 7 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount ENBRIDGE GAS INC. O/A ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION 00337-0025 15-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 18,933.84 ENBRIDGE GAS INC. O/A ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION 00338-0024 22-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 5,266.25 ENBRIDGE GAS INC. O/A ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION 00340-0023 29-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 11,073.04 ENBRIDGE GAS INC. O/A ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION 00332-0028 22-Feb-2021 UTILITIES 37,593.44 ENGELS,FRED 444604 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 200.00 ENGHOUSE TRANSPORTATION LIMITED 444042 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 60,760.10 ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR CANADA COMPANY 444605 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 11,746.35 ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR CANADA COMPANY 444043 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,800.14 E-QUIP RENTALS & REPAIRS INC 444447 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 638.96 E-QUIP RENTALS & REPAIRS INC 444607 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,420.19 E-QUIP RENTALS & REPAIRS INC 443968 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 571.37 E-QUIP RENTALS & REPAIRS INC 444044 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 33.90 E-QUIP RENTALS & REPAIRS INC 444171 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 203.40 E-QUIP RENTALS & REPAIRS INC 444315 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 291.78 EQUIPEMENTS PLANNORD LTEE 444606 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,541.41 EVANS UTILITY & MUNICIPAL PRODUCTS SUPPLY LTD 00338-0025 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 226.57 EVANS UTILITY & MUNICIPAL PRODUCTS SUPPLY LTD 00340-0024 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 8,977.00 EXP SERVICES INC 444609 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 14,226.70 EXP SERVICES INC 443969 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,395.55 EXP SERVICES INC 444172 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,186.70 EXP SERVICES INC 444449 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 683.65 EXP SERVICES INC 443969 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 14,186.60 EXP SERVICES INC 444045 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 5,650.00 EXP SERVICES INC 444172 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,099.54 FACS NIAGARA FOUNDATION 444173 03-Mar-2021 DONATION 4,000.00 FAISAL,ZEESHAN 444450 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 223.38 FALLS AUTO BODY INC 444316 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 8,012.05 FALLS CHEVROLET CADILLAC 00331-0025 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,655.10 FALLS CHEVROLET CADILLAC 00338-0026 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,309.15 FALLS CHEVROLET CADILLAC 00337-0026 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,207.75 FALLS CHEVROLET CADILLAC 00340-0025 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,337.40 FALLS CHEVROLET CADILLAC 00332-0029 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,955.07 FALLS ELECTRIC INC 00337-0027 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 8,051.25 FALLSWAY SUPPLY 00332-0030 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 33.89 FALLSWAY SUPPLY 00336-0021 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 54.01 FALLSWAY SUPPLY 00340-0026 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 48.25 FANSOLATO,WAYNE 444610 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 185.87 FASTENAL CANADA LTD 444317 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,478.44 FASTENAL CANADA LTD 444451 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 407.25 FASTENAL CANADA LTD 444611 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,232.46 FASTENAL CANADA LTD 444317 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS (21.13) FASTENAL CANADA LTD 444046 24-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 24.86 FINCH CHEVROLET CADILLAC BUICK GMC LTD.444047 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 262,703.53 FINCH CHEVROLET CADILLAC BUICK GMC LTD.444047 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 108,774.93 FIRE MARSHAL'S PUBLIC FIRE SAFETY COUNCIL 00331-0026 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,343.71 FIRE MONITORING OF CANADA INC 00332-0031 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 774.21 FIRE MONITORING OF CANADA INC 00340-0027 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,934.60 FIREHALL BOOKSTORE 444452 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,055.94 FLAGS UNLIMITED INC 00331-0027 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 81.63 FLAGS UNLIMITED INC 00331-0027 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 152.55 FLEXO PRODUCTS LTD 00338-0027 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 508.17 FLEXO PRODUCTS LTD 00331-0028 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,396.03 FLEXO PRODUCTS LTD 00332-0032 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 587.58 FLEXO PRODUCTS LTD 00334-0026 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,050.68 FLEXO PRODUCTS LTD 00336-0022 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 754.61 FLYNN,JORDAN LEE DONALD& MCMULLEN, LEANN 444048 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 75.00 FORCE SECURITY INC.00334-0027 01-Mar-2021 SERVICES 1,220.34 FORCE SECURITY INC.00331-0029 15-Feb-2021 SERVICES 1,065.59 FRANCIS,MARLENA 444453 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 59.20 FRANK COWAN COMPANY LIMITED 444175 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 108,925.29 FRANZE,FRANK 444174 03-Mar-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 33.04 FRECHETTE,JUSTIN 444454 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 94.27 FREDERICK,RICK 444049 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 67.80 GALES GAS BARS LIMITED 00334-0028 01-Mar-2021 FUEL 995.50 GALES GAS BARS LIMITED 00340-0028 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,518.95 GARRITANO BROS LTD.00336-0023 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 448,803.97 Page 369 of 539 Page 8 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount GARRITANO BROS LTD.00336-0023 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 150,477.86 GASPAROTTO,JOANNA 444318 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 2,500.00 GAULD NURSERIES LTD 00337-0028 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,107.44 GHAFFAR,SADDAF& ASGHAR, MUHAMMAD 444455 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 158.96 GHANDI,DEEPAK 444050 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 149.73 GHD LIMITED 444612 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,209.20 GIAJNORIO,GARY P 444051 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 108.00 GILBERT,MARGARET 444613 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 67.78 GM BLUEPLAN ENGINEERING LIMITED 00336-0024 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 11,271.75 GM BLUEPLAN ENGINEERING LIMITED 00337-0029 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 8,548.45 GM BLUEPLAN ENGINEERING LIMITED 00340-0029 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 17,051.63 GM BLUEPLAN ENGINEERING LIMITED 00331-0030 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 3,637.90 GM BLUEPLAN ENGINEERING LIMITED 00334-0029 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 8,437.78 GOLDER ASSOCIATES LTD 443970 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 38,420.00 GOREN,JOSEPH& GOREN, TAL 444614 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 GRAHAM,JACLYN& BLAIS, TYLER 444457 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 183.09 GRANT,DONNA 444456 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 154.58 GRAYBAR CANADA 00332-0033 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,769.11 GRAYBAR CANADA 00340-0030 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,817.15 GREEN,DAVID 444319 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 750.00 GREEN,SIMON 444052 24-Feb-2021 TRAINING 199.50 GROW 444176 03-Mar-2021 DONATION 5,000.00 GSP GROUP 444177 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,415.53 GSP GROUP 444616 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,967.77 GT FRENCH 443971 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 827.50 GT FRENCH 444458 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 99.91 GT FRENCH 444617 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 130.79 GT FRENCH 444178 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 521.03 HALLEX ENGINEERING LTD 444459 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,008.86 HAMMERSMITH COMPRESSED AIR LIMITED 444179 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,158.30 HAMMERSMITH COMPRESSED AIR LIMITED 444460 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 684.78 HARI,DWAYNE 444461 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 100.00 HARRIS,MICHAEL& HARRIS, GIOVANNA 444462 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 58.93 HARTE,WHITNEY 444463 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 182.35 HATCH CORPORATION 444054 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,403.51 HATCH CORPORATION 443972 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,491.65 HDS CANADA INC 444055 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 83.11 HEART NIAGARA INC 00331-0031 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 500.00 HEIN,KELLY 444618 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 HEMEL,RICK 444465 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 81.43 HEMMING,BRITTANY 444464 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 136.13 HENDERSON RECREATION EQUIPMENT LIMITED 00331-0032 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 241,615.29 HENDERSON,EGAN 444320 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 4,185.00 HIGH PEAKS SERVICES INC 443973 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 282.50 HILALY,WALID AL 444321 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 2,500.00 HILLS,GRAHAM 444615 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 HOCO LIMITED 444619 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 9,611.30 HUNTER,JAMES 444056 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 150.00 HUTTON,LOUIS 444466 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 235.82 HUYS,NATHANAEL 444180 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 HYACINT,MA& RIVERA, LEI 444467 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 198.02 INDACO MANUFACTURING LTD.444468 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 469.09 INFORMATION TODAY INC.USDRAFT 12-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 486.53 INMAN,ALISHA CASSIDY 444469 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 180.09 INNOTEX INC.00336-0025 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 36,318.26 INNOVATION SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA 444620 24-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 7,477.32 INNOVATIVE SURFACE SOLUTIONS CANADA 00334-0030 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,412.54 INNOVATIVE SURFACE SOLUTIONS CANADA 00336-0026 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 16,178.39 INNOVATIVE SURFACE SOLUTIONS CANADA 00340-0031 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 18,196.48 IULIANO,LILLIANA 444057 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 200.00 J J MACKAY CANADA LTD 00334-0031 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 20.14 J J MACKAY CANADA LTD 00340-0032 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 19.40 JACK DOW AUTO SUPPLIES LIMITED 00331-0033 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 681.96 JACK DOW AUTO SUPPLIES LIMITED 00332-0034 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 361.49 JACK DOW AUTO SUPPLIES LIMITED 00336-0027 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,740.72 JACK DOW AUTO SUPPLIES LIMITED 00337-0030 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,171.70 Page 370 of 539 Page 9 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount JACK DOW AUTO SUPPLIES LIMITED 00338-0028 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 51.91 JACK DOW AUTO SUPPLIES LIMITED 00340-0033 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 781.12 JACK DOW AUTO SUPPLIES LIMITED 00331-0033 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 184.78 JACK,DAVID 444058 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 100.00 JACKSON-JONES,DEBRA 444470 17-Mar-2021 GRANT 2,500.00 JADA,RAWAN 443974 17-Feb-2021 REFUND 67.80 JADE EQUIPMENT CO LTD 00340-0034 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 18,758.00 JAELYNNE ENTERPRISES LTD 444181 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 JALUVKA,TATJANA 444322 10-Mar-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 130.25 JANSSEN,KYLE 444472 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 200.00 JANSSEN,KYLE& JANSSEN, MELISSA 444471 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,184.30 JARRETT,DAVE 444323 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 JBM OFFICE SYSTEMS LTD 00336-0028 08-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 858.11 JOE JOHNSON EQUIPMENT 00336-0029 08-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 12,712.50 JOHN,JORDAN 444473 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 26.80 JOHN,KELEE 444474 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 51.95 JOHNNY RAG 444059 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,843.03 JOHNSTON,ROBERTA 444324 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 185.00 KARLSON,ELLEN 444475 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 217.85 KATES,CHARLOTTE 444325 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 KATES,CHRISTIAN 444326 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 2,500.00 KAUR,SANDEEP 444476 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 208.86 KAUR,VARINDERPAL 444477 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 55.11 KEITHLEY,HANNAH 444478 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 145.24 KELLY,BENJAMIN 444182 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 KENWORTH TRUCK CENTRES 00332-0035 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 299.20 KENWORTH TRUCK CENTRES 00334-0032 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,198.58 KENWORTH TRUCK CENTRES 00337-0031 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 442.26 KENWORTH TRUCK CENTRES 00340-0035 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 873.78 KERRY T HOWE ENGINEERING LTD 00334-0033 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,720.52 KERRY T HOWE ENGINEERING LTD 00340-0036 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 14,929.52 KERRY T HOWE ENGINEERING LTD 00331-0034 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,810.82 KI,EUN OK 444479 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 156.11 KIDDLE,KEVIN 444327 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 KIM,KYUSUK 444060 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 188.33 KINGSLEY,CINDY-ANNE 444061 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 177.50 KLEIN DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED 444622 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 41,202.39 KLEIN,ANDREA 444328 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 5,000.00 KLJAJIC,SPOMENKA 444480 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,425.13 KLOOSTRA,JOHN 444481 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 537.04 KMB INTERNATIONAL 00331-0035 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 7,729.20 KMB INTERNATIONAL 00337-0032 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 7,729.20 KOBE,ANDREW 444329 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 5,000.00 KONDATASULA,RAGHU 444482 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 33.15 KOVACS,BRIANNA 444330 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 KROWN - 1907611 ONTARIO INC 444331 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 576.13 KROWN - 1907611 ONTARIO INC 444623 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,083.88 KROWN - 1907611 ONTARIO INC 443975 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,943.30 KROWN - 1907611 ONTARIO INC 444183 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 304.99 KUN,ANDREI 444483 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 96.35 KUPNICKI,PINKY 444063 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 39.40 KUPNICKI,PINKY& ISIK, MEHMET 444062 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 39.45 LAFARGE CANADA INC 444184 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 36,948.68 LAFARGE CANADA INC 444332 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 19,104.75 LAFARGE CANADA INC 444484 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 15,927.75 LAFARGE CANADA INC 00340-0037 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,956.36 LAINDALE CONSTRUCTION 444485 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 LAKE,CLARENCE 444486 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 257.63 LAKESIDE LANDSCAPE INC.00332-0036 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,782.68 LAKESIDE LANDSCAPE INC.00340-0038 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,748.07 LANE,KRISTINA 444487 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 219.37 LANE,LORNA 444064 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 492.83 LANE,SANDRA BERNADETTE 444185 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 200.00 LANGLOIS SAFETY TRAINING AND CONSULTING SERVICES 444624 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 248.60 LARA,PALOMA 444334 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 5,000.00 LATE,VIRAJ 444335 10-Mar-2021 GRANT 5,000.00 Page 371 of 539 Page 10 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount LAW CRUSHED STONE 444488 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,804.76 LAW CRUSHED STONE 444065 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,949.46 LAW CRUSHED STONE 444336 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,330.02 LAW CRUSHED STONE 444625 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 10,912.90 LAWSON PRODUCTS 00331-0036 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,315.58 LAWSON PRODUCTS 00332-0037 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 417.37 LAWSON PRODUCTS 00334-0034 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,642.65 LAWSON PRODUCTS 00337-0033 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 572.86 LAWSON PRODUCTS 00338-0029 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,337.71 LAWSON PRODUCTS 00340-0039 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,709.52 LAWSON PRODUCTS 00336-0030 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,373.78 LAYSUR INC.444186 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 LEE,SANG YUP& KWON, YU KYUNG 444489 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 40.91 LESERE,DON 444187 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 LETOURNEAU,ANDREA 444490 17-Mar-2021 GRANT 1,278.75 LINCOLN APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 444491 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 176.28 LINDE CANADA INC.444626 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 63.35 LINKEDIN CORPORATION 444066 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,924.40 LINKSON,MICHAEL 444337 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 67.80 LOBLAWS PROPERTIES LIMITED 444627 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 873,354.31 LOCOCO,LORI 444188 03-Mar-2021 SERVICES 122.12 LOCOCO,LORI 444628 24-Mar-2021 SERVICES 127.77 LOUDEN,BRUNA 444492 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 44.13 LUCKSHMAN,LALITHA CHRISTY& SWEEDEN CALISTUS, CHRISTY LUCKSHMAN444493 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 33.00 LUMINATOR TECHNOLOGY GROUP USDRAFT 12-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 732.76 M&L SUPPLY FIRE AND SAFETY 00331-0037 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 218.94 M5V THE NIAGARA 2 INC 444189 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 400.00 MADEAL EXPORT INC 444494 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 320.41 MANCUSO CHEMICALS LIMITED 00332-0039 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 424.50 MANCUSO CHEMICALS LIMITED 00336-0031 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,283.79 MANCUSO CHEMICALS LIMITED 00338-0031 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 692.44 MANCUSO CHEMICALS LIMITED 00340-0040 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 387.75 MANCUSO CHEMICALS LIMITED 00331-0038 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,438.35 MANCUSO CHEMICALS LIMITED 00334-0036 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 698.62 MANCUSO CHEMICALS LIMITED 00337-0034 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,157.13 MANNELLA,SAM 444338 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 186.54 MANSUKHANI,MUKESH& MANSUKHANI, MONICA 444495 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 99.49 MAPPILASSERIL,JESSE& MAPPILASSERIL, JAIMON 444190 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 MARINELAND OF CANADA 444629 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 59,184.14 MARKING EQUIPMENT & ENGRAVING LIMITED 444191 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 131.03 MARK'S L'EQUIPEUR 444067 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,621.48 MARK'S L'EQUIPEUR 444192 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 7,239.01 MARK'S L'EQUIPEUR 444339 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 7,810.53 MARK'S L'EQUIPEUR 444630 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,663.36 MARK'S L'EQUIPEUR 444067 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 13,568.24 MARKS SUPPLY INC 443977 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,384.53 MARKS SUPPLY INC 444068 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 37.29 MARKS SUPPLY INC 00337-0035 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,646.31 MARKS SUPPLY INC 00338-0032 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 206.71 MARKS SUPPLY INC 00340-0041 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,094.92 MARRERO-DANIEL,MARCIEL 444496 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 160.06 MARV HOLDINGS INC 444340 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 MASSI,SUSAN LYNN 444341 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 97.87 MATER,BRENDAN 444069 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 MATER,JAY 443978 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 423.75 MATER,JAY 444193 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 423.75 MAURICE,STEVE 444342 10-Mar-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 113.28 MCAP SERVICE CORPORATION 444343 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 670.24 MCCONNERY,STAN 444070 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 75.00 MCKINLEY,DAPHNE 444497 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 139.99 MENOTTI,ANGELA 444631 24-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 7,500.00 MERC STEEL FABRICATION 444194 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 141.18 MERIDIAN CREDIT UNION 444632 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,419.44 METAL SUPERMARKETS 444344 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 255.69 METRO FREIGHTLINER HAMILTON 444071 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 8,316.51 METRO FREIGHTLINER HAMILTON 444633 24-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 163.65 Page 372 of 539 Page 11 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount METRO PLUMBING & HEATING 00340-0042 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,180.85 METROLAND MEDIA GROUP 443979 17-Feb-2021 ADVERTISING 1,271.25 METROLAND MEDIA GROUP 444072 24-Feb-2021 ADVERTISING 1,559.06 METROLAND MEDIA GROUP 444196 03-Mar-2021 ADVERTISING 2,236.27 METROLAND MEDIA GROUP 444345 10-Mar-2021 ADVERTISING 985.36 METROLAND MEDIA GROUP 444498 17-Mar-2021 ADVERTISING 842.98 METROLAND MEDIA GROUP 444634 24-Mar-2021 ADVERTISING 1,138.69 MEYER,CAROLINE 444346 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 750.00 MICHAEL'S CARPET AND FLOORING (NIAGARA) LTD 00337-0036 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,135.70 MICHAUD,DENISE 444499 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 149.05 MICHIENZI,VITTORIA 444197 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 38.60 MIKAIL,BESLER 444500 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 128.21 MILLER RESTORATION DKI 00336-0032 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 287.18 MINISTER OF FINANCE 444348 10-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 2,329.00 MINISTER OF FINANCE 444073 24-Feb-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 4,087.19 MINISTER OF FINANCE 444074 24-Feb-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 75,970.11 MINISTER OF FINANCE 444198 03-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 4.54 MINISTER OF FINANCE 444199 03-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 217.29 MINISTER OF FINANCE 444635 24-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 77,271.54 MINISTER OF FINANCE 444636 24-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 4,238.12 MINISTER OF FINANCE 444347 10-Mar-2021 TRAINING 1,105.00 MINISTRY OF ATTORNEY GENERAL 00332-0040 22-Feb-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 3,112.64 MINISTRY OF ATTORNEY GENERAL 00336-0033 08-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 3,458.79 MINISTRY OF ATTORNEY GENERAL 00338-0033 22-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 3,458.79 MISSISSAUGA BUS COACH & TRUCK REPAIRS INC 00331-0039 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 25,593.03 MISSISSAUGA BUS COACH & TRUCK REPAIRS INC 00332-0041 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 164.57 MISSISSAUGA BUS COACH & TRUCK REPAIRS INC 00338-0034 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 10,570.26 MISSISSAUGA BUS COACH & TRUCK REPAIRS INC 00340-0043 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 86.90 MISSISSAUGA BUS COACH & TRUCK REPAIRS INC 00338-0034 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY (1,623.08) MISSISSAUGAS OF THE,CREDIT FIRST NATION 444349 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,918.26 MISSISSAUGAS OF THE,CREDIT FIRST NATION 444501 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,172.41 MISSISSAUGAS OF THE,CREDIT FIRST NATION 444637 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,475.69 MISTER TRANSMISSION 444638 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,878.73 MLDAO 444502 17-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 100.00 MODERN LANDFILL INC 444075 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 6,630.96 MODERN LANDFILL INC 444639 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 604.17 MOHAWK MFG & SUPPLY CO 443980 17-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,853.81 MOHAWK MFG & SUPPLY CO 444076 24-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,133.44 MOHAWK MFG & SUPPLY CO 444200 03-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 369.69 MOHAWK MFG & SUPPLY CO 444350 10-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,335.86 MOHAWK MFG & SUPPLY CO 444640 24-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 442.49 MONA/MUSEUMS OF NIAGARA ASSOCIATION 444201 03-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 35.00 MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS 00331-0040 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 7,130.30 MONTEITH,DAVID& MONTEITH, DEBORAH 444503 17-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 1,083.75 MOONEY,JOHN LEE& MOONEY, TARA 444504 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 25.65 MOORE CANADA CORPORATION 444202 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 272.90 MORE,SHWETA& MORE, SACHIN 444077 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 526.00 MORELLATO,JOYCE 444351 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 112.99 MOSHREF,SALWA 444352 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,103.30 MOUNTAINVIEW DRUMMOND INC 444353 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 81.26 MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES (NIAGARA) LTD 00331-0041 15-Feb-2021 REFUND 13,000.00 MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES (NIAGARA) LTD 00336-0034 08-Mar-2021 REFUND 6,000.00 MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES (NIAGARA) LTD 00340-0044 29-Mar-2021 REFUND 4,000.00 MTE PARALEGAL PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION 00336-0035 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,693.03 MTE PARALEGAL PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION 00340-0045 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,545.76 MULLER'S WORKWEAR 443981 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 203.34 MULLER'S WORKWEAR 444078 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 691.03 MULLER'S WORKWEAR 444354 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 366.12 MULLER'S WORKWEAR 444505 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 304.34 MULLER'S WORKWEAR 444641 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 198.25 MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO 444506 17-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 1,751.50 MURACO,ANDREW ANGELO 444507 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 88.36 MUROWSKI,CHESTER 444203 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 81.24 NDUMIA,RUTH 444355 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 216.83 NEDERMAN CANADA LIMITED 00334-0037 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,893.26 NELLA CUTLERY (HAMILTON) INC.00337-0037 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 67.80 Page 373 of 539 Page 12 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CANADA CO.00332-0042 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 6,983.40 NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CANADA CO.00340-0046 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 372.90 NESTLER,KAREN ANNETTE 444642 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 NEWNUT FOODS O/A TIM HORTONS 444643 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 NIAGARA ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES INC 00334-0038 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 911.91 NIAGARA ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES INC 00337-0038 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 667.83 NIAGARA ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES INC 00338-0035 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 444.09 NIAGARA ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES INC 00340-0047 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 471.21 NIAGARA ARTISTS CENTRE 444204 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,282.50 NIAGARA BATTERY & TIRE 443982 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,301.64 NIAGARA BATTERY & TIRE 444356 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 6,585.18 NIAGARA BATTERY & TIRE 444356 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.60 NIAGARA BATTERY & TIRE 444644 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 10,163.55 NIAGARA BATTERY & TIRE 444079 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 537.82 NIAGARA BATTERY & TIRE 444079 24-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 13,283.29 NIAGARA BLOCK INCORPORATED 00334-0039 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 208.14 NIAGARA BLOCK INCORPORATED 00331-0042 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,107.40 NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (EDC)00331-0043 15-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 13,932.00 NIAGARA CHILDREN'S CENTRE 444205 03-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 5,000.00 NIAGARA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP 444419 11-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 145.70 NIAGARA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP 443983 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,078.72 NIAGARA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 444206 03-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 5,533.75 NIAGARA DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR PARTNERSHIP 444358 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 933.00 NIAGARA FALLS ART GALLERY 00334-0040 01-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 2,333.33 NIAGARA FALLS ART GALLERY 00340-0048 29-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 2,333.33 NIAGARA FALLS ART GALLERY 00337-0039 15-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 7,500.00 NIAGARA FALLS CANADA HOTEL ASSOCIATION INC 00338-0036 22-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 42,246.16 NIAGARA FALLS CANADA HOTEL ASSOCIATION INC 00334-0041 01-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 74,883.71 NIAGARA FALLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH 444207 03-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 5,000.00 NIAGARA FALLS HUMANE SOCIETY 00334-0042 01-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 44,838.94 NIAGARA FALLS HUMANE SOCIETY 00340-0049 29-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 44,224.08 NIAGARA FALLS PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOC 00332-0043 22-Feb-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 19,592.33 NIAGARA FALLS PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOC 00338-0037 22-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 20,606.31 NIAGARA FALLS PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOC 00336-0036 08-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 11,199.23 NIAGARA FALLSVIEW CASINO RESORT 444508 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 72.71 NIAGARA FIRE 00332-0044 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 113.00 NIAGARA FIRE 00340-0050 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 113.00 NIAGARA FOUNDATION FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION 444208 03-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 5,000.00 NIAGARA HEALTH SYSTEM 444209 03-Mar-2021 GRANT 50,000.00 NIAGARA HEALTH SYSTEM 444359 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 NIAGARA HUMANE SOCIETY 444210 03-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 260.12 NIAGARA INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION 444211 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 395.50 NIAGARA INDUSTRIAL MALL LTD 444645 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 77,848.69 NIAGARA METER SERVICES INC.00331-0044 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 7,830.62 NIAGARA METER SERVICES INC.00334-0043 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,824.93 NIAGARA METER SERVICES INC.00337-0040 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,894.65 NIAGARA METER SERVICES INC.00340-0051 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 6,701.58 NIAGARA ON THE LAKE HYDRO INC 00334-0044 01-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 123.36 NIAGARA ON THE LAKE HYDRO INC 00340-0052 29-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 117.41 NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION 444212 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,077.43 NIAGARA PENINSULA ENERGY INC 444510 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 243,900.80 NIAGARA PENINSULA ENERGY INC 444213 03-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 112,567.64 NIAGARA PENINSULA ENERGY INC 444360 10-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 71,647.75 NIAGARA PENINSULA ENERGY INC 444510 17-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 210.74 NIAGARA PENINSULA ENERGY INC 444646 24-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 205.31 NIAGARA PENINSULA ENERGY INC 444360 10-Mar-2021 UTILITIES 227.21 NIAGARA REGIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK 00334-0045 01-Mar-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 8,956.38 NIAGARA REGIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK 00340-0053 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 32,612.55 NIAGARA REGIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK 00331-0045 15-Feb-2021 SERVICES 23,656.17 NIAGARA TRUCK N' STUFF INC 00332-0045 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 44.07 NICK'S TRUCK PARTS INC.00332-0046 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 211.86 NICK'S TRUCK PARTS INC.00336-0037 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 281.83 NIGHT WATCH SECURITY 444647 24-Mar-2021 SERVICES 107.35 NIKOLIC,ANTONELA 444080 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 183.00 NOBLE CORPORATION 443984 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 52.75 NOBLE CORPORATION 443984 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 568.62 Page 374 of 539 Page 13 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount NORTH AMERICAN TRANSIT SUPPLY CORPORATION 00331-0046 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 728.80 NORTH AMERICAN TRANSIT SUPPLY CORPORATION 00334-0046 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,522.39 NORTH AMERICAN TRANSIT SUPPLY CORPORATION 00336-0038 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 293.69 NORTH AMERICAN TRANSIT SUPPLY CORPORATION 00338-0038 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 146.90 NORTH AMERICAN TRANSIT SUPPLY CORPORATION 00340-0054 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 107.80 NORTHERN CHEM INC 444214 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 36.60 NORTHLAND DISTRIBUTION LTD.00332-0047 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,475.00 NOVABUS 00337-0042 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 7,081,492.72 NOVAQUIP LIFTING SYSTEMS INC.00334-0047 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,318.76 NOVAQUIP LIFTING SYSTEMS INC.00338-0039 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,081.85 NOVAQUIP LIFTING SYSTEMS INC.00340-0055 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 16,372.26 NPG PLANNING SOLUTIONS 00337-0043 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,178.03 OACETT 444648 24-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 83.03 OLD ST JOHN'S CHURCH 444081 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 272.00 OLDLAND,RICHARD 444511 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 208.08 OMERS 00333-0001 26-Feb-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 770,372.28 OMERS 00333-0002 26-Feb-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 39,116.24 OMERS 00340-0056 29-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 2,401.34 ON POINT LANDSCAPING INC 00340-0057 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 6,926.50 ONOFRIO,CARL DAVID 444363 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,978.75 ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS 444215 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 734.50 ONTARIO BUILDING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION 444216 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 691.18 ONTARIO BUILDING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION 444649 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 304.93 ONTARIO ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY NETWORK LTD 00334-0048 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,435.10 ONTARIO ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY NETWORK LTD 00338-0040 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,988.85 ONTARIO ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY NETWORK LTD 00340-0058 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,062.27 ONTARIO ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY NETWORK LTD 00337-0044 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 513.02 ONTARIO MINISTRY OF FINANCE 444650 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 139,432.34 ONTARIO MUNICIPAL FIRE PREVENTION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION 444361 10-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 300.00 ONTARIO MUNICIPAL FIRE PREVENTION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION 444512 17-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 150.00 ONTARIO MUNICIPAL HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION 444362 10-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 423.75 ONTARIO ONE CALL 00337-0045 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES (500.00) ONTARIO ONE CALL 00340-0059 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,344.75 ONTARIO ONE CALL 00337-0045 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,167.18 ONTARIO TRAFFIC COUNCIL 00340-0060 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 141.25 ORKIN CANADA CORPORATION 00331-0047 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 178.54 ORKIN CANADA CORPORATION 00337-0046 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 178.54 O'ROURKE,ERIN 444364 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 5,000.00 OVERLAND CUSTOM COACH (2007) INC.00332-0048 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 388.10 OVERLAND CUSTOM COACH (2007) INC.00331-0048 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 895.38 OVERLAND CUSTOM COACH (2007) INC.00332-0048 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 406.18 OVERLAND CUSTOM COACH (2007) INC.00334-0049 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 693.05 PAPINEAU,ANGELE 444513 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 121.61 PARKVIEW EQUIPMENT 444365 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,191.31 PARPIA,MUHAMMED MEHDI 444514 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 37.43 PASCO,JOHN 444651 24-Mar-2021 TRAINING 200.00 PATEL,DATTESH 444515 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,250.00 PATEL,PUSVANG 444367 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 157.76 PATTERSON,ANDREW 444366 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 PAUL DRAY LEGAL SERVICES 444083 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 805.13 PC AUTO ELECTRIC 444368 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 213.57 PC AUTO ELECTRIC 444652 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 517.37 PEC ROOF MAINTENANCE 00340-0061 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 389.46 PEC ROOF MAINTENANCE 00337-0047 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 217.98 PEEBLES,ANGELA 444084 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 200.00 PENINSULA HOSE & HYDRAULICS LTD.00332-0049 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 97.09 PENINSULA HOSE & HYDRAULICS LTD.00337-0048 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 821.51 PENINSULA HOSE & HYDRAULICS LTD.00340-0062 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 179.37 PENINSULA HOSE & HYDRAULICS LTD.00331-0049 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 784.81 PENINSULA PEST CONTROL LTD 444002 18-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,226.05 PENNER BUILDING CENTRE 444085 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 5,145.45 PENNER BUILDING CENTRE 444516 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 22.60 PENNER BUILDING CENTRE 443985 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 242.68 PENNER BUILDING CENTRE 444218 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,042.72 PENNER BUILDING CENTRE 444370 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 98.16 PERFORMANCE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT 444371 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 561.59 Page 375 of 539 Page 14 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount PERFORMANCE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT 444653 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,508.18 PERFORMANCE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT 444086 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 43,853.04 PERFORMANCE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT 444517 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 276,695.19 PERFORMANCE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT 444653 24-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 4,835.12 PERIGEE PROPERTIES 444372 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,700.00 PETERS EXCAVATING INC 00338-0041 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 41,380.96 PETERS EXCAVATING INC 00331-0050 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,881.78 PETERS EXCAVATING INC 00334-0050 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 193,678.52 PHILLIPS,KYLE 444219 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 100.00 PHIPPS,ROBERT& LOETFERING, NANCY 444518 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 926.00 PICCIARIELLO,MICHAEL BIAGINO 444220 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 PIETRANGELO,NICHOLAS 444654 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 192.09 PIHACK,BRIAN G.444655 24-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 420.00 PILLAY,JAYALUTCHMI 444656 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 122.04 PINDERS SECURITY PRODUCTS 00337-0049 15-Mar-2021 SERVICES 417.54 PINERIDGE TREE SERVICE LTD 00334-0051 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 6,685.08 PINERIDGE TREE SERVICE LTD 00340-0063 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 17,031.36 PIPEFLO CONTRACTING CORPORATION 00338-0042 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 93,283.76 PIPENKO,VALENTIN& PIPENKO, NATHALIE GREF 444519 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 54.57 PIPETEK INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES INC 00332-0050 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 52,724.69 PIPETEK INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES INC 00336-0039 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 21,494.67 PIPETEK INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES INC 00338-0043 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 28,339.24 PIROSKO,JASON 444087 24-Feb-2021 TRAINING 620.76 POST FOODS CANADA INC 444657 24-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 24,782.66 PPG AC CANADA INC 443986 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 163.31 PPG AC CANADA INC 443986 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 125.74 PPG AC CANADA INC 444373 10-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 704.01 PRATHAP,ARCHANA& CHIDAMBARANATH, DHANESH 444520 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 117.61 PRAXAIR 444521 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 120.63 PRAXAIR 444088 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 79.18 PRAXAIR 444374 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 680.23 PRAXAIR 444658 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 121.09 PRECISE PARK LINK INC 00332-0051 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 192.10 PRECISE PARK LINK INC 00334-0052 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 813.77 PREMIER EQUIPMENT LTD 444375 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,077.59 PREMIER EQUIPMENT LTD 444659 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 984.33 PREMIER EQUIPMENT LTD 444375 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS (151.97) PREMIER TRUCK GROUP 444376 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,697.53 PREMIER TRUCK GROUP 444660 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 41.75 PREVOST 00331-0051 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 9,051.17 PREVOST 00332-0052 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 5,389.68 PREVOST 00334-0053 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 6,207.24 PREVOST 00336-0040 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,639.46 PREVOST 00337-0050 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,807.94 PREVOST 00338-0044 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,245.20 PREVOST 00340-0064 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,314.61 PRIESTMAN,PAUL WILFRED& PRIESTMAN, PATRICIA ELLEN 444523 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 11.01 PRIMO PLUMBING & HEATING 444522 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,200.00 PRINTING HOUSE LTD 00334-0054 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 291.30 PRINTING HOUSE LTD 00340-0065 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,281.62 PRO BATTERY SHOPS 00331-0052 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,579.63 PRO BATTERY SHOPS 00337-0051 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,310.01 PRO BATTERY SHOPS 00340-0066 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 198.76 PRO BATTERY SHOPS 00332-0053 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,406.06 PRO BATTERY SHOPS 00334-0055 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 101.70 PROJECT SHARE 00334-0056 01-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 24,866.67 PROJECT SHARE 00340-0067 29-Mar-2021 REFUND 26,116.67 PROJECT SHARE 00336-0041 08-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 5,000.00 PROPERTY REHAB 444661 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 PSECO INC 00336-0042 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,711.95 PUROLATOR INC 443987 17-Feb-2021 COURIER 46.12 PUROLATOR INC 444089 24-Feb-2021 COURIER 71.18 PUROLATOR INC 444377 10-Mar-2021 COURIER 420.35 PUROLATOR INC 00340-0068 29-Mar-2021 COURIER 115.26 PUROLATOR INC 444663 24-Mar-2021 COURIER 204.09 QADRI,RASHID& RASHID, DAWAR 444524 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 300.00 Page 376 of 539 Page 15 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount QRX TECHNOLOGY GROUP 00332-0054 22-Feb-2021 SERVICES 267.81 QRX TECHNOLOGY GROUP 00334-0057 01-Mar-2021 SERVICES 563.64 QRX TECHNOLOGY GROUP 00338-0045 22-Mar-2021 SERVICES 836.20 QRX TECHNOLOGY GROUP 00340-0069 29-Mar-2021 SERVICES 1,274.30 QUADIENT LEASING CANADA LTD 444003 18-Feb-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 661.05 QUEENSTON LIMESTONE COMPANY LTD.444090 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,260.00 QUEST SOFTWARE CANADA INC 444091 24-Feb-2021 SERVICES 7,510.66 R J SMITH EQUIPMENT INC 443989 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,062.20 R J SMITH EQUIPMENT INC 444532 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,062.20 R J SMITH EQUIPMENT INC 444092 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 6,265.68 R J SMITH EQUIPMENT INC 444381 10-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 508.50 R W HAMILTON LTD.00332-0055 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 439.97 R W HAMILTON LTD.00334-0058 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 192.72 R W HAMILTON LTD.00337-0052 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 31.04 R W HAMILTON LTD.00340-0070 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 88.22 R. STASIAK ENGINEERING INC 00340-0071 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,294.00 RACO AUTO SUPPLY LTD 00338-0046 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 546.08 RACO AUTO SUPPLY LTD 00331-0053 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 643.22 RACO AUTO SUPPLY LTD 00332-0056 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,158.70 RACO AUTO SUPPLY LTD 00334-0059 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,297.25 RACO AUTO SUPPLY LTD 00336-0043 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,186.87 RACO AUTO SUPPLY LTD 00337-0053 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 912.42 RACO AUTO SUPPLY LTD 00340-0072 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 909.47 RADFORD,WILLIAM 444378 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 125.00 RANKIN CONSTRUCTION INC 00332-0057 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 12,076.99 RANKIN CONSTRUCTION INC 00336-0044 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 11,704.08 RANKIN CONSTRUCTION INC 00338-0047 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 27,604.55 RANKIN CONSTRUCTION INC 00331-0054 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 3,905.28 RATSCHMEIER,GEORGE IAN 444525 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 81.47 RBC INSURANCE 00336-0045 08-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 2,350.49 REAMAN SEPTIC SERVICE 444526 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 300.00 RECEIVER GENERAL OF CANADA 443988 17-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 646,950.22 RECEIVER GENERAL OF CANADA 444221 03-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 662,560.77 RECEIVER GENERAL OF CANADA 444527 17-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 648,582.05 RECINE,RODILIO 444664 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,000.00 RED SEAL CONTRACTING 444379 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 456.52 RED TRAC INTERNATIONAL A DIVISION OF D&W GROUP INC.00331-0055 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 7,186.42 REFRIGERATION ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD 00332-0058 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,055.97 REFRIGERATION ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD 00334-0060 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,368.87 REFRIGERATION ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD 00336-0046 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,672.41 REFRIGERATION ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD 00337-0054 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 16,120.43 REFRIGERATION ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD 00338-0048 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,027.22 REFRIGERATION ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD 00334-0060 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 638.45 REFRIGERATION ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD 00331-0056 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 141,378.14 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA 00331-0057 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 440.16 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA 00334-0061 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,964,261.69 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA 00338-0049 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,362.54 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA 00332-0059 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 244.24 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA 00334-0061 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,300,529.33 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA 00340-0073 29-Mar-2021 REFUND 17,744.28 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA 00335-0001 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 22,608,416.87 REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA 00331-0057 15-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 3,845,628.00 REICH,LARRY 444665 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 149.72 REID,TANYA 444528 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 170.17 RENIEWICK,ROY& RENIEWICK, PATRICIA 444380 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 97.51 RICOH CANADA INC 00331-0058 15-Feb-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 6,766.85 RICOH CANADA INC 00338-0050 22-Mar-2021 SERVICES 6,419.00 RIDGELINE HOMES 444222 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.00 RIDLEY,LORRAINNE 444529 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 219.37 RILEY,SIMONE 444530 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 176.84 RISK PROTECTION GROUP 444531 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 239.00 ROBERTO,PHIL 444093 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 ROCHESTER MIDLAND CANADA CORPORATION 00332-0060 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 289.71 ROCHESTER MIDLAND CANADA CORPORATION 00334-0062 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 445.94 ROCHESTER MIDLAND CANADA CORPORATION 00336-0047 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 522.51 ROCHESTER MIDLAND CANADA CORPORATION 00340-0074 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 298.40 Page 377 of 539 Page 16 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount ROCHESTER MIDLAND CANADA CORPORATION 00340-0074 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 678.65 ROGERS 444666 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 668.00 ROGERS WIRELESS 444533 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 689.18 ROMANIUK,ADAM 444223 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 107.32 RONAK ENTERPRISES 444534 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 3,317.69 RONALD C. ELLENS APPRAISALS INC 444094 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,486.00 ROYAL BANK OF CANADA 444095 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 355.07 ROYAL BANK OF CANADA 444667 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,413.00 ROZON,MATTHEW 444096 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 RUSH TRUCK CENTRES OF CANADA LTD 00337-0055 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 20,655.45 RUSH TRUCK CENTRES OF CANADA LTD 00340-0075 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 768.40 S.B. SIMPSON GROUP INC.00332-0061 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,024.84 SACCO CONSTRUCTION LTD 444097 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,699.34 SACCO CONSTRUCTION LTD 444224 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,915.45 SACCO CONSTRUCTION LTD 444668 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 11,937.04 SAFE STOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT 444099 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 294.93 SAFE STOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT 444382 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 294.93 SAFETY-KLEEN CANADA INC 444098 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,746.71 SANDERCOCK,PENNY JEAN TRUSTEE 444226 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 111.09 SANDERSON,JEFFREY DAVID 444225 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 SANI GEAR 00331-0059 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 101.81 SANI GEAR 00336-0048 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,925.02 SCOTT BEST SEWER SERVICES 00332-0062 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 197.75 SCOTT BEST SEWER SERVICES 00331-0060 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,124.35 SCOTT DEVRIES,ASHLEY 444536 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 231.55 SCOTT,PETER 444537 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 50.00 SEAWAY FLUID POWER GROUP LTD 00337-0056 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 316.02 SEAWAY FLUID POWER GROUP LTD 00338-0051 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 244.40 SEAWAY FLUID POWER GROUP LTD 00340-0076 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 498.96 SEAWAY FLUID POWER GROUP LTD 00331-0061 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 15.62 SEAWAY FLUID POWER GROUP LTD 00332-0063 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 37.32 SEAWAY FLUID POWER GROUP LTD 00336-0049 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 365.13 SENKERIK FIRE PROTECTION 00340-0077 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 301.71 SENKERIK FIRE PROTECTION 00338-0052 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 941.83 SENTRY ELECTRIC INC.444227 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 7,955.20 SENTRY ELECTRIC INC.444383 10-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 48,618.25 SERVICEMASTER CLEAN OF NIAGARA 00332-0064 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,186.50 SERVICEMASTER CLEAN OF NIAGARA 00334-0063 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 25,044.19 SERVICEMASTER CLEAN OF NIAGARA 00337-0057 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,758.28 SERVICEMASTER CLEAN OF NIAGARA 00340-0078 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 20,674.34 SERVICES FLO INC 444538 17-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,356.00 SEXTON,SHAWN RICHARD 444384 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 58.88 SG BURIAL PLATFORM USDRAFT 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,712.20 SGL PLANNING & DESIGN INC.00336-0050 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,302.38 SGL PLANNING & DESIGN INC.00334-0064 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,138.53 SGL PLANNING & DESIGN INC.00336-0050 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,412.24 SHARMA,ANIL KUMAR& SHARMA, BINDU 444539 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 298.87 SHAW,FALON 444385 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 750.00 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS 443990 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 425.82 SIDHU,PINK& JASSAR, SUMEET SINGH 444540 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 46.03 SIGNATURE SIGN & IMAGE 00331-0063 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 480.25 SIGNATURE SIGN & IMAGE 00338-0053 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,248.70 SILVERLINE GROUP INC 444100 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 15,686.26 SIMPSON,JAMES 444386 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 750.00 SIMS,FRED 444541 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 506.91 SINGH,AMANJOT 444387 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 183.41 SLUTE,REILLEE 444542 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 24.30 SMITH,CLIFFORD ALONZO 444388 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 169.50 SNAP ON TOOLS OF CANADA LTD 444389 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 95.94 SOCAN 444543 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 70.00 SOMERS,IRMINA 444390 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 7,500.00 SOUPS AND THINGS 444544 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 13,149.16 SPARK INNOVATION EDUCATIONAL CENTER INC 00334-0065 01-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 86,566.52 SPARKS,BRIAN 444669 24-Mar-2021 MEMBERSHIP 250.00 SPIRIT OF SOUND 444228 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 211.34 SPRIET ASSOCIATES ENGINEERS & ARCHITECTS 444391 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,954.86 Page 378 of 539 Page 17 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount ST CATHARINES NEW HOLLAND LTD 444102 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 418.10 ST JOHN AMBULANCE 00334-0066 01-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 2,741.67 ST JOHN AMBULANCE 00336-0051 08-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 30,482.18 ST JOHN AMBULANCE 00340-0079 29-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 2,741.67 STALEY,HAROLD 444545 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 63.08 STAMFORD HOME HARDWARE 00338-0054 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 182.20 STAMFORD HOME HARDWARE 00340-0080 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 211.00 STAMFORD HOME HARDWARE 00340-0080 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 103.91 STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE 00331-0064 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,451.26 STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE 00337-0058 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 201.12 STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE 00340-0081 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 453.76 STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE 00332-0065 22-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,429.37 STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE 00334-0067 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,141.88 STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE 00336-0052 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 0.08 STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE 00331-0064 15-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY (53.84) STAPLES,ZACH 444101 24-Feb-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 35.99 STAPLES,ZACH 444392 10-Mar-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 36.58 STAPLES,ZACH 444101 24-Feb-2021 TRAVEL/MILEAGE 41.58 STASZKO,EUGENE& STASZKO, IRENA 444229 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 26.26 STECKLEY,COLIN 444546 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 91.19 STINSON EQUIPMENT LIMITED 00338-0055 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,695.00 STORAGE NIAGARA 00331-0065 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 235.09 STORAGE NIAGARA 00336-0053 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,147.00 STRANGES,JOHN 444547 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 3,296.31 STREAMLINE UPHOLSTERY INC 444103 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,440.80 STUART,SARA LOU 444393 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 750.00 SUBBIAH,VINODH& DHAVAMANI, PREMA 444548 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 2.72 SULLIVAN MAHONEY 444230 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 975.19 SULLIVAN MAHONEY 443991 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,979.93 SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA 00331-0066 15-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 5,432.78 SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA 00337-0059 15-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 480,071.93 SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA 00338-0056 22-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 1,312.26 SUPERIOR LAUNDRY SERVICE LTD.00332-0066 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 32.21 SUPERIOR PROPANE 443992 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 114.63 SUPERIOR PROPANE 444104 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 9.89 SUPERIOR PROPANE 444231 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,050.25 SUPERIOR PROPANE 444670 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,263.60 SUSWANTO,RUDY& KOSASIH, WENNI 444549 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 46.40 SYAN,SWARAN KAUR 444394 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 11.33 SYSTEMMACS VOICE DATA SOLUTIONS 444105 24-Feb-2021 SERVICES 2,990.26 SYSTEMMACS VOICE DATA SOLUTIONS 444550 17-Mar-2021 SERVICES 3,331.24 TAIT,CYNTHIA 444395 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 200.00 TALK WIRELESS INC 00332-0067 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 8,719.71 TALK WIRELESS INC 00334-0068 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 6,090.70 TALK WIRELESS INC 00340-0082 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,634.66 TALK WIRELESS INC 00331-0067 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 335.61 TALK WIRELESS INC 00336-0055 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 740.15 TALK WIRELESS INC 00337-0060 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 10,170.80 TALK WIRELESS INC 00338-0057 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,295.26 TANASI,PAUL 444671 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 25.00 TANG,NGOANG 444232 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 121.87 TARSITANO,BIANCA 444551 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 111.00 TATE,AARON 444672 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 TAXITAB 444106 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 840.72 TAXITAB 444673 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 747.80 TAYLOR,ESTATE OF GREG MARK 444552 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 27.40 TD CANADA TRUST 444233 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 500.09 TD CANADA TRUST 444396 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 125.03 TENAQUIP LIMITED 00334-0069 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 224.17 TENAQUIP LIMITED 443993 17-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 688.50 TENAQUIP LIMITED 00336-0056 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 555.87 TENAQUIP LIMITED 00338-0058 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,865.12 TERANET INC 444234 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,000.00 TERAVICH,MIKE 444553 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 120.00 TERRALAW PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION IN TRUST 444554 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,240.63 TETRA-CHEM INDUSTRIES LTD.00337-0061 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 267.81 Page 379 of 539 Page 18 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount THE ESTATE OF JOHN MERRYLEES 444195 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 750.00 THOMPSON AHERN & CO LIMITED 00336-0057 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 15.40 THOMSON REUTERS CANADA 443994 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 173.25 THRASHER,HEATHER 444555 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 160.12 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR (CANADA) LIMITED 00334-0070 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,694.62 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR (CANADA) LIMITED 00340-0083 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 17,387.03 TIERRA GEOMATIC SERVICES INC 00332-0068 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 502.85 TIERRA GEOMATIC SERVICES INC 00337-0062 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 502.85 TIM HORTON'S STORE 1922 444397 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 56.97 TNT WORK & RESCUE 00332-0069 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,395.32 TNT WORK & RESCUE 00340-0084 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 13,082.95 TODD,JAMES 444556 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 264.49 TODD,KELLY 444235 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 200.00 TOOLBOX 444674 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,672.60 TOOLBOX 444107 24-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 6,795.69 TOROMONT CAT 444398 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 632.80 TOROMONT CAT 444675 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 485.95 TORONTO STAMP INC 00337-0063 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 772.26 TOTAL LAND CARE SERVICES 00334-0071 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 27,622.85 TOTAL LAND CARE SERVICES 00336-0058 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,655.65 TOTAL LAND CARE SERVICES 00337-0064 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,785.50 TOTAL LAND CARE SERVICES 00338-0059 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,243.00 TOTAL LAND CARE SERVICES 00340-0085 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 61,449.40 TOTH,JONATHAN 444236 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 145.00 TOWNE,CHARLENE 444108 24-Feb-2021 TRAINING 678.00 TRANSAXLE PARTS (HAMILTON) INC.443996 17-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,265.49 TRANSAXLE PARTS (HAMILTON) INC.00334-0072 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,516.39 TRANSAXLE PARTS (HAMILTON) INC.00336-0059 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 478.21 TRANSAXLE PARTS (HAMILTON) INC.00337-0065 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 72.09 TRANSAXLE PARTS (HAMILTON) INC.00338-0060 22-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,291.58 TRANSAXLE PARTS (HAMILTON) INC.00340-0086 29-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 2,214.69 TRANSPORTATION SAFETY TRAINING 00332-0070 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,779.75 TRAPEZE SOFTWARE ULC 00334-0073 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,687.00 TRI CAST BRONZE LIMITED 444237 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 958.00 TUKONIC,DIANE 444109 24-Feb-2021 PETTY CASH 215.65 TWEEDLE,CHANTEL 444676 24-Mar-2021 REFUND 96.06 UCC INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL INC 00331-0068 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 904.00 ULINE CANADA CORPORATION 443997 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 810.67 ULINE CANADA CORPORATION 444110 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 139.92 ULINE CANADA CORPORATION 444399 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 370.53 UNISYNC GROUP LTD 00331-0069 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 5,814.47 UNISYNC GROUP LTD 00332-0071 22-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 45,197.07 UNISYNC GROUP LTD 00337-0066 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 6,027.65 UNISYNC GROUP LTD 00338-0061 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 71.19 UNISYNC GROUP LTD 00340-0087 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 603.70 UNITED WAY NIAGARA 00332-0072 22-Feb-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 902.46 UNITED WAY NIAGARA 00340-0088 29-Mar-2021 PAYROLL REMITTANCE 900.46 UNTANGLED DIGITAL 444238 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 226.00 UPPER CANADA CONSULTANTS 00337-0067 15-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 21,766.79 UPPER CANADA CONSULTANTS 00340-0089 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 649.47 UPPER CANADA CONSULTANTS 00334-0074 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 272.78 UPPER CANADA CONSULTANTS 00336-0060 08-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 5,096.92 UPS CANADA 444111 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 15.64 UPS CANADA 444557 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 11.28 URBAN & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT INC 00340-0090 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 30,703.51 URBAN & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT INC 00331-0070 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 36,275.58 URBANIK,MARCIN& QUEEN, LINDSEY MARIE 444239 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 133.74 URGE TO PURGE 443998 17-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,977.55 URGE TO PURGE 444112 24-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 717.55 URGE TO PURGE 444677 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,361.65 USVALDO,MICHAEL 444400 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 192.09 V GIBBONS CONTRACTING LTD 00332-0073 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 219,057.41 V GIBBONS CONTRACTING LTD 00336-0061 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 8,058.31 V GIBBONS CONTRACTING LTD 00337-0068 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 15,397.42 V. BARBOSA,DJHONNA JAN 444242 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 232.95 VACCA,ANTHONY 444240 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 2,000.00 Page 380 of 539 Page 19 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount VALENTE,JOSEPH 444241 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 201.24 VALLEN CANADA INC 00331-0071 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,037.97 VALLEN CANADA INC 00337-0069 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,021.80 VALLEN CANADA INC 00338-0062 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,581.23 VALLONIO,ANTHONY 444113 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 750.00 VALUE MUFFLER & BRAKE CENTRE 00331-0072 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 132.15 VALUE MUFFLER & BRAKE CENTRE 00331-0072 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 40.02 VANKOUGHNETT,NICOLE& VANKOUGHNETT, MICHAEL 444114 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 227.80 VARLEY,JEFFERY 444401 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 5,000.00 VEERU KANTOOR C/O WALIA LAW OFFICE IN TRUST 444558 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 3,918.77 VELASQUEZ,JAIME 444402 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 110.00 VERNON,PATRICK 444243 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 219.33 VIKING CIVES LTD 00331-0073 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 88.30 VIKING CIVES LTD 00337-0070 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,669.27 VIKING CIVES LTD 00340-0091 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 734.85 VIKING CIVES LTD 00331-0073 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,331.62 VIKING SECURITY 00338-0063 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 569.52 VINEY,BARRY A 444404 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 124.66 VISION TRUCK GROUP 444405 10-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 285.40 VOITH TURBO 444115 24-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 1,309.70 VOMMERO ENTERPRISES LIMITED 444560 17-Mar-2021 GRANT 10,619.47 VT CONTROLS LTD 444678 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,531.20 WALKER AGGREGATES INC 443999 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,834.62 WALKER AGGREGATES INC 444116 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 2,701.01 WALKER AGGREGATES INC 444406 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 563.51 WALKER AGGREGATES INC 444562 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,806.28 WALKER AGGREGATES INC 444680 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,076.43 WALKERTON CLEAN WATER CENTRE 444679 24-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 3,340.00 WALKERTON CLEAN WATER CENTRE 444561 17-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 276.85 WALKERTON CLEAN WATER CENTRE 444244 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,595.00 WANY,YUAN YUAN 444245 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 26.99 WATER CONCEPTS 444246 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 2,118.75 WATSON & ASSOCIATES ECONOMISTS LTD 00340-0093 29-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,333.97 WEBB,KATIE 444407 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 750.00 WEINMANN LIMITED 00331-0074 15-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 4,559.17 WEINMANN LIMITED 00332-0074 22-Feb-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 15,082.40 WEINMANN LIMITED 00334-0075 01-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 529.04 WEINMANN LIMITED 00336-0062 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 1,424.41 WEINMANN LIMITED 00338-0064 22-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 35,516.92 WEINMANN LIMITED 00336-0062 08-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 16,395.85 WEINMANN LIMITED 00340-0094 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 7,491.90 WELMAR RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS 00340-0095 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,545.89 WESTPIER MARINE & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC.00331-0075 15-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,433.04 WESTPIER MARINE & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC.00337-0071 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 528.25 WESTPIER MARINE & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC.00340-0096 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 918.84 WESTPIER MARINE & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC.00334-0076 01-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 472.83 WEYMARK,SHANNON 444408 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 164.46 WHITELINE ARCHITECTS INC 00334-0078 01-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,370.73 WHITELINE ARCHITECTS INC 00340-0098 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,480.41 WHITWELL,DARYL 444409 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 2,500.00 WILKINSON,CONNOR 444410 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 175.00 WILKINSON,SCOTT 444412 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 100.00 WILLOUGHBY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 444118 24-Feb-2021 LEASES AND RENTS 7,653.11 WILSON,DIANE ELIZABETH 444117 24-Feb-2021 REFUND 820.14 WILSON,HEATHER& WILSON, TIMOTHY 444411 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 782.00 WILSON,STEVE 444119 24-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 1,155.50 WILSON,WILLIAM M 444681 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 120.00 WINTER,KYLE& WINTER, SHERRI 444563 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 257.63 WINZEN NIAGARA HOMES LTD.444247 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 31.47 WINZEN NIAGARA HOMES LTD.444120 24-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 98,288.88 WOLSELEY CANADA INC.444000 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 292.79 WOLSELEY CANADA INC.00338-0066 22-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,705.96 WOLSELEY CANADA INC.00340-0099 29-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 14,099.61 WOLSELEY CANADA INC.444121 24-Feb-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 970.49 WOLSELEY CANADA INC.00336-0064 08-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 20.34 WOLSELEY CANADA INC.00337-0073 15-Mar-2021 STORES/INVENTORY 732.15 Page 381 of 539 Page 20 of 20 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS VENDOR NAME Cheque No.Cheque Date Purpose Amount WOMEN'S PLACE OF SOUTH NIAGARA INC 444122 24-Feb-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 1,612.50 WOMEN'S PLACE OF SOUTH NIAGARA INC 444682 24-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 1,612.50 WOOD ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS 444413 10-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 1,391.03 WOOD ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS 444248 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,963.45 WOODBRIDGE,NEIL& WOODBRIDGE, JOAN 444564 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 95.98 WOODHEAD,ROBERT 444249 03-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 61.24 WOON-JAMIESON,SHAUN-ROSS& JAMIESON, ERROL 444565 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 109.21 WORK AUTHORITY 444123 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 1,948.02 WORK AUTHORITY 444683 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 400.00 WORK EQUIPMENT LTD 00337-0074 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 4,640.27 WSIB 444004 18-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 625.01 WSIB 444124 24-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 9,031.78 WSIB 444125 24-Feb-2021 REMITTANCE 607.85 WSIB 444250 03-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 37,570.33 WSIB 444414 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 28,926.70 WSIB 444415 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 2.13 WSIB 444566 17-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 13,022.38 WSIB 444684 24-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 36,397.15 WSIB 444685 24-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 630.27 WUNDERINK,ANDREW 444416 10-Mar-2021 REMITTANCE 2,962.50 XCG CONSULTING LIMITED 00337-0075 15-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 3,227.14 XIE,YONG 444251 03-Mar-2021 REFUND 49.52 XPLORNET COMMUNICATIONS INC 444686 24-Mar-2021 SERVICES 107.34 YAZZ CLEANERS & QUICK STITCH 444687 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 529.92 YISHIU,WU& HONG, SU 444567 17-Mar-2021 REFUND 1,157.50 YMCA OF NIAGARA 444252 03-Mar-2021 CONTRACT SERVICES 5,344.01 YMCA OF NIAGARA 444001 17-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 3,169.58 YOUNG,STEPHANIE 444253 03-Mar-2021 TRAINING 452.00 YWCA 00334-0079 01-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 4,277.75 YWCA 00340-0100 29-Mar-2021 FEE FOR SERVICE 4,277.75 ZAMBONI COMPANY LTD 444688 24-Mar-2021 MATERIALS 104,270.47 ZHANG,HAOXIANG 444417 10-Mar-2021 REFUND 62.89 ZOLL MEDICAL CANADA INC 444126 24-Feb-2021 MATERIALS 4,654.47 Total 51,891,976.85 Page 382 of 539 F-2021-27 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Finance SUBJECT: F-2021-27 Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes Under Section 357 and 358 of The Municipal Act, 2001 RECOMMENDATION That Council approve the cancellation, reduction or refund of taxes on the various accounts per the attached summary and granted to the property owners listed. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Property owners are able to seek remedy from property assessments that are not accurate due to errors in preparation of the Assessment Roll or due to changes in specific circumstances. These remedies are available by virtue of s.357 and s.358 of The Municipal Act, 2001. This report is provided to Council periodically during the fiscal year to attain Council approval of the changes afforded under these sections. This is the first report for 2021. Adjustments totalling $82,192 are being recommended in this report with allocations to be made to City, Regional and School Board revenue. In the 2021 General Purposes Budget, an allowance has been established for these expenditures. At this time, the allowance provided in the General Purposes Budget is adequate to account for the City’s proportionate share of approximately $28,767. BACKGROUND This report is the second report this year in relation to s.357 and s.358 reductions. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Section 357 and 358 of The Municipal Act, 2001 provides for the cancellation, reduction or refund of taxes for persons who were overcharged by reason of any gross or manifest error in the preparation of the Assessment Roll. Appeals have been received and the applicants have been notified that the respective matters will be considered by City Council this evening. The Municipal Property Page 383 of 539 2 F-2021-27 April 20, 2021 Assessment Corporation has confirmed that the subject properties were assessed incorrectly in that these properties; had structures that had been demolished or removed, were damaged or razed by fire, have ceased to be liable at the rate it was taxed, repairs/renovations preventing normal use of a period of 3 months, became exempt, or a transposition, typographical, or clerical error was made. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The 2021 General Purposes Budget provides an allowance for tax write-offs due to assessment appeals and tax write offs. Table 1 is a listing of all the properties that staff is recommending receive adjustments due to successful appeals. An amount of $82,192 in adjustments is listed. The City’s approximate portion is $28,767 and has been accounted for in the 2021 General Purposes Budget. The balance of approximately $53,425 represents adjustments for the School Boards and the Region of Niagara. These adjustments will be made as part of the year end reconciliations. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Table 1 - Application for Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Taxes Recommended by: Jonathan Leavens, Director of Finance Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer A. Ferguson Page 384 of 539 (Pursuant to Section 358 and 357 (1) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (g) of the Municipal Act) Municipality CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS Assessment Region NIAGARA I hereby apply for the cancellation, reduction or refund of taxes as set out below and certify that the Regional Assessment Commissioner has verified that the information contained in this application is in accordance with her/his records. Appl. #Roll No. Name of Applicant Mailing Address Taxation Reason for Application Reduction Year Amount 2020-65 2725 010 003 10800 0000 City of Niagara Falls PO Box 1023 Station Main Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise -$ 2020-69 2725 010 004 14900 0000 Rongkun Shi 98 Falling River Dr Richmond Hill, ON L4S 2M8 2020 S. 359; Gross or manifest error (5,019.08)$ 2021-01A 2725 010 005 04300 0000 The Regional Municipality of Niagara 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Wy PO Box 1042 Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 2020 Became exempt 544.48$ 2020-62 2725 010 007 04300 0000 Gale's Gas Bars Limited 4388 Portage Rd Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6A4 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 532.83$ 2020-71 2725 010 010 09900 0000 Pamela Farrell PO Box 252 St Davids, ON L0S 1P0 2020 Ceased to be liable to be taxed at rate it was taxed -$ 2020-71A 2725 010 010 09900 0000 Pamela Farrell PO Box 252 St Davids, ON L0S 1P0 2019 Ceased to be liable to be taxed at rate it was taxed -$ 2021-10A 2725 010 011 13501 0000 Timmothy Lipischuk 4282 Sixth Av Niagara Falls, ON L2E 4S8 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 64.41$ 2021-10B 2725 010 011 13501 0000 Timmothy Lipischuk 4282 Sixth Av Niagara Falls, ON L2E 4S8 2019 Gross or manifest error 22.09$ 2020-66 2725 010 011 18600 0000 Premier Ferti Tech Ltd 1 Avenue Premier Campus Premier Tech Riviere-de-Loup, QC G5R 6C1 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 1,302.90$ 2021-11A 2725 020 001 07300 0000 Quick Solutions Inc 55 Harbour Sq Unit 3312 Toronto, ON M5J 2L1 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 103.05$ 2021-11B 2725 020 001 07300 0000 Quick Solutions Inc 55 Harbour Sq Unit 3312 Toronto, ON M5J 2L1 2019 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 96.27$ 2020-64 2725 020 003 00202 0000 Rainbow CCX International Ltd 4700 Epworth Cl Niagara Falls, ON L2E 1C6 2020 Became exempt -$ 2020-57 2725 030 008 07500 0000 2132795 Ontario Inc 5320 Ferry St Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1R7 2020 Damaged and substantially unuseable -$ 2020-57A 2725 030 008 07500 0000 2132795 Ontario Inc 5320 Ferry St Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1R7 2019 Damaged and substantially unuseable -$ 2020-57B 2725 030 008 07500 0000 2132795 Ontario Inc 5320 Ferry St Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1R7 2018 Damaged and substantially unuseable -$ 2021-12 2725 030 008 09800 0000 2618147 Ontario Inc C/O J. Dibellonia 8444 Lundy's Ln Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H4 2021 Gross or manifest error -$ 2021-12A 2725 030 008 09800 0000 2618147 Ontario Inc C/O J. Dibellonia 8444 Lundy's Ln Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H4 2020 Gross or manifest error -$ 2021-05 2725 040 004 03700 0000 Trustee of the Wellandport United Reformed Church 74082 Wellandport Rd Wellandport, ON L0R 2J0 2020 Ceased to be liable to be taxed at rate it was taxed 358.39$ 2021-06 2725 040 004 03800 0000 Trustee of the Wellandport United Reformed Church 74082 Wellandport Rd Wellandport, ON L0R 2J0 2020 Ceased to be liable to be taxed at rate it was taxed 230.93$ 2020-58 2725 040 004 12500 0000 Trustee of the Wellandport United Reformed Church 74082 Wellandport Rd Wellandport, ON L0R 2J0 2020 Ceased to be liable to be taxed at rate it was taxed 2,926.87$ 2020-63 2725 040 005 06700 0000 Hailey & Catherine Holder 6090 Keith St Niagara Falls, ON L2J 1K2 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 17.74$ 2020-44 2725 040 013 16900 0000 Martin Levy 482 Ontario St Anacaster, ON L9G 3E1 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 9,998.50$ 2020-44A 2725 040 013 16900 0000 Martin Levy 482 Ontario St Anacaster, ON L9G 3E1 2019 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 3,186.14$ 2014-10 2725 050 003 08300 0000 Riocan Holding Inc C/O Riocan Management Inc 315-700 Lawrence Av West Toronto, ON M6A 3B4 2014 Revised 357 from 2014 ANA; start date updated 1,136.56$ 2020-74 2725 060 003 02100 0000 F. Pingue and Sons Constuction Inc. 6440 Montrose Rd Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1L9 2020 Repairs/renovations preventing normal use 3,198.04$ 2020-74A 2725 060 003 02100 0000 F. Pingue and Sons Constuction Inc. 6440 Montrose Rd Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1L9 2019 Repairs/renovations preventing normal use 2,026.43$ 2020-55 2725 060 005 11300 0000 Karen Zimakas 6062 Main St Niagara Falls, ON L2G 5Z9 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 3,495.13$ 2021-02 2725 070 001 03600 0000 2474155 Ontario Inc 14710 Niagara River Py Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0 2020 Repairs/renovations preventing normal use 659.74$ 2021-02A 2725 070 001 03600 0000 2474155 Ontario Inc 14710 Niagara River Py Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0 2019 Repairs/renovations preventing normal use 283.56$ 2020-56 2725 070 005 03900 0000 David Goch 98-60 Hanson Rd Mississauga, ON L5B 2P6 2020 Damaged by fire, demolition or otherwise 31.32$ 2021-09A 2725 070 014 12600 0000 Marv Holdings Inc 56 Marcella Cr Hamilton, ON L8K 6G1 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 796.34$ 2021-09B 2725 070 014 12600 0000 Marv Holdings Inc 56 Marcella Cr Hamilton, ON L8K 6G1 2019 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 771.24$ 2021-09C 2725 070 014 12600 0000 Marv Holdings Inc 56 Marcella Cr Hamilton, ON L8K 6G1 2018 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 384.71$ 2020-70 2725 070 017 12100 0000 Kimsy Pruthi 7690 Black Maple Dr Niagara Falls, ON L2H 0N7 2020 Ceased to be liable to be taxed at rate it was taxed 1,049.83$ 2021-07 2725 080 001 07000 0000 2100422 Ontario Limited 5881 Dunn St Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2N9 2019 Gross or manifest error 25,325.36$ 2021-07A 2725 080 001 07000 0000 2100422 Ontario Limited 5881 Dunn St Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2N9 2018 Gross or manifest error 17,457.43$ 2020-68 2725 080 002 12000 0000 Salvatore Anzovino 6154 Dunn St Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2P1 2020 Ceased to be liable to be taxed at rate it was taxed -$ 2020-59 2725 090 002 09600 0000 Michael & Chantelle Difrancesco 5 Nicholas Dr St Catharines, ON L2S 4C2 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 501.89$ 2020-39 2725 090 006 72800 0000 2189036 Ontario Inc 8100 Lundy's Ln Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H1 2020 Repairs/renovations preventing normal use -$ 2020-39A 2725 090 006 72800 0000 2189036 Ontario Inc 8100 Lundy's Ln Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H1 2019 Repairs/renovations preventing normal use -$ 2021-03A 2725 100 005 01500 0000 Altieri Building Supplies Ltd 4-4564 Montrose Rd Niagara Falls, ON 2020 S. 359; Gross or manifest error (1,195.78)$ 2020-28 2725 110 001 04300 0000 Mountainview Drummond Inc 9-3350 Merritville Hwy Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 3,929.00$ 2020-72 2725 110 001 06500 0000 Ingot Metal Company Limited 111 Fenmar Dr North York, ON M9L 1M3 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 2,883.26$ 2020-38 2725 110 002 11900 0000 2249419 Ontario Inc C/O McCor Management East Inc 785 Wonderland Rd London, ON N6K 1M6 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise -$ 2020-38A 2725 110 002 11900 0000 2249419 Ontario Inc C/O McCor Management East Inc 785 Wonderland Rd London, ON N6K 1M6 2019 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise -$ 2020-54 2725 110 002 12471 0000 Zhuo Ning Wu & Bing Gao 32 Tomlinson Cr Markham, ON L3R 9J9 2019 Gross or manifest error 916.41$ 2020-54A 2725 110 002 12471 0000 Zhuo Ning Wu & Bing Gao 32 Tomlinson Cr Markham, ON L3R 9J9 2018 Gross or manifest error 394.11$ 2020-60 2725 110 002 12512 0000 Hon-Wang Au & Amy Leong 7747 White Pine Cr Niagara Falls, ON L2H 3R4 2018 Gross or manifest error 2,664.21$ 2020-67 2725 120 009 04900 0000 Georgios Partheniou 4529 Lyons Creek Py Niagara Falls, ON L2G 4L3 2020 Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise 1,117.54$ TOTAL 82,191.85$ Approved this Report No.: JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR BILL MATSON, CITY CLERK [*Any individual items not approved must be struck out and initialed.]Page 385 of 539 MW-2021-21 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works – Engineering Services SUBJECT: MW-2021-21 Assumption of Various Subdivisions RECOMMENDATION That City Council formally assume Oldfield Estates Phase 1 - Plan 59M-417, Oldfield Estates Phase 2 - Plan 59M-421, Fernwood Estates Phase 3 - Plan 59M-408, German Village - Plan 59M-411, Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 1 & 2- Plan 59M-416, Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 3- Plan 59M-420, Warren Woods Phase 4 Stage 1- Plan 59M- 422 & Miller Road Estates North – Plan 59M-362. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Final assumption of the subdivisions referenced herein is recommended on the basis that the Subdivider’s the under their obligations have developers respective fulfilled Agreement. Upon final assumption, all remaining securities shall be released to the Subdividers and the City shall assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the municipal infrastructure within the subdivisions. According to the terms in the Subdivider’s Agreement, the City shall issue a ‘Certificate of Assumption’ for the following subdivisions: Subdivision Registration Plan Oldfield Estates Phase 1 59M-417 Oldfield Estates Phase 2 59M-421 Fernwood Estates Phase 3 59M-408 German Village 59M-411 Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 1 & 2 59M-416 Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 3 59M-420 Warren Woods Phase 4 Stage 1 59M-422 Miller Road Estates North 59M-362 Page 386 of 539 2 MW-2021-21 April 20, 2021 BACKGROUND Subdivider Agreements are entered into between the developer of a new subdivision and the City to ensure that the requirements of the City and external agencies are satisfied and that securities are provided where necessary. The Agreements outline the developer’s obligations to ensure that municipal infrastructure is constructed in accordance with the approved engineering drawings and in compliance with applicable standards. Prescribed maintenance periods are defined to ensure that construction deficiencies are identified and remedied prior to the City assumption. Final assumption defines that date when remaining securities are released to the Subdivider and all maintenance and operation responsibilities of the municipal infrastructure within the subdivision is assumed by the City. Following formal assumption and in accordance with the terms within the Subdivider’s Agreement, the a issue shall City Assumption’of ‘Certificate to respective the Subdividers. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE respective their within as described the obligations have developers The fulfilled Subdivider Agreements and as such the following subdivisions are recommended for Final Assumption: MW File # Subdivision Registration Plan 93-284 Oldfield Estates Phase 1 59M-417 93-284 Oldfield Estates Phase 2 59M-421 2009-342 Fernwood Estates Phase 3 59M-408 2013-353 German Village 59M-411 2010-346 Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 1 & 2 59M-416 2010-346 Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 3 59M-420 2014-355 Warren Woods Phase 4 Stage 1 59M-422 2014-355 Miller Road Estates North 59M-362 The municipal infrastructure within these subdivisions has been inspected and deemed to have been constructed in accordance with the approved engineering drawings and in compliance with applicable standards. The required construction maintenance periods have expired. Page 387 of 539 3 MW-2021-21 April 20, 2021 New Municipal Infrastructure (Assets) Through the assumption of the noted subdivisions, the City will assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the municipal infrastructure summarized below. Length of Municipal Asset +/- (m) Subdivision Roads Sidewalks Storm Sewer Sanitary Sewer Watermain Oldfield Estates Phase 1 1552 1842 1632 1508 1607 Oldfield Estates Phase 2 965 1139 1212 916 1003 Fernwood Estates Phase 3 858 793 954 877 886 German Village 219 N/A 265 212 289 Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 1 & 2 2180 2578 2803 2073 2264 Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Warren Woods Phase 4 Stage 1 1081 1165 1026 1044 1109 Miller Road Estates North 1636 N/A N/A N/A N/A Total Length of Asset (m): 8491 7517 7892 6630 7158 FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Following the formal assumption of the subdivisions as described herein, a Certificate of Assumption will be issued to the respective Subdividers and all remaining securities shall be released. Operations staff will be advised of the subdivision assumptions and circulated infrastructure details for maintenance purposes. Page 388 of 539 4 MW-2021-21 April 20, 2021 CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Implementation of these works meets the intent of Council’s Strategic Priorities to establish infrastructure investment priorities and to strengthen and promote economic development within the City. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Location Plan - Oldfield Estates Phase 1 2. Location Plan - Oldfield Estates Phase 2 3. Location Plan - Fernwood Estates Phase 3 4. Location Plan - German Village 5. Location Plan - Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 1 & 2 6. Location Plan - Warren Woods Phase 3 Stage 3 7. Location Plan - Warren Woods Phase 4 Stage 1 8. Location Plan – Miller Road Estates North Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer N. Golia Page 389 of 539 SA M I O R F I D A D R W ILS O N CR L I ON S H EAD AVTRILLIUMCR DO R E S D R MC CA R T N E Y D R ELLS W O RTH P L CLENDENNING STPENDERSTHEXIMER AVS HAWSTWILLEYSTEAGLEWOODDRH A N N I WELLSTDRUMMOND RDO L D F IE LD RD Subdivision Boundary April 2021 K:\GIS_Requests\2021\Custom\MunWks\Assumption\April2021\Subdivision_LocationMap_Apr2021.mxd Oldfield Estates Subdivision Phase OneSUBDIVISIONMAP 1 59M417PLAN ¹NTSPlan of Subdivision To Be AssumedMW-2021-21 Attachment # 1 Page 390 of 539 HEXIMERAVJI LLDR SUSAN CRCHARLOTTE S T M E R RITT A V D O R E S D R MC C A RTN E Y D R ELLS WO R T H PL DRUMMOND RDCLENDENNING STC OU LSON C R BA R B A R A D R FERNAVW ILS ON CR PENDERSTSO O T HE R AN D R S A M IO R F ID A DR S HAWSTWILLEYSTC O L E CT NATHANCRH A N N I WELLSTW E N D Y DR O LD F IE LD RD Subdivision Boundary April 2021 K:\GIS_Requests\2021\Custom\MunWks\Assumption\April2021\Subdivision_LocationMap_Apr2021.mxd Oldfield Estates Subdivision Phase TwoSUBDIVISIONMAP 2 59M421PLAN ¹NTSPlan of Subdivision To Be AssumedMW-2021-21 Attachment # 2 Page 391 of 539 H E N D E R S H O T B VEAG LE R ID G E D R IRON WO O D S T OSPREY AVTA P E S TR Y C T J A K E C R S H O V ELLE R D R M A D I S O N C R FI D D L E H E A D L N Subdivision Boundary April 2021 K:\GIS_Requests\2021\Custom\MunWks\Assumption\April2021\Subdivision_LocationMap_Apr2021.mxd Fernwood Estates Subdivision Phase ThreeSUBDIVISIONMAP 3 59M408PLAN ¹NTSPlan of Subdivision To Be AssumedMW-2021-21 Attachment # 3 Page 392 of 539 S I L V E R S T A R C T MCGARRY DR ST MICHAEL AVGARNER RDB L A C K F O R E S T C R J O S E P H C T Subdivision Boundary April 2021 K:\GIS_Requests\2021\Custom\MunWks\Assumption\April2021\Subdivision_LocationMap_Apr2021.mxd German Village EstatesSUBDIVISIONMAP 4 59M411PLAN ¹NTSPlan of Subdivision To Be AssumedMW-2021-21 Attachment # 4 Page 393 of 539 KALAR RDB R O W N R D TULIPTREEDRCOTTONWOOD DRNI G H TS H A DE S T D O GW OO D CR PR IMR OSE L N SA S S A F R A S TL BL U E A SH LN BU C K E Y E C R HOPTREE RDO DELLCRBUTTERNUTBVSYCAMORE DRSWEET BIRCH RDJUNEBERRY DRW A RRE N W O O DS AV GOLDENRODTLMU L B E R R Y D R SW E E T C HE S T N UT D R BLACK MAPLE DRSubdivision Boundary April 2021 K:\GIS_Requests\2021\Custom\MunWks\Assumption\April2021\Subdivision_LocationMap_Apr2021.mxd Warren Woods Phase Three Stages One and TwoSUBDIVISIONMAP 5 59M416PLAN ¹NTSPlan of Subdivision To Be AssumedMW-2021-21 Attachment # 5 Page 394 of 539 HOPTREERDBUTTERNUTBVJUNEBERRY DRSWEET BIRCH RDS U M A C CT TULIP TREE DRCOTTONWOOD DRN I GH T S H A D E S T D OG W O O D C R PR IM R O S E L N SA S S A F R A S TL WA RR EN W O O D S AV MU L B E RRY D R SW E E T C HE S T N U T D RSYCAMORE DRGOLDENRODTLBLACK MAPLE DR Subdivision Boundary April 2021 K:\GIS_Requests\2021\Custom\MunWks\Assumption\April2021\Subdivision_LocationMap_Apr2021.mxd Warren Woods Phase Three Stage ThreeSUBDIVISIONMAP 6 59M420PLAN ¹NTSPlan of Subdivision To Be AssumedMW-2021-21 Attachment # 6 Page 395 of 539 B R O W N RD HA CK B E R RY TL M U LB E R R Y D R KALAR RDSHADBUSH LNBU CK E Y E C R HEARTLAND FOREST RDB L UE A SH L N Subdivision Boundary April 2021 K:\GIS_Requests\2021\Custom\MunWks\Assumption\April2021\Subdivision_LocationMap_Apr2021.mxd Warren Woods Phase Four Stage OneSUBDIVISIONMAP 7 59M422PLAN ¹NTSPlan of Subdivision To Be AssumedMW-2021-21 Attachment # 7 Page 396 of 539 BAX TER AV MI LL E R RD BAILEYAVWEAVE R R D AV E RY BV Subdivision Boundary April 2021 K:\GIS_Requests\2021\Custom\MunWks\Assumption\April2021\Subdivision_LocationMap_Apr2021.mxd Miller Road Estates SubdivisionSUBDIVISIONMAP 8 59M362PLAN ¹NTSPlan of Subdivision To Be AssumedMW-2021-21 Attachment # 8 Page 397 of 539 MW-2021-22 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works – Engineering Services SUBJECT: MW-2021-22 Tender Award Contract No. 2021-08: 2021 Surface Treatment RECOMMENDATION 1. That Contract 2021-08 for 2021 Surface Treatment be awarded to the lowest bidder Norjohn Contracting and Paving Limited, in the amount of $487,888.00 plus applicable taxes; and further, 2. That Council approve a budgetary increase of $26,474.83 to the existing $470,000.00 amount approved in the 2021 Capital Budget, resulting in a total project budget of $496,474.83; and further, 3. That Council approve of the use of the Federal Gas Tax Reserve Fund in order to accommodate the requested budgetary increase; and further, 4. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary contract documents. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The surface treatment contract consists of paved roads located in the rural area that require rehabilitation due to the deterioration of the roadway surface. The approved budget for Surface Treatment in the 2021 Capital Budget is $470,000.00 in Federal Gas Tax funding. Construction is proposed to begin no later than August 2021 and is expected to take forty (40) working days. BACKGROUND The intent of the surface treatment program is to provide regular maintenance to roads that do not meet the classification criteria for asphalt paving. These roads are typically located in the rural area of the City and consist of previously surface treated areas that are now deteriorating as well as existing unpaved (gravel) roads. The surface treatment Page 398 of 539 2 MW-2021-22 April 20, 2021 of gravel roads also helps to reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need for regular maintenance grading, including activities re-of placement the and dust shaping suppressant. On roads where an existing surface treatment layer exists, the work generally consists of the placement and compaction of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) followed by the application of a single layer of surface treatment, roads included in the 2021 program are as follows: 65mm RAP & Single Surface Treatment Street From To Morris Road Lincoln Street Netherby Road Rexinger Road Ort Road West Limit Bossert Road Beck Road King Road ANALYSIS/RATIONALE The project tender documents were picked-up by two (2) construction firms. Two (2) bids were submitted. The Tender Opening Committee, in the presence of the Procurement Agent, Jess Curno and the Construction Services Supervisor, Joe D’Agostino, opened tenders on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021. The following is a summary of the totalled tender prices (excluding HST) from the contractor submissions: Contractor City Tender Price Corrected Bid Norjohn Contracting and Paving Limited Niagara Falls $ 487,888.00 N/A Circle P Paving Inc. Stevensville $ 508,265.00 N/A The lowest tender price was received from Norjohn Contracting and Paving Limited in the amount of $487,888.00 before tax. The total cost to the City of Niagara Falls for this project would include an additional 1.76% HST cost of $8,586.83, therefore bring the total cost of this tender price to $496,474.83, which is over the original approved budget by $26,474.83. Norjohn Contracting and Paving Limited has successfully completed many projects of this scale for the City of Niagara Falls and other municipalities; they are capable of undertaking and completing this project. Page 399 of 539 3 MW-2021-22 April 20, 2021 Construction is proposed to start no later than August 2021 and take an estimated forty (40) working days to complete. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS Funding for the Surface Treatment Contract was approved in the 2021 Capital Budget in the amount of $470,000 in Federal Gas Tax funds. The additional $26,474.83 budgetary allocation is recommended to be transferred from the Federal Gas Tax Reserve Fund as required. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Implementation of this Capital Works project meets the intent of Council’s Strategic Priority to establish infrastructure sustainability within the City. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS N/A Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Joe D’Agostino, C.E.T. Page 400 of 539 MW-2021-23 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works - Transportation Services SUBJECT: MW-2021-23 Garner Road – Speed Limit Review RECOMMENDATION That the speed limit on Garner Road between Mountain Road and a point 1,450 metres north of Thorold Stone Road be reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The lower speed limit is warranted due to existing physical road conditions and traffic characteristics. BACKGROUND City Staff received a request to investigate reducing the speed limit on Garner Road between Thorold Stone Road and Mountain Road. Garner Road between Thorold Stone Road and Mountain Road is an arterial roadway that extends in a north-south direction. The road contains minor variations in vertical and horizontal geometry. This section of Garner Road carries approximately 1,300 vehicles daily. Between Thorold Stone Road and a point 1,450 metres north of Thorold Stone Road, the speed limit is 60 km/h. The road has a pavement width varying between 6.1 metres and 6.4 metres, and consists of a rural cross-section with one lane in each direction and a narrow shoulder and ditch on each side. A sidewalk for pedestrian-use is not available. There are approximately 30 residences in this section. The remaining 840 metre stretch of road on approach to Mountain Road is 80 km/h. The road has a pavement width varying between 6.1 metres and 6.4 metres, and consists of a rural cross-section with one lane in each direction and a narrow shoulder and ditch on Page 401 of 539 2 MW-2021-23 April 20, 2021 each side. A sidewalk for pedestrian-use is not available. The surrounding land-use consists of forested lands, agricultural lands, and one (1) residential dwelling. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE A speed study carried out on Garner Road identified that the operating speed within the 80 km/h zone was 93 km/h for the northbound direction and 86 km/h for the southbound direction. Similar operating speeds were also observed further south of the study area, within the residential section on Garner Road where the posted speed limit transitions to 60 km/h. City Staff has received concerns from residents regarding speeding along the residential section of Garner Road, and suspects that the high operating speeds along this section is influenced by the inconsistent posted speed limit between Mountain Road and Thorold Stone Road. Speed limits are set according to the road geometry and the prevailing operating speed. Staff collected information on the physical attributes of the road under review, including but not limited to the lane widths, roadside hazards, horizontal and vertical road alignments, number of accesses and intersections, and pedestrian and cycling activity. An analysis of the information was conducted based on various criteria and guidelines outlined by the Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC) Speed Limit Warrant and Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads, to determine an appropriate posted speed limit. The TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads identifies the minimal lane width on a rural arterial roadway as 3.5 metres. Currently the existing travel lane widths on Garner Road vary between 3.0 metres and 3.2 metres, which is less than what warrant guidelines require. Therefore, the posted speed limit on Garner Road, within the study area, is justified to be reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. The reduction of the posted speed limit within the study area will also provide motorists a consistent posted speed limit along the entire stretch of Garner Road between Mountain Road and Thorold Stone Road, which in return is anticipated to decrease the current high operating speeds observed along the residential section south of the study area. This also keeps the speed limit consistent with the section north of Mountain Road, which is 60 km/h. A collision analysis revealed that overall a collision problem does not exist on Garner Road, although a few collisions did occur involving motorists losing control and entering the ditch beside the roadway during poor weather conditions. City of Niagara Falls Staff recommends lowering the speed limit on Garner Road between Mountain Road and a point 1,450 metres north of Thorold Stone Road from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. Page 402 of 539 3 MW-2021-23 April 20, 2021 FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the signs is to be carried out by Municipal Works - Transportation Services staff. The labour and material costs are accounted for in the approved 2021 General Purposes Budget. It is estimated that the cost to replace the speed limit signs is approximately $500. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Encourage multi-modal travel and active transportation initiatives, and enhance motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety. LIST OF ATTACHMENT Study Area drawing Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer M. Bilodeau Page 403 of 539 MW-2021-23 Garner Road Speed Limit Review Boundary for Sections of Roadway with Different Speed Limits Boundary for Section of Roadway with Proposed Adjustment to Speed Limit 70 KM/H 60 KM/H 60 KM/H Page 404 of 539 MW-2021-24 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works - Transportation Services SUBJECT: MW-2021-24 Fingland Street & Forestview Boulevard Speed Control Follow-up Review RECOMMENDATION That the following report be received for the information of Council. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Speed control reviews were carried out on Forestview Boulevard between St. Michael Avenue and Parkside Road, and on Fingland Street between Drummond Road and Morrison Street, between August 2017 and July 2019 in response to resident concerns regarding motorist speeds. The technical warrants were met for each road and a majority of homeowners were in favour of implementing speed control on their street. Speed control devices were constructed on each road in July 2020. Staff carried out a follow up review in October 2020 to determine the effectiveness of speed control devices, and to acquire feedback from local residents regarding the performance of these devices within their neighbourhood. Despite some negative feedback from residents, traffic data revealed that the speed control devices have successfully reduced operating speeds on both roadways. BACKGROUND Fingland Street is classified as a local road, while Forestview Boulevard is classified as a collector road. Both roadways are two-lane, two-way residential streets with a legal speed limit of 50 km/h. Study area drawings for each location is provided in Attachment #1. Speed studies carried out at the onset of the study identified that each road met the technical warrants for speed control devices. The majority of the affected neighbourhood identified their support for speed mitigation measures. Transportation Services Staff recommended, and City Council approved the implementation of the following speed control devices: Page 405 of 539 2 MW-2021-24 April 20, 2021  Fingland Street: four (4) speed cushions between Drummond Road and Morrison Street; and,  Forestview Boulevard: two (2) speed cushions and one (1) raised crosswalk between St. Michael Avenue and Parkside Road. Additional information regarding speed cushions and speed humps, including a description of these devices, advantages/disadvantages and local example of each is available in Attachment #2. The devices on each road were constructed in July 2020. It is noted that following inspections after the initial construction of the devices, it was determined that the devices on Fingland Street required adjustments, therefore, Staff arranged for the devices to be corrected by the contractor. Staff conducted a subsequent inspection and determined that all speed control devices on Fingland Street met the standard specifications to acceptable tolerances. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Speed data was collected prior to, and after the devices were constructed. Data was collected generally midway between devices post construction. The following table represents data gathered during initial studies carried out to identify whether a speeding problem exists, and follow up data representing the effectiveness of speed control devices implemented on each roadway thereafter: Forestview Boulevard between/at: Before After Difference St. Michael Ave. & Dilalla Cres. N/A 41.8 km/h - Dilalla Cres. & Kelsey Cres. 55.0 km/h 47.1 km/h -6.9 km/h 8607 Forestview Blvd. 55.0 km/h 45.8 km/h -8.2 km/h 8572 Forestview Blvd. N/A 38.6 km/h - Fingland Street between: Before After Difference 6142 Fingland St. 54.4 km/h 47.5 km/h -6.9 km/h 6102 Fingland St. N/A 46.2 km/h - 6050 - 6070 Fingland St. 57.2 km/h 49.7 km/h -7.5 km/h 6010 Fingland St. N/A 40.3 km/h - The speed studies revealed that operating speeds have been reduced following the implementation of speed control devices. The operating speed on both roadways are now consistently below the speed limit. The intention of speed cushions is not to stop drivers, but to keep the speed of the majority of drivers below the speed limit throughout the speed control zone. Page 406 of 539 3 MW-2021-24 April 20, 2021 In addition to the speed data collection and comparison, Staff hand-delivered follow-up questionnaires to the residents to solicit their input subsequent to the installation of the speed control plan on their streets. Follow-up Questionnaire Fingland Street Forestview Boulevard Number of questionnaires delivered 22 27 Number of responses to the questionnaires 6 6 Response Rate 27% 22% No changes be made at this time 0 1 Construct additional speed devices 6 5 Remove the speed devices 0 0 Police enforcement 1 4 Other 0 0 Residents solicited for their opinion regarding the effectiveness of speed control devices provided feedback that yielded a response rate of 27% on Fingland Street and 22% on Forestview Boulevard. The majority of respondents indicated a preference for speed humps, which stretch across the entire width of the roadway. The constructed speed cushions have opening gaps that allow vehicles with wider wheelbases such as fire trucks and ambulances to pass through uninterrupted. Emergency services prefer speed cushions, as they do not impact their response times. The speed cushions provide a balance in speed mitigation with little impact on emergency response. Based on traffic data collected to date, the speed control devices have successfully reduced operating speeds on both roadways. Despite some negative feedback from residents, it is recommended that the existing speed control devices remain as they reduced the operating speed below the speed limits. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS There are no financial, staffing or legal implications with maintaining the speed control plans. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Encourage multi-modal travel and active transportation initiatives, and enhance motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety. Page 407 of 539 4 MW-2021-24 April 20, 2021 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Attachment #1 - Fingland Street & Forestview Boulevard Study Area Drawings Attachment #2 – Speed Hump and Speed Cushion Information Sheet Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer M. Bilodeau Page 408 of 539 Before: N/A After: 39 km/h Before: 55 km/h After: 46 km/h Before: N/A After: 42 km/h Before: 55 km/h After: 47 km/h MW-2021-24 Forestview Boulevard Speed Control Follow-up Speed Cushion +Raised Pedestrian Crossover Note: Operating speeds presented in the figure above are bi-directional and rounded to the nearest whole number.Page 409 of 539 Before: N/A After: 40 km/h Before: 57 km/h After: 50 km/h Before: 54 km/h After: 48 km/h Before: N/A After: 46 km/h Fingland St MW-2021-24 Fingland Street Speed Control Follow-up Speed Cushion Note: Operating speeds presented in the figure above are bi-directional and rounded to the nearest whole number.Page 410 of 539 SPEED HUMPS Speed humps are asphalt mounds constructed on residential streets for the purposes of reducing vehicular speeds. Speed humps are generally round or flat-topped encouraging motorists to drive over them at speeds of 30-40 km/h. Each speed hump costs approximately $3,500 Advantages: Reduces speed of motorists to less than 40 km/h Have the advantage of being self-enforcing May reduce number & severity of collisions Safer conditions for cyclists and pedestrians A parking restriction is not required at the speed hump location Discourages cut-through traffic Disadvantages: Increases noise with drivers decelerating & accelerating, and with school buses passing over the humps Increases emergency vehicle response time Local Example: •Preakness Street Page 411 of 539 SPEED CUSHIONS Speed cushions are a modified speed hump that has openings to allow vehicles with wider wheelbases, such as a fire truck or a n ambulance, unencumbered passage. A driver of a passenger vehicle will have one side of their vehicle pass over the hump . Speed cushions are generally round or flat-topped encouraging motorists to drive over them at speeds of 30 -40 km/h. Each speed cushion costs approximately $5,000 Advantages: Reduces speed of motorists to less than 40 km/h Have the advantage of being self-enforcing May reduce number & severity of collisions Safer conditions for cyclists and pedestrians A parking restriction is not required at the speed cushion location Discourages cut-through traffic Does not slow down emergency vehicles (due to wider wheelbases) as drivers can pass through the gaps Disadvantages: Increases noise with drivers decelerating & accelerating over the humps Local Example: •Angie Drive (off of Kalar Road south of Freshco) Photo of a portable speed cushion for clarity Page 412 of 539 Speed Bump Speed Hump or Cushion Height 8 centimetres 8 centimetres Length 30-40 centimetres 4 metres Causes…Abrupt vertical motion Gentle rocking motion Encourages speeds of…10 km/h or less 30-40 km/h Legal on Public Roads?No Yes What is the difference between a speed bump and a speed hump or cushion? SPEED HUMP/CUSHION SPECIFICATIONS Page 413 of 539 MW-2021-25 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works - Transportation Services SUBJECT: MW-2021-25 Rapids View Drive Parking Control Review RECOMMENDATIONS: That a No Parking At All Times Except by Permit, Tow Away Zone restriction be established on both sides of Rapids View Drive between Bukator Drive and the southern terminus of Rapids View Drive. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A No Parking At All Times Except by Permit restriction is warranted on both sides of Rapids View Drive between Bukator Drive and the roadways southern terminus. The restriction will prohibit any motorists who do not reside on Rapids View Drive from parking their vehicles on the roadway. Only local residents and their guests will be permitted to utilize on-street parking during the daytime period. BACKGROUND Rapids View Drive is a local roadway. It is currently under construction. There are currently no parking restrictions along Rapids View Drive, permitting motorists to park on both sides. The surrounding land uses consist of a residential subdivision, with several commercial establishments located to the south, and the Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant located to the east and accessible to vehicles via Macklem Street and Mechanic Street only. Kingsbridge Park, which requires payment to utilize the parking facility, is present north of Rapids View Drive, accessible via Niagara River Parkway. There are currently no sidewalks or curbs along Rapids View Drive. Bukator Drive, which provides the primary access to Rapids View Drive is currently restricted to parking on both sides. Page 414 of 539 2 MW-2021-25 April 20, 2021 ANALYSIS/RATIONALE An area resident has requested the City Staff to conduct a parking review on Rapids View Drive. It was indicated that visitors who do not reside on Rapids View Drive regularly use the roadway for parking. Questionnaires were distributed to all the residents on Rapids View Drive between Bukator Drive and the southern terminus of Rapids View Drive. Of the twenty-one (21) petitioned residents, fourteen (14) responses were received, which represents a 66% response rate. Of these, ten (10) responses were returned favouring No Parking At All Times Except by Permit restrictions. Based on the questionnaire responses, on-street parking revisions are warranted. A No Parking At All Times Except by Permit Tow Away Zone restriction on both sides will ensure on-street parking remains available for residents and their guests and prohibits parking to other visitors and tourists. The Tow Away Zone will be added to discourage non-compliance of the restriction. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the signs is to be carried out by Municipal Works - Transportation Services staff at the end of the road reconstruction. The labour and material costs are accounted for in the approved 2021 General Purposes Budget. Installing the No Parking Except by Permit Tow Away Zone signs is estimated to cost approximately $2,200. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Encourage multi-modal travel and active transportation initiatives, and enhance motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study area drawing Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer M. Bilodeau Page 415 of 539 MW-2021-25 Rapids View Drive Parking Control Review No parking At All Times Except By Permit Tow Away Zone Kingsbridge Park Existing No Parking Tow Away Zone Existing No Stopping Tow Away Zone Page 416 of 539 MW-2021-27 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works - Transportation Services SUBJECT: MW-2021-27 Sixth Avenue between Morrison Street & Willmott Street Parking Review RECOMMENDATION That a “No Parking” restriction be established on the east side of Sixth Avenue between Morrison Street to Willmott Street. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A parking review was carried out on Sixth Avenue between Morrison Street and Willmott Street following concerns regarding on-street parking on both sides of the roadway hindering access for larger vehicles, including emergency response vehicles. BACKGROUND A request was received from an area resident to review the parking situation on Sixth Avenue between Morrison Street and Willmott Street. Sixth Avenue between Morrison Street and Willmott Street is a local road with a 7.3 metre pavement width. The surrounding subdivision is predominantly residential. The Niagara Falls Badminton and Tennis Club is located behind the homes flanking the west side of Sixth Avenue, and can be accessed via the west end of Willmott Street. Currently, other than short corner parking restrictions at Morrison Street and Willmott Street, parking is permitted on this section of Sixth Avenue. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Staff carried out observations at the onset of the study and noted that there were up to six (6) vehicles parked in this road segment. Generally most vehicles were noted parked on the west side of the street. City Staff solicited the residents of Sixth Avenue between Morrison Street and Willmott Street for their opinions pertaining to on-street parking controls. A total of twenty-two (22) properties were petitioned. Of these, all seven (7) residents who responded, all of which favoured some form of a parking prohibition. Page 417 of 539 2 MW-2021-27 April 20, 2021 Current local roads are constructed to be 8.0 metres wide and permit parking on both sides of the road. Given the existing 7.3 metre pavement width, a parking prohibition on one side is justified to enable emergency service responders unimpeded access throughout the road in case two vehicles are parked on the road opposite of one another. Since there is more on-street parking space on the west side of the road, and the fire hydrants and utility poles are located on the east side, Staff is recommending that a “No Parking” restriction be established at all times on the east side of Sixth Avenue between Morrison Street and Willmott Street. Staff sent out letters to each household identifying the recommended parking restriction, and no comments were received. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS The installation of the signs will be carried out by Municipal Works - Transportation Services staff. The labour and material cost has been accounted for in the 2021 General Purposes Budget. The estimated cost to install the signs is approximately $500. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Encourage multi-modal travel and active transportation initiatives, and enhance motorist, cyclist and pedestrian safety. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Study Area drawing Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer M. Bilodeau Page 418 of 539 MW-2021-27 Sixth Avenue Parking Control Review Proposed No Parking Restriction Willmott Street Morrison Street Existing No Parking Restriction Niagara Falls Badminton And Tennis Club Page 419 of 539 MW-2021-28 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Municipal Works SUBJECT: MW-2021-28 4500 Park Street – Building Decommissioning and Soil Remediation Tender Award - Contract No. 2021-534-20 RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That the contract be awarded to the lowest bidder Baiocco Construction Corp. at the corrected bid price of $733,800.87 plus applicable HST. 2. That the contract administration, inspection and environmental oversight during construction be direct appointed to Dragun Corporation in the amount of $191,600 plus applicable HST. 3. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary contract documents. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In May of 2019, Council authorized staff to work with the Regional Municipality of Niagara (Region) on the issuance of a joint RFP to facilitate the construction of an affordable housing project in the City of Niagara Falls at 4500 Park Street (former Niagara Falls Farmer’s Market). The City’s contribution to the project will be providing the Region with a clean parcel of land for the construction of affordable housing units. Staff have worked with Dragun Corporation on environmental investigations and the preparation of tender documents for the decommissioning of the existing market building and remediation of contaminated soils in support of filing a Record of Site Condition (RSC). The lowest tender was submitted by Baiocco Construction in the amount of $733,800.87 plus applicable HST. This contractor has performed similar type projects for the City. We are of the opinion that this contractor is capable of successfully undertaking this project. It is recommended that Council award the tender to Baiocco Construction in the amount of $733,800.87 plus applicable HST. There is sufficient funding available in the Capital Budget to fund this capital project. Page 420 of 539 2 MW-2021-28 April 20, 2021 BACKGROUND One of Council’s key priorities is the provision of a strong and diverse housing market that includes affordable and accessible housing opportunities for all City of Niagara Falls residents. In May of 2019, in an effort to “jump start” the City’s objective of providing a diverse and affordable housing market, Council authorized Staff to enter into a partnership with the Region and Niagara Housing to work on a project that would provide 200 – 300 affordable housing units. The selected location is 4500 Park Street which is currently a City-owned parking lot and site of the former Niagara Falls Farmer’s Market. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Dragun Corporation (Dragun) completed several Phase Two Environmental Site Assessments (Phase 2 ESA’s). The results confirmed the presence of various petroleum impacts and metals contamination in the soils, as well as evidence of past and possibly present underground storage tanks (UST’s). Since the property was previously used for commercial purposes, a RSC is required to permit the proposed residential land use. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE Detailed investigations were completed by Dragun in support of preparing Phase One and Phase Two ESA’s for the subject site. Some of the key findings of the investigations are: - An underground storage tank containing gasoline was once present - An oil-storage shed was once present - A tractor-truck shed for vehicle maintenance and repairs was once present - A machine shop was present which may have used solvents for parts washing or stored engine fluids including waste oils - The original building used coal as a fuel for the boiler and it’s likely that coal particulate is present within the fill materials - Petroleum and metals impacts are present near the southwest corner - Metals contamination is present around the former market building - Soils across the property have an elevated sodium absorption ratio - No exceedances of the applicable site condition standards were detected in the groundwater samples Given the property setting, including the current and future land use on-site and in the vicinity, the applicable regulatory standard for the Subject Property is Full Depth, Generic Site Condition Standards in a Non-Potable Groundwater Condition (Table 3) for Page 421 of 539 3 MW-2021-28 April 20, 2021 Residential/Parkland/ Institutional Property Use (medium/fine-textured soils) as specified in Ontario Regulation (O.Reg.) 153/04 (as amended by O.Reg.511/09 [referred to as the “Standard”]). In order to meet the requirements of the regulatory standard, all impacted materials will need to be removed from the site, properly disposed at a licensed landfill, and replaced with clean fill. City Staff have worked closely with Dragun to prepare a site remediation plan which also includes decommissioning and hazardous materials abatement for the existing structure. The scope of the project as tendered has been designed to provide a clean site that will be ready to be transferred to the appropriate authority for redevelopment, following the filing of the RSC. This includes remediation of soils and backfilling with compacted granular materials, removal of the building and all related hazardous materials, removal of streetlights, curbs, sidewalks, asphalt and other surface features, and installation of temporary surface drainage systems to prevent flooding. The tender also includes special requirements for the handling, management, transportation and disposal of the contaminated materials at a licensed facility. It is anticipated that the scope of work under this contract could be completed by the end of August, 2021. The RSC process will commence following the completion of the work and certification by Dragun that the site meets the applicable regulatory standard. The RSC process is expected to take up to six (6) months. Due to the social distancing restrictions in place as a result of COVID-19, this tender was managed electronically, and without a public opening. Tenders were received and opened by the City’s Procurement Agent, Jess Curno, on Tuesday April 6th, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. for the above noted contract. Listed below is a summary of the tender prices, excluding HST, received from the bidders. Contractor City Tender Price Corrected Bid Baiocco Construction Hamilton, ON $826,653.87 $733,800.87 KGS Environmental Scotland, ON $803,122.50 $803,123.90 Salandria LTD Richmond Hill, ON $834,033.39 $ - Cannington Group Stouffville, ON $854,173.28 $867,626.51 Budget Environmental Hamilton, ON $868,900.00 $ - CLC Infrastructure North York, ON $885,023.00 $884,997.35 QM Environmental Mississauga, ON $929,457.00 $ - Page 422 of 539 4 MW-2021-28 April 20, 2021 Ground Force Environmental Kitchener, ON $936,668.80 $936,644.50 O’Hara Trucking & Excavating St. Catharines, ON $951,250.00 $ - Sanexen Environmental Brossard, QC $985,984.00 $ - Schouten Excavating Watford, ON $978,592.00 $ - Tri-Phase Group Mississauga, ON $1,148,410.00 $ - Centennial Construction Niagara-on-the- Lake, ON $1,188,888.00 $ - After completing a detailed analysis of all the bids, it was determined that the lowest tender price was submitted by Baiocco Construction in the amount of $733,800.87 plus applicable HST. This contractor has performed similar type projects for the City. We are of the opinion that this contractor is capable of successfully undertaking this project. Environmental projects carry with them an inherent risk and are required to be closely monitored and controlled. Dragun Corporation has submitted a work plan and cost estimate oversight, including construction during to consulting provide services environmental sampling and management in the amount of $191,600 plus HST. Since Dragun has been involved with this project since its inception and has a vast knowledge and understanding of the site, it is recommended to direct appoint this work to them in order to continue their involvement during this crucial phase. Impacts to Municipal Parking The proposed affordable housing location formerly operated as a municipal parking lot (lot 10) that offered a total of 118 parking spaces for both permit holders and hourly paid users. In light of the reduction in parking spaces resulting from the re-use of these lands for residential purposes, Staff have prepared an illustration (Attachment #4) that depicts the available parking downtown. In Staff’s opinion, even with the loss of lot 10, there remains sufficient parking supply within a 400 metre radius (5 minute walking time) to serve the short-term needs of existing downtown businesses. Furthermore, within approximately five years, the City will be proceeding to implement a new parking facility located on the southwest corner of Erie and Bridge Streets in conjunction with the redeveloped GO train hub that will add approximately 250 additional parking spaces. Lastly, given that the timeline to proceed with construction of the residential development at 4500 Park Street is not yet firmly known, but expected likely in Spring of 2022, Staff recommend to proceed to re-open the site for parking purposes in the time period Page 423 of 539 5 MW-2021-28 April 20, 2021 between the completion of remediation and the start of residential construction, and to offer two-hour free parking. However, given that the site will remain gravel once remediation is complete, the parking lot will close for winter. FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS An amount of $500,000 was approved for this project in the 2020 Capital Budget and an additional $800,000 was approved in the 2021 Capital Budget for a total of $1,300,000. In 2019, funding was approved in the amount of $70,000 for the demolition of the existing market building at the site. Therefore, there is a combined total of $1,370,000 available for this capital project. Total project costs including geotechnical materials testing, lab testing, liquids disposal, environmental oversight, utility disconnections and capital construction is expected to be approximately: $1,068,009.93 Summary of Expected Costs: - Capital Construction: $ 733,800.87 - Consulting Services: $ 191,600.00 - Materials Testing: $ 40,000.00 - Liquids Disposal: $ 15,000.00 - Utility Disconnections: $ 20,000.00 - City-Share HST: $ 17,609.06 - Contingency: $ 50,000.00 Total $1,068,009.93 There is sufficient funding available to carry-out this capital project. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT Implementation of this project meets the intent of Council’s Strategic Priorities by providing strong and resilient infrastructure in a healthy and safe livable community through accountable government practices. ATTACHMENTS: 1. 4500 Park Street – Location Plan 2. Council Report – CAO-2019-07 3. G40-20 & BP35 Capital Budget Tracking Sheets 4. Downtown Area – Available Parking Supply Page 424 of 539 6 MW-2021-28 April 20, 2021 Recommended by: Erik Nickel, Director of Municipal Works Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer E. Lallouet Page 425 of 539 Location Map Print Date:© City of Niagara Falls 4/12/2021 This data is provided "as is" and the City of Niagara Falls (the City) makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the data. The maps and drawings contained herein are intended for general layout purposes only and shall not be considered as official plans or drawings. For further information, please contact the City. The City shall not be held liable for special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages arising from the use of this data. Users assume all risks in using this data. No part of these digital images, or information, or hardcopies made from them may be reproduced and/or distributed without this disclaimer. Page 426 of 539 CAO-2019-07 May 14, 2019 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Chief Administrative Officer SUBJECT: CAO-2019-07 Affordable Housing Development Partnership RECOMMENDATION 1. That staff be authorized to partner with the Regional Municipality of Niagara to solicit competitive bids from not-for-profit partners for the construction of an affordable housing development at 4500 Park Street. 2. That staff authorized to complete the record of site condition on the subject property. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this report is to seek the approval of Council to allow for the issuance of a joint RFP with the Regional Municipality of Niagara to facilitate the construction of an affordable housing project in the City of Niagara Falls at 4500 Park Street. Council authorized staff to proceed with discussions and preparation of an RFP related to the construction of an affordable housing project at the Park Street location . Since that time staff have been meeting with the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Niagara Housing and CMHC to put together the details of the RFP. The Region of Niagara will be presenting a similar report to the Regional Council in May, 2019. BACKGROUND One of the key priorities that have been identified for this term of Council is the provision of a strong and diverse housing market that includes affordable and accessible housing opportunities for all of our residents. This will include there preparation of a comprehensive housing strategy that will establish an integrated and strategic approach to enhance Niagara Falls’ capacity to ensure all residents have a safe and secure home. As part of this strategy, it’s important that the City work with the private sector, not -for-profit sector and senior levels of government to facilitate the delivery of new affordable housing units on both City owned and third party land. Page 427 of 539 2 CAO-2019-07 May 14, 2019 In order to “jump start” the ability of the City to meet its objective of providing a diverse/affordable housing market, staff is recommending that the City enter into a partnership with the Region of Niagara and Niagara Housing to put forth an RFP to solicit competitive bids from the not-for-profit sector to provide 200-300 affordable housing units in the City. The following are the highlights of the project:  Location of the project is 4500 Park Street (currently a City owned parking lot and former market).  The lands are located within the Downtown Node and Transit Station Secondary Plan area within the Niagara Falls Official Plan. Schedule A-2(a) identifies the maximum height of development as 10 stories. Policies would allow buildings to be designed marginally taller through a site specific zoning application without amendment to the Official Plan where supporting documents are provided which demonstrate there will be no negative impacts on adjacent properties or the public realm. The lands are within the Mixed Use 1 designation of the Transit Station Plan which allows a minimum net density of 50 units per hectare. New development would be subject to the urban design policies of the Plan.  The lands are currently zoned Central Business (CB) Commercial by Zoning By-law 79-200. The CB zone allows a maximum building height of 12.0 metres. Accordingly, a site specific zone would be needed to implement the Official Plan/Secondary Plan policies and to reflect the nature of the affordable housing project designed for the site. Council would consider a site specific zoning application which would address the various regulations such as setbacks, lot coverage, parking ratios and landscaping. In essence, custom designed zoning provisions would be prepared to reflect the successful project. Such an application would follow the Planning Act requirements, thus the timeframe for any proposal should allow between 16 to 24 weeks for processing.  The City of Niagara Falls will donate the property for the project in order to assist in the affordability of the project. Safeguards will be built into the agreement to ensure the units remain as affordable units for an extended period (40 plus years).  The City and Region would enter into agreements whereby the property would be designated as a “Municipal Capital Facility” in accordance with Section 110 of the Municipal Act which allows for the exemption from all or part of the taxes and for development charges, provided the property/units remain affordable units.  Development Charges, Building Permit Fees, Planning Fees and studies would be waived by both the City and the Region. Page 428 of 539 3 CAO-2019-07 May 14, 2019  Planning staff have estimated that the site could accommodate a 10 storey building with between 200-300 affordable units. Official Plan designation is currently in place, site specific zoning will be required.  The apartment units will be geared to market demand. Currently there is a very low vacancy rate for bachelor and one bedroom units.  The City has already undertaken Phase 1 and 2 environmental assessments and will proceed to finalize a record of site condition for the site which will allow for the construction of residential units on the site. Monies have been allocated in the 2019 Capital Budget of demolition of the current structures on site (former market).  The structure of the agreement between the City and the Region may also deem it eligible for CMHC incentives, including low interest loans and financing which are currently available for affordance housing projects.  This project will not be owned or operated by the City or Region, but alternatively will be owned and managed by the not-for-profit/private sector group who is the successful applicant through the RFP process. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Staff are seeking approval to proceed with the issuance of a competitive, negotiated RFP process in partnership with the Region of Niagara. The City will be responsible for the following items which will have financial implications: ● Designation of the project as a municipal capital facility, therefore foregoing local regional taxes on the site provided the property remains an affordable rental building. ● Donation of the property to the project (estimated property value: $300,000 - $400,000) ● Completion of site works, including environmental assessments, demolitions, record or site conditions (estimate: $150,000) ● Waving of permit fees, planning fees (estimate: $100,000) ● Development Charges in a C.I.P. area, such as the Park Street site, are already exempt from development charges. Page 429 of 539 4 CAO-2019-07 May 14, 2019 CITY’S STRAGTEGIC COMMITMENT The City is committed to addressing the need for quality and affordable housing as a necessary component of a city that people want to live and invest in. This project helps deliver affordable housing units to the housing market in Niagara Falls. Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer Page 430 of 539 Acct #: 12-3-100040-030000 Project Manager: Eric Lallouet Recorded Year Source Assets Budget Actual Budget Actual 2020 Consulting 100,000 (171,393)(171,393.00)SPR 328 Landscaping 350,000 (328,607)(328,607.00)OLG Reserve Fund Contingency 50,000 2021 Consulting 150,000 (800,000)Gas Tax at Mar 30/21 Landscaping 600,000 Contingency 50,000 1,300,000 0.00 (1,300,000)(500,000.00) Project Completion % Comments: Budget Used:0.0% 1,300,000.00 Amount Committed: BUDGET REMAINING 1,300,000.00 Project Summary 2020 Expenses Budget Actual Consulting 250,000 Landscaping 950,000 0.00 Contingency 100,000 0.00 1,300,000 0.00 Signatures: Finance Project Manager Director Park St. Market Square Site Remediation G40-20 Expenses Revenues Page 431 of 539 Acct #:12-3-380035-030000 Project Manager: Sam Valeo Recorded Year Source Assets Budget Actual Budget Actual 2019 70,000 (70,000)(70,000.00)OLG Reserve Fund at Dec 21/20 70,000 0.00 (70,000)(70,000.00) Project Completion % Comments: Budget Used:0.0% 70,000.00 Amount Committed: BUDGET REMAINING 70,000.00 Project Summary 2019 Expenses Budget Actual Engineering 5,000 Construction 35,000 Sitework 10,000 Contingency 5,000 Other 15,000 0.00 70,000 0.00 Signatures: Finance Project Manager Director City Market Square - Demolition - Park St. BP35 Expenses Revenues Page 432 of 539 On-Street 2 Hour Free Parking Zones, signed as: (No Time limit after 5:00 p.m., All Day Sat., Sun. & Holidays) On-Street Pay Parking Zones (Free after 5:00pm Mon-Fri, All Day Sat., Sun. & Holidays) Municipal Parking Lots (Free after 6:00pm Mon-Fri, All Day Sat., Sun. & Holidays) 48 33 37 25 6752118 MUNICIPAL PARKING SYSTEM DOWNTOWN PAY/FREE PARKING Numbers Denote Municipal Parking Lot and Block Capacities 181518 12 8 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Totals (Excluding Lot 10) On-Street Free 2 Hour .... 244 On-Street Pay Parking ... 136 Municipal Lots ................ 306 TOTAL .............................. 686 Future GO Transit Lot .... 250 17171726 1724171818171515181718 1815181712 181518178 8181518174 8181518178 88181518178 881815181710 888181518175 8888181518174 888818151817888888181518179 8888818151817888888181518175 88888181518178888881815184 1815181715 1815181718181518174 181518175 181518176 181518176 1718 1712 1718 174 1710 1718 17 17141720 1716 1714 175 250 - FUTURE GO TRANSIT PARKING LOT 44 Page 433 of 539 PBD-2021-17 April 20, 2021 REPORT TO: Mayor James M. Diodati and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY: Planning, Building & Development SUBJECT: PBD-2021-17 Development & Housing Monitoring Report, 2020 Year in Review RECOMMENDATION That Council adopt the Development & Housing Monitoring Report which reviews the status of development and growth management activity in the City for the year 20 20. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report informs Council about development and growth management activity that occurred in the City during 2020. The report utilizes statistics compiled from a variety of sources on different aspects of development activity in the City of Niagara Falls. As part of the strategy to manage and plan for the City’s future, the report provides hard data to show where and what types of housing is being constructed and to provide insight with respect to the type of housing that will be needed in the future to accommodate the City’s growing, yet changing population. ANALYSIS/RATIONALE The report provides Council with an overall summary of growth, building and development activity that occurred in the City of Niagara Falls in 2020. The collection and reporting on key growth and development trends enables staff and Council to make more informed decisions with respect to infrastructure projects, housing and land n eeds requirements for the City. An examination of the attached Development & Housing Monitoring Report (Attachment 1) highlights a number of key findings. Population The 2016 Census recorded population was 88,091 people . Sources now estimate the City’s population to be 96,888. Niagara Region’s 2041 Growth Strategy projects that the City’s population will continue to grow and will reach 125,720 people by 2041 driven primarily by international and intra-provincial migration and not by natural increase. Further, the majority of that growth is projected to be in the senior population. Page 434 of 539 2 PBD-2021-17 April 20, 2021 Residential Development: Building Permits Niagara Falls issued 573 residential building permits in 2020 a significant increase over the 292 residential building permits in 2019. Apartment and townhouse dwellings were the dominant housing type for which building permits were issued. It is noted that only 14% of the permits issued were for single detached dwellings. Residential Development: Starts & Completions In 2020, 665 housing units were started and 404 housing units were completed in Niagara Falls. Non Residential Development: Industrial, Commercial & Institutional The value of new Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) construction in 2020 was $98 million. This was a decrease of 73%, mainly attributed to the value of the Fallsview Casino Entertainment Centre ($132 million) recorded in 2019. Real Estate Market The real estate market in Niagara Falls continued to be very strong in 2020 with a 13.7% increase in the average price for residential real estate over the previous year. Rental Vacancy Rate The rental market in Niagara Falls has eased since 2019 as the CMHC recorded vacancy rate in 2020 was 2.3%, which is up from a 0.7% vacancy rate in 2019. A vacancy rate of 3% has traditionally been accepted as providing sufficient housing choice for tenants. Land Supply The City has a supply of 2,589 draft approved units and 871 registered units. This represents a 6.6 year supply of readily developable land which exceeds the 3 year minimum provincial requirement. Intensification In 2020, 477 of the 573 building permits issued were located within the Built Area Boundary resulting in a 77% intensification rate. Continuing from last year, this is Planning staff’s annual to report to Council on the growth and development trends for Niagara Falls. This report will assist Council in future deliberations on proposed new developments based on a good understanding of past development activity. Page 435 of 539 3 PBD-2021-17 April 20, 2021 FINANCIAL/STAFFING/LEGAL IMPLICATIONS This report has no direct financial implications for the City however, metrics contained in this report help inform the City’s financial strategies. The increased development activity combined with an increasing property assessment has a direct impact on tax revenue collected by the municipality. CITY’S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT The development of an annual Development and Housing Monitoring Report is consistent with the City’s Strategic priorities of Vibrant and Diverse Economy. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS  Development & Housing Monitoring Report, 2020 Year in Review Recommended by: Alex Herlovitch, Director of Planning, Building & Development Respectfully submitted: Ken Todd, Chief Administrative Officer P.Boyle:cv Attach. S:\PDR\2021\PBD-2021-17, Development & Housing Monitor Report, 2020 Year in Review.docx Page 436 of 539 DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING MONITORING REPORT 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW April 2021 ___________________ City of Niagara Falls Planning, Building & Development Page 437 of 539 2 Development & Housing Monitoring Report 2020 Year in Review SECTION 1 POPULATION................................................................................................3 SECTION 2 BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY......................................................................4-7 RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION..................................................................4 RESIDENTIAL STARTS AND COMPLETIONS.............................................6 NON RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION: INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL/INSTITUTIONAL………………...…………..... 6 TOTAL BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY: NEW AND ALL CONSTRUCTION..................................................................7 SECTION 3 REAL ESTATE AND RENTAL MARKET.......................................................8 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET……………………………………….8 VACANCY RATES & RENTAL COSTS..........................................................8 SECTION 4 LAND SUPPLY……………………………………………………………………9-12 DRAFT APPROVED PLANS OF SUBDIVISION…………………………..…...9 REGISTERED PLANS OF SUBDIVISION…………………………………..….10 SHORT TERM & LONG TERM SUPPLY……………………………………….11 INTENSIFICATION.........……………………………………………...................12 Page 438 of 539 3 The last Census in 2016, recorded a population of 88,071 people in the City of Niagara Falls which is a 6% increase from the 2011 population of 82,997 (Figure 1). Statistics Canada projects a population estimate for the City of Niagara Falls as of July 1, 2020 to be 96,888* people. The population growth in Niagara Falls, according to Statistics Canada is driven entirely by international and intra -provincial mi- gration and not by a natural population increase. The majority of intra-provincial migrants are between the ages of 45 and 69. The median age of a Niagara Falls citizen in 2016 was 45 years in comparison to the median age of a Canadian citizen of 41 years. It is anticipated that the median age of a Niagara Falls citizen will continue to increase due to natural demographic change and the above noted migra- tion trend. Household size in the City of Niagara Falls has decreased over time from 3.0 persons per household in 1996 to 2.4 persons per household in 2016. The decrease in household size is due to a number of fac- tors that include a slow down in family formation, an increase in the number of lone parent families and people living alone. It is expected that this trend will continue into the future but will be confirmed once the 2021 Census results are analyzed. With an ever decreasing household size and the fact that cur- rently 67% of all dwellings in Niagara Falls are single detached (consisting of many bedrooms), it can be concluded that Niagara Falls is over-housed. * Source: Stats Canada Population Estimate for Niagara Falls as of July 1, 20120 Table 17-10-0142-01, Population estimates July 1, by Census subdivision, 2016 boundaries. SECTION 1 POPULATION Niagara Region’s 2041 Growth Strategy projects that the population of Niagara Falls will be 125,720 people in the year 2041. While Niagara Falls will be larger in 2041, the City’s age composition will be greatly different. Figure 2 illustrates that the largest increase in the population will be in the age catego- ry 65-100 years. Such a large growth in the senior population will put increased pressure on the City’s services, programs and facilities. Further, the aging population will also impact transportation, housing and community design going forward. In the summer of 2020, the Provincial Government released up- dated 2051 population forecasts for municipalities impacted by the Provincial Growth Plan. As a result it is anticipated that the City of Niagara Falls will receive a new projected population target by the sum- mer of 2021. Figure 1 Source: Statistics Canada 76,917 78,815 82,184 82,997 88,071 125,720 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2041Population Census Year Niagara Falls Population by Census Year 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 0-19 20-39 40-64 65-100Population Age in Years Change in Age Composition by 2041 2016 2041 Figure 2 Source: Niagara Region Population Projections 2041 Page 439 of 539 4 The City’s population of 88,071 people represents a 16% share of the Niagara Region’s population (447,888) for 2016. The City’s projected population of 125,720 people (Figure 1) will represent 17% of the Region’s 2041 forecasted population of 609,990 people1. It is worth noting that the proportion of the City’s population relative to the Niagara Region’s population as a whole through 2041 is ex- pected to remain the same. (Figure 3) SECTION 2 BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION Building permit activity is a standard indicator of local investment and local economic activity. In spite of a Spring interruption to construction activity due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the City of Niag- ara Falls issued 573 residential building permits in 2020 compared to 292 permits issued in 2019, a 97% increase. (Figure 4) 2020 witnessed a dramatic shift in the type of building permits issued. In 2020, 50% of the permits issued were for apartments, 36% for townhouses, 13% for single-detached and 1% for semi- detached units. Most notable, the number of apartment units strongly rebounded from 5 units or 2% in 2019 to 285 units or 50% in 2020. The construction of apartment units reflects an increasing trend to intensify. Figure 3 Source: Niagara Region, How We Grow Information Niagara 2041 City 16% Region 84% City Portion of Regional Population (2016) City 17% Region 83% City Portion of Regional Population (2041) SECTION 1 POPULATION cont. 0%20%40%60%80%100% 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Percentage by typeYearPercentage of Annual Residential Building Permits by Type 2010-2020 Single Semi Townhouse Apartment Figure 4 Source: City of Niagara Falls Building Permits Page 440 of 539 5 SECTION 2 BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY cont. RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION The chart below shows that over the past 10 years the number of building permits issued has not been consistent however it is important to note that the rate of growth (10 year average) has accel- erated since 2016. In the past, single detached housing has dominated new construction followed by townhouse units. Since 2017, single detached housing has represented a smaller fraction of the total number of residential units built in the City as more semi, townhouse and apartment units have been constructed. It is anticipated that as the cost of land rises along with the cost of new housing, this will continue to impact the number of single detached dwellings constructed. (Figure 5 & 6) 0 200 400 600 800 1000 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Number of UnitsYearAnnual Residential Building Permits by Type 2010-2020 Single Semi Townhouse Apartment Figure 6 Source: Niagara Falls Building Permits Annual Building Permits by Type 2010-2020 (Units Created) Year Single Semi Townhouse Apartment Total 10 Yr Avg 2020 79 6 203 285 573 522 2019 196 16 75 5 292 464 2018 155 38 83 218 494 326 2017 285 38 212 10 545 438 2016 625 2 98 95 820 412 2015 474 4 192 117 787 353 2014 286 24 113 0 423 304 2013 273 22 92 0 385 297 2012 204 16 95 0 315 300 2011 181 6 60 110 357 297 2010 191 12 22 0 225 286 Total 2,949 184 1,245 840 5,216 Figure 5 Source: Niagara Falls Building Permits Page 441 of 539 6 RESIDENTIAL STARTS AND COMPLETIONS In 2020 the number of residential housing starts (all types) was 665, a 52% increase from 437 units started in 2019. Housing starts in 2020 continued to rebound from a low in 2018 as increased housing costs in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area caused people to seek less expensive housing in the surrounding communities such as Niagara Falls. The highest number of housing starts in Niagara Falls occurred in 2016 and 2017. It should be noted that there is not a direct cor- relation between housing starts and the number of units created through issued building permits. For example, there may be a time lag (up to six months) between the issuance of a building permit by the City and when a residential unit is actually started for construction. Residential completions, which represent the end of the construction cycle, increased by 109% as the number of residential units completed grew from 193 units in 2019 to 404 units completed in 2020. The stronger number of housing completions in 2020 was reflective of the increase in hous- ing starts recorded in 2019. (Figure 7) INDUSTRIAL / COMMERCIAL / INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRUCTION In 2020, the City saw an expected decrease in the value of new Industrial/Commercial/Institutional (ICI) construction. The value of new ICI construction in 2020 was approximately $98 million which is a 31% decrease over the record 2019 ICI value of $143 million dominated by a single new build being the Fallsview Casino Entertainment Centre ($132 million). Excluding the Entertainment Cen- tre’s construction from the 2019 ICI values would demonstrate that ICI construction activity in the City in 2020 actually increased due to a broader range of ICI new builds . (Figure 8 & 9) SECTION 2 BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY cont. 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Starts & CompletionsYear Residential Starts & Completions (all types) 2011-2020 Starts Completions Figure 7 Source: Canada Mortage & Housing Corporation $- $20,000,000 $40,000,000 $60,000,000 $80,000,000 $100,000,000 $120,000,000 $140,000,000 $160,000,000 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Industrial/Commercial/Institutional Building Permit Value 2015-2020 Figure 8 Source:Niagara Falls Building Permits Top I/C/I Building Permit Values Project Building Permit Value Costco outlet & Gas Station $46,000,000 City of Niagara Falls Culture Hub $10,000,000 Hydro One Building $4,000,000 Brewery $2,000,000 Figure 9 Source: Niagara Falls Building Permits Page 442 of 539 7 TOTAL BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY: NEW AND ALL CONSTRUCTION The total value of all new construction in the City in 2020 was $208 million (Figure 10) which is comparable to the 2019 figure of $214 million. In 2020, residential construction represented 67% of the value of all new construction ($140M) followed by commercial at 24% ($50M), institutional at 6% ($12M) and industrial at 3% ($6M). A key observation is that in spite of the economic un- certainty brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic, the City’s construction activity remained quite buoyant. As the largest valued building permit issued in 2020, the new Costco Warehouse ($46M) represents a new investment that would not necessary occur every year. It is hoped that the new retail location will assist in generating additional investment and development activity in the south end of the City. In comparison, the value of all Niagara Falls construction activity which includes new builds, addi- tions and renovations was $239 million (Figure 11) as compared to $286 million recorded in 2019. Residential construction activity represented the largest proportion at 59% ($141M), commercial at 27% ($65M), institutional at 10% ($23M) and industrial at 4% ($9M). SECTION 2 BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY cont. Industrial $6,300,000 3% Commercial $49,512,900 24% Residential $139,912,920 67% Institutional $12,300,000 6% Building Permit Values 2020 New Construction Only Figure 10 Source: Niagara Falls Building Permits Industrial $9,390,000 4% Commercial $65,008,483 27% Residential $141,120,420 59% Institutional $23,575,000 10% Building Permit Values 2020 All Construction Figure 11 Source: Niagara Falls Building Permits Page 443 of 539 8 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET The real estate market continued to be very strong in Niagara Falls for 2020 and accordingly, the overall value of housing in the City increased. As demonstrated in Figure 12 the average value of a residential real estate sale for all housing units increased from $380,500 in 2019 to $432,700 in 2020 which represents a 13.7% increase in price. From 2012-2018, housing values were cal- culated using the average sales amount, but in 2019 the housing values were calculated using the Home Price Index, which explains a decrease in house prices in 2019. It is anticipated that housing values will continue to rise into the foreseeable future as there is a strong continued intra -provincial migration into the municipality. VACANCY RATES & AVERAGE RENTAL COSTS The City uses Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation data to track vacancy rates of rental housing. Overall, the vacancy rate for Niagara Falls rebounded to 2.3% from historic low of 0.7% in 2019. Across the St. Catharines Niagara Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), vacancy rates in- creased slightly in 2020 to 2.7% from 2.3% in 2019. A vacancy rate of 3% has traditionally been considered to be a healthy rental vacancy rate which provides sufficient choice for tenants seeking rental accommodation. As can be seen in Figure 13, in spite of an increase in the rental vacancy rate for 2020, rental costs have steadily increased for all apartment types. SECTION 3 REAL ESTATE AND RENTAL MARKET 264,327 324,387 376,819 390,679 380,500 432,700 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 400,000 450,000 500,000 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Sales Amount ($)Year Average Residential Real Estate Sales All Types Figure 12 Source: Niagara Association of Realtors 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Annual Vacancy Rate(%)Monthly Cost ($)Year Vacancy Rate & Average Rent 2015-2020 Average Rent Vacancy Rate Figure 13 Source: CMHC Rental Market Survey 2021 Page 444 of 539 9 SECTION 4 LAND SUPPLY The 2019 Provincial Policy Statement requires at least a 3 year supply of draft approved and reg- istered units with servicing capacity to ensure a healthy supply of soon to be buildable lots. The Niagara Falls Official Plan, through its Growth Objectives, has a similar requirement. In 2020, one new subdivision (6158-6180 Main St) was given draft plan approval for 34 units. In all draft approved subdivisions (as of December 31, 2020) there are 2,589 units. (Figure 14) With re- spect to draft approved units, 94% of available units are located within the Greenfield Area (2,442) as opposed to 6% of available units that are located within the Built Area Boundary (147). Gener- ally speaking, the Greenfield Area for Niagara Falls is predominantly located in the south end of the City. It should be noted that the Riverfront Subdivision unit types have all been estimated as the specific number and types of units has yet to be determined. Within the Built Area Boundary, 77% of the available units were for single detached and 23% were available for multiple housing (i.e. townhouses and apartments). available multiples for were units the of approximately Area, Greenfield the Within 43% (townhouses and apartments), 37% were for single detached and 20% were for semi-detached dwellings. DRAFT PLANS OF SUBDIVISION DRAFT APPROVED SUBDIVISIONS DECEMBER 2020 SUBDIVISION NAME COMMUNITY NUMBER OF UNITS Built Boundary Single Semi Multiples Total 7037 Thorold Stone Rd.Stamford 12 0 0 12 6158-6180 Main St.Drummond 0 0 34 34 Grotolla Subdivision Stamford 6 0 0 6 Willoughby Gardens Willoughby 8 0 0 8 Beaver Valley Extension Northwest 87 0 0 87 Total 113 0 34 147 Greenfield Area Chippawa West Phase 2 (Revised)Chippawa 40 56 12 108 Chippawa East Subdivision Chippawa 364 68 444 876 Riverfront Subdivision *=estimate Drummond 348*348*349*1045 Polocorp Lands Chippawa 31 0 84 115 Corbett Land Strategies Drummond 18 0 12 30 Splendour Subdivision Westlane 104 16 148 268 Total 905 488 1049 2442 TOTAL UNITS 1018 488 1083 2589 Multiples include apartments, townhouses (street and block) Figure 14 Source: Niagara Falls Planning Building & Development Page 445 of 539 10 REGISTERED PLANS OF SUBDIVISION In 2020, one new subdivision (Forestview Estates 59M-484) was registered in Niagara Falls contrib- uting to a total of 871 units in registered plans available for immediate construction. The number of available units are divided between the Built Area Boundary with 35% (293) and the Greenfield Area with 65% (564). (Figure 15) Within the Built Area Boundary 44% of the available units were for multiples (townhouses and apart- ments) and 47% were available for single detached. Within the Greenfield Area 55% of the available units were for multiples (townhouses and apart- ments) followed by 45% for single detached. (Figure 15) SECTION 4 LAND SUPPLY cont. NIAGARA FALLS - VACANT LOTS/UNITS IN REGISTERED PLANS - DECEMBER 2020 SUBDIVISION NAME COMMUNITY Single Semi Multiple*Total Built Boundary Westway Estates Northwest 0 0 32 32 Williams Subdivision north side Chippawa 4 0 0 4 Golia Estates Stamford 3 0 0 3 Chippawa West Chippawa 33 0 70 103 Optimist Park Stamford 12 0 0 12 Chippawa West Phase 2, Stage 4 Chippawa 15 26 0 41 Terravita Stamford 70 0 0 70 Winzen Stamford 0 0 28 28 Total 137 26 130 293 Greenfield Area Neighbourhoods of St. Davids Stamford 8 0 15 23 Deerfield Blocks 27 & 275 Westlane 7 0 0 7 Fernwood Phase 1 Westlane 1 0 0 1 Deerfield Estates Phase 8 Westlane 7 0 0 7 Warren Woods East Westlane 0 0 75 75 Windylane Westlane 4 0 0 4 Fernwood Phase 3 Westlane 20 0 0 20 German Village Westlane 7 0 0 7 Deerfield Estates Phase 10 Westlane 8 0 0 8 Oldfield Estates Phase 1 Drummond 28 0 15 43 Oldfield Estates Phase 2 Drummond 48 0 0 48 Oldfield Estates Phase 3 Drummond 4 0 0 4 Southgate Estates Westlane 6 0 0 6 Warren Woods Phase 5 Westlane 8 0 56 64 Forestview Estates Westlane 97 0 150 247 Total 253 0 311 564 Agricultural Mingle Subdivision Willoughby 4 0 0 4 Miller Road Estates Willoughby 3 0 0 3 Miller Road Estates South Willoughby 7 0 0 7 Total 14 0 0 14 TOTAL UNITS 404 26 441 871 REMAINING UNITS Figure 15 Source: Niagara Falls Planning Building & Development Page 446 of 539 11 Based on the housing supply of 2,589 draft approved units and 871 registered units (3,460 total units) divided by the City’s 10 year average housing demand (522 units), the City of Niagara Falls has an approximate 6.6 year supply of draft and registered approved units. The City’s 6.6 year supply exceeds the minimum requirement of 3 years contained in both the Provincial Policy State- ment and the City’s Official Plan. It can be concluded that the City has a healthy supply of availa- ble land in the form of unbuilt lots/units available for development in the short term. LONG TERM LAND SUPPLY—VACANT LAND The long term land supply for the City includes those lands that are vacant with an approved Offi- cial Plan designation yet, have no planning permissions. Figure 16 illustrates that there are 613 net ha of vacant land within the City as of December 2018. The vacant land supply of 613 ha re- flects that non-developable features such as Provincially Significant Wetlands and Hydro Corri- dors have been excluded as per Provincial Growth Plan policy. Of the total vacant land supply, 379 ha are for future employment purposes and 234 ha are for future residential purposes. VACANT LAND SUPPLY—DECEMBER 2018 SECTION 4 LAND SUPPLY cont. SHORT TERM LAND SUPPLY INTENSIFICATION RATE Provincial policy requires that municipalities promote intensification to maximize urban designated land and municipal services thereby reducing the negative impacts of urban sprawl. In keeping with Provincial direction, a percentage of the City’s annual growth must be directed to the Built Area Boundary where new development can take advantage of existing municipal services, the provision of public transit, and other existing community infrastructure and services. In the City’s Official Plan, Niagara Falls has a current intensification target of 40%. Since 2009, the City’s intensification rate has ranged from a high of 49% in 2018 to a low of 11% in 2013. In 2020, 477 of the 573 building permits issued were located within the Built Area Boundary resulting in an intensification rate of 77%. As land and housing prices have increased, the market is responding with the provision of a broader mix of housing within established residential neighbourhoods. Intensification performance has been tracked since 2009 and as seen on Figure 17, prior to 2020 the Municipality has only achieved its 40% intensification target once in 2018. In the past, develop- ment has primarily occurred in the City’s existing large Greenfields which can be easier to develop than land within the Built Area Boundary. However, this past year’s dramatic surpassing of the 40% intensification target may begin to indicate a re-focusing of development to within the Built Area Boundary resulting in stronger annual intensification performance going forward. Employment Lands Residential Lands Greenfield Area 245 ha 156 ha Built Area 134 ha 78 ha TOTAL 379 ha 234 ha Figure 16, Source: Niagara Region , December 2018 Page 447 of 539 12 INTENSIFICATION RATE con’t 8 14 39 24 11 23 37 30 31 49 19 77 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Annual Percentage (%)Year Intensification 2009-2020 More specifically, a review of 2020 zoning amendment applications proposing new residential de- velopment (approved or yet to be approved) shows a strong trend towards multiple unit forms of housing. Approximately 80% of all residential units, if constructed, would be located within the Built Area Boundary and consist of 464 apartment units (60%) and 93 townhouses (17%). Planning staff note that those applications that were awaiting Council approval at the time of the preparation of this report indicate a strong inclination towards apartment unit development. The proposed apartment units would represent 62% of all new units within the Built Area Boundary and 73% of the all new units proposed within Greenfield Areas. This would appear to reinforce strong- er intensification performance in the future. It is important to note that the new Niagara Region Official Plan will require the City ’s intensifica- tion target to be significantly revised upward to reflect updated Provincial and Regional policy. The City’s ongoing Housing Needs Study will help inform what will be an appropriate new intensifica- tion target for the City. A higher intensification target for the City will result in the provision of a broader range of housing opportunities which will help maximize our existing investments in infra- structure, decrease impacts on environmentally sensitive areas and minimize our future consump- tion of agricultural lands. Figure 17 Source: Niagara Falls Planning Building & Development Page 448 of 539 Development & Housing Monitoring Report 2020 Year In Review 22 Page 449 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Overview 1.Population Trends 2.Building Permits 3.Real Estate Market 4.Land Supply 5.Intensification Performance Page 450 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Population Trends 76,917 78,815 82,184 82,997 88,071 125,720 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2041Population Census Year Niagara Falls Population by Census Year Source:Statistics Canada Page 451 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Building Permits 0 200 400 600 800 1000 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Number of UnitsYearAnnual Residential Building Permits by Type 2010-2020 Single Semi Townhouse Apartment Page 452 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Building Permits con’t 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Starts & CompletionsYear Residential Starts & Completions (all types) 2011-2020 Starts Completions Page 453 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Building Permits con’t 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Pemrit Value in Millions ($)Year Annual Industrial/Commercial/Institutional New Construction Permit Values ($)Page 454 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Real Estate Market 264,327 324,387 376,819 390,679 380,500 432,700 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 400,000 450,000 500,000 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Sales Amount ($)Year Average Residential Real Estate Sales All Types Page 455 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Vacancy Rate & Average Rental Costs 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Annual Vacancy Rate(%)Monthly Cost ($)Year Vacancy Rate & Average Rent 2015-2020 Average Rent Vacancy Rate Page 456 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Land Supply Employment Lands Residential Lands Greenfield Area 245 ha (605 ac)156 ha (385 ac) Built Area 134 ha (331 ac)78 ha (193 ac) TOTAL 379 ha (936 ac)234 ha (578 ac)Page 457 of 539 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Land SupplyIntensification 8 14 39 24 11 23 37 30 31 49 19 77 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Annual Percentage (%)Year Intensification 2009-2020 Page 458 of 539 March 18, 2021 SENT VIA EMAIL: premier@ontario.ca The Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 RE: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT – MCNALLY HOUSE HOSPICE AND END OF LIFE CARE Please be advised that Council of the Corporation of the Town of Lincoln at its Special Council Meeting held on March 8, 2021, endorsed and passed the following motion in support of the McNally House Hospice’s Life in Every Moment Campaign. Moved by: Councillor Tony Brunet; Seconded by: Councillor Lynn Timmers That the Council of the Town of Lincoln request the Provincial government, Regional government, all Niagara MP’s and MPP’s as well as municipalities to recognize and support the overall health of the Niagara community and end of life care required to alleviate the burden on hospitals; and That the Council of the Town of Lincoln direct staff to report back on a financial contribution towards McNally House Hospice Expansion, commencing in 2022 to be funded over a five-year term. CARRIED Regards, Julie Kirkelos Town Clerk jkirkelos@lincoln.ca cc: Dean Alllison, MP Chris Bittle, MP Page 459 of 539 Tony Baldinelli, MP Vance Badawey, MP Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Jennifer Stevens, MPP Wayne Gates, MPP Jeff Burch, MPP Local Area Municipalities Page 460 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Open Letter to ORFA Members and Industry Employers From: Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. <orfa@orfa.com> Sent: Friday, March 19, 2021 12:49 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Open Letter to ORFA Members and Industry Employers Dear Bill Matson, City of Niagara Falls On behalf of Cathy Seguin, President of the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA), I would respectfully request consideration for the following “Open Letter” to be added as correspondence to the next Mayor and Council agenda for awareness. As we are all aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for all communities and has required a flexible and responsive approach. Over the past year, we have witnessed the vital role that recreation facility professionals, and recreation infrastructure (indoor and outdoor), play in our communities. While following public health guidance, providing even limited access to recreation has allowed our community residents to stay connected, support their physical and mental health, and hopefully encourages them to view a more positive, post-pandemic future. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Best wishes, John Milton Chief Administrative Officer OPEN Letter to ORFA Members and Industry Employers Dear Colleagues, Page 461 of 539 2 OPEN Letter to ORFA Members and Industry Employers Dear Colleagues, As we are aware, the pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for all communities and has required a flexible and responsive approach. Over the past year, we have witnessed the vital role that recreation facility professionals, and recreation infrastructure (indoor and outdoor), play in our communities. While following public health guidance, providing even limited access to recreation has allowed our community residents to stay connected, support their physical and mental health, and hopefully encourages them to view a more positive, post-pandemic future. You, and your team members, are the reason why great community recreation exists. I hope you will join me in recognizing the recreation facility professionals within your organization and thank them for their commitment and resilience to ensuring safe and enjoyable recreational activities and spaces. As a member of the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA), we continue to support you in your operation and management of your community assets. Since last summer, ORFA has provided its members with timely, current and relevant pandemic-related information. In addition to ORFA’s weekly e- news sent to all members, we encourage you to visit www.orfa.com to access other membership benefits, including: o COVID-19 Updates and Toolbox including Recreation Facility COVID-19 Re-entering and Reopening Guiding Principles and Best Practices o Events: online self-study and virtual o Professional designations o Facility Forum magazine (print and digital) o Resource Centre (podcasts, webinars, best practice guidelines, discussion board) o Careers (job postings) Page 462 of 539 3 Recreation facility professionals, through education, workplace-specific training, and professional certification, have the requisite skills, enhanced knowledge and empowered attitude to better operate and manage infrastructure in support of safe facilities. Your ORFA membership allows you to invest in yourself, your staff, and your profession. I wish to close by thanking our 7,000-plus members for providing critically important frontline and management services to our communities and for their support of corporate, municipal, provincial and federal directives that align in keeping your communities as safe as possible. The ORFA is here to help. Please reach out to us at anytime! Sincerely, Cathy Seguin, President Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. 1 Concorde Gate, Suite 102, Toronto Ontario, Canada M3C 3N6 Tel.416-426-7062 Email ORFA UNSUBSCRIBE Page 463 of 539 March 23 2021 Historic Drummondville - Main & Ferry BIA Rick Tisi, Chairman 5974 Main Street Niagara Falls, ON Mayor Diodati & Members of Council, The Main & Ferry Business Improvement Association Board, have enclosed their 2021 Budget for Council’s approval. The AGM took place on March 3, 2021. Unfortunately, due to the COVID -19 health orders there has been a great impact to a good number of our BIA district. There is a good portion of our businesses which are tenants, therefore the BIA is working towards a strategy to work thru the challenges that are facing our business district landlords and business owners. The Board prepared a revised budget in March 2021 which was approved during the Main & Ferry BIA virtual meeting. This proposed Main & Ferry BIA 2021 budget for City of Niagara Falls Council approval, considered this unprecedented economic year challenges. The Board has put in reserve the finances required to cover expenses if levy payments are short in receivable in 2021. Spring 2021 with the gradual re-opening of the economy the Main & Ferry BIA Board is committed to support our small business by working together as a BIA for promoting new world ecommerce, pick-up and deliveries stops, which is important for our restaurants & retail businesses. Main & Ferry BIA confirm their commitment of support for the City of Niagara Falls Cultural Hub & Farmers Market continue with the development plans which is important not only for the business district, but overall for our community. This development has been in progress for several years, but it is even more important to come out of this with a legacy that we can all be proud of to stimulate the city’s cultural and small business. Yours sincerely Rick Tisi Page 464 of 539 2021 Levy - Annual $500 Quarterly Payments ($125) 500.00$ 76 38,000.00$ Cost Monthly Savings Domain Name 40.35$ Go Daddy Hosting 239.88$ 19.99$ transfer Domain to GoDaddy 16.99$ Social Advertising (Starting 4th Quarter Only)6,000.00$ Hanging Baskets Plants & Seasonal Maintenance 16,930.79$ Street Banners (for Spring Install 2022)10,000.00$ Auditor Report – City’s 3rd Party Report (2020) 4,500.00$ Miscellaneous (Postage, AGM Advertising, Printing)500.00$ Insurance 2,500.00$ Quickbooks Online 240.00$ 20.00$ AGM Advertising (Niagara Falls Review)152.55$ Legacy Item for the Exchange (For Spring 2022 Dependant)10,000.00$ Total Budget 2021 41,120.56$ Covid-19 Levy Legacy Fund Website Social and Web Managment Street Scaping Opperating 2021 PROPOSED BUDGET Page 465 of 539 1,114.95$ 53,297.55$ 2021 Levy - Annual $500 Quarterly Payments ($125) 500.00$ 78 39,000.00$ Cost Monthly Savings Domain Name 40.35$ Go Daddy Hosting 239.88$ 19.99$ transfer Domain to GoDaddy 16.99$ Social Advertising (Starting 4th Quarter Only)6,000.00$ Hanging Baskets Plants & Seasonal Maintenance 16,930.79$ Street Banners (for Spring Install 2022)10,000.00$ Auditor Report – City’s 3rd Party Report (2020) 4,500.00$ Miscellaneous (Postage, AGM Advertising, Printing)500.00$ Insurance 2,500.00$ Quickbooks Online 240.00$ 20.00$ AGM Advertising (Niagara Falls Review)152.55$ Legacy Item for the Exchange (For Spring 2022 Dependant)10,000.00$ Total Budget 2021 41,120.56$ 41,176.99$ 2021 PROPOSED BUDGET Regular chequing Advantage Savings Covid-19 Levy Legacy Fund Reserve Cash (Lights + Legacy Fund) - Regular chequing Website Social and Web Managment Street Scaping Opperating Page 466 of 539 2021 PROPOSED BUDGET Page 467 of 539 SLEEK DEVELOPMENTS INC. P.0.Box 612 St.Davids ON L0S lP0 Telephone (905)262-0346 /Fax (905)262-0347 March 31st 2021 City of Niagara Falls,ON. 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls,ON.LZE 6X5 Dear Mayor Jim Diodati and Council Members, On behalf of Sleek Developments (Hummel Properties lnc.),we wish to extend this thank you letter to the City of Niagara Falls Council and staff who went above and beyond to assist with the approvals and development ofthe property at 4552 Portage Road. This project began in 2013 and has faced many challenges along the way,which is the case with many urban infill projects We would not have got to where we are today without the assistance of city staff,specifically,we wish to thank Andrew Bryce,Nick Golia and Rob Vachon for their outstanding commitmentand for going the extra mile to make this project a reality. Mountainview Homes will commence building construction soon and we are very excited to see this property turn into a community and a place that folks can call home in the beautiful City of Niagara Falls We wish Mountainview the best in making this happen and look forward to working with the City ofNiagara Falls in the future. Thank you. Sincerely, /-2/J //V Jennifer Vida,MCIP,RPP ainer I-lummel,President t#_..,. Page 468 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject: Time Sensitive... Health Canada Cannabis Consultation Open for Comment until May 7/21 From: Debbie France < Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2021 7:17 PM To: Clerk <clerk@niagarafalls.ca>; CouncilMembers <councilmembers@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Time Sensitive... Health Canada Cannabis Consultation Open for Comment until May 7/21 Time Sensitive....Health Canada Cannabis Consultation Open for comment until May 7/21 Attention : Clerks, Kindly share with your Mayor, Councillors and staff and place on your agenda for review and action by all. Hello Municipalities, Great news! Health Canada has invited Canadians and Municipalities to share their perspectives on the factors that may be considered for refusal or revocation of a cannabis registration on public health and public safety grounds. Get your municipal comments in before closing on May 7 2021. Why participate? Health Canada has seen a concerning trend with the size of certain personal and designated cannabis growing sites and issues associated with them. Over the last year, OPP, York Regional Police and other police forces across Ontario have reported on the abundance of illicit grow ops run by criminal organizations who are exploiting Health Canada's cannabis rules and regulations. The threat to the personal health and safety of residents across Ontario is significant and should not be underestimated. Here is a link for a great OPP video that explains the significant risks : OPP PROVINCIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM TACKLES ILLEGAL CANNABIS MARKET - YouTube Here are two links for further evidence of the significant risks to public health and safety : York police seize roughly $150M worth of illegal pot, firearms and exotic animals in drug bust | CTV News OPP say police have dismantled 52 illegal cannabis production sites since July - Kingston | Globalnews.ca Having completed previous Federal Cannabis consultations, I suggest you choose the email response so that you can express your concerns. The online form really does not allow you to comment to the issues you are each facing. We all have cannabis problems but different problems. The link for Health Canada consultation is here: Consultation on guidance on personal production of cannabis for medical purposes - Canada.ca Page 469 of 539 2 Please also let your residents know about this opportunity. Thanks kindly, Debbie France A resident of Norfolk County Sent from my iPad Page 470 of 539 ormmxmUm_u>_N._._<_mZ._. =:m_.-Um_om..=:m_:m__<_m3o ._.o”_<_m<o1,_m3mm_<_.Qoam:w_<_m3vma9.00:30: 1.6::w____<_mHmo:.0.2O_mE Um?m”>9:mo.82 mm”._.o:_._m.nmxm::o:o:3..mam:_._o_Em<Onmismm <<EmEmamUcmimmm.mm__o<<mq.8ovm:o:mm$.E.8_.<:o_Em<_m$53383_u8<Eo_m_ _.m9m_m.:o:.302:mmEmmam:m:,£.:mmmIomqmkm>9. 15>9aomm:2m__o<<:o_Em<ovmasummxomn?Eaomnmimxm3u:o:m_<<:_O:mamoS__:mo_ EEm>9 ._.:mm_mmEoommm.8m_on_<Eam.8c_..m..mxm3E_o:E85:EmO_mEmOaomm?Emmmmwos. ._.:m«m_mm.nmmmagEmEmacs<<___:05m22.0Bmmzsm8cmEma$35Emmm©_o:.m Oozuoazmmm_.<_ommOo33Emmon<<ma:mmqm<_<_m<Em.Nome A:mqm©c_m:o:m9”Em_mm.m_m:o:m?m?mEm:m8.6:mm.8E=m:3m3_ooE:m8ocm:onm m.HmE.8_1<:o_Em<Emw.8cm_oom.HmgSEEN33o..m.8:1m.?mz?mososmag«m=mmozHoczm?msagaEmm.3mo:o:Eaccmimmmo:m:o_am<._<_om.?mEu=om.H_o:mEamco:msmxm3v:o: EZ_mmmB_um__m:m<mUmm:mnU8<mao:EmEmmaEm:.cm.nmcoc?m<m2_oom.._o:oocacmmacmq8cmom?mzsm.8Aoczm?EEm9.2. ._.:mmmm:o:m_O_mEm038:mmmmxmqEm9.23...3oo33m3mo:Emmzmosmamuvzomzos3.._.o<<m.mEz_m@mB_um__m.8cmo_om:o:m__:o_Em<.m.<<_EEmmxomvzos9. O:_..m.::mmUm<. >mm.855.“oo33:::<.<<:m«m3m:<ccm?mmwmmmamm:mmq<ovm:ozm.B.E.8_.<:o__n_m<m. Em_.mmmm3m.8cm_mmmQ.mQmmim.83m_3mEEmE..o::m_...Umcmm=$5csqmqEm_mm.m_mmo:.0950::mmmcncozmaoEm«93:3qmgcmm?mo?E_m:m.E_.m. _»moo_<__smz_u>:oz”Arm:00:30:mcvuozEm«mpcmmr >9mm»05mo_.O.m:m_.m:o:m._.o003m Page 471 of 539 Administration Office of the Regional Clerk 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, PO Box 1042, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-685-4225 Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215 Fax: 905-687-4977 www.niagararegion.ca April 8, 2021 Mr. Bill Matson, City Clerk City of Niagara Falls City Hall, P.O. Box 1023 4310 Queen St. Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 SENT ELECTRONICALLY Dear Mr. Matson: Re: Request for Comments on Application for Tourism Exemption for Holiday Openings – Lowe’s, 7959 McLeod Road, Niagara Falls. Attached is an application received from the Lowe’s store located at 7959 McLeod Road in the City of Niagara Falls, requesting a tourism exemption under the Retail Business Holidays Act to permit the store to open on all statutory holidays (with the exception of Christmas Day) from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. I kindly request that you arrange to provide me comments from the City of Niagara Falls regarding this application by Monday, April 26, 2021, for inclusion in the staff report for the Public Meeting to be held before the Region’s Corporate Services Committee on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours truly, Ann-Marie Norio Regional Clerk :kl CLK-C 2021-057 Page 472 of 539 Page 473 of 539 Page 474 of 539 Page 475 of 539 Page 476 of 539 Page 477 of 539 Page 478 of 539 Page 479 of 539 Page 480 of 539 Administration Office of the Regional Clerk 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, PO Box 1042, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-685-4225 Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215 Fax: 905-687-4977 www.niagararegion.ca April 1, 2021 CL 5-2021, March 25, 2021 PEDC 3-2021, March 10, 2021 PDS 12-2021, March 10, 2021 DISTRIBUTION LIST SENT ELECTRONICALLY RE: 2021 Niagara Employment Inventory Status Update Regional Council, at its meeting held on March 25, 2021, approved the following recommendation of its Planning and Economic Development Committee: That Report PDS 12-2021, dated March 10, 2021, respecting 2021 Niagara Employment Inventory Status Update, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendations BE APPROVED: 1. That Report PDS 12-2021 informing Council that the 2021 Niagara Employment Inventory will not proceed this year BE RECEIVED for information; and 2. That a copy of this Report BE CIRCULATED to the Local Area Municipalities, Local Economic Development Offices, Niagara Workforce Planning Board, Brock University, and the Niagara Chambers of Commerce. A copy of Report PDS 12-2021 is attached for your reference. Yours truly, Ann-Marie Norio Regional Clerk CLK-C 2021-49 Distribution List: Local Area Municipalities Local Economic Development Offices Niagara Workforce Planning Board Brock University Niagara Chambers of Commerce J. Docker, Planning Lead, Development Applications Portal D. Giles, Acting Commissioner, Planning and Development Services N. Oakes, Executive Assistant to the Acting Commissioner of Planning and Development Services Page 481 of 539 PDS 12-2021 March 10, 2021 Page 1 Subject: 2021 Niagara Employment Inventory Status Update Report to: Planning and Economic Development Committee Report date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Recommendations 1. That Report PDS 12-2021 informing Council that the 2021 Niagara Employment Inventory will not proceed this year BE RECEIVED for information; and 2. That a copy of this Report BE FORWARDED to the Local Area Municipalities, Local Economic Development Offices, Niagara Workforce Planning Board, Brock University, and the Niagara Chambers of Commerce. Key Facts  The purpose of this report is to inform Council that the 2021 Niagara Employment Inventory (“NEI”) will not proceed this year. The ongoing COVID-19 emergency does not provide an opportunity to safely and effectively conduct the NEI.  The decision to cancel the 2021 NEI was made jointly with staff from Planning and Development Services and Economic Development.  The following are the reasons why the 2021 NEI was cancelled: o Risks related to the health and safety of the project team; o Challenges related to modified working arrangements; and o Concerns regarding low survey response rate and poor sample quality, leading to negative affect on the quality and usability of the database  The Region anticipates resuming the NEI in spring 2022. Until then, the Region will rely on other secondary data sources that are collected from COVID-19-specific business surveys, the 2021 Census and The Conference Board of Canada. Page 482 of 539 PDS 12-2021 March 10, 2021 Page 2 ______________________________________________________________________ Financial Considerations The council approved operating budget for the 2021 Employment Survey is $100 ,000, consisting of $95,000 in intern and student salaries and $5,000 in administrative costs. As a result of the employment survey not proceeding, these funds will be recognized as surplus in the 2021 financial reporting. Analysis Since 2016, the NEI has been conducted on an annual basis during the months of May to September. During this time, data points are collected by a team of post-secondary students through door-to-door interviews with primary contacts at businesses across all twelve local municipalities. Given the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Planning and Development Services and Economic Development decided that the 2021 NEI data collection could not proceed. Three factors led to the conclusion to cancel the 2021 NEI: health and safety measures, human resource impacts, and data integrity concerns. 1. Health and Safety Measures The health and safety of Regional staff and the community at large is top priority when conducting the NEI. Normally, recruitment for NEI summer students would have occurred by February, with a starting date in early May. However, with the uncertainty of COVID-19 impacts for the upcoming months, we are unable to start that process. Of paramount importance is preventing transmission of the COVID-19 virus. This includes limiting Regional staff contact with the public, which is traditionally a normal occurrence as part of site visits to conduct the NEI. Regional staff considered continuing the NEI with the use of personal protective equipment and other tools to mitigate the risk; however, an uncomfortable level of risk would still exist. 2. Human Resource Impacts Historically, the NEI employed up to six summer term students from post secondary institutions. A typical workday for these students consists of them working outside the office directly interacting with persons in businesses. Page 483 of 539 PDS 12-2021 March 10, 2021 Page 3 ______________________________________________________________________ The Region considered a modified work arrangement for 2021. However, the public health risks noted above make such a program unfeasible. If the team is unable to work in the field and engage directly with businesses , and instead work-from-home, accurate data cannot be captured. Further, this arrangement would present challenges to effectively manage and monitor students remotely. Additional financial investments to purchase computer hardware and other items would also be required. For these reasons, this work cannot be effectively completed from home. 3. Data Integrity Concerns In 2019, the NEI received a 90% participation rate. This high rate is attributed to the responses received from in-person visits. On average, the in-person responses account for over 75% of all responses. Approximately, 15% of responses are through email and the remaining 10% through telephone. Without in -person engagement, the Region anticipates a significantly reduced response rate, well below the 90% response rate historically achieved. The inherent value of the NEI is dependent on the high quality data. A 90% response rate ensures that the data is reliable, and therefore usable for important research and analysis activities. A database with a low response rate cannot be relied on for nuanced and business-level research and analysis. This could result in mischaracterizations and/or businesses being misrepresented in the database. Furthermore, COVID-19 is a very tumultuous time for many businesses. Some businesses have closed permanently or temporarily, some businesses have laid off staff, and some businesses have modified hours. This makes it more difficult to reach businesses and, as a result, would have a negative affect in the response rate. Also, during COVID-19, many businesses have made temporary changes to staffing and other temporary measures which could skew data if collected. Other Data Collection Initiatives Other data collection initiatives remain active during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the Niagara Economic Rapid Recovery Response Team’s work on the Niagara COVID-19 Business Impact Survey. A third survey is currently being prepared. Page 484 of 539 PDS 12-2021 March 10, 2021 Page 4 ______________________________________________________________________ The Niagara Workforce Planning Board will be working with Economic Development and other economic stakeholders on engaging businesses for a Labour Market Partnership Research Project. Lastly, Statistics Canada is conducting the 2021 Census of Canada, as well as the 2021 Census of Agriculture, which is another intensive survey that will be widely administered in Niagara. The above-noted surveys are valuable for the Region for certain purposes. However, they do not provide the level of detail Staff require to conduct micro level research and analysis. The Region relies on the NEI survey results to make recommendations on a variety of matters. For these reasons, we look to re-establish the NEI in 2022. Alternatives Reviewed For the reasons set out above, there are no reasonable alternatives to cancelling the 2021 NEI. Regional staff gave careful consideration to conducting the 2021 NEI solely through online and telephone engagement. However, we would not expect that to be successful. If the Region does not achieve a high survey response rate, the data results would not yield a complete and reliable dataset for business level research and analysis. Relationship to Council Strategic Priorities The Niagara Employment Inventory project supports Regional Council’s priority of ‘Supporting Businesses and Economic Growth’. Other Pertinent Reports  PDS 13-2016 - Niagara Region Employment Survey  PDS 1-2017 - Niagara Region Employment Inventory Preliminary Results  PDS 5-2018 - Niagara Region 2017 Employment Inventory Results  PDS 6-2019 - Niagara Region 2018 Employment Inventory Results  ED 9-2020 - COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity in Economic Development  ED 11-2020 - Economic Recovery Plan Update Page 485 of 539 PDS 12-2021 March 10, 2021 Page 5 ______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________ Prepared by: John Docker Planner Planning and Development Services _______________________________ Recommended by: Doug Giles, BES, MUP Commissioner (Acting) Planning and Development Services ________________________________ Submitted by: Ron Tripp, P.Eng. Acting Chief Administrative Officer This report was prepared in consultation with Blake Landry, Manager, Economic Research and Analysis, and reviewed by Isaiah Banach, Director, Community and Long Range Planning (Acting) and Lyndsey Ferrell, Program Financial Specialist, Corporate Services. Page 486 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Attention: Mayor.....Turn City Hall blue on May 1st From: Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca> Sent: Thursday, April 8, 2021 4:13 PM To: Stephen Murdoch <smurdoch@enterprisecanada.com>; Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca>; Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca>; Heather Ruzylo <hruzylo@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Sarah Conidi <sconidi@niagarafalls.ca>; Tatjana Jaluvka <tjaluvka@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: RE: Attention: Mayor.....Turn City Hall blue on May 1st Hello Stephen: Yes, and I hope you’ve been well also. Thanks for checking in about Doctor’s Day and in order to bring this forward, I’m keying in our City Clerk’s Office so that this can come to Council for approval. I know in the past we did have a blue light that we would use to shine on the building in support so I trust that we can bring this out to participate once again, with Council’s blessing. Thank you for sharing the news about the falls illumination as well. Jim Jim Diodati | Mayor | City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street | Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 | 905.356.7521 X 4201 | jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca From: Stephen Murdoch <smurdoch@enterprisecanada.com> Sent: Thursday, April 1, 2021 1:28 PM To: Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Attention: Mayor.....Turn City Hall blue on May 1st Page 487 of 539 2 Hello, Hope you’re keeping well. Our agency, Enterprise, is helping the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) with this year’s Doctor’s Day. On May 1st, the OMA is asking Ontarians to show their appreciation for doctors on the frontlines of the COVID- 19 pandemic. As part of the campaign, we’re asking municipalities across Ontario to turn the colours shining on their City Hall to blue. In recognition of you turning the lights in front of your City Hall blue, we would be happy to place the name of your municipality on the Doctor’s Day website. The CN Tower and Niagara Falls will also shine blue on May 1 st. Additional information on the OMA below. Thanks, Stephen About the OMA The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system. Stephen Murdoch Vice President, PR Twitter: @canadianprguy enterprisecanada.com The information contained in this email and document(s) attached is for the exclusive use of the named recipient or recipients and may contain confidential, privileged and non-disclosable information. Any unauthorized use or dissemination is prohibited. Messages are susceptible to alteration. Enterprise Canada Inc. and its subsidiaries shall not be liable for the message if altered, changed or falsified. If the recipient of this e-mail is not the addressee, please delete it immediately and inform the sender. Page 488 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo To:Bill Matson Subject:RE: Monarch Ultra Run Across Ontario Inspires Pollinator Protection From: Carlotta James < Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 2:08 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Monarch Ultra Run Across Ontario Inspires Pollinator Protection Dear Bill Matson, I am thrilled to announce the launch of the Monarch Ultra Relay Run, a 21-day running event across southern Ontario to raise awareness of monarch butterflies and as a call to action to protect the environment. We are also raising funds for Camp Kawartha, a non- profit organization committed to nature education and environmental stewardship. This will be Canada's longest relay run and will cover 1,800km along the TransCanada and Waterfront Trail, starting on Sept. 19th in Peterborough and ending on Oct. 9th in Barrie. Here is a short video about our project: https://vimeo.com/515883141/987337077e Please see attached press release and Save the Date, and if possible, please share with your contacts to encourage them to pass it along. We need your support so that we can engage and educate as many communities as possible about the delicate state of the environment, and how to get involved in conservation and climate action. Sincerely, Carlotta James Co-founder, The Monarch Ultra -- Carlotta James Cofounder, Three Sisters Natural Landscapes "We are at one of the great turning points in human history when the survival of our planet and the restoration of our humanity require a great sea change in our ecological, economic, political, and spiritual values." Grace Lee Boggs Page 489 of 539 PRESS RELEASE March 1st, 2021 MONARCH ULTRA RUN ACROSS ONTARIO INSPIRES POLLINATOR PROTECTION Southern Ontario – On September 19th, the Monarch Ultra Relay Run officially kicks off on a twenty- one day running event to raise awareness about the plight and flight of monarch butterflies. Ultra-runners are invited to be part of an awareness campaign to protect monarchs whose populations are in steep decline due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. The route takes runners throughout southern Ontario along the scenic TransCanada Trail and Waterfront Trail, through cities and towns, greenways and lakeshores. Beginning in Peterborough, the runners will head southwest to Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, before looping back around towards London, Cambridge and Kitchener, and ending in Barrie on October 9th. Each day, the Monarch Ultra team will cover 80 kilometers, with four running segments available per day – two segments of 30km and another two segments of 50km. The 1,800km relay run will be one of Canada’s longest running events in a first-of-its-kind collaboration with multiple organizations and municipalities. “This multi-day running adventure invites participants to traverse rural and urban landscapes, while it’s the journey and not the destination that matters most for this year’s relay run,” said Carlotta James, Project Director and Co-founder. “In our pursuit to raise awareness about the ecological challenges taking place in Canada and around the world, we have a responsibility to show that we care about nature and will protect it. Through the Monarch Ultra, we have an opportunity to amplify our message for conservation action and to restore pollinator habitat across southern Ontario before it’s too late,” continued James. The event is entirely organized by a volunteer team who is passionate about protecting the Earth and is on a mission to inspire communities to create native gardens for pollinators. All donations raised through the relay run will go directly to Camp Kawartha, a non-profit organization that offers nature education and environmental stewardship for youth. “Camp Kawartha is just delighted to partner with the Monarch Ultra. Teaching children about the remarkable journey these beautiful winged beings take, help us to understand how interconnected the natural world really is. Protecting Monarchs, means protecting Monarch habitat and habitat for other pollinators. And that in turn means healthier ecosystems for all living things,” said Jacob Rodenburg, Executive Director. The Monarch Ultra is building partnerships with conservation organizations, schools and municipalities to host community events and cheer the runners as they pass through dozens of cities. All Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to during the 21-day running event. Each segment will have a maximum of two runners, and the support crew will be following all safety guidelines. Depending on the status of Covid-19 this fall, the team hopes to meet with students and teachers to encourage them to run for monarch butterflies and plant pollinator gardens through the Mini-Monarch Ultra program. The team also plans to meet with mayors and politicians along the route to share the message of conservation and climate action. Page 490 of 539 Most importantly, the Monarch Ultra is an opportunity to connect communities across southern Ontario on an inspiring journey of hope and resilience that combines ultra-running and pollinator protection. To participate in the relay run, runners can register here: https://raceroster.com/events/2021/40048/monarch- ultra-relay-run. For more information on the Monarch Ultra, visit the website at http://www.themonarchultra.com/relay-run.html or send an email to Carlotta James at themonarchultra@gmail.com. -30- Photo Caption: Runners in Guanajuato, Mexico during the Monarch Ultra Relay Run 2019, photo credit Rodney Fuentes. Photo Caption: Carlotta James running across the Doube’s Trestle Bridge, part of the route of the Monarch Ultra Relay Run 2021, photo credit Rodney Fuentes. Graphic: Monarch Ultra Relay Run 2021 with city and date information. Media contact: Holly Chaille Communications Director hachaille@gmail.com Page 491 of 539 WE’RE HEADING YOUR WAY! The Monarch Ultra Relay Run is a 21-day running adventure across southern Ontario from Peterborough to Barrie, and we're stopping near YOU sometime between September 19 and October 9, 2021. Our running event is a call to action to protect monarchs and get involved in conservation efforts. BE PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING Please be on the lookout for more information about how to join us for a press conference, butterfly release, or community event soon. Or you can reach out to us to find out how to showcase your community here: themonarchultra@gmail.com WORLDWIDE COVERAGE In 2019, the Monarch Ultra team ran from Peterborough, Ontario to Macheros, Mexico and held meet-and-greet events along the route, garnering publicity and praise from dozens of city and municipal partners: http://www.themonarchultra.com/in-the-news.html Page 492 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Green Shirt Day April 7 2021 From: Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca> Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 4:11 PM To: Jim Lowes <jim@jimlowes.ca>; jim.diodati@niagararegion.ca; Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca>; Heather Ruzylo <hruzylo@niagarafalls.ca>; Kristine Elia <kelia@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Tatjana Jaluvka <tjaluvka@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: RE: Green Shirt Day April 7 2021 Dear Jim: Thank you for sharing—what an amazing story and I appreciate you sharing! I’m connecting you here with our City Clerk to assist and bring this forward at an upcoming Council Meeting. Thank you for reaching out and thank you for your selfless gift to help another. Kind regards, Jim Jim Diodati | Mayor | City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street | Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 | 905.356.7521 X 4201 | jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca From: Jim Lowes Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2021 6:22 PM To: jim.diodati@niagararegion.ca Subject: Green Shirt Day April 7 2021 Page 493 of 539 2 Mayor Jim Hope all is well with you and your family . January 20 , 2021 I donated my kidney to a complete stranger at St Joseph Hospital in Hamilton I’m hoping that you can proclaim April 7 2021 Green Shirt Day, please read this article about me. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have ant questions. Mayor Marianne has declared April 7 2021 Green Shirt Day in Burlington. Thanks for your time https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/lethbridge-news/2021/03/05/ontario-organ-donor-pays-tribute-to-logan-boulet/ https://greenshirtday.ca/ Sincerely, Jim Lowes Sales Representative Apex Results Realty Inc Page 494 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Celebrate BeADonor Month in April From: Carey Campbell <ccampbell@niagarafalls.ca> Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:44 AM To: RLevy@GiftofLife.on.ca; Heather Ruzylo <hruzylo@niagarafalls.ca>; Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca>; Kristine Elia <kelia@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Tatjana Jaluvka <tjaluvka@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: RE: Celebrate BeADonor Month in April Hello Rachel: Thank you for your request for a proclamation. I’m keying in our City Clerk’s office to take the next steps here. Also, Tatjana in our office is included to help share this on social media as well. Many thanks. carey Carey Campbell | Manager | Office of the Mayor and CAO | City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street | Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 | 905.356.7521 X 4206 | ccampbell@niagarafalls.ca From: RLevy@GiftofLife.on.ca <RLevy@GiftofLife.on.ca> Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 10:16 AM Cc: RLevy@GiftofLife.on.ca Subject: Celebrate BeADonor Month in April Good morning, April is BeADonor Month in Ontario. This is a month dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging registration for organ and tissue donation in order to save more lives through transplant. Our hope during BeADonor Month is to inspire those who have not yet registered consent for organ and tissue donation to join the more than four million Ontarians who have already registered. This past year, COVID-19 has had a profound effect on all aspects of our lives. Donation and transplant are essential and life-saving and as such have continued through the pandemic; however, the need for transplant continues to exceed the availability of organs. Right now, there are almost 1,600 Ontarians waiting for transplant. Since April 1, 2020, registrations for organ and tissue donation in Ontario have decreased more than 50% vs the same time a year ago, largely due to the decline of in-person visits to ServiceOntario centres during the pandemic. For BeADonor Month, we are asking for your help in encouraging Ontarians to register online at BeADonor.ca. Page 495 of 539 2 Registration has a strong connection to donation. When a potential donor has registered, families almost always proceed with donation. In the absence of registration, families give their consent only half the time. In light of the ongoing precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BeADonor Month campaign will be focused online. Here are 4 easy ways you can promote BeADonor Month throughout April: 1. TGLN is pleased to offer you social media messaging and graphics for BeADonor Month that are available for download here. You can post these graphics on your social media channels throughout the month of April to celebrate BeADonor Month, or create your own posts or video encouraging your followers to register as donors. You can also download a handheld sign to print out for social media photos. Use #BeADonor so we can share your posts, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TrilliumGift and share our posts! *We ask that you please wait until April to post the TGLN graphics. 2. Issue a BeADonor Month Proclamation. Attached is a template you can use to create your own proclamation to recognize the month of April as BeADonor Month in your town or city. 3. National Green Shirt Day is on Wednesday, April 7. Inspired by Logan Boulet, an organ donor and member of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team who died tragically, National Green Shirt Day celebrates organ and tissue donation across Canada. Logan saved six lives and inspired thousands of people to register to become organ and tissue donors. Wear green on April 7th in honour of Logan Boulet and his life-saving legacy, and organ donors everywhere. You can wear any green shirt to participate! Post photos in your green shirts using the hashtag #GreenShirtDay and link to beadonor.ca to encourage registration. You can click here to find out the many other ways you can participate in Green Shirt Day. 4. Create an Online Registration Drive at www.beadonor.ca/spread-the-word. Share your individual link on your social media channels to see how many clicks to register you can collect. Challenge your colleagues to see who can get the most clicks to register! Quick Facts about Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation  One organ donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance as many as 75 lives through tissue donation.  Today, there are almost 1,600 individuals in Ontario waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.  Every 3 days, someone in Ontario dies a preventable death waiting for a transplant.  You are 5 times more likely to need an organ than to donate one.  Everyone has the potential to be a donor regardless of age, medical condition or sexual orientation.  More than 90% of Ontarians are in favour of organ donation; however, only one in three (35%) have registered their consent to donate.  It takes less than 2 minutes to register as an organ and tissue donor online at beadonor.ca. Please contact me if you need any further information or have any questions. Thank you for your support this BeADonor Month! Page 496 of 539 3 Sincerely, Rachel Levy Manager, Public Education & Marketing Trillium Gift of Life Network Phone: (416) 619-2285 Email: rlevy@giftoflife.on.ca Follow TGLN on Twitter: @TrilliumGift Register today at beadonor.ca One donor can save up to eight lives and improve life for up to 75 others. This communication is intended for the use of the individual or institution to which it is addressed and may not be distributed, forwarded or disclosed to other unauthorized persons. The material may contain confidential or personal information which may be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you receive this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy the communication. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance. Page 497 of 539 P.O. Box 100, STN LCD 1, Hamilton, ON L8L 7T5 | 416-485-6768 | 1-800-461-6768 | www.mlpao.org March 24, 2021 Mayor's Office The City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street, P.O. 1023 Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 RE: Medical Laboratory Week - April 11-17, 2021 Dear Mayor Jim Diodati, COVID-19 has made this a difficult year for all Ontarians—thank you for your leadership throughout the pandemic. Laboratories have gone above and beyond processing over 12M COVID-19 tests through this challenging time. They are also key to the economic recovery of our communities. We invite you to join mayors across the province in celebrating the great work of these hidden heroes by recognizing that April 11-17 is Medical Laboratory Week in Ontario and across the country. We would like to invite you to participate in any of the following ways: • Issue an Official Letter of Recognition: Please send a copy of the letter to mlpao@mlpao.org so we can share with medical laboratory professionals! • Record a Video to Say Thanks: We’ve included some talking points in the attached package and will share your video with our members throughout the week. • Share a Message on Social Media: Take a selfie using our #MedLabThx sign and share it on social media using the hashtags #MLWON2021 and #MedLabThx or send to mlpao@mlpao.org COVID-19 testing informs public health decision-making that controls infection rates, saves lives, and gives people hope that we will get through this. This year, we’re appreciating the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) and Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians (MLA/Ts) who are ensuring the future is brighter. Our members are proud of their role in patient care and have had a challenging year. A message from you—either recorded or online—would go a very long way towards boosting morale. We’ve attached a celebration kit with more information about how you can participate. You can also find out more on our website: mlpao.org/thanks. Please let us know if you have any questions and looking forward to having you join us! Michelle Hoad, CAE Chief Executive Officer, Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario mhoad@mlpao.org | 416-486-6768 x25 Page 498 of 539 #MedLabWeek mlpao.org/thanks #MLWON21 COVID-19 testing informs public health decision-making that controls infection rates, saves lives, and gives people hope that we will get through this. This year, we’re appreciating the amazing medical laboratory professionals who are ensuring the future is brighter for all Ontarians. Please join us in celebrating them on Medical Laboratory Week April 11-17. Here’s how to participate. Key Messages: • Ontario’s small team of medical laboratory professionals have been working around the clock to process and analyze almost 12 million COVID-19 tests. They are also completing 244.8 million annual lab tests on other conditions. • These professionals work in hospital, private, public health, and blood transfusion labs. Although we can’t always see them, they’re hidden heroes working behind-the scenes. • Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) are regulated health professionals who analyze specimens to inform clinical decisions. Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians (MLA/Ts) take samples and perform many pre-analytical functions. • Physicians rely on their analysis of blood, tissue, and fluids to diagnose and monitor infection, cancer, heart attacks, and more. They can tell if medicine is working, what type of blood patients require, or if a virus is present. A significant number of clinical decisions are based on lab results. • Medical laboratory professionals have been working 24/7 through the pandemic. They’re making sure our future is brighter! Issue an Official Letter Join mayors across the province in officially recognizing Medical Laboratory Week as April 11-17 in your city to celebrate the hard-working members of your community who are hidden heroes. Record a Video to Say Thanks Our members are proud of their role in patient care and have had a challenging year. A video sharing your thanks for their hard work will go a very long way towards boosting morale. 1. Introduce yourself: Be sure to tell us who you are (name, title, and organization [if applicable]). 2. Share your #MedLabThx: Using some of the key messages, share your thanks for medical laboratory professionals across the province. Have you received medical care in your community? Thank your local lab team for making sure your physicians were informed and prepared. 3. Share your video on any social media channel any time between April 11 and April 17 using the hashtags #MLWON21 and #MedLabThx. You can also email your video to mlpao@mlpao.org and we will share it on our social media throughout the week. Page 499 of 539 #MedLabWeek mlpao.org/thanks #MLWON21 Share a Message on Social Media Please also share your thanks on social media! Your constituents are looking to you, so you can help spread the word and make sure everyone sends their thanks. 1. Use our image: An image is attached in this email. Share on your social media pages to raise awareness professionals laboratory medical about . posts our of borrow also one You can throughout the week raising awareness. 2. Share a selfie to show your thanks: Either print out the signs in this document and write the name of your lab in the box on the card with a permanent marker. If you represent more than one lab, you can just write “Medical Laboratory Professionals” or “From [Your Name or Organization]” in the box. Snap a selfie holding up your sign. 3. Share your post on social media using the hashtags #MLWON2021 and #MedLabThx or send them to mlpao@mlpao.org for our team to share on the MLPAO accounts! 4. Don’t forget to mention us! If you have room in your post, please share a link to our website so other people can get involved: https://www.mlpao.org/thanks. Thank you so much for participating in Medical Laboratory Week Ontario! If you have any questions or concerns, please email our Marketing and Membership Coordinator at devering@mlpao.org or call us at 416-485-6768 x24. Page 500 of 539 #MedLabThx Card – Colour Printers: Print and fold along the dotted line. Write the name of your local lab in the box on the card with a permanent marker. If you would like to recognize all medical laboratory professionals, you can just write “Medical Laboratory Professionals” or “From [Your Name or Organization]” in the box. Snap a selfie holding up your sign and share on social media. Page 501 of 539 #MedLabThx Card – Black and White Printers: Print and fold along the dotted line. Write the name of your local lab in the box on the card with a permanent marker. If you would like to recognize all medical laboratory professionals, you can just write “Medical Laboratory Professionals” or “From [Your Name or Organization]” in the box. Snap a selfie holding up your sign and share on social media. Page 502 of 539 Page 503 of 539 111-223 Colonnade Rd S., Ottawa, ON Canada K2E 7K3 T: 613.224.4266 or 877.505.CSPA (2772) ● F: 877.294.1525 ● info@canadianskin.ca www.canadianskin.ca Follow our social channels @CanadianSkin Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Awareness Week June 7-13, 2021 WHEREAS: Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, non-communicable, debilitating inflammatory skin disease, characterized by painful skin lesions for which there is no known cure; and WHEREAS: As many as 4% of men, women, and children in Ontario and across Canada are living with HS but may not have a diagnosis due to lack of both patient and physician awareness; and WHEREAS: HS is a painful, disfiguring, and disabling disease that has an adverse impact on the quality of life of those living with this disease; understanding and compassion for those with HS and timely, proper diagnosis is vital; and WHEREAS: Treating HS is a challenge for both patients and physicians as everyone responds differently to different treatments; some treatments lose effectiveness over time; many treatments are used in combination with other treatments and all treatments may cause a unique set of side effects; and WHEREAS: The understanding and acceptance of the general public is an important factor in patients’ treatment and health, and HS Awareness Week provides an opportunity to increase awareness, address misconceptions, promote education and support, recognize the struggles of those affected, and shorten the delay in diagnosis; and WHEREAS: In-person awareness activities are not possible this year, however, support for patients continues during social distancing with support via phone and online and the medical treatment and care for patients continues, both virtually and in person when necessary; and WHEREAS: HS Heroes is a community for people living with HS dedicated to increasing awareness, educating, and advocating for those whose lives have been affected by the disease, whether a patient, family member, friend, caregiver, or health care professional; and WHEREAS: The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance is committed to improving the lives of people impacted by skin, hair and nail disorders through education and awareness, advocacy, and supporting research; and WHEREAS: Hidradenitis & Me is a support group that facilitates monthly support sessions physically and virtually with the mission to promote self-care and awareness; and - City wording here - Page 504 of 539 A Great City … For Generations To Come 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Director of Municipal Works / City Engineer enickel@niagarafalls.ca www.niagarafalls.ca Mayor Diodati and City Council Members April 20, 2021 City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mayor Diodati and City Council Members, RE: Request for Proclamation: National Public Works Week, May 16-21 Theme: “Stronger Together” On behalf of the many women and men employed to serve our community in the Municipal Works Division, your consideration to proclaim May 16 to 21, 2021 in the City of Niagara Falls as National Public Works Week is kindly requested. Ensuring our community has uninterrupted access to clean drinking water, safe roadways, and high-quality recreational amenities, and that our natural environment is protected and preserved, amongst a multitude of other things takes the collective efforts of all those working in Public Works including our engineers, managers, equipment operators, skilled labourers and employees at all levels of government and the private sector. The year 2021 marks the 61st National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association and its Canadian affiliates. I would be personally delighted to have Niagara Falls recognize the contributions of Public W orks employees here in in the City and join in with municipalities, provinces, territories and other jurisdictions across Canada and the United States in doing the same. Yours in service to the Community, Erik Nickel, P. Eng., Director of Municipal Works / City Engineer Page 505 of 539 National Public Works Week May 16 – 22, 2021 “Stronger Together” Municipal Proclamation WHEREAS, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of Niagara Falls; and, WHEREAS, these infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers, equipment operators, skilled labourers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and, WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in Niagara Falls to gain knowledge of and to maintain a progressive interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and, WHEREAS, the year 2021 marks the 61st annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association be it now, THEREFORE I, Mayor Jim Diodati do hereby designate the week May 16 – 22, 2021 as National Public Works Week; and THAT the Council of the City of Niagara Falls encourage all residents to acknowledge our public works professionals, engineers, managers, equipment operators, skilled labourers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our health, safety, and quality of life we enjoy every day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Niagara Falls (to be affixed), DONE at the City of Niagara Falls in the Niagara Region of Ontario this ________ day of ________ 2021. [SEAL] Page 506 of 539 Proclamation/Greeting Letter Request for 29th Falun Dafa Day Anniversary April 8, 2021 Dear Mayor Jim Diodati We hope you and your loved one have been safe and well. We respectfully request a greeting/proclamation letter in recognition of Falun Dafa Day for this year (May 13, 2021). This is our annual celebration of 29 years spreading of Falun Dafa to the public, the contributions of the Falun Dafa community in Canada and to honor the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. We truly appreciate for your previous proclamations to us during the past years! Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) is a spiritual practice for mind and body, rooted in the ancient schools of cultivation in China. It consists of meditative exercises, and a moral philosophy aimed at the promotion of virtue. At the core of Falun Dafa’s teachings are the tenets of “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.” Tens of millions of people from diverse cultural backgrounds in over 100 countries, including Canada, benefit from practicing Falun Gong, where the free teachings help people improve their mental, moral, and physical wellbeing and contribute to a more healthy and harmonious society. Falun Dafa practitioners have also helped Canadians during these difficult times, by offering free meditation exercise instruction in communities and online classes. As traditional Chinese culture believes, and scientific studies, as well as survey results, are now proving, the connection between mind and body is key for a healthy immune system and to combat illness and stress. As you may be aware, for the past 22 years, major human rights organizations have documented the nation-wide campaign of hatred, torture, forced thoughts conversion, mass imprisonment, and killing of people who practice Falun Gong in China, including evidence of practitioners being murdered for their vital organs that are being sold by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). International legal experts say that crimes against humanity, and genocide, have occurred. Facing two decades of unspeakable atrocities, the Falun Dafa community, both within China and abroad, have endured with resolute non-violence and persistence to uphold freedom and universal values. This has garnered worldwide recognition, including thousands of greetings and proclamations from governments and officials. By sending a greeting to mark Falun Dafa Day, you help affirm Canada's commitment to human rights, freedom of conscience, and to the values of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance and its benefits to Canadians. We would truly appreciate if you could please send it to us by May 10th, 2021. Should you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Pixing Zhang, on behalf of Falun Dafa Association Canada for more information: https://faluninfo.net/ Reference: What is Falun Gong https://faluninfo.net/video/falun-gong-falun-dafa/ Freedom House: Falun Gong: Religious Freedom in China https://freedomhouse.org/report/2017/battle-china-spirit-falun-gong-religious-freedom Page 507 of 539 China Tribunal: Independent Tribunal into Forced Organ Harvesting from Prisions of Conscience in China https://chinatribunal.com/final-judgment/ Cold Genocide: Falun Gong in China https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/gsp/vol12/iss1/6/ Greetings, proclamations for Falun Dafa Month Celebration 2020 (excerpt, 102 greetings): This wonderful celebration is an opportunity to recognize the enduring teachings of Falun Dafa. Through the promotion of the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance, this traditional Chinese practice has attracted a loyal following a round the world. On behalf of Canada’s Official Opposition, I am proud to salute the Falun Dafa Association of Canada for their diligent effor ts to share this beneficial practice with Canadians. –Hon. Andrew Scheer, Leader of the Official Opposition, Greetings for Falun Dafa Celebration 2020 As peaceful practitioners in more than 100 nations mark the occasion, I am honoured to add my endorsement to your efforts, as you strive to help advance the values of openness, tolerance and freedom of conscience and religion here in Canada and globally. Today as we raise our voices in a united call for openness, tolerance and freedom of conscience and religion, please know there are those of us wit hin the Liberal Party, who stand with you as friends –Hon. Judy Sgro, MP, Co-Chair of Parl Friends for Falun Gong, Greetings for Falun Dafa Celebration 2020 Regret we can't celebrate World Falun Dafa Day/Month on the Hill or Toronto City Hall this year…but millions around world reflecting on founding principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance. I along the millions of Canadians dream a day…after all, when the tenet of Falun Dafa can be spoken out aloud in TianAnMen Square, Zhen, Shan, Ren. –Hon. Peter Kent, MP, Co-Chair of Parl Friends for Falun Gong, twitter and video on May 13th Falun Dafa Day celebration, 2020 It is my sincere pleasure to extend greetings on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada,… , the world is facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,…. The beautiful tenants of your practice – truthfulness, compassion and forbearance – are more relevant than ever. Thank you for promoting peace and harmony in the world. –Hon. W. Russell Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor, Saskatchewan, Greetings for 2020 As Parliamentary Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, I am pleased to extend my warmest congratulations to the Falun Dafa community as you gather to celebrate Falun Dafa Day. I have great respect for the p rinciples of Truth, Benevolence and Forbearance. –Elizabeth May, MP, Parliamentary Leader of the Green Party, greetings for 2020 Due to the unprecedented and exceptional circumstances brought on by the Covid -19 pandemic this year, we are unable to come together to mark this occasion on the Hill. Nevertheless, I would like to convey my continued and wholehearted support for the Falun D afa Association of Canada and their positive contributions to our society.–Thanh Hai Ngo, Senator, greetings for Falun Dafa Month 2020 The history of the world would have been profoundly in different in a more positive way had ore people practiced Falun Gong. Knowing that and believing in the good will and leaders of the current members I am encouraged in how members of Falun Dafa will contribute to our communities into the future –Kevin Lamoureux, MP, greetings for Falun Dafa Month 2020 Page 508 of 539 2020Municipal Proclamation of Falun Dafa Day 2020Greetings from Mayors Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax, NS Mayor Lisa Helps, Victoria, BC Mayor Charlie Clark, Saskatoon, SK Mayor Michael Fougere, Regina, SK Mayor Gordon Krantz, Milton, ON Mayor Steve Clarke, Orillia, ON Mayor Aldo Dicarlo, Amherstburg, ON Mayor Craig Copeland, Cold Lake, AB Mayor Maja Tait, Sooke, BC Mayor Leonard Krog，Nanaimo，BC Mayor Rob Vagramov, Port Moody, BC 2020 Greetings from Mayors Mayor Ray Ralph, Devon, AB Mayor Bill Given, Grand Prairie, AB Mayor Stuart Houston, Spruce Grove, AB Mayor John Stewart, Beaumont, AB Mayor Brian Bowman, Winnipeg, MB Mayor Darren Ellis, George’s Brook-Milton, NL Mayor Daniel Conway, St. George’s, NL Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Vaughan, ON Mayor Ed Holder, London, ON Mayor Dan Carter, Oshawa, ON Mayor Walter Sendzik, St. Catharine, ON Mayor Jeff Lehman, Barrie, ON Mayor Mike Bradley, Sarnia, ON Mayor Gary McNamara, Tecumseh, ON Mayor Jamie McGarvey, Parry Sound, ON Mayor Jonathan X. Coté, New Westminster, BC Mayor Brad West, Port Coquitlam, BC Mayor Jack Froese, Langley, BC Mayor Rob Vagramov, Port Moody, BC Mayor Don Scott, Wood Buffalo, AB To celebrate what you stand for, for peace, for justice, for freedom and human rights…..To all those celebrating the 28th year of #FalunDafa I wish you a joyous anniversary! On this auspicious day, I reiterate my commitment to stand with you in your struggle against violence, tyranny, oppression, and dictatorship. –James Bezan, MP, Twitter and Video for Falun Dafa Month 2020 As you celebrate another amazing year of work dedicated to promoting harmony and goodwill in society. Thank you for your continued commitment to peace around the world. This has been exemplified through your efforts in improving individual spiritual, mental and physi cal wellbeing –Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, MP, greetings for Falun Dafa Month 2020 The Falun Dafa community promotes the practice of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. I stand with you in emphasizing the importance of these universal human values and their benefit to individual practitioners and to the world –Garnett Genuis, MP, greetings for Falun Dafa Month 2020 We also received greetings from: MP James Bezan, MP Jenica Atwin, MP Rachael Harder, MP Kyle Seeback, MP John Brassard, MP Eric Duncan, MP Ted Falk, MP Brad Vis, MP Tamara Jansen, MP Marc Dalton, MP David Sweet, MP Michael Barrett, MP Scott Reit, MP Colin Carrie, MP Stephanie Kusie, MP Pat Kelly, MP Tom Kmiec, MP Len Webber, MP Jag Sahota, MP Heather McPherson, MP Kerry Diotte, MP Mike Lak e, MP Kelly McCauley, MP Ziad Aboultaif, MP Dane Lloyd, MP Michael Cooper, MP Chris Warkentin, MP Shannon Stubbs, Former Senator Con Di Nino, MP Tamara Jansen, MP Hon. Pierre Poilievre Hon. Leela Aheer, MLA, AB, Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Mike Schreiner, MPP Lucille Collard, MPP France Gelinas, MPP Daisy Wai, MPP Chris Glover, MPP Sheref Sabawy, MPP Stephen Crawford, MPP Lindsey Park, MPP Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Bhutila Karpoche, MPP Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP Suze Morrison, MPP Amarjot Sandhu, MPP Kaleed Rasheed, MPP Christine Hogarth, MPP Amy Fee, MPP Robin Martin, Sarah Stoodley MHA Richmond Hill Deputy Mayor Joe DiPaola, Richmond Hill Councillor Tom Muench, Toronto Councillor James Pasternak, London Counci llor Arielle Kayabaga, Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow, Toronto Councillor Brad Bradford, Markham Councillor Andrew Keyes, Hamilton Councillor Jason Farr, Niagara Falls Councillor Wayne Campbell, New Market Councillor Bob Kwapis, Kingsville Councillor Laura Lucier, Ca lgary Councillor Jeromy Farkas, Calgary Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra, Richmond Hill Councillor Karen Cilevitz, Page 509 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo To:Pixing ZHANG Subject:Flag -Raising Request -Re: Proclamation/Greeting Letter Request for 29th Falun Dafa Day Anniversary From: Pixing ZHANG Sent: Friday, April 9, 2021 4:20 PM To: Carey Campbell <ccampbell@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca>; Kristine Elia <kelia@niagarafalls.ca>; Heather Ruzylo <hruzylo@niagarafalls.ca>; Sarah Conidi <sconidi@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Re: a question Re: Proclamation/Greeting Letter Request for 29th Falun Dafa Day Anniversary Dear Carey, This is great! I will talk to Sarah about this. HI Sarah, we would like to apply for a flag raising for our community celebrations in May. Would you please help to guide us how to apply for it? best Pixing On 2021/4/9 16:16, Carey Campbell wrote: Hello Pixing: This typically also goes through Council for approval and if approved, Sarah in our office is included to help coordinate any logistics. carey Sent from my iPhone On Apr 9, 2021, at 3:59 PM, Pixing ZHANG wrote: Dear Carey, Beside the proclamation, We are just wondering if our city can do a flag raising for our community's celebrations? What is the policy on this? best Pixing On 2021/4/8 17:55, Carey Campbell wrote: Page 510 of 539 2 Dear Pixing: Thank you for sending your annual request. We are sharing with Bill and Heather in our Clerk’s Department in order that they bring it forward for Council’s review. Many thanks! carey Carey Campbell | Manager | Office of the Mayor and CAO | City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street | Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 | 905.356.7521 X 4206 | ccampbell@niagarafalls.ca From: Pixing ZHANG Sent: Thursday, April 8, 2021 4:30 PM To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca>; Kristine Elia <kelia@niagarafalls.ca>; Carey Campbell <ccampbell@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Proclamation/Greeting Letter Request for 29th Falun Dafa Day Anniversary Dear Bill, Kristine, Carey How are you? Hope this email finds you well! The pandemic has really caused lots of difficulties in our lives. We do hope that together, we can overcome this adversity soon. We do appreciate our Mayor and Council's great support during the past years, which looks more precious and invaluable for us while we are facing today's challenges. The message was shared with local Falun Gong practitioners as well as practitioners across Canada. We decide to organize our annual celebrations virtually more through the online format these years. Here is our request for this year's proclamation. Would you please help to handle it again for us? Thank you very much for your great work! Wish you and your family stay healthy and safe! sincerely yours Pixing Zhang Page 511 of 539 3 The request is attached and as follows _________ Dear Mayor Jim Diodati We hope you and your loved one have been safe and well. We respectfully request a proclamation/greeting letter/video in recognition of Falun Dafa Day for this year (May 13, 2021). This is our annual celebration of 29 years spreading of Falun Dafa to the public, the contributions of the Falun Dafa community in Canada and to honor the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.We truly appreciate for your Proclamations over the past few years. Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) is a spiritual practice for mind and body, rooted in the ancient schools of cultivation in China. It consists of meditative exercises, and a moral philosophy aimed at the promotion of virtue. At the core of Falun Dafa’s teachings are the tenets of “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.” Tens of millions of people from diverse cultural backgrounds in over 100 countries, including Canada, benefit from practicing Falun Gong, where the free teachings help people improve their mental, moral, and physical wellbeing and contribute to a more healthy and harmonious society. Falun Dafa practitioners have also helped Canadians during these difficult times, by offering free meditation exercise instruction in communities and online classes. As traditional Chinese culture believes, and scientific studies, as well as survey results, are now proving, the connection between mind and body is key for a healthy immune system and to combat illness and stress. As you may be aware, for the past 22 years, major human rights organizations have documented the nation-wide campaign of hatred, torture, mass imprisonment, and killing of people who practice Falun Gong in China, including evidence of practitioners being murdered for their vital organs that are being sold by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). International legal experts say that crimes against humanity, and genocide, have occurred. Facing two decades of unspeakable atrocities, the Falun Dafa community, both within China and abroad, have enduredwith resolute non-violence and persistenceto uphold freedom and universal values. This has garnered worldwide recognition, including thousands of greetings and proclamations from governments and officials. By sending a greeting to mark Falun Dafa Day, you help affirm Canada's commitment to human rights,freedom of conscience, and to the values of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance and its benefits to Canadians. Page 512 of 539 4 We would truly appreciate if you could please send it to us by May 10th, 2021. Should you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Pixing Zhang, on behalf of Falun Dafa Association Canada 416 835 8337 for more information: https://faluninfo.net/ Reference: What is Falun Gong https://faluninfo.net/video/falun-gong-falun- dafa/ Freedom House: Falun Gong: Religious Freedom in China https://freedomhouse.org/report/2017/battle-china-spirit-falun- gong-religious-freedom China Tribunal: Independent Tribunal into Forced Organ Harvesting from Prisions of Conscience in China https://chinatribunal.com/final-judgment/ Cold Genocide: Falun Gong in China https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/gsp/vol12/iss1/6/ Greetings, proclamations for Falun Dafa Month Celebration 2020 (excerpt, 100+ greetings): This wonderful celebration is an opportunity to recognize the enduring teachings of Falun Dafa. Through the promotion of the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance, this traditional Chinese practice has attracted a loyal following around the world. On behalf of Canada’s Official Opposition, I am proud to salute the Falun Dafa Association of Canada for their diligent efforts to share this beneficial practice with Canadians. –Hon. Andrew Scheer, Leader of the Official Opposition, Greetings for Falun Dafa Celebration 2020 As peaceful practitioners in more than 100 nations mark the occasion, I am honoured to add my endorsement to your efforts, as you strive to help advance the values of openness, tolerance and freedom of conscience and religion here in Canada and globally. Today as we raise our voices in a united call for openness, tolerance and freedom of conscience and religion, please know there are those of us within the Liberal Party, who stand with you as friends –Hon. Judy Sgro, MP, Co-Chair of Parl Friends for Falun Gong, Greetings for Falun Dafa Celebration 2020 Regret we can't celebrate World Falun Dafa Day/Month on the Hill or Toronto City Hall this year…but millions around world reflecting on founding principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance. I along the millions of Canadians dream a day…after all, when the tenet of Falun Dafa can be spoken out aloud in TianAnMen Square, Zhen, Shan, Ren. –Hon. Peter Kent, MP, Co-Chair of Parl Friends for Falun Gong, twitter and video on May 13th Falun Dafa Day celebration, 2020 It is my sincere pleasure to extend greetings on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada,… , the world is Page 513 of 539 5 facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,…. The beautiful tenants of your practice – truthfulness, compassion and forbearance – are more relevant than ever. Thank you for promoting peace and harmony in the world. –Hon. W. Russell Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor, Saskatchewan, Greetings for 2020 As Parliamentary Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, I am pleased to extend my warmest congratulations to the Falun Dafa community as you gather to celebrate Falun Dafa Day. I have great respect for the principles of Truth, Benevolence and Forbearance. –Elizabeth May, MP, Parliamentary Leader of the Green Party, greetings for 2020 Due to the unprecedented and exceptional circumstances brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic this year, we are unable to come together to mark this occasion on the Hill. Nevertheless, I would like to convey my continued and wholehearted support for the Falun Dafa Association of Canada and their positive contributions to our society. –Thanh Hai Ngo, Senator, greetings for Falun Dafa Month 2020 2020Municipal Proclamation of Falun Dafa Day Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax, NS Mayor Lisa Helps, Victoria, BC Mayor Charlie Clark, Saskatoon, SK Mayor Michael Fougere, Regina, SK Mayor Gordon Krantz, Milton, ON Mayor Steve Clarke, Orillia, ON Mayor Aldo Dicarlo, Amherstburg, ON Mayor Craig Copeland, Cold Lake, AB Mayor Maja Tait, Sooke, BC Mayor Leonard Krog，Nanaimo，BC Mayor Rob Vagramov, Port Moody, BC 2020 Greetings from Mayors Mayor Ray Ralph, Devon, AB Mayor Bill Given, Grand Prairie, AB Mayor Stuart Houston, Spruce Grove, AB Mayor John Stewart, Beaumont, AB Mayor Brian Bowman, Winnipeg, MB Mayor Darren Ellis, George’s Brook-Milton, NL Mayor Daniel Conway, St. George’s, NL Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Vaughan, ON Mayor Ed Holder, London, ON Mayor Dan Carter, Oshawa, ON Mayor Walter Sendzik, St. Catharine, ON Mayor Jeff Lehman, Barrie, ON Mayor Mike Bradley, Sarnia, ON Mayor Gary McNamara, Tecumseh, ON Mayor Jamie McGarvey, Parry Sound, ON Mayor Jonathan X. Coté, New Westminster, BC Mayor Brad West, Port Coquitlam, BC Mayor Jack Froese, Langley, BC Page 514 of 539 6 Mayor Rob Vagramov, Port Moody, BC Mayor Don Scott, Wood Buffalo, AB The history of the world would have been profoundly in different in a more positive way had ore people practiced Falun Gong. Knowing that and believing in the good will and leaders of the current members I am encouraged in how members of Falun Dafa will contribute to our communities into the future –Kevin Lamoureux, MP, greetings for Falun Dafa Month 2020 To celebrate what you stand for, for peace, for justice, for freedom and human rights…..To all those celebrating the 28th year of #FalunDafa I wish you a joyous anniversary! On this auspicious day, I reiterate my commitment to stand with you in your struggle against violence, tyranny, oppression, and dictatorship. –James Bezan, MP, Twitter and Video for Falun Dafa Month 2020 As you celebrate another amazing year of work dedicated to promoting harmony and goodwill in society. Thank you for your continued commitment to peace around the world. This has been exemplified through your efforts in improving individual spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing –Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, MP, greetings for Falun Dafa Month 2020 The Falun Dafa community promotes the practice of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. I stand with you in emphasizing the importance of these universal human values and their benefit to individual practitioners and to the world –Garnett Genuis, MP, greetings for Falun Dafa Month 2020 We also received greetings from: MP James Bezan, MP Jenica Atwin, MP Rachael Harder, MP Kyle Seeback, MP John Brassard, MP Eric Duncan, MP Ted Falk, MP Brad Vis, MP Tamara Jansen, MP Marc Dalton, MP David Sweet, MP Michael Barrett, MP Scott Reit, MP Colin Carrie, MP Stephanie Kusie, MP Pat Kelly, MP Tom Kmiec, MP Len Webber, MP Jag Sahota, MP Heather McPherson, MP Kerry Diotte, MP Mike Lake, MP Kelly McCauley, MP Ziad Aboultaif, MP Dane Lloyd, MP Michael Cooper, MP Chris Warkentin, MP Shannon Stubbs, Former Senator Con Di Nino, MP Tamara Jansen, MP Hon. Pierre Poilievre Hon. Leela Aheer, MLA, AB, Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Mike Schreiner, MPP Lucille Collard, MPP France Gelinas, MPP Daisy Wai, MPP Chris Glover, MPP Sheref Sabawy, MPP Stephen Crawford, MPP Lindsey Park, MPP Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Bhutila Karpoche, MPP Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP Suze Morrison, MPP Amarjot Sandhu, MPP Kaleed Rasheed, MPP Christine Hogarth, MPP Amy Fee, MPP Robin Martin, Sarah Stoodley MHA Richmond Hill Deputy Mayor Joe DiPaola, Richmond Hill Councillor Tom Muench, Toronto Councillor James Pasternak, London Councillor Arielle Kayabaga, Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow, Toronto Councillor Brad Bradford, Markham Councillor Andrew Keyes, Hamilton Councillor Jason Farr, Niagara Falls Councillor Wayne Campbell, New Market Councillor Bob Kwapis, Page 515 of 539 7 Kingsville Councillor Laura Lucier, Calgary Councillor Jeromy Farkas, Calgary Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra, Richmond Hill Councillor Karen Cilevitz Page 516 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo To:Jim Diodati Subject:RE: Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month From: Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca> Sent: Thursday, April 8, 2021 4:06 PM To: Christopher Garner <contact@amputeeniagara.ca>; Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca>; Heather Ruzylo <hruzylo@niagarafalls.ca>; Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca>; Kristine Elia <kelia@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Tatjana Jaluvka <tjaluvka@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: RE: Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month Hi Chris and great to hear from you! How’ve you been keeping?! Yes, I saw that the falls illumination for limb loss awareness month was a go and that’s great. I’m putting you in contact with staff in our City Clerk’s office to bring your request to proclaim the month of April forward. I trust that they will arrange this, though the date for our April Council Meeting isn’t until the 20 th—it still is within the month, so I think that counts! Thanks for reaching out and hope you’re keeping well in all of this! Jim Jim Diodati | Mayor | City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street | Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 | 905.356.7521 X 4201 | jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca From: Christopher Garner <contact@amputeeniagara.ca> Sent: Friday, April 2, 2021 10:11 AM To: Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month Hello Mayor Jim! Page 517 of 539 2 Hope you are doing well as always! I recently had a conversation with ParaSport Ontario about the Mayor's Challenge they are hoping to be able to make happen, although with the recent announcement I would guess there is going to be some adjustments. I was pretty excited to hear that you would be participating, so I really hope that at some point this still happens! I am planning on participating in the Fund Raiser for the Million Minutes Campaign, because I am an Athlete Ambassador for PO, they are letting me use the campaign to raise money for my Para Sport Career - specifically I really need new Golf Clubs to be able to continue to train and compete at the National Level this season. I am working with local pro John White who arranged a club fitting for me yesterday and said him and his family will help with raising money for the clubs so that I can maximize my potential! The reason I wanted to reach out today (well I should have e-mailed last week actually, been super busy!) is because April is Limb Loss Awareness Month. I was hoping that there could be a possibility of officially declaring April as Limb Difference Awareness Month in Niagara Falls (I'm also on the Board of Directors for the Amputee Coalition of Canada, next year we are re-branding the awareness to include those born with a limb difference so that we are more inclusive, this year is the transition year online for that). I do know that several other communities have had similar declarations made including John Tory from Toronto. I have already arranged to have Niagara Falls lit Orange on April the 9th at 10pm for a 15 minute window as well. There are tributes all across the country with landmarks like the CN Tower, Winnipeg sign and more! Hopefully this is only a 28 day lockdown and we really can start to get things back to somewhat normal, the gym and I have a relationship that we both miss out on lol. Talk soon and hope everyone is staying safe!! Chris Garner Peer Support Advisor - Amputee Coalition of Niagara Board of Directors - Amputee Coalition of Canada www.amputeeniagara.ca Page 518 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:RE: For Communication - PITC From: Jeff Guarasci <jguarasci@niagarafalls.ca> Date: April 14, 2021 at 5:06:49 PM EDT To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Cc: Mike Strange <mstrange@niagarafalls.ca>, Victor Pietrangelo <vpietrangelo@niagarafalls.ca>, Kathy Moldenhauer <kmoldenhauer@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: For Communication - PITC Hello Bill During our Park in the City Committee meeting this afternoon, there was a motion put forward and approved to be sent to you quickly in hopes that you can share with Council under communication in time for the next meeting next week. MOTION: It was moved by Paisley Janvary-Pool, second by Michal Lukac that the Park in the City Committee endorses the installation of signage throughout City trails and parks and other utilization of educational components to make the public aware of the dangers that ticks present to the public in terms of Lime disease. Additionally, that Staff look into options for safe treatments that can be used to minimize exposure. Regards, Jeff. Jeff Guarasci | Community Development Coordinator | Recreation & Culture | City of Niagara Falls 7150 Montrose Road, Unit 1 | Niagara Falls, ON L2H 3N3 | W (905) 356-7521 ext 3341 | C (905) 380-8263 E jguarasci@niagarafalls.ca Page 519 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo To:Bill Matson Subject:RE: Communication for 20 April 2021 Council meeting Begin forwarded message: From: Kenneth Westhues <kwesthues@uwaterloo.ca> Date: April 14, 2021 at 5:23:28 PM EDT To: Bill Matson <billmatson@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Communication for 20 April 2021 Council meeting Mayor Diodati and Councillors, for the Council Meeting of 20 April 2021 c/o City Clerk Bill Matson This is further to Council’s decision on 9 February 2021, to defer until its meeting of 20 April 2021 the Niagara Grandview Manor rezoning application, PBD-2021- 05. The deferral was at the applicant’s request, to allow time for revisions to the application. From Mr. Herlovitch’s email to Council of 31 March 2021, I understand that the applicant did not submit a revised application in time for Council’s meeting of 20 April 2021. The following questions are in order: Has the applicant submitted a request for further deferral of this matter? If so, until what date? Page 520 of 539 2 If no request for further deferral has been received, does Council wish to defer the matter further anyway on its own initiative? If Council wishes to defer the matter further, until what date is it deferred? Did the applicant, as owner of 5359 River Road (Niagara Grandview Manor), obtain the appropriate business license by 3 March 2021, as requested by Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Patrick Vernon in his letter of 12 February 2021? If so, how many guest rooms does the license allow? If no license has been obtained, what action have city officials taken toward enforcing the relevant by-laws? Respect and best wishes, Ken Westhues Niagara Falls, Ontario Page 521 of 539 4605 QUEEN STREET NIAGARA, ON L2E 2L7 P. 905-356-5444 / DOWNTOWNIAGARAFALLS.COM April 9th, 2021 Mayor and City Council City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6X5 To Whom This May Concern, Downtown Niagara Falls has significantly benefited from the Community Improvement Plan (CIP). This tool allows the City to direct funds and implement policy initiatives toward a specifically defined project area. Section 28 of the Planning Act gives municipalities that have enabling policies in their official plans the ability to prepare Community Improvement Plans, which are intended to encourage rehabilitation initiatives and/or stimulate development. As we prepare for a busy Summer, businesses have reached out to the BIA Economic Development committee and Board of Management, requesting a funding stream through the Community Improvement Plan for hanging blade signage in Downtown Niagara Falls. The current program only allows for one application per property for either façade improvement or building renovations. The proposed stream would enable business owners to apply for a minimal amount of approximately a couple of hundred dollars without wasting their one application for more extensive renovations and rehabilitation initiatives. Blade signs are a recognized fixture in Downtowns across Ontario and are an effective way of attracting foot traffic into stores. These bracket-mounted signs are pedestrian-oriented with a perpendicular orientation to the building for outstanding visibility to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The installation of these signs was one of the recommendations made by Destination Development International to make the downtown more navigable for visitors. The blade signs would create a cohesive and uniform visual aesthetic. The Committee and Board hope that Council will consider creating this funding stream to allow businesses to apply and work with the BIA to develop the program details. Sincerely, The Board of Management for the Downtown Niagara Falls BIA Page 522 of 539 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Concerned Citizen Begin forwarded message: From: Jim Bechkos <jim@gslightinggroup.ca> Date: April 14, 2021 at 11:23:02 AM EDT To: Jim Diodati <jdiodati@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: Concerned Citizen Good Morning Mayor and council members, I would like to take this opportunity to address an issue that I as well as others have discussed about a new business that is going to open in our neighborhood. I have recently noticed that in the plaza at Dorchester and Thorold Stone Road, another cannabis store is about to open for business. Generally, I would not frown on anyone trying to start a business or company by any means. However, given the location, as well as the fact that these things are popping up everywhere, we need to think through before allowing them to be on every corner! In this particular location, you have 2 high schools, at least 5 elementary schools and 4 churches with a 1.5 Km distance or less from this plaza. In fact, at any given lunch hour there are dozens of kids at the 7-eleven in that plaza just 2 doors down. I know that they only serve people 21 and older, but how easily can young people get someone else to purchase what they want for them? This type of business is not a strip club or “massage studio”, but we don’t allow them all over the city. Yes, cannabis may be legal now, but why make it more easily accessible for young people. I think that there should be a limit on how many of these stores are licensed and allowed within a city. Also, I believe that the province stated when the federal government legalized cannabis there were restrictions on where these places could operate, their proximity to schools, churches and other sensitive businesses should be considered! This CANNOT be looked at as just another revenue stream of taxes for the government! Mayor, can you please bring this forward to the council for discussion, we need to get this sorted with our Provincial Government. If not, I can see these things opening like corner stores in every neighborhood. I know that will bring nothing but problems for our kids and the people who live there. I appreciate that you along with our council will represent what is best for our local neighborhoods! Thank-you for your time and consideration of this request. Best Regards, Jim Bechkos Account Manager - Specification Sales | GS Lighting Group O: 519-267-6262 E: jim@gslightinggroup.ca www.gslightinggroup.ca Page 523 of 539 2 Interactive Line Card – Find Your Lighting Solution. Page 524 of 539 The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Resolution April 20th, 2021 No. 4 Moved by: Seconded by: WHEREAS the Planning Act, 1990 R.S.O. establishes a 2-year waiting period for minor variance applications which means minor variance applications are not permitted for two years following an applicant-initiated site specific rezoning of a property; and WHEREAS the intent of the 2-year waiting period is to provide greater control to municipalities, prevent zoning provisions that Council determines to be appropriate from being reversed or altered through the minor variance process for 2 years, and to increase stability by affording municipalities the ability to implement site specific zoning by-laws; and WHEREAS notwithstanding the 2-year waiting period for minor variances, subsection 45(1.4) of the Planning Act, 1990 R.S.O. provides municipalities the ability to permit privately-initiated applications for minor variances by passing a resolution; and WHEREAS 2670279 Ontario Inc. requested Council to consider passing a resolution that would permit them to file an application to the City’s Committee of Adjustment in regards to applicant-initiated site specific By-law No. 2020-57 that was passed by Council in June 2020; and WHEREAS Council determined that a minor variance that would permit 2670279 Ontario Inc. to vary the minimum required rear yard and privacy yard for units 12 to 18 and permit outdoor decks to encroach for units 1 to 10 and 19 to 29 in their Plan of Vacant Land Condominium, does not undermine Council’s original intention when it passed By-law No. 2020-57. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that subject to subsection 45(1.4) of the Planning Act, 1990 R.S.O. Council consents to an exemption to the 2 -year waiting period for minor variances and thereby allows 2670279 Ontario Inc. to file an application to the City’s Committee of Adjustment for the development of the their Plan of Vacant Land Condominium that is regulated by By-law No. 2020-57. AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. WILLIAM G. MATSON JAMES M. DIODATI CITY CLERK MAYOR S:\ZONING\AMS\2019\AM-2019-019\Exemption Request\Resolution AM-2019-019.docx Page 525 of 539 The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Resolution April 20, 2021 No. 5 Moved by: Seconded by: WHEREAS a change is being made to a proposed by-law after holding the required public meeting, therefore council shall determine whether any further notice is to be given in respect of the proposed by-law and the determination of the council as to the giving of further notice is final and not subject to review in any court irrespective of the extent of the change made in the proposed by-law; and WHEREAS before approving application SBA-2021-001 to amend the Sign By-law on April 20, 2021, Council held a public meeting in compliance with By-law No 2021-24. WHEREAS staff have modified the amendment since the public meeting was held to adjust the distance separation between two billboards to place the proposed billboard 46.0 m east of the original location; and, WHEREAS that the changes to the proposed by-law are minor and do not require further notice; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council determines that the change to the proposed sign by-law for SBA-2021-001 is minor and does not require further notice. AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. WILLIAM G. MATSON JAMES M. DIODATI CITY CLERK MAYOR S:\SIGNS\2021\SBA-2021-001\For Report\Resolution-SBA-2021-001.docx Page 526 of 539 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2021 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or municipal by-laws. THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1 . By-law No. 2002-081 is amended by deleting Schedules AA”, and that Schedule “A” attached hereto shall be inserted in lieu thereof. 2. That By-law 2019-107 is hereby repealed. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 20th day of April, 2021. ............................................................... ........................................................... WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 527 of 539 SCHEDULE “A” 1. Chief Building Official: Salvatore Valeo 2. Deputy Chief Building Official: Trevor Toth 3. Inspectors: Tammy Agnoletto Ned Mijatovich Luciano Chieca David Falkanger Fred Sacco Sandro Elia Effat Effat Ellen Roupas Tyler Esau Cesar Ramires Bahra Hormoz Jim Boutilier Jo Zambito Ben Trendle Frank Devereaux Kellie Kubik Doug Collee Ron Massolin Ken Henry Kadri Lambert Meghan Edgar Karen Borne 4. Municipal Enforcement Officers: Gerald F. Spencer Robert Davis Doug Evans Mike Formica Brian Sparks Heather Stones Patrick Vernon Page 528 of 539 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2021 – A by-law to provide for the levy and collection of sums required by the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area for the year 2021. WHEREAS the Board of Management of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area was established by By-law No. 98-225 of the City of Niagara Falls; AND WHEREAS Section 208 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 requires that a Board of Management of a Business Improvement Area shall prepare a budget for each fiscal year and shall hold one or more meetings of the members of the Business Improvement Area for discussion of the proposed budget, and submit the budget for approval by Council; AND WHEREAS the Board of Management of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area has prepared a budget and presented that budget to the members of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area at a meeting of members of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area; AND WHEREAS the budget of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area is raised by a levy upon the ratable property within the area of the Business Improvement Area; AND WHEREAS the Board of Management of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area has proposed that the budget be levied as a minimum or maximum charge pursuant to Section 208(3) of the Act; THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The sum of $39,000.00 shall be levied upon the non-residential properties located within the boundaries of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area. 2. Each property shall pay an amount calculated by dividing the sum of $39,000.00 by the number of non-residential properties within the boundaries of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area. 3. For the 2021 fiscal year the amount levied upon each non -residential property within the boundaries of the area of the Main and Ferry Business Improvement Area shall be $500.00. 4. This by-law shall come into full force and effect on the date of passage. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 20th day of April, 2021. ................................................................ ................................................................ WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 529 of 539 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2021 - A by-law to appoint Jason Burgess as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of Niagara Falls. WHEREAS Section 229 of The Municipal Act, 2001, authorizes a municipality to appoint a Chief Administrative Officer who shall be responsible for: (a) exercising general control and management of the affairs of the municipality for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the municipality; and (b) performing such other duties as are assigned; and WHEREAS By-law 2007-210 defines, limits and determines the duties and responsibilities of the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Niagara Falls. THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. Jason Burgess is hereby appointed Chief Administrative Officer of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls effective July 26, 2021. 2. BurgessJason Chief the of responsibilities and duties out carry shall the Administrative Officer as defined in By-law 2007-210 and shall perform such other duties as Council may from time to time direct by by-law or resolution. 3. By-law 2009-66 is hereby repealed. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 20th day of April, 2021. ............................................................... ........................................................... WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 530 of 539 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2021 - A by -law to appoint the Fire Chief for the City of Niagara Falls. WHEREAS the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 states that the council of the municipality shall appoint a fire chief for the fire department. THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. Jo Zambito is hereby appointed to the position of Fire Chief. 2. The appointment date is to be effective June 30, 2021. 3. By-law 2016-83 is hereby repealed. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 20th day of April, 2021. ............................................................... ........................................................... WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 531 of 539 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2021- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2010-132, which amended By-law No. 79-200, to remove the holding symbol (H) on the lands on the west side of Montrose Road between Charnwood Avenue and McLeod Road, to permit them to be developed (AM-2010-009). WHEREAS By-law No. 2010-132 includes land use holding prohibitions that have the effect of zoning the lands R5C(H)-912; AND WHEREAS the lands that are the subject of and affected by the provisions of this by-law are described in Schedule 1 of this by-law and shall be referred to in this by-law as the “Lands”. Schedule 1 is a part of this by-law; AND WHEREAS the purpose of this by-law is to remove the land use holding prohibitions set out in By-law No. 2010-132 on the Lands, to have the effect of zoning the Lands R5C-912; AND WHEREAS the purpose of this by-law is to amend By-law No. 2010-132 such that the provisions of By-law No. 2010-132 concerning the permitted uses and governing regulations for the Lands will be of full force and effect in accordance with this by-law; AND WHEREAS the Council of the City of Niagara Falls is satisfied that the purpose of the holding provisions of By-law No. 2010-132 with respect to the Lands, will be achieved and that the conditions required for the removal of the holding provisions of By-law No. 2010-132 for the Lands will or can be fulfilled; AND WHEREAS it is and has always been the intent of the Council of the City of Niagara Falls that the holding provisions of By-law No. 2010-132 would be removed and the permitted uses and regulations set out in the by-law would be implemented once the conditions set out in By-law No. 2010-132 had been fulfilled; AND WHEREAS the Council of the City of Niagara Falls is proceeding in accordance with subsection 36(4) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13. THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The holding provisions of By-law No. 2010-132 are hereby declared to be of no force and effect on the Lands. 2. The holding symbol (H) is removed from the zoning designation of the Lands , as shown on Schedule 1. 3. The balance of By-law No. 2010-132 is declared to be in full force and effect on the Lands. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and seal ed in open Council this 20th day of April, 2021. ............................................................... ................................................................ WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR S:\ZONING\AMS\2010\By-laws\Byam009HRemovalRes.docx Page 532 of 539 1 6 .6 m 16.0m18.0m27.2mR=45 6.4 0 8 R=456.40843.8m45.4m46.3m4 8 .3 m 56.4m59.7mC=70.1m73.6m9 4 .4 m 164.8m6.1m Montrose RdKinsmen CtSCHEDULE 1 TO BY-LAW NO. 2021- Subject Land: Amending Zoning By-law No. 79-200 Applicant: Assessment #: K:\GIS_Requests\2010\Schedule\ZoningAM\AM-09\Zoning_bylaw_AM_2010_009_RemH.mxd Gemini Corp 272509000642753 AM-2010-009 ¹ 4/6/2021 Description:PT LOT 163, PT 2 59R13537, TOWNSHIP OF STAMFORD; CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS NTS R5C 912 Page 533 of 539 1 6 .6 m 16.0m18.0m27.2mR=45 6.4 0 8 R=456.40843.8m45.4m46.3m4 8 .3 m 56.4m59.7mC=70.1m73.6m9 4 .4 m 164.8m6.1m Montrose RdKinsmen CtSCHEDULE 1 TO BY-LAW NO. 2021- Subject Land: Amending Zoning By-law No. 79-200 Applicant: Assessment #: K:\GIS_Requests\2010\Schedule\ZoningAM\AM-09\Zoning_bylaw_AM_2010_009_RemH.mxd Gemini Corp 272509000642753 AM-2010-009 ¹ 4/6/2021 Description:PT LOT 163, PT 2 59R13537, TOWNSHIP OF STAMFORD; CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS NTS R5C 912 Page 534 of 539 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2021 – A by-law to amend By-law No. 2021-24, being a by-law to prohibit or regulate the placing or erecting of signs, notices, and advertising devises on public and private property within the City of Niagara Falls. (SBA-2021-001) THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. By-law No. 2021-24 is amended by adding the following subsection: “21.10 Site Specific Provisions 21.10.5 Notwithstanding the provisions contained in section 11.5 and section 13.0 Table 6 hereof, a billboard sign consisting of up to 100% electronic message centre shall be permitted on the lands on the north side of Thorold Stone Road and west of Garner Road, being PIN 642670169 and shall be: i. located 49 m from the southwest corner of the property and 10.3 m from the Regional Road widened limit; ii. no closer than 245 m from another billboard sign; iii. no larger than 3.048 m x 6.096 m in size; iv. equipped with photocell technology to automatically adjust the sign’s brightness based on ambient light levels so as to not cause any impacts on a surrounding residential use nor cause a distraction to drivers along Thorold Stone Road; and, v. shut off between the hours of 12 midnight and 7:00 AM. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 20th day of April, 2021. ........................................................ ..................................................................... WILLIAM MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR S:\SIGNS\2021\SBA-2021-001\By-law.docx Page 535 of 539 THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS BY-LAW Number 2021 - A by-law to amend By-law No. 2019-44, being a by-law to require owners and operators of off-street parking facilities to provide designated parking spaces reserved for the sole use of vehicles operated by or carrying persons with disabilities, and to amend By- law 2014-65, being a By-law to establish a System of Administrative Penalties respecting the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles in the City of Niagara Falls. --------------------------------------------------------------- The Council of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls hereby ENACTS as follows: 1. By-law No. 2019-44, is hereby amended: (a) by deleting Section 13 and replacing it with the following: 13. No person shall park a motor vehicle in a designated space unless a valid permit is displayed in that vehicle as prescribed in this By-law, and (a) persons with disabilities who is the operator of a motor vehicle and who has a valid permit for which is clearly and fully visible from the outside of the motor vehicle by either being affixed to the sun visor or on the dashboard of the motor vehicle; or (b) a person who is the operator of a motor vehicle that is carrying person with a disability and who has a valid permit, shall park a motor vehicle in a designated parking space for which is clearly and fully from the outside of the motor vehicle by either being Page 536 of 539 affixed to the sun visor or on the dashboard of the motor vehicle; and (c) that the person for which the permit has been issued exits the vehicle to attend the building or facility for which the accessible space is provided. (b) by deleting Section 21 and replacing it with the following: 21. The driver of a vehicle, not being the owner, is liable to any penalty provided under this By-law, and the owner of the vehicle is also liable to such penalty, unless at the time of the offence, the vehicle was in possession of a person other than the owner, without the consent of the owner. (c) By deleting sections 14 and 15 and the sections that follow be renumbered accordingly. 2. By-law No. 2014-65, is hereby amended: (a) by deleting the fifth recital and replacing it with the following: AND WHEREAS The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls has enacted a number of by-laws regulating the parking, standing or stopping of vehicles, namely By-law No. 89-2000, as amended, being a By-law regulating traffic and parking on City Roads. By-law No. 80-114, as amended, being a By-law to establish fire routes, and By-law No. 96- 50, being a By-law to regulate parking in municipal parking lots, By-law 80-77, being a by-law to regulate private parking lots, By-law 2019-44, being a by-law to regulate designated parking spaces pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, the Planning Act, as amended and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c.4, as amended (b) by deleting Schedule “E” and replacing it with the following: Page 537 of 539 SCHEDULE “E” CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ADMINISTRATIVE BY-LAW DESIGNATED BY-LAW PROVISIONS – ACCESSIBLE PARKING BY-LAW 2019-44 Provisions in the Designated Parking By-law No. 2019-44, as amended, that are hereby designated for the purposes of section (3) of the Regulation. 1 Column 2 in the following table sets out the short form wording to be used in a Penalty Notice for the contravention of the designated provisions listed in Column 1. 2 Column 3 in the following table sets out the Administrative Penalty amounts that are payable for contraventions of the designated provisions listed in Column 1. This By-law shall come into force immediately. Passed this twentieth day of April, 2021. ............................................................... ........................................................... WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR First Reading: April 20, 2021 Second Reading: April 20, 2021 Third Reading: April 20, 2021 ITEM COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 COLUMN 3 Designated Short Form Wording Administrative Provisions Penalty 2019-44 13 Unlawful use of accessible parking space $300.00 Page 538 of 539 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2021 - A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of City Council at its meeting held on the 20th day of April, 2021. WHEREAS it is deemed desirable and expedient that the actions and proceedings of Council as herein set forth be adopted, ratified and confirmed by by-law. NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The actions of the Council at its meeting held on the 20th day of April 2021 including all motions, resolutions and other actions taken by the Council at its said meeting, are hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed as if they were expressly embodied in this by-law, except where the prior approval of the Ontario Municipal Board or other authority is by law required or any action required by law to be taken by resolution. 2. Where no individual by-law has been or is passed with respect to the taking of any action authorized in or with respect to the exercise of any powers by the Council, then this by-law shall be deemed for all purposes to be the by-law required for approving, authorizing and taking of any action authorized therein or thereby, or required for the exercise of any powers thereon by the Council. 3. The Mayor and the proper officers of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said actions of the Council or to obtain approvals where required, and, except where otherwise provided, the Mayor and the Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents arising therefrom and necessary on behalf of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls and to affix thereto the corporate seal of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls. Read a first, second, third time and passed. Signed and sealed in open Council this 20th day of April, 2021. .............................................................. ............................................................. WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 539 of 539