2000/09/111)
2)
3)
TENTH MEETING
Monday, September 11, 2000
From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
Staff Contact:
Approval of the 2000 08 21 Community Services Committee Minutes
REPORTS:
a) R-2000-61 - Maple Street School A. Kon
Representative from Project Share
in attendance
b) MW-2000-93 - Demolition Maple Street School
Handout
E. Dujlovic
c)
MW-2000-94 -Clifton Hill B.I.A. Reports
CTODS Signing Changes
Clifton Hill & Victoria/Centre Street
B.I.A's will be in attendance
E. Dujlovic
d) MW-2000-91 - Basement Flooding on July 28, 2000 E. Dujlovic
e) MW-2000-92 - Drinking Water Standards
E. Dujlovic
f) R-2000-59 - The Armoury
A. Kon
g) BBS-2000-08 - Sign Application Variance -
4141 Portage Road
M. Brown
h) FS-2000-11 - Niagara Voice Radio Project
P. Corfield
i)
PD-2000-101 - Tourist Area Streetscape Master Plan D. Darbyson
and Urban Design Standards Study
Draft Plan for the Fallsview Tourist District
COMMUNICATION ITEMS:
a) Billboard Installation at the Mountain Road Landfill Site
4) NEW BUSINESS:
6) ADJOURNMENT:
MINUTES OF COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2000, CITY HALL, ROOM 2, 4:30 P.M.
PRESENT
ABSENT
STAFF
PRESS
GUESTS
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson; Mayor Wayne Thomson, Alderman Norm
'Puttick, Alderman Kim Craitor, Alderman Shirley Fisher, Alderman Paisley Janvary-Pool,
Alderman Selina Volpatti, Alderman Ed Michalczyk, Alderman Janice Wing, Alderman
Camlynn Ioannoni, Alderman Judy Orr, Alderman Ken Feren.
Alderman Wayne Campbell
Ed Lustig, John MacDonald, Geoff Holman, Adele Kon, Peter Corfieid, Paul Pingue, Karl
Dren, Woody Wagg, Tony Ravenda, Tom Smith, Cathy Crabbe (Steno)
Mr. Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review; Mr. Bob McGregor, CHRE Radio
Mrs. Patdcia Folino, Mr. Tony Folino, Mr. Mado Folino, Mr. Jack Radonic, Mrs. Chdstine
Tothpal, Mr. Pasco
1) MINUTES.
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Shirley Fisher, seconded by Alderman Carolynn Ioannoni approval of the
July 17, 2000 Community Services Committee Minutes as recorded.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21.
2) DEPUTATIONS
a) R-2000-54 - ReQuest for Tree Removal 6302 Taylor Street
Mr. Radonic once again addressed the Committee seeking their assistance in removing the tree from his
property. Mr. Radonic circulated photographs of the tree and reiterated his concerns about the safety and
well-being of his family and neighbours and their respective homes. He also reminded the Committee
about the tree roots growing through his basement and that one side of his house has shifted 4 inches
because of the large tree roots.
witness first hand fie tree roots growing through fie!old conCrete floor in the basement,~the manner in
which the floors and doorways are completely pushed off centre, the magnitude of the tree in compadson. ,': '~
to the size of the lot and the house all combine to create a concern as to the possibility of this huge tree
being a hazard to his home and neighbours' homes dudng severally inclement weather. The Mayor hoped
Council would consider the very extenuating circumstances and reconsider Mr. Radonic's request by
supporting the request for removal of the tree.
Alderman Craitor had been to the Radonic property and although he has always been against taking down
healthy trees, he has never come across such an unusual exception to the rule.
Alderman Volpatti felt that the tree was interfering with the health and safety of the Radonics and their
neighbours and therefore believed we could not take the risk of leaving the tree standing.
Alderman Wing was not comfortable with removing the tree without first receiving further input from staff.
Alderman Puttick would not support Mr. Radonic's request, however did suggest that if the motion was
defeated the City should investigate the cost of hiring an expert engineer to substantiate Mr. Radonic's
claim before opening the City to a floodgate of requests for unnecessary tree removals.
Alderman Fisher asked Mr. Radonic if he was aware of the roots in the house when he purchased it to
which he replied the previous owners belongings covered the basement floor and he did not see the roots
until a month after he took possession of the property,
Alderman Michalczyk also visited the site and could not believe the size of the tree in comparison to the
size of the house and the lot and when assured by Mr. Radonic that he would plant a tree to replace the
removed maple tree, offered his support.
IT WAS MOVED BY Moved by Mayor Thomson, seconded by Alderman Selina Volpatti that the large
maple tree in front of the residence at 6302 Taylor Street be removed.
MOTION: Carried
OPPOSED: Alderman Puttick, Alderman Wing and Alderman Janvary-Pool
ACTION: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21.
b) R-2000-66 Letter & Petition Regardinn City Trees
Mr. Tony Folino, son of Mrs. Patdcia Folino, author of the letter to Mayor Thomson circulated pictures from
his neighbourhood and presented their case against the London Plane trees. Mr. Folino indicated the tree
roots were raising the sidewalks as much as two inches in some cases thereby making it unsafe for
people to walk and in particular for children to play; that the height of the trees was blocking out the light
from the City's street lights but in particular the bark and leaves shed by this tree were extremely messy
creating a regular clean up from eady spdng to the late fall.
Alderman Puttick said the sidewalk issue was resolvable as they can be ground down by 'staff, however,
he was against the removal of healthy trees because they were messy.
Alderman Craitor indicated he had been approached by a resident on Faidawn Crescent with a similar
complaint about London Plane trees and made an onsite visit where he was shocked to see the amount of
bark and leaves on the lawns. He contacted the NPC to see if there was a remedy for this and was
informed this is the nature of this particular tree and there is no solution.
Mayor Thomson suggested that a motion regarding this issue should include Parks Department staff
being advised to give more attention to the cleanup of the streets in areas where London Plane trees are
Nde~an ~'ng sG~gest~ ~e ci~:'~0'a 'leffe~ drop ~ ,h~m~em ~ere ~e~ ~ees am Io~ted ;. :~:~,~L
inditing ~em to ~11Ci~ Hall to have s~ff maintenan~ ~ ~eir pm~ffies.
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Selina Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Judy Orr that the London Plane
trees on Warden Avenue between Dunn Street and Margaret Street not be removed, that City staff be
directed to provide additional attention to the clean up in this area, that the trees be trimmed to allow for
better street lighting, that sidewalk repairs for this street be included in the 2001 budget and finally that the
City not purchase or plant anymore London Plane trees anywhere in the City.
Motion:
Action:
Carried
Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 2t
3 REPORTS
a) MW-2000-82 O'Neil Street Update Report on Traffic Issues
Alderman Volpatti commented that if a current study indicates 13 traffic accidents it would seem
necessary that the new study indicate how many accidents occurred at this intersection prior to the four
way stop.
Alderman Craitor indicated that residents of the Stamford Green Ddve and Linden Avenue area have
asked for a four way stop and he felt that this intersection along with several other streets were inter-
related because of the flow of traffic.
Karl Dren advised that this was a separate issue from Report MW-2000-82 and suggested the residents
should be encouraged to get involved with the Speed Watch Programme
Mayor Thomson advised the Committee that he and Alderman Craitor had spoken to some of the
residents about this very issue, however, they have not been pro-active in embracing the programme.
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Ed Michalczyk and seconded by Mayor Thomson that Report MW-2000-
82 be received and filed.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21 ' '
b) R-2000-55 Lease Ai3reement with Friends of Lundv's Lane Battlefield
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Shidey Fisher, seconded by Mayor Thomson that the City not enter into a
lease agreement with the Fdends of the Lundy's Lane Battlefield for all or any part of the Lundy's Lane
Battlefield site.
Motion: Carried
Opposed: Alderman Off, Alderman Ioannonl
Conflict: Alderman Wing ., ·
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
c) R-2000-58 Landscape Plan for Lundv's Lane Battlefield Park
Adele Kon addressed the Committee with a proposed landscape plan and overhead presentation for the
Lundy's Lane Battlefield Park as visioned and designed by Cad Bray. In her presentation Adele indicated
the need for vehicle parking and the problems this presents to the project.
Mayor Thomson indicated to Jhe Committee that th~:il~ity~0~ttsml~ting~)ipUrr, li..~§~ei~he~'remai ing
n 'Hollman ~' ,'-~i~
property to assist in this parking problem.' He felt that if.the'City is gOingto'spend several million dollars to ." '.~' ".:.' !* .".'
develop this area, there iscertainly justification to13urchasetheHollman propertywhich :would provide'a~'!
quick and easy solution to the parking problem and at the same time preserve the integrity of the park and-
abide by Ruth Redmond's wishes.
Alderman Volpatti acknowledged that this is a very exciting plan and is anxious to see what the public will
say. Alderman Volpatti asked for clarification about the shadng of information with Council before staff
goes to a public meeting and once the public is made aware of the project what onus does the city bear
with respect to the Lundy's Lane Bafflefield Group.
John MacDonald advised that the City has contributed $228,000, there is a matching federal Millennium
Grant and an equal contribution has been promised from the Fdends of Lundy's Lane Battlefield for a total
of $684,000, the greatest portion of which is scheduled for the restoration of Fralick's Tavern with the
balance being allocated to the initial landscaping work. John also advised that this is the total amount of
funds the City has committed to at this point, however, the project could conceivably evolve up to two or
three million dollars.
Alderman Fisher was pleased to hear the Mayor's suggestion that the City investigate the purchase of the
balance of the Hollman property. She had been contacted by concerned local residents who had originally
been advised they would not have a parking lot in their area, however, now had concerns that this may
change.
Alderman Janvary-Pool felt this was an exciting project with great historical significance that will bring out
community involvement from young and old alike.
Alderman Puttick recalled this project first appeared in 1965, however, the financing never came through.
Alderman Fisher inquired as to how many public meetings would be conducted.
Adele Kon advised that currently there were plans for only one large public meeting, however, there may
also be some other smaller meetings
Alderman Wing indicated that the City would be applying for a Heritage Challenge Grant for a $400,000
project.
A letter from the Friends of Lundy's Lane Battlefield outlining their comments with respect to the
landscape plan were briefly discussed.
IT WAS MOVED BY Mayor Thomson, seconded by Alderman Ed Michalczyk that Council receive and file
the landscape plans for the Lundy's Lane Battlefield Park and further that staff be directed to hold a public
meeting of all stakeholders for both input on the landscape plan and to share information concerning the
restoration of Fralick's Tavem. Staff should report back to Council on the outcome of the meeting~ and
receive final approval of the landscape plan.
Motion: Carried ~
Opposed: Alderman Orr
Conflict: Alderman Wing
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
d) BBS-2000-02 RRAP A;iencv Agreement
Alderman Janvary-Pool acknowledge that this is a valuable programme to many of the City's residents
and that we should be sum to get this information out to the public.
~ :, ,. :i:: ~ :;j.~.~::~,~.::~lj~:i~i:'i~':'~..,!!~,;, ~.=~:,, :!:~:~. -:..~ ,.: .;~ ·
John MacD'~'n;Id advised that them Is a becklog ofi&pplicati0iis::from otheryearsand we geta ve~ :'" , :"- ..:
insignfficant amount of money to deal with; the monies we will get will be applied initially to the backlogged ~
applications
IT WAS MOVED BY Mayor Thomson, seconded by Alderman Ed Michalczyk that the City enter into an
agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation respecting the Residential Rehabilitation
Assistance Program similar to its 1974 programme.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
e) BBS-2000-03 Fence Variance on Sodom Road
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Shi~ey Fisher, seconded by Mayor Thomson that Council approve a
maximum eight foot, six inch (8' 6") high fence along the side property lines in the front yard of 10683
Sodom Road to a point not less than sixty-eight feet (68') from the centre line of Sodom Road and that the
balance of the fence height in the front yard be no greater than four feet (4') from that point to the front lot
line.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
f) BBS-2000-04 Jain Imports - Sign Permit ADnlication 4080 Montrose Road
IT WAS MOVED BY Mayor Thomson, seconded by Alderman Ed Michalczyk that Council approve the
variance for a ground sign having an area of two-hundred and fifty (250) square feet for Jain Imports at
4080 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, Ontado.
Motion: Carded
Conflict: Alderman Feren
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
g)
BBS-2000-05 Application for Projecting Sign, Sign By-Law Variance Request By-Poll
August t t. 2000. 5008 Centre St.
Mayor Thomson noted that this was not a precedent setting request, that we approve sign variances on a
regular basis. He also noted that this is a quality sign that will advertise three separate prop.e.,rties on one
sign.
Alderman Craitor advised that he has walked down the street in c uestion and noted there are many
business that contravene the by-law.
Alderman Puttick concurred that this is a very busy area both for signs and people and recalled
suggesting railings be installed at the corners to avoid people being pushed into the street. He also
indicated that he had suggested to Alderman Feren that Council be polled on this matter.
Both Alderman Orr and Alderman Wing expressed concern about larger vehicles such as buses,
recreation vehicles and delivery trucks passing too close to the curb.
John MacDonald reported that there is currently a very old sign in the same area that projects out over the
sidewalk further than the proposed sign, we will be checking into this and other signs
IT WAS MOVED BY Mayor Thomson, seconded by Alderman Ed Michalczyk that Council approv~ the
variance to the Sign By-law for application for a projecting sign at 5008 Centre Street for Alien Encounters,
Yanks and House of Cuban Cigars.
MoUon: :--. Carried
Conflict: Alderman F~ren
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
h) BBS-2000-06 ProPertY Standards Order 2000-01-PS. 5132 Drummond Road
Mayor Thomson commented that it was about time this proporb/was finally being cleaned up. It has been
an ongoing problem for his office and Property Standards for more than a year and a half.
Alderman Craitor questioned whether or not there was some way to expedite the City's actions when a
flagrant misuse of property is reported to them.
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Kim Craitor, seconded by Mayor Thomson that Council authorize the
Manager of By-Law Enforcement to retain a towing company forthwith to remove the unlicensed vehicles
and various debds from 5132 Drummond Road which the owner was ordered to carry out under an Order
of the Property Standards Officer.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
i) BBS-2000-07 Variance to Sign By-Law Mount Carmel Plaza, Phase III
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Shirley Volpatti, seconded by Alderman Paisley Janvary-Pool that Council
approve the vadance for a forty (40) foot high ground sign at 3770 Montrose Road for Mount Carmel
Centre Plaza, Phase III.
Motion: Carried
Conflict: Alderman Feren
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
4) COMMUNICATIONS
a) Letter from Gordon McNab on behalf of 7019 Woodington Road
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Paisley Janvary-Pool, seconded by Alderman Shidey Fisher that the letter
received from the neighbouts of 7019 Woodington Road requesting the upgrade of the storm sewer
system in their area be received, filed and referred to staff for investigation with a report back to the
Committee.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 2t
b) Petition from Residents of Silvan Street/Mount Forest Area
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Selina Volpatti, seconded by Mayor Thomson that a petition against
proposed sidewalks to Silvan Street be received, filed and referred to staff for investigation with a report
back to the Committee.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
s)
c)
d)
e)
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Fisher thanked all those instrumental in bdning down the house on Cleveland Avenue.
A, Iderman Fisher expressed the concerns of residents .using the newly installed section of ,~. ~;,~,,~1.
sidewalk on Portage Road at Chippawa Parkway. John MacDonald advised that staff would be'.
directed to install fill on either side of the sidewalk to make it safer for those who travel along this
section of the sidewalk.
Alderman Fisher asked if there was anything that could be done about the amount of and size of
weeds on the Stamford C.V.I. property. Alderman Puttick advised he had already been made
aware of the property and had taken steps to contact the school board to look into the matter.
Alderman Volpatti requested staff investigate the increased number of speeding cam on Russell
Street sinca the installation of stop signs on the street. She would like to see some type of "traffic
calming enforcement."
Prompted by a letter from Mr. David Spence regarding the status of the billboard at the Mountain
Road landfill, Alderman Craitor questioned when the transfer of land ownership would take place
from the City to the Region.
John MacDonald advised the Committee that he was aware that a three year contract exists
between the Region and Pattison and would have staff investigate the land ownership matter.
IT WAS MOVED BY Alderman Selina Volpatti, seconded by Mayor Thomson that staff be directed to
investigate traffic calming enforcement on Russell Street
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council 2000 08 21
f) Alderman Craitor
6) ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by general consensus at 5:45 p.m.
The City of
Niagara Falls~
Canada
Community Services Department
Parks, Recreation & Culture
7565 Lundy's Lane
Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G9
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-7404
E-mail: akon@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
September 11, 2000
Adele Kon
Director
R-2000-61
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Fails, Ontario
Members:
Re: R-2000-61- Maple Street School
RECOMMENDATION:
To Members of Council for consideration and decision.
BACKGROUND:
On August 25, 2000, the ownership of the school transferred to the City for a purchase price of
$250,000. As Members of Council will recail, the school was purchased to provide needed
neighbourhood parkland because the area had the largest deficiency of parkland. Prior to the
acquisition of Maple Street School, Project Share submitted a letter to Council advising of their
interest in the school building. The matter was subsequently referred to staff.
Staff has conducted an assessment of the entire building and concluded that the main or older part
of the school is too costly to renovate for Project Share and any of their other potentiai partners. A
further drawback is that the building is not accessible. However, an addition constructed in 1965
to serve as a gymnasium and a library could potentiaily be renovated and used by Project Share.
Meetings were held with Members of Project Share' s Building Committee to discuss this proposai
and the potentiai costs.
Project Share's vision was to acquire a facility that is 10,000 to 20,000 square feet. Their current
space is approximately 3,500 square feet. The newer gym and library would provide approximately
6,800 square feet. This school section is aimost twice the size of their current location and space
could be made available for a future addition. If the old part of the building was demolished a new
exterior wail would have to be coustmcted at an approximate cost of $50,000. According to Project
Share, they own their roof top heating air conditioning unit and their existing system could be moved
to the new location. It would aiso be necessary to move the electricai service and install other utility
metres.
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development
-2-
The tenders for the demolition of the school will close on Friday September 8. Therefore, a
secondary report (MW-2000-93) will be a hand out. The purpose of this report is to recommend
acceptance of the low bid to demolish the School The bid was submitted in two parts, the first was
to demolish the entire school and the second was to demolish all but the gym and library. As
M, embers of Council are aware, our landfill will close on October 29, 2000, and therefore, a decision
n~ust be made as soon as possible in order ensure that no unnecessary tipping fees are incurred.
Members of Project Share will appear at Community Services to request:
the transfer of ownership of the gym and library portion of the school to Project Share for
a nominal fee;
financial assistance with the renovation of the gym and library;
additional property for a future addition; and
other assistance (details were not available at the writing of this report).
Members of Council should be aware that funds have not been budgeted for renovation of any part
of the building or the property. Funds to purchase the school were charged to the Parks Acquisition
and Development Reserve. It is the recommendation of staffthat if Council decides to provide part
of the school and property for the use of Project Share then an appropriate portion ($140,000) of the
acquisition cost should come from another source of funds or should be deferred for inclusion in the
2001 Budget.
Recommended by:~
Adele Kon
Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
Respectfully submitted:
Edward P. Lustig
Chief Administrative Officer
Approved by:
Executive Director of Community Services
AK/das
S:\Council\Council 2000'xR-2000-61.wpd
Community Services Department
Municipal Works - Traffic & Parking SewIces
4310 Queen Street
P.O. 8o× 1023
Niagara Falls, ON 1_2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagsrafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 353-0651
~ E-mail: kdren~city.niagarafalls,on.ca
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng.
Director of Municipal Works
MW-2000-94
File G-180-1
September 11, 2000
Members: Re:
MW-2000-94
Clifton Hill B.I.A. Request -
CTODS Signing Changes
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Clifton Hill B.I.A. request to change the directional arrow on the
CTODS sign located on Highway 420 west of Stanley Avenue be denied.
BACKGROUND:
The Clifton Hill B.I.A. has requested altering the directional arrow on the CTODS sign located
just west of Stanley Avenue on Highway 420 (Figure 1).
The sign identifies to motorists that are approaching Stanley Avenue, who want to go to the
"Clifton Hill Tourist Area", the "Fallsview Tourist Area" and/or the "Lundy's Lane Tourist Area"
from Highway 420, may mm right at Stanley Avenue. They are then advised through the large
overhead directional sign at Stanley Avenue and Ferry Street to mm left on Ferry Street for the
"Clifton Hill Tourist Area"; turn right on Ferry Street for the "Lundy's Lane Tourist Area" and go
straight ahead for the "Fallsview Tourist Area".
The Clifton Hill B .I.A. is requesting that the arrow for the "Clifton Hill Tourist Area" on the
Highway 420 CTODS sign be altered to indicate that the "Clifton Hill Tourist Area" is straight
ahead rather than turning right on Stanley Avenue.
In the past, tourism guide signing has been a contentious issue in Niagara Falls. Because of the
multiplicity of individ-al tourist attractions in Niagara Falls, and the practical impossibility of
providing signage for each one, the concept of signing designated tourist districts has been
established, where each tourist district would contain a number of tourist attractions. The M.T.O.
CTODS signing program does not support signing to B.I.A.'s
In 1989, the tourism district signing philosophy (policy) was adopted by the City, the Region of
Niagara and the Niagara Parks Commission, as well as, the tourist operators, as a made in
Niagara Falls solution to guide visitors around to the various tourist attractions. This new
initiative resulted in the removal of over 60 Wail blazer signs and the installation of over 60
tourism district signs.
This policy was once again reinforced by all, including the tourist operators (the Clifton Hill
September 11, 2000 -2- MW-2000-94
B.I.A. did not agree with directing vehicles to Stanley Ave.), and the Ministry of Transportation,
during the undertaking of the Niagara Falls Transportation Study, which was completed in 1998.
As result, over 50 more signs have been added to the system, along with Tourism District
identification signs and a major overhead sign structure installation (at cost of more than
.$100,000.00) at the intersection of Stanley Avenue and Ferry Street (Figure 2).
fixWas determined that the CTODS tourist cluster signing program and the City/Region Tourism
Di~'tdct signing program are compatible. Only City approved tourist cluster signs will be used
along Highway 420. Individual attraction Trail Blazer signs will not be permitted for attractions
through tourism districts save for a few exceptions, ie. Casino. Individual attraction signs will be
permitted outside the tourist districts along the QEW and Highway 405 as per the CTODS policy.
The "Clifton Hill Tourist Area" in accordance to the Tourism Master plan includes the Clifton
Hill B.I.A. and Victoria/Centre B.I.A.
Since this request would result in a major change to the adopted policy, Staff also solicited a
response from the VictoriaJCentre B.I.A. The VictoriaJCentre B.I.A. have responded indicating
that they are not in favour of changing the arrow on the Highway 420 CTODS directional sign.
I
Figure 1
Figure 2
September 11, 2000 -3-
MW-2000-94
The Committee's concurrence with the recommendation outlined in this report would be
appreciated.
Prepared by:
/_,,,- --
Ka/I Dren, C.E.T.
Manager of Traffic & Parking Services
Edward P. Lustig, ' .~
Chief Administrative Officer
Director of Mtmicipal Works
A roved by: ~
nald,
Executive Director of Community Services
K. Drcn
S:\TRAFFICXREPORTS~000~2000 Community ServiceshM~V2000-94.wpd
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
4310 Queen Street
P.o. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel.: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail: dwalt@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
September 11, 2000
MW-2000-91
Ed Dujlovlc, P. Eng.
Director
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2000-91
Basement Flooding on July 28th 2000
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that this report be received and filed.
BACKGROUND:
On Friday, July 28th at approximately 3:00 p.m, the City of Niagara Falls experienced a severe
thunderstorm which released approximately 25 mm (1") of rain in approximately twenty (25)
minutes in the hardest hit area north of Thorold Stone Road. Examination of information collected
at the City' s four compnterized weather stations shows that the subject storm took a path along the
North West portion of the City.
The storm resulted in approximately twenty five (25) reported basement ~oodings in the subject
areas. The subject homes are generally confined to the Weedington Road, Woodfield Avenue and
Noella Crescent areas although isolated flooding, 5 reported, was experienced in areas south of
Lundy's Lane. To date, staff have attempted to address the flooding occurrences by taking the
following proactive steps.
- Staff have canvassed the affected areas by phone and door to door, in order to determine
the extent of the problem.
- All main sewers litore the subject area to its eventual discharge point are currently being
inspected using an in line sewer camera to ensure that no structural deficiencies or apparent
blockages exist that could have contributed to the flooding.
- Homeowners who can provide evidence of previous and repeated basement flooding are
being enrolled in the City's Residential Flood Relief Program. To date, four of the subject
homes have been fitted with the required equipment.
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works · Fire Services Pan~s, Recreation & Culture Business Development
' 2000-09-11 -2- MW-2000-91
In researching the incidences of late, City staff have discovered that a number of residents in this
particular area have not reported past basement flooding events. City staff have for the past six
years, made a concerted effort to track all incidences of basement flooding in order to pinpoint and
priioritize areas requiring control and to act upon the best available infonnation in a timely fashion
~to prevent further flooding occurrences within problem areas.
~ha~e writer will provide Council with an update of both the sewer investigations in the area and the
corrective action taken on private and public property, when substantial progress has been made with
remedial works.
David Watt
Manager of Infrastructure
Director of Municipal Works
Chief Administrative O.~er
App ved by: f/~~//
Jo MacDonald,
fSP~'~rof Community Services
DW:dw/dw
T.h.e:ity of II i
Community Services Department
Municipal Works
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-mail:edujlovi@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
September 11, 2000
Ed Dujlovlc, P. Eng.
Director
MW-2000-92
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: MW-2000-92 Drinking Water Standards
RECOMMENDATION:
That Committee receive and file this report.
BACKGROUND:
As a restfit of the contamination of the Walkerton water supply the province has established new
drinking water regulations under subsection 52 (1) of the Ontario Water Resources Act. The
highlights of the new regulation, which came into force August 26, 2000, are as follows:
· Ontario drinking water objectives have now become standards that must be adhered to under
the drinking water protection regulation. (Note: the City adhered to the previous objectives)
· Use of acredited labotories for analysis.
· Notification procedures for adverse analysis results.
· Certification of Water Staff.
· Procedures for posting of warning notices for non-compliance with regulations.
· Quarte~y report requirments both to theMinistry of the Enviroment and the Public.
· Completion of an independent engineers report of the Water Works System which is to be
updated on a regular basis.
· Additional requirements with regard to documentation and record keeping.
The City of Niagara Falls is working in cooperation with the Region of Niagara and the area
Municiplides to deal with the impacts of the new regualtions. One of the first issues that will have
to be addressed is the submission of the quaterly report with the first being due October 30, 2000.
2000-03 -20 -2 - MW-2000-92
It is anticapted that the report will be a joint venture between the City and the Region as we are both
responsible for different aspects of the Water Works System.
the next pressing issue that has to be dealt with is the preparation of the Engineering Report. The
r~g~ations require that the report be prepared by an Independent Consuiting Engineer. Accordingly,
the City once again in conjuetion with the Region will be proceeding to retain an engineer to prepare
a report which for the City of Niagara Fails is due by March 2001. It is estimated that the City's
share of the cost of the report will be in the order of $30,000.
The next item that needs to be deait with is the certification of additional staff in the Water Works
Department in order to deai with the testing requirments under the new regulations. Depending on
the number of staff requiring certification it is estimated that the cost will be in order of $5,000 to
$10,000 initiaily for the training. It should be noted that as part of the certification staff will be
required to undergo on going training on a annual basis of 76 hours in order to maintain their
certification. This will have an impact on future budgets with respect to training cost and the fact
staff will be away from work during these training sessions.
City staff are still reviewing the regulations to determine the addtionai impacts that it may have on
the water distribution system and any improvements that may be required. Staff have begun a review
to determine what infastructure works would be required in order to meet the new requirments under
the regulations. Staff will be reporting on this matter prior to the end of the year and the impact it
will have on the Captial Works Budgets for the Water Distribution System.
Committee's concurrence on the above recommendation would be appreciated.
.p~dfd,by:
Ed Dujlovic, P. Eng.,
Director of Municipal Works
Respectfully Submitted by:
Chief Administrative Officer
.~/~o~;ohnMacDonaid, ~/~
Executive Director of Community Services
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works Fire Sen/ices Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development
The City of
Niagara Falls
Canada
Community Services Department
Parks, Recreation & Culture
7565 Lundy's Lane
Niagara Fails, ON L2H 1G9
web site: www,city.niagarafalls,on,ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-7404
E-mail: akon@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
September 11, 2000
Adele Ken
Director
R-2000-59
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Fails, Ontario
Members:
Re: R-2000-59 - Armoury
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that this report be received and filed for information.
BACKGROUND:
Earlier in the year, Council directed staff to explore both the potential acquisition and use of the
Armoury. Staff has worked with Wayne Scott, Chairperson, Arts and Culture Commission
throughout this review process. Meetings were held with a number of groups and individuals who
have expressed interest in using all or part of the Armoury. A brief summary of their respective
interest is outlined below.
Project Share:
The organization began providing services in 1983 and their mandate is to provide basic services to
low income residents of Niagara Fails. It is a registered, not for profit social service agency. Project
Share currently provides services for approximately 2,300 people per month. They have 8 full time
staff and 4 grant staff and this is augmented by 500 volunteers. They also partner with
approximately 25 other organizations. The types of services they provide are:
emergency food bank;
food co-op (a self-help program);
emergency services (accommodation, transportation, utilities);
housing help centre;
homelessness initiative on an outreach basis;
support and advocacy;
public education; and
Christmas Baskets.
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Municipal Works Fire Sen/ices Parks, Recreation & Culture Business Development
-2-
Project Share has identified other needs, such as the distribution of furniture and clothing in the
community but they cannot provide these additional services because of their limited space. Their
current operafrog space located at Bridge Street and Victoria Avenue provides 3,500 sq ft and they
estimate that their future space needs are in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 sq It.
Their current facility costs total $20,300 (taxes, utilities, and insurance ) and they obtain their funds
f~m the United Way ($72,984), City of Niagara Falls ($68,500) and community donations.
The organization has indicated a willingness to increase their fundraising campaign in order to
renovate the building and to partner with other organizations to share the building. It is also
important to note that they have also expressed an interest in using Maple Street School.
Military Museum:
A relatively new orgauization has been formed. They expect to be are an incorporated, not for profit
organization with a charitable status in the near future. They currently have approximately 70
members and are expecting this number to grow during this coming Fall.
The purpose of this organization is to develop a Museum to ensure that the story of our Veterans and
their contribution is not lost, as well as documenting the contribution of the Canadian Military. The
Museum would display various related artifacts and documents from all sections of the Military.
This organization has expressed a strong interest in the Armoury as being the site of their proposed
Military Museum.
The organization has expressed interest in the use of the entire first floor and part of the basement
for storage purposes. They have also proposed that the second floor be used as offices for various
community groups and the large open space could be used to display art.
A fundraising committee has been for. ned and the organization is hopeful that they will be able to
generate sufficient funds f~om the community and various grants to fund their Museum. In the short
term (5 years) it may require City subsidy, however, in the long run, they expect to be self-sufficient.
They also expect to pay some type of rent and/or maintenance costs and are also willing to manage
the building.
Art Gallery:
Dr. Afrukhteh has expressed a desire to donate his art collection to a public body and he feels that
the Armoury would be an adequate venue to display part of his collection. He is also having
discussions with the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) to utilize the Niagara Power Plant to display
his collection. Although no decisions have been made, Dr. Afrukhteh is considering donating
approximately 400 paintings to the City and the remainder to the NPC.
Dr. Afmldateh opened his Art Gallery in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1983 in order to share his extensive
and varied collection with the public, so that they too could benefit culturally. Although the Gallery
has been closed for the past 8 years, in order to constTuct an addition and renovate the existing
building.. Dr. Afrukhteh has one of the largest private collections in Canada. A registered,
charitable, not for profit organization was established to oversee and fund the gallery operation.
-3-
Dr. Afrukhteh's collection consists of:
approximately 3,000 framed paintings including Spanish, Dutch, Italian and French Masters;
Canadian paintings makeup approximately 70% of his collection that include such artists as
A.Y. Jackson, Tom Thomson, and Comelius Krieghoff;
approximately 500 unframed paintings;
600 to 700 books andjoumals on art;
1,500 books on topics such as philosophy, history, religion, science, etc., as well as a various
children's books;
handwritten manuscripts fi:om the 13th Century;
100 Persian carpets; and
Chinese vases and statues from the 15m Century.
Preliminary discussions have also taken place with the Niagara Falls Art Gallery who have been very
helpful during this review process. The potential does exist to have the Niagara Falls Art Gallery
assume responsibility for the operation of the building and Dr. A~'ukhteh's collection.
Archives:
The Ontario Government has made a decision to dispose of all paper copies of their 58 Registry
Office Documents liom the period of 1850 to 1965. Two women, Shirley Kanen-Smith and Marilyn
Jacson, who are members of Preservation of Land Registry Office Documents volunteered to
inventory the documents before they were dispersed upon various municipalities in the Niagara
Region. The documents relafmg to Niagara Falls are being stored at the Niagara Falls Library. The
Ministry of Citizenship Culture and Recreation were not in favour of breaking up the documents.
Therefore, they required that all the municipalities who took the documents sign an agreement
recognizing that this was a temporary solution and that once a permanent location was established
that they would relinquish the documents in their possession to the central depository.
The group feels that the documents are very important because they outline the history of Niagara
Falls. Examples of the documents contained at the Registry Offices are: deeds, leases, ships
registration, mortgages, letters and mechanic patents, general registry letters of administration,
naturalization records, etc.
The local organization is not certain that the Armoury is a suitable building or location for the central
registry. However, they did not want to miss the oppommity to present their need for a facility.
They did make it very clear that they were not looking for warehousing the documents but for a
facility that would be staffed so that documents could be used for research and business purposes.
The members feel that the Region has the prime responsibility to ensure that all documents are
properly archived and have planned to make a presentation to Regional Council.
Logistical Details Concerning the Armoury Building:
the building has an historic site designation;
a recent appraisal indicated a market value of $375,000;
the building is dry, structurally sound and the interior walls are 13" thick;
there are no problems with the tar and gravel roof;
it offers 18,837 sq. are feet of space over 3 floors;
it does not have an elevator and the entrances are not wheelchair accessible;
the windows are single pane and have been described as drafty and requiring replacement;
-4-
it is wired with a fire and intrusion alarm but there is no sprinkler system;
it has a 400 amp service and appears to have good electrical system;
it has a modern gas fired, hot water heating system but no air conditioning;
the various stairways do not meet current code.
Conclusion:
Th~n~noury is an important landmark in our City and the building does have historic significance.
There also appears to be community support to save the building. Staff will continue to explore the
various potential uses of the building and will develop a cost projection for the building. As with
all major projects, it will be necessary to review this project as part of the overall 2001 operating and
capital budget submissions.
Recommended by: ;
Adele Kon
Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
Approved by:
JoM~acDon5~
~'xecutive Director of Community Services
AK/das
Respectfully submitted:
Edward P. Lustig
Chief Administrative Officer
S:\Council\Council 2000~R-2000-59.wpd
Community Services Department
Building and By-law Services
4310 Queen Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E 6X5
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 374-7500
E-mail: melb@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
BBS-2000-08
Mel Brown,
Chief Building Official
September 11, 2000
Aldemian Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
:~: , - Re:
RECOMMENDATION:
BBS-2000-08
Sign Application Variance'- 4141 Portage Road
That the variance for a ground sign having an area of forty-nine (49) square feet with a one (1') foot
side yard set back, for Canadian Home Inspections Services at 4141 Portage Road, Niagara Falls,
Ontario be approve&
BACKGROUND:
An application was received for a ground sign at 4141 Portage Road. The Sign by-law requires a
six (6') foot side yard set back for all ground signs. The applicant has requested a variance to allow
the one (1') foot side yard set back. The request for the variance is made so as not to place the sign
in the centre of a parking space. Compliance has been met on all other aspects of the Sign by-law.
A letter from the sign company with a plot plan and diagram of the proposed sign is attached for
Council' s review.
ager of By-law Enforcement
Mel Brown
Chief Building Official
Res ctfully Submitted:
Edward P. Lustig,
Chief Administrative Officer
Ap oved y: j~~un
J~inr3Z~or of ity
attach.
Services.
,. Working Together to Serve Our Community
:: Mum:qipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation I Culture · Business Development · Building & By-law Services
BBS-2000-08 -1
CANADIAN
HOME
IN rECT!ON
SERVICES INC
Mayor Wayne Thomson
& Members of Council
City Hall
4310 Queen St., P.O. Box 1023
.Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Dear Mayor Thom~n & Members of Council:
4141 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E 6A2 (905) 356-1141 FX: 356-1147
August 30, 2000
RE: Canadian Home Inspection Services' Proposed Sign
4141 Portage Rd.. Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6A2
We are in the process of applying for a permit to erect a new sign at our place of business. This sign
would replace the one we presently have on our property giving us a total of one (1) sign only.
However, we understand that the area of the sign and the side-yard setback are in question.
The location of the current sign has a 1'-0" side-yard sethack and zero from yard sethack. The size of
this sign is 4' x 7' x 9' high. We are proposing to replace this sign with one that is 7' x 7' x 18' high, in
the exact location of the existing sign (that is, having a 1'-0" side-yard sethack and zero front yard
setback).
The purpose of the: letter is to request a variance to the by-law. We are attaching a plot plan, which
shows the proposed location of the sign in relation to our property line boundaries. Regarding the 6-foot
side-yard sethack required, this would place our sign in our parking area, hence the necessity for 1'-0"
side-yard setback. There is a business directly across the street (Sunshine Realty & Niagara Slot Car
Raceway) that has a sign with an area of 6' x 8' x 16' higk Another business across the street, opposite
comer (Studio 55), has a sign with an area of 8' x 8' x 12' high (see photos attached). We feel our sign
would be in keeping with those businesses around us.
We trust this meets with your approval and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely
Tom Vattovaz ~
Construction Engineering Technologist
att.
BBS-2000-08 -2
PLOT PLAN
FOR PROPOSED NEW SIGN
LOCATED AT 4141 PORTAGE RD.
Lot Line
4151 4141
Side-yard Settrick - 1 '-0"
Approx. 6 ~.
P~king
Front yard Setback- 0'-0'
Sidewalk ""
Lot Line
Portage Rd.
[~--Sign
Sunshine Realty
~]4--Sign
Studio 55
2
BBS-2000-08 -3
PHOTO A
4141 Portage Rd.
,Current "Canadian Home Inspection' Sign (to be replaced)
Area: 4'x7' x9'High .
PHOTO B
Proposed New Sign
Area: 7' x 7' x 18' High
BBS-2000-08 -4
PHOTO C
41~4 Portage Rd.
Sign Directly Across Street
Area: 6' x 8' x 16' High
PHOTO D
Studio 55 - 4114 Portage Rd.
Area: 8' x 8' x 12' High
Community Services Department
Fire Services
5809 Morrison Street
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2E8
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-1321
Fax: (905) 356-6236
E-mail: pcorfiel@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Peter Corfield
Fire Chief
FS-2000-11
September 11, 2000
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of-Nialgara Falls, Ontario
Members:
Re: FS-2000-11 - Niagara Voice Radio Project
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council enter into an agreement with the Regional Municipality of Niagara for the provision
of radio! communications and related equipment, at an annual fee of $11,500.00 for a period of 15
years.
BACKGROUND:
Council may recall that it approved report "FS-98-11 - Centralized Communications System"
(attached) which directed staff to pursue a single communications system throughout Regional
Niagara for Fire and Police Services and Regional Municipal Works. That report outlined the two
parts of the undertaking were to have a single radio communications system and also, a single
communications operation.
The result of a lengthy request for proposal process was that Bell Mobility was selected as the
service provider for the radio communications system. Regional Niagara made a proposal to each
of the 12 local Municipalities in 1998, that they would provide this service for an annual fee of no
more than 5% of the cost of each Municipality' s then annual operating cost. For Niagara Falls, this
amounted to $11,500.00 based on this 1998 information.
During the negotiations process with Bell Mobility, it became apparent that there we're a number of
issues directly relating to the fire services that had to be addressed before any recommendation of
support could be forthcoming from the various Fire Chiefs. Such issues as, extending the annual
cost tiom a guarantee of five (5) years to the full 15-year agreement with Bell Mobility, assurances
Municipal Works
Smoke Alarms Save Lives - Check Your Smoke Alarm
Working Together to Serve Our Community
Fire Services Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development
, :........ ,~ =~-~ that the region.willundertake to: resolve,the present problems ..with the paging system essential to
-:~L,:~: ,iiZ~,':,, and the mal~eup ofthe manigement board for both the radio communications sysi and a central
dispatch operation should that become a reality.
Other information will be shared with Council at the committee meeting.
Recommended by:
Peter Corfield
Fire Chief,
~xecu~ve Dkector of Co~m~ Se~i~s
Respectfully submitted:
E. P. Lustig
Chief Administrative' Officer,
Att.:
PC:rs
Niagara Falls Fire Department
Cotfield. F!~,C.h. leJ, ~.,,~, !~,:: ,~.. ,;" -,:,: .,: .:- " : : · · ' "'.
' ' ""~ ,t':~;~'. ?:C:-.':.? .: ': r ~ ~:. 4. A~lrnlnl~tmtlm~ (1t05) ~-1~2~
~~ .... ~::.-..:.~- ...... ~ ~ ,~. ~ .....
S,-~ "' /~0" .... '. "~ ,'
~ 5809 Mo~son 8~et
-' T Niagara ~alls. On~ao -
~i~d s ~;E,~'~','~.~ ~ ~., ~ .. '"; ~'~c..'~ ,~ ~;~; F$.98~11:~ ,~,'~ ~'.:~': .~ '>'. ::
Ci~ ofNiag~ F~ls. On~o , ~L~ .~L~'~ ,. i ~% . ,.--',,~e'L'ED IN
· M:di'Fl:gg AND ~, 1~, lED'BY 'CITY
Mem : , ~UfqCIL AT 'file M~E'flNG HELD ON ·
'V.n :~: ., ~ ;~, Rq: FS:~8*I 1 - Cen~li~ed, Communi~flons System'
'6:~}~t~'~'~ ~':~ ~,i ' .............................: ..........................
~CO~~TION:
~at Co~dfi approve, ~ p~ciple, i~ ~p~ ~d ~n~ued p~cipafion h '~e ~vesfiga~on'
towed ~e go~ of develop~g a ~n~!iTed ~mmuni~o~ ~em. ~at ~e Fh~ce Deponent
~ ~volv~ ~ ~ ~ deB~in~om ~d ~t ~e ~li~ ~ni~om ~em ~ o~
~d o~ ~y.by .~e od~nal ~.~d not ~n~fl~ by ~y one s~ or micip~.
~at a fin~ ~ ~ p~ent~ ~ Co~c~ for ~mid~fion p~or m '~e Ci~ of Niagm F~s
a~ee~g to ~me a p~er ~ ~s pmj~t.
BACKGROUNd:
As a result of an emergency exercise conducted in Niagara Falls, in October of 1994, the Regional
Fire Services concluded that our present communications system was inadequate in dealing with
·Iarge emergencies. It was very apparent that radio communications between fire service was poor
and between fire service and any other emergency service was almost impossible. Reliable radio
communications is essential for the safety of fire fighters and the quick and effective resolve of an
emergency. The-present system cannot deliver these needs reliably and effectively.
To address these shortcomings, a task force of Regional Fire Chiefs was asked to look into this
situation. In April 1996, the Police Service and Regional Works contacted the Regional Fire Chiefs
to determine if the fire service was interested in a joint communications system. The goal is to have
all emergency services communications needs centralized in one operation. This will include fire,
police and, in the future, ambulance. Regional Works would also form part of the partnership.
The original partners will control the operation and benefit from any future proceeds.
A steering committee was organized with representatives from the Fire and Police Services, and
Regional Works. A consultant was hired to investigate the best possible communications system,
1
proposed annual partnership cost for the Citir,~6~ ~l[~gm-a Falls Fire Service would only. increase ..
marginally~ ~This, cost of 6peration would. 'b¢~i~__~an~or the ftrst five (5) years of operation.
,~c:~i;~i..;,~ '.'.'.~uld be determined by~ ~....o. ~V~l~em in the communications operation
to. generate ineome.'; :(S6tla intere t is
already coming forward to the
Present radio equipment uses outdated ana!eg techn~,10iiy. Them are very serious drawbacks and
"" .....;L' ......."'a'f~it~ commaeating portable radig to pomble radio wia a building;'
· 'difficulty in cornmunlcathlg portable radio to mobile vehicle radio; ·
, aiff~culty commUn{cating portable or mobile radio with Ala, i-. Room; ., . ' ...,
· inability to:communicate direc~y with police, ambulance:orsome 6fbur"mu~_t~l~aid' partner~i''''~ "'> ';
~ inability to communicate with our cross border emergency partners., ' ". '.
The proposed new technology is digital. h is far superior to our present technology and will last into
future. The level of service proposed would mean that a new radio worn at hip level, anywhere in
the City, would have radio ComrmmlcatiO~s with any fire department radios and any other service
as required, such as police, ambulance mutual aid partners or cross border partners.
All present employees involved in fire dispatch would be offered positions with the new
commnnl.c~ttions operation.with the same pay, benefits and .working conditions. "
For further informaiion, attached to this report is a copy of a report which has been approved by the
Communications Steering Committee and presented to Regional Council..This attached report
outllnes~the background and details proposed for this new operation. This decision of Council only
commits the City, "in principle," to this project, and is not a final commitment. This decision is
needed to determine who the potential partners will be and the final costs. A final report will be
submitted to Council for consideration in the near future.
Prepared and Recommended by:
Fire Chief
Respectfully submitted:
E. P. Lus~g
Chief Administrative Officer
Approved by:
,~ohn Ma~i~d~~'
~~ve Director of Community Services
PC:CR:rs
-..2
- ' re~s: r c
JUly 31, 1998 Post-it'F~te 7671E
CiW of 'NIagara Falls
:.ON L2~SX5
- M"G~iclPal"Clerk'' '
Dear Mr. Wegg,'
Re:; Niagara Voice Radio Project ......
-- Commltment_t.o Participate as a
· -'~ ~::. ,~ PartneHn the: Proleer ......-:. '
PleaSe ~ri.rjg~ffi_e,.en{;Io.~ed~report;~E,WA '200-98/CLK 34-98, respecting Niagara
V'di~ i ak .Prs[ect .,c ' hilt nei t (~:':Pa~t~!d~te as. a Partner in the Project, to your
C0,.unclJ,for action as soon as:is practical..
'l'be report, prepared at the direction of-the Communications Steering Committee,
outlines a proposal ~o develop and operate a single radio communica~ions system
across Niagara on a partnership basis.
Your Rre Chief has been dira~tly or indirectly involved in the process through the
Fire Chlef's Association. He can provide additional Information if it is reiquired.
The report seeks a specific response from your municipality by September 15,
1998 with respect to participation in the partnership.
While the Steering Committee recognizes that a six week window for response Is
short, it must meet that deadline to remain on the. project timeline of having the
new radio system operatlonal In January of 2000,
Once the partners are identified, the functional specifications for the system must
be developed and the Request for Proposal prepared. Following the closing of the
proposal/tender call a bld analysis must be completed. The costs will be reported
to the partners and the contract awarded In January 1999. Construction,
installation, testing and acceptance of the new radio system will take twelve
months.
PleaSe con~ me With me~.ng::~e~il~,.9r ~f you have any questions.
FIre Chief Peter Corfield
PoSt-it" Fa~ Ndt~!'' '! :' ~' ':~: ' "" ': ""' ' ':"
: F_~ ,,
PWA 200-98
AuguST 1~, 1998
· CLK 34-99
AuguST 12, 1998
REPORT TO: Chair and Members of the '
Publlo Works Committee and
· 'L d'man il ;i mmlm :,:,-. ':
'~ THE PROJE~'
:~t~'~mm!~e ~mme~ to'Regio ~1 ~ ncii ""';"~' ' '*~ ' "~'
~at,ffils e: n u
. .... · ..... . . ..~ ,...
That Report PWA 200-98 dated August 11/98 .~ C.L~., 3~98 dated August 12, 1998,
respectipg~he Niagara. Voice RadiO P~oJect
the ProjeCt be'recelvid a'nd approvedi B~d
~'., . ,, · .' ,~': .: .: , ~ ... j : ;- .. . .
That the reglonaiMunicipality of Niagara 'make a commitment in principle to beC~rne
a partner InthsNiagara:Volce-FlannelO ProJ~3tfollowfn. ij'tfie"prOc~s oUtlined in ~ said
report. and under the following' conditions: ....
· acquisition of a 900 MHz, digital, trunked communication system on 8 microwave
network~ ~," .-;,..
· incorporatioi~ of an arm'e length, not-for-profit corporation to own and operate the
system and a central'dispatch 'facility which corporation shall
-.' have 8 board of directors selected by partners who commit :-
now
be mandated to develop a business plan for self-sufficiency
(fee for service contracts to broader.. public sector clients To
reduce partners' .on-go.,.[ng costs ·
· dispatch costs will be frozen for partners for five-years
· the RegiOn of Niagara to front-end ..shortfall estimated to be
at least $500,000 in the first year
· the Region of Niagara to be repaid for the Initial up-front costs
That a final report detailing actual costs, funding and partnership arrangements be
prepared and submitted in the first quarter of 1999 at which Time a final and binding
commitment will be required. "
The- report. recommends* that Regional· Council,:-AYea Municipal Co~ncilE~r~l"~:e"Police.
Services Board approve a commitment t~sUppo~.,..th.~.development of a. region-wide
communicatlon systen;!~_.~i...~,et,cen:tr~J,.dispat~.h~faciJity~;.o.wnedradd 'operated by a not-
for-profit corporation. 'i~' ~u~iine~
posslble funding mechanism, Th..e,.rep.0rt.explain~.:.thb:irationale;,'~f~r .a comm~t~r~t~'i~
principle and out!lnea the ti.mt. ng of..a,.rei:lUest:.for: a~fin~i~:~~t,
· ~',' BACKGROUND
A 1994 Emergency Measures exercise brought to light a number of weaknesses in
inter-agency radio communications for emergency sen/Ice provlders~'T ThOse' :issUes;.
coupled with the need to replace existing radio systems for Regional Public Works
and Regional Police, resulted in the formation~of,.a,studysgr, ou.p,.~to'%examine radio
· ~, .~. ',., ........ ...-.. .... .
communication needs in Niagara.
.,.~:
Tha~ ~'::grou~ ~eCommended~' that the; potential, :f. Qr;:~ a'isingle, !..ragWo~wide: voice radio
netW6'ri~':?~h::Ce~i;~i"!"~i'ispbtch"'b~ Inve~tiga't~j...'..The::Com.munlcations'Steer|ng
Committee began its work in September, 1996. The firm of Oldham Engineering inc.
was engaged to complete· me review process .for the Niagara Vo!ce. Rad!o~ project, as
it has. been".named, ar~,-if approved,-to design-and-tender for.sUch a, radio system.
Interim reports and cb~ies"of mlnutes:'of the Steering Commi~t~','cirCuiated to the
participating agencies, have kept those organizations apprised of progress to date.
The Niagara Voice Radio Prolect is at a stage where study par~icipants must .be asked
to make a commitment to support the concept that is being developed, Organization
of the management structure, a consolidation plan for centra! dispatch, the
development of the technical specifications and the funding formula are all dependent
on the number of initial partners.
While each of these items is addressed and outlined in general terms in this report, a
final proposal complete with detailed costs and timetables will bq produced in the first
quarter of 1999, At that time, a firm and final commitment will t~e required.
This report Is being circulated to all Area Municipal Councils, Regional Police and
Regional Co~Jncil asking for a resloonse by September 15.
· PWA 200-98
August 11, 1998
. -. ': CLK 34-98
August 12, 1998
REPORT . , ...1: ..
The Radio System '~. "
..Th~.,~o .u,l,~t~r..e~fie. w,,.ed~tha..,needs;and wants, of'the emergenCY :e'ervice provlders as~
The.~ctg~u~~~We~ physioe!~fea~ifes" Of
or.~ as '~tl 8e~,tb~t~nl~"~espect~df
border, end developed a radio communlcati0~' SyS~,m,~...d_..~$!gn, ,.~a~ :WOuld-- ~et: the,
need~J~qf~ffi~e`~parmem~`~=-The~n~u~tant~ha~r-~r~p~d.~ffi~:~j~ed~ digital:~adi0
system JpJhe~gOOMHz:-~pe.~i.~m.' sUppOrted' by'a mlcrii~'iVe '~ari'~misslon .netWOrk.
be th'e~ ba~kb0ne of the system.' ''~ .....~ .....' ~'; "'~ '~ ':' ~'~"~ '; "' ;' .....
Oldham:, noted .~that' oompetitidnffor::'e~c~i~ ~o~':ttii~; mdi6~:~s,p,.ect~dm-:iS~: (ntens~ :in ,the
The Provincial Government's Local Service Realignment program (formerly'k>nown as
WDW) transferred responsibility for Land _Ambulance ,. to . ~Reglonal Niagara .The.
radio system, therefore sufficient radio spectrum to include ambulance, ..fire.,.police.:.r
How It WIll Work - Overview
i n
~e purcha~ and installation.of,and'neW md~ .~st~m Is e'¢ostly ~ntum. Bu Idl g
one radio system for police, a second for'public wor~, ne ~ore ~r, fire, .ones. for
technology, can be developed t0 meet the needs 0f all of ~hese pa~ners; and have
sufficient Gapac[W to Se~e"other clienm ~om the. broader~ub~i¢ sec~or,ln Niagara
PWA 200-98
:' .. CLK 34-98
The I.~.rgeSt financi.al ,component of radio system operation Is the dispatch function.
The:.'commit~ee, realized that, by centralizing the dispatch function. costs of
dupi!ce~ion can,,;.b~..~duced/elimlnated,~ 'overall service can be improved and an.
eff~ctive~Jnter-agel..q~i~:emergenoycommUnioations system developed.
0~ .the n~.~'~~ ~Z~a~'~rs~ '~~.,;.G~SoiidatiOn mdy. will-be,cdmp~ed' by
th~'consuitant ~r~'~u~ 8en~i~i~e 'i~'bes as incident cornrand structures,
In early July. 1998 -the Steering ~rnittee..was .:-advised ..that. while ~.including .7:
ambQlar~ce'dis~a~ i~i~a~l'~l~i~'~0~j~:~":~s,~:~ii~/: .to be,:ac~mpiished .in ,~e, Sho~-,, ~'
JanuaW 20~, the;~'~ai"~;~nt~'~ere':dO~S'not Include ambulance as a pa~ner
at the outset.. ~ ; . " %'," ~
·
How it will Wo~~; Pa i ... ..... ' ~: .. ......... '--:-..:~--. ~'."' .........
~ · u[ I e c es emonnel and
human ~ourc~:'sUat~'leh~ai~' fO'u i d ~Udi~g ~rlnciples: '
· All affected employees will be treated equitably and will essentially enJo~ the same
terms and conditions of theirsexisting employment .relationship. ~+~.~ ~..
· .,.:,,~ . ,..~ ,: .-,~ ~ .. ~ ', ;~ ,.:~ .':-~,~ :. .
* ~e Intent o~ ~xis~ng *~oli~"~~s,~w~l-be reCognlzed:~and~respec~ed~
ensuring ~'~ allT~?;~'cea~al ~U~;~ts" edsi~g f~om Jegal~blig~ti~'R~:re~'~i~d
effect.' · . - -
.... . ,. ~._ '. t. ~}~:' ~r~ ~ ~ ~"~ " ' ' :"' .. ; '
emp!oy~n~ during the period o~-reorganlzatlpn and restructuring.
PWA 200-98
August 11, 1998
CLK 34-98 ..
August 12, 1998
employmania: ~qual|fi~atkjr~ .i!requirements, senio~-'. and. sewice provisions, and
sala~ anB'6~e[jt:'~i~rent/Is ~11 be integ~ed into: ~e success~l reorganized
· -:...,t}f~.~.;~c.~" .n~.:~ '~.7..~;~;~. ~,;n~-.,."~,: ..~, .:~.~.',. ~:~, ~ ~,:, ' ..' ~.. '.
· ;.A~.~ ~~l~iq~fiempldy~e'i~isUeS~%~:~~n'~ill ~:be~ Pu~uedj"
' ;~vers~'~p~roae~"S~ ~ Isue. resol~on;. is.: de~'d,~'cou~-~+~a~tl~e'': f~
' ~ncemed, as it ~uses delay, resemmen~ and 'unn~e~ cost to me ~o act,
· Jobs will be. guaranteed, To ~cilitam the ~nsl~on process, creative staffing.
oppo~n~ies and/or mutually agreeable mea~:..to~mid~a~:dl~fehc~'' In; termsand'
~nd~ons of employment ~M be pursued subject to ~isti.ng coll~t~e agreement
The 8bove~ principles will sane asia' g~idellne in addressing several complex and Inter-
related human resource issues, ~e human resource s~ategy will entail careful
planning ,to;enSure.employees are ready to assume ne~oleS~'::a'n~'res~onsibilifies in a
process that respec~ melt contra~ual righ~ and Cond~ions' of employrant, All
affected employees can be confident ~ey will be treated In 8' ~lr= and "~qultable
manner during the reorganization and rBtructuring change process,
How It Will Work - PartnershiD Ootion,s
There is need to consider three basic partnership arrangements, The first proposal is
based upon all :fourteen agencies choosing to accept and support the proposal to
unify the separate dispatch facilities into one dispatch centre and for all to utilize .the
new radlo system, ~The second, would be an 'arrangement ':where none of the fire
services would choose to Join as a partner in the complete project, but rather, might
choose to continue to maintain 'their own dispatch' service(s) while millzing (buying
into) the new radio' network technology, The third possible. arrangement would
accommodate a situation where Police and Public WorkS' would be'united with one or
more of the local Municipal Fire Departments who choose to Join the PartnerShip,
Thus there are currently only three likely partnership proposals:
A. ALL (14) AGENCY PARTNERSHIP
Police, Regional Public Works and
all Municipal Fire Departments
B. TWO AGENCY 'PARTNERSHIP
Police and Regiona! Public Works
PWA 200~98
August 11, 1998'.
CLK 34-98
August 12, 1998
It is acknowledged that while inclusion of the Ambulance Service Witthin-the
partnership is not possible at this time, ambulance dispatch can be accommodated in
any~p..~.9,?.~re~a~bo~e~,.~..e,O~oned~par/J!.e.r, shlp,proposals, :lt, imGommittee!shope~tha~.,."~
Note th~ ;. ~;~'al~s'~' of the '~ompo~itlon of'the Partnership, the
CorpOration, ,~uld,.ensum.:~that~.ffie :individual~re],departmentst,W~.'; be~dlspatcl~edt b~; ."r
at least equivalent to their current arrangements,
fast costs cannot be developed at this stage, the consultant has prepared 'order of
magnitude/~ estimates. They can be S.ummarized as follows=. :. - ; ...,;-,,-.:: -
(towers, dishes, site bulldln. gs, . ·
.dispatch equipment} ...... !..
Cost to replace existing equipment
(in-vehicle and portable 'units, chargers, etc.)
(police, regional public works, 12 fire depts.}
TOTAL CAPITAL COST
3,914, 200
7,061,700
This expenditure will replace the system components as they .exist today. However,
there is still the need to house, operate and maintain the system as welles to actually
operate the. dispatch facility. Currently, the proposed. partners make annual
expenditures' totalling ~3,457,000.00 for these services. See:Appendix 'A" for 8
breakdown by agency and municipality..
Funding- OD~OnS
It should be recognized that for each partnership option there would be a particular
funding requirement, In each option each partner must be responsible for its share of
the total operating costs. In the event that one or both of the fire dispatching
agencies 'opt out" of the partnership, yet still wish to utilize the system, it is
expected that the Partnership Corporation would decide how to set the terms,
PWA, 200-98'
August 11, 1.998
· . August 12, 1998
conditions 8nd fees to be charged for use of the system equiprnent. In any event, It
is suggested that a 'system userS' would be reclulred:td|, ;~-'~-'~.""-; ~: ' ' :: .
,
~:.Pq~;~.~f~h?~e~j~r~ta~the~r~wn.~r~d~equ~pm~nf~(ba~f~d~; r~biles and
·
era o
. '! ,,~,- , , ,
,
· ~ ,.
-.:A';{., ,~ll,(14)~encV Pe~hlD~-~~:?''t~n~:'~ "~'~: '~: ~"r~''~"~{:"~? ::~:
~,~ ....
;"'.' """ ~we year~ of ~:O~m~on of:t~..~di~=.~t~m~:':,~lch Is be~ea upon an
annual expense of ~5,2~,000. This is detailed on Appendix 'A" and
the appo~onment is outlined below,
Contributors Current Cost
Police . '. : $2,071,000
Proposed Annual Cost
(2000-2004)
~2,600,000
Fire * · 1,140,000 1,200, 000
Regional Public Works · 250,000 300,000
911 .. 41 4,000 500,000
*EMO/Fire Coordinator
0 100,000
TOTAL $4,700,000
The funding formula Ior. esumes fiat the 12 area mun(clpal fire
departments will sham the $I .2 million as detailed in Appendix 'A". It
also presumes that Regional Niagara will pay the EMOIFire Co-ordinator
assessment because of the new benefit of interagency communication
identified at the outset of the study as a significant requirement. This
funding formula leaves an annual shortfall of ~500,000.
· PWA 200-98
August 11, 1998
CLK 34-98
Augus~ 12, 1998
-: ....' ........r..B~ .. ,:~._o_.~gen~v Partne.rshlpli:~6'~-,:.-~ b!~!~.,.:':'~.:.~.:.,,_: p-~!~:.,:--,' ....
· - ,~r lii~ii = o ~.~g!,p~,..a.~:~J.~lJq~Wqrks~.iZ~epard1~..nt-;~and Regional. Police
' :~: ,: :~e;~l":~mbi~d ~"~o~r~ ~-pa~rsh~p; ~e cost al!~ation ~nnot yet
=-,
.~ it should~.be.. not~/th~Z demr~ning ~e ~st allo~tion for this for~t is
,ffi~:mos&,,.~ff(~lt:m~ pmdi~ since ~e ~mposffion of ~e Pa~nership B
- not~b~sh~ ~,~m'am numem~iMe:.~mbin~ions.' However.
.... . .!~:.':g~,~,rj,, ,~'cen: be essu"d ~i"ffie ~nelal contrib~lon for
i~ ~'~ ;~" "~ 'i' ~ m~en~,~at~o~e~AII {14)Agen~~ Pa,~nershiD
Supple~enzaW Fundinq
In each df.~':;~q~e-:=~hree armnge~n.. a sho. II ~om the a.ual operating
expenses. i~:~~'e~ged. While in~ially- it. is ~, recommended that the Regional
Cor~g~v~'~Gp ~is ~nding. dlfferemi~'l. ~ iS' recognized that mher sources of
income ~11 have ,to be ~und; To ~js end. ~is mpo~ proposes that the pa~nership
silk o~ client" ~a 'fee for se~l~" b~ls m generate the Incom ne~ ~o ~ke
on
up ~at shodall., In ~e Interim. the RegiOn would ~ont.end ~at ~st and be repaid
as cllen~ a~G">b~h~ on board. This Iis~ of potential clle'n~ Include hydro electric
comm~sio~. othe(.municipal .radio users. NIagara Par~ Police and some potential
private-sector~ businesses.
The radio system' backbone Is. a microwave network so it offers significant potential
for additional ..Uses,for the Region (SCADA-Supervlsory Control and Data Acquisltion-
serviclng the' Regl0n's water and pollution control systems, telernetry, cell phones},
other municipalhies and school boards, thereby adding revenue. It is difficult to
project poZentlal income with great accuracy at this stage, however we do'know that
our .costs for leased telephone lines at the Region-is approximately $350,000.
Replacing 50% of that use with this microwave network may be reasonable.
PWA 200-98'
AUgust 11, 1998
CLK 34-98
August 12, 1999
self-sufficient,
Management
-.i~u;~a.:~: .~,:-:ai~2.::~:.-~ ''~ ,~.~-,:~i:.....;~-. ,,~, ~,.,.!!~ ;,~,~:..;.;~.~.:.: ~.,.:. ,- : :~::~: ·
and ¢omm~ment to i~ success are of critical impomn~ and will result In benefits to
all:m~bem~o~ffie,pa~ership,.~rp~ffitbd'~and,~:ffie~x~ayer in general, ' '~.:'
To ensure initial stability, it is proposed that the costs noted herein for the partners..be.
esta,l~,~a~,it.hat;.'.ievel~for.;'five~years.z.~-',it~ls fe~ommended~that Regional NIagara
und~,~,.~i!~i;~pe~tional~'shoitf~:'ll;for-that:."fi~e~yea~;period'end tha~ the Regional
Corporation be reimbursed. for'-all~osts that; it front ends;:' .'~ ....."
Commit~ent '.
As noted earlier, the project's success (s based .on a minimum of two partners
forming a not-for-pro~tcorporation' that will manage and administer a region-wide
communication system and a central dispatch, facility. We-.are at that point in the
study where those who are prepared to participate in the project are asked to make a
commitment to it.
While each of the local municipalities are. being asked to Indicate their desire to 'either
'opt in" or 'opt out' of the Parmershlp Proposal, the composition of that partnership
will not be known until a response is received from all of the 14 agencies, It is only
then that we will know. whether: we will.have a Two Agency, Muld .. Agency or,
hopefully an All Agency Partnership,
The requirement at this stage is for each of the 14 participating organizations to
choose either to 'opt out" or to commit, In principle, to. becoming e partner in the
new radio. system on the basis outlined in this report:
an annual dispatch cost frozen for five years, beglnning in the year 2000
suppor~ of 8 not-for-profit corporation to own and operate the region-wide
radio and central dispatch system
develop a business plan within five years to become self sufficient
repay Regional Niagara for costs it front-ended
FWA 200-98
August 11, 1998
CLK 34-98
August 12, '1998
. .Th_e.~.c_Pm.m!tment.requlres that all partners work cooperatively to complete the study
an~.~u~pp~o.~r~i,~e i~P]ementad0r~,'Pla~;aS-;the~/~am-developed. ',, ,:~..~
As the' stud~p]Zo. ceeds~.d, etailed~c~ts,~C'onS01idetl~0.r):S~T~tegleS,:.for; central. dispatch
and tender ¢~li~'~vj~i "~;r~a~l; "~ ~t~edng 'com~l~ee to generate a final report with
m°rg~P,r~c,.ls~cos~s~L~.that-Point.a. finel,=.and:|rrevocable decision to partlcipate:~iil~'
Summary
f0~:~b~[~;::~i~:~d~::"~eRd~jlVdisPa=hed ~dio~n~rk...:'~e,Commi.e. has
that ~Bai.~. I..Bsentiai ele.nts 'include: ·
· 8 909 MHz, digital, trunked communication system on a microwave
network
· an .a~m's ength~ not,-for-p fk corp tlon n and perate .the
,.-.,SYstem and, a: central. dispatch facility. .- -
· dispatch costs frozen for partners for five years
· Region to front-end shortfall.estimated to. be at least eS00,000 In the
first year
Corporation to. develop a business plan for self'sufficiency (fee .for
service contracts to broader public sector clients to reduce partners'
ongoing costs)
· Region to be repaid' for the initial upfront costs
· partners who commit now to select board of directors
At this time the Steering Committee is seeking a commitment in principle from the
municipalities, Police Board and Regional Public Works to develop more detailed plans.
A final and binding commitment will be sought in the first quarter of 1999.
.. .......~.,..:.;~- 'I~NA 200'98
~*"""' = "" AUguSt 11, 1998
....... .... ;~....~;~:.~ :~.~.~V~,~.~-~ CLK 3~98
~ :=,~,: ?.~ ...., .-:~.,...~.:,~,:.~. ., ':.AugU~ 12, 1998
..~ - .... ,. ·
Thomas R. Hollick
Regional Clerk
Thi~ repOrt was prepared by Wayne A. e~roy. Properties Officer. and Thomas R. Holl/ck.
Regional Clerk. with assi~tance and coZlaborat/on from John S. N/col. D/rector of Human
Resources an~ Jim Hagar. Labour I~ela~on$ Officer.
Appendix "A"
//
i;~.e~!.~=,.-~,s-t~r~tgA ALL (14) AGENCY PARTNERSHIP
COST COMPARISON VS AGENCY EQUIPMENT COST
. - COST
Police $2,071,000 $2,600,G00 $529,G00
~ 1;136~0~ .~m-?.~.,.: ~/1~193,400 56,850
P~bHe Works ~ "~(~{~250,000 300,000 50,000
St. Cathadnes $5"20,000
~81;3~8 Fells 230,000
Fort Ptle 50,600
Grlmsby 35,850
Lincoln -35,000
Nia2ara-on-ffie-Lake' 34,000
Pelham 30,600
Port Colborne 34,650
Thorold 41,730
Walnflee~ 15,360
Welland.'.' 80,270
West ~n.coln 28,490
8/.JB TOTAL "$1,135,550
$546,000 $26,000
241,500 .I 1_,5_00
53, 100 ' 2,500
37,600 .. .,. 1,750
36,800 '..: ,; '. ': '1,800
35,700 .. 1,700
32,200 1,600
36,400 1,750
43,800 2,0?0
16, I00 740
84,300 4,030
29,900 1,410
$1,193,400 . '$56,850,
Az.. vM..tm OF
'ZNCOST = .... RADIOS
$1,361,000
' ' 1,640,000
910,000
· $3,913,000
$140,000
216.,000
217,000
. g2,000
188,000.
133,000
88;000"
145,000
63,000
67,000
155,000
$1,640,000_
1, Salarl~
2. Dispatch Bldg.
3. Equipment Debt
4. System Operation
TOTAL
ANNUAL OPERATING COST
PROPOSED TRUNK RADZO SYSTE~
&
COMBINED DISPATCH FACILITy_
$ 3,195,000.00
62;500.00
1,610,500.00
333,000.00
$5,201,000.00
CL~',w~daXwlXg'?62cctnp..'t---)
Planning & Development Department
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Tel: (905) 356-7521
Fax: (905) 356-2354
E-maih ntplan@city.niagarafalls.on.ca
Doug Darbyson
Director
PD-2000-101
September 11, 2000
Alderman Victor Pietrangelo, Chairperson
and Members of the Community Services Committee
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Members:
PD-2000-101, Tourist Area Streetscape Master Plan and
Urban Design Standards Study
Draft Plan for the Fallsview Tourist District
RECOMMENDATION: ~
It is recommended that the Committee receive the draft streetscape plan for the Fallsview
Tourist District and authorize its circulation to the local BIA's for comment.
BACKGROUND:
In November last year, Council authorized the hiring o£The MBTW Group to conduct the Tourist
Area Streetscape Master.~Plan~mdl:aJrban*~DeSign~,~Standards~SttidyZ~e Study; which is ~*an ~,
extension to the Tourist Area Development Strategy (TADS)and the City's new Official Plan ...... ~-;~' ,-
tourism pohcies, is to provide the details' for greening the pedestrian realm within each of the
City's tourism districts.
David McWhirter of The MBTW Group will be conducting a presentation during this evening's
committee meeting. The focus of the presentation is on the Fallsview District. Due to the amount
of development activity taking place in this district, steering committee members directed the
consultants to focus their attention on this district and to inform Council of their findings and
recommendations. Once Council is apprised of the plan, local BIA's could then be consulted in
order to receive public input.
Working Together to Serve Our Community
September 11, 2000 -2- PD-2000-101
The draft streetscape plan for the Fallsview District has two elements: a conceptual design theme
for the entire district which is a visionary statement over a 20-year time frame and a series of
detailed street cross-sections. The conceptual design theme demonstrates how the City could
achieve its Park-in-the-City vision by establishing:
a series of"marker points" and "celebration areas" at the intersections of Stanley Avenue
and Buchanan Avenue, respectively;
· a gateway at Stanley Avenue/Highway 420 and Stanley Avenue/McLeod Road;
· entry "portals" at Highway 420/Victoria Avenue and Stanley Avenue/Ferry Street;
· a main street urban park;
· green linkages using hydro corridors; and
· a large pedestrian realm with street trees, treed medians and wide sidewalks.
The street cross-sections provide the details. Sidewalk and boulevard widths are illustrated for
each street in the district. In most cases, the improvements can be made within the existing right-
of-way.
The Fallsview Tourist District has two key types of streets - Falls access streets running east/west
and the Grand Boulevard nmning north/south. These streets will function with the highest volume
of pedestrian traffic, hence their streetscape designs feature generous sidewalkg and a pedestrian-
friendly environment. Stanley Avenue is a north/south high volume traffic artery. Its streetscape
design provides for vehicular orientation and a welcom'mg tree-lined entranceway.
FURTHER STEPS:
Once the Committee is apprised of the Master Plan concepts, the following steps will be
undertaken
1. The draft plan'will be circulated to the Fallsview and Clifton BIA's for review and
response. Also, staff and the consultant will undertake to resolve any issues brought forth
by the BIA's.
The consultant and staff will fully investigate the implementation strategy and the
associated cost and maintenance arrangements.
Planning staff will investigate Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments that are
necessary to obtain the appropriate road widenings and building setbacks in order to
achieve the proposed widened pedestrian realm ....
September 11, 2000 -3- PD-2000-101
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the draft streetscape plan represents an important first step in the realization of the
tourism policies. Through this visionary plan, the City will be able to transform itself into a world
class tourist estination.
Prepared y: Respectfully submitted:
·
Landscape~aschitLct
Recommended by:
Director of Planning & Development
Executive Director of Community Services
Chief Administrative Officer
JB:gd
S:XPDRX2000',PD2000-101 .wpd
NIAG a, RA
July 18, 2000
Ed Dujlovic
Dire~to~ of Municipal Wor~
Dear Ed:
pUBLIC qfO,';K3 DEPABTAtt"'NT
iona Municipality of Niagara
· ~qSlligg'"~'n+ Dh;l~:lnn
2201: :St~ Da rIBII-r' ....... I1~SBox 1042
Thor~ld, On~J ~)INEER
MGR. OF DEVEr~OPI~I~NT
MGR. OF PROJECTS
MGR, PARKING/TRAFFic
MG~. DES.IDRAFI'ING
MGR.INFRASTRLeCTURE
SENIOR COST CLi~Rh
OFiYELOpMEN'I TF, Ch.
~IRAINAGE TECH.
iNFf~ASTRUCTURE fECH.
TRAFFIC SUPERVISOR
Dr-C_ OIR. C,,Oh~. SERVICES
OPERATfONS 5'tIPER. :
2000
Billboard lnntaHation at the Mountain Road Landfall Site
This letter is intended to provide an overview of the Region's current position regarding the
Billboard installed by Gould Outdoor Advertising, a Division of Jim Pattison Enterprises Ltd.,
'Pattison Outdoor', at the Mountain Road Landfill Site. This matter was the subject of much
discussien at the last meeting of the Mountain Road Landfill Public Liaison Committee Meeting
held May 10, 2000.
On April 26, 1999 the Region was served with Violation Notice No. D01227 for non-compliance
with two conditions of the Certificate of Approval for the Mountain Road Land fill site. Condition
10.2 related to the installation of the Billboard in the buffer zone of the site, and condition 6.1
related to litter control at the facility. The litter control issue has been resolved through prompt
action by staff from the City of Niagara Falls. The issue of the Billboard is as yet unresolved.
After much discussion with representatives from the District Office of the Ministry of the
Environment, it is not clear that the Billboard is in violation of condition 10.2 of the C of A. No
further action has been taken by the District Office to revoke the Violation Notice, or to pursue an
order to have the Region remove the sign.
The Region has reviewed the agreement between the Region and 'Pattison Outdoor' for the
Billboard. The term of the agreement is for five years, commencing on the 1st day Of July 1997,
and ending on the 30m day of June 2002. As this agreement is due to expire in approximately two
years, and as there has been no further action requested of the Region by the 'MOE District
Office, the. Region's current position on the Billboard installation is that the Region will not
extend the current lease agreement, requiring the removal of the Billboard upon te.tdnation of the
current agreement.
St. Catharines, Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Toll Free 905 Area - 1-800-263-7215
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Welland - 685-1571 Port Colborne, Wainfleet, Stevensville - 735-7960
Mr. Ed Dujlovic
July 18, 2000
Page 2
If within tlfe next two years however, the Region is ordered by the Ministry of the Environment
to remove the Billboard, the Region will have to take action to do so.
Such action however may have ramifications for both the Region and the City of Niagara Falls as
'Pattison Outdoor' has indicated its intention to take appropriate action to maintain this sign
display as indicated in their letter dated May 27, 1999 (previously forwarded).
If you have any questions regarding this issue, please call the undersigned at (905) 685-1571 ext.
3642.
Sincerely,
Assistant Director, Solid Waste Management Division
cc. Larry Bousfield, Manager of Property and Legal Surveys
Robert Slattery, Niagara District Office, Ministry of the Environment
G:\Administration\Word Files\letter to ed dujlovic re billboard july 18.doc