10/01/2024 Niagara MINUTES
Jalas CityCouncil
qNADA Meeting
4:00 PM - Tuesday October 1, 2024
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, October
1, 2024, at 4:00 PM, in the Council Chambers/Zoom App, with the following members present:
COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Mona Patel,
PRESENT: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Ruth-
Ann Niuwesteeg (Present in Chambers)
Councillor Wayne Campbell (Present via Zoom App until 6:04PM). When
Council left to go in-camera he did not return and did not vote.
COUNCIL Councillor Tony Baldinelli
ABSENT:
STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Margaret Corbett, Kira Dolch, Kathy
PRESENT: Moldenhaur, Erik Nickel, Tiffany Clark, Dale Morton, Nidhi Punyarthi, Jo
Zambito, Nick DeBenedetti, Chris Roome, Mackenzie Ceci, Danijel
Dragosavljevic, Grant Felkner, Mike Stewart, James Sticca, Brian Dick
1 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:06 PM.
2 ADOPTION OF MINUTES
a) Council Minutes of September 10, 2024
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council adopt the minutes from the September 10, 2024 Council
meeting as presented.
Carried Unanimously
City Council - 10 Sep 2024 - Minutes
3 DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None to report.
4 MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
Obits —The Mayor offered sympathy to the families of:
• Donald Briggs, Retired Platoon Chief, Fire Services
• Eric Brown, brother of Carlton Brown of our Municipal Works Department
• Sharron (Todd) Bloor, mother of Jim Todd of our Municipal Works Department
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The Mayor discussed the following Events & Announcements:
2nd Annual Charity Community BBQ "BBQ2"
• Thank you to staff, organizing committee and everyone who helped make it a
success!
• $50K raised for hospital and hospice
• Attended by Councillors Lococo, Nieuwesteeg, Pietrangelo, Strange, Patel and
Councillor-to-be Dabrowski
Rotary Lobsterfest
Terry Fox Run
• Also attended by Councillors Thomson, Pietrangelo, Strange and Patel
University of Niagara Falls Canada Grand Opening
• Also attended by Councillors Patel and Nieuwesteeg.
Trillium Awards
• Also attended by Councillors Strange, Patel, Pietrangelo and Nieuwesteeg
NF Art Exhibition Awards
• Also attended by Councillor Lococo.
Line of Duty Death Ceremony
• Also attended by Councillors Lococo, Nieuwesteeg and Patel.
90th Anniversary of Niagara German-Canadian Club
Councillor Representation
Councillor Strange • Riverhawks Home Opener puck-
drop
• Run for Niagara
Councillor Pietrangelo • Station #4 Niagara District
Firefighters Association Meeting
• Run for Niagara
Business Happenings
• Culinary Centre Nostaliqie—Grand Opening
o Also attended by Councillors Patel and Nieuwesteeg
• Post 85th Anniversary of Shreddies
o Also attended by Councillor Thomson
Flag Raisings
• National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
o Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Patel and Lococo
Coming up:
• Spooky Awards
o Free outdoor Hallowe'en themed decorating contest
o Last year more than 50 properties participated!
o 9 Awards to spookiest residents in 3 categories
o Prizes include gift cards up to $100 each!
o Register until Monday, October 21st online
o Voting/judging takes place the weekend of October 25th!
o Niagarafalls.ca/spooky
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• Next Council Meeting
o Tuesday, October 22nd
5 DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Civic Recognition - Greater Niagara Baseball Association (GNBA)
Mayor Diodati, along with Bruno Lizzotti, Volunteer Head Coach, recognized
the accomplishments of the 13U Niagara Falls Falcons Baseball Team for the
team's win at the provincial championship in Mississauga.
5.2 Recognition for Larry Landon - Retirement from the Professional Hockey
Players' Association (PHPA)
Mayor Diodati and Brian Ramsay, Executive Director of the PHPA, recognized
and congratulated Larry Landon on his retirement from the Professional
Hockey Players' Association (PHPA) after 33 years of dedication as Executive
Director.
5.3 Recognition for Butch Sacco -former President of Niagara Falls Minor
Hockey
Mayor Diodati, along with Vito Scaringi, former Vice-President of the Niagara
Falls Minor Hockey Association honoured and recognized Butch Sacco for his
35 years of being president of the Niagara Falls Minor Hockey League.
6 PLANNING MATTERS
6.1 PBD-2024-41 (PUBLIC MEETING)
AM-2023-025, Zoning By-Law Amendment Application 26CD-11-2024-008,
Plan of Vacant Land Condominium
4257 Montrose Road
PT TWP LT 80 STAMFORD, AS IN R0344314, EXCEPT PTS 1 & 2
59R11535; NIAGARA FALLS
Applicant: Frank Costantino/ Frank Costantino Construction
Agent: Emilio Raimondo (Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.)
The Public Meeting commenced at 5:00PM.
Nick DeBenedetti, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2024-41.
Emilio Raimondo, Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc., answered questions.
The Public Meeting adjourned at 5:11 PM.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
It is recommended:
1. THAT Council APPROVE the Zoning By-law Amendment to rezone the
property to a site-specific Residential Low Density, Group Multiple
Dwelling (R4) to allow for the development of ten townhouse dwelling
units in two blocks, subject to the regulations outlined in this report;
2. THAT the Draft Plan of Vacant Land Condominium be draft APPROVED
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subject to the conditions in Appendix A;
3. THAT the Mayor or designate be AUTHORIZED to sign the Draft Plan of
Vacant Land Condominium as "approved" 20 days after notice of
Council's decision has been given as required by the Planning Act,
provided no appeals of the decision have been lodged;
4. THAT Draft APPROVAL be given for three years, after which approval
will lapse unless an extension is requested by the developer and
granted by Council; and,
5. THAT the Mayor and City Clerk be AUTHORIZED to execute the
Condominium Agreement and any required documents to allow for the
future registration of the condominium when all matters are addressed
to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
Carried Unanimously
6.2 PBD-2024-42 (PUBLIC MEETING)
AM-2023-035, Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment
4473-4479 & 4499 Ferguson Street
Proposal: Internally renovate the existing structures on the subject land
for additional apartment units.
Applicant: 2808378 ONTARIO INC. (Ajay Kahlon)
Agent: Mitchel Baker, Land Pro Planning Solutions Inc.
The public meeting commenced at 5:11 PM.
Chris Roome, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2024-42.
Joedy Burdett, resident, addressed Council speaking in favour of staff
recommendation.
Mitchell Baker, Land Pro Planning Solutions Inc., was present to answer any
questions.
The Public Meeting adjourned at 5:19 PM.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
It is recommended:
1. THAT Council APPROVE the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendments to increase the permitted density to 128 units per hectare
and rezone the lands to a site-specific Residential 5C Density (R5C)
Zone to permit the internal renovation of the existing buildings to
accommodate 24 total residential units (16 units at 4473-4479 Ferguson
and 8 units at 4499 Ferguson).
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the amending by-law to include a sunset
clause to require the execution of a Site Plan Agreement within three
years of the amending by-law coming into effect, with the possibility of a
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one-year extension at the discretion of the General Manager of
Planning, Building and Development.
Carried Unanimously
6.3 PBD-2024-43 (PUBLIC MEETING)
AM-2024-003 — Official Plan & Zoning By-law Amendment
6546 Fallsview Boulevard & 6503-6519 Stanley Avenue
Proposal: 58-storey mixed-use development consisting of two towers and
7-storey parking garage.
Applicant: Hennepin Realty Holdings Inc. & Hennepin's View Inc.
Agent: Bousfields Inc. (David Falletta / Cale Vanderveen)
The Public Meeting commenced at 5:20 PM.
Mackenzie Ceci, Senior Planner, Current Development, provided an overview
of Report PBD-2024-43.
Joedy Burdett, resident, spoke in opposition of the application.
Rocky Vacca, provided a presentation and answered questions.
David Falletta, provided a presentation and answered questions.
The public meeting closed at 6:03 PM.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
It is recommended:
1. That Council APPROVE the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-
law Amendment to facilitate a 58-storey mixed-use development and 7-
storey parking garage, subject to the regulations and modifications
outlined in this Report.
2. That Council AUTHORIZE the inclusion of a Holding (H) provision in the
amending by-law to require the submission of a Quantitative Wind Study
and a new Transportation Impact Study and Terms of Reference, the
inclusion of warning clauses with respect to archaeological resources,
and the implementation of recommendations identified in the Arborist
Reports and Tree Protection Plans.
3. That Council AUTHORIZE the inclusion of a sunset clause in the
amending bylaw to require the execution of a Site Plan Agreement or
the receipt of Draft Plan of Condominium approval within four years of
the amending by-law coming into effect, with the possibility of a two-year
extension at the discretion of the General Manager of Planning, Building
and Development.
4. That Council PASS a motion deeming the proposed changes to the
building height and holding provision minor and exempting the
requirement for further written notice.
Carried Unanimously
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7 IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
7.1 In-Camera Resolution - 6:04PM.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council enter into an In-camera session.
Carried Unanimously
8 REPORTS
Council returned from In-camera and resumed the Council meeting at 7:59 PM.
Councillor Campbell did not return.
8.1 MW-2024-40
Sidewalk Winter Maintenance
James Sticca, Director of Operations, provided a presentation.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
1. THAT Council APPROVE a service level enhancement for the delivery of
sidewalk snow clearing on Class 2 and Class 3 roads.
2. THAT Council DIRECT Staff to revise the public survey.
Carried Unanimously
8.2 MW-2024-41
Skateboard Park Improvements at MacBain Park
RFQ73-2024 Award
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council AWARD the Supply and Installation of Skateboard Park
Improvements at MacBain Park RFQ73-2024 to the lowest compliant
bidder Stonecast Contracting Limited (Stoney Creek, ON.) for
$95,578.80 plus applicable taxes.
2. THAT Council APPROVE a 2024 capital budget amendment of$18,000
funded by CSPR 26 - Recreation Facilities Capital Reserve for Project
RF57-20 - MacBain Skatepark Improvements.
3. THAT staff BE AUTHORIZED to execute the necessary documents.
Carried Councillor Lococo was opposed
8.3 PBD-2024-44
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Sidewalk Café Program Fees: Summer 2024 Amendments
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
1. THAT Council RECEIVE this report on recommended changes to
Sidewalk Café fees.
2. THAT Council ADOPT a 3-year application and licensing fee structure of
$200 + $15.00 per square meter.
3. THAT Council ADOPT the recommended Small Frontage Sidewalk Café
program.
4. THAT Council DIRECT staff to update the Sidewalk Café Guidelines
publication and Sidewalk Café Application form.
Carried Councillor Lococo was opposed
8.4 R&C-2024-15
Aquatic Services Update
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. To CONTINUE TO OPERATE four outdoor pools and to annually review
future capital expenses.
2. To PERMANENTLY CLOSE and to demolish EE Mitchelson pool and
building for the cost of$100,000 due to the current condition.
3. To IMPLEMENT a public engagement process to determine a new EE
Mitchelson Park feature to be constructed at the former pool site.
4. To CONTINUE TO REVIEW the city's indoor and outdoor aquatic service
levels for 2025.
5. That Council DIRECT Staff to come back with a report on pool feasibility
study for an additional pool.
6. That Council DIRECT Staff to implement a public engagement process to
determine which pools residents would like to see maintained through
investment and whether they are willing to pay additional money to keep them
open for extended periods of time.
Carried Unanimously
8.5 F-2024-32
City Homelessness Costs
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council RECEIVE this report for information.
Carried Unanimously
9 CONSENT AGENDA
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9.1 MW-2024-39
Funding Opportunity - FCM Growing Canada's Community Canopies
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council AUTHORIZE Staff to apply to the Growing Canada's
Canopies tree planting grant from the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities (FCM) for activities described in report MW-2024-39; and
further,
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the General Manager of Municipal Works /
City Engineer to enter into agreements with the grantor (FCM), local
school boards, and other project partners for the purposes of preparing
the grant application and executing the grant as described in this report.
Carried Unanimously
10 COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
10.1 Proclamation Request - Fire Prevention Week - 2024
Fire Chief Jo Zambito is requesting Council to proclaim the week of October 6,
2024 to October 12, 2024 as "Fire Prevention Week." This year's theme is:
"Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!"
Recommendation: For the APPROVAL of Council.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE the request to proclaim the week of October 6, 2024
to October 12, 2024 as "Fire Prevention Week."
Carried Unanimously
10.2 Proclamation Request - Niagara Falls Public Library
The Board members of the Niagara Falls Public Library request that Council
proclaim the month of October as "Canadian Public Library Month and October
20, 2024 - October 26, 2024 as "Ontario Public Library Week" in the City of
Niagara Falls.
Recommendation: For the APPROVAL of Council.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council proclaim the month of October as "Canadian Public Library
Month and October 20, 2024 - October 26, 2024 as "Ontario Public Library
Week" in the City of Niagara Falls.
Carried Unanimously
10.3 Resolution - Township of Lake of Bays - AMCTO Provincial Updates to
the Municipal Elections Act
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Attached is correspondence regarding the Township of Lake of Bays Council
resolution in relation to the AMCTO Provincial Updates to the Municipal
Elections Act.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE/SUPPORT.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution regarding the Township of Lake of
Bays Council resolution in relation to the AMCTO Provincial Updates to the
Municipal Elections Act.
Carried Unanimously
11 COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1 Office of the Integrity Commissioner - Matter No. IC-31204-0424 - Burdett
re: Campbell
Attached is an investigation report from the Integrity Commissioner and
Investigator with regard to the above captioned matter.
Joedy Burdett, resident at 4480 Bridge Street, spoke to the item and wanted
Council to amend the Code of Conduct to prevent use of profanity.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council RECEIVE for information Item #11.1.
Carried Unanimously
11.2 East Ferris - Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and Ontario
Good Roads Association (OGRA) Boards to re-establish a combined
OGRA and ROMA annual conference.
Attached is resolution from Council for the Municipality of East Ferris
supporting that both the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and
Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) Boards to re-establish a combined
OGRA and ROMA annual conference.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
11.3 Correspondence from the Niagara Region
Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region regarding the
following matters:
1. CLK-C-2024-105 Motion respecting Municipal Code of Conduct.
2. CLK-C-2024-102 Niagara Region Incentive Policy Review.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
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Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE for information Item #11.2 and #11.3.
Carried Unanimously
12 COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
12.1 Memo from Environmental Action Committee -Electrical Vehicle Chargers
At the September 18th, 2024 Environmental Action Committee meeting, there
was a motion put forward to send the following information to City Council,
requesting that City Council send a resolution to the Province of Ontario's
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing that supports the building code to
include the mandatory rough-in for future vehicle charging stations.
I
Motion:
Moved by John Brucato, second by John Morocco THAT City Council
CONSIDER sending a resolution to The Province of Ontario's Ministry of
Municipal Affairs and Housing to reimplement mandatory rough-in for future
home vehicle charging stations in new home builds.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT City Council CONSIDER sending a resolution to The Province of
Ontario's Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to reimplement mandatory
rough-in for future home vehicle charging stations in new home builds.
Carried (Councillor Patel was opposed).
13 RESOLUTIONS
13.1 Vacancy of Office - Resolution No. 13
THAT the Council of the City of Niagara Falls APPOINT CHRIS DABROWSKI
to the office of City Councillor for the remainder of the term.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT the Council of the City of Niagara Falls APPOINT CHRIS DABROWSKI
to the office of City Councillor for the remainder of the term.
Carried Unanimously
14 RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
a) Ratification of In-Camera
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
That Council provided direction to staff regarding In-camera matters.
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Carried Unanimously
15 NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
a) Notice of Motion
Maintenance of City and Regional Roads
Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Mayor Diodati regarding the
maintenance of City and Regional roads.
Councillor Strange left the meeting at 9:50 PM.
Notice of Motion from Mayor Diodati OCT 1
b) Homeless Pilot Project
Councillor Patel discussed a pilot project to integrate the homeless back into
society at the City and Regional levels. CAO will work with the Region and
come back with direction to staff.
16 BY-LAWS
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the
090 development of 10 townhouse dwelling units in 2 blocks (AM-2023-025).
2024- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 171 to the City of
091 Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-010).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the
092 development of 5 Stacked Townhouse dwellings containing 72 units, subject to
a 3-year sunset clause. (AM-2024-010).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the
093 development of hotel with two 30 -storey towers connected by a 4-storey
podium, containing 548 hotel rooms, subject to a 3-year sunset clause. (AM-
2024-013).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City
098 employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or
municipal by-laws.
2024- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
099 meeting held on the 1st of October, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried.
Councillor Lococo was opposed to by-law 2024-091 and 2024-092
17 ADJOURNMENT
a) That Council adjourn the meeting at 9:56 PM.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
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Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council ADJOURN the meeting at 9:56 PM.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor
/k-
City Clerk
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