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10-22-2024 AGENDA City Council Meeting 4:00 PM - Tuesday, October 22, 2024 Council Chambers/Zoom App. All Council Meetings are open to the public in person, in Council Chambers or watched virtually. All electronic meetings can be viewed on this page, the City of Niagara Falls YouTube channel, the City of Niagara Falls Facebook page, along with YourTV Niagara. Page 1. CALL TO ORDER O Canada: Abby Cabaj (singing live in Council Chambers) Land Acknowledgement and Traditional Indigenous Meeting Opening 1.1. Swearing in of Councillor Chris Dabrowksi Bill Matson, City Clerk, to swear in Councillor Chris Dabrowski as a Niagara Falls' City Councillor for the remainder of the current Council term. 2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 2.1. Council Minutes of October 1, 2024 City Council - 01 Oct 2024 - Minutes - Pdf 8 - 19 3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Disclosures of pecuniary interest and a brief explanation thereof will be made for the current Council Meeting at this time. 4. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS 5. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS All speakers are reminded that they have a maximum of 5 minutes to make their presentation. 5.1. Niagara Industrial Association (NIA) Jordan Sherlock, Executive Director of the NIA (Niagara Industrial Association) to make a deputation to Council, providing an update on industry in Niagara Falls. Page 1 of 156 5.2. R&C-2024-16 (Report and presentation) World Health Organization Age Friendly Designation for the City of Niagara Falls Joe Szabo, member of the Seniors Advisory Committee, to share presentation to Council. R&C-2024-16 - Pdf Presentation - Seniors Advisory Committee -(Updated) WHO Age Friendly Designation 20 - 34 6. PLANNING MATTERS 6.1. PBD-2024-45 (Report updated and presentations added) AM-2024-021, Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment 7230 Lundy’s Lane Proposal: Two 9-Storey Apartment Buildings With 25 Units Each Applicant: 100045845 ONTARIO LIMITED Agent: William Heikoop, Upper Canada Consultants Chris Roome, Planner 2, will provide an overview of Report PBD- 2024-45. PBD-2024-45 - Pdf Presentation (Staff) AM-2024-021 Presentation (Applicant) UCC Presentation - Lundy's Lane 35 - 63 7. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL 7.1. In-Camera Resolution(updated) October 22,, 2024 - Resolution to go In-Camera 64 8. REPORTS 8.1. PBD-2024-47 (Presentation added) Cityview Software Implementation PBD-2024-47 - Pdf Presentation - CNF_CityView_Council_LR (1) 65 - 82 Page 2 of 156 8.2. R&C-2024-17 (Updated) Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund R&C-2024-17 - Pdf 83 - 87 8.3. R&C-2024-18 Santa Claus Parade Request for Downtown BIA Funds R&C-RCF-2024-18 - Pdf 88 - 91 8.4. PBD-2024-46 Proposed Vacant Building Registry & By-law PBD-2024-46 - Pdf 92 - 113 9. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda is a set of reports that could be approved in one motion of council. The approval endorses all of the recommendations contained in each of the reports within the set. The single motion will save time. Prior to the motion being taken, a councillor may request that one or more of the reports be moved out of the consent agenda to be considered separately. 9.1. MW-2024-42 Intersection Control Review - Ontario Avenue at Hiram Street MW-2024-42 - Pdf 114 - 119 9.2. F-2024-38 2024 Q2 Water/Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance (Unaudited) F-2024-38 2024 Q2 Water/Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance (Unaudited) - Pdf 120 - 127 10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK The Communications section of the agenda is a set of items listed as correspondence to Council that could be approved in one motion of Council. If Staff feel that more than one recommendation is required, the listed communications items will be grouped accordingly. The single motion per recommendation, if required, will save time. Page 3 of 156 Prior to any motion being taken, a Councillor may request that one or more of the items be lifted for discussion and considered separately. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council approve/support Item #10.1 through to and including Item #10.2. 10.1. Proclamation Request - 16 Days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence The Canadian Federation of University Women Welland and District are requesting Council to participate in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on Monday, November 25, 2024, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, 2024 - International Human Rights Day. Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the request to proclaim Monday, November 25, 2024 as the "International Day for the End of Violence Against Women" and to raise a "Wrapped in Courage" flag (purple) to create awareness and promote gender equality. Furthermore, THAT Council APPROVE the request to hang red dresses in the trees along the walkway in front of City Hall. Proclamation Request - To Mayor Diodati and Niagara Falls' Councillors, 128 - 129 10.2. Proclamation Request - Talk to a Stranger Week GenWell, a Not-for Profit registered in Canada (#1048215-3) requests that the City of Niagara Falls proclaim November 18-24, 2024, as "Talk To A Stranger Week" This proclamation aligns with the mission of GenWell, a Canadian-led Global Human Connection movement that highlights the critical importance of human connection for the health, happiness, longevity, and overall well- being of all Canadians. Recommendation: For the APPROVAL of Council. Proclamation Request - Letter to City of Niagara Falls On - Talk to a Stranger Week 130 11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council receive for information Item Page 4 of 156 #11 (no items to report thus far) . 12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK 12.1. Shepherds Heart Food Bank Attached is a request from the Shepherd Heart Food Bank for a monetary donation (grant) from the City of Niagara Falls. Recommendation: REFER to the Operating Budget. Food Bank Grants for Church 131 12.2. Downtown Committee - Appointments Council to complete ballots to select members of the Downtown Committee. 13. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA 14. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS Except as otherwise provided in the Procedural By-law, all Notices of Motion shall be presented, in writing, at a Meeting of Council, but shall not be debated until the next regular Meeting of Council. A Motion may be introduced without notice, if Council, without debate, dispenses with the requirement for notice on the affirmative vote of two- thirds of the Members present. 14.1. Notice of Motion Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Councillor Lori Lococo regarding the Provincial Government Increase "Heads and Beds" levy for Ontario Municipalities. Notice of Motion - Provincial Government Increase the Heads and Beds Levy 132 14.2. Notice of Motion Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Councillor Mona Patel regarding access to affordable transportation. Notice of Motion - Access to Affordable Transportation 133 15. MOTION 15.1. Motion Maintenance of City and Regional Roads Mayor Diodati brought forth the attached motion regarding the maintenance of City and Regional roads. 134 Page 5 of 156 Motion from Mayor Diodati - Maintenance of City and Regional Roads 16. BY-LAWS The City Clerk will advise of any additional by-laws or amendments to the by-law listed for Council consideration. 2024- 100. A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 172 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-009). (added) By-law No. 2024-100 - AM-2024-009 - 2430 St. Paul Avenue - OPA 135 - 137 2024- 101. A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200 to permit the use of the Lands (2430 St. Paul Avenue) for a 295-unit apartment dwelling consisting of two towers with maximum building heights of 15 storeys (56 metres) and 19 storeys (68 metres), respectively, subject to the removal of a Holding (H) symbol and a 3-year sunset clause and to repeal By-law No. 2013-059 (AM-2024- 009). (added) By-law No. 2024-101 - AM-2024-009 - 2430 St. Paul Avenue - ZBA 138 - 143 2024- 102. A by-law to impose fees and charges for services and activities provided or done by the Fire Department of the City of Niagara Falls. By-law No. 2024-102 - Fire Services - Fire Services Preventable False Alarms 144 - 146 2024- 104. A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 173 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2023-035). By-law No. 2024 -104 - 4473-4479 and 4499 Ferguson Street OPA 147 - 150 2024- 105. A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for two 2 storey apartment dwellings, containing a total of 24 units (AM-2023-035). By-law No. 2024 -105 - 4473-4479 and 4499 Ferguson Street ZBA 151 - 153 Page 6 of 156 2024- 106. A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or municipal by-laws. By-law No. 2024-106 - 2024 OCT 22 By-law Enforcement Officers 154 - 155 2024- 107. A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its meeting held on the 22nd of October, 2024. By-law 2024-107 - 10 22 24 Confirming By-law 156 17. ADJOURNMENT Page 7 of 156 MINUTES City Council 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 PRESENT: COUNCIL ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Mona Patel, 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. Councillor Tony Baldinelli Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Margaret Corbett, Kira Dolch, Kathy 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 Page 1 of 31 Page 8 of 156  Sharron (Todd) Bloor, mother of Jim Todd of our Municipal Works Department 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 Nostaligie—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! Page 2 of 31 Page 9 of 156 o Niagarafalls.ca/spooky  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 RO344314, 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 Page 3 of 31 Page 10 of 156 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 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). Page 4 of 31 Page 11 of 156 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 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 Page 5 of 31 Page 12 of 156 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 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. Page 6 of 31 Page 13 of 156 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 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 Page 7 of 31 Page 14 of 156 Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo THAT Council RECEIVE this report for information. Carried Unanimously 9 CONSENT AGENDA 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 Page 8 of 31 Page 15 of 156 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 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. Page 9 of 31 Page 16 of 156 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. 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. 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 Page 10 of 31 Page 17 of 156 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. 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- 090 A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the development of 10 townhouse dwelling units in 2 blocks (AM-2023-025). 2024- 091 A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 171 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-010). 2024- 092 A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the development of 5 Stacked Townhouse dwellings containing 72 units, subject to a 3-year sunset clause. (AM-2024-010). 2024- 093 A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for the 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- 098 A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or municipal by-laws. 2024- 099 A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its meeting held on the 1st of October, 2024. Page 11 of 31 Page 18 of 156 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 Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel THAT Council ADJOURN the meeting at 9:56 PM. Carried Unanimously Mayor City Clerk Page 12 of 31 Page 19 of 156 R&C-2024-16 Report Report to: Mayor and Council Date: October 22, 2024 Title: World Health Organization Age Friendly Designation for the City of Niagara Falls Recommendation(s) Health World the to application an the submission support Council 1.That of Organization (WHO) for the City of Niagara Falls to join the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. 2.That the Mayor provide an official letter of support to become a designated city under the World Health Organization (WHO). Executive Summary On April 30, 2024, the Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC) presented to Council an overview of the activities planned for Seniors Month in June. In conclusion to the presentation, the SAC emphasized its ongoing efforts to have the City of Niagara Falls officially recognized as an Age Friendly City. This recognition would come from the World Health Organization (WHO) through an official designation, which the SAC is actively working towards achieving. This report seeks Council endorsement for submission of an application for the city of Niagara Falls to become recognized as an age friendly community (AFC) with the World Health Organization (WHO) Background The Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC) was formed in 2019. The purpose of the SAC committee is to serve in an advisory capacity to Council and staff on matters that impact the quality life of seniors (60 years plus) in the City of Niagara Falls. The Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC) SAC acts as a liaison to enrich and enhance the lives of seniors within Niagara Falls by identifying barriers, forming partnerships with the community and acting as a public forum for issues affecting seniors. The Seniors Advisory Committee has made significant progress since its inception, evolving into a highly effective and engaged body. Over the years, the committee has introduced numerous innovative and impactful initiatives that have greatly benefited our Page 1 of 3 Page 20 of 156 senior community. These efforts reflect the committee’s dedication to addressing the needs of older adults in Niagara Falls. Some of the committees’ achievements include: •Created a monthly television show called ‘Seniors News & Views’ on Cogeco TV providing a platform to share important information, insights and updates relevant to the senior community •The planning and coordination of activities in June for National Seniors month •Offered input to staff on specific initiatives such as discounts for low-income seniors on property taxes and water bills •Developed and implemented a community survey to gather input from city residents who are 60 plus years of age and provided recommendations on parts of the report to Council Analysis Age-friendly environments foster healthy and active aging. Cities and communities around the world are already taking steps towards becoming more age friendly. Partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO) offers access to a vast network of cities helps This resources. guidelines and best sharing nations, and practices, municipalities adopt proven strategies to address challenges, particularly for aging populations. As the population of Niagara Falls continues to age, achieving an Age-Friendly city designation presents significant a (WHO) Organization Health World the from opportunity to improve the quality of life for seniors, promote inclusivity, and enhance community well-being. The designation provides a framework for the city to assess, plan, and implement policies that ensure it is meeting the needs of its older population while also benefiting all residents. Earning the World Health Organization’s designation will bring significant recognition to Niagara Falls, highlighting it as a leader in supporting older adults. Further, Niagara Falls. Would be recognized for making a strong commitment to improving the lives of older are that opportunities and services involves creating This adults. spaces, welcoming, accessible, and supportive for seniors. Financial Implications/Budget Impact There is no application or membership fee to join the World Health Organization (WHO). Participation in the network requires a commitment of staff time. Staff will coordinate and manage the process to implement municipal best practices including an annual plan to support the Age Friendly Community. This investment is essential for developing and implementing initiatives that align with the goals of the designation and the city's Strategic Plan Pillars. Strategic/Departmental Alignment Page 2 of 3 Page 21 of 156 The City of Niagara Falls is strategically committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible community for residents of all ages. This initiative aligns with the city's broader vision of enhancing livability and ensuring that its services, infrastructure, and programs meet the evolving needs of its aging population. Strategic Plan Pillars Sustainability - Social Working in partnership with the Niagara Region to ensure residents have access to basic needs, ensuring that Niagara Falls is a livable, inclusive and supportive community for all. Written by: Hanya Mitchell, Manager of 60+ Older Adults and Aquatics Submitted by: Status: Kathy Moldenhauer, General Manager of Recreation, Culture & Facilities Approved - 10 Oct 2024 Jason Burgess, CAO Approved - 14 Oct 2024 Page 3 of 3 Page 22 of 156 World Health Organization Age Friendly Designation Seniors Advisory Committee | October 22, 2024 Recreation, Culture & Facilities Page 23 of 156 Age Friendly DesignationWho are the Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC)? To serve in an advisory capacity to City Council and staff on matters that impact the quality of life of seniors (60 years plus) in the City of Niagara Falls. 2Page 24 of 156 Age Friendly DesignationMembers of the Seniors Advisory Committee Otto Penner – Chair Anna Racine – Vice Chair Councillor Wayne Campbell Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwsteeg Beth DalBianco Karen Fraser Eileen Tinio-Hind Kathy Quiquero Joe Szabo Ewald Kuczera 3Page 25 of 156 Age Friendly DesignationAge Friendly Designation 4Page 26 of 156 Designations in Niagara Niagara Falls conspicuously absent Age Friendly Designation5Page 27 of 156 Age Friendly DesignationCommunities that have demonstrated that they have met at least the first three age-friendly communities' milestones can be recognized by their province or territory as officially on the road to becoming age-friendly. These are the Pan-Canadian Age-Friendly Communities Milestones: •√ Establish an advisory committee that includes the active engagement of older adults. • Secure a local municipal council resolution to actively support, promote and work towards becoming age-friendly. • √ Establish a robust and concrete plan of action that responds to the needs identified by older adults in the community (SAC Strat Plan). • √ Demonstrate commitment to action by publicly posting the action plan. • Commit to measuring activities, reviewing action plan outcomes and reporting on them publicly. How Canadian Communities are Officially Recognized as Age Friendly 6Page 28 of 156 Age Friendly DesignationChecklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities 7 Outdoor spaces and buildings ☐ Public areas are clean and pleasant. ☐ Green spaces and outdoor seating are sufficient in number, well-maintained and safe. ☐ Pavements are well-maintained, free of obstructions and reserved for pedestrians. ☐ Pavements are non-slip, are wide enough for wheelchairs and have dropped curbs to road level. ☐ Pedestrian crossings are sufficient in number and safe for people with different levels and types of disability, with nonslip markings, visual and audio cues and adequate crossing times. ☐ Drivers give way to pedestrians at intersections and pedestrian crossings. ☐ Cycle paths are separate from pavements and other pedestrian walkways. ☐ Outdoor safety is promoted by good street lighting, police patrols and community education. ☐ Services are situated together and are accessible. ☐ Special customer service arrangements are provided, such as separate queues or service counters for older people. ☐ Buildings are well-signed outside and inside, with sufficient seating and toilets, accessible elevators, ramps, railings and stairs, and non-slip floors. ☐ Public toilets outdoors and indoors are sufficient in number, clean, well-maintained and accessible.Page 29 of 156 Age Friendly DesignationOther Checklist Topics: 8 •Transportation •Housing •Social Participation •Respect and Social Inclusion •Civic Participation and Employment •Communication and Information • Regular information and broadcasts of interest to older people are offered. •Community and Health Services Page 30 of 156 WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Application form with commitments from the Mayor and CouncilAge Friendly Designation9Page 31 of 156 Age Friendly DesignationApplication 10 1) City/Community details Name of city/community * * Region or state Country * Your city/community's population size * % of residents above the age of 60 * Are you applying through one of the Network's Affiliated Programmes? * 2) Commitment towards becoming an age- friendly city/community Letter of commitment from the Mayor * Mayor's name and title * Email of the Mayor’s office * Address of the Mayor's office * 3) Designation of contact person for the Global Network Name Title Position Role in City Email Phone Page 32 of 156 Seniors Month ActivitiesQUESTIONS? 11Page 33 of 156 THANK YOUSeniors Month Activities12Page 34 of 156 PBD-2024-45 Report Report to: Mayor and Council Date: October 22, 2024 Title: AM-2024-021, Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment 7230 Lundy’s Lane Proposal: Two 9-Storey Apartment Buildings With 25 Units Each Applicant: 100045845 ONTARIO LIMITED Agent: William Heikoop, Upper Canada Consultants Recommendation(s) 1. That Council RECEIVE the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to increase the permitted height to 9 storeys with a density of 63.53 units per hectare and rezone the lands to a site-specific Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone to permit the construction of two 9-storey apartment buildings consisting of 50 total residential units (25 units in each building), for information. Executive Summary 100045845 Ontario Limited has requested an Official Plan Amendment and a Zoning By-law Amendment for 0.787 hectares (1.94 acres) of land known municipally as 7230 Lundy’s Lane. The applicant is proposing to construct two 9-storey apartment buildings consisting of 50 total residential units (25 units in each building) with a proposed density of 63.53 units per hectare. No comments from the public have been received for this application. Notice of Public Open House was circulated on August 20th, 2024 and Notice of Public Meeting was circulated on October 1, 2024. Background 100045845 Ontario Limited has requested an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By- law Amendment for 0.787 hectares (1.94 acres) of land known municipally as 7230 Lundy’s Lane, as shown on Appendix 1. Appendix 2 shows the conceptual Site Plan and Appendix 3 shows the location of the development within the subject lands and identifies the Official Plan designations and zoning. Page 1 of 14 Page 35 of 156 The northern portion of the subject lands (development area) are designated Tourist Commercial and Residential in part, within the City’s Official Plan, and located within the Lundy’s Lane Satellite District. The Tourist Commercial designation and Lundy’s Lane Satellite District, permits residential uses, including apartments with a density between 50-100 units per hectare and a maximum building height of 6 storeys. The residential designation also permits apartments at a density of 75-100 units per hectare. The balance of the land is designated Residential and Environmental Conservation Area. The applicant is proposing to place the lands under a Special Policy Area of the Tourist Commercial designation, to permit a maximum building height of 9 storeys and a density of 63.53 units per hectare. The lands are currently zoned Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone and Prestige Industrial (PI) zone, in part, in accordance with Zoning By-law No. 79-200, as amended. The applicant is proposing to rezone the proposed development area to a site-specific Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone to permit the construction of two 9-storey apartment buildings consisting of 50 total residential units (25 units in each building). The proposed site-specific TC zone is requesting relief for rear yard setback, projection of open balconies into required rear yards, height, and to add apartments as a permitted use. Site Conditions and Surrounding Land Uses The subject lands are currently vacant and located on the south side of Lundy’s Lane between Montrose Road and Brookfield Avenue and were previously occupied by a miniature golf course and restaurant. Surrounding land uses include:  North – Commercial Uses – restaurants, motel, recreational and utility uses;  South – vacant land;  East – Millenium Trail and Hydro One Corridor; and  West – Residential Apartment. The subject property is located along the WEGO Red Line, with a bus stop located directly in front of the site. This line has connections to various other transit lines including routes 111, and 113, as well as Regional Transit Line 60/65 which connects to the City of Welland. Additionally, these transit lines service the MacBain Community Centre, Niagara Square Shopping Centre, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Elementary School, while also connecting with various other transit lines that provide further access to the city. This site is also in close proximity to the Greendale Public School (approximately 700m), and Westlane Secondary School (1km). Circulation Comments Page 2 of 14 Page 36 of 156 Information By-law and Amendment Plan Zoning requested the about Official Amendment application was circulated to City departments and divisions, agencies, and the public for comments. The following summarizes the comments received to date. Regional Municipality of Niagara  Regional Staff are satisfied that the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and conforms to Provincial and Regional Plans, subject to the applicant confirming the boundaries of the NES features and associated buffers being shown in an appropriately restrictive environmental designation and zone within the Official Plan and Zoning schedules. Staff Response: Staff recognize the Regions request to identify an appropriately restrictive environmental designation and zone represented as the significant woodlot on site and the applicant is working towards a solution that satisfies the Region's concerns. Municipal Works (Development Engineering)  Staff do not accept the submitted Functional Servicing Report due to the domestic water and fire flow site requirements not being provided within the report.  The City requires sanitary and water modelling and the corresponding fee to be paid. To date, this has not been completed. The applicant recently submitted the fee and a draft model is excepted in early November.  The report proposes installing a private storm sewer within the City’s Millennium Trail easement on Hydro One lands. There is no easement that exists, and the lands are under OPG ownership. The storm sewers must be constructed within the private development lands. Additionally, OPG will need to approve this stormwater management design with outlet into their corridor. Staff Response: Staff recognize the need for modelling to be completed prior to receiving Official Plan and Zoning approval to ensure that the site can be adequately serviced and that Lundy’s Lane has the proper capacity. Additionally, the applicant will need to address the proposed location of the storm sewers as mentioned above, this can be done at the Site Plan Stage. The modelling is expected to be received in early November, and as a result, no recommendation is being brought forward until Staff have more information. Page 3 of 14 Page 37 of 156 Municipal Works (Transportation Services)  Access to the proposed development will be through the neighbouring property via an established easement, with drivers using the existing signalized intersection to proceed to and from Lundy’s Lane.  A traffic study is not required as the expected traffic flow is not anticipated to exceed 100 trips/ day and the site is well serviced by public transit.  A development consisting of 50 apartment units in 2 buildings requires 70 parking spaces, at a rate of 1.4 parking spaces per unit. There are 73 parking spaces proposed. The minimum number of accessible parking spaces is based on the parking lot capacity. A parking area having 73 parking spaces requires a minimum of three (3) accessible parking spaces. There are four (4) accessible parking spaces proposed; 2 in front of each building Building Services  A water/sewer permit shall be obtained to construct site services.  A building permit will be required, if granted approval.  All further detailed and site-specific Ontario Building Code construction requirements will be addressed during the building permit application process. Please be advised the new Ontario Building Code will take effect January 1, 2025.  All necessary building permit fees and securities will be assessed during building permit application review. Calculations are completed in accordance with Niagara Falls Building By-law.  Municipal, Regional, Educational Developments Charges (not excluding Parkland dedication fee) will be assessed at time of building permit review. Development Fees are required to be paid at time of building permit issuance.  Signs are to be in accordance with municipal sign-bylaw and may be subject to a sign permit application.  A geotechnical report/subsurface investigation containing soil bearing capacity, underground water data, seismic data, foundation recommendation, etc. shall be provided at building permit application submission.  All other applicable law approvals shall be obtained prior to acceptance of a building permit application. Page 4 of 14 Page 38 of 156  A zoning compliance certificate shall be obtained prior to acceptance of a building permit application.  Owner/Agent/Applicant to consult with Building Services regarding unit naming and addressing requirements.  Fire Prevention may provide comments related to firefighting requirements such as fire-route accesses, fire-hydrant locations (private and/or public), fire- department connection(s), etc. Fire Department  The Fire Department has no concerns with respect to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment.  The proposed development will require a building permit from the City of Niagara Falls Building Department. All required permits shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any construction.  Compliance with the Ontario Fire Code is required at all times in buildings that are occupied. This includes but is not limited to the maintenance of fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire department connections, fire access routes, exits (means of egress). GIS Services  No objections. Enbridge  No objections. Neighbourhood Comments A public open house was held on September 3, 2024, and was attended by Staff and the agent for the applicant. No members of the public attended, and no written comments were received by Staff. Analysis 1. Provincial Policies The Planning Act requires City planning decisions to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and conform to the Provincial “A Place to Grow” Plan. The proposed development is consistent and conforms as follows: Page 5 of 14 Page 39 of 156  The proposed development satisfies matters of provincial interest as outlined in Section 2 of the Planning Act;  The proposed development is located within the Built-up Area, is transit supportive as the property is located in close proximity to multiple transit lines, will contribute to the City’s annual residential intensification target, will diversify the type of housing available to residents, and will support the achievement of a complete community; and  The proposed development makes use of vacant land and encourages the efficient use of existing municipal infrastructure and services. 2. Regional Official Plan The subject lands are designated Delineated Built-Up Area in the Regional Official Plan. The proposed development conforms as follows:  The site is located within the urban area, represents an efficient use of urban land, and will utilize existing municipal infrastructure and services;  The proposal will assist with achieving the City’s minimum residential intensification target of 50% occurring annually within the Built-up Area;  The proposed development provides for a compact built form and allows for a range of housing types which contributes to the creation of a complete community; and,  The application conforms to the natural heritage policies of the Regional Official Plan as an Environmental Impact Study has been undertaken and appropriate measures will be implemented to secure the protection of the environmental features, including a 10-m naturalized buffer. 3. City Official Plan The City’s Official Plan designates the northern portion as Tourist Commercial, while the balance of the lands are designated Residential and Environmental Conservation Area, in part. The location of the proposed development consists entirely of the Tourist Commercial designation, while also including a small portion of the Residential designation. The application proposes to redesignate the development area to a Special Policy Area of the Tourist Commercial designation. The portion of the land designated Environmental Conservation Area is not proposed to be changed as a part of these applications. Page 6 of 14 Page 40 of 156 When considering an Official Plan Amendment, Council is to consider the conformity of the proposal with the general objectives of the Plan, the suitability of the site or area for the proposed use, the compatibility of the proposed use with adjacent land use designations, the need for the use, the availability of adequate municipal services and facilities for the proposed use, and its financial implications. The applicant is proposing a Special Policy Area of the Tourist Commercial designation that permits a maximum height of 9 storeys and a density of 63.53 units per hectare. The proposal complies with the intent of the Official Plan as follows:  The location is appropriate for this level of growth and development, as it is located within the built boundary and away from non-urban areas.  The proposal provides pedestrian connections to the surrounding neighbourhood via the use of the Millenium Trial and amenity space has been provided with the inclusion of balconies and private outdoor amenity patios.  The proposal protects natural heritage features by directing the proposed development outside of the identified limits of the natural features found on site.  The proposed density of 63.53 units per hectare is considered to have regard for the intent of the Official Plan as the development makes efficient use of the layout by minimizing the development's impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The required density in the Lundy’s Lane Satellite District is 50-100 units per hectare, which would make the proposal consistent, however a small portion of the proposed development is within the Residential designation, which has a required density of 75-100 units per hectare and a maximum height of 6 storeys. As the majority of the lands are located within the Lundy’s Lane Satellite District, Staff conclude that the request is technical in nature and meets the intent of the Official Plan.  The proposal will minimize urban land consumption and efficiently uses underutilized land, engages the street through the use of a podium design, respects existing building heights by matching the built form of adjacent uses and negates the visual impact of parking by strategically using the northern most building to impede sightlines to the parking lot.  The proposal aligns with the City’s housing policies which promote multi-unit developments, and the development of underutilized parcels. Further, the proposal will contribute to and diversify the City’s supply of rental housing and contributes to a range and mix of housing types.  The estimated rental prices have not been provided by the applicant, as the floor plans have yet to be finalized, however the applicant has indicated that the proposed units are expected to be more attainable than many ground-based Page 7 of 14 Page 41 of 156 dwellings due to the inclusion of smaller units and larger multi-generational units. Furthermore, the applicant has stated in an addendum to the PJR that, in Q2 of 2024, 67% of housing starts were considered to be affordable, according to the Quarter 2 Development and Housing Report. They have also indicated that, at this rate and along with 6,908 draft approved and registered units, and the increase in planning applications in the second quarter, the City will meet and exceed its housing affordability target of 40%, and therefore this project is not required to supply affordable units. 4. Zoning By-law No. 79-200 The subject lands are currently affected by two zoning categories. The northern most section of the property is zoned Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone, and comprises most of the proposed development, while the balance of the property is zoned Prestige Industrial (PI) Zone. The Prestige Industrial zone generally provides for Class 1 industrial land uses that are smaller in scale and emit low levels of sound, dust, odour or vibration. The D6 guidelines identify a 70 m potential influence area and recommends a 20 m minimum distance for incompatible uses. If an industrial use is constructed to the south of the proposed development, Staff are satisfied that the existing woodland (approximately 280m in length) provides a sufficient natural buffer to any future uses and exceeds the recommendation of the D6 guidelines for Class 1 uses. The proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment requests to rezone a portion of the land to a site-specific Tourist Commercial Zone to permit the construction of two apartment buildings. The site-specific amendment seeks to permit apartment dwelling units as a use, reductions to rear yard depth, encroachments of an open balcony into a rear yard, and an increase in permitted height. The site-specific amendments that have been requested by the applicant are summarized in the table below. Staff note that the rear yard is measured to the rear property line, however as a part of this application, the rear yard will be measured to the buffer of the woodland, which coincides with the zone boundary. This is in anticipation of future development in the rear that would sever this parcel along the buffer line and will be captured in the amending by-law. ZONE REGULATIONS EXISTING REGULATIONS REQUESTED REGULATIONS STAFF RECOMMENDATION Minimum Rear Yard (to zone boundary) 10 m 9.84 m Support Maximum Height 12 m 29 m Support Encroachment of Open Balcony into Rear Yard (to zone boundary) 1.8 m 4.05 m Support Page 8 of 14 Page 42 of 156 Permitted Uses Uses under Section 8.6.1 of Zoning By-law 79- 200 (Does not permit apartments) Apartments Support Staff support the proposed change from the TC and PI Zone to a site-specific TC Zone with the above requested site-specific regulations for the following reasons:  The requested rear yard setback is a minor departure from the required 10m. The rear yard setback intends to ensure the adequate spacing can be maintained between uses and ensure that residential uses have an adequate amount of amenity space. The proposed development provides balconies and outdoor amenity space and provides linkages to the Millenium Trail. Furthermore, an adequate buffer is still maintained if any future development is pursued behind building number 2 as the NES feature, as well as the 9.84m setback create a suitable buffer.  The request for 29m in height is appropriate for the subject lands as they are located along an arterial road. The location and podium design provide adequate separation distances to neighbouring properties.  The encroachment of balconies into required rear yards does not pose a negative impact to the proposed development or adjacent properties and enables the owner to provide on-site amenity space to residents. 5. Sunset Clause the for priority key a is provision of provincial orderly and timely The housing government and the City of Niagara Falls. To ensure that housing is delivered in line with the existing and planned services that are required to support it, servicing cannot be held up in developments that fail to proceed in a timely manner. To encourage the timely development of the subject lands, Staff will be recommending that the amending by-law includes a sunset clause to require the execution of a Site Plan Agreement 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 to provide flexibility. This recommendation will be made at a later date. The proposed sunset clause is contemplated by Staff in accordance with Sections 34(16.1) and (16.2) of the Planning Act and Part 4, Sections 4.6.1 and 4.6.2 of the City’s Official Plan. Staff are of the opinion that the sunset clause or conditional zoning constitutes sound land use planning as it provides a mechanism to properly plan for the efficient use of the City’s services and allows for the appropriate allocation of servicing capacity for those who are ready to develop. Page 9 of 14 Page 43 of 156 6. Appeal Provision – Sections 17 and 34 of the Planning Act In accordance with Bill 185, which received Royal Assent on June 6th, 2024, the Minister, the applicant, or a specified person, public body, or registered owner of any land to which the Official Plan Amendment/Zoning Amendment/By-law will apply, who made oral submissions at a Public Meeting or written submissions to the Council of the City of Niagara Falls prior to the adoption of the Official Plan Amendment/Zoning Amendment Plan Official appeal may the the of passage and/or By-law, Amendment/Zoning Amendment and/or the By-law to the Ontario Land Tribunal by filing Notices of Appeal to the Clerk. Third-party appeals are no longer permitted. Operational Implications and Risk Analysis There are no operation implications associated with this proposal as the application is being processed internally by staff. Financial Implications/Budget Impact The proposed development will provide development charges, cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication, a new tax assessment, and a Community Benefits Charge for the City. Strategic/Departmental Alignment Although this proposal does not directly align with the Pillars of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, it does support the achievement of a liveable community and increase the supply of housing in support of the City’s housing targets and pledge. Strategic Plan Pillars Economic Diversification & Growth Fostering a balanced and sustainable local economy achieved by expanding and diversifying the types of industries and businesses operating within the community. List of Attachments Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Written by: Chris Roome, Planner 2 Submitted by: Status: Signe Hansen, Director of Planning Approved Page 10 of 14 Page 44 of 156 - 18 Oct 2024 Kira Dolch, General Manager, Planning, Building & Development Approved - 18 Oct 2024 Jason Burgess, CAO Approved - 18 Oct 2024 Page 11 of 14 Page 45 of 156 Appendix 1 Location Map Page 12 of 14 Page 46 of 156 Appendix 2 Conceptual Site Plan Page 13 of 14 Page 47 of 156 Appendix 3 Official Plan and Zoning Map Location of proposed development Tourist Commercial designation and zoning Residential designation and Prestige Industrial zoning Subject lands not affected by applications Page 14 of 14 Page 48 of 156 Address: 7230 Lundy’s Lane Applicant: Upper Canada Consultants Proposal: Construct Two 9-storey Apartment Buildings Containing 25 units each Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment Application AM-2024-021 Page 49 of 156 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Background Proposal The application is to redesignate and rezone the subject lands to a special policy area and site-specific Tourist Commercial Zone to permit the construction of 2 9-storey apartment buildings consisting of 50 total residential units (25 units in each building). The application proposes a total density of 63.53 units per hectare. Official Plan The subject lands are designated Tourist Commercial, Residential and Environmental Conservation in the City’s Official Plan and are within the Lundy’s Lane Satellite District. The application does not conform to the required 75-100 units per hectare. Zoning By-law No. 79-200 The subject lands are zoned Tourist Commercial and Prestige Industrial in accordance with Zoning By-law 79-200. Page 50 of 156 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Location Subject Lands Commercial Use Detached Dwellings Hydro Corridor Page 51 of 156 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Site Plan Page 52 of 156 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Proposed Zoning Relief Maximum Height Proposed: 29 m Permitted: 12 m Min. Rear Yard Setback Proposed: 0.69 m Required: Half of building height Permitted Use Proposed: Apartments Encroachment of Open balcony into Rear Yard Proposed: 4.05 m Required: 1.8 m Page 53 of 156 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Neighbourhood Comments •Public Information Open House was held on September 3, 2024. The Open House was not attended by any members of the public and no written submissions have been received.Page 54 of 156 A GREAT CITY…FOR GENERATIONS TO COME Recommendations •That Council receive the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to redesignate the lands to a special policy area and rezone the lands to a site-specific Tourist Commercial Zone to permit the construction of two 9-storey apartment buildings, for information.Page 55 of 156 7230 LUNDY’S LANE NIAGARA FALLS COMBINED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT William Heikoop, B.U.R.Pl., MCIP, RPP Planning Manager Upper Canada Consultants Page 56 of 156 Site Context Proposed Area of Development QEW, commercial & residential land uses Millennium Trail, Hydro One corridor, commercial & residential land uses Significant woodlot & future development lands Commercial & residential land uses Page 57 of 156 Two 9-storey residential apartment buildings containing 25 dwelling units each - 50 units total. On-site Parking: 73 Spaces Proposed Residential Apartments Page 58 of 156 Official Plan Amendment Page 59 of 156 Zoning By-law Amendment Page 60 of 156 Lundy’s Lane facing south 3D View looking south east Elevations and Massing West Elevation 3m step backs Page 61 of 156 •Archaeological Assessment •Environmental Impact Study •Environmental Site Assessment •Functional Servicing Report and Stormwater Management Plan •Noise Feasibility Study •Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan •Planning Justification Report Supporting Studies Page 62 of 156 Thank you. Questions? Summary Application for a Combined Official Plan and Zoning By- law Amendment to permit 2 9-storey residential apartment buildings yielding 25 units each. Page 63 of 156 The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Resolution October 22, 2024 Moved by: Seconded by: WHEREAS all meetings of Council are to be open to the public; and WHEREAS the only time a meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public is if the subject matter falls under one of the exceptions under s. 239(2) of the Municipal Act. WHEREAS on October 22, 2024, Niagara Falls City Council will be holding Closed Meetings as permitted under s. 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, namely; (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees; (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; (k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board; as well as an educational topic as defined in section 239 (3.1). THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that on October 22, 2024 Niagara Falls City Council will go into a closed meeting to consider matters that fall under 239 (2); (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees to review applications for a Council-appointed committee as well as to receive an update to the recent vacancy on council; (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege respecting the matter of the collections of taxes; (k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality as it deals with any potential hospice; and lastly, the City will consider a matter that falls under section 239 (3.1) for an educational matter dealing with a review of the Procedural By-law. AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. WILLIAM G. MATSON JAMES M. DIODATI CITY CLERK MAYOR Page 64 of 156 PBD-2024-47 Report Report to: Mayor and Council Date: October 22, 2024 Title: Cityview Software Implementation Recommendation(s) 1. That Council RECEIVES this report for information purposes. Executive Summary The City of Niagara Falls Planning Building and Development department initiated new software program to process building and planning applications called Cityview. The Cityview software launch was broken up into two phases the first phase which was funded by the Provincial government as part of the streamlining initiatives and Phase 2 which was budgeted for through Council in 2023 for by-law enforcement and licensing. Phase 1 of this project is nearing implementation completion, and this report is to provide a status update to Council on the implementation of the program. The goals of the Phase 1 implementation were to: 1. Improve Efficiency: Streamline processes related to land use planning, building permits, inspections. By allowing digital drawing review, online collaboration between departments on applications, mobile inspection etc. 2. Enhanced Data Management and Support Decision Making: Centralize data for easy access to various departments and facilitate better decision-making. 3. Increase Public Self-Serve Online Options: Provide citizens and the development community the ability to: submit planning and building permit applications including all the necessary studies online; make payments for these applications online; book inspections and monitor their planning and building permit applications online through a central portal. 4. Workflow Optimization: empowers management with real-time insights into work volumes, project timelines and staff resource allocation. With dashboards and analytics, this tool enables managers to assess workload distribution, identify bottlenecks, and allocate resources efficiently. The implementation of CityView software has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of both the planning and building division in the City of Niagara Falls. Improvements are still necessary for continual success and staff Page 1 of 5 Page 65 of 156 have already met with the homebuilders and internal groups, who are high end users of the system, to receive feedback on their experience and make the necessary changes. Staff will continue to gather feedback from users to make sure the customer experience and staff experience is a successful one. While challenges were encountered and work still continues, the overall outcomes indicate a successful transition to a more efficient and user-friendly system. Ongoing training and support will be essential to maximize the software's potential and ensure continuous improvement in service delivery. Background On February 25, 2022, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing advised the City of Niagara Falls that we were successful in our funding grant for up to $1 million to implement initiatives to streamline the development approval process. The City utilized just over $800,000 of the $1 million in funding to implement the Cityview software which would change the City from a paper-based application system to a digital one. Due to staffing changes and staffing changes on Cityviews side, Phase 1 of this software (building and planning modules) was delayed, and an accelerated timeline was put in place to meet the funding deadlines. This meant that testing of the software was not as robust as it should have been at implementation stage however staff over the last 8 months have continued to improve both the functionality of the software and the customer service experience and have also met with the homebuilders to get feedback on the software as they are a high-end user group. Staff have also met with internal and external users to understand their suggestions and experiences. Phase 2 includes By-law enforcement and licensing and staff are hoping to start this work shortly but are cognizant of potential conflicts with the ERP system roll out. Analysis The implementation was carried out in several phases: 1. Planning and Preparation  Determined the needs and specific requirements of planning and building divisions for the software.  Developed a project timeline and budget. 2. Software Configuration  Customized CityView to meet the unique needs of the organization.  Integrated existing data systems (land manager) to ensure a seamless transition.  Integrated single sign on with City of Niagara Falls registration system for a one stop user experience. 3.Pilot Testing  Launched a pilot program in selected departments to test functionality and gather feedback. Page 2 of 5 Page 66 of 156  Made necessary adjustments based on user input. 4.Training and Development  Conducted training sessions for staff across departments (planning, building, fire, municipal works) to familiarize them with the software.  Internal training videos were created for the initial software launch 5.Full-Scale Implementation  Rolled out the software on live environment to the public and to divisions who deal with planning and building applications (Planning, Building, Municipal works and Fire)  Developed General FAQ's and department specific FAQ's for customers on the website.  Provided ongoing support and troubleshooting.  Live feedbacks were sent to correct issues encountered.  Team was created to work through issues and feedbacks. 6. Evaluation and Feedback  Met with all internal departments, homebuilders and external consultants using the software to gather feedback.  Implemented changes based on feedback where possible.  Created new training videos based on current software versions for staff and external agencies.  Created public training videos for the website.  User manuals and support documentation created for staff. Over the course of the implementation a number of hurdles were encountered such as  Loss of Cityview Project Managers: The loss of two project managers from the software company.  Loss of Project Lead and Building Staff: The loss of the project lead on the Cityview project as well as staff on the building side who were significantly involved in the workbooks for the project.  Day to Day staff work: There were no dedicated staff members on this project so their day-to-day work and required timelines took precedence.  Resistance to Change: Some staff members were hesitant to adopt the new system and some still continue to struggle with change.  Data Migration Issues: Difficulties in quality of the legacy data incorporated into the new system as well as some issues with the conversion of the legacy data were encountered.  Training Gaps: Variability in staff technical skills required additional training resources. Outcomes  Operational Efficiency: Significantly reduced staff time on processing of applications by reducing paper delivery and collaboration on documents. Improvement in the ability of staff and other departments to access all the information on an application and its status. Page 3 of 5 Page 67 of 156  Data Accessibility and Workflow Optimization: Improved data retrieval and reporting capabilities, leading to better decision-making. The dashboards and analytics software allows managers to effectively assign work and assess workload distribution, identify bottlenecks, and allocate resources efficiently. This software also allows managers to quickly assess where applications are in the process saving significant time getting up to speed on each file weekly.  Customer Service-Self Serve: Increased self-service online customer service options for planning and building applications. Customers can now pay online and check their application status online. Although not a 100% digital as some customers still are without email and are limited in their internet abilities, approximately 95% of applications are.  User Satisfaction: Overall satisfaction rates were high among younger demographics, with positive feedback on the software’s usability. Older demographics need longer to accept the conversion both internally and externally given their historical life experiences. To address this staff assist any customer at the counter with an online application or inputting their paper application into the system if they do not have an active email or access to the internet. Next Steps  Ongoing Training: Provide a new set of training sessions to address staff needs based on staff feedback. Provide tips and tricks bulletins and detailed training manuals.  Website enhancements: Improve the website experience for Cityview information and tips and tricks.  Reporting: Create specialty reporting to easily monitor specific metrics such as affordability etc.  Continuous Feedback Loop: Continue to use the system for ongoing user feedback to facilitate continuous improvement and conduct a detailed evaluation of the program annually. Staff are currently testing version 12 of the software and will be meeting with specific users such as mobile users to determine if the improvements are functioning appropriately as well as meeting with the homebuilders and other high-end users in the new year.  Explore Additional Features: Implement new features such as the chat function to speak to a live agent during business hours, the customization of the development charge estimation tool and automatic calculation, implementation of fast-tracking workflow, and customized dashboards. Investigate further functionalities of CityView that may benefit the organization, such as AI chat technologies. Operational Implications and Risk Analysis There was a learning curve and a transition period during the initial implementation, requiring a considerable amount of staff time to address issues as they arose. However, we have made significant operational improvements that enable our staff to concentrate on other priorities. For instance, management now spends less time gathering information on applications and assessing operational workloads and timelines. Page 4 of 5 Page 68 of 156 Phase 2 of the program will require substantial time from our current staff in the clerk's department and the by-law enforcement division. Council should be aware that there may be delays in our current schedule due to workloads and bandwidths in the operational departments and support departments (Information services, finance etc.). Financial Implications/Budget Impact Phase 1 of the program was funded by the Provincial streamline funding. Extra monies were required and have been approved by Council to fund specific customizations such as development charges calculations, development charge estimation tool and fast- tracking workflow. Phase 2 of the program was funded by Council in 2023 and has started to be undertaken with completion in 2025. Strategic/Departmental Alignment This program enhances efficiency in the building and planning systems, resulting in an improved online customer service experience aligned with the Customer Service pillar. It also streamlines the approval process to promote growth in line with the Economic Diversification and Growth pillar. Strategic Plan Pillars Customer Service Delivering a welcoming and consistent customer service experience centred around the people we serve. Economic Diversification & Growth Fostering a balanced and sustainable local economy achieved by expanding and diversifying the types of industries and businesses operating within the community. Written by: Kira Dolch, General Manager, Planning, Building & Development Submitted by: Status: Jason Burgess, CAO Approved - 16 Oct 2024 Page 5 of 5 Page 69 of 156 CityView Software Implementation | October 2024 Planning, Building and DevelopmentPage 70 of 156 1.Introduction 2.Vison 3.Why go from Paper to Online? 4.What is Cityview 5.Implementation a.Timeline b.Challenges and Outcomes 6.Portal 7.Workspace 8.Mobile 9.Next StepsCityView / Software ImplementationAgenda 2Page 71 of 156 Vision 3CityView / Software ImplementationHow do I get from here to there?Page 72 of 156 Why go from Paper to Online? 4CityView / Software ImplementationPage 73 of 156 CityView is the City of Niagara Falls’ online portal for building and development applications. 5 What is CityView?CityView / Software ImplementationPage 74 of 156 Portal •Apply for building permits and submit planning applications online. •Check the status of applications and permits. •Request building inspections and pay fees online. Workspace •Process applications online •To do lists and do dates •Dashboard •Reports Mobile •Inspections on your phone or tablet •Upload photos CityView is the City of Niagara Falls’ online portal for building and development applications. 6 What is CityView?CityView / Software ImplementationPage 75 of 156 7 Implementation: Timeline CityView / Software ImplementationPage 76 of 156 8 Implementation: Challenges & Outcomes CityView / Software ImplementationChallenges: •Loss of Cityview Project Managers •Loss of Project Lead and Building Staff •Day to Day staff work •Resistance to Change •Data Migration Issues •Training Gaps Page 77 of 156 9CityView / Software ImplementationCityView Portal Page 78 of 156 10CityView / Software ImplementationCityView Workspace Page 79 of 156 11CityView / Software ImplementationCityView Mobile Mobile •User-Friendly Interface: Navigate easily with a streamlined design tailored for mobile use. •Real-Time Updates: Get notifications on city events and services directly on your device. •Quick Reporting Tools: Report issues and submit requests with just a few taps. •Secure Access: Enjoy protected access with secure login options.Page 80 of 156 Ongoing Training •Offer updated training sessions based on staff feedback. •Provide tips bulletins and detailed staff manuals. 12CityView / Software ImplementationFeedback & Next Steps Website Enhancements •Improve the website experience for information and tips and tricks Continuous Feedback Loop •ongoing user feedback for continuous improvement and annual evaluation Explore Additional Features •Implement features like live person chat, development charge calculation and estimation, and fast-tracking workflow. •Explore additional tools, including AI chat technologies.Page 81 of 156 THANK YOU 13CityView / Software ImplementationPage 82 of 156 R&C-2024-17 Report Report to: Mayor and Council Date: October 22, 2024 Title: Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund Recommendation(s) 1.That Council receive Report RCF-2024-17 Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. 2.That Council Authorize staff to apply to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, Stream 1 (Repair and Rehabilitation) for the MacBain Community Centre project- Stream One and Stream Two (New Builds/Signature New Builds) for the Chippawa Willoughby Community Centre project. 3.That Council APPROVE the MacBain Community Centre and Chippawa Willoughby Community Centre capital projects be contingently approved upon successful application of funding and will be funded by a mix of Grant, Development Charges, and Debt funding. Executive Summary This summer the Ontario government announced the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. The goal of the fund is to ensure people have access to services and recreational opportunities they need to thrive. The investment makes it easier for people to create healthier, more active lifestyles, makes sports more accessible, and helps more communities across the province host local, national and internal events and competitions, There are two streams for the fund. Stream one, focuses on repairing and upgrading existing sport and recreation facilities into more accessible state-of the art facilities that better meet community needs, eligible projects will receive between $150,000 and $1 million and must be completed within twenty-four (24) months. Staff plan to submit an application for the MacBain Community Centre upgrades capital project. The major HVAC systems at the MacBain Community Centre include: 4 make-up air units, 3 air handlers, 78 water-source heat pumps, 1 cooling tower, 7 heat exchangers and 2 heating boilers. A mechanical life cycle replacement program commenced in 2023 with some of the smaller failed heat pumps due to failure, but expansion of this program and funding is necessary as equipment is nearing end of life and increasing Page 1 of 5 Page 83 of 156 unplanned downtime and component failure is imminent. The proposed project through the application is expected to allow for replacement of air handlers, make up air units and approximately 50% of the heat pumps. Remaining heat pumps, boilers and cooling tower will require additional funding consideration. Stream two, focuses on building new sports and recreation facilities, including replacing existing facilities that have reached their lifespan. Eligible projects will receive up to $10 million and must be completed by March 31, 2027. Staff plan to submit a grant application for the Chippawa Willoughby Memorial Arena/Community Centre capital project. The proposed project will include constructing a new facility on City owned land adjacent to structure existing the to renovation and facility existing the to a accommodate other indoor sport activities. Background The grant program objectives are as follows:  extend the lifespan of the existing sport and recreation facilities  improve local sport and recreation programming and accessibility features to meet community need  provide assets that do not currently exist in a community  create local jobs  increase physical activity and improve community health and wellness  promote local participation and affordable access to sport and recreation  allow the opportunity to host provincial, national and international sporting events Analysis The proposed Stream 1 project for the MacBain Community Centre will include life-cycle replacement of major mechanical systems in the building. The facility is 20 years old and requires replacement HVAC systems including air-handling units, make-up air units and water-source heat pumps. This equipment currently use R-22 refrigerant which is being phased out and can no longer being produced in Canada due to its ozone depleting properties. The estimated gross project cost is $1,598,000. The proposed Stream 2 project for the proposed Chippawa Willoughby Community Centre Chippawa will provide funding to renovate and expand the existing facility. The City Chippawa the for study feasibility a on work to consultant a engaged has Willoughby Memorial Community Centre. The preferred project and design that will form the grant application is to build a new single pad arena adjacent to the existing facility on property owned by the City. Key features:  Constructing on the adjacent land will allow for no lost operational time Page 2 of 5 Page 84 of 156  New fully accessible arena, designed to ensure everyone, regardless of their physical ability, can participate fully and comfortably  A 10,000 square feet library branch that will improve community well-being, education, and access to information and promote lifelong learning  Multipurpose rooms for community use  Refurbish existing arena structure to accommodate indoor sport activities (e.g. Gymnasium, turf fields, courts) was plan improvement capital five-year Arena Memorial Willoughby Chippawa presented to City Council in 2015. Work was completed in 2017 to upgrade major refrigeration components that were at end of life. The replacement of the concrete floor pad, boards and glass was identified as being required in 2020. Since 2020, building condition is project capital larger a completed been have assessments and recommended based on the age of the facility. The Niagara Falls Library Board closed the Chippawa Library Branch this year as it was not accessible and couldn’t meet the growing demands of the community. Working with the Library improvements capital the the Board to City, supports the Chippawa/Willoughby Arena to include the Chippawa Library Branch. The new space will be accessible and will serve as a community hub. Operational efficiencies will be realized with Recreation, Culture & Facilities staff maintaining the facility and Library staff assisting with facility supervision and customer service. Both of the above recommended projects align with the grant objectives. The projects meet community and user needs, promote good asset management planning, good value for money and fosters greater accessibility. Financial Implications/Budget Impact Eligible projects can request 50% of the eligible project costs. The city of Niagara Falls must cover the remaining project costs. The total estimated project value for the Stream 1 application for Mechanical Life Cycle Replacement project is $1,598,000. The project includes replacement air-handling units, make-up air units and water-source heat pumps. The estimated project value for the Chippawa/Willoughby Memorial Arena Complex project is $25+ million. Successful projects can receive up to $10 million and are required to be completed by March 31, 2027. The feasibility study that is beginning this month will help provide more detail on construction costs of the proposed project. Staff wish to receive Council’s approval to proceed with both of these applications by contingently approving both projects upon successful application of funding. Should the Page 3 of 5 Page 85 of 156 City be successful, Staff will need to commence work on both projects as soon as possible, in order to meet the completion deadline of March 31, 2027. Since funding is limited to $1 million for Stream 1 and $10 million for Stream 2, and eligible costs are required to be funded 50% by the City, additional capital funds will be required from the City from 2025 to 2027. Assuming a $40 million (amount to be determined) project cost for the Chippawa Arena/Library, a total cost of $1,598,000 for the MacBain upgrades, and maximum funding approved, the total additional capital funding required by the City would be as follows: A B C = Lesser of: A x 50% or B A - C Project Total Project Cost Maximum Grant Funding Available Maximum Eligible Funding City Funding Required MacBain Centre 1,598,000 1,000,000 799,000 799,000 Chippawa Arena 40,000,000 10,000,000 10,000,000 30,000,000 The City would fund the project through a mix of debt, development charges, and grant funding. Strategic/Departmental Alignment Implementation of this project meets the intent of Council’s Strategic Priorities by providing strong and resilient infrastructure in a healthy and safe livable community through accountable government practices. Strategic Plan Pillars Sustainability - Financial Effectively managing the City’s financial resources to meet our current and future obligations without relying on external funding sources or sacrificing our ability to deliver essential services to our residents . Contributor(s) Travis Jeffray, Senior Manager of Facilities & Operations Rob McDonald, Senior Manager of Arenas and Athletic Fields Written by: Kathy Moldenhauer, General Manager of Recreation, Culture & Facilities Page 4 of 5 Page 86 of 156 Submitted by: Status: Kathy Moldenhauer, General Manager of Recreation, Culture & Facilities Approved - 17 Oct 2024 Jason Burgess, CAO Approved - 18 Oct 2024 Page 5 of 5 Page 87 of 156 R&C-RCF-2024-18 Report Report to: Mayor and Council Date: October 22, 2024 Title: Santa Claus Parade Request for Downtown BIA Funds Recommendation(s) 1. THAT Council approve the transfer of $15,000 from the Downtown BIA unspent levy being held in reserve to offset the cost of the Santa Claus Parade and lighting of Queen Street. 2. THAT Council authorize the use of downtown assets for the Santa Meet and Greet and to animate Queen Street and Centennial Square. Executive Summary The Recreation, Culture, & Facilities Department is organizing the annual Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade to take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm on Queen Street. Following the parade a community celebration will take place including the Niagara Health Foundation Tree Lighting, Santa Meet and Greet, as well as entertainment and food trucks. Increasing costs, coupled with the need to decorate and animate Queen Street for the holiday season in the absence of the Downtown BIA, have put a strain on the approved budget. Staff are requesting budget assistance in the amount of $15,000 from the Downtown BIA unspent levy being held in reserve to implement the event. Background The Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade has been a staple in the City of Niagara Falls for over eight decades. The first parade, organized back in 1949 was organized and implemented by the retail merchants division of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce with a purpose to thank patrons for their high level of business enjoyed by the City’s merchants during the year and to usher in the holiday buying season. In later years, of Board Downtown the with was in organized event the partnership Management and the City of Niagara Falls Civic Committee. This event later transferred entirely to City’s Civic Committee at the turn of the most recent decade, which eventually led to the existing format of Recreation & Culture Staff coordinating the event exclusively since 2004. The COVID-19 Pandemic brought many changes to the work environment, including delivery of services and role changes among City Staff. These forces, in conjunction with City Staff preparing to operate 2 new large facilities (MacBain Community Centre Page 1 of 4 Page 88 of 156 and the Niagara Falls Exchange) and various staff changes resulted in staff investigating new ideas to deliver large events. As a result, City Staff approached the Niagara Falls Downtown BIA to discuss the possibility of coordinating and implementing the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade. The BIA was amenable, which led to the development and negotiation of a Fee for Service Agreement ensuring the event’s operation while continuing to be located in Downtown, Niagara Falls. In 2021, the parade was contracted out to the Niagara Falls Downtown BIA as a Fee for Service for three years with an option to continue the agreement for an additional two years. The Downtown BIA operated the parade for two years 2021 and 2022. The Downtown BIA created and implemented an expanded and enhanced Santa Claus Parade and event which has raised the expectations of the community and Council. During 2023, the Niagara Falls Downtown BIA experienced the departure of most of its staff and a variety of internal concerns and the City stepped in to organize and run the 2023 Santa Claus Parade. With the absence of the Downtown BIA, along with assorted logistical and budget restrictions, street lighting and festive decor was not installed on Queen Street for the parade or winter season. As a result the downtown was dark and not very festive and complaints were received. 2024 Parade Planning and Budget Staff are working diligently to organize a fun and safe Santa Claus Parade, Tree Lighting, and Santa Meet and Greet that meets the expectations of the community and Council; while trying to stay within the limited approved budget. The cost of policing, entertainment, and items such as stage and sound are all increasing and important for a safe and successful community event. In addition, with the absence of a Downtown BIA staff are expected to install lighting and decorations along Queen Street to ensure a festive atmosphere at an additional cost of approximately $8,500. Council approved a budget of $21,000 in the 2024 budget with the expectation to offset the total budget with $4,250 in sponsorship and vendor fees (actual budget $16,750). Currently there is a deficit of approximately $9,000 with no room for any extra touches that make a high quality community event or for the installation of lights and decorations along Queen Street. The deficit takes into account all projected expenses as well as expected sponsorship and vendor revenue. Page 2 of 4 Page 89 of 156 BIA Assets and Funding Request In order to provide a festive atmosphere on Queen Street and in Centennial Square the City would like to utilize several Downtown BIA assets including items such as string lights for street trees, light displays, and Santa and Mrs. Claus chairs. In addition, staff are requesting $15,000 from the unspent Niagara Falls Downtown BIA levy to offset the cost of the parade and celebrations and the installation of lighting on Queen Street and in Centennial Square. Lighting of the trees and installation of light displays will be contracted out and will require budget. Historically, the Niagara Falls Downtown BIA has made a sponsorship contribution to the parade and also lit and decorated the street to animate it for the festive season. 2020 - $2500 2019 - $5000 2018 - $4000 2017 - $2500 The additional funds would cover the cost of the planned activities and ensure that items are not cut and that the street is appropriately lit and decorated for the festive season. Staff will continue to explore sponsors to make the event and future events successful and sustainable. Analysis In order to provide a Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade and Santa Meet and Greet that meets the expectations of our community, additional funds are required. Should no further funds be received staff will need to make some difficult decisions regarding the lighting of queen street, parade entries, entertainment, and event activities. Financial Implications/Budget Impact No budget impact. Receiving $15,000 in funding from the Niagara Falls Downtown BIA to offset costs. Strategic/Departmental Alignment The City of Niagara Falls is committed to building and promoting a vibrant, sustainable City that supports an active, connected, healthy, and creative community. Through recognition of the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame Inductees, the City will help to enhance a sense of pride and commitment from our residents and visitors. Strategic Plan Pillars Page 3 of 4 Page 90 of 156 Sustainability - Social Working in partnership with the Niagara Region to ensure residents have access to basic needs, ensuring that Niagara Falls is a livable, inclusive and supportive community for all. Written by: Beth Angle, Manager of Recreation and Programs Sebastian Zukowski, Senior Financial Analyst Submitted by: Status: Kathy Moldenhauer, General Manager of Recreation, Culture & Facilities Approved - 10 Oct 2024 Jason Burgess, CAO Approved - 16 Oct 2024 Page 4 of 4 Page 91 of 156 PBD-2024-46 Report Report to: Mayor and Council Date: October 22, 2024 Title: Proposed Vacant Building Registry & By-law Recommendation(s) It is recommended: 1. That Council APPROVE the vacant building by-law registry as detailed in the staff report PBD-2024-46; 2. That Council AUTHORIZE staff to prepare an implementing vacant building registry by-law for consideration and adoption. 3. That Council AUTHORIZE staff to update the Schedule of Fees to include the vacant building registry fees as identified in this report. Executive Summary At the Council meeting held on June 21, 2022, Council passed a motion requesting that staff prepare a report about the advantages and disadvantages of a vacant building registry and vacant building tax aimed at addressing neglected or vacant buildings in Niagara Falls. On February 7, 2023, an information report was prepared for Council to address this motion and Council direct staff "to initiate a vacant building registry and a vacant building registry by-law to be in place during the fourth quarter of 2023 to encourage the repurposing of vacant building stock for residents and businesses". Due to staffing volume and resources this project was delayed. Historically, the only method for ensuring buildings were being maintained was a reactive complaint driven by-law approach to Property Standards Enforcement. The goal of the proposed vacant building registry and by-law is to put into place a comprehensive proactive owner driven procedure to allow by-law enforcement staff to monitor vacant buildings. This proactive approach will minimize staff time in dealing with the negative aspects of neglect such as fires, poor maintenance, unsafe buildings and security. Page 1 of 22 Page 92 of 156 The vacant building registry, will through a registry system, proactively identify vacant buildings and encourage owners to take the lead to encourage good property maintenance and security techniques to avoid dilapidated or run-down buildings which create unsafe conditions such as fire related concerns, pest infestation, backup sewage, and/or vagrancy concerns. This registry and associated by-law may also change the behaviors of property owners who leave their property unoccupied for extended periods of time – compelling them to sell or rent them out. Currently, City has identified 114 vacant buildings in the City and under the proposed vacant building registry by-law, every owner of a vacant building must register the vacant Building within 60 days of the date that the vacant building commences to be vacant. This registration process will trigger ongoing monitoring by city municipal enforcement staff or other certified staff who will ensure that these properties are maintained to minimum property standards. Background Over time, many vacant buildings have developed to various degrees of building code deficiencies that are not being addressed. The City has identified 114 vacant buildings in Niagara Falls. If the City does not address the concerns with these buildings, they will continue to deteriorate and, in some cases, may become beyond repair or unsafe and require demolition. The visual appeal of the property or “aesthetic deterioration” detracts from the property, diminishing its curb appeal and effectively lowering its market value and those properties within the immediate area. Under the proposed vacant building registry by-law (Appendix 1), failure to register a Vacant Building is considered an offence. Every owner of a vacant building shall register the vacant building within 60 days of the date that the vacant building commences to be vacant. The registration process will trigger ongoing monitoring by city municipal enforcement staff or other certified staff who will ensure that these properties are maintained to minimum property standards. The proposed vacant building registry by-law includes a definition for vacant buildings that means “a building that does not appear to be in use, without limiting this definition and in the opinion of the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services, is deemed to be a Building that demonstrates one or more of the following:  that is not protected by the entry of unauthorized persons;  that is not protected from the entry of rain, snow, vermin or birds into the interior of the building; Page 2 of 22 Page 93 of 156  where the supply of any one or more of electricity, gas or water utilities serving the building is discontinued or disconnected;  where one or more of the electricity, gas or water utilities serving the building is not being used  where 25% or more of the door and building openings to the building are partially or completely boarded up; or  where an application for rebate of property taxes for the entire Building has been submitted to the City’s Finance Department. For further clarity, a vacant building does not include a building where the Owner satisfies the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services where one or more of the following is met:  there is an Active Use permitted under the City’s Zoning By-law;  a permit has been issued for the City for construction or demolition of the building and construction or demolition work has been actively undertaken for at least 40 hours during each 90-day period following the issuance of the permit;  there is at least one (1) occupied dwelling in the building;  a building is not a dwelling and is on the property used as a farm;  the building is occupied by the Owner, or a Person authorized by the Owner, on a seasonal basis, for no less than four (4) consecutive months; or  a building that is owned or controlled by the federal, provincial, regional or City government. Analysis On February 7, 2023 staff prepared a report to Council laying out the advantages and disadvantages of a vacant building registry and vacant building tax. As part of this report, staff reviewed the registry systems in St. Catharine's and Hamilton. In addition, staff have recently reviewed Port Colborne, Kitchener, London and other municipalities who have enacted similar vacant building by-law registries, prior to bringing forward this registry system. The authority to enact a vacant building registry by-law is contained within Ontario’s Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25. A registry will allow Municipal Enforcement Staff or other certified staff to effectively monitor and protect buildings identified on the registry. The proposed by-law includes the following requirements for any building, not exempted, which has been vacant for 60 days:  every owner of a vacant building shall be required to make an application to register their vacant building, (Appendix 2);  pay a one-time per property proposed non-refundable administrative fee $350.00 dollars; Page 3 of 22 Page 94 of 156  pay a non-refundable annual registration monitoring fee of $1000.00 dollars to cover a portion of the costs of additional junior municipal law enforcement staff and resources;  provide up-dated change of ownership information should property be sold or ownership of property be altered in any way;  pay a change of ownership fee of $100.00 dollars where owner information has changed or where property is sold;  monitor their vacant property frequently as required by the City; and,  ensure that their property adheres to the minimum standards as outlined in the Property Standards By-law No. 2015-101. Any owner of a vacant building who does not register with the City, or who fails to meet the proposed by-law requirements of the vacant building registry by-law, will be subject to the appropriate fines as contained within the attached by-law. The owner may also incur a separate property standards order where necessary and have to address any identifiable deficiencies as contained within the City’s property standards by-law. The enactment of the proposed by-law will:  discourage property owners from allowing their buildings to become vacant;  set up regular inspections by municipal enforcement staff, fire department officials or other certified staff to assess compliance with the proposed vacant building registry by-law, property standards by-law, and the litter maintaining of land by-law;  allow the municipality the ability to recover enforcement and administrative costs by imposing the annual registration monitoring fee and one-time administrative fee to vacant building owners. Additional fines or charges to owners who refuse to register their vacant building will also be collected through this program.  prevent and discourage vagrancy and squatters from trespassing into vacant buildings or loitering on or about the property (reducing drug related, and criminal activity and other nefarious or illicit activities); and  reduce the number of unwanted and suspicious fires throughout the community (additional information captured below). Fires at Vacant Buildings in Niagara Falls (2021-2024) Page 4 of 22 Page 95 of 156 Incident # Date Alarm Time Loss 21-0000128 2021/01/17 18:42:54 $5,000 (note therewas a fire in 2020 at this address and the loss was $100,000) 21-0000707 2021/03/30 19:18:06 $2,000 21-0000870 2021/04/16 13:56:21 $5,000 22-0000526 2022/02/23 07:15:52 $50,000 22-0002734 2022/08/10 02:57:11 $500,000 22-0003797 2022/10/21 20:24:56 $1,000 22-0004620 2022/12/20 02:29:47 $5,000 23-0001789 2023/05/28 20:29:28 $2,000 23-0001871 2023/06/03 07:58:49 $2,000 23-0002167 2023/06/23 07:53:03 $5,000 23-0002212 2023/06/25 06:06:50 $5,000 23-0004161 2023/11/08 22:01:51 $350,000 24-0000315 2024/01/22 22:13:23 $500,000 24-0000913 2024/03/07 03:43:45 $1,000,000 24-0001069 2024/03/22 11:00:44 $60,000 24-0001623 2024/05/04 09:17:21 $75,000 24-0001641 2024/05/05 02:12:52 $500,000 Total = $3,067,000 Fires are disproportionately prevalent in vacant buildings. Discouraging property owners from allowing their buildings to become vacant and not maintained will reduce the number of vacant fires in the City. There has been more that 3 million dollars in damages to vacant buildings from fires from 2021 through 2024 as noted above. Properties where vacant buildings are registered with the City will be inspected throughout the year at specific intervals by municipal enforcement staff who will observe and identify any related by-law violations and also identify unpermitted individuals or displaced persons which may be unlawfully occupying these buildings. Municipal enforcement staff will take an aggressive proactive role to ensure buildings are secure and well-kept as opposed to the current situation which is led by either a complaint or by a significant negative event such as a fire. The current draft registry list is a starting point to require owners of vacant buildings to register their property. This list will continue to grow or expand where municipal enforcement staff have identified additional vacant properties not on the list, where clerk staff receive a complaint from the general public or residents, or where the City’s fire department identify a fire that has occurred within a building that has suffered catastrophic Building Code related damage. In some cases, a demolition Page 5 of 22 Page 96 of 156 permit may be required where the building is damaged beyond repair or where a building has suffered unsafe structural damage so it may not be added to the registry. The proposed by law will require that every owner of a vacant building shall: a. ensure that the vacant building is registered in accordance with the proposed By-law; b. ensure that the Property complies with all applicable laws, statutes, regulations and By-laws, including but not limited to the Building Code Act, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, and any City By-law which regulate property or building maintenance standards; c. post at least one sign on the vacant building, that: i. bears the words "for information or inquiries" and the information of the Owner, including a name and telephone number, in black letters on a white retro-reflective background as illustrated in the following ii. is readable from each adjacent street; FOR INFORMATION OR INQUIRIES CONTACT: NAME: TELEPHONE NUMBER: d. satisfy the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services that a responsible person retained by the Owner attends at the property to monitor the building condition a minimum of once every month or more frequently as required in writing by the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services; and e. provide a report from a qualified individual as to the condition of the building as required in writing by the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services. Should the vacant registry by-law be approved staff will issue social media notices and place information on our website about the new registry system to assist in informing the public of their obligations. Staff will also work to prepare a media release on this new program. This new program will measure success through the repurposing of vacant buildings, a decrease in the number of vacant buildings in the City and a positive impact on the neighbourhoods in which these properties reside. Operational Implications and Risk Analysis Page 6 of 22 Page 97 of 156 Currently, the existing staff complement would be hard pressed to administer the monitoring program. At the initial outset of the program, we anticipate that additional junior by-law staff resources will be required to perform the by-law enforcement duties associated with this program. A successful program will ultimately see a decrease in the number of vacant buildings over time which will allow any new staff hired to take on additional essential workload. Financial Implications/Budget Impact Staff are requesting the addition of junior municipal enforcement staff member(s) to ensure the City is better equipped to address vacant property matters within the community. The establishment of the proposed one-time administration fee per property and the annual vacant building monitoring fees should fully cover the costs of one and potentially two junior enforcement staff members. The expansion of enforcement staff will allow staff to increase their enforcement efforts to proactively monitoring the proposed vacant buildings, maintain the registry and take the appropriate enforcement actions where necessary to bring vacant properties into compliance. The current complement of two Municipal Enforcement Clerk Staff service members will currently be able to provide the required administrative support for the administration and enforcement of the proposed by-law. Staff are requesting that council amend the schedule of fees by-law to add the one-time proposed administration fee of $350.00 per property and the renewable annual vacant building monitoring fee of $1000.00. The proposed fees will be included in the Planning, Building & Development schedule of fees by-law within a sub-heading of Vacant Building By-law registry fees. ESTIMATED REVENUES IN 2025 (Number of current known vacant buildings) Number Initial Annual Total Page 7 of 22 Page 98 of 156 of Vacant Buildings Administrative Fees Registration Fees Revenues 50 $350 $1000 $67,500 114 $350 $1000 $153,900 150 $350 $1000 $202,500 200 $350 $1000 $270,000 These fees identified above are in comparison to St Catharine's initial administration fees and the annual monitoring fees. The City may recover the costs of doing a matter of thing under paragraph 24 by action or by adding the costs to the tax roll and collecting them in the same manner as property taxes as provided under section 398 of the Municipal Act, and such costs shall includean interest rate of fifteen per cent (15%) per year commencing on the date the City incurs the costs and ending on the day the costs, including the interest, are paid in full. The foregoing is in addition to the three hundred dollars ($300.00) enforcement fee that will be charged by the City to recover its costs associated with the administration of the proposed by-law. Under the Municipal Act, we are statue-bound to provide good government and achieve municipal objectives through the enactment and enforcement of by-laws. However, we can only do that by using and managing and using the municipalities resources responsibly. One of Council’s goals is to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality. This is why municipalities are given leeway in terms of how they enforce their by-laws to maximize the use of available resources in doing so. Strategic/Departmental Alignment The information contained in this report meets the City’s strategic commitment to;  Address issues relating to property standards to help to beautify our community by enforcing property standards with a focus on unsightly, neglected and derelict buildings, and  Set direction for the future and strive to be an agile and vibrant organization responsive to change. Strategic Plan Pillars Page 8 of 22 Page 99 of 156 Sustainability - Social Working in partnership with the Niagara Region to ensure residents have access to basic needs, ensuring that Niagara Falls is a livable, inclusive and supportive community for all. List of Attachments Appendix 1: Vacant By-Law Appendix 2: Vacant Building Registry Application Appendix 3: List of Vacant Buildings Written by: Gerald Spencer, Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services Submitted by: Status: Kira Dolch, General Manager, Planning, Building & Development Approved - 17 Oct 2024 Jason Burgess, CAO Approved - 18 Oct 2024 Page 9 of 22 Page 100 of 156 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2024-096 A By-law to Regulate the Registration of Vacant Buildings. WHEREAS sections 8 and 10 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, (the “Municipal Act”) authorize the Niagara of City Falls Byto “City”) (the pass -laws necessary or desirable for municipal purposes, and in particular paragraphs 5, 6, 8 and 10 of subsection 10(2) of the Municipal Act authorize By-laws respecting the economic, social and environmental well-being of the municipality; the health, safety and well-being of Persons, the protection of Persons and Property, and structures; AND WHEREAS this By-law, in conjunction with the City’s Property Standards By-law No. 2015-101 (“Property Standards By-law”), ensures Buildings and Properties as defined therein are maintained to prescribed standards; AND WHEREAS section 425 of the Municipal Act authorizes the City to pass By-laws providing that a Person who contravenes a By-law of the City passed under that Municipal Act is guilty of an offence; and AND WHEREAS sections 128, 391, 438, 444 and 445 of the Municipal Act, among other sections, further authorize the City, amongst other things, to prohibit and regulate matters that, in the opinion of its Council, are or could become public nuisances; to impose fees or charges on Persons for services or activities provided by or done by or on behalf of it, carry out inspections pursuant to City By-laws and provincial orders, and to make orders to discontinue activity or to do work; THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: SHORT TITLE 1. This By-law may be referred to as the "Vacant Building Registration By-law”. DEFINITIONS 2. In this By-law: a. Use” means “Active there that is, from visual observation, a and the in opinion of an Officer, evidence of performance of a use, or evidence that such use is actively taking place, not just through evidence of installation of structures or chattels, but also through evidence that the structures or chattels are being used for the purpose in question, without evidence of significant interruption, suspension or abandonment. b. "Building" means all or part of: Page 10 of 22 Page 101 of 156 2 i. a structure occupying an area greater than ten square metres (10m2) consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto; or ii. a structure occupying an area of ten square metres (10m2) or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto; iii. plumbing not located in a structure; iv. a sewage system; or v. structures designated in the Ontario Building Code. c. "Business Day" means any day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on which the City's administration buildings are open for business; d. "City" means the corporate municipality of the City or the geographic area of the City as the context requires; e. ''Farm" means an agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural or silvicultural operation; f. "Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services" means the City's Official responsible for the enforcement of the City By-laws and his or her designate; g. "Officer" means an individual appointed by the City, or such an individual’s designate, to enforce this By-law, or any other City By-law, or the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23, and its regulations (“Building Code Act”), or the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 4, and its regulations (“Fire Protection and Prevention Act”), or any other applicable law, statute, regulation or By-law; h. "Owner" includes, but is not limited to: i. the registered Owner of the Property on which a Building is situated; ii. the Owner of a Building; iii. any Person, firm or corporation having control over any portion of the Building or Property; iv. the Person managing or receiving the rent of a Building or the Property on which a Building is situated; or who would receive the rent if the Property or Building were let, whether on the Person's own account; or as agent or trustee or receiver of any other Person; Page 11 of 22 Page 102 of 156 3 v. a vendor of a Building under an agreement for sale who has paid any municipal taxes on the Building after the effective date of the agreement; vi. the Person for the time being receiving instalments of the purchase price if a Building were sold under an agreement for sale; vii. a lessee or occupant of the Property on which a Building is situated who, under the terms of a lease, is required to repair and maintain the Building; or viii. an Owner as defined by the Condominium Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 19; i. "Person" includes, but is not limited to, an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, association or corporation; j. "Property" means the land (including residential or non-residential property) on which a Building is situated and includes the Building or structure or part of a Building or structure and includes the lands and premises appurtenant thereto and all mobile homes, mobile Buildings, mobile structures, out thereo and Buildings erections erected, hereafter n whether heretofore or and includes Vacant Lands. For the purpose of this By-law, Property can be subdivided into the following categories: i. Non-residential property; ii. Residential property; or iii. Vacant Lands; k. “Qualified Individual” is a Person who meets legitimate skill, experience, education, or other requirements, as may be specified by the City from time to time, including, but not limited to an architect, building engineer, building inspector, civil engineer, construction engineer, general contractor, and is authorized by the Owner to provide a report in writing to the satisfaction of the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services as to the condition of the Building; l. means “Responsible Person” a Person designated by the Owner who is over the age of eighteen (18), and who monitors the Property monthly or more frequently as requested by the Enforcement Manager of Municipal Services; m. “Vacant Lands” means Property on which there are no Buildings and/or structures. Page 12 of 22 Page 103 of 156 4 VACANT BUILDING 3. ByIn this - to subject "Vacant law Building", Paragraphs 2, a means 5, 4 and Building that does not appear to be in use and, without limiting this definition and in the opinion of the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services, is deemed to be a Building: a. that is not protected from the entry of unauthorized Persons; b. that is not protected from the entry of rain, snow, vermin or birds into the interior of the Building; c. where the supply of any one or more of the electricity, gas or water utilities serving the Building is discontinued or disconnected; d. where one or more of the electricity, gas or water utilities serving the Building is not being used; e. where 25% or more of the door and window openings to the Building are partially and door are 8 if there boarded up (for completely or example, window a to openings Building more of window and door the or and 2 openings are partially or completely boarded up, no matter what the size of each door or window opening); or f. where an application for rebate of Property taxes for the entire Building has been submitted to the City's Finance Department. 4. A Vacant Building does not include a Building where the Owner satisfies the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services that: a. there is an Active Use permitted under the City's Zoning By-law; b. a permit has been issued by the City for construction or demolition of the Building and construction or demolition work has been actively undertaken for at least 40 hours during each 90-day period following the issuance of the permit; c. there is at least one (1) occupied dwelling within the Building; d. the Building is not a dwelling and is on Property used as a Farm; or e. the Building is the occupied by O a wner, or Person the by authorized Owner, on a seasonal basis, for no less than four (4) consecutive months. 5. A Vacant Building does not include a Building that is owned or controlled by the federal, provincial, regional or City government. Page 13 of 22 Page 104 of 156 5 REGISTRATION 6. Every Owner of a Vacant Building shall register the Vacant Building with the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services through the City Clerk’s office within sixty (60) days of the date this By-law comes into force and effect, or within sixty (60) days of the date the Vacant Building commences to be vacant, whichever is earlier, or by such other date as ordered by the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services. 7. Every registration expires: a. on the one (1) year anniversary date of the date on which it is issued if the registration is not renewed before its expiry; b. when the registration is revoked under this By-law; c. when the Vacant Building is sold or otherwise transferred to a new Owner; or d. when the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services is satisfied, as set out in a written notice from the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services to the Owner of the Vacant Building, that the Building is no longer vacant. 8. To register or to renew a registration, the Owner of a Vacant Building shall: a. complete and submit to the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services an application containing the municipal address, an updated Property Identifier Number (“PIN”), an updated PIN map, and such information as the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services may require, and b. submit the applicable fees required under the City’s Fees and Charges By-law, as amended. 9. Every Owner of a Vacant Building shall notify the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services of any change in circumstances in connection with information given to the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services under Paragraph 8 within ten (10) Business Days after the change occurs. 10. The Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services shall refuse an application under Paragraph 8 when the application is, in the opinion of the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services, incomplete or contains false or misleading information. INSURANCE 11. Proof of insurance by way of certificate of insurance showing a minimum limit of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in commercial general liability for the Vacant Building with an endorsement that notice in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to cancellation, by City the to given or will thereof variation the expiration, be Page 14 of 22 Page 105 of 156 6 insurance underwriter. An Owner of a Vacant Building may request an exemption from the requirements of this section, and an exemption may be granted where the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services, in his or her sole discretion, is satisfied that the Owner cannot comply with this provision. REGULATIONS 12. Every Owner of a Vacant Building shall: a. ensure that the Vacant Building is registered in accordance with this By-law; b. ensure that the Property complies with all applicable laws, statutes, regulations and By-laws, including but not limited to the Building Code Act, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, and any City By-law which regulate Property or Building maintenance standards; c. post at least one sign on the Vacant Building that: i. bears the words "for information or inquiries" and the information of the Owner, including a name and telephone number, in black letters on a white retro-reflective background as illustrated in the following ii. is readable from each adjacent street; d. satisfy the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services that a Responsible Person retained by the Owner attends at the Property to monitor the Building condition a minimum of once every month or more frequently as required in writing by the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services; and e. provide a report from a Qualified Individual as to the condition of the Building as required in writing by the Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 13. Vacant Buildings, whether registered or not under this By- to law, are subject applicable law, including but not limited to the City’s Property Standards By-law, the Building Code Act, and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. FOR INFORMATION OR INQUIRIES CONTACT: NAME: TELEPHONE NUMBER Page 15 of 22 Page 106 of 156 7 14. The Manager of Municipal Enforcement Services is authorized to administer and enforce this By-law including but not limited to prescribing the format and content of any forms or other documents required under this By-law. 15. Registration and other fees under this By-law shall be as approved by Council from time to time and then included in the City’s Fees and Charges By-law. 16. Any cost incurred by the City in exercising its authority to inspect a Property or Building, vacant or otherwise, including but not limited to the cost of any examination, test, sample or photograph necessary for the purposes of the inspection, shall be paid by the Owner of the Property where the inspection takes place. If the Owner fails to pay for these costs, the unpaid costs will be added to the tax roll of the Property. 17. If an Officer is satisfied that a contravention of this By-law has occurred (such as, for example, failure to register a Vacant Building, or failure to renew a registration of a Vacant Building), he or she may make an order requiring the Person who committed the contravention, the Person permitted the or who caused contravention, or the Owner of the Property on which the contravention occurred, to either discontinue the contravening activity or take steps to correct the contravention. 18. An order made under paragraph 17 shall set out: a. reasonable particulars of the contravention to identify the contravention and the location of the Property on which the contravention occurred; and b. the date or dates by which there must be compliance with the order. 19. An order made under paragraph 17 may be served personally or by registered mail to the last known address of: a. the Owner of the Property where the contravention occurred; and b. such other Persons affected by it as the Officer making the order determines. Service by registered mail shall be deemed to have taken place 5 Business Days after the date of mailing. 20. In addition to service given in accordance with paragraph 19, an order made under paragraph 17 may be served by an Officer placing a placard containing the order in a conspicuous place on the Property where the contravention occurred. 21. Where service cannot be given in accordance with paragraph 19, sufficient service is deemed to have taken place when given in accordance with paragraph 20. Page 16 of 22 Page 107 of 156 8 22. Where a Person does not comply with a direction, an order or a requirement under this By-the thing, matter do a to law or Enforcement Municipal of Manager Services, with such assistance by others as may be required, may carry out such direction, order or requirement at the Person's expense. 23. The City may recover the costs of doing a matter or thing under paragraphs 16 and 22 by adding the costs to the tax roll and collecting them in the same manner as property taxes as provided for under section 398 of the Municipal Act, and such costs shall include an interest rate of fifteen per cent (15%) per year commencing on the day the City incurs the costs and ending on the day the costs, including the interest, are paid in full. in The foregoing is addition to a Three Hundred Dollar ($300.00) administrative fee that will be charged by the City to recover its costs associated with the administration of this By-law. 24. Every Person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is, upon conviction, guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine, and such other penalties, as provided for in the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33 and the Municipal Act. 25. By in this set the requirements of contravention A out - is a be to deemed law continuing offence on each day or part of a day that the contravention continues. 26. Where a Person has been convicted of an offence, the court in which the conviction has thereafter jurisdiction in may, competent court of and any entered been addition to any other remedy and to any penalty imposed by this By-law, make an order prohibiting the cont the offence by repetition of inuation or the Person convicted. GENERAL PROVISIONS 27. All measurements in this By-law are given in the metric short form. 28. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision or provisions of this By-law of is By the remainder the that it intention of the invalid, Council -law shall continue to be in force. 29. In this By- words law, unless the contrary intention is indicated, used in singular shall include the plural and words used in the male gender shall include the female gender and vice versa. 30. The word "and" is an inclusive conjunction, the use of which indicates that all items or phrases in that subsection, article, or list in which it appears are permitted or required as the case may be. The word "or" is an alternate conjunction, the use of which indicates that alternate or optional items or phrases in the subsection, article or list in which it appears are permitted or required, as the case may be; however, notwithstanding the foregoing, where the context permits, the word "or" may also be an inclusive conjunction having the same meaning as the word "and". Page 17 of 22 Page 108 of 156 9 31. This By-law shall not be construed to reduce or mitigate any restrictions or regulations lawfully imposed by the City or by any governmental authority having jurisdiction to make such restrictions or regulations. If there is a conflict between a provision of this By-law and a provision of any other City by-law, the provision that establishes the higher standard shall apply. 32. and by regulations, statutes, legislation including, to reference Any any - in laws, this By-law includes the legislation referred to and its amendments as well as any subsequent the legislation referred its and to, replace may which legislation amendments thereto. 33. This By-law comes into force on the date of its passing. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this ___ day of _________, 2024. ……………………………………………… …………………………………………….. WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 18 of 22 Page 109 of 156 Page 19 of 22Page 110 of 156 ADDRESS VACANT YES/NO TYPE OF BUILDING NOTES 1 VACANT BUILDING YES APARTMENT VACANT 2 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 3 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 4 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 5 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 6 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 7 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 8 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 9 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 10 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 11 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 12 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 13 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 14 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 15 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 16 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 17 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 18 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 19 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 20 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 21 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 22 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 23 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 24 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 25 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 26 VACANT BUILDING YES BUSINESS VACANT 27 VACANT BUILDING YES BUSINESS VACANT 28 VACANT BUILDING YES BUSINESS VACANT 29 VACANT BUILDING YES BUSINESS VACANT 30 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 31 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 32 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 33 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 34 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 35 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 36 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 37 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 38 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 39 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT VACANT BUILDING REGISTRY 2024 Page 20 of 22 Page 111 of 156 40 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 41 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 42 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 43 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 44 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 45 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 46 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 47 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 48 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 49 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 50 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERICIAL VACANT 51 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERICIAL VACANT 52 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERICIAL VACANT 53 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERICIAL VACANT 54 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERICIAL VACANT 55 VACANT BUILDING YES GARAGE VACANT 56 VACANT BUILDING YES GARAGE VACANT 57 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 58 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 59 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 60 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 61 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 62 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 63 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 64 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 65 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 66 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 67 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 68 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 69 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 70 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 71 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 72 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 73 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 74 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 75 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 76 VACANT BUILDING YES MOTEL VACANT 77 VACANT BUILDING YES MOTEL VACANT 78 VACANT BUILDING YES MOTEL VACANT 79 VACANT BUILDING YES MOTEL VACANT 80 VACANT BUILDING YES RESTAURANT VACANT 81 VACANT BUILDING YES RESTAURANT VACANT Page 21 of 22 Page 112 of 156 82 VACANT BUILDING YES RESTAURANT VACANT 83 VACANT BUILDING YES STRUCTURE VACANT 84 VACANT BUILDING YES TRAILER/ STRUCTURE VACANT 85 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 86 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 87 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT 88 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT 89 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 90 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 91 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 92 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 93 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 94 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT 95 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT - BOARDED UP 96 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT - BOARDED UP 97 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT - BOARDED UP 98 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT - BOARDED UP 99 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT - BOARDED UP 100 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT - BOARDED UP 101 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT - BOARDED UP 102 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT - BOARDED UP 103 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT - BOARDED UP 104 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT - BOARDED UP 105 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT - BOARDED UP 106 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT - BOARDED UP 107 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT - BOARDED UP 108 VACANT BUILDING YES HOUSE VACANT - BOARDED UP 109 VACANT BUILDING YES BUILDING VACANT - FIRE MAY 2024 110 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT - OLD BANK 111 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT - OLD BANK 112 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERICAL VACANT - OLD CHURCH 113 VACANT BUILDING YES COMMERCIAL VACANT - OLD TOWN HALL 114 VACANT BUILDING YES TRAILER/ STRUCTURE VACANT - TRAILER ON LOT Page 22 of 22 Page 113 of 156 MW-2024-42 Report Report to: Mayor and Council Date: October 22, 2024 Title: Intersection Control Review - Ontario Avenue at Hiram Street Recommendation(s) 1. That Council RECEIVE for information this report detailing the findings and recommendations of the Ontario Avenue at Hiram Street Pilot Study; and, 2. That Council APPROVE of the permanent opening and all-way stop-control of the Ontario Avenue and Hiram Street intersection. Executive Summary Ontario Avenue, northeast of Hiram Street was closed to vehicular access following the opening regarding concerns perceived due to in Niagara Casino of 1999 of change the With neighbourhood. infiltrating traffic bus commercial/coach the patronage/demands at Casino Niagara over the years, these concerns are no longer be present. Barricades consisting of planters, post and chains on Ontario Avenue at Hiram Street were removed in early July 2024. Following their removal, the intersection of Ontario Avenue and Hiram Street was converted into an all-way stop-controlled intersection. Staff conducted a follow-up reviews at the end of August 2024 to assess whether any additional safety measures were required. Since the barricades were removed in early July 2024, no traffic safety concerns have been raised by residents. Traffic data acquired during the assessment period indicates that the removal of the barricades has not adversely impacted traffic safety or operations in the area. Background At its meeting on May 28, 2024, Council approved the reopening of Ontario Avenue at Hiram Street as a pilot study. This involved the removal of the concrete planters, chains, and traffic signs on the northeast approach of the intersection for the summer period. The removal was completed in early July 2024, and Hiram Street at Ontario Avenue was subsequently converted into an all-way stop-controlled intersection. During the summer months, staff conducted multiple site observations and monitored traffic volumes, travel patterns, and safety concerns in the neighbourhood. Traffic data Page 1 of 6 Page 114 of 156 was collected at the end of August, and residents’ feedback on traffic safety concerns following the removal of the barricades was sought. Analysis Staff carried out various technical studies in the area, including collecting traffic volumes, vehicle speed data, visibility assessments, and general site observations and compared with data collected before-and-after the removal of the barricades. Attachment #1 provides a summary and results of the data collected. Traffic Volume The increase in traffic volume following the removal of the barricades is in line with the expected changes for the area based on the road classifications. Based on guidelines developed by the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC):  local residential roadways typically experience less than 1,000 vehicles per day, and,  collector residential roadways typically experience less than 8,000 vehicles per day. For example, the segment of Ontario Avenue between Hiram Street and John Street, which previously functioned as a cul-de-sac with only 35 vehicles per day, experienced an increase to 244 vehicles per day after the barrier was removed. The traffic volumes after the removal of the barricades are still within the roadway's new function as a through local roadway, connecting the east and west segments of Ontario Avenue. Similarly, other segments such as Ontario Avenue between Bender Street and Hiram Street, and Hiram Street between Ontario Avenue and Blondin Avenue saw only moderate increases, which are also within the expected range for a collector roadway. The increase in traffic volume in August 2024 can also be attributed to the peak tourist season. This seasonal increase is typical for the area and does not indicate a long-term surge in traffic volumes due to the removal of the barricades. The collected data shows that while more vehicles were present during this time, traffic patterns are expected to stabilize once the tourist season concludes. Despite the volume increase, the overall traffic levels remain within the typical range for local roadways. Speed Data The traffic speed data collected across the five road segments indicates that all operating speeds remain within the posted 50 km/h limit. No instances of speeding were observed or reported during the monitoring period. Motorists' speeds remain within an acceptable threshold. This is an important finding as it reveals that the removal of the Page 2 of 6 Page 115 of 156 barricades has not resulted in any increase in unsafe driving behaviors or excessive speeds. Site Observations Staff conducted site observations and did not observe any traffic safety concerns during these visits. Traffic volumes on Ontario Avenue east of Hiram Street remain low, with minimal pedestrian activity. The intersection of Ontario Avenue and Hiram Street has been converted to an all-way stop control. Stop line and crosswalk pavement markings were applied and the stop signs were installed and are clearly visible to approaching motorists. Resident Feedback A letter was sent to residents along Ontario Avenue and Hiram Street prior to the removal of the barricades, requesting feedback on any traffic or safety concerns after the removal. To date, no safety concerns or incidents have been reported by residents. This absence of feedback is a positive indicator that the removal of the barricades has not resulted in any significant issues, further supporting the recommendation for the permanent removal of the barriers. RECOMMENDATION Given that traffic volumes consistently fall within the expected range for the road classifications and operating speeds, and remain below the 50 km/h limit, staff recommends the permanent removal of the barricades on the northeast approach of Ontario Avenue at Hiram Street and that the all-way stop control be maintained. At this time, no further safety measures are necessary. Financial Implications/Budget Impact There are no financial and budget impacts associated with the recommendations contained within this report. Strategic/Departmental Alignment Encourage multi-modal travel and active transportation initiatives, and enhance motorist, cyclist, and pedestrian safety. Strategic Plan Pillars List of Attachments MW-2024-42 Ontario Avenue @ Hiram Street_Follow-Up_Appendix Written by: Mathew Bilodeau, Manager of Transportation Engineering Page 3 of 6 Page 116 of 156 Submitted by: Status: Erik Nickel, General Manager of Municipal Works Approved - 15 Oct 2024 Jason Burgess, CAO Approved - 16 Oct 2024 Page 4 of 6 Page 117 of 156 MW-2024-42 October 22, 2024 Figure 1: Traffic data collected location Table 1: Traffic data summary Operating Speed (km/h) Traffic Volume (veh/day)No .Road segment Road Classificatio n Befor e After Before After 1 Ontario Ave btw Bender St & Hiram St Collector 39 35 767 935 2 Ontario Ave btw Hiram St & John St Local 36 43 35 244 3 Ontario Ave btw Eastwood Cr & Phillip St Local 45 43 172 238 4 Ontario Ave btw Eastwood Cr & Otter St Local 53 43 247 260 5 Hiram St btw Ontario Av & Blondin Av Collector 49 48 645 846 1 2 3 45 Ontario Avenue Hiram Str eet Joh n Str eet Philip Str eet Eas twood Cre sce nt Page 5 of 6 Page 118 of 156 2 MW-2024-42 October 22, 2024 Chart 1: Daily Traffic Volume before and after the barrier removal Chart 2: Operating Speed before and after the barrier removal Page 6 of 6 Page 119 of 156 F-2024-38 Report Report to: Mayor and Council Date: October 22, 2024 Title: 2024 Q2 Water/Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance (Unaudited) Recommendation(s) That the 2024 Q2 Water and Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance report for the period ended June 30, 2024 be RECEIVED. Executive Summary This report is intended to provide Council with information and details pertaining to the 2024 Q2 budget to actual variance results for the period ended June 30, 2024 for both the Water Fund and the Wastewater Fund. Within attachments 1 and 2, if there is a note number notation to the right of the variance column, there is a corresponding explanation to that note number located in the analysis section of this report. Please refer to this report in conjunction with the attachments. Background Council has expressed a desire to view actuals in conjunction with the budget. One goal of the Finance department is to provide Council with regular, quarterly budget variance reports. Analysis WATER FUND (FUND 15) Attachment 1 contains the Water Fund 2024 Q2 budget to actual variance. The subsequent notes correspond to the statement in Attachment 1. Revenues 1. From Development Charges has an unfavourable variance of $336,335 at Q2 2024. Due to Debt charge recovery placeholders for MS64-23 Montrose/Bigger/Reixinger Road Reconstruction $115,731 and W62-21 Rexinger Watermain loop and Hospital Servicing $556,939. There is a corresponding favourable variance offset under item #1 To Capital SPR. Page 1 of 8 Page 120 of 156 Expenses 2. Labour and Benefits has a favourable variance of $368,343 or 19.8% at Q2 2024 in the Water Fund and $92,007 or 8.4% in the Wastewater Fund. The budgeting process estimates labour allocation between water and wastewater based on expected needs and department distribution. However, unforeseen water main breaks or complications can shift the allocation. The cumulative variance for labour, benefits, and overtime between the water and wastewater funds is favorable at $460,000 variance at Q2 2024 end driven mainly by vacancies and gapping. 3. Materials has an unfavourable variance of $78,078 or -14.3% at Q2 2024.Due to an increase in material costs. In addition the City has been catching up on legacy restorations as COVID caused delays, this resulted in an increase in aggregate and asphalt costs from a few large restorations. While the budget for this line is based on historical trends, actual figures often deviate from the budgeted amounts due to uncertainties. 4. Professional Development has an unfavourable variance of $12,671 or -67.6% at Q2 2024. This is driven by legislative training requirements and catchup from the COVID-19 impacted years. 5. Rents and Financial Expenses has an unfavourable variance of $47,330 or - 29.7% at Q2 2024.This is due to the Council Approved Tenant Arrears write offs for accounts closed in 2022 or prior. WASTEWATER FUND (FUND 16) Attachment 2 contains the Wastewater Fund 2024 Q2 budget to actual variance. The notes below correspond to the statement in Attachment 2. Revenue 6. From Special Purpose Reserves has an unfavourable variance of $407,500 at Q2 2024.The SPR is budgeted to offset budgeted spending in Sanitary Systems R&D contracted services: $200,000 for Weeping Tile Removal and $50,000 for Local Drainage Assist Program as the City has reserves for these items. In addition there was $500,000 budgeted as a transfer from Wastewater Stabilization reserve to partially mitigate Regional increases. 7. Development Charges has an unfavourable variance of $138,003 or 26.4% at Q2 2024. Due to Debt charge recovery placeholders for MS64-23 Montrose/Bigger/Reixinger Road Reconstruction $276,005. There is a corresponding favourable variance offset under item #7 To Capital SPR. Page 2 of 8 Page 121 of 156 Expenses 8. Materials has a favourable variance of $96,233 or 58.5% at Q2 2024. This is driven by timing difference in insurance fees/insurance payouts which will be a Q4 journal entry and underspending in Wastewater Research and Development. While the budget for this line is based on historical trends, actual figures often deviate from the budgeted amounts due to uncertainties. 9. Contracted Services has a favourable variance of $433,436 or 3.9% at Q2 2024. This is primarily due to underspending in utility locates, lower than anticipated emergency repairs in 2024 under sanitary systems maintenance and sanitary systems research & development. 10. External Transfers has a favourable variance of $138,003. This is the budget for the 2024 Weeping Tile Assistance program. In 2024 there was a change in process for the Weeping Tile Assistance program in which it was previously budgeted in the Contracted Services account. Financial Implications/Budget Impact This report is financial in nature with details throughout. Financial implications regarding variances have been communicated above in the analysis section. Strategic/Departmental Alignment This report is consistent with the following Council strategic commitments: 1. To be financially responsible to the residents of Niagara Falls by practicing prudent fiscal management of existing resources, and by making sound long- term choices that allow core City programs and services to be sustainable now and into the future. 2. To be efficient and effective in our delivery of municipal services and use of resources, and accountable to our citizens and stakeholders. Strategic Plan Pillars Sustainability - Financial Effectively managing the City’s financial resources to meet our current and future obligations without relying on external funding sources or sacrificing our ability to deliver essential services to our residents . List of Attachments F-2024-38 Attachment 1 – 2024 Q2 Water Fund Budget to Actual Comparison (unaudited) F-2024-38 Attachment 2 – 2024 Q2 Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Comparison (unaudited) Page 3 of 8 Page 122 of 156 Written by: Sebastian Zukowski, Senior Financial Analyst Submitted by: Status: Tiffany Clark, Director of Finance Approved - 15 Oct 2024 Shelley Darlington, General Manager of Corporate Services Approved - 16 Oct 2024 Jason Burgess, CAO Approved - 17 Oct 2024 Page 4 of 8 Page 123 of 156 Attachment 1 - 2024 Q2 Water Fund Budget to Actual Variance (unaudited)F-2024-38 Oct 22, 2024 Annual Budget Budget to June 30 (50%) Actuals (Over)/ Under Budget Variance (Over)/ Under Budget Used 2024 2024 2024 $%% REVENUES Penalties 62,700 31,350 29,593 1,757 5.6%47.2% Sales 225,000 112,500 90,892 21,608 19.2%40.4% User Fees 26,915,836 13,457,918 13,431,553 26,365 0.2%49.9% Miscellaneous Revenue 27,203,536 13,601,768 13,552,038 49,730 0.4%49.8% From Special Purpose Reserves 65,000 32,500 0 32,500 100.0% 0.0% From Development Charges 672,670 336,335 0 336,335 100.0%0.0%[1] Internal Transfers 737,670 368,835 0 368,835 100.0%0.0% TOTAL REVENUE 27,941,206 13,970,603 13,552,038 418,565 3.0% 48.5% 2024 Second Quarter Budget to Actual Comparison WATER FUND Page 5 of 8 Page 124 of 156 Attachment 1 - 2024 Q2 Water Fund Budget to Actual Variance (unaudited)F-2024-38 Oct 22, 2024 Annual Budget Budget to June 30 (50%) Actuals (Over)/ Under Budget Variance (Over)/ Under Budget Used 2024 2024 2024 $%% 2024 Second Quarter Budget to Actual Comparison WATER FUND EXPENSES Labour 2,812,007 1,406,004 1,107,518 298,486 21.2%39.4% Employee Benefits Allocation 849,465 424,733 357,400 67,333 15.9%42.1% Overtime 65,000 32,500 29,975 2,525 7.8%46.1% Labour and Benefits 3,726,472 1,863,236 1,494,893 368,343 19.8%40.1%[2] Advertising/News Release 0 0 0 0 0.0%0.0% Conferences/Conventions 3,000 1,500 0 1,500 100.0%0.0% Insurance Premiums 166,007 83,004 77,212 5,791 7.0%46.5% Materials 1,088,600 544,300 622,378 (78,078)(14.3%)57.2%[3] Software Costs 87,400 43,700 0 43,700 100.0%0.0% Office Supplies 12,500 6,250 12,553 (6,303)(100.8%)100.4% Professional Development 37,500 18,750 31,421 (12,671)(67.6%)83.8%[4] WSIB 30,000 15,000 25,960 (10,960)(73.1%)86.5% Materials 1,425,007 712,504 769,524 (57,020)(8.0%)54.0% Electricity 500 250 156 94 37.4%31.3% Utilities 500 250 156 94 37.4%31.3% Contracted Services 1,656,000 828,000 814,416 13,584 1.6%49.2% Volumetric Regional Charges 9,699,737 4,849,869 5,020,234 (170,365)(3.5%)51.8% Fixed Regional Charges 3,336,284 1,668,142 1,668,144 (2)(0.0%)50.0% Contracted Services 14,692,021 7,346,011 7,502,794 (156,783)(2.1%)51.1% Rents and Financial Expenses 318,820 159,410 206,740 (47,330)(29.7%)64.8%[5] Long Term Interest 147,933 73,967 73,318 648 0.9%49.6% Long Term Debt Principal 184,190 92,095 91,127 968 1.1%49.5% Debt Charges 332,123 166,062 164,445 1,616 1.0%49.5% Internal Rent 492,414 246,207 204,731 41,476 16.8%41.6% Indirect Costs 147,247 73,624 73,624 0 0.0%50.0% Interdepartmental Transfers 0 0 (339)339 0.0%0.0% To Capital SPR 6,105,000 3,052,500 3,040,000 12,500 0.4%49.8% To CSPR (Debt Placeholder)28,932 14,466 0 14,466 100.0%0.0% To CSPR (DC Debt Placeholder)672,670 336,335 0 336,335 100.0%0.0%[1] Internal Transfers 7,446,263 3,723,132 3,318,015 405,116 10.9%44.6% TOTAL EXPENSES 27,941,206 13,970,603 13,456,567 514,036 3.7% 48.2% (Surplus)/Deficit 0 0 (95,471) 95,471 Page 6 of 8 Page 125 of 156 Attachment 2 - 2024 Q2 Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance (unaudited)F-2024-38 Oct 22, 2024 Budget Budget to June 30 (50%) Actuals (Over)/ Under Budget Variance (Over)/ Under Budget Used 2024 2024 2024 $%% REVENUES Penalties 69,300 34,650 39,811 (5,161)(14.9%)57.4% User Fees 31,883,836 15,941,918 15,353,027 588,891 3.7%48.2% Miscellaneous Revenue 31,953,136 15,976,568 15,392,838 583,730 3.7%48.2% From Special Purpose Reserves 815,000 407,500 0 407,500 100.0%0.0%[6] From Development Charges 1,043,891 521,946 383,943 138,003 26.4%36.8%[7] Internal Transfers 1,858,891 929,446 383,943 545,503 58.7%20.7% TOTAL REVENUE 33,812,027 16,906,014 15,776,781 1,129,232 6.7%46.7% 2024 Second Quarter Budget to Actual Comparison WASTEWATER FUND Page 7 of 8 Page 126 of 156 Attachment 2 - 2024 Q2 Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance (unaudited)F-2024-38 Oct 22, 2024 Budget Budget to June 30 (50%) Actuals (Over)/ Under Budget Variance (Over)/ Under Budget Used 2024 2024 2024 $%% 2024 Second Quarter Budget to Actual Comparison WASTEWATER FUND EXPENSES Labour 1,660,952 830,476 749,145 81,331 9.8%45.1% Employee Benefits Allocation 500,549 250,275 236,737 13,538 5.4%47.3% Overtime 39,000 19,500 22,362 (2,862)(14.7%)57.3% Labour and Benefits 2,200,501 1,100,251 1,008,244 92,007 8.4%45.8%[2] Insurance Premiums 195,108 97,554 90,748 6,806 7.0%46.5% Materials 329,000 164,500 68,267 96,233 58.5%20.7%[8] Office Supplies 150 75 0 75 100.0%0.0% WSIB 40,000 20,000 22,991 (2,991)(15.0%)57.5% Materials 574,258 287,129 182,006 105,123 36.6%31.7% Electricity 2,900 1,450 1,900 (450)(31.0%)65.5% Utilities 2,900 1,450 1,900 (450)(31.0%)65.5% Contracted Services 1,924,000 962,000 519,984 442,016 45.9%27.0% Fixed Regional Charges 20,272,624 10,136,312 10,144,892 (8,580)(0.1%)50.0% Contracted Services 22,196,624 11,098,312 10,664,876 433,436 3.9%48.0%[9] Rents and Financial Expenses 153,500 76,750 45,504 31,246 40.7%29.6% Long Term Interest 317,142 158,571 156,763 1,808 1.1%49.4% Long Term Debt 782,868 391,434 390,466 968 0.2%49.9% Debt Charges 1,100,010 550,005 547,229 2,776 0.5%49.7% Internal Rent 241,981 120,991 89,453 31,537 26.1%37.0% Indirect Costs 147,247 73,624 73,624 0 0.0%50.0% External Transfers 350,000 175,000 50,502 124,498 71.1%14.4%[10] To Capital 0 0 0 0 0.0%0.0% To Capital SPR 6,500,000 3,250,000 3,250,000 0 0.0%50.0% To CSPR (Debt Placeholder)69,001 34,501 0 34,501 100.0%0.0% To CSPR (DC Debt Placeholder)276,005 138,003 0 138,003 100.0%0.0%[7] To SPR 0 0 0 0 0.0%0.0% Internal Transfers 7,584,234 3,792,117 3,463,579 328,538 8.7%45.7% TOTAL EXPENSES 33,812,027 16,906,014 15,913,337 992,676 5.9%47.1% (Surplus)/Deficit 0 0 136,556 (136,556) Page 8 of 8 Page 127 of 156 To:Mayor Diodati and Niagara Falls Councillors, I am reaching out on behalf of Canadian Federation of University Women Welland and District and local organizations who are working to end gender-based violence,to request your continued participation in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on Monday,November 25,the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day. We are working to coordinate our requests to each municipality and are asking you to proclaim November 25th as the International Day for the End of Violence Against Women and to raise a Wrapped in Courage flag (purple)to create awareness and promote gender equality. As well,we are requesting permission to display Red dresses at various locations to acknowledge Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women,Girls and 2S+(MMIWG2S+). In order to keep the issue of eliminating violence against women at the top of local,national and global agendas,This is an opportunity for each mayor and council to issue a reaffirming statement of support and to promote awareness of this violence,the need for resources and help for victims. We are also requesting your permission to hang red dresses in the trees along the walkway in front of city hall.These dresses will be hung to honour and remind society of all the missing and murdered Indigenous women around the world.Our group will be responsible for hanging and taking down the dresses. We wish to thank you for your consideration of this request and for all you have done other years to raise awareness of domestic violence and to support our organizations.If there is additional information that any of us can provide,please let me know.If your town is planning any activities for the 16 Days of Activism we will be happy to participate and assist in any way possible. Sincerely, Gwenn Alves Carol Harding Advocacy Committee CFUW Welland and District gwennralves@gmail.com harding.welland@gmail.com Page 128 of 156 Page 129 of 156 Mayor Jim Diodati October 21,2024 City Clerk City of Niagara Falls GenWell,a Not-for Profit registered in Canada (#1048215-3)requests that the City of Niagara Falls proclaim November 18-24,2024,as "Talk To A Stranger Week"This proclamation aligns with the mission of GenWell,a Canadian-led Global Human Connection movement that highlights the critical importance of human connection for the health,happiness,longevity,and overall well-being of all Canadians. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS,GenWell is a Canadian-led Global Human Connection movement which seeks to highlight the need for all Canadians to recognize the importance of human connection for their health,happiness,longevity,and the betterment of society for all;and WHEREAS,the City of Niagara Falls is encouraged to talk to strangers to create connections for the well-being of our citizens and the betterment of our community; NOW THEREFORE,November 18-24,2024,is proclaimed as Talk To A Stranger Week in the City of Niagara Falls. NOW THEREFORE,I,[Name of Mayor],Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM September 20-22,2024,as “Talk To A Stranger Week”in the City of Niagara Falls. Dated on this [Day]of [Month],2024. Signed, Jim Diodati City of Niagara Falls By officially recognizing this week as Talk To A Stranger Week,the City of Niagara Falls can play a significant role in promoting the message of human connection,encouraging its citizens to engage in meaningful face-to-face interactions during this time,and contributing to the well-being and betterment of the community. GenWell, Pete Bombaci Founder &CEO GenWell -Canada’s Human Connection Movement Page 130 of 156 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:RE: [EXTERNAL]-Food bank grants for church -----Original Message----- From: mac gurl < To: Clerk <clerk@niagarafalls.ca> Subject: [EXTERNAL]-Food bank grants for church Dear Bill Matson Good morning sir From our phone call I would like to put in wriƟng my request for emergency funding for my churches food bank. We run out of a portable in the parking lot of Falls View BIC church located at 7189 Drummond road here in Niagara Falls. We began as an emergency food pantry and had small numbers however since Covid our numbers have exploded each year our numbers of clients have nearly doubled. We serve a diverse base of people. We serve old age, ODSP, OW, working poor, and the homeless. Project Share has put our informaƟon on their list of resources for food and clothing to clients but don’t get any of the funding they do or anywhere near the donaƟons they do. It costs us between $300 and $350 per week to keep just enough food to go around for that week. We have received small grants and donaƟons in past years however all of our money is gone and our parishioners have dwindled since Covid as well. We had over 100 in aƩendance on Sunday mornings and we now have only 25 to 35. Needless to say our donaƟons have all but dried up as we are not a well off area of town. I am the manager, I do all the shopping, and searching for grants. We do have fundraisers and have been floaƟng on those small increments of donaƟons. I would like to request from you approximately $18,500 for one year's operaƟng budget for food alone. We should be able to sustain such things as shopping bags, freezer bags, baggies etc. for breaking down and packaging bulk items as well as tea, coffee, and water for volunteers or those in need. Thank you so much for reading and considering our plea. Krista Wheeler Shepherds Heart food bank manager God Bless Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organizaƟon. Do not click links or open aƩachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Page 131 of 156 Motion Requesting that the Provincial Government Increase the “Heads and Beds” levy for Ontario Municipalities Motion by Lori Lococo Whereas the Heads and Beds levy program was established in 1987 as a payment-in-lieu of property taxes to compensate municipalities for the cost of services - transit, roads, sewers, parks, recreation, arts and culture) provided to post-secondary students, public hospitals and correctional facilities in our communities, Whereas, despite frequent and ongoing requests of the provincial government to increase this levy by CPI annually, the current rate of $75 per bed for municipalities has been in place since 1987 and in 2024 terms, the Heads and Beds levy should be at least $165 per bed, Whereas Ontario’s municipalities continue to face significant financial pressures, Whereas post-secondary institutions, public hospitals and correctional facilities in our municipalities play a significant role in enhancing our vitality, economic development opportunities, talent attraction ability and are an essential component of our community, And Whereas Ontario’s Big City Mayors passed the same motion in April 2024; Therefore, be it resolved that to reflect the escalated costs of service delivery, infrastructure and inflation, the province - at a minimum - increase the “Heads and Beds” levy for municipalities with post-secondary institutions, hospitals and correctional facilities to $165 per bed and annualize this levy to ensure it keeps pace with ongoing costs. And that a copy of this motion be sent to: ● The Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario ● The Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance ● The Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities ● The Hon. Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade ● Alan Shepard, Chair, Ontario University Council ● Alan Harrison, Chair, Blue Ribbon Panel on Post-Secondary Education on Financial Sustainability ● Local Area Municipalities ● Chair Jim Bradley, Niagara Region Page 132 of 156 1 Heather Ruzylo Subject:Notice of motion - Access to affordable transportation Whereas data shows Niagara Falls has highest per capita food bank usage in province, with 1 in 7 Niagara Falls residents using food bank. Whereas the need for Niagara Falls emergency food program has grown “alarmingly” during the past year. Whereas according to Daily bread’s annual Who’s Hungry survey, two-thirds of clients reported having to miss a meal to pay for another expenses. Close to half of these respondents had to skip a meal to afford transportation. Whereas they can’t buy $6 dollars per round trip for bus tickets. Whereas that money should be used to purchase food and necessities not bus tickets. Therefore, be it resolved that Staff engage with Niagara Region Transit for the purpose of accomplishing the following: 1. Ensure access to free or affordable transportation by providing reduced rates and enhancing accessibility, which is critical for individuals utilizing essential services including, but not limited to, food banks in Niagara Falls. 2. See to that services are affordable, reliable, and accessible, potentially accomplished by expanding the transfer time fare window from 2 hours to 3 hours. This would help households reach food programs without paying for two separate trips. Additionally, exploring a pilot project that offers zero-cost bus access could enable many individuals to not only reach the food bank but also return home with the food they receive. Best regards, Mona Patel Niagara Falls City Councillor Get Outlook for iOS Page 133 of 156 Notice of Motion re: Maintenance of City and Regional Roads • Whereas Niagara Falls is a world-class destination and attracts more than 14 million visitors each year; and • Whereas visitors travel through the Niagara Parks Commission and have a high level of expectation of beauty and maintenance; and • Whereas the Region and the City are individually responsible for road maintenance under their individual jurisdictions; and, • Whereas Regional Roads have a higher traffic exposure than City Roads, and therefore are more likely to serve as key access points to economic drivers such as hotels, restaurants, tourist destinations, and shopping centres; and, • Whereas the Region has established a consistent level of service for road maintenance across the entire Regional Road network, regardless of the unique characteristics of the local area municipalities; and, • Whereas the Region’s level of service for urban commercial corridors in Niagara Falls is lower than the City’s level of service, specifically with respect to the frequency of roadside mowing and the control of weeds along curbs and in medians; Be it therefore resolved that Staff report back on options, including impacts to the 2025 Budget, for the purposes of accomplishing the following: 1. An identified plan, with an established budget that outlines a schedule of service at these arterial road intersections year-round; 2. That the plan be carried out by City of Niagara Falls labour force; 3. That the plan take into account input and a potential cost-sharing partnership with the Region of Niagara; 4. That the maintenance schedule include spraying, trimming and other means deemed necessary for a fulsome maintenance program; 5. That the plan identify a consistent target level of service for roadside maintenance on urban commercial corridors at both the City and Regional level; 6. And it take into account resource challenges faced by the City’s Municipal Works division to meet this target levels of service on City roads; and, 7. To increase the service levels on Regional roads to match the target level of service. Page 134 of 156 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2024-100 A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 172 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-009). THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANNING ACT, 1990, AND THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA ACT, HEREBY ENACT AS FOLLOWS: 1. Amendment No. 172 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan, constituting the attached text, is hereby adopted. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 22nd day of October, 2024. ........................................................ ...................................................... BILL MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 135 of 156 OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 172 PART 1 – PREAMBLE (i) Purpose of the Amendment The purpose of the amendment is to delete and replace Special Policy Area 26, which currently permits the development of an apartment dwelling with a maximum density of 75 units per hectare and a maximum building height of 10 storeys (32 metres). The proposed amendment will allow for the development of a 295-unit apartment dwelling consisting of two towers with a maximum density of 210 units per hectare and maximum building heights of 15 storeys (56 metres) and 19 storeys (68 metres), respectively. (ii) Location of the Amendment The amendment applies to lands shown as Special Policy Area 26 on Schedule “A” to the Official Plan - Future Land Use. (iii) Details of the Amendment Text Change PART 2, SECTION 13 – SPECIAL POLICY AREAS, is amended by deleting and replacing Subsection 13.26. (iv) Basis of the Amendment The applicant proposes to develop a 295-unit apartment dwelling consisting of two towers with a maximum density of 210 units per hectare and maximum building heights of 15 storeys (56 metres) and 19 storeys (68 metres), respectively. The subject lands are designated Residential and Special Policy Area 26, as shown on Schedule “A” to the Official Plan – Future Land Use. This amendment deletes and replaces Special Policy Area 26, which permits the development of an apartment dwelling with a maximum density of 75 units per hectare and a maximum building height of 10 storeys (32 metres). The amendment meets the intent of the Official Plan as the proposed development will utilize existing municipal infrastructure and services, minimize urban land consumption, facilitate a high-quality pedestrian environment, and will support the achievement of a complete community. Further, the development will be compatible with surrounding land uses and will contribute to the City’s intensification target and the diversification of housing types and unit sizes. A Holding (H) provision will be applied to the amending Zoning By-law to ensure that Page 136 of 156 the development maintains appropriate levels of public health and safety from noise, site condition and wind perspectives. PART 2 - BODY OF THE AMENDMENT All of this part of the document entitled PART 2 - BODY OF THE AMENDMENT, consisting of the following text, constitute Amendment No. 172 to the Official Plan of the City of Niagara Falls. DETAILS OF THE AMENDMENT The Official Plan of the City of Niagara Falls is hereby amended as follows: 1. TEXT CHANGE PART 2, SECTION 13 – SPECIAL POLICY AREAS, is hereby amended by deleting and replacing the following subsection: 13.26 Special Policy Area “26” applies to approximately 1.4 hectares of land located on the northeast corner of St. Paul Avenue and Mountain Road. Notwithstanding the height and density policies of Part 2, Section 1.10.5 (iii), the lands may be developed for an apartment dwelling consisting of two towers with a maximum density of 210 units per hectare and maximum building heights of 15 storeys (56 metres) and 19 storeys (68 metres), respectively, as measured from an elevation of 192 metres. Page 137 of 156 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2024-101 A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200 to permit the use of the Lands (2430 St. Paul Avenue) for a 295-unit apartment dwelling consisting of two towers with maximum building heights of 15 storeys (56 metres) and 19 storeys (68 metres), respectively, subject to the removal of a Holding (H) symbol and a 3-year sunset clause and to repeal By-law No. 2013-059 (AM-2024-009). THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Lands that are the subject of and affected by the provisions of this by-law are described in Schedules 1 and 2 of this by-law and shall be referred to in this by- law as the “Lands”. Schedules 1 and 2 are a part of this by-law. 2. The purpose of this by-law is to amend the provisions of By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the Lands in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by that by-law. In the case of any conflict between a specific provision of this by-law and any existing provision of By-law No. 79-200, the provisions of this by-law are to prevail. 3. Notwithstanding any provision of By-law No. 79-200 to the contrary, the following uses and regulations shall be the permitted uses and regulations governing the permitted uses on and of the Lands. 4. The permitted uses shall be the uses permitted in an R5B zone. 5. The regulations governing the permitted uses shall be: (a) Minimum lot area (b) Front lot line (c) Location of the various components of the buildings or structures on the Lands, their maximum height and maximum number of storeys and minimum yards (d) Maximum projection of a balcony into a required yard, save and except an exterior side yard abutting Tower A Podium 47 square metres for each dwelling unit For the purposes of this by-law, Mountain Road shall be deemed to be the front lot line Refer to the plan on Schedule 2 of this by-law and clause (e) of this section 2.65 metres Page 138 of 156 2 (e) Maximum height of buildings or structures (i) Porte-cochѐre, as shown on the plan Schedule 2 attached hereto (ii) Tower A Podium & Tower B Podium, as shown on the plan Schedule 2 attached hereto (iii) Shared Podium, as shown on the plan Schedule 2 attached hereto (iv) Tower A, as shown on the plan Schedule 2 attached hereto (v) Tower B, as shown on the plan Schedule 2 attached hereto 5.8 metres, as measured from an elevation of 192 metres 2.4 metres and a maximum of 1 storey, as measured from an elevation of 192 metres -7.5 metres, as measured from an elevation of 192 metres 56 metres and a maximum of 15 storeys, as measured from an elevation of 192 metres, subject to section 4.7 of By-law No. 79-200 68 metres and a maximum of 19 storeys, as measured from an elevation of 192 metres, subject to section 4.7 of By-law No. 79-200 (f) Minimum number of parking spaces 1.26 parking spaces for each dwelling unit (g) The balance of regulations specified for an R5B use. 6. All other applicable regulations set out in By-law No. 79-200, shall continue to apply to govern the permitted uses on the Lands, with all necessary changes in detail. 7. No person shall use the Lands for a use that is not a permitted use. 8. No person shall use the Lands in a manner that is contrary to the regulations. 9. The Holding (H) symbol that appears on Schedule 1 attached hereto is provided for in the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan pursuant to Section 36 of the Planning Act. No person shall use the Lands described in section 1 of this by-law and shown hatched and designated R5B(H) and numbered 1261 on the plan Schedule 1 attached hereto for any purpose, prior to the H symbol being removed pursuant to the Planning Act. Prior to the H symbol being removed, the landowner or developer shall: Page 139 of 156 3 • Submit a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (and any subsequent assessments) to the satisfaction of the City and The Regional Municipality of Niagara; • File a Record of Site Condition with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to the satisfaction of the City and The Regional Municipality of Niagara; • Submit an updated Pedestrian Level Wind Study to the satisfaction of the City and The Regional Municipality of Niagara, demonstrating no unsafe or uncomfortable wind conditions and/or the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures; • Include standard archaeological warning clauses with respect to the discovery of deeply buried archaeological resources in future Site Plan and/or Condominium Agreements to the satisfaction of the City and The Regional Municipality of Niagara; • Implement the recommendations of the Honey Locust Tree Assessment, prepared by Colville Consulting Inc. and dated November 18th, 2013, through future Site Plan and/or Condominium Agreements to the satisfaction of the City and The Regional Municipality of Niagara; and • Implement noise mitigation measures and warning clauses through future Site Plan and/or Condominium Agreements as recommended by the Detailed Environmental Noise Assessment, prepared by RJ Burnside and dated February, 2024, as amended, to the satisfaction of the City and The Regional Municipality of Niagara. 10. The provisions of this by-law shall be shown on Sheet C2 of Schedule “A” of By- law No. 79-200 by designating the Lands from R5B(498) to R5B(H) and numbered 1261. 11. Should the owner of the Lands not execute a Site Plan Agreement or receive Draft Plan of Condominium approval to the satisfaction of the City within 3 years of this by-law coming into effect, then the zoning of the Lands zoned as R5B(H)-1261 zone shall be of no force and effect and the zoning of the Lands will revert back to the R5B(498) zone and By-law No. 2013-059 will be deemed to be unrepealed. 12. Notwithstanding clause 11 above, the approval of this by-law may be extended by 1 year at the discretion of the General Manager of Planning, Building and Development. 13. Section 19 of By-law No. 79-200 is amended by adding thereto: 19.1.1261 Refer to By-law No. 2024-101. Page 140 of 156 4 14. By-law No. 2013-059 is hereby repealed and Section 19.1.498 of By-law No. 79- 200 is deleted. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 22nd day of October 2024. ....................................................................... ..................................................................... WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 141 of 156 Page 142 of 156 Page 143 of 156 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2024 - 102 A by-law to impose fees and charges for services and activities provided or done by the Fire Department of the City of Niagara Falls. WHEREAS Section 391(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25 permits a municipality to pass by-laws imposing fees or charges on any class of persons for services or activities provided or done by or on behalf of it, among other things, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set out in the section; AND WHEREAS the Council intends to impose fees or charges for services or activities provided or done by its Fire Department. NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. In this by-law, (a) “charges” include any interest payable pursuant to section 7 and any costs incurred by the City pursuant to section 10; (b) “City” means The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls; (c) “Council” means the Council of The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls; (d) “false fire alarm” means malicious false alarm and nuisance false alarm; (e) “fee” or “fee for services” means any fee for services imposed under section 2 and billed pursuant to section 5; (f) “Fire Department” means the Fire Department of The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls and includes its officers and members; (g) “malicious false alarm” means the negligent or intentional misuse of a fire alarm system resulting in the activation of the system, but does not include the activation of a fire alarm system under circumstances that would have caused a careful or prudent person to believe that a fire related emergency was in progress at the owner’s building or in circumstances where the owner has notified the Fire Department in advance of work being done on the fire alarm system that could cause a false fire alarm; (h) “owner” means a person who is shown as the assessed owner or tenant of real property in the assessment rolls for the City in respect of which property, services and activities were provided or done by the Fire Department and includes the registered owner or mortgagee in possession of such property and includes a person in actual occupation of such property pursuant to an agreement with the assessed owner for the purchase of it and also includes a Page 144 of 156 2 condominium corporation having control of the common elements of the buildings; and (i) “preventable false alarm” means the activation of a fire alarm system through a mechanical failure, equipment malfunction or improper maintenance or installation of the system, but does not include the activation of a fire alarm system where the activation occurred as a result of accidental damage to the system. 2. The City shall impose the fees for services set out in the City’s current Schedule of Fees By-law, as may be amended from time to time, for services provided or done by the Fire Department. 3. The owner of any property to which services set out in the City’s current Schedule of Fees By-law, as may be amended from time to time, were provided or done by the Fire Department, regardless of whether requested by the owner or an agent of the owner, or not, shall pay the fee imposed for such services under section 2 hereof. 4. In the event there is more than one owner as referred to in section 3 above, their liability for payment shall be joint and several. 5. An invoice for services billed pursuant to section 3 may be served by the City personally on the owner or by regular first class prepaid mail, in which event service shall be deemed to have been received on the third day after mailing, or by electronic transmission or telephone transmission of a facsimile, in which event service shall be deemed to have been made on the first day after the day of transmission. 6. The fee for services shall be payable to the City by cash, debit, cheque, money order or bank draft no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the invoice for the services. 7. Where the fee for services remains unpaid, in whole or in part, for a period in excess of thirty (30) days from the date of the invoice for the services, the owner shall pay, in addition to the outstanding balance of the fee, interest on the outstanding balance, such interest to be calculated at a rate equal to the prime lending rate charged to the City by its banker from time to time, plus one (1) percent per annum. 8. The fee for services, plus any interest that may have accrued on the outstanding balance under section 7, shall constitute a debt of the owner to the City. 9. The City may take such action as it considers necessary and as is permitted by law to collect the debt constituted under section 7. 10. The owner shall be liable to the City for any costs incurred by the City in collecting the debt constituted under section 7 and such costs shall also constitute a debt of the owner to the City, and section 9 shall apply to the recovery of such costs, with necessary modifications. 11. Without restricting the generality of sections 9 and 10, where the fee for services or charges or all or any of them remains unpaid, in whole or in part, for a period in excess of thirty (30) days, such fee or charges or all or any of them shall be added to the tax Page 145 of 156 3 roll for any real property within the territorial limits of the City owned, in whole or in part, by the owner and collected in like manner as municipal taxes. 12. All of the owners of the real property to whose tax roll the fee for service or charges or any or all of them were added pursuant to section 11, shall be liable jointly and severally for paying such fee and charge, and such fee and charges shall be collected in like manner as municipal taxes. 13. False alarm offenses shall be tracked for billing purposes using the calendar year, January 1st to December 31st, as follows: (a) First two preventable alarms at the same address in a calendar year shall receive a written warning; (b) The third preventable alarm at the same address in a calendar year shall be billed for one (1) truck, in accordance with the City’s current Schedule of Fees By-law, as may be amended from time to time; (c) The fourth preventable alarm at the same address in a calendar year shall be billed for two (2) trucks, in accordance with the City’s current Schedule of Fees By-law, as may be amended from time to time; and (d) Any further preventable alarms at the same address in a calendar year shall be billed for all responding fire apparatus. 14. If any section or part of this by-law is found to be illegal or beyond the power of the City’s Council to enact, such section or part or item shall be deemed to be severable and all other sections or parts or items of this by-law shall be deemed to be separate and independent therefrom and to be enacted as such. 15. That the City Clerk is authorized to effect any minor modifications, corrections or omissions solely of an administrative, numerical, grammatical, semantical or descriptive nature to this by-law after the passage of this by-law. 16. By-Law No. 2000-122 is hereby repealed. 17. This by-law shall become effective on the date of passage. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 22nd day of October, 2024. ................................................................. ..................................................... WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 146 of 156 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2024-104 A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 173 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2023-035). THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANNING ACT, 1990, AND THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA ACT, HEREBY ENACT AS FOLLOWS: 1. Amendment No. 173 to the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan, constituting the attached text and map, is hereby adopted. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 22nd day of October, 2024. ........................................................ ...................................................... BILL MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 147 of 156 OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 173 PART 1 – PREAMBLE (i) Purpose of the Amendment The purpose of the amendment is to permit the renovations of two (2) existing 2 storey buildings with a total of 24 apartment dwelling units. The proposed renovations would introduce 9 new residential units and increase the overall density to 128 units per hectare from the permitted density of 75 units per hectare. (ii) Location of the Amendment The amendment applies to lands shown as Special Policy Area 101 on Schedule A – Future Land Use to the City’s Official Plan. (iii) Details of the Amendment Map Changes MAP 1 - Schedule “A” to the Official Plan – Future Land Use has been amended to show the increased density within Residential designation with Special Policy Area 101. Text Change PART 2, SECTION 13 – SPECIAL POLICY AREAS, is amended by the addition of Subsection 13.101. (iv) Basis of the Amendment The applicant proposes to renovate two (2) existing buildings at 4473-4479 Ferguson Street and 4499 Ferguson Street at the overall density of 128 units per hectare. The renovations would add a total of 9 new apartment units to the existing buildings. The lands are designated Residential as shown on Schedule A – Future Land Use and Medium Density Residential as shown on Schedule A-5 – Transit Station Secondary Plan Area of the City’s Official Plan. The amendment meets the intent of the Official Plan as the properties are suitable for increasing density and the buildings exteriors are not changing. The properties are located within the Transit Station Secondary Plan which is an appropriate area for intensification and increased densities on the properties. Surface parking is provided to the rear of the buildings buffered by landscaping and fencing to the adjacent residential properties. There are no known issues with infrastructure capacity or the transportation system. PART 2 – BODY OF THE AMENDMENT Page 148 of 156 All of this part of the document entitled PART 2 – BODY OF THE AMENDMENT, consisting of the following Maps Changes and Text Changes, constitute Amendment No. 173 to the Official Plan of the City of Niagara Falls. DETAILS OF THE AMENDMENT The Official Plan of the City of Niagara Falls is hereby amended as follows: 1. MAP CHANGES The “Area Affected by this Amendment”, shown on the map attached hereto, entitled “Map 1 to Amendment No. 173”, shall be identified as Special Policy Area 101 on Schedule A – Future Land Use to the Official Plan. 2. TEXT CHANGES PART 2, SECTION 13 – SPECIAL POLICY AREAS, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection: 13.101 Special Policy Area “101” applies to approximately 1,874 square metres of land located on Ferguson Street. Notwithstanding the height and density provisions of Part 2, Policy 1.10.5 (ii), two 2 storey buildings are permitted to be renovated to contain a total of 24 dwelling units with a maximum density of 128 units per hectare within the Residential designation. Page 149 of 156 SCHEDULE “A” Page 150 of 156 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2024-105 A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for two 2 storey apartment dwellings, containing a total of 24 units (AM-2023-035). THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Lands that are the subject of and affected by the provisions of this by-law are described in Schedule “A” of this by-law and shall be referred to in this by-law as the “Lands”. Schedule “A” is a part of this by-law. 2. The purpose of this by-law is to amend the provisions of By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the Lands in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by that by-law. In the case of any conflict between a specific provision of this by-law and any existing provision of By-law No. 79-200, the provisions of this by-law are to prevail. 3. Notwithstanding any provision of By-law No. 79-200 to the contrary, the following uses and regulations shall be the permitted uses and regulations governing the permitted uses on and of the Lands. 4. The Lands shall be rezoned from the Neighbourhood Commercial (NC) to the Residential 5C Density (R5C) zone with permitted uses being those permitted within the R5C zone. 5. The regulations governing the permitted uses shall be: (a) Minimum rear yard 0.69 metres (b) Minimum front yard depth 0 metres (c) Minimum exterior side yard 0 metres (d) Maximum lot coverage 30.7% (e) Minimum landscaped open space 6.37% (f) Parking Requirements 33 spaces (g) Number of buildings on lot 2 (h) The balance of regulations specified for a R5C use. Page 151 of 156 2 6. All other applicable regulations set out in By-law No. 79-200 shall continue to apply to govern the permitted uses on the Lands, with all necessary changes in detail. 7. No person shall use the Lands for a use that is not a permitted use. 8. No person shall use the Lands in a manner that is contrary to the regulations. 9. The provisions of this by-law shall be shown on Sheet D3 of Schedule “A” of By- law No. 79-200 by rezoning the Lands from NC to R5C and numbered 1256. 10. Section 19 of By-law No. 79-200 is amended by adding thereto: 19.1.1256 Refer to By-law No. 2024-105. Read a First, Second and Third time; passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 22nd day of October, 2024. ....................................................................... ..................................................................... WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 152 of 156 3 Schedule “A” Page 153 of 156 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2024 - 106 A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or municipal by-laws. THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1 . By-law No. 2002-081 is amended by deleting Schedule “A”, and that Schedule “A”, attached hereto shall be inserted in lieu thereof. Read a first, second, third time and passed. Signed and sealed in open Council on this 22nd day of October, 2024. ............................................................... ........................................................... WILLIAM MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 154 of 156 SCHEDULE “A” 1. Chief Building Official: Luciano Chieca 2. Deputy Chief Building Official: Frank Peter 3. Inspectors: Jehad Ochana Fred Sacco Sandro Elia Effat Effat Jesse Mancino Cesar Ramires Frank Genovese Kathy Repergel Louie Baldinelli Chan Chen Kelvin Jacobi Tamer Mikhail Nicholas Andres Doug Evans Tiago Silva 4. Fire Chief Jo Zambito 5. Deputy Chief Ken Henry 6. Deputy Chief Scott Lawson 7. Fire Prevention Officers: Ben Trendle Frank Devereaux Kellie Kubik Doug Collee Meghan Edgar Karen Borne Robert Kirk - New A.J. Lunn - New Page 155 of 156 CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS By-law No. 2024 - 107 A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its meeting held on the 22nd of October, 2024. WHEREAS it is deemed desirable and expedient that the actions and proceedings of Council as herein set forth be adopted, ratified and confirmed by by-law. NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The actions of the Council at its meeting held on the 22nd day of October 2024 including all motions, resolutions and other actions taken by the Council at its said meeting, are hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed as if they were expressly embodied in this by-law, except where the prior approval of the Ontario Municipal Board or other authority is by law required or any action required by law to be taken by resolution. 2. Where no individual by-law has been or is passed with respect to the taking of any action authorized in or with respect to the exercise of any powers by the Council, then this by-law shall be deemed for all purposes to be the by-law required for approving, authorizing and taking of any action authorized therein or thereby, or required for the exercise of any powers thereon by the Council. 3. The Mayor and the proper officers of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said actions of the Council or to obtain approvals where required, and, except where otherwise provided, the Mayor and the Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents arising therefrom and necessary on behalf of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls and to affix thereto the corporate seal of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls. Read a first, second, third time and passed. Signed and sealed in open Council this 22nd day of October, 2024. ........................................................ ……........................................................... WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR Page 156 of 156