10/22/2024 Niagara MINUTES
CityCouncil MeetingPCqNADA v
4:00 PM - Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, October
22, 2024, at 4:22 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present:
COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Wayne
PRESENT: Campbell, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor
Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor
Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange
STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Kira Dolch, Kathy Moldenhauer, Erik Nickel,
PRESENT: Jo Zambito, Shelley Darlington, Tiffany Cark, Margaret Corbett, Heather
Ruzylo (attended in person - Chambers)
Gerald Spencer, Serge Felicetti (attended via Zoom)
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council meeting was called to order at 4:22 PM.
1.1. Swearing in of Councillor Chris Dabrowksi
Bill Matson, City Clerk, swore 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
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council ADOPT the Council minutes of October 1st, 2024 as presented.
Carried Unanimously
3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None to report.
4. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
5. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
5.1. Niagara Industrial Association (NIA)
Jordan Sherlock, Executive Director of the NIA (Niagara Industrial Association)
, provided an update on industry in Niagara Falls.
Councillor Pietrangelo requested staff send out a circulation notice through
Page 1 of 13
Cityview to notify the Niagara Industrial Association (NIA) when areas come up
for potential industry and re-zoning.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council receive the presentation by Jordan Sherlock pertaining to the
Niagara Industrial Association (NIA).
Carried Unanimously
5.2. R&C-2024-16
World Health Organization Age Friendly Designation for the City of
Niagara Falls
Joe Szabo, member of the Seniors Advisory Committee, shared a
presentation to Council.
Direction to staff: to designate a member of the staff to act as a liaison for the
Global Network.
Direction to staff: For staff to work with Cogeco to look for ways to broadcast
the show out to other sources to increase viewership, not just Cogeco
subscribers.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1.THAT Council SUPPORT the submission of an application to the World
Health 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).
Carried Unanimously
6. PLANNING MATTERS
6.1. PBD-2024-45
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
The Planning Public meeting commenced at 5:32 PM.
Chris Roome, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2024-45.
Page 2 of 13
Joedy Burdett, of 4480 Burdette, spoke in favour of the application.
William Heikoop, agent from Upper Canada Consultants, provided a
presentation and summary to Council supporting the proposal.
The Planning Public meeting was closed at 5:55 PM.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
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.
Carried Unanimously
7. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
7.1. In-Camera Resolution
Joedy Burdett, of 4480 Bridge Street, addressed Council citing concerns
regarding delegations to In-Camera matters.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council enter in an In-Camera meeting.
Carried Unanimously
8. REPORTS
Council resumed at 9:48 PM, upon completion of the In-Camera meeting.
8.1. PBD-2024-47
Cityview Software Implementation
Kira Dolch, General Manager of Planning, Building and Development, and
Danielle Foley, Senior Planner, Long Range Initiatives, provided a brief
presentation of Cityview (Phase 1) to Council.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council RECEIVES Report PBD-2024-47, Cityview Software
Implementation, for information purposes.
Carried Unanimously
Page 3 of 13
8.2. R&C-2024-17
Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
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.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council EXTEND the Council curfew past 10:00 PM.
Carried Unanimously
8.3. R&C-2024-18
Santa Claus Parade Request for Downtown BIA Funds
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
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.
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed).
8.4. PBD-2024-46
Proposed Vacant Building Registry & By-law
Councillor Wayne Campbell left the meeting at 10:29 PM and returned at 10:32 '
PM.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council pass a motion to suspend the rules to allow for additional
Page 4 of 13
discussion time.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
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 registryby-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.
Carried Unanimously
9. CONSENT AGENDA
9.1. MW-2024-42
Intersection Control Review - Ontario Avenue at Hiram Street
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
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.
Carried Unanimously
9.2. F-2024-38
2024 Q2 Water/Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance (Unaudited)
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT the 2024 Q2 Water and Wastewater Fund Budget to Actual Variance
report for the period ended June 30, 2024 be RECEIVED.
Carried Unanimously
10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
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 -
Page 5 of 13
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.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
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.
Carried Unanimously
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.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT the City of Niagara Falls PROCLAIM November 18-24, 2024, as "Talk
To A Stranger Week."
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
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.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
Page 6 of 13
THAT Council REFER to the Operating Budget the request from the Shepherd
Heart Food Bank for a monetary donation (grant) from the City of Niagara
Falls.
Carried Unanimously
12.2. Downtown Committee - Appointments
Council completed ballots to select members of the Downtown Committee.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council appoint the following eight (8) members to the Downtown
Committee:
1. Josh Pereira
2. Pouria Sadeghi
3. Kelly Crossley
4. Eddy Pybus
5. Gus Ellinas
6. Victoria Martin
7. Ronald Charbonneau
8. Daelys Faife
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPOINT Councillor Mona Patel to be the Council
representative on the Downtown Committee.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council DIRECT Staff to destroy the ballots from the Downtown
Committee appointment process.
Carried (Councillor Lococo, Councillor Patel and Councillor Pietrangelo
were opposed).
13. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
a) Ratification of In-Camera
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council DIRECT staff to enter into discussions with Niagara-on-the-Lake
Community Palliative Care Service and Hospice Niagara for the purpose of
submitting a revised Expression of Interest to Ontario Health for the
development of a Hospice in Niagara Falls.
Page 7 of 13
Carried Unanimously
14. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
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,
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
a) Municipal Funding for Asylum Seekers
Councillor Lococo discussed the need to reach out to the federal government
requesting funds to assist with asylum seekers here in Niagara Falls.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Wayne Campbell
THAT Council DIRECT Staff to contact the federal government requesting
assistance with funding for hosting asylum seekers in the City of Niagara Falls.
Carried Unanimously
b) Doctor Recruitment in the City of Niagara Falls
Direction to Staff: Councillor Nieuwesteeg requested the CAO to work with the
other CAOs in the Niagara Region to collectively come up with a different or a
more creative approach to attracting doctors to our area.
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.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
• 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
Page 8 of 13
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.
Carried Unanimously
Motion from Mayor Diodati - Maintenance of City and Regional Roads
16. BY-LAWS
2024- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 172 to the City of
100. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2024-009).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200 to permit the use of the Lands (2430 St.
101. 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).
2024- A by-law to impose fees and charges for services and activities provided or
Page 9 of 13
102. done by the Fire Department of the City of Niagara Falls.
2024- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 173 to the City of
104. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2023-035).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the lands for two 2
105. storey apartment dwellings, containing a total of 24 units (AM-2023-035).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City
106. employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or
municipal by-laws.
2024- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
107. meeting held on the 22nd of October, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried (Councillor Lococo opposed to By-law 2024-100 and By-law 2024-
101).
17. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Wayne Campbell
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
That Council adjourn the meeting at 11:09 PM
Carried Unanimously
or
City Clerk
Page 10 of 13
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 11 of 13
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
i
Page 12 of 13
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
1 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 13 of 13