HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/12/2024 Niagara MINUTES
JqNAD Cit Council Meeting A
4:00 PM - Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday,
November 12, 2024, at 4:14 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members
present:
COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Chris Dabrowski,
PRESENT: Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor
Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange
(attending in Council Chambers)
COUNCIL Councillor Wayne Campbell
ABSENT:
STAFF Jason Burgess, Erik Nickel, Tiffany Clark, Chief Jo Zambito, Nidhi
PRESENT: Punyarthi, Kathy Moldenhauer, Kira Dolch, Shelley Darlington, Signe
Hansen (attending in Council Chambers)
Dave Etherington, Trent Dark, Margaret Corbett (attending via Zoom
app.)
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:14 PM.
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
2.1. Council Minutes of October 22, 2024
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of the October 22, 2024 meeting as
presented.
Carried Unanimously
3. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None to report.
4. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following City events:
Events & Announcements:
Diwali - photos shown
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• Also attended by Councillor Lococo
Remembrance Day [photos shown]
• Chippawa Service — also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Patel
and Lococo
• Christ Church Service
• Fairview Cemetery— also attended by Councillors Patel, Baldinelli,
Dabrowski, Lococo, Pietrangelo and Nieuwesteeg
• Legion 479 - also attended by Councillor Patel
Arts & Culture Wall of Fame [photos shown]
• Also attended by Councillors Lococo, Nieuwesteeg and Patel
Accessible Swing at MacBain /Wonderfalls Pass Donations [photos
shown]
• Also attended by Councillors Lococo, Pietrangelo, Nieuwesteeg and
Baldinelli.
Niagara Slamboree Wrestling Event-1st Niagara Scout Group [photos
shown'
• Also attended by Councillor Patel
Business Happenings [photos for each]
• Sweet Mango Sugaring—Grand Opening
o Also attended by Councillor Patel
• Niagara Electronics-40th Anniversary
• Dr. Sadeghi — Canada Clinics & NeoTrust—Grand Opening
o Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Patel, Lococo and
Baldinelli
• Commisso's 14th Anniversary / Project SHARE Food Drive
Coming up:
• Santa Claus Parade
o Saturday, November 16th at 4PM — downtown NF
o Also kicks off the Winter Festival of Lights — (to Sun. Jan. 5)
o Deck the Halls Holiday Market- Sunday, November 17th 11-5PM
b) The next Council meetings are the following:
• Special Council Meeting - Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 at 2:00 PM.
• Regular Council Meeting - Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM.
5. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
5.1. Civic Recognition - Niagara United Juventus 2011 Girls Soccer Team
Paolo Sirianni, Head Coach of the team, along with Assistant Coaches, were
in attendance to hand out awards to the team members, proudly informing
Council of the many accomplishments of the Niagara United Juventus 2011
Girls (model Team.
5.2. Fire Chiefs Coin Presentation - Welland River Water Rescue - Greater
Niagara Boat Club
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Fire Chief, Jo Zambito recognized the recipients of the Fire Chiefs coin by
summarizing an event as it unfolded on Friday, September 13th, 2024 on the
Welland River.
5.3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Chair of the DEI Committee, Ms. Marilyn Tian, made a brief presentation
to Council of which included the discussion of the following items:
• Launch of the DEI Committee's annual Awards; and
• Announcement of the 2nd Annual 2025 DEI Summitt
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council RECEIVE the presentation made by Marilyn Tian, the Chair of
the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Carried Unanimously
6. PLANNING MATTERS
6.1. PBD-2024-50
AM-2024-005 — Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment
4709, 4725 and 4745 Bender Street, 5655 Ontario Avenue and Air Rights
Over a Portion of Ontario Avenue and Lands on the Southwest Corner of
Palmer Avenue and Bender Street
Proposal: 17 storey, 393 unit hotel and attraction
Applicant: Great Lakes Entertainment Canada Ltd.( Wynn Xie)
Agent: GSP Planning (Craig Rohe)
The Public Meeting commenced at 5:15 PM.
Andrew Bryce, provided an overview of the report PBD-2024-50.
Joedy Burdette, resident at 4480 Bridge Street, addressed Council and left
correspondence for Council to review.
Craig Rohe, Senior Planner from GSP Planning, provided a brief presentation
to Council supporting the development.
The Public Meeting closed at 5:41 PM.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
1. THAT Council APPROVE the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendment application to permit the development of a 17 storey, 393
unit hotel and attraction on the lands subject to the recommended
regulations outlined in this report.
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the inclusion of a Holding (H) provision in
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the amending by-law to require the submission of a revised wind impact
assessment to mitigate wind impacts and necessary off-site
agreements.
3. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the inclusion of a sunset clause in the
amending by-law 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.
Carried Unanimously
7. REPORTS
7.1. PBD-2024-49
AM-2024-021, Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment
7230 Lundy's Lane
Proposal: 2 9-Storey Apartment Buildings With 25 Units Each.
Owner: 100045845 ONTARIO LIMITED (Anthony Menechella)
Applicant: Italia Gilberti, Sullivan Mahoney
Agent: William Heikoop, Upper Canada Consultants
William Heikoop, agent from Upper Canada Consultants, provided responses
to Councillor's questions.
Italia Gilberti, Counsel from Sullivan Mahoney, was in attendance via Zoom to
answer any questions of Council if necessary.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. THAT Council APPROVE 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-1262) Zone and to a site-specific Environmental
Protection Area (EPA-1268) to permit the construction of 2 9-storey
apartment buildings consisting of 50 total residential units (25 units in
each building).
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
7.2. PBD-2024-48
26T-11-2023-005, Draft Plan of Subdivision and 26CD-11-2023-010,
Common Element Condominium Applications
3151 Montrose Road and vacant parcel to the north
(Roll # 272510000362302)
Applicant: 100441695 Ontario Inc. (Paul Savoia)
Agent: Rachelle Larocque (thebiglierigroup)
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Kira Dolch, General Manager of Planning Building and Development provided
an overview of Report PBD-2024-48.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
1. That the Plan of Subdivision of 3151 Montrose Road be draft approved
subject to the conditions in the Appendix 4.
2. That the Plan of Common Element Condominium of 3151 Montrose
Road be draft approved subject to the conditions in the attached
Appendix 5.
3. That the Mayor or designate be authorized to sign the draft plans 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.
5. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Subdivision
and Condominium Agreement(s) and any required documents to allow
for the future registration of the subdivision and condominium when all
matters are addressed to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
Carried Unanimously
7.3. F-2024-44
2025 Schedule of Fees
Jeff Lafontaine, of 8632 Forestview Blvd, addressed Council citing concerns
from the Report F-2024-44 and the fee structure, including the boat launch
fees. Also provided some suggestions as to how to offer free boat launch
access and to offer this advantage for being a citizen of the City of Niagara
Falls.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE the attached Schedule of Fees with fees effective
January 1, 2025.
Carried Unanimously
7.4. F-2024-39
Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario — Trust Funds Financial
Statements December 31, 2023
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE the draft Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls -
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Trust Funds audited financial statements for the year ended, December 31,
2023.
Carried Unanimously
7.5. MW-2024-43
Union Marsh Drain Maintenance - Budget Amendment for Flow-Through
Account
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council APPROVE a 2024 Capital Budget Amendment to create project
STMS 60-24 for the Union Marsh Drain Maintenance with a budget of
$600,000.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council APPROVE the funding by external contributions from
benefitting property owners in the watershed including the City as a benefitting
road authority and landowner.
Carried (Councillor Pietrangelo was opposed).
7.6. R&C-2024-20
Report on Community Decision Making Pilot Project Results and Next
Steps
The City launched a Community Decision Making pilot program, making
$350,000 available from its Capital Budget to improve parks and trails
throughout the city. Residents had the opportunity to vote on the recreational
projects they wanted to see implemented.
Voting took place online from August 9, 2024, to September 18, 2024, with
523 participants.
The projects receiving the most funding based on votes are as follows:
• Tree planting
• Park benches
• Shade structure
• Bike parking
• Chess/picnic tables
• Pollinator meadow
• Little Free Libraries
• Misting station & bottle filler
• Disc golf baskets
• Natural playground
• Concrete ping pong table
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Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Report R&C-2024-20 be referred to the budget process.
Not put.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
1. THAT Council DIRECT staff to move forward with the 2024 Community
Decision-Making initiatives identified through the community survey at a
total of$350,000.
2. THAT Council APPROVE implementing the Community Decision
Making project every two years.
3. THAT staff REPORT back to council with recommendations to
determine future decision-making project initiatives.
Carried Unanimously
8. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
8.1. In-Camera Resolution - November 12, 2024
8.2. In-Camera Resolution - Special Meeting - Monday, November 18, 2024
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council enter into an In-Camera session on November 12, 2024 and
THAT Council enter into an In-Camera session on Monday, November 18,
2024 for a Special In-Camera meeting.
Carried Unanimously
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Open Council Meeting recommenced at 9:19 PM (upon adjournment of the In-Camera
meeting).
9.1. R&C-2024-19
Relocation of Niagara Falls Farmers' Market
After consulting with all the market vendors, customers, and stakeholders,
senior staff have decided to permanently move the Farmers' Market back to
MacBain for the Summer 2025 season.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council RECEIVE the report, for information purposes.
Carried Unanimously
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10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
10.1. Flag-Raising Request - National Day of Romania
The attached correspondence outlines a request for Council to approve a flag
raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday, December 2, 2024 for the "National
Day of Romania."
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony at City
Hall on Monday, December 2, 2024 for the "National Day of Romania."
10.2. Flag-Raising Request - Christian Heritage Month
Attached is a request from the Christian Heritage Foundation for Council to
approve a flag-raising ceremony for Monday, December 2, 2024 at City Hall to
recognize Christian Heritage Month.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony for
Monday, December 2, 2024 at City Hall to recognize Christian Heritage Month.
10.3. Flag-Raising Request - HIV/AIDS Awareness Week, World AIDS Day and
Indigenous HIV/AIDS Awareness Week
Positive Living Niagara is requesting Council to approve a flag raising
ceremony on Thursday, November 21, 2024 to recognize HIV/AIDS Awareness
Week (November 24- December 1, 2024), World AIDS Day (December 1,
2024) and Indigenous HIV/AIDS Awareness Week (December 1 - December 8,
2024).
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag raising ceremony on
Thursday, November 21, 2024 to recognize HIV/AIDS Awareness Week
(November 24- December 1, 2024), World AIDS Day (December 1, 2024) and
Indigenous HIV/AIDS Awareness Week (December 1 - December 8, 2024).
10.4. Proclamation Request - Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Attached is a request for Council todeclare November 2024 as Lung Cancer
Awareness Month to raise awareness for lung cancer and lung cancer
screening.
Recommendation: THAT Council declare November 2024 as Lung Cancer
Awareness Month to raise awareness for lung cancer and lung cancer
screening.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council APPROVE/SUPPORT Items #10.1 through to Item #10.4.
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Resolution -Town of Fort Erie - Request Provincial Funding Remain
Available to Support Fort Erie's Primary Care Initiative
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Attached is a resolution from the Town of Fort Erie supporting Fort Erie's
Primary Care Initiative.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution from the Town of Fort Erie pertaining
to the request for Provincial Funding remaining available to support Fort Erie's
Primary Care Initiative.
Carried Unanimously
11.2. Resolutions - Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)
The following resolutions were passed at the NPCA's Board of Director's
meeting held on October 18, 2024 pertaining to:
1) the Ontario Deposit Return Program Expansion.
2) Draft Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
(See below for resolution)
11.3. Correspondence from the Niagara Region
Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region regarding the
following matters:
1. CLK-C 2024-111 CSD 44-2024 - Waste Management 2025 Operating
Budget and Requisition.
2. CLK-C 2024-115 Motion - OBDM Solve the Crisis Campaign. -
Homelessness, Mental Health and Addictions Support
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution from the Niagara Region (CLK-C
2024-115) pertaining to the Ontario Big City Mayors (OBDM) Solve the Crisis
Campaign. I
Carried Unanimously
11.4. Correspondence from Good Roads Board of Directors - Establishment of
an Ontario Rural Road Safety Program
Attached is a resolution from the Good Roads Board of Directors pertaining to
an Ontario Rural Road Safety Program.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution from the Good Roads Board of
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Directors pertaining to an Ontario Rural Road Safety Program.
Carried Unanimously
11.5. Petition - No New Niagara Quarry
Attached is a petition received pertaining to Uppers Quarry.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
(See below for resolution)
11.6. Media Release - 2025 Mayor's Proposed Capital Budget Book and 2025
Mayor's Proposed Parking Budget Book (updated to include media
release for proposed parking budget)
Attached is a copy of the media release regarding the proposed 2025 capital
budget and for the 2025 proposed parking budget.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
(See below for resolution)
11.7. Resolution - City of Cambridge - Homelessness, Mental Health, Safety
and Addiction Costs
Attached is a motion passed by the Council of the Corporation of the City of
Cambridge at its meeting on November 5, 2024 regarding Homelessness,
Mental Health, Safety and Addiction Crisis.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE for information Item #11.2, #11.5, #11.6 and #11.7.
Carried Unanimously
12. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
a) Ratification of In-Camera
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council met to discuss a matter that falls under the exception of Section
239 (2) (e), litigation or potential litigation including matters before
administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, regarding an
OLT matter;
THAT Council APPOINT the following 3 citizens to the Accessibility Advisory
Committee for the duration of the current term of Council: Pam Sharpe, Ryan
Joy Chittilapilli and Patricia Beu;
THAT Staff be DIRECTED to enter an Agreement of Purchase for acquisition
of 9.26 hectares of shoreline lands from Ontario Power Generation and THAT
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Staff be DIRECTED to enter a Land Swap Agreement with Ontario Power
Generation for lands generally described as: a Chevron Looking parcel within
OPG Canal Lands Ownership, being a forced Rd lying Between Oakwood Dr &
Dorchester Rd. and; a portion of Dorchester Road Allowance located between
the CP Railway crossing and the Conrail Drain; That the Mayor and City Clerk
be AUTHORIZED to execute all necessary Agreements and corresponding
documents; and,THAT Council APPROVE a 2024 Capital Budget Amendment
to increase project G4 - Land Purchases by $160,000, funded from Parkland
Dedication Obligatory Reserves.
THAT Council APPROVE a cooperative procurement through Kinetic GPO with
CDW Canada Inc. in accordance with By-Law No. 2021-04, and AUTHORIZE
the General Manager of Corporate Services to execute the necessary
documents for the provision of Managed Cyber Security through CDW Canada
Inc. with Arctic Wolf for a 3 year contract, year 1 at $142,000, year 2 at
$220,000, year 3 at $228,000 with a targeted go live of Dec 13th, 2024;
THAT Council REFER a one-time operating budget pressure of approximately
$150,000 to the 2025 operating budget process, to be funded by the tax
stabilization reserve.
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed to the appointments of the
Accessibility Advisory Committee only)
13. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
13.1. NOTICE OF MOTION -Strengthening Existing System of Mandatory
Mental Health Care
Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Mayor Diodati regarding
strengthening existing system of mandatory health care.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council waive the procedural by-law to allow for the discussion of Mayor
Diodati's Notice of Motion pertaining to Strengthening Existing System of
Mandatory Mental Health Care.
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed).
Moved by Mayor Jim Diodati
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE the resolution (attached) pertaining to Strengthening
Existing System of Mandatory Mental Health Care.
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed).
13.2. NOTICE OF MOTION - Waiving of Section 15.3 of Procedural By-Law - re:
2025 Budget Discussions on November 26, 2024 December 10, 2024 and
January 21, 2025
Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Councillor Lococo requesting
the waiving of Section 15.3 of Procedural By-Law.
13.3. NOTICE OF MOTION - Waiving of Section 15.3 of Procedural By-Law - re:
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Strengthening existing system of mandatory mental health care
Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Councillor Lococo requesting
the waiving of Section 15.3 of Procedural By-Law.
Removed this Notice of Motion, as per request of Councillor Lococo.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council EXTEND the curfew past 10:00 PM to continue the Council
meeting.
Carried Unanimously
14. MOTIONS
14.1. Motion - Provincial Government Increase "Heads and Bed" Levy for
Ontario Municipalities
Councillor Lori Lococo brought forth the attached motion regarding the
Provincial Government Increase "Heads and Beds" levy for Ontario
Municipalities.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT the motion pertaining to the provincial government's increase in "Heads
and Bed" Levy for Ontario Municipalities be DEFERRED for two Council cycles
and that Staff bring back a report to include further information outlining the
implications of this increase.
Carried (Councillor Pietrangelo was opposed).
14.2. Motion - Access to Affordable Transportation
Attached is a request for a Notice of Motion from Councillor Mona Patel
regarding access to affordable transportation.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Staff ENGAGE with Niagara Region Transit for the purpose of
accomplishing the following:
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.
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed).
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Staff ENGAGE with Niagara Region Transit for the purpose of accomplishing
the following:
See to that services are affordable, reliable, and accessible, potentially
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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.
Carried Unanimously
No. 17 - Resolution - from Councillor Patel - Access to Affordable
Transportation
15. BY-LAWS
2024- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 174 to the City of
109. Niagara Falls Official Plan (OPA#174).
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to permit the use of the Lands for two
110. apartment dwellings, containing a total of 50 dwelling units, and to protect a
portion of a Significant Woodland and associated buffer on a portion of the
Lands, subject to a 3-year sunset clause. (AM-2024-021).
2024- A by-law to amend the by-law to provide for citizen appointments to certain
111. Committees, Boards and Commissions.
2024- An amending by-law to provide for Council Member appointments to certain
112. Boards, Commissions and Committees.
2024- A by-law to fees and charges for various services, licences and publications for
113. the City of Niagara Falls.
2024- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and
114. traffic on City Roads. (Yield Signs, Loading Zones, Limited Parking).
2024- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
115. meeting held on the 12th day of November, 2024.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried Unanimously
16. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council AJOURN the meeting at 10:18 PM.
Carried Unanimously
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ayor
C y Clerk
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..I I
CITY off. .CANADO
NIACARA J44.0.
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
November 12, 2024
No. 17—Motion regarding Access to Affordable Transportation
Moved by: Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by: Councillor Chris Dabrowski
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.
.AND The Seal of the Corporation to hereto affixed. Carried
WILLIAM G.MATSON JAMES M.DIODATI
CITY CLERK
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