HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-2025 Niagara MINUTES
CitY gCouncil Meeting
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Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 2:00 PM
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, July 8,
2025, at 2:03 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present:
COUNCIL Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Chris Dabrowski,
PRESENT: Councillor Vince Kerrio, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth-Ann
Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Victor Pietrangelo,
Councillor Mike Strange
STAFF Jason Burgess, Margaret Corbett (Deputy Clerk), Erik Nickel, Tiffany
PRESENT: Clark, Ken Henry, Nidhi Punyarthi, Kathy Moldenhauer, Kira Dolch, Signe
Hansen, Shelley Darlington (all attending in Chambers)
Gerald Spencer, Dean Spironello, Kailen Goerz, Jason MacLean
(attending over Zoom)
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 2:03 PM.
2. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
2.1. In-Camera Resolution
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council ENTER into an In-Camera session.
Carried Unanimously
3. CALL TO ORDER - COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENING
The Council meeting reconvened at 4:03 PM.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
4.1. Council Minutes of June 17, 2025
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of the June 17, 2025 meeting as
presented.
Carried Unanimously
5. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Page 1 of 16
a) Councillor Victor Pietrangelo declared a conflict of interest to Item #8.1 - PBD-
2025-43 - OPA 180/AM-2025-001 - Owner Occupied Short-Term Rentals in
Residential Areas and to By-laws 2025-31 - 2025-36, as they pertain to the
report.
Councillor Victor Pietrangelo also declared a conflict of interest to Item #12.1 -
Licence Appeal Committee (LAC), as the Councillor owns property that can be
affected.
6. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati extended condolences to the following:
• Michael Donofrio - City Employee (at Fairview Cemetery) and nephew to
Sue Scerbo in our Planning Department
b) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following City events:
Events & Announcements:
Carmelite 150 Years in Canada
• At Columbus Club (formerly Our Lady of Peace Hall)
• Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg
Niagara Ribstock Festival
• At Firemen's Park
• Attended by none
Martha Cullimore Car Show
• At Martha Cullimore Elementary School
• Attended by none
Jose Rizal Monument Gala
• Also attended by Councillor Patel
OLG Community Recognition Event— Pickleball Courts at Ker
• At Ker Park Pickleball Courts
• Also attended by Councillors Pietrangelo, Strange and Lococo I
Willoughby Volunteer Fire Department 75th Anniversary
• Serbian Day
• Canada Day
Provincial Funding Announcement
• At Willoughby Fire Hall
• Also attended by Councillor Lococo
Page 2 of 16
• At St. George Serbian Orthodox Church Grounds
• Also attended by Councillor Lococo
• At Firemen's Park
• Also attended by Councillors Pietrangelo, Strange, Patel, Loccoco,
Nieuwesteeg, Dabrowski & Baldinelli
• Chippawa Arena
• Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Patel, Lococo, Pietrangelo,
Strange and Baldinelli
Councillor Representation
Councillor Patel • St. John Ambulance 64th Annual Regional
Recognition Event
• Ukrainian Family Festival
Councillor Pietrangelo • Niagara Falls Volunteer Firefighters Station
#6 AGM
Councillor Strange • Jose Rizal Monument Unveiling
• Niagara Taekwondo Tournament
• Grand Opening — Paradise Donair& Kebab
House
• Grand Opening — Best Brains Learning
Centre
Councillor • Jazz Festival Summer Series Kick Off
Nieuwesteeg • St. Paul Graduation Ceremony
• Kick Off Canada One Factory Outlet Tent
Sale
• LLHS Battle of Chippawa Commemorative
Service
Business Milestones and Events:
• Hologram Zoo- grand opening
o Also attended by Councillor Patel
• Tranquility Through Therapy- grand opening
o Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg
• Byond Naturals- grand opening
o Also attended by Councillor Nieuwesteeg
• Pizza Fiamma- 1 year in business
o Attended by none
o Graciously donated 10 pizza's to the Niagara Falls Soup Kitchen
Flag Raisings fnonel
c) The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, 2025 and will take
place at the Niagara Falls Exchange, 5943 Sylvia Place, due to renovations at
City Hall.
7. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / APPOINTMENTS
7.1. Civic Recognition - Niagara Falls Rowing Club Champions
Mayor Diodati recognized the accomplishments of rowers from both Saint Paul
High School and Westlane Secondary School.
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7.2. Appointment Request - Lindsey Mazza - Inspirational Speaker/Inclusive
Leadership Expert
Lindsay Mazza addressed Council and shared her lived experiences as
someone with a physical disability and how it has impacted her career change
from a lawyer to an Inclusion Leadership Expert and Disability Advocate.
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council receive the presentation made by Lindsay Mazza for
information.
Carried Unanimously
7.3. Appointment Request - Nikola Tesla Day Festival - 2025
Resident, Aras Reisi, provided a brief presentation to inform Council of the
upcoming community festival to be held on July 11-12, 2025.
Nikola Tesla Day is an annual international festival in Ontario celebrating the
life and achievements of the brilliant inventor. Founded on July 10, 2010, in
Niagara Falls, the festival pays tribute to Tesla's pioneering contributions to
science and technology, particularly his revolutionary work in electricity.
Officially recognized as "Nikola Tesla Day" by the City of Niagara Falls in 2015
and later enacted into law across Ontario in 2021, the festival has grown into
Tesla Fest, a multi-day celebration filled with educational lectures, interactive
exhibitions, live performances, and community events.
This year's event will run from Thursday, July 10, to Saturday, July 12. It will
include a flag-raising at City Hall at 2:00 p.m., and a Falls illumination on the
10th.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council receive the presentation made by Aras Reisi for information.
Carried Unanimously
8. REPORTS
8.1 PBD-2025-43
Recommendation Report
City Initiated Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments - OPA 180/AM-2025-
001
Owner Occupied Short-Term Rentals in Residential Areas
Councillor Pietrangelo left Chambers at 4:45 PM as he had declared a conflict of
interest to this report and returned at 6:30 PM.
Consultant, Shannon McKie, Associate/Principal Planner from Landwise provided
Council with additional information regarding Owner Occupied Short-Term Rentals in
Page 4 of 16
residential areas. She further addressed key discussion topics and questions of the
community, stakeholders and Council.
Peter Colosimo, of 6424 Jupiter By, addressed Council citing his concerns pertaining
to the report and for allowing the owner occupied short-term rentals in residential
areas, stating that it only benefits a few residents.
Joe Mrozek, of 7690 Green Vista Gate, addressed Council looking to ensure that
enforcement was in place to ensure that all fire code regulations were met. Mr.
Mrozek addressed his concerns and how the allowance of OOSTR would impact the
area of which he lives. Also cited parking concerns if these were to be allowed.
Aras Reisi addressed Council supporting the report.
Mayor Jim Diodati left Chambers at 5:51 PM and Councillor Mike Strange resumed as
Chair. Mayor Diodati return as Chair at 5:56 PM.
Mary-Ann McKinley, of 4092 Bridgewater Street, addressed Council in support of the
report, as an owner of an AIR BNB.
Rachel Stempski, of 6315 Pine Grove Avenue, in support of allowing owner occupied
short term rentals in residential areas.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
I Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
1. That Council AUTHORIZE the implementation of the owner occupied short-term
rental permissions through a 14-month pilot program, following which staff will
report back relative the long-term viability of the program.
2. That Council APPROVE amendments to the Official Plan as outlined in
'Appendix 2' to permit owner occupied short terms rentals in residential areas
subject to the provisions of the zoning by-law;
3. That Council APPROVE amendments to Zoning By-law No. 79-200 as outlined
in 'Appendix 3' to define and permit owner occupied short terms rentals in
residential areas subject to specific criteria;
4. That Council APPROVE amendments to the Licencing By-law No. 2021-57 as
outlined in 'Appendix 4' to include licencing requirements for Owner Occupied
Short-Term Rentals;
5. That Council APPROVE amendments to the Fee By-law No. 2025-47 as
outlined in 'Appendix 5' to fees and charges for various services, licences and
publications for the City of Niagara Falls to include licencing fees for Owner
Occupied Short-Term Rentals;
6. That Council APPROVE amendments to the Administrative Penalties (Non-
Parking) By-law No. 2024-045 as outlined in 'Appendix 6' to include fines for
Owner Occupied Short-Term Rentals, consistent with Bed and Breakfast
establishments; and
7. That Council APPROVE amendments to the Municipal Accommodation Tax By-
law No. 2025-072 as outlined in 'Appendix 7' to include reference to Owner
Occupied Short-Term Rentals.
Page 5 of 16
Ayes: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony
Baldinelli, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, and City Councillor Vince
Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Mona Patel, and Councillor Chris
Dabrowski
CARRIED. 5-3 on a recorded vote
8.2. Councillor Baldinelli and Councillor Dabrowski left Chambers at 6:29 PM and
returned at 6:30 PM.
CS-2025-38
Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario— Trust Funds Financial
Statements December 31, 2024
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE the draft Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls -
Trust Funds audited financial statements for the year ended, December 31,
2024.
Carried Unanimously
8.3 CS-2025-40
Restrictions on Certain Forms of Participation in Council Meetings - Part 2
Council received a report regarding restrictions on certain forms of participation in
Council, which provided additional information and greater clarity to Staffs actions at
the June 17th, 2025, Council meeting.
Direction to Staff: That Staff be directed to come back to Council at a future Council
meeting, with a report on Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2025, and have
participation for questions and remarks from residents and delegations.
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
1. THAT Council RECEIVE this report for information.
2. THAT Council DIRECT the submission of this report to the Council of the
Regional Municipality of Niagara and ask that Council to provide their statement
to the City of Niagara Falls as to the appropriateness of Regional Councillor
Bateman's actions.
Ayes: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Tony
Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg,
Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo
Carried (Councillor Lococo was opposed) 7-1 on a recorded vote
Page 6 of 16
9. CONSENT AGENDA
9.1. CAO-2025-08
Request for Downtown BIA funds for a downtown marketing and public
relations pilot project.
Joedy Burdett, of 4480 Bridge Street, addressed Council, supporting the report.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council APPROVE the transfer of$15,000 from the Downtown BIA
unspent levy being held in reserve to fund a downtown marketing and public
relations pilot project delivered by Queen Street Area (QSA) community group.
Carried Unanimously
9.2. CS-2025-37
Low Income Seniors and People with Disabilities Water and Property Tax
Rebate Programs
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council RECEIVE report CS-2025-37 for information.
Carried Unanimously
9.3. RCF-2025-11
Children's Memorial Walkway at Fireman's Park-Update
Direction to Staff: THAT staff investigate affordable memorialization options to
accommodate a wide range of community needs.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT the report be received for the information of City Council.
Carried Unanimously
10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
10.1. Niagara Falls Soccer Club - Request for waiving of food truck by-law
Attached is a letter from the Niagara Falls Soccer Club, requesting City Council
waive the food truck by-law to allow for food trucks at the annual A.C. Douglas
Soccer Tournament and Festival on August 9-10, 2025 weekend at various
parks across the City of Niagara Falls.
Recommendation: For Council's Consideration.
10.2. Special Occasion Permit Request - African Women Acting (AWA)
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Organizers of the African Women Acting (AWA) Festival 2025 are looking to
Council for a letter of Municipal Significance for this cultural event to be held on
Saturday, August 16, 2025 and Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 2 PM to 10 PM
at City Hall, Centennial Square, 4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls. With
Council declaring the event as "municipally significant," this will assist the
organizers with obtaining a Special Occasion permit from the AGCO.
Recommendation: That Council DECLARE the African Women Acting (AWA)
Festival 2025 to be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 and Sunday, August
17, 2025 from 2 PM to 10 PM at City Hall, Centennial Square, 4310 Queen
Street, Niagara Falls, as an event of"municipal significance" in order to assist
the organizers with obtaining a Special Occasion permit from the AGCO.
10.3 Proclamation Request -Visiting Minister of Religion - 10th Annual
(was Deliverance Weekend (was changed to be Item #10.3 as it was listed on
9.4). Item #9.4 in error)
The requestor lives in the Niagara Region and is a member of a religious body
known as the Church of God and Saints of Christ. The group is hosting a
religious service, "10th Annual Deliverance Weekend," in the Niagara Region,
and will be having an Elder, a visiting Minister from the United States at the
event held on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The attached is a request for Council to
acknowledge the presence of this visiting Minister to the event held on
Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Recommendation: THAT Council ACKNOWLEDGE the presence of a visiting
Minister from the United States to the event, "10th Annual Deliverance
Weekend" held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 as part of the Church of God and
Saints of Christ.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council APPROVE/SUPPORT Item #10.1 through to and including Item
#10.3.
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Correspondence from the Niagara Region
Attached is correspondence sent from the Niagara Region for information.
'
1. CLK-C 2025-055 PDS 4-2025 - Update to Niagara Region Woodland
Conservation Bylaw.
Planning Department provided a memo to Council regarding the Niagara
Region's Conservation By-law Update.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information.
11.2. Correspondence - Recommendation to Rescind Niagara Falls Decorum
Policy on Signs
Attached is a letter recommending Council rescind the total ban on signs in the
Page 8 of 16
Niagara Falls Decorum Policy.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information.
Direction to Staff: For Staff to prepare a report on how a sign policy or by-law
could be lawful and not an infringement against Charter Rights and Freedoms
and to further include information as to the process followed at Queen's Park,
Parliament and other municipalities.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT Council RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION Item #11.1 through to and
including Item #11.2.
Carried Unanimously (Councillors Dabrowski and Baldinelli were absent
from vote).
12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
12.1. Councillor Pietrangelo left Chambers at 7:07 PM as he had declared a conflict
to Item #12.1, and returned at 7:11 PM.
Licence Appeal Committee (LAC)
For Council to appoint 2 Councillor representatives to the Licence Appeal
Committee:
Recommendation:
THAT Council APPOINT two (2) Councillor representatives to the Licence
Appeal Committee (LAC).
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPOINT Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Ruth-Ann
Nieuwesteeg as Councillor representatives to the Licence Appeal Committee
(LAC).
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict).
12.2. Eco-Ninjas Adopted Road Proposals
As part of the Niagara Falls adopted roads program, the group "Eco-Ninjas" is
looking to propose the following initiatives to Council
1. Bunnie Brandt Memorial Garden
2. Mural painting on wall
3. Eco-Ninjas Easter Egg Adventure
4. Darlene Collver Memorial Garden
5. Welcome to Niagara Falls Sign
Recommendation: THAT Council REFER TO STAFF.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Page 9 of 16
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council REFER the matter of the "Eco-Ninjas Adopted Road Proposals"
to Staff.
Carried Unanimously
13. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
a) In-Camera Ratification
INC-CS-2025-13
Proposed Sale of City Owned Land
City Laneway North of Ferguson Street, West of Acheson Avenue, East of
Victoria Avenue and South of Leader Lane
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
1.That Council RECEIVE Confidential Report INC-CS-2025-13, Proposed Sale
of City Owned Lands, City Laneways North of Ferguson Street, West of
Acheson Avenue, East of Victoria Avenue and South of Leader Lane.
2.That Council APPROVE the purchases of the following properties previously
declared surplus by this Council on August 13, 2024 via Report L-2024-15 at
the appraised values:
a.Part of the Laneway adjacent to the property at 4094 Victoria Avenue;
b.Part of the Laneway adjacent to the property at 4100-4122 Victoria Avenue;
and
c.Part of the Laneway adjacent to the properties at 4105, 4111, 4121, 4129
and 4131 Acheson Avenue.
3.That Council AUTHORIZE the Chief Administrative Officer and City Solicitor,
or their designate, to execute all documentation, in a form satisfactory to the
City Solicitor, and take whatever steps necessary to carry out
recommendations and complete the transactions.
Carried Unanimously
b) In-Camera Ratification
INC-CS-2025-14
Encroachment Agreement
6671 Fallsview Boulevard
Page 10 of 16
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
1.That Council RECEIVE Confidential Report INC-CS-2025-14, Encroachment
Agreement 6671 Fallsview Boulevard.
2.That Council DIRECT that the City enter into an Encroachment Agreement to
permit a sidewalk patio, entrance door and custom stack encroachment and
second floor patio extension within the City's road allowance, being a portion of
Fallsview Boulevard adjacent to 6671 Fallsview Boulevard, and being shown
as Parts 1 and 2 on the terms and conditions outlined within the report.
3.That Council AUTHORIZE the Mayor and Clerk to execute the
Encroachment Agreement.
Carried Unanimously
c) In-Camera Ratification
INC-RCF-2025-17
Stamford Management Agreement
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
1.That Council RECEIVE Confidential Report INC-RCF-2025-17, Stamford
Management Agreement.
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the Chief Administrative Officer, the General
Manager of Recreation, Culture and Facilities, and the City Solicitor, and their
further designates, to renew and execute the Agreement with respect to the
management of the Stamford Green Heritage Columbarium and take any steps
or execute any further documents necessary to carry out the recommendations
within the report.
Carried Unanimously
14. NOTICE OF MOTION/NEW BUSINESS
14.1. Notice of Motion - Transit - Free Rides for Seniors and teenagers
Attached is a notice of motion submitted by Councillor Nieuwesteeg suggesting
offering free transit for Seniors and teenagers.
Motion - Councillor Nieuwesteeq - Transit Motion re. Free Rides for Seniors
a) Ontario Land Tribunal - Statistics request
Direction to Staff: Councillor Lococo was requesting statistics, including costs,
associated with matters appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal over the last 3
years.
Page 11 of 16
b) Canada Day Celebration - Firemen's Park
Councillor Patel extended congratulations to all staff whom were responsible
for coordinating the Canada Day celebration at Firemen's Park making it a
tremendous success. Councillor discussion further entailed the direction to
work with staff to expand the Canada Day festivities to include other activities
moving forward.
c) Traffic Study - Chippawa -Tim Horton's location - 8089 Portage Road
Direction to Staff: Councillor Patel brought forth the possible need for speed
humps on Portage Road out front of the Tim Horton's location or consultation
with NRP for possible signage.
d) Traffic Study - St. Michael Avenue
Direction to Staff: For staff to conduct a traffic study on St Michael Avenue to
investigate the possible need for speed calming measures.
15. MOTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
15.1. MOTION - Impacts of Bill 5 on Niagara Falls Climate Change Adaptation
Implementation Plan
Attached is a motion from Councillor Lori Lococo pertaining to the impacts of
Bill 5 on Niagara Falls Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
WHEREAS the City of Niagara Falls Climate Change Adaptation
Implementation Plan was unanimously approved by City Council, in September
2023 —to be implemented over 5+ years, with a report every second year to
City Council.
AND WHEREAS the Adaptation Plan is critical to our city's long-range
planning.
AND WHEREAS the Adaptation Plan is a community-based strategic direction
tailored to local needs, but subject to provincial legislation.
AND WHEREAS passage of provincial legislation Bill 5 [Protect Ontario by
Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025] is designed to fast-track projects by
"reducing regulatory barriers" — allowing exemptions from municipal by-laws
and impact assessment requirements, weakening planning oversight
mechanisms, prohibiting municipal planning policies that exceed provincial
minimum standards, and eliminating legislative safeguards in place when this
Adaptation Plan was approved (September 2023).
AND WHEREAS Bill 5 therefore poses direct and significant impact on
municipal regulatory authority to set goals, implement and enforce policy
standards in our city's Adaptation Plan.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council —out of concern for public
protection
(from flooding and other site hazards to ensuring building safety), responsible
growth, climate-change resiliency of infrastructure (from wastewater treatment
Page 12 of 16
to energy-efficient green initiatives), planning adequate housing, transportation
networks ...fiduciary duty to constituents and environmental stewardship —
direct staff to provide a Summary Report of Bill 5 impacts on the Adaptation
Plan, with resulting implications (including impacts to the budget), as part of the
forthcoming 2-year report to Council.
AND ...
That this (above) Summary Report be presented to Council for approval and
sending to the following, for support, as part of the ongoing, widespread efforts
to have Bill 5 revoked:
The Premier of Ontario
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Local MPPs
Niagara Regional Council
City Councils of (all) Ontario Municipalities
Not Put (no seconder)
15.2. MOTION - Bubble Zones
Attached is a motion from Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg requesting a staff
report to review a Bubble Zone Bylaw that would prohibit protests around faith
based and cultural institutions and city-owned facilities and property.
16. BY-LAWS
2025- A by-law to provide for the adoption of Amendment No. 180 to the City of
031. Niagara Falls Official Plan (AM-2025-001).
2025- A by-law to amend Zoning By-law No. 79-200 to introduce new definitions and
032. regulatory provisions respecting Owner Occupied Short-Term
Accommodations in residential zones (AM-2025-001);
2025- A by-law to amend the City's Vacation Rental Unit and Bed and Breakfast
033. Establishment Licensing By-law No. 2021-57 to include Owner Occupied
Short-Term Rentals.
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2025-47 to include fees related to owner
034. occupied short-term accommodations.
2025 A by-law to amend By-law No. 2024-045 the Administrative Penalties (Non-Parking)
-035. Bylaw, to include administrative penalties for Owner Occupied Short-Term
Accommodations.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
WHEREAS, we need to protect the right of our residents to worship without threats of
9
intimidation,
and
WHEREAS, City owned public spaces and spaces in the vicinity of faith-based
cultural institutions including streets and sidewalks should feel safe and free from
protestors, and
WHEREAS, some protests invoke harassment and intimidation, and
Page 13 of 16
WHEREAS, those attending religious institutions should be able to do so in peace,
and
WHEREAS, the history of bubble zones goes back to 1995 where they were first
adopted in British Columbia, and
WHEREAS, causes that are of international concern are being taken up by local
residents and
visitors more often as issues on the world stage become increasingly pronounced,
and
WHEREAS, redirecting political protests away from innocent and vulnerable religious
minorities and children will make sure that their rights are not impeded,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that City Council ask for a staff report to review a
Bubble Zone Bylaw that would prohibit protests around faith based and cultural
institutions and inside city-owned facilities.
Ayes: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor
Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann
Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince
Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Lori Lococo
CARRIED. 7-1 on a recorded vote
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2025-072 to include Owner Occupied Short-
036. Term Rental as an Accommodation Property to be subject to a Municipal
Accommodation Tax.
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 2002-081, being a by-law to appoint City
086. employees, agents and third parties for the enforcement of provincial or
municipal by-laws.
2025- A by-law to amend the by-law to provide for citizen appointments to certain
087. Committees, Boards and Commissions.
2025- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
088. meeting held on the 8th day of July, 2025.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried (Councillors Dabrowski and Lococo opposed to by-laws 31-36
and Councillor Pietrangelo declared a conflict to by-laws 31-36).
17. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Page 14 of 16
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
That Council ADJOURN the meeting at 7:42 PM.
Carried Unanimously
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City Cle
Page 15 of 16
Transit Motion re. Free Rides for Seniors
Whereas Niagara Transit Board of Directors stated purpose is"Helping every person in Niagara
experience independence,freedom, and a sense of discovery"i;
And whereas Ontario Gas Tax Fund for Transit is based on population (30%)and ridership
(70%)figures 2;
And whereas Seniors age 65 years and over represent a large proportion (23.3%)3 of the
region's population but only 6°/0 of transit riders 1;
And whereas fares must be charged for the Ontario Transit Investment Fund projects, however,
to meet community need and deliver more equitable transit services, eligible projects may
charge reduced or waived fares to support the affordability of the proposed service for users
(e.g. seniors, low income individuals)4;
And whereas many Seniors have diminishing cognitive abilities, and therefore are not able to
maintain their drivers license and which may then negatively impact their mobility and that of
their cohabitant or spouse;
And whereas Seniors typically require transportation during what are considered off peak
periods whether for shopping, medical appointments or personal matters;
And whereas many of these same Seniors have limited options for travel as well as affordability
issues: many even seeking the use of various dubious mobility devices and travelling long
distances in what can be considered precarious, if not unsafe conditions;
And whereas it intuitively makes sense to maximize use of available capacity in the transit
system without the attendant cost of capital investment in conventional transit while at the same
time increasing overall ridership and gas tax funding;
And whereas Niagara Transit Board of Directors has recently passed a motion to investigate
"the implications of providing free bus rides to teenagers"5;
Now therefore the Council of the City of Niagara Falls requests that the Niagara Transit Board of
Directors investigate the feasibility of providing free transit for Seniors as well as Teenagers.
Respectfully submitted,
Niagara Falls Seniors Advisory Committee
Sources: ,Niagara Transit General Manager's 2024 Annual Report
2 Association of Municipalities of Ontario
3 Statistics Canada 2021 Census
40.T.I.F.Program Guide
5 Standard-Review-Tribune Wednesday,June 11,2025
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