HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-2025 Niagara MINUTES
n it MeetinJ '4A1DS A City Council Meeting
2:00 PM - Tuesday, October 7, 2025
The City Council Meeting of the City of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday, October
7, 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 Mike Strange
COUNCIL
ABSENT: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
STAFF Jason Burgess, Bill Matson, Heather Ruzylo, James Sticca, Tiffany Clark,
PRESENT: Jo Zambito, Nidhi Punyarthi, Kathy Moldenhauer, Kira Dolch, Shelley
Darlington, Tara O'Toole
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 2:03 PM by Councillor Tony Baldinelli, in Mayor
Diodati's absence.
2. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
2.1. In-Camera Resolution
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
THAT Council ENTER into an In-Camera session.
Carried Unanimously (Mayor Diodati and Councillor Patel was absent
from the vote)
3. CALL TO ORDER - COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENING
The Council meeting reconvened at 4:24 PM.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
4.1. Council Minutes of September 16, 2025
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE the minutes of the September 16, 2025 meeting as
presented.
Carried Unanimously
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5. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
No disclosures were reported.
6. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati extended condolences to the following:
• Christine Dalton, wife of Norm Dalton, retired City Employee.
• Regional Chair Jim Bradley
b) Events & Announcements:
MacBain 20th Anniversary
• Also attended by Councillors Lococo, Baldinelli and Patel
South Niagara Mayor's Breakfast
• In Port Colborne
• A pleasure to join my fellow South Niagara Mayors Redekop, Junkin,
Steele and Grant
Navratri
• Celebrations took place both at the Convention Centre and at
Firemen's Park
• Also attended by Councillor Patel
•
• Line of Duty Death Ceremony
• At Fire Station 1
• Also attended by Councillors Patel and Lococo
Councillor Representation
Councillor Strange • Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), Trillium
Seed Grant Recognition
• Grand Opening, Pete's Pizza
Councillor Lococo I • NF Rowing Club Recognition & Boat
Christening Ceremony
Business Milestones and Events:
• Milestone Millwork 20th Anniversary
o Also attended by Councillor Patel
• Clifton Group 100th Anniversary
o Also attended by Councillor Patel and Lococo
• Cosmic Paws Grand Opening
Flag Raisings:
• Franco Ontarian Flag Raising — 50th Anniversary
o Attended by Councillors Lococo and Patel
• National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
o Attended by Councillors Strange, Patel and Lococo
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c) The next scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at City Hall.
7. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
7.1. Presentation - Technology and Digital Master Plan Discovery Summary
Perry Group Consulting Ltd has completed a Technology and Digital Master
plan for the City of Niagara Falls. Perry Group helps municipalities maximize
opportunities to use technology in transformative ways. The presentation is to
summarize key findings from discovery phase and highlight strategic risks and
opportunities along with next steps for the strategized phase.
Susan Chase, Project Lead Consultant for Perry Group Ltd., will be providing a
virtual presentation entitled "Technology and Digital Master Plan Discovery
Summary" at a future Council meeting as there was a request to defer the
presentation.
Moved by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council DEFER the presentation from the Perry Group Consulting Ltd,
until the next Council meeting on October 28, 2025, upon their availability.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council DIRECT staff to move to Item #9.2 on the agenda (NG911
Dispatch Contract with the City of Niagara Falls), to accommodate the
attendance of the firefighters.
Carried Unanimously
8. PLANNING MATTERS
8.1 PBD-2025-53 - Public Meeting
AM-2025-002, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment
4965, 4971, 4981 Stanley Avenue & 5516 Morden Drive
Proposal: To permit a 6 storey mixed-use building containing 73 residential units
with 446 sq m. of commercial uses located on the first floor
Applicant: Srao Sawinder Pal
Agent: Michael Allen (ACK Architects)
The Planning Public meeting commenced at 4:59 PM.
Nick DeBenedetti, Planner 2, provided an overview of Report PBD-2025-53.
Amanda Graverly, of 5506 Arthur Street, addressed Council opposing the development
citing traffic concerns.
Michael Allen (Agent), from ACK Architects, along with Nichlas Godfrey (Planner from
UCC Planning), addressed Council with a presentation in support of the development.
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Mayor Diodati left the meeting at 5:23 PM and Councillor Strange resumed as Chair.
Mayor Diodati returned to Chair the meeting at 5:27 PM.
The Planning Public meeting concluded at 5:45 PM.
The City Council has approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to permit
the development of a six-storey mixed-use building at 4965, 4971, and 4981 Stanley
Avenue, and 5516 Morden Avenue, subject to regulations.
The project will include 73 residential units and ground-floor commercial space for
retail, office, or restaurant uses.
This development supports the City's goals for intensification, housing diversity, and
efficient land use, making better use of existing infrastructure and contributing to a
more vibrant neighbourhood along Stanley Avenue.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
1. THAT Council APPROVE the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to
increase the permitted density and rezone the subject lands to a Residential Apartment
5F Density (R5F) with 446 sq. m. of commercial uses located on the first floor.
2. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the amending draft zoning by-law which includes 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.
Ayes: Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Ruth-Ann
Nieuwesteeg, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Mona Patel, and Councillor Chris
Dabrowski
Carried 4-3 on a recorded vote
9. REPORTS
9.1. CS-2025-43 - Finance
Annual Update of OLG Spending and Commitments
Tiffany Clark, Director of Finance, provided a presentation to Council.
Councillor Dabrowski left the meeting at 5:48 PM and returned at 5:53 PM.
Councillor Kerrio left the meeting at 5:51 PM and returned at 5:59 PM.
Direction to Staff: Councillor Lori Lococo requested a report from the Niagara
Regional Police outlining the role of the Casino Policing Unit, to verify the
services that they provide (# of police officers, # of calls, etc....).
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City Council received the 2025 annual update on Ontario Lottery and Gaming
(OLG) funds, which support major community projects and infrastructure. Since
2013, the City has received over $239 million, with $10.1 million remaining
available for future Council-approved initiatives.
OLG funds are aligned with five key priority areas:
1.Property tax relief
2.Capital assets & strategic projects
3.Economic development initiatives
4.Social service initiatives
5.Funding to support local policing in the Fallsview Casino District
The City continues to prefer using OLG funding for special projects and
infrastructure, rather than offsetting the general property tax levy.
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council RECEIVE the annual update of OLG spending and
commitments report.
Carried Unanimously
9.2. CAO-2025-12
NG911 Dispatch Contract with the City of St. Catharines
Tim Lea, representing the Niagara Falls Professional Fire Fighters Association,
addressed Council citing concerns of the proposed dispatch contract with the
City of St. Catharines. Details were not expressed as advised by their legal
representation.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
1. THAT Council APPROVE the engagement of the City of St. Catharines Fire
Department to provide NG911 dispatch services.
2. THAT Council DELEGATE the Chief Administrative Officer and the Fire
Chief to finalize the services contract with the City of St. Catharines and any
other agreements to complete the transition.
3. AND WHEREAS, the Niagara Falls Professional Fire Fighters Association
has threatened legal action on this matter, Council DIRECTS staff specifically
to appoint an arbitrator or other appropriate body to hear this matter.
4. AND WHEREAS, due to the magnitude of the issues including public safety
issues related to the existing operations of Niagara Falls Fire Dispatch which
have been noted by third party experts; secondly the issue related to the
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significant required increase in financial costs to implement NG911 as well as
to bring the call center up to best practice standards, and lastly the impending
deadline to adopt NG911; Council DIRECTS staff to request that this issue be
dealt with in an expedited manner.
Carried Unanimously
9.3. PBD-2025-54
Proposed Telecommunication Tower Facility
7790 Blackburn Parkway
Applicant: Fontur International on contract to Signum Wireless
James Kennedy from FONTUR International was in attendance virtually should
Council have questions. No questions were asked of Mr. Kennedy.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada be
advised that the City of Niagara Falls does not object to the construction of a
60 metre (197 foot) lattice tri-pole communications tower with a fenced in
compound on the lands municipally known as 7990 Blackburn Parkway.
Carried Unanimously
10. CONSENT AGENDA
10.1. CS-2025-55
2026 Council Meeting Schedule
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council APPROVE the proposed 2026 meeting schedule.
Carried Unanimously
10.2. MW-2025-23
E.E. Mitchelson Park Redevelopment
City Council received a report on the public engagement for E.E. Mitchelson
Park, which gathered resident feedback on improvements following the
permanent closure of the outdoor pool.
The majority of residents supported creating a multi-use game area (MUGA)
court on the former pool site, along with a mixed tennis/pickleball and multi-
basketball court. Other planned upgrades include a shade pavilion, improved
parking, accessible trails, upgraded washrooms, and an accessible swing.
Council also directed staff to include $40,000 in design funding for the park's
redevelopment in the 2026 Capital Budget, with construction anticipated in
2027.
Page 6 of 18
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
1. That Council RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION this report on the outcome
of the E.E. Mitchelson Park public engagement.
2. That Council DIRECT staff to include E.E. Mitchelson Park
Redevelopment design funding of$40,000 for consideration in the 2026
Capital Budget.
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Proclamation Request - Giving Tuesday 2025
The attached letter is requesting Council to proclaim December 2, 2025 as
"Giving Tuesday" in the City of Niagara Falls.
Recommendation: THAT Council PROCLAIM December 2, 2025 as "Giving
Tuesday in the City of Niagara Falls.
11.2. Flag-Raising Request - Romania's National Day
Attached is a request for a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday,
December 1, 2025 to recognize "Romania's National Day."
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a flag-raising ceremony at City
Hall on Monday, December 1, 2025 to recognize "Romania's National Day."
11.3. Noise By-law Exemption - Niagara Falls Marathon
The organizers for the upcoming Niagara Falls Marathon, to be held on
Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Upper Rapids Parking Lot, is requesting noise by-
law exemption to allow for an announcer to speak on the PA system (amplified
sound) starting at 6:30 AM until 7:00 AM.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE a noise by-law exemption for the
Niagara Falls Marathon, held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 as Upper Rapids
Parking Lot, to allow for an announcer to speak on the PA system (amplified
sound) starting at 6:30 AM until 7:00 AM.
11.4. Lighting of City Hall - World Mental Health Day
Attached is a request to light up Niagara Falls City Hall, along with Niagara
Falls, in purple, on Friday, October 10, 2025 for "World Mental Health Day", to
raise awareness and show recognition for the importance of mental wellness.
Recommendation: THAT Council APPROVE the request to light up Niagara
Falls City Hall, along with Niagara Falls, in purple, on Friday, October 10, 2025
for "World Mental Health Day", to raise awareness and show recognition for the
importance of mental wellness.
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
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THAT Council APPROVE/SUPPORT Item #11.1 through to and including Item
#11.4.
Carried Unanimously
12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
12.1. Resolution - Town of Grimsby - Support for Niagara-GTA Corridor
Attached is a resolution from the Town of Grimsby, passed at its Council
Meeting on September 8, 2025, supporting a Niagara-GTA Corridor.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information.
12.2. Resolution - Town of Wasaga Beach - Support for Collaborative Action on
Sustainable Waste Management in Ontario
Attached is a resolution from the Town of Wasaga Beach in support of the
request regarding Collaborative Action on Sustainable Waste Management in
Ontario.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
12.3. Resolution - Town of Lincoln - Bail Reform to Strengthen Community
Safety
Attached is a resolution from the Town of Lincoln, passed on September 22,
2025, regarding Bail Reform to Strengthen Community Safety.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
12.4. Correspondence from the Niagara Region
Attached is a resolution sent from the Niagara Region regarding a Call to
Strengthen Laws, Sentencing and Parole Restrictions
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
12.5. Resolution - Town of Midland - Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras
Attached is a resolution passed at the Town of Midland's Council Meeting on
September 24, 2025, opposing the elimination of Automated Speed
Enforcement (ASE) cameras.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
12.6. Correspondence from Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)
- Watershed Monitoring Technical Report 2024
Attached is correspondence from the NPCA for distribution to Council.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for information.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council RECEIVE for INFORMATION Item #12.1 through to and
including Item #12.6.
Carried Unanimously
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13. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
Direction given to staff. Nothing to ratify.
14. MOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION
14.1 Motion - Automated Speed Enforcement
Attached is a motion submitted by Councillor Lori Lococo regarding automated speed
enforcement.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council approve a motion to reconsider the motion regarding automated speed
enforcement, brought forth by Councillor Lococo.
Ayes: Councillor Lori Lococo, Councillor Tony Baldinelli, Councillor Mona
Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris Dabrowski,
and City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Nays: Councillor Mike Strange
Carried 6-1 on a recorded vote
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Mona Patel
THAT Council DEFER the motion regarding Automated Speed Enforcement,
submitted by Councillor Lori Lococo, until the next meeting on October 28, 2025.
Carried Unanimously
15. NOTICE OF MOTION
15.1 . Notice of Motion - Councillor Lococo - AMCTO Resolution: Automated
Speed Enforcement Advocacy
Attached is a Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Lococo, from AMCTO
pertaining to Automated Speed Enforcement Advocacy
Automated Speed Enforcement AMCTO Oct 7 2025
15.2. Notice of Motion - Work from Home Policy
Attached is a notice of motion submitted by Councillor Nieuwesteeg regarding
a review of the work from home policy.
Notice of Motion - from Councillor Nieuwesteeg - work from home policy review
10 25
15.3. Notice of Motion - Unhoused Action Plan
Attached is a notice of motion submitted by Mayor Diodati pertaining to an
unhoused action plan.
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
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THAT Council suspend the rules and waive the procedural by-law to allow for a
discussion of this notice of motion pertaining to an unhoused action plan.
Carried Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Jim Diodati
Seconded by Councillor Lori Lococo
Whereas, the last official PIT (Point In Time) count of unhoused people in 2024
found 701 people to be unhoused in the Niagara Region and by relation,
approximately 25% (175 people) are in Niagara Falls; and,
Whereas, these approximately 175 people are in need of services, outreach,
resources, shelter and housing; and
Whereas, multiple community agencies are charged with providing those
services, including Niagara Regional Housing, Summer Street Shelter, Project
SHARE, The Soup Kitchen, Regional Essential Access to Connected
Healthcare Niagara (REACH), Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (NASO) and
Gateway of Niagara, No One Goes Hungry, YWCA, BCG Niagara Nightlight
Youth Services, Positive Living, The Salvation Army, many more churches,
etc.; and
Whereas, numerous government agencies are directly involved in providing
services and support to these 175 unhoused people, along with the vulnerable
and in-need in Niagara Falls, including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability
Support Program (ODSP), the Niagara Regional Police (and NRP CORE Unit),
Niagara Health, the City of Niagara Falls; and,
Whereas, efficiencies can be created among the large number of service
providers by streamlining and sharing service delivery; and
Whereas, there are many successes being achieved individually by agencies
but those successes sometimes exist in silos and are not being replicated; and
Whereas, because of challenges often experienced by unhoused people
including mental health and addictions there is a disproportionate amount of
services and resources going toward caring for and maintaining outreach; and
Whereas, everyone deserves care, concern and help with issues beyond their
control; and,
Whereas, the Niagara Regional Police have enacted a no tolerance policy on
open drug use; and
Whereas, all residents, including housed people, students, families, seniors
and visitors deserve the enjoyment of public property, including parks,
cemeteries, trails, amenities and City facilities including arenas, museums, etc.;
and,
Whereas, because of the constant need to address overnight encampments,
open drug use, drug trafficking, addictive behaviour, disrespectful or illegal
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acts, vandalism and similar activities, the continued use of public amenities by
our unhoused population for these activities has made these locations
unusable by others; and,
Whereas, residents and staff feel unsafe using City amenities; and,
Whereas, local family businesses are adversely affected, having spent tens of
thousands of dollars on daily clean-up of drug paraphernalia, encampments,
human waste, and adding additional security measures to help protect their
investments; and,
Whereas, business has significantly declined in affected areas because
customers are intimated by this type of activity; and,
Whereas, taxpayers fund a disproportionate amount of resources to address
and support the unhoused, vulnerable and working poor in our community; and
Whereas, outside of the need for permanent housing, there are ample
resources to serve this in-need population in our community; and,
Whereas, the majority of municipal funds go toward reactive activities like
clean-up, repair, maintenance and security, rather than directly helping people
in need; and
THEREFORE be it resolved, City Council engage Ken Todd, to assemble and
lead a team to create a coordinated Action Plan outlining an overarching
mission, and to focus and streamline current resources to create efficiencies,
and an effective approach to support unhoused and vulnerable people in our
community.
Carried Unanimously
Notice of Motion - from Jim Diodati - Unhoused Action Plan EDITED 10 25
16. NEW BUSINESS
a) Draft Plan of Condominiums under the Planning Act
Councillor Lococo requested a change to the notification process.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council DIRECT staff to send condominium notifications to the condo
corporations and to all individual owners within the Condominium complex.
Carried Unanimously
b) Marineland
Councillor Lococo brought forth some concerns regarding the direction of the
severance of land and staff provided comment.
c) Veterans' Crosswalks
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Councillor Patel expressed her gratitude to staff for the installation of the
Veterans' Crosswalks in Niagara Falls and for doing so efficiently. The City of
Niagara Falls will unveil the City's first Veterans' Crosswalks at two locations
this month:
• Stanley Avenue at the Fairview Cemetery Entrance - Thursday, October
9, 2025 - 12:30 PM.
• Main Street at Cummington Square West in Chippawa - Tuesday,
October 14, 2025 - 12:00 PM.
d) Niagara Falls Spooky Awards
Councillor Dabrowski informed the public that the Spooky Awards are back for
2025.
The Niagara Falls Spooky Awards is our free,outdoor Halloween display competition.
Last year more than 50 homes officially entered the competition! Altogether, nine
awards will be issued to our spookiest residents across three categories: Judges'
Favourite, Best Effects, and People's Choice. Thanks to all for joining in the fun and
showcasing your incredible talent and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing all the
spook-tacular displays!
Get Spooky! There are lots of ways to participate:
1. Create an outdoor Halloween display at your home or business. See Official
Entry Rules below. Registration is open from October 1 to October 17, 2025,
by 4 pm I Register
2. Tour the displays across the city with the Spooky Map! Displays will be lit
right up to Halloween night, so hop in the car with your family and friends to
see all the creepy decorations!
3. Cast your vote in the People's Choice Awards. Voting will be open to the public
during the judging window (from 6 pm on October 24 to 10 pm on October 26
only).
4. Follow the Competition on Facebook! Competitors campaign for visits and
votes by sharing photos and videos. Click here for the Facebook Page.
17. BY-LAWS
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and
116. traffic on City Roads. (Stopping Prohibited, Parking Prohibited)
2025- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
117. meeting held on the 7th day of October, 2025.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried Unanimously
18. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
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Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
That Council ADJOURN the meeting at 7:02 PM.
Carried Unanimously
Ma
City Clerk (Mc hj)
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