HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-2025 Lvg ri2, Niagara MINUTES
Falls . City Council Meeting
2:00 PM - Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Council Chambers/Zoom App.
of Niagara Falls was called to order on Tuesday,
The City Council Meeting of the City g
November 18, 2025, at 2:06 PM, in 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, Bill Matson, Heather Ruzylo, Shelley Darlington, Erik
PRESENT: Nickel, Tiffany Clark, Jo Zambito, Nidhi Punyarthi, Signe Hansen, Kira
Dolch, Chris Gallagher
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council meeting was called to order at 2:06 PM.
2. IN CAMERA SESSION OF COUNCIL
2.1. In-Camera Resolution
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council enter into an In-Camera meeting on November 18, 2025.
Carried Unanimously (Councillor Nieuwesteeg was absent from the vote).
2.2. In-Camera Resolution - Special meeting of November 25, 2025 and January
19, 2026
Moved by Councillor Mike Strange
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council enter into an In-Camera meeting on November 25, 2025, and
January 19, 2026.
Carried Unanimously
3. CALL TO ORDER - COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENING
The City Council meeting reconvened at 4:06 PM.
4. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
4.1. Council Minutes of October 28, 2025
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Page 1 of 12
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT Council APPROVE the Council minutes of October 28, 2025 as
presented.
Carried Unanimously
5. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None reported.
6. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Mayor Diodati offered sympathy to the family of:
• Stanford Burgess (Stan), brother of CAO, Jason Burgess
b) Mayor Diodati mentioned the following events and announcements:
Events & Announcements:
New Niagara Falls logo
• Proud to introduce a new, fresh brand identity for Niagara Falls
• Reflects the City's dynamic spirit and iconic natural beauty
• Community had their say — interviews/ surveys/ public open house
• It's a modernized logo- as we've evolved as a community & it was time for
our brand to evolve with us.
• The new brand will help inspire a new voice in how we visually represent
the City of Niagara Falls.
Spooky Awards Results
• Thank you to all of the families & households that participated
• 69 entries/ Winners listed online & some photos here!
Bridge Gala
• Convention Centre
• Also attended by Lococo and Patel
Arts & Culture Wall of Fame
• At the Exchange
• Also attended by Councillors Patel, Strange, Baldinelli, Lococo and
Nieuwesteeg
Brave Hearts Gala
• At Central Community Church
Boys & Girls Club 65th Anniversary
• Lundy Manor Winery
• Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Lococo and Patel
At Your Service Niagara Falls Launch
• 2 new service counters — MacBain & City Hall
Page 2 of 12
• Single point of service/first-call resolution
• Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Patel and Strange
•
Remembrance Day Services
• Christ Church Service of Remembrance
• Chippawa
o Also attended by Councillors Baldinelli, Patel, Nieuwesteeg and
Lococo
• Fairview Cemetery/ City Service
a Also attended by Councillors Patel, Nieuwesteeg, Lococo,
Baldinelli, Strange, Pietrangelo and Dabrowski
o 2 new monuments:
• for those who served in Afghanistan and in Peace Keeping
Student Christmas Card Art Exhibit
• The Exchange
Honourable Rob Nicholson Pathway Opening
• Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Pietrangelo, Strange,
Baldinelli, Dabrowski, Patel and Lococo
Santa Claus Parade
• Queen Street/ Downtown
• Official Christmas Tree Lighting
• Start of the Winter Festival of Lights
• Also attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Pietrangelo, Strange,
Baldinelli, Dabrowski, Patel and Lococo
Councillor Representation
Councillor Patel • Diwali Festival of Lights
• Presentation of YMCA Peace Medal
• Grand Opening of Kanthari Kerala
Restaurant
Business Milestones and Events:
• Commisso's 15th Anniversary Project SHARE food drive
o Attended by Councillors Lococo, Patel and Nieuwesteeg
• Coffee Pals — grand opening (Queen Street)
o Attended by Councillors Lococo and Patel
• The UPS Store 50th Anniversary of UPS/ 20th of UPS Store
(McLeod Road)
o Attended by Councillors Lococo, Patel and Nieuwesteeg
• The Caffery (Queen Street)
o Attended by Councillors Patel, Strange and Baldinelli
• STK
Page 3 of 12
o Attended by Councillors Nieuwesteeg, Pietrangelo, Strange,
Baldinelli, Dabrowski, Patel and Lococo
Coming Up:
Sparkle Awards:
• Registration Sunday, Nov. 16th online
• Judges favourite/ best effects/ community choice
• Sparkle Map online to see all decorated homes
c) The next Council meeting is Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM - Budget
meeting.
7. PLANNING MATTERS
At 4:30 PM, Council moved to Item #8.1 on agenda, to discuss matters on agenda
prior to 5:00 PM, the official start time of the Planning Public Meeting.
7.1. PBD-2025-57 - Public Meeting
AM-2025-013, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment 3777, 3787,
3791-3815 Portage Road and 3828 St. Peter Avenue
To construct additions on each of the existing 21/2-storey apartment
buildings (a 3-storey addition to the west building and a 4-storey addition
to the south building), as well as construct a new 12-storey apartment
building.
Applicant: 5259 Dorchester Road (Niagara) Ltd.
Agent: Peter Lesdow (Lesdow Architect)
The Planning Public meeting commenced at 5:00 PM.
Nick DeBenedetti, Planner 2, provided an update pertaining to Report PBD-
2025-57.
Aras Reisi, addressed Council, via Zoom, supporting the development siting
benefits including the location of the development and its proximity to
amenities.
Greg Taras, Agent, addressed Council, in support of the application.
Peter Lesdow, Architect, was also present to address any questions of Council.
The Public Planning meeting closed at 5:21 PM.
Council has approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for 3777,
3787, 3791-3815 Portage Road and 3828 St. Peter Avenue, allowing the site to
be redeveloped with three apartment buildings, including a new 12-storey
tower. The project will increase the number of rental units on the site from 49 to
202, in a transit-friendly, amenity-rich area.
The location is part of the Portage Road Intensification Corridor and is
appropriate for higher-density housing. All required technical studies were
reviewed and accepted. A three-year "sunset clause" applies, requiring a Site
Page 4 of 12
k full effect.
to be in place before the zoningtakes Plan Agreement
This redevelopment supports the City's goal of adding housing in walkable,
well-connected neighbourhoods.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
1. THAT Council APPROVE the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment
to increase the permitted density, height and rezone the subject lands to a
Residential Apartment 5F Density (R5F).
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.
Carried Unanimously
8. REPORTS
8.1. MW-2025-27
Driveway Windrow Snow Clearing and Sidewalk Snow Clearing
Assistance Pilot Program
Direction to Staff: THAT Council DIRECT staff to report back on any
additional snow clearing programs that may be able to be implemented within
the City.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
1. THAT Council DIRECT Staff to create a pilot windrow and sidewalk
clearing assistance program for the 2026/2027 winter season;
2. THAT Council DIRECT Staff to prepare the necessary documentation to
procure contracted services for a pilot driveway windrow clearing and
sidewalk snow removal assistance program for the 2026/2027 winter
season;
3. THAT Council DIRECT Staff to include $120,000 in funding, split equally
between the 2026 and 2027 Operating Budgets, necessary to run the
pilot program for the 2026/2027 winter season, providing this service to
approximately 400 eligible applicants;
4. THAT Staff REPORT back on the results of the pilot program after the
completion of the 2026/2027 winter season.
Carried Unanimously
8.2 PBD-2025-58
Page 5 of 12
Extension of Interim Control By-Law related to Settlement Area Boundary
Expansions
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
THAT Council DIRECT staff to extend Interim Control By-law No. 2024-126, to restrict
any new settlement areas and settlement area boundary expansions until March 31,
2026 or until the new Official Plan policies are in effect or criteria for urban area
boundary expansions are established, whichever is less.
THAT Council DIRECT staff to continue necessary policy and related study work to
determine the best approach in addressing privately initiated settlement area boundary
expansion applications and report back to Council through the new Official Plan.
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
8.3. PBD-2025-60
Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025
Brian Dick, Senior Manager of Policy Planning, introduced the report by
providing a brief update to Council.
Council received information on Bill 60, The Fighting Delays, Building Faster
Act, 2025, which aims to cut red tape and accelerate development across the
province.
Key focus areas include:
• Building Homes and Communities, with a focus on streamlined
approval processes and implementing tools to accelerate housing
development.
• Fighting Delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board, with a focus on
implementing changes to resolve cases faster and encourage increased
supply of rental housing.
• Keep People Moving, with a focus on making changes to build roads
faster, combat gridlock, maintain traffic flow, and enhance road safety.
City Staff will provide comments to the Province by November 22, 2025.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
1. THAT Council RECEIVE PBD-2025-60 for information.
2. THAT Council DIRECT staff to provide comments to the Province.
Page 6 of 12
Carried Unanimously
9. CONSENT AGENDA
9.1. CS-2025-56
2024 Budget to Actual Variance (unaudited) - Tax Levy Supported Fund
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
THAT Council RECEIVE report CS-2025-56, 2024 Budget to Actual Variance
(unaudited) - Tax Levy Supported Fund for information.
Carried Unanimously
9.2. CS-2025-61
Permanently Close and Declare Surplus City Laneway (North of Ferguson
Street, West of Dyson Avenue, East of Acheson Avenue and South of
Leader Lane)
File No. 2025-034
Moved by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Seconded by Councillor Chris Dabrowski
1. THAT Council AUTHORIZE that the City laneway located north of Ferguson
Street, west of Dyson Avenue, east of Acheson Avenue and south of Leader
Lane (the "Subject Lands") as shown outlined in yellow on Schedule "A"
attached hereto, be permanently closed and declared surplus to the City's
needs.
2.THAT Council AUTHORIZE the Manager of Realty Services to engage in
negotiations with respect to the sale of the Subject Lands in accordance with
the City's Sale of Land By-law.
3. THAT Council AUTHORIZE the Chief Administrative Officer and the City
Solicitor to execute all documentation, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor
and take whatever steps necessary to carry out recommendations 1 and 2 and
complete the transactions.
Carried Unanimously
10. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
10.1. Resolution - Norfolk County - Supporting Regional Municipality of
Waterloo re: Amending Ontario Regulation 391/21
At its Council -in-Committee meeting held on October 15, 2025, Norfolk County
Council passed a resolution regarding its support for the Regional Municipality
of Waterloo re: Amending Ontario Regulation 391/21. Attached is Norfolk
County submission letter outlining the resolution that was passed.
Recommendation: THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
Page 7 of 12
THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution from Norfolk County supporting
Regional Municipality of Waterloo regarding the amending Ontario Regulation
391-21.
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
11.1. Correspondence from Niagara Region
The following matters have been sent from the Niagara Region for Council's
information:
1) Niagara Region Report CSD-2025 Respecting Procurement By-law Repeal
and Replace
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information.
11.2 Resolution - Town of East Gwillimbury - Opposition to the Protect Ontario by
Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025
At its Municipal Council meeting held on October 21, 2025, the Council of the Town of
East Gwillimbury passed a resolution regarding its opposition to the Protect Ontario
by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025. Please find attached the Town's submission
letter outlining the resolution that was passed.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
THAT Council SUPPORT the resolution from the Town of East Gwillimbury regarding
Opposition to the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.
Ayes: Councillor Lori Lococo and Councillor Tony Baldinelli
Nays: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo, Councillor Mike Strange, Councillor
Mona Patel, Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, Councillor Chris
Dabrowski, and City Councillor Vince Kerrio
DEFEATED. 2-6 on a recorded vote
11.3. Resolution - City of Cambridge - Rent Protection for Tenants
Attached is a resolution passed by Cambridge City Council on October 28th,
2025 regarding Rent Protection for Tenants.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information.
11.4. Resolution -Town of Prescott - OCIF Resolution
The attached is a resolution in support of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal's resolution
regarding OCIF.
Recommendation: THAT Council RECEIVE for Information.
Moved by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
Page 8 of 12
Seconded by Councillor Mike Strange
THAT Council RECEIVE FOR INFORMATION Item #11.1, #11.3 and #11.4.
Carried Unanimously
12. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK
12.1. Memo from Planning - Replacement of Windows - 5049 Victoria Avenue
(Armoury)
Attached is a memo regarding the Municipal Heritage Committee supporting
the replacement of the existing wood windows with new wood windows.
Recommendation: THAT Council SUPPORT the replacement of the existing
windows with Le Page wood windows at 5049 Victoria Avenue.
Moved by Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT Council SUPPORT the replacement of the existing windows with Le
Page wood windows at 5049 Victoria Avenue.
Carried Unanimously
13. RATIFICATION OF IN-CAMERA
Nothing to ratify.
14. NOTICE OF MOTION
14.1. Notice of Motion - Creation of Annual Pumpkin Awards Program to
Celebrate Community Creativity
Attached is a Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Mona Patel pertaining to
the creation of an annual pumpkin awards program to celebrated community
creativity.
Notice of Motion - from Councillor Patel - Creation of Annual Pumpkin Awards
Program
15. NEW BUSINESS
a) Heater's Heroes - Xmas Toy Drive
Councillor Mike Strange reminded everyone about the annual Xmas toy drive
to help bring a smile to local children (The Heroes), who are living with life-
threatening or debilitating diseases, in memory of the late Robert "Heater"
Lavelle and those children who have sadly passed away.
Details:
Thursday, December 4, 2025 - unwrapped toys, stuffed animals, games and
gift cards for children and youth (infant to 18 years) can be dropped off at
Boston Pizza, 4725 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.
The Heater's Heroes' team will deliver the toys to children and their families at
the Ronald McDonald House.
Page 9 of 12
Moved by Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT Council DIRECT staff to promote the Heater's Heroes Toy Drive through
the City's website and social media platforms.
Carried Unanimously
16. BY-LAWS
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200, to recognize the existing structure on
128. the Lands and permit the use of the Lands for a vacation rental unit. (AM-2025-
015)
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 79-200 to recognize the existing structures on
129. the Lands and to add a vacation rental until as a permitted use on each parcel
of the Lands (AM-2025-017).
2025- A by-law to amend Interim Control By-law No. 2024-126 to extend its date of
130. effect to March 31st, 2026.
2025- A by-law to amend By-law No. 89-2000, being a by-law to regulate parking and
131. traffic on City Roads. (Stopping Prohibited, Limited Parking)
2025- A by-law to appoint City employees, agents and third parties for the
132. enforcement of provincial or municipal laws.
2025- A by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of the City Council at its
133. meeting held on the 18th day of November, 2025.
Moved by Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by City Councillor Vince Kerrio
THAT the by-laws be read a first, second and third time and passed.
Carried (Councillor Lococo opposed to By-law 2025-130 only).
17. ADJOURNMENT
a) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by Councillor Tony Baldinelli
That Council ADJOURN the meeting at 5:35 PM.
Carried Unanimously
Ma or
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y erk
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Heather Ruzylo
NOTICE OF MOTION—submitted by Councillor Patel
Motion-Creation of Annual.Pumpkin Awards Program to Celebrate Community
Creativity
WHEREAS the City of Niagara Falls recently hosted its first-ever Pumpkin Trail at Firemen's Park, bringing
together families, neighbours,and community groups to celebrate creativity,fall spirit, and local pride.
AND WHEREAS the event's success was made possible through the dedication of the Stamford Centre
Volunteer Firefighters Association,community volunteers,and the enthusiastic participation of
residents of all ages.
AND WHEREAS this new community tradition provides an opportunity to recognize creativity and
engagement in a fun, inclusive, and family-friendly way.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council extends its appreciation to the Stamford Centre
Volunteer Firefighters Association,community partners,and all participants for their contributions to
the success of the inaugural Pumpkin Trail;
AND THAT staff be directed to develop and report back with options for establishing an annual
community recognition program—under a name such as, but not limited to,the"Spooky&Spectacular
Pumpkin Awards," "Jack-o'-Lantern Glow Awards,""Pumpkin Spirit Awards,""The Great Jack-o'-Lantern
Awards,"or"The Great Niagara Pumpkin Awards"—to celebrate creativity,community participation,
and artistic expression as part of next year's Pumpkin Trail or similar events.
AND THAT staff include recommendations on potential award name,categories, and a judging
process for Council's consideration prior to next year's event.
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