HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-25 - No. 20 q'G:
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CITY DF. ►CANADA
NIAGARA iALLS
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
October 28, 2025
No. 20 — Motion —Water Safety Resolution
Moved by: Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by: Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg
Motion
THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS
WHEREAS drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among children in Ontario
and research by the Lifesaving Society of Ontario shows that most children who drown never intended
to be in the water; and
WHEREAS evidence demonstrates that even basic swimming and water survival skills significantly
reduce the risk of drowning; and
WHEREAS many children in Ontario do not have equitable access to swimming lessons outside of
school due to financial, cultural or geographic barriers; and
WHEREAS several municipalities across Ontario have expressed strong interest in improving water
safety education for children; and
WHEREAS the Ministry of Education has the authority to incorporate water safety and survival training
into the regular elementary school curriculum as a universal, life-saving skill comparable to fire safety
and road safety instruction;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of The City of Niagara Falls respectfully urges the
Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Education, to incorporate mandatory water safety and
Swim-to-Survive training into the elementary school curriculum for all Ontario students; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Minister
of Education of Ontario, local Members of Provincial Parliament, the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario and all Ontario municipalities, with a request for their endorsement.
AND The Seal of the Corporation to hereto affixed. Carried Un ously
MARGARET CORBETT JAMES M.DIODATI
DEPUTY CLERK MAYOR
9‘‘— */.2\
Niagaraa11sa City Hall
4310 Queen St.
C A N A U A
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
(905)356-7521 Ext.4342
billmatson@niagarafalls.ca
October 28,2025
Minister Paul Calandra
Minister of Education
438 University Avenue
5th Floor
Toronto,ON M7A 2A5
Sent via email: minister.edu@ont&rio.ca
Dear Minister Calandra:
Re: Water Safety Resolution
Please be advised that the City Council of Niagara Falls at its meeting of October 28,2025, passed
the following resolution pertaining to a water safety resolution.
THAT Council of the City of Niagara Falls urge the Government of Ontario,through the
Ministry of Education,to incorporate mandatory water safety and Swim-to-Survive
training into the elementary school curriculum for all Ontario students AND,
THAT a copy of the attached resolution be forwarded to the Honourable Minister of
Education of Ontario,local Members of Provincial Parliament,the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario and all Ontario municipalities,with a request for their
endorsement.
Attached, please find a copy of the City of Niagara Falls'resolution.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Bill Matson
City Clerk
cc.
MPP,Jennifer Stevens,jstevens-co@ ndp.on.ca
MPP,Jeff Burch,jburch-coC@ndp.on.ca
MPP,Wayne Gates,wgates-coC@ndp.on.ca
MPP,Sam Oosterhoff,sam.00sterhoffPpc.ola.org
Local Area Municipalities