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2001/04/30REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Monday, April 30, 2001 Order of Business and Agenda Package REGULAR MEETING April 30, 2001 PRAYER: Alderman Gary Hendershot ADOPTION OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting of Apd123, 2001. DISCLOSURES OF PECUNIARY INTEREST Disclosures of pecuniary interest and a bdef explanation thereof will be made for the current Council Meeting at this time. MAYOR'S REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, REMARKR PRESEN TA TIONS Ontario Jr. C, Championships His Worship Mayor Thomson will make a presentation to the Chippawa Jr. C. River Hawks, winners of the Clarence Schmalz Cup, Ontado Jr. C's Championships. DEPUTATIONS Niagara Health System - Mr. Larry Tokarchuk wishes to address Council on the Niagara Health System. Mayor's Student Youth Advisory Council, Brian Cheney, Chair of the Mayor's Student Youth Advisory Council, wish to report on the findings from the Youth Forum. -2- Early Years Action Group - Ms. Dianne Coppola, Project Consultant and Ms. Lorl Walker wish to address Council on the topic of "Understanding the Early Years Project" along with a pilot project that will build on existing community capacity to create an eady childhood development and parenting resource centre. Proposal to reimplement the previously cut weekend bus service . Ms. Margaret A. Goyette and Monica Chambers, wish to address Council and request that Council support and approve a proposal to reimplement the previously cut weekend service to Niagara Transit buses. Brock Bus and the Niagara Transit Service. Mr. David Corfield wishes to address Council on the Brock bus and the Niagara Transit Service. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY CLERK Mr. Luigi De Lisio, Solicitor. Re: Marljana Kovinic - Notice Under Subsection 35(b) By-law 99-f64 as amended- advising that the landlord is prepared to extend the term of the leases to May 31, 2001, after which time the property was being purchased by the tenant and that the severance of the property was to be completed soon to be followed by the purchase. RECOMMENDATION: That the matter be referred to the Committee. Victorian Order of Nurses. Re: Proclamation - requesting that Council proclaim the Week of May 20~h to May 26~, 2001 as "National VON week. RECOMMENDATION: That the request be supported. Additional Items for Council Consideration: The City Clerk will advise of any further items for Council consideration. REPORTS RATIFICATION OF CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE ACTIONS (Alderman Wayne Campbell, Chair) COMMUNITY SERVICES MATTERS Chief Administrative Officer BBS-2001-13, Variance to Sign By-law, 6740 Oakes Ddve, Mardott Hotel -3- Chief Administrative Officer BBS-2001-14, Variance to Sign By-law, Mount Carmel Plaza, Phase IV. PLANNING MA TTERS Chief Administrative Officer PD-2001-40, Application for Site Plan Approval; SPC-37/2000, 7979 Dorchester Road; Proposed Mini-storage Facility. Chief Administrative Officer PD~2001-41, Application for Site P/an Approval; SPC-02/2001, 6039 Fallsview Boulevard; Proposed 15-storey hotel. Chief Administrative Officer PD-2001-42, Requests for Extension to Draft Plan Approval; Williams Subdivision, 26T-93011 (Revised); Williams Subdivision Plan 2, 26T- 94001; Owner: River Realty Development (1976) /nc. Chief Administrative Officer PD-2001-43, request for Removal of part Lot Control; 6510 & 6520 Barker Street; Lots 112, 113 and 114, Registered Plan 64. BY-LAWS The City Clerk will advise of any additional by-laws or amendments to the by- laws listed for Council consideration. 2001-87 To designate Lots 112, 113 and 114 on registered Plan No. 64 not to be subject to part lot control. (Re: PD-2001-43) 2001.88 To amend By-law 79-200, as amended. (Re: AM-40/2000, Colangelo Estates) 2001-89 To authorize monies for General Purposes. (Apd130, 2001) NEW BUSINESS 24Apdl, 2001 Woody Wagg Clerks Off~ce City Hall 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr. Wagg, Please plaice the Mayor's Student Youth Advisory Council on the Agenda for the City Coundl meeting of April 30"', 2001. We would like to be placed on the agenda in order to report on our findings from the Youth Forum, as well as to inform the Coundl as to the direction we will he taking according to the results of the Forum. Thank you in advance for plating us on the agenda. Sincerely, Brian Cheney Chair of the Mayor's Student Youth Advisory Council 0A/12/2001 1~:19 FA~ 9056877324 COpPOLA & ASSOC. April 12, 2001 E.G. Wagg, City Clerk City of Niagara Falls, ON Fax: 905-356-9083 Re: Request to Make a Deputation to City Council Dear Mr. Wagg: On behalf of the Early Years Action Group- Niagara Region, we are writing to request an opportunity to make a deputation to the Niagara Falls City Council at an upcoming meeting. Currently, there are two very exciting initiatives underway in Niagara Falls that focus on the importance of the early years. The Understanding the Early Year~ initiative is designed to provide communities with information about the developmental outcomes of kindergarten aged children and the factors at a community level that influence these outcomes. The City of Niagara Falls is the first community in the region to participate in this project. The second initiative is a pilot project that will build on existing community capacity to create an early childhood development and parenting resource centre. The pilot project will be located at Mary Ward Catholic School and will work to integrate a broad spectrum of services and supports within a child-friendly location for all families and children living in Niagara Falls. We would welcome the opportunity to update Council on the status of these two projects as we work to make the City of Niagara Falls a wonderful place to live and raise a family. We look forward to receiving notification oft'ne date/time that we are to appear before Council. Respectfully yours, Dianne Coppola, Project Consultant Early Years Action Group, Niagars Atkinson Foundation Challenge Proposal f~LLori Walker, Project Coordinator Understanding bhe Early Years Research Project Good PRESENTATION FOR EXTENDED WEEKEND SERVICE Mayor Wayne Thomson And Members of Municipal Council INTRODUCTION: As employees of Niagara Transit, city bus dr/vers, we am all too familiar with the problems encountered by our passengers. We have been told the buses do not start early enough on Sunday and people can't get to work. The passengers who do work afternoons have no transportation when they finish their shift at night. Saturday evenings is a night out for many people, but the city bus stops running at 7:30 p.m., so even attending the cinema is out of the question. Map of City of Niagara Falls (wall map) - present service (Monday to Friday) in red - Saturday service in blue - four runs- 7 30 a.m - 7:30p.m Sunday service even less- one bus starts at 9:30 a.m. - the other two at I0:30 a.m. - all three finish at 5:30 p.m. WHO NEEDS IMPROVED WEEKEND SERVICE: 1) Full and Part-time employees of Niagara's businesses 2) Elderly- One in ten of Canada's population is a senior and 16% of Canada's seniors live in the Niagara- St. Catharines area (Health Canada) 3) Physically and mentally challenged 4) Teenagers for part time jobs and socializing 5) Single Parents- part of Ontario Works 6) People who do not have a driver's license or own a vehicle 7) Residents with vehicles who wish to save time and money, wear and tear on their vehicle, and reduced insurance rates by using public transit to and fi.om work. 8) For residents who have to rely on Speedy Cab because Transit isn't running; using an unsafe and illegal system of transportation WHY? Niagara Transit provides an affordable means of transportation to individuals on a limited or fixed income Average wage in Niagara is under $10.00 per hour - with today's cost of living, alternate transportation becomes unaffordable RIDERSHIP: - It has increased an average of 3.9% per year since 1997 (these figures were reported to city council by the transit commission) SUPPORT: We have received many letters of support from various community organizations and businesses for this proposed extended weekend service. These include: The Y.W.C.A. of Niagara Falls Niagara Square Mall The Job Finding Club The Main and Ferry Business Association The Niagara Falls Special Olympics The Kiwanis Club of Niagara falls The Greater Niagara Senior Citizens Association The Lundy's Lane Business Association Many of Niagara's Businesses have trouble scheduling their employees to work on Sundays due to lack of sufficient transit service. The employees have no affordable transportation. Also, many of transits passengers have completed surveys requesting increased weekend service. In fact, of the surveys completed 85% expressed a need for increased weekend service. PROPOSAL: Our Proposal is to m-implement Saturday service to a weekday schedule and to make Sunday service the same as our present Saturday service. - This will entail approximately 70 hours of additional driver hours for Saturday and an additional 18 hours for Sunday -The fuel consumption would go up approximately 1200 litres for these extra hours of service. -The full time manpower already exists and the transit is already operating on a 24- hour basis. These additional costs would be approx. $15,300 per month. (These costs were obtained from Mr. Terry Librock- General Manager, Niagara Transit) FACTS: Niagara Transit is a unique transit property in Ontario; revenue is not only obtained from the city transit bus routes, but also obtained through servicing and repairing out of town buses, contracts for servicing some major bus lines, an associate shuttle for the Casino, plus a Falls Shuttle during the tourist season. Because of these added revenues, Niagara Transit is one of the most cost efficient transit systems per capita in comparison to other cities in Ontario of the same size. The Municipal Operating Contribution / Capita was $11.54 in 1999 (latest figures available from the Canadian Urban Transit Association as reported to them by Mr. Terry Librock, the General Manager of Niagara Transit) Other cities our size; Whitby- 77,000 population was $22.64 per capita Sault Ste. Marie- 81,000 population was $33.45 per capita Samia- 77,300 population was $16.24 per capita Peterborough- 71,200 population was $21.19 per capita Aj ax- 72,000 population was $17.91 per capita FUNDING: In 1998, the city of Niagara Falls was given a final transit subsidy from the Ontario Government in the amotmt of 1.2 million dollars to be used at the city's discretion. Last year two new buses were purchased with a portion of this grant. City Council has recently approved a 6.5% tax rate hike with part intended to go to public transit as stated by Mayor Wayne Thomson. The Ontario Municipal EmPloyees Retirement System - which council has recently opted to become part of- - has had a contribution holiday since Aug. 1, 1998. The city has not only been realizing a 6% saving for all employees at Niagara Transit with normal retirement age of 65, but also a much larger savings for all employees at city hall as well. This contribution holiday is anticipated to continue until the end of 2002 unless the surplus continues to grow and new changes come into effect. For Niagara Transit alone, the estimated savings on the tmion members retirement plan are in excess of $109,000.00 per year excluding management personnel. The total savings realized by the city came at a time when city hall needed a break from the costs produced by the provincial government downloading to the municipality. On December 8, 2000, the Casino presented the city with its first monthly installment of $216,666.67. (Niagara Falls Web Site- Business Information). We are asking council to invest a monthly portion of the payment received from Casino Niagara, into the city's transit system, to better serve the constituents of Niagara Falls. We realize that council has already set the budget for this year, but the city would not be in debt for this added service, instead it could be implemented, on a monthly payment schedule. This service could be added before the new school term begins in September or possibly sooner. LOOKING TO THE FLrrURE: Years ago, Niagara Transit designed a new logo and colour scheme for its fleet to make the bases more modem and noticeable on the cities' streets. We were one of the first cities to implement the electronic fare box and transfer machine systems for accurate monetary and rider-ship figures, in anticipation of the future growth of our transit. With the current growth of the tourist industry and the development of many new subdivisions, the time has come for increased transit service. The answer to the traffic congestion that plagues our city and the parking problem issue is Niagara Transit. We can get them offthe roads and into our bus seats if we provide them with the service they need. We are responsible, as a community, to provide ample public transportation to the residents of Niagara Falls. Let's continue to develop Niagara Falls as THE PLACE TO LIVE, as well as to visit, and give our residents the convenient, reliable, and affordable transportation system they need. ]'hank you. Monica Chambers President/Business Agent ATU Local 1582 Margaret Goyette Vice-President ATU Local 1582 To Whom It May Concern: Margaret A Goyet~e 6229 Dawlish Ave. Niagara Falls, ON L2G 4J7 Phone: (905) 358-9613 April 17, '. I will be making a presentation to city council on April 23, to ask that they support and approve a proposal to re-implement weekend service to our Transit System. I have been riding thc buses on my days olt; and talking with the riders, they have helped tremendously with their input and support. In 199, the weekend service was cut to our transit system. Instead of the 9 routes we have during the week the Saturday service was reduced to 4 routes, and the Sunday service was reduced to 3 routes. Since 1997, the rider-ship has increased, I believe, if the weekend service is re- implemented that r/der-ship will increase more as a result. New sub-divisions are being built and tourism is on the rise, as a result, we need a safe, reliable and affordable transportation system for everyone in the community. The need for it is there now, and will be more so in the future. Therefore, I am asking for your support to help our council members realize the importance of this issue. If you have any questions, or need more information, please feel free to contact me. Please send your written support to: Fax Number 905-358-5075 Yours truly, Margaret Goyette Rider-ship Survey: Route # Boarded at: This is a completely voluntary and unbiased project. How often do you use transit buses? __Once a week Three tim, __Six times a week Do you use _$10/15 passes Do you find the service Briefly Why? __ l~j. week .More tha~times 30 day passes ~_~ash~ __Convenient? Briefly Why? Inconvenient? What times of the day & what days, do you use the bus? Why What times of the day & what days, don't you use fhe bus?Why What would you do to improve the service? Later nights more/less connections If something else what? __Earlier days __Weekends __something else How long have you lived in Niagara Falls? How long have you been riding transit buses? Commenfs: Signature: YWCA of Niagara Falls March 29, 2001 6135 Culp Street Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada L2G 2B6 (905) 357-9922 (905) 357-6440 (Fax) ywcanf~iaw, on.ca (Ernail) Charitable Registration # 023 6562 49 Ms. Margaret a Goyette 6229 Dawlish Avenue Niagara falls, Ontario L2G 4J7 Dear Margaret; On behalf of the YWCA of Niagara Falls I would like to add our full support to request city council for the re-implementation of weekend transit service. As a residence building housing 15 women and children, who's only means of transportation is public transit. We strongly support the re-in statement of the bus routes as they were in 1994. Should you require further information regarding the above please contact us. Sincerely, · /V / Linda Branchaud Executive Director Over 80 Years of Commun ty Service and Growing Or~-~ Way Member/~ger~/ ~4-25-~1 15:33 ~IAGARA ~GUARE ADMIN ID=ge53579512 fllAGARA Attention: Lis Mortice Chal'~bers To whom i! ]llay conc¢ol: On bahai f of the businesses that operate within Niagara Square, and their many loyal patrons, we wonld very much like to add our endorsement to extended weekend tr~sit service. The currcmr schedule is aligned with the Squares closing hours but does ~not allow late shoppers or employees to catch the latest departure time offered Your consideration, in tiffs regard, will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Dan Rive General Manager 7555 ~lontrose Road, Niagara FaUs, Ontario L2H 2E9 Telephone; (905) 357-1110 Fax: (905) 357-9512 Job Finding Club Tel: (905) 734-8631 250 Thorold Road, Weltand ON L3C 3W3 Fax: (905) 734-9320 E-mail: admin@jobfind.yaces.com April 25, 2001 Dear Margaret, Job Finding Club has been assisting participants in the Niagara Region 1bt the past 10 years in securing employment. We support your endeavors in changing the Niagara Transit to accommodate longer hours and more bus routes. This xvould be a great asset to our participants and the general public. Good luck, Dea~xna Villella Manager, Job Finding Club 5853 Peer Street Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1X4 MAIN AND FERRY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NIAGARA FALLS ONTARIO April 25, 2001 His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson, and members of Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario The Main and Ferry B.I.A. fully supports Margaret Goyette in her endeavors to re-implement weekend services by the Niagara Transit System. These services are necessary to our area not only for us to retain our local customers, but also for the tourists who visit the city all year long. We thank you for your consideration in this matter. ~MutlerY°urs truly.~ Co-chair, Main & Ferry B.I.A. NIAGARA AREA FARMERS' $OUIN END MARKEr TOT~qL P. ~l NIAGARA FALLS SPECIAL OLYMPICS P.O. BOX 2052 · NIAGARA FALLS · ONTARIO · I..2E 6Z2 April 6, 2001 Margaret A. Goyette 6229 Dawlish Avenue Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 4J7 Dear Margaret: This is in reference to your letter of March 27th regarding re-implementation of the weekend service to our Transit System. Our association has several out-of-town tournaments during the year and everyone is required to meet at one location at 6:30 or 7:00 A.M. on a Saturday or Sunday. If the athletes do not have someone to bring them to the designated meeting place, they have to take a taxi and this can be quite expensive. Therefore, I would support this proposal as I feel it would greatly benefit many of our Special Olympic athletes who use the transit system on a regular basis. Yours truly, Ron Barwell KIWANIS CLUB OF NIAGARA FALLS- CENTRAL Coronation Centre 5925 Summer Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 1M7 Margaret Goyette, Dear Margaret.. At our board of directors meeting of April 4th 200I endorsed your tetter of March 27th. We wish you every sucsess in your --! ~Ray Wilson ~'ec,y. the member~ submissioF Phone: (9~) ~.56-6493 April 18,2001 Mayor Wayne Thomson and Members Of Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Fails, Ontario L2E 2LI Dear Mayor Thomson and Members of Municipal Council: On behalf of the Greater Niagara Senior Citizens Association I would like to express our support to Margaret Goyette in her efforts to restore service to the Niagara Transit System to include additional weekend routes. We have recently extended our hours to provide programs and services to the senior citizens in our comtnunity. It would be of great benefit to have Niagara Transit provide additional rou~es on weekends to accommodate early evening passengers. We respectfully request that you consider the proposal of expanded weekend service of the Niagara Transit System as submitted by Margaret Goyette. Thank you. Yours truly / Garth Chapman President Niagara Falls, Ganacla LUNDY'S LANE BiA · RO. BOX 26008, NIAGARA FALLS ON L2G 7X6 Info Line I 800-551-LANE · www.tourismniagara.com/lundyslane April 6, 2001 His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson, and Members of Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Re: Lundys Lane -Extention of Weekend Niagara Transit Service Dear Mayor Thomson and Members of Municipal Council On Behalf of the Lundys Lane B.I.A., I firmly support current efforts to increase the weekend Niagara Transit service for Lundys Lane. Not only is improved weekend service necessary for our local residents who use Lundys Lane as their public transportation corridor, but also very important for the many visitors to Lundys Lane. This is particularly true during the seven months or so (November -May) when the Niagara Transit 'Falls Shuttle' is not operating. Your consideration of this very important issue is greatly appreciated by the Lundys Lane business community. Yours truly, Len'J. Cade' Chairman, Lundys Lane B.I.A. CHAIRMAN TREASURER MARKETING MANAGER VISITORS GUIDE AD SALES Len Cade Jim Cooper Lisa Smith Gino Ma2zarella 905 356 I 162 exl 608 905 374 0288 905 356 I 162 ext. 618 905 688-2849 From: To: Date: SubJect: "Dave Corfield" <stevesteve47@hotmail.com> <wwagg@city.niagarafalls.on.ca> Friday, April 27, 2001 8:27 AM Hi Mr. Wagg Hello Mr. Wagg As per our conversation I hope this will do and that it provides to you the outline that you have requested. I will obviously start out with an introduction. I will then read and use an overhead which will have the support letters for the Brock bus. I will then show an overhead of the petitions by the students. There will also be hand outs of a number of 15 that was mentioned by you yesterday. Within this package will be everything that I will be discussing. I will then show an overhead of the summer camp that is offered by Brock. I will then get into how the accessibility of general public of Niagara Falls has many advantages. These advantages not only include Brock University, but also shopping centres the Pen Centre, and the Seaway Mall in Welland. The public will also have access to many of the health facilities within these two areas. rll then get into a slight history of the regions and the changes that have taken place over the last fifteen years. Then I will discuss the Niagara Transit system its flaws, the reasons why ridership may be so Iow. I will show a scenerio of someone with limited income and how important it is to maintain an efficient public Transit system. At this point I will make some suggestions to possible rectify the situation. These suggestions are but a few in a previous contact with the commission they did not have any maps of the current routes. First I would like to take the Crosstown bus and split it in half. One bus would be the Northtown bus and the second called the Southtown bus. The Northtown bus would run in the same pattern that it does now but will add an hourly ride out to Brock University. I would suggest an hourly ride from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday. One trip at 9:00pm and a last one at 11:05pm. The Southtown bus would run from Niagara Square through the Industrial park behind Marineland via Stanley Ave. then into Chippawa I would suggest that it run through Chippawa on a half hour basis. Having been a resident there at one time the hour on the hour system can be very inconvient when one has to be at work on the hour. An example of this is if you have to be at work at 4:00pm you have to catch the 3:00pm bus. A small inconvience like this is the reason why the fare boxes run empty. Now I would illiminate the Transit systems main transfer spot at Main St. this is proving to be a bit of an eye sore. Woman with small children should not be subjected to wait for a bus in inclimate weather in front of an adult entertainment centre. Again this may be one of the masons for Iow ridership. Low ridership less funds less funds and the system starts to die. So I would suggest that the main Transit point could be the Niagara Square, Walmart and the Stamford centre (which is currently being used). I would then suggest that another bus, which I call the Shopping bus be created, connecting to those destinations plus the Factory outlet mails. A route might go like this: Niagara Square across Mcleod Rd. up Drummond accross Lundy's Lane up Kalar right on Kalar to the highway, the highway to Thorold Stone Rd, Thorold down Dorchester to the Walmart, then back the same way. Right now there is a bus that does this in a round about way I think it's called the Neighbourhood #14. This route has a couple advantage one it avoids the trains which cut right across the city and causes delays. It avoids adding to the congestion of the city accept for Lundy's Lane, and it provides a specific need to the public. The Northtown Southtown as suggested may look as if you need to hire another driver and purchase another bus. The current system has some duplicity and after talking to some of the drivers the Crosstown bus could use some refinements in time and distance. The Southtown bus would be the current Crosstown bus (your not adding anything here). The Northtown bus could be the #12 Thorold (I think that's the name of it). It be a combination of it's current route plus parts of the old Crosstown run with the addition of Brock. It woutd not go downtow~ as it currently does. The only bus(s)that I would have running downtown is the Jubilee (which I would add to include the Niagara Square which is now the main Transit point). The illimination of either the Woodbine or Westlane bus should also be considered. The Jubilee and either one of these bus's timed correctly should be easy access for the public to the downtown area. Keep in mind that the Niagara Falls Shuttle which runs up and down Lundy's Lane, this may also be utilized. The shuttle has a higher frequency and deeper penetration west of Kalar Rd. Now as far as funding I do have a couple of suggeStions. These route changes may increase ridership. Plus, I think penetration into the Industrial area by the Southtown bus would give workers of single car families a more efficient way to get to work. These companies could be petitioned to help in the financing through Income Tax deductions. I have been looking into what the Income Tax laws refer to as Environmental Gifts. Employers could subsidize workers fares as part of an ontime program for their employees. This would reduce any lateness and illiminate lateness excuses. The Northtown bus, because of its increased frequency to St. Catharines it too may increase ridership by the public. There are many government facilities that are only in St. Cathadnes plus health centres that are unique to the Niagara region. There is also the added exposure by the public who frequent this run. This gives the Niagara Transit the opportunity to approach business in St. Catharines to advertise either inside the bus or outside the bus. Added advertising dollars could help to sustain this system. Brock University currently has approximately 1400 students who reside in Niagara Falls. Half of these our what they refer to as "out of towners." Students who live permenantly outside of Niagara Falls, and who reside in Niagara Falls. As a suggestion, someone could contact Brock Universities Registrar's office, and have added information sent to potential students through their Welcome to Brock packages. Some sort of solicitation in the package that could read, "Come live in Niagara Falls and use our Trensist system", package. This has a couple of benifts. Students spend approximately 15-20 thousand dollam on their education. Aproximately $5,000.00 is spent on books and tuition the other is spent on food lodging and entertainment. There is possibly 10-15 thousand dollars per student spent in the town that they live in. The other benefit is you would have better number's by having potential students fill out some sort of confimation card. These suggestions do not include any of the Niagara College residents since there is a connection from Brock (which by the way is running through the spring and summer months). The new students could be contacted in the same way as described above. These suggestions should start as soon as possible with the Fall only a few short months away. In the meantime I would like to ask council that the Brock bus remain as is for now with the addition of one more bus time of 11:00pm for the spring evening session. I hope this is what you're looking for Mr. Wag. You can contact me by phone at (905)324-4674 or by e-mail, Please let me know that you have recieved this. Thank you for your attention Respectfully David Corfield Get Your Pdvate, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at htto:/N~vw, hotmail.com LUIGI DE LIS10 Barrister & Solicitor 16-261 Martindale Road St, Catharines, Ontario L2W 1A2 T:(905) 687-4885 (F):(905)687-3311 April 23rd, 2001 BY FAX Tile City of Niagara Falls Clerk's Division 4310 Queen Street P O Box 1023 Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Attention E.C. Wagg City Clerk Dear Mr Wagg Re: Notice Under Subsection 35(b) By-Law 99-164 as amonded Your letter of April 18~', 2001 addressed to Marijana Kovmic was received by hem Friday April 20"', 2001 and fo~arded to me for response. I note tile comments contained in your correspondence and advise that the lease provides the! en expiration of the term contained U'~erein, the tenant continues on a month- to-month basis. Be advised that the landlord is prepared to extend the term of the lease to May 31, 2001 after which time the property is being purchased by the tenant The severance of the properly is to be completed soon to be followed by the purchase Please treat this correspondence as written request pursuanl to section 52a(2)(c) of the By Law to [lave tile matter heard by the Council for the Cily of Niagara Falls. I understand that such written request must be filed with the Clerk within 10 days of the delivery of the notice VON CANADA 24 H~Iul Victorian Order of Nurses Infirmi~res de ['Ordre de Victoria NIAGARA BRANCH SUCCURSALE DE NIAGARA April 19, 2001 City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen St. L2ENiagara6x5Falls' ON Dear Mayor and Members of Council: can g l ;r,, 7or c SoUC i I de Re: REQUEST FOR PROCLAMATION NATIONAL VON WEEK - MAY 20 - 26, 2001 May 20 to May 26, 2001 is National VON Week. VON Niagara is seeking the City of Niagara Fall's recognition and support through formal proclamation. Since 1897, The Victorian Order of Nurses has been a part of Canada's history, its expansion and development, its changing ideals through two world wars, and its growth in the exciting new age of technologies. VON is an integral part of the Canadian health care mosaic and is committed to a second century of innovative service to the peoples in Canada and the City of Niagara Falls. We are confident that Council will acknowledge and support the great work of VON within the Niagara community by introducing a resolution and formally proclaiming May 20 - 26th as "VON WEEK". Thanking you, in advance, for your assistance, we remain, Respectfully yours, Marilyn Bowslaugh Assistant to Executive Director ;300 Merrittville t iwv, Unit/bureau Thorold, ()l/tar io L2V 4Y6 lelel)h~me/[~qhqph~,nu F)()5) 64 1 1077 Fax/Tol~,(opieurlg05) 641 55~0 Community Services Department Building and By-law Services 4310 Queen Street The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E Niagara Falls lJ~~~,- 6x5 Can~~ Tel: (905) 356-7521 .~111~~ ~ - Fax: (905) 374-7500 E-maih melb@city.niagarafalls.on.ca BBS - 2001-13 Mel Brown, CET, CBCO Director April 30, 2001 His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson and Members of Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: BBS -2001-13 Variance to Sign By-Law 6740 Oakes Drive - Marriott Hotel RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the variance for a one-hundred and eleven (111') foot long roof sign with a height of forty (40') feet above the roof line and an area of one-thousand, one-hundred and three square feet (1,103). BACKGROUND: The Marriott has submitted an application for a roof sign at 6740 Oakes Drive. The Sign By-Law currently states that roof signs shall not exceed twenty-one (21') feet in height above the roof line, and they may not exceed one-hundred (100') feet in length unless the building to which it is attached exceeds thirty-five (35') feet in height. The height extension will provide an eight (8') foot clearance between the bottom of the sign and the roof to allow a decorative partition to camouflage the roof equipment. The excess height requested will allow visibility above this partition and will be consistent in size and nature with the existing advertising. A building permit and permission from the Niagara Parks Commission will be required before the permit is issued. y-law Enforcement Director of Building & By-law Services Attach /A'pprov~ed by: ~ /) / Executive Director of Community Services Re~p~_ct~l~3~ Subrgitted: Edward P. Lus-Mg _ _~ Chief Administrative L,~cer Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-law Services April 3, 2001 "At the leading edge of hospitality in Niagara" His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson Members of City Council City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen St. Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Dear Madam/Sir: As you may well be aware, our Firm Js completing construction of the Niagara Falls Marriott Extension. A first class hotel facility which Js municipally known as 6740 Cakes Drive, Niagara Falls, Ontario. It is our intent, in keeping with the high profile destination which our City enjoys and deserves, to construct a building extension and affix signage that will be aesthetically appealing, in so far as structure and architecture, this certainly would include the signage. As a result of conversations with City Staff, I understand that the proposed sign does not meet the requirements of the Dy-law, which regulate sJgnoge with respect to roof signs. The subject sign exceeds 100 feet by 11'-3" which would be permitted if length is approved Dy City Council, as the respective builcIJng is greater than 100 feet high. Of the supporting structure, the height is 40' above the roof line. The height of the sign is 20' to 24' of advertised information. The total a0vertising portion of the sign is 1103 square feet. It is our opinion that the proposed signage will not adversely affect the appearance of this building or any neighboring properties. The respective sign has been designed to be proportionate to the size of lot and its' building. Therefore, we respectfully request your consideration of the matter and thank you in advance for your time and indulgence. Sincerely, fiche Ritz Motel Limited John Loreti Purchasing Manager JL~s 5950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3L7 Tel: (905) 353-4044 Fax: (905) 353-4035 The City of Community Services Department Building and By-law Services 43'10 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6X5 Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 374-7500 E-mail: melb@city.niagarafalls.on.ca BBS - 2001-14 Mel Brown, CET, CBCO Director April 30, 2001 His Worship Mayor Wayne Thomson and Members of Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: BBS -2001-14 Variance to Sign By-Law Mount Carmel Plaza, Phase IV RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the variance for a forty (40') foot high ground sign at 3770 Montrose Road for Mount Carmel Centre Plaza, Phase IV as shown on the attached schedule "A". BACKGROUND: River Realty Development has submitted an application for a ground sign at 3770 Montrose Road. The Sign By-Law currently states that ground signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25') feet in height, and that a variance may be requested if the f~ontage of the property exceeds one-hundred and fifty (I 50') feet. The lot frontage on this property is six-hundred and ninety (690') feet. The sign variance is requested to allow the large number of individual tenants enough space to advertise. The height extension will provide sufficient clearance between the bottom of the sign and the ground to maintain site lines of traffic. Council's approval was obtained in 2000 for the Phase III sign, which is similar in appearance. The variance requested is consistent in size and nature with the existing advertising and would not adversely,~ct the surrounding area. ~" ~,/Manager of By-law Enforcement Director of Building & By-law Services Attach ,,Approved by: /~'-o hn MacDonald Executive Director of Community Services e-s-_~. lly ~m~ /lw"ard P. Lustig~ x,, Chief Administrative Of~cer,/,) Working Together to Serve Our Community Municipal Works · Fire Services · Parks, Recreation & Culture · Business Development · Building & By-law Services 04/12/Ol TItU 14:~,l , SOOTHWOODO DRIVE 905 357 1967 "~REA OF ~ FUTURE DEVELOPMENT Schedule "A" AREA OF~ FUTURE DEVELOPMENT CREEK · GOUTHWOOD DRIVE TOP HEADER 121,5" X 62.75" Centre 121"X 121" THIS BOX AND FACE SUPPLIED BY OTHERS TENANT FACES --4' X 10' TENANT FACES -2' x 1 0'-1.5" .L-7 ' X' I0/ 8"X 8" 3-:'~EADEEflLOAP, D 121.5" D~n pn:)p~rt~ of 8i iGN---- 2(3OI Ni~g~lm Falls, o~ [,2H 1J~ P;9~5-357-0~85 F:905~57-1967 . d12,2nOl City Of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontado L2E 6X5 Re: Mount Carmel Plaza, Phase 4 This letter is in reference to the pylon sign we are manufacturing for River Realty. We are requesting a variance to allow the pylon sign to be manufactured and erected at Mount Carmel Phase 4 on Montrose Road, to be constructed to forty feet from ground level. We request this because of the number of tenants in the new phase, along with the big box store being erected. The tenants will require advertising space and there would not be enough room on a smeller pylon. Traffic safety is another issue, if the signage space is limited, there will not be enough clearance at the boffom of the sign to view oncoming traffic. If you nquire any additional information, please call me at the number listed. Sincerely, Jeff Wallis JW/mm The City of ~ Corporate Services Department Planning & Development 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-maih planning@city.niagarafalls.on.ca Doug Darbyson Director PD-2001-40 April30,2001 His Worship Mayor W. Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: PD-2001-40, Application for Site Plan Approval SPC-37/2000, 7979 Dorchester Road Proposed Mini-storage Facility RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that Council approve the site plan for a proposed mini-storage facility at 7979 Dorchester Road. BACKGROUND: An application for site plan approval has been made for a vacant 3.9 acre site known as 7979 Dorchester Road. The applicant, Sentineal Self Storage Inc., proposes to construct a 51,600 square foot mini-storage facility. The facility will be built in six phases, progressing east, then north, on the site. The blocks will range in building area from 2,550 square feet to 15,600 square feet. The subject lands are located south of McLeod Road with the area known as the Drummond Industrial Basin. The Drummond Industrial Basin which is bounded by an Ontario Hydro corridor to the north, the Welland River to the south and extends west from Stanley Avenue to the Ontario Hydro-canal, has been designated for industrial land uses and do not have any exposure to main arterial roads. Accordingly, the proposed mini-storage use of the subject lands is well-suited and will not have any adverse impacts on surrounding lands. The site plan drawings have been satisfactorily reviewed by the Site Plan Technical Committee and as such, approval is recommended. Working Together to Serve Our Community Clerk's Finance Human Resources Information Systems Legal Planning & Development April 30, 2001 ley ' ' ~' Planner 2 Recommended by: Doug Darbyson Director of Planning & Development Approved by: Tony Ravenda Executive Director of Corporate Services JB:am V52001COUNCILk2001 04 30kPD200140.wpd -2- PD-2001-40 Respectfully submitted: Edward P. Lustig ,// Chief Administrative Off'~r 'l' o I Corporate Services Department Planning & Development 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Fails, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www,city, niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: planning@city.niagarafalls.on.ca Doug Darbyson Director PD-2001-41 April 30, 2001 His Worship Mayor W. Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re: PD-2001-41, Application for Site Plan Approval SPC-02/2001, 6039 Fallsview Boulevard Proposed 1S-storey hotel RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that Council approve the site plan for a proposed 15-storey hotel at 6039 Falisview Boulevard. BACKGROUND: On April 23, 2001, Council approved the re-zoning application for a proposed 15-storey hotel at 6039 Buchanan Avenue. The site plan drawings reflect that approval and the amending by-law that was also approved at that meeting. The site plan drawings have been satisfactorily reviewed by the Site Plan Technical Committee and, as such, approval is recommended. e~~.__ ~,J~ ~n~ sley Respectfully submitt~&.. Edward P. Lustig ~ Chief Administrative Officer Recommended by: Doug DaflSyson Director of Planning & Development Approved by: Tony Ravenda Executive Director of Corporate Services JB:am V:~2001COUNCIL~2001 04 30XPD200141.wpd Working Together to Serve Our Communi(y Clerk's Finance Human Resources Information Systems Legal Planning & Development i I !11,, ~ ~ I The City of NiogclrQ FOils I - Corporate Services Department Planning & Development 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalts.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-rnail: planning@city.niagarafalls.on.ca His Worship Mayor W. Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: April 30, 2001 Doug Darbyson Director PD-2001-42 Re: PD-2001-42, Requests for Extension to Draft Plan Approval Williams Subdivision, 26T-93011 (Revised) Williams Subdivision Plan 2, 26T-94001 Owner: River Realty Development (1976) Inc. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that Council support a one-year extension to draft plan approval for the Williams Subdivision and Williams Subdivision Plan 2, conditional on the applicant maintaining the appropriate subdivision signs on the properties for public information purposes. BACKGROUND: Conditions of the original draft plan approval for these subdivisions indicate that final approval must be obtained within two years or the draft approval will lapse. Before the initial approval period passes, an extension to draft plan approval may be granted provided that a written request is received from the applicant which sets out the reasons for the delay and the steps being taken to resolve the required conditions of approval. In order to ensure that draft plans are not automatically extended without consideration being given to current Council policy, planning principles and contemporary requirements, requests for extensions of draft plan approval must satisfy certain criteria and review guidelines. As part of the conditions associated with the delegation of subdivision approval authority, the concurrence of the Region is required before an extension can be granted. PLANNING REVIEW: In a letter dated April 3, 2001, the developer submitted a request for an extension to draft approval of the Williams Subdivision and Williams Subdivision Plan 2 (see attached letter and location map). Original draft approval for the Plans was received from the Region on May 5, 1994 and June 16, 1994, respectively. Several extensions have previOUsly been granted. Working Together to Serve Our Community Clerk's Finance · Human Resources Information Systems Legal Planning & Development April30,2001 -2- PD-2001-42 The subdivisions conform to the City's Official Plan and are zoned appropriately. The Williams Plan consists of 53 single-detached lots and the Williams Plan 2 contains 39 single-detached lots. There are no additional expenditures required on the part of the municipality for external or intemal servicing or oversizing. The Region has no objection to the extension of draft apprOval for a one-year period. The developer has indicated that negotiations are underway with the City regarding additional parkland in the area. Their intention is to proceed with one of the subdivisions following these discussions. The final registration of these subdivision plans, as well as others in the City, may potentially be delayed due to servicing requirements. Niagara Falls and the Ministry of Environment (MOE) have a development strategy in place that permits development to proceed City-wide on the basis that the City's annual sewer program results in a net decrease in sewage flows. The City's sewer separation program has been suspended which affects this City/MOE development strategy. Therefore, all developments must be reviewed individually to determine their impact on localized sewage overflows or basement flooding. CONCLUSION: Based on this review, a further one-year extension to draft plan approval can be supported for both plans (Williams Subdivision until May 5, 2002 and Williams Subdivision Plan 2 until June 14, 2002), conditional on the subdivision signs being maintained for public information purposes. Prepared by: Richard Wilson Planner 2 Respectfully submitted: Edward P. Lustig Chief Administrative Officer Recommended by: Doug Darbyson Director of Planning & Development Approved by: Tony Ravenda Executive Director of Corporate Services RW:am Attach. FILE: V52001COUNCIL~2001 04 30~PD200142.wpd 6746 MORRISON STREET, NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO L2E 6V2 TELEPHONE (905) 354-3853 P.O. BOX 576 FAX (905) 354-1816 April 3, 2001 HAND DELIVERED Mr. Doug Darbyson Director of Planning & Development City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street, Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mr. Darbyson: RE: EXPIRY OF DRAFT APPROVALS WILLIAMS SUBDIVISION (26T-93011 AND 94001), CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS The above-mentioned Draft Plan Approvals are due to expire as follows: 26T-93011 - Williams Subdivision - Expires May 5, 2001 26T-94001 - Williams Subdivision Plan 2 - Expires June 16, 2001 We have been working and negotiating with the City Parks and Recreation Department regarding additional parklands for the addition to the area. These negotiations are not yet resolved. We hope to proceed with one of the phases of thc above development once these negotiations are complete. Therefore, we ask that the approvals be extended for a further One (1) year period. By copy &this letter we are requesting the support of the Regional Municipality of Niagara. Enclosed is our cheque in the amount of $1,000.00 for processing fees. Yours truly, RIVER REALTY DEVELOPMENT (1976) INC. S.A. Branscombe, B.Sc., President. SAB:dm Encl. RECEIVED APR 0 4 2 0t PLANNtH .~ j & DEVELOP~?y~ Mr. David Farley - The Regional Municipality of Niagara (Enclosed is our cheque for $700.00 for your processing fees.) Draft Plan of Subdivision Williams Subdivision 26T-93011 (Revised) Williams Subdivision 2 26T-94001 LOCATION MAP Williams Subdivision Williams Subdivision 2 The City of Niagara Falls I1~1~ Corporate Services Department Planning & Development 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca Tel: (905) 356-7521 Fax: (905) 356-2354 E-mail: planning@city.niagarafalls.on.ca April 30, 2001 Doug Darbyson Director PD~00143 His Worship Mayor W. Thomson and Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Members: Re,' PD-2001-43, Request for Removal of Part Lot Control 6510 & 6520 Barker Street Lots 112, 113 and 114, Registered Plan 64 RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that: 1) Council approve the request and pass the appropriate by-law to designate Lots 112,113 and 114, Registered' Plan 64, as exempt from Part Lot Control; and 2) the applicant be required to notify the City when the separate deeds, as described in this report, have been registered in order for the by-law to be repealed. BACKGROUND: In a letter dated April 9, 2001, Ms. Dianne Secco submitted a request on behalf of the owner (Mrs. Margaret Jmnieson) to remove properties on the south side of Barker Street from Part Lot Control (see attached letter and location map). This process enables the division of lots or blocks within a registered plan of subdivision. The general intent of removing Part Lot Control is for the minor redesign of subdivision lots or the separation of semi-detached or on-street townhouse units. PLANNING REVIEW: The subject land is located within an older plan of subdivision and the 2 existing dwellings (6510 & 6520 Barker Street) were constructed several decades ago over 3 lots of the plan. Through a series of property transfers and estate settlements in the family, these adjacent properties have inadvertently legally merged in title. Approval of the Part Lot Control by-law is required so that the property line can be re-established between the existing homes and separate deeds created. Working Together to Serve Our Community Clerk's Finance Human Resoumes · Information Systems Legal Planning & Development April30,2001 -2- PD-2001-43 The land is zoned R1E (Residential Single Family) through Zoning By-law 79-200. The attached Surveyor's Sketch shows the proposed configuration of lots (corresponding to the existing fence line) and building locations. The dwelling setbacks affected by the proposed separation line satisfy the zoning provisions. However, the shed on Part 1 (6520 Barker Street) does not comply with the required 0.45 metre (1.48 foot) setback for an accessory building. Ms. Secco has submitted a letter to the City's satisfaction agreeing to move the shed to meet the minimum zoning requirements. CONCLUSION: The removal of Part Lot Control will permit the division of the land to allow separate ownership of the properties. Although the consent (severance) process is typically used to separate properties that have merged in title, the subject land is within a registered plan of subdivision allowing a Part Lot Control by-law to be passed. The properties are to be divided along the original property line, there should be no impact on neighbours and municipal concerns have been addressed. Given the circumstances, the use of this Planning Act mechanism is considered acceptable in this case. The applicant should advise the City when the land transactions described in this report have been completed in order to repeal the Part Lot Control by-law. If Council approves the recommendations of this report, the appropriate by-law to designate the land as exempt from Part Lot Control is included in tonight's Council agenda to allow the transactions to be completed as soon as possible. Prepared by: Richard Wilson Planner 2 Recommended by: Doug Darbyson Director of Planning & Development Respectfully submitted: Chief Administrative Officer Approved by: Tony Ravenda Executive Director of Corporate Services RW:am Attach. FILE: V52001COUNCILX2001 04 30h°D200143.wpd APRIL 9, 2001 DELIVERED BY HAND Planning Department City of Niagara Falls 4310 Queen Street Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 2L1 KflENTION: MR_ RICHARD WILSON Part Lot Control By-Law Part of Lot 112 and All &Lots 113 and 114, Plan 64 City of Niagara Falls 6520 and 6510 Barker Street ( for Margaret Jamieson ) Please find attached a sketch of the completed field survey conducted by Matthews, Cameron, Heywood Surveying Ltd. sufficient for submission to the City Planning Department in order to enact an exemption from the Part Lot Control By-Law to recreate two separate properties for Mrs. Margaret Jamieson. The properties have been in Margaret Jamiesun's family for decades and unfortunately were legally merged in error on October 20, 1987 during the transferring of deeds between family members at that time. I am acting on behalf of my grandmother, Margaret Jamiesoa, who is 85 years of age and wishes to put her affairs in order now since she has been battling cancer for over a year. I am, therefore, on her behalf requesting the City of Niagara Falls to pass a Part Lot Control By-Law so that she may complete her final wishes in her. Please find attached a cheque in the amount of $ 200.00 as the fee required for the "exemption" process. I have also attached the initial letter sent February 28, 2000 from the Law Office of Keaneth Harris to the City of Niagara Falls as evidence of how long this matter remains unsettled and for references to Instrument Numbers contained therein if required by the City. 1 would kindly request that this matter be expedited as soon as possible to enable Margaret Sarniesun to complete her Will. If you require any additional information, please contact me in order that I may provide the missing articles. Yours truly, ~~ .. Dianne Secco (for Margaret Jamieson ) 5785 Vine Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2J 1K8 Work Phone (905) 374-2842 Ext.217 Home Phone (905) 358-7336 Removal of Part Lot Control 6510 & 6520 Barker Street Lots 112, 113 and 114, Registered Plan 64 LOCATION MAP Subject Land U!I~tUDJJ