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2006/02/13 Council Information *for period ended February 13, 2006* *Municipal* 1. Letter from M.P.P. Craitor re: Two Casinos 2. Bill 206 OMERS/CUPE Strike 3. OMB Decision - 7715 Rysdale Street 4. Heart Niagara Vineland Cycle Tour 5. Stamford Football Reunion 6. OSUM Conference & Trade Show *Regional* 1. Wraparound Partnership Group 2. Police Services Board Report *Other Resolutions* 1. Places to Grow 2. Funding Gap 3. Public Libraries 4. Niagara_GTA Corridor 5. Water & Wastewater FEB-13-ZO08 Ol:llPM FROM-KlM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-3ZB-348B T-aZ3 P.OOl/OO3 F-BOg 3930 Montrese Road, Unit #8 Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2H 3cg A faxed reply should be sent to [] The Community Office 1 (905)357,~9456 [] The Queell's Park office 1(416)325-0818 Mayor IL T. (Ted) Salci, City of Niagara To-' F~11s, (:::~_13~o 905-374-3557 From: Klm Cmitor, MPP C. atolyn Bones, Niagaza Falls Chamber of Cammexce 905-374-2972 Tony Zappitelli, Sheraton Fallsview 905- 374-6224 Jotm MacDonald, C,~O, City of Niagara Falls 905-374-3557 q_he Honoutable Jim Bradley, MPP St. Cathafnes (905) 935-0191 The Honourable Davit Caplan, l~_mis ~r Public Infrasix'ucture Renewal 416-3~_5- 3013 Fax: ~7o ~"- ~' ~6 - ~O ~ ~ Pages: [Click ~m a~ ~pe ~ of page] Phofle: ~ ~13/20~ ~: ~sino Niagara ~ File ~U~e~ ~ F~ Re~w D ~e~ Co~ D ~se Reply D Pl~e ~c~le · ¢ommeats: ~ Attached please find a copy of a letter that was hand delivered to the Premier. '~'-'~ Pleas ensure all membels of City Council receive a copy. FEB-la-2006 01:11PM FROM-KlM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-325-3466 T-823 P.002/003 F-BOg ' ~ Klm Craitor, ~.P.P. ~i~ara F~s Monday, Februazy 13, 2006 The Honourable Dalton McGuinty MPP Premier of Ontario Room 281 Legislative Bldg Toronto, ON MTA My dear Premier: I am personally pleased to deliver this letmz to you. There is much speculation in Niagara Falls about the status of Casino Niagara. ! have constantly indicated to the City that it tis our go,rmunmes intention to keep both Casinos open. I am attaching three letters that address fffis issue from 1. Mayor R. T. (Ted Salci) on behalf of the Members of the Niagaxa Palls Gty' Council 2. Carolyn Bones, President of the Niag-ava of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce 3. Tony Zappitelll, Dixector of Open~tions/i)z Sher,~ton Fallsvie~ In addition I am aemching 5 other letters written to the Government, O.L.G.C., Falls Management Company over the past year or so that address the economic imperative of a successful 2 casino stmteg-y and attractors for o,tr region. The Provincial Casinos has been good for Niagara's economy, providing an environment for healthy invesmmnts, good jobs and a healthier tax base. As you know currently the O.L.G.C. is engaged in negotia~ons for a new lease with flae landlord where Casino Niai~tt'~ is located. Whatever the resolution is of those discussions, it is itnpetati~e £tom an economic development point o£~ivw that out government send a cIe~t m~sc,~e to those who ~re w~iting in the winp to invest ~nothet $1.$-2 billion in the lealIs economy. Thank you, Kim Craitor, MPP Encl: 8 le~e~ CC: 3930 Montruse Rs~d, Unit 8, Niwsat= Fall$, ON I.,:~H 3C9 T- {90fi) $57-0681 F - (908) 357-9456 E - keraitor, mpp.eo@libcr~l,ola.org FEB-13-2006 01:llPM FRO~KIM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-3Z5-3466 T-6Z3 P.O03/OOS F-809 K~n Craltor, M.~.P. Niagara Fails Mayor R. T. (red) S-alci, City of Niagaz~a Falls, Ontario Carolyn Bones, Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce Tony Zappitelli, Sheraton Fallsview John MacDonald, CAO, City of Niagara Fails The I-Ionourable Jim Bradley, MI>P Sr, Cathaxmes The I-Ionouxable David Caplan, Minister. Public Infmsm~ctt~e Renewal 39.~0 Montrosc Ro,~t, Unit 8, lq[agar,'* Fa]l~. ON 12211 T - (90,5) $57-0681 F - (900-) 357-9456 E - kcrai~or, mpp.eo@U, beral,ola,org T! FEB-13-ZOO602:45Pgl FROI~KI~ CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-325-3466 T-SZ4 P.004/015 F-810 City Hall 4310 Queen Street P~O. Box 1023 Mayor Ted Salci Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www. niagarafalls.ca {905) :~56-7521 Ext, 4201 Fax: (905) 374-3557' tsalci~niagarafalls.ca Hand Delivered by MPP Craitor, Niagara Falls February 8, 2006 The Honourable Dalton McOuinty, Premier Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office Legislative Bldg Queen's Park Toronto, ON MTA 1Al Dear Premier: The presence of two casinos in Niagara Falls continues to be a tremendous economic generator for Niagara Fa~ls as well as the Niagara Region. Further to that point, the Niagara Falls City Council received a deputation from PKF Consulting, on behalf of private sector stakeholders, outlining the various positive economic benefits of maintaining both casinos within the community. A copy of the Executive Summary is attached. More than $2.5 billion in private sector tourism investment has been made as a direct result of the Province's commitment to maintaining twO casinos. This makes Niagara Fails a rare example in Ontario and the country where the private sector has more than doubled the Province's investment in gaming, achieving thc fundamental goals of casinos to serve as a catalyst for tourism development. Premier, there has been much speculation of late that the future of Casino Niagara is in jeopardy. It is my understanding that a significant extension to the current lease bet-ween the OLOC and the landlord has not been finalized. Premier McGuinty · - 2 - February 8, 2006 What is at risk? 2000 direct jobs and tens of millions of dollars in annual payroll. Hundreds of millions of dollars in new development. o:o People Mover viability since a critical ridership demand generator would be eliminated. The confidence of the financial institutions in providing capital to our tourism stakeholders. Signal to the world that the Province lacks confidence in one of its tourism icon destinations. o:o The creation of the "black hole" effect at the Fallsview Casino. We respectfully request the Province, through th OLGC, enter into a long-term lease agreement for Casino Niagara. This will insure continued positive economic benefits to all public and private stakeholders. It is our understanding that a decision on the matter is pending. I respectfully request the opportunity to meet with you, as soon as your schedule permits, to discuss this issue in greater detail. Your support to insure a long-term commitment in keeping both casinos open would be very much appreciated. Thank you for your consideration and attention to this matter of great importance. Sincerely, R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS:sficec Enclosure c: Members of Niagara Falls City Council The Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism The Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Kim Craitor, MPP Niagara FEB-13-2008 02:44PM FR0~KIM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-3Z5-3458 T-624 P.00Z F-810 ,p'~,~L~'..~he Honoura~le Dalton Mc~uJnty, Premier Province of Ontario O~ce of the Premier ~0~6 gORe ~ESTFR RO,~P Legislative Building, Queen's Toronto Ontario Dear Premier There is speculation in Niagara F~lls at present that ~e Province of Onta~o is planning to close ~asino Niagara. The Oham~er of Commerce Niagara Fails, Canada is deeply con.meal a~out this possibility and ~e impam it would have' on our ~ommuni~, Since opening in ~996 Casino Ni~ra has played a major role in the economy of Niagara In fact, the City of Niagara Falls has advis~ u~ that m~re than'$2.~ billion in private sector tourism investment has been made as a direct result of the Province's ~mmi~en~ to mainlining ~o ~sinos. We believe this is signi~nt evidence of the success of ~e Province's goal to have casinos se~e as catalys~ for tourism development, A~ording to the Niagara Economic Development Go.ration, Gasino Ni~ga~ is the second largest private s~or employer in Niagara Falls, s~ond only to Niagara Fallsview Casino ResoE Bore than ~,5OO p~ple are employed a~ Casino Niagara translating into millions of dollar~ annuBI]y [n payroll, The economic spin-off of ~at payroll [m~cts economic sectors such as new hame construction, sm~ll business s~A-ups and much more. Niaga~ Fails is one of ~e fastat growing tou~st s~tors in Canada. Tourism spending in our community is significant as is the impac~ of the dolla~ spent in our communi~ ~y visitors. We are still ~ "must see~ destJnaBon for dignitaries from ail over the world. Tourism is a m~jor indus~ and employer in Niagara Falls, It is impe~tive w~ continue to suppo~ i~. In our view, ~o~ casinos in Niagara F~lls are significant to the a~amion of visitors. The ~sin~ are also an integral pa~ of con,hued tourism development in Niagara' Fal~ and Niagara as a whole. The Chamber of Commerce Niaga~ Falls, Canada urges you to ~nsider tou~sm and the eConomic faat~ before making a decision to close ~is impo~ant economic generator. Thank you for your ~nsider~tion. We a~it your response. ,ntoq].r ~g~.r:~'~ [~r:h4rJ,i;~r .,,,:, C.C. Members of the Board of Dlrectom, Niagara Falls Chamber'of Commerce... ,,.,.,Er, s~,": Mayor T~ Salci and Members of Council John MacDonald, Chief Administrative Offi~r ," ' The Honou~ble Jim Bmaley, Minister of Tourism' FEB-13-2006 OZ:44PMFROM-KlM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-325-3466 T-3Z4 P.003 F-810 Sheraton Fallsview HOTI,;I. & CONFERENCE CENTRE Februm'y 3, 2006 NIAGARA FALLS Premier Dalton McGuiaty Legislative Building Queen's Park Toromo, ON M7A 1Al Re: Two Casinos for N~gara FaI~. . De~ Premier McGu~nty: " We feel that Casino Niag~ must r~m~n open because: So m~y entreprene~s have inwsted millions of their own money to up~ade fl~eir busines~s in bofl~ ~e Clifton Hill ~a ~d Victoria Avcnue. ~e pa~rom at ~is c~ino Will probably not t~e ~eir business to the new Fallsview Reso~ Cmino, bm rather to the Seneca Cas~os in Niag~a Falls, New York ~d fl~e new S~n~ca casino pl~ed for B~flo, N.Y. ]t hm been suggested:~at casino Niagara should remain open as a "smoking" t~c~i~ to better allow it to ~m~te with ~e Sene~ C~os. Even ~ non- smokers we a~ee wi~ this. However, ~ere should be ~ absolutely Smoke Fre~ Environment al the new Fallsview C~ino Resort. This would allow non- smokers like ourselws to visit ~e.c~o, (A lot of our ~nds have ~e problem ~flx ~is,) We have noticed that ~e "no smo~ng policy" in our lounges ~d ~sm~ts h~ act~ly ine~asad our busine~. Fuffi~er, in' order to promote bus,ess in Ni~ Fa~s, we must have the ~ras~ctt~e that ~ould s~e ~e nee& otthe visitors fll ye~ round, We need to develop a convention tense and a. legible peopte mover system. Yours ~uly, .. .. Sheraton Falisview Hotel & Conference Centre President, Ro~ap Ltd. CC: Mnyor R. T. Salci, Ci~ of~iagara Falls ~m Craitor, M.P.P, The Honourable David Caplan,' M~ister of Public Infras~cmre Renewal The'Honou~ble Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism The Honou~b!e Joe Cordiano~ MinSter of Economic Development G75~; F,~.L.~.v ~W BOULEVARD ~41~.GA;~A ~ALL~, O[.~U~RIO, CA~AU, A I.~O ~W7 PHON~; g[)5-374 ~77 ~AR' FEB-13-2006 02:45PM FROM-KlM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-325-3466 T-824 P.005/015 F-810 City Hell 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Mayor Ted Salcl Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www,city,niegarafalls,on,ca (905) 356-7621 Ext. 4201 Fax: (905) 374-3557 tsalci~city.niagarafalls.on.ca .l'une 22, 2004 The Honourable Joseph Cordiano Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hearst Block, Queen's Park 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON MTA 2El Dear Minister Cordiano: It was a pleasure seeing you last Tuesday for the opening celebrations of the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. This is truly an exciting time for the residents of Niagara Falls, the Region and the Province of Ontario. We are excited to have this world-class casino development in our midst to j oin Casino Niagara. Thank you for responding to my letter of April 26, 2004 pertaining to casino compensation and the attractor issues. I would like to provide further information to you, as your letter did not address our request for appropriate compensation. While we are excited to have two commercial casinos operating within our Municipality, we also realize the significant impact the Casinos have upon the City. The improvements to our infrastructure, which have been carried out at a significant net cost to the City, demonstrates our commitment to accommodate the Casinos in our community. We expect that the demands for road improvements, road repairs and other services will continue as traffic intensifies and more visitors are amacted to Niagara Falls. Casino Niagara has been very profitable for the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLOC), and by extension, for the government of the Province of Ontario. We hope and expect that the combination of the two commercial casinos will be more profitable for ali. I was very pleased to learn the position of the Premier with regard to maintaining the operation of both casinos for many years to come and of your understanding of the extremely positive economic impact each casino has as a catalyst for sustaining and motivating eontinuefl tourism development. This brings me to my one direct request for your attention and action in this letter, namely, the issue of fair compensation to the City of Niagara Falls. In conversation with Duncan Brown of OLGC, I have clarified our interest in extending the agreement currently in place between OLGC and the City, so that it addresses both commercial casino operations. FEB-]3-ZOO8 OZ:45PM FROM-KlM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 418-3Z5-3458 T-SZ4 P.a06/015 F-81a - 2 - June 22, 2004 I suggested that commencing with the opening of'the new casino in Sune 2004 OLOC would pay to the City, as compensation, $2,600,000.00 per annum for each commercial casino, or $5,200,000.00 per annum in total. As reflected in our existing agreement this payment would continue up to and including December 6, 2010, with the amount of $3,000,000.00 per annum per commercial casino, or $6,000,000.00 per annum in total/'or the ten years from December 7, 2010 to and including December 6, 2020, and thereafter, for as long as each commercial casino continues operations at such $3,000,000.00 amount per commercial casino with an increase to reflect increases in the consumer price index at each ten-year inte~al. The Province and OLGC, over time, determined different approaches to compensate local mumcipalities with respect to charity casinos, racetrack slots, commercial casinos and other gambling enterprises. At this point, we are simply suggesting that the approach to date for commercial casinos be extended for the Niagara Fallsvicw Casino Resort. It is my understanding that OLGC is in agreement with our position and has recommended additional compensation, as presented above, to the City of Niagara Falls for hosting a second commercial casino. Minister, I respectfully request your immediate response to what we believe to be a very responsible request. With regard to the attractor, you stated in your letter "that the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort was part ora larger vision to revitalize Niagara Fails and Region by transforming it into a unique, year- round tourist destination." You also commented that "FlVlC has a commitment to develop local tourist attractors as part of their bid," I am pleased to see you feel as strongly as our City Council, tourism stakeholders and our residents on this issue. Included for your review is the media release fi-om September 1998 distributed by OLGC at the much celebrated press event. The press xelease announced the negotiations had been successfully completed with FMC. The package highlighted the various attractions the new Casino Resort would contain. These attractions were received with great excitement and anticipation by the entire community and Region- Unfortunately, and to our extreme disappointment and frustration, many of the attractions announced that day failed to materialize. Listed below are the attractions that were proposed, but have evaporated or have been significantly diminished. Announced Attractor Current Status 72,000 sq. ft. of meeting and convention 28,000 sq. ft. of meeting space space SimEx entertainment, 50,000 sq. ft. Not developed. Family Centre Multiplex Movie Theatre Not developed. - eight thence comprehensive stadium seating FEB-13-2006 OZ:4$PM FROM-KlM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-3Z5-3466 T-824 P.O0?/OI$ F-810 FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that a commitment of 20 years to Casino Niagara by thc Province will continue to encourage economic investment, especially in the Clifton Hill- Victoria Centre arc~; and Premier McGuinty - 2 - Februm-y 8, 2006 What is at risk.* *,'* 2000 direct jobs and tens of millions of dollars in annual payroll. ,~ Hundreds of millions of dollars in new development. *:* People Mover viability since a critical ridership demand generator would be eliminated. -1- The confidence of the financial institutions in providing capital to our tourism stakeholders. ~- Signal to the world that the Province lacks confidence in one of its tourism icon destinations. 4o The creation of the "black hole" effect at the Fallsview Casino. We respectfully request the Province, through th OLGC, enter into a long-term lease agreement for Casino Niagara. This w~_'.ll i .r~ure. cgn_t'_m_ued_positive econ0_nile .... benefits to all public and private stakeholders. It is our understanding that a decision on the matter is pending. I respectfully request the opportunity to meet with you, as soon as your schedule permits, to discuss this issue in greater detail. Your support to insure a long-term commitment in keeping both casinos open would be very much appreciated. Thank you for your consideration and attention to this matler of great importance. Sincerely, R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayori RTS :sf: ccc Enclosure c: Members of Niagara Falls City Council The Honourable Jim Bradley, MinisTer of Tourism The Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Kim Craitor, MPP Niagara FEB-]3-2006 02:46PM FROM-KlM CRAITOE MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-325-3466 T-824 P.008/0]5 F-810 City Hall 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Mayor Tad Salcl Niagara Falls. ON L2E 6X5 web site; www.city.nlagarafalls.on.ca (905) 356~7521 Ext. 4201 Fax; (905) 374-3557 tsalcl~city.nlagarafalls.on.ca March 23, 2005 Mr. Duncan Brown, Chief Executive Officer Ontario LoUery & Gaming Corporation 4120 Yonge Sweet, Suite 420 Toronto ON M2P 2B8 Dear Mr. Brown: City Council read with interest the r~cenI Toronto Star article "Gaming Officials Demand Casino Shape Up: Niagara Isn't Earning Enough." The Council you for demanding that the Falls Management Company bonour their commitment to create an attractor to achieve tile goal of year-round tourism. This is in keeping with the resolution Bliagara Falls City Council passed over a year ago (see attached). As indicated, them was much discussion around the Council table last night regarding thc newspaper article, thc continued lack of an attractor and thc future of two casinos in our community. As a result a number of motions were passed by the Council. These resolutions could be broken down into three categories: the attractor, the continued operation of two casinos in Niagara Fails and future meetings and consultation. The Attractor Issue Niagara Fails City Council unanimously passed the following motions: That Falls Management Company (FMC), the operator of the two Niagara Falls casinos, and the Hyatt Gaming Consortium stop their stalling tactics and take immediate action to live up to the promises made to Niagara and Ontario residents when the Casino contract was .awarded in 1998; and That the FMC and Hyatt Gaming be obligated to fulfill all other commitments contained in its bid; and FEB-]:~-2006 02:46PM FROM-KliVl CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 415-325-3466 T-SZ4 P.008/015 F-810 · ] 700 direct jobs and millions of dollars in annual payroll · hundreds of millions of dollars of new development · People Mover viability since a cr/tical ridership demand generation would be eliminated · The confidence of the financial institutions in providing capital m oar tourism stakeholders · Signal. to the world that fl~e Province lacks confidence in one of its tourism icon destinations · The creation of the "black hole" effect at the Fallsv/ew Casino In discussion on the two casino issue, Council passed an additional resolution: That the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation consider different operators for the two Niagara casinos to encourage competition. The thought behind the aforementioned motion was that with one operator only, there is no incentive to maintain two operations under separate roofs. With competition, each operator will increase marketing efforts to t~ to attract more customem. Future Meetings and Consultation The aforementioned issues need to be resolved. Council was adamant in their desire that a meeting with all appropriate parties: yourself, City officials, the Honourable Minister Joseph Cordiano and Mr. Neil Bluhm, Chair of the Fails Management Company is essential. Your assistance in co-ordinating such a meeting is requested. Perhaps a candid meeting will lead to some pro~ess which has been sorely lacking on some of these outstanding issues. Sincerely, R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS:di:cec Attachments c: Minister Joseph Cordiano KLm Craitor, M.P.P. Niagara Falls Niagara Falls City Councillors Larry Lewin, President, Falls Management Company Clare Copeland, CEO, Falls Management Company Neil Bluhm, President, JMB Realty Group FEB-13-2006 02:46P~ FROId-KIM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-325-3466 T-824 P.010/015 F-610 City Hall 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Mayor Ted Salci Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 web site: www.clty,nlagarafalls.on.ca (905) 356-7521 Ext. 4201 Fax: (905) 374-3557 tsalcl~clty.nlagarafalls,on,ca Scptcmber 8, 2005 Thc Honourable Jim Bradley Minister of Tourism Constituency Office 2 Secord Drive, Unit 2 St. Catharincs, ON L2N 1K8 Dear Minister Bradley: The presence of two casinos in Niagara Falls continues to be a tremendous economic generator within the Niagara Falls community as well as the Niagara region. Further to that point, earlier this year, the Niagara Falls City Council received a deputation from ?KF Consulting, on behalf of private sector stakeholders, outlining the various positive economic benefits of maintaining both casinos within the community. (The Execmive Summary is attached.) More than $2.5 bitlion in private sector tourism investment has beea made as a direct result of the Province's commitment to maintaining two casinos. This makes Niagara Falls a rare example in Ontario and the cotmtry where the private sector has more than doubled the Province's investment in gaming, achieving the fundamental goals of casinos to serve as a catalyst for tourism development. Minister, there has been much speculation of late that the future of Casino Niagara is in jeopardy. The lease agreement between Casino Niagara and its landlord has not yet beea extended. Visitors have publicly stated their perceived decline ha the level of service provided at Casino Niagara which is becoming a deterrent for repeat visitors. The closure of Casino Niagara by the Province would have a devastating effect on ottr community and the tourism industry. FEB-13-ZO06 02:4?PMFRO~KIM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-325-3466 T-BZ4 P.011/015 F-BIO What is at risk7 1700 direct jobs and millions of dollars in annual payroll Hundreds of millions of dollars of new development - People Mover viability since a critical ridership demand generator would be eliminated The confidence of the financial institutions in providing capital to our tourism stakeholders , Signal to the world that the Province lacks confidence in one of its tourism icon destinations The creation of the "black hole" effect at the Fallsview Casino We respectfully request that you encourage Mr. Duncan Brown to enter into a long- term lease agreement for Casino Niagara. This will ensure continued positive economic benefits to all public and private stakeholders. This brief meeting today has provided private sector tourism stakeholders the opportun/~ to bring this yew important issue to your attention I would like to confirm your support to ensure a long term commitment from the Province in keeping both casinos open. Your time and attention to this matter of great importance are appreeiamd, Sincerely, P~.T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS:kk Enclosure c: Members of Conner Klm Craitor, MPP The Honourable Dalton Mc(~uinty, l~remier of Ontario The Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal FEB-I~I-?O08 O2:4TPM FROM-KlM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 418-325-:B485 T-824 P.OIZ/015 F-81o What is at risk? · :, 2000 direct jobs and tens of millions of dollars in annual payroll. · :- Hundreds of millions of dollars in new development. · :'. People Mover viability since a critical ridership demand generator would be eliminated. · :, The confidence of the financial institutions in providing capital to our tourism stakeholders. ~ Signal to the world That the Province lacks confidence in one of its tourism icon destinations. 4, The creation of the "black hole" effect a~ the Fallsview Casino. We respectfully request the Province, through th OLGC, enter into a long-term lease agreement for Casino Niagara. This will__i.nsure c0n. ti_n_ued_po_si_tive econ0..mie .... benefits to all public and private stakeholders. It is our understanding that a decision on the matter is pending. I re~ectfully request the opportunity to meet with you, as soon as your schedule permits, to discuss this issue in greater detail. Your support to insure a long-term commitment in keeping both casinos open would be very much appreciated. Thank you for your consideration and attention to this matter of great importance. Sincerely, R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS:sf:cec Enclosure c: Members of Niagara Falls City Council The Honoumble Jim Bradley, Mirdster of Tourism The Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Kim Craitor, MPP Niagara FEB-13-2006O2:47PM FROIVI'"KIM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-32(S-3486 T-324 P.013/015 F-810 ® 1700 direct jobs and millions of dollars in annual payroll · hundreds of milhons of dollars of new development People Mover viability since a critical ridership demand generation would be eliminated The confidence of the financial institutions in providing capital to our tourism stakeholders Signal to the world that the Province lacks confidence in one of its tourism icon destinations · The creation of the "black hole" effect at the Fallsview Casino In discussion on the two casino issue, Council passed au additional resolution: That the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation cousider different eperators for the twa Niagara casinos to eucourage competition. The thought behind the aforementioned motion was that with one operator only, there is no incentive to maintain two operations under sqmrate roofs. With competition, each operator will increase marketing efforts to try to attract more customers. Future IHeetin~s and Consultation The aforementioned issues need to be resolve& Council was adamant in their desire that a meeting with all appropriate parties: yourself, City officials, the Honourable Minister Joseph CordLano and Mr. Neil Bluhm, Chair of thc Falls Management Company is essential. Your assistance in co-ordinating such a meeting is requested. Perhaps a candid meeting will lead to some progress which has been sorely lacking on some of these outstanding issues. Sincerely, K. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor KTS:di:cec Attachments c: Minister Joseph Cordiano Klm Craitor, M.P.P. Niagara Falls Niagara Falls City Councillors Larry Lewin, President, Falls Management Company Clare Copelsnd, CEO, Falls Management Company Nell Bluhm, President, JMB Realty Group FEB-13-2006 oZ:47PM FROM-KlM CRAITOR MPP NIAGARA FALLS 416-325-3466 T-sZ4 P.014/015 F-810 City Hall 4310 Queen Street P,O~ Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON ~2E 6X$ Mayor Ted Salci web site; www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca (905) 356-7521 Ext. 4201 Fax: (905) 374-3557 tsalci~elty.niagarafalls.on.ca August 10, 2005 Mr. Clare Copeland CEO Falls Management Company c/o Toronto Hydro Corporation 14 Carlton S~xeet Toronto, ON M5B 1K5 Dear Clare: Niagara Falls City Council, at its most recent meeting, formally passed a motion inviting you to at~end a future council meeting. It is no surprise that the Council is interested in ensuring that various casino-related issues are addressed so that our municipality becomes the year-round world class Wufist destination espoused in the original request for proposal; as a result, Council would be keen to discuss the following issues with you: a commitment to maintain two casinos in our community in the long-tenn. the fulfilment of the original obligation to provide a world class tourist attractor. Attached please fred a copy of our Council schedule. We would be pleased to accommodate your schedule. In addition, we could have you address our Council in a less formal committee setting (committee meetings Iaa~en between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Council nights). It should be noted that a past invitation has been extended to Duncan Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Perhaps the two of you can attend the same meeting to address the aforementioned, mutual issues. Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your favourable response. Sincerely, R. T. (Ted) Salci Mayor RTS/diYcec Attachment ,/ ['~,.~,t1'"(#"'"", Association of ":: Munidpalities of Ontario Alert 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 Tel: (416) 971-9856 · fax: (416) 971-6191 email: amo@amo.on.ca To the immediate attention of the Clerk and Council February 10, 2006 - Alert 06/0010 Bill 206/OMERS CUPE Strike Update Issue: Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario news conference outlines plans for strikes as early as next week. What we know: CUPE Ontario President Sid Ryan held a news conference yesterday outlining strike plans in response to the Government of Ontario's proposed Bill 206. According to Mr. Ryan, CUPE will commence the strike if and when the Government introduces the Bill for Third Reading. The Provincial Legislature resumes sitting on Monday for three weeks. The strike is expected to carry on over several days and may rotate, and last as long as the Bill is in Third Reading debate. CUPE and AMO oppose Bill 206 for very different reasons. AMO's concerns about Bill 206 recognize that the Bill will result in major additional costs for municipalities and property tax payers. According to a statement by Mr. Ryan, CUPE's major concerns with the Bill include, among other issues: · The requirement for a two-thirds majority for decisions regarding benefit improvements and contribution rates (amendments requested by AMO and recommendation in the OMERS' 2002 governance report). · The representation of non-union municipal employees including managers (managers in municipalities and school boards for example constitute a significant portion of employees who pay into the plan; representation by population is an amendment supported by AMO and others) · That the Bill does not treat CUPE members as favorably as police and fire services employees. (The costs related to the Bill's favorable treatment of specific employee groups are among AMO's greatest concerns) For more information, contact 416-971-9856: Pat Vanini, AMO Executive Director, ext. 316 or Brian Rosborough, Director of Policy, ext. 318 i I! '~ From: <communicate@amo.on.ca> To' <diorfida@city.niagarafalls.on.ca> Date: 2/13/2006 3:33:09 PM Subject: Urgent - CUPE Bill 206 strike February 13, 2006 Message to: Heads of Council; CAO's and Clerks From: Roger Anderson, AMO President Re: CUPE Bill 206 Strike: Minister Gerretsen has sent a letter to AMO in response to our request that the Premier seek an injunction to uphold the laws of Ontario and minimize the impact of CUPE's Bill 206 strike. VVhile the province has remained silent about whether or not it will seek an injunction, the Minister is advising that municipalities make contingency plans in order to protect public services. VVhile municipalities are obviously taking responsible actions that include contingency and emergency preparedness plans, we continue to hope that the Premier will not ignore the public interest and allow an illegal province-wide strike to impede municipal service delivery. Attached is a copy of the referenced letter (pdf format). If you have any questions, please contact Pat Vanini, AMO Executive Director or Brian Rosborough, AMO Director of Policy. If you have problems opening the attachment(s) please call AMO at (416) 971-9856. PLEASE NOTE AMO communications will be broadcast to the municipality's administrator and clerk. Recipients of the AMO broadcasts are free to redistribute the AMO broadcasts to other municipal staff and elected officials as required. We have decided to not add other staff to these broadcast lists in order to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the management of our various broadcast lists. DISCLAIMER These are final versions of AMO documents. AMO assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have been transmitted with the electronic version. The printed versions of the documents stand as the official record. FEB,.10 2006 18:42 FR MUN AFF AND SENIORS416 585 G470 TO 941~971G191 P.02 F~ms~ 10, 2O06 Mr. Rol~r Anderson Presiden~ A~,oct~fion of Municip~i~i~s of On~io 393 University Avenue SuRe 1701 Toroato ON MSG LE6 I have be.e.n sskexl by tim Honouri~bl~ D~hon McGuiaty, Premier of Oa~ario, to ~poad to your letter of February 2, 2006 in which you cxpr~s concerns about tl~ pos~i~ of an illegal strike by the C~ns~ Union of Pablic Fanploy~s (Ontario). I aplncciate ~rour iater~t ia ensurlag that public services ~ protected iud I ~m confident that municipalities, school bo~ts ~ad oth~ ~mlplo~rs will ~ thc ncceasa~ steps to put appropriate confin~mcy plans in plac~ should thare I~ an illegal strikc by CUIPI~ wortre~s. I ~ncourag~ you to communicate with yom- m~mbelship about tho importance of having such plius. Our doors h~c be~n op~ to ~11 st~le_~]loldcrs throughout the d~velopment of tha OlvIP.~$ kgislatioa. We co~sid~rexl s wide ran~ of views as ,nc ~ tl~ Bill ~o commttteo at~r first re. din8 and tiaa again Liter second reading in our effort to achieve the risht baliuc~. W~ have listened to input iron employers and emFioyccs on the proposed legl~ation ~ based on that input, our gowrnznent has introduced numetous zunendrnents to strengthen this Bill. It is not our intention to introduce further am=dmr, nts. Thank you for taking th~ time to bP, ag your concerns to our a~¢,ntton. TOTAL PAGE.O~ ~ ISSUE DATE: ~ Feb. 9, 2006 DECISION/ORDER NO: PL050985 0431 Ontario Ontario Municipal BOard Commission des affaires municipales de I'Ontario Flory Massi has appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board under subsection 53(19) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended, from a decision of the Committee of Adjustment, City of Niagara Falls which granted an application by Rose Aurora numbered B23/2005/NF and B24/2005/NF for consent to convey part of the lands composed of 7715 Rysdale Street, in the city of Niagara Falls. OMB File No. C050329 APPEARANCES: Parties Cou nsel*/Aclent Rose Aurora B. Sinclair* City of Niagara Falls K. Beaman* Flory Massi L. Hendry MEMORANDUM OF ORAL DECISION DELIVERED BY S. J. STEFANKO ON JANUARY 24, 2006 AND ORDER OF THE BOARD Rose Aurora is the owner of property at the corner of Rysdale Street and Hodgson Avenue in the City of Niagara Falls. It is municipally known as 7715 Rysdale Street, has a frontage along Rysdale of 216.25-feet and an irregular depth of 94.81-feet on one side (along Hodgson) and a depth of 98.55-feet on the other side. Ms Aurora wishes to divide her land into three parts which are more particularly outlined as Parts 1, 2, and 3 on Exhibit 8 to this proceeding. Part 2 ("Part 2") is at the corner of Rysdale and Hodgson and has a frontage of 80-feet by a depth of 94.81-feet. Ms Aurora wishes to convey this part. Part 1 is immediately beside Part 2 and it separates Part 2 and Part 3. Part 1 has frontage of 70.25-feet along Rysdale and a depth of 94.81-feet. This Part 1 is to be retained by Ms Aurora. Part 3 is immediately beside Part 1 and is also to be conveyed. It has frontage along Rysdale of 66-feet and irregular depth of 94.81-feet on one side and 98.55-feet on the other. The Committee of Adjustment granted Ms Aurora consent to convey Part 2 and Part 3. Flory Massi has appealed the Committee's decision but only in respect to Part 2. - 2 - PL050985 On behalf of Ms Aurora, Mr. Wilson, a planner with the City of Niagara Falls and Mr. Hynde, a planner with the firm of Hynde, Paul Associates Incorporated gave expert land use planning evidence. Their evidence was uncontradicted since Ms Hendry, acting on behalf of Ms Massi, did not call any expert witnesses to testify in support of the appeal. Each of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Hynde touched upon the relevant provisions of the Provincial Policy Statement, the Regional Niagara Policy Plan, the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan and Zonin9 By-law 79-200. Mr. Hynde also testified as to the application of s.51 (24) of the Planning Act to the proposed severance. In reaching its decision in this matter, this panel finds the following evidence to be salient and persuasive: a) Part 2 meets all relevant performance standards set out in By-law 79-200; b) Services to Part 2 are not an issue and the roadways in the area can easily accommodate the proposal; c) Exhibit 7 in this proceeding reflects numerous severances in the area which have previously been approved; d) The proposal meets the provisions of the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan as well as the requirements of the Region and the provisions of the Provincial Policy Statement; e) During the course of this hearing, Ms Aurora indicated that she was prepared to accede to the concerns of the area residents in relation to the exterior side yard set back of any home to be built on Part 2. This panel finds that the proposed severance respects the character of the neighbourhood, is a sensitive infill development, represents sound land use planning and complies with the provisions of s.51(24) of the Planning Act. Based on the foregoing, the appeal is dismissed and provisional consent for partial discharge and conveyance purposes is granted conditional upon the following: - 3 - PL050985 1. The frontage of Part 2 along Rysdale Street shall be enlarged to 81.5-feet and correspondingly, the frontage of Part 1 on Exhibit 8 along Rysdale shall be reduced to 69.75-feet; 2. Dedication to the City of Niagara Falls ("City") of a daylighting triangle (free and clear of any mortgages, liens or other encumbrances) with 4.5- metre (14.76-foot) legs at the Rysdale Street/Hodgson Avenue intersection on Part 2; 3. Payment to the City of $300.00 for the future planting of two boulevard trees; 4. Payment to the City for cash in lieu of parkland dedication of 5% of the appraised value of Part 2; 5. Rose Aurora submit a solicitor's legal undertaking agreeing to register the deed and consent form using Statement 101 under the Planning Act in the E-Registration system and provide a copy of these documents to the City immediately after registration; 6. Submit to the Secretary Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment a paper copy of the electronic registration deed for conveyance of the subject parcel together with a copy of the deposited reference plan, for use in the issuance of the Certificate of Consent; 7. Submit to the Secretary Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment the final certification fee payable to the Treasurer, City of Niagara Falls and; 8. All of the foregoing conditions to be fulfilled by January 23, 2007. In addition, based on the agreement reached between Ms Aurora and the area residents, the minimum exterior side yard for any home built on Part 2 shall be 6- metres. -4- PL050985 The Board so Orders. "S. J. Stefanko" S. J. STEFANKO MEMBER Allied Health Centre Hear Phone (905) 358-5552 5673 North Street $ IAGARA ~ax (905)358-6033 Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1J4 w~a,.heartniagara, com Email: info@heartniagara, com His Worship Mayor Ted Salci And Members of the Municipal Council City of Niagara Falls, Ontario P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 Dear Mayor and Council Members: RE: Vineyard Cycle Tour - Sunday, May 28, 2006 We are pleased to announce that the 7m Annual "Vineyard Cycle Tour" - a cycle tour through the heart of Ontario's finest wine country - will be held on Sunday, May 28, 2006. The details of this event are as follows: 1. Organization Name and Mailing Address Heart Niagara Inc. Allied Health Centre 5673 North Street, First Floor Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1J4 2. Contact Name and Phone Number Dawn Mclnnis Event Manager Heart Niagara Inc. Telephone: (905) 358-5552 Fax: (905) 358-6033 3. Indication of Non Profit Status Heart Niagara Inc. is a non profit organization. Providing Community Coronary Care Programs to the Niagara Region for over 25 years Charitable Registration Number 107473316RP0001 4. Event Name and Description Vineyard Cycle Tour- 25, 50 and 75 km Cycling Experience through Ontario's finest wine country. Date(s) and Time(s) of the Event Date: Sunday, May 28, 2006 Start Time: 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Finish Time: 12:30 p.m. (approximate) Start and Finish Location: Pavilion - Queenston Heights Park At the conclusion of the Vineyard Cycle Tour, a picnic (barbeque) will be held which will include Wine Tasting (no sale) in a cordoned section of the pavilion. The picnic and wine tasting will conclude by 5:00 p.m. In accordance with the Niagara Parks Commission's General Conditions, a Liquor License Permit will be obtained for the wine tasting. 5. Anticipated Number of Participants 800 6. Registration Fee Charged and Disposition of Funds Collected $45.00 for individuals $400.00 per team of 10 $40.00 fee for additional team riders All revenue generated from this event will be used to provide youth health assessments in Niagara Region schools. 7. Location and Route Map Please see attached. 8. Anticipated Impact on NPC Property, Additional NPC Services Required Only services required would be the use of Queenston Heights Pavilion - Start to Finish from approximately 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 9. Anticipated Impact on Traffic Movement and Safety There should be no impact on traffic movement and safety. All participants will be encouraged to follow the normal "Rules of the Road". In addition, volunteer marshals will be positioned at various locations along the route to ensure "Rules of the Road" are followed. Providing Community Coronary Care Programs to the Niagara Region for over 25 years Charitable Registration Number 107473316RR0001 10. Safety/Medical Provisions for the Event Heart Niagara will participate in this capacity. 11. Proof of Insurance - Company and Amount of Coverage Will be sent at a later date. Your approval, cooperation and support of this event are appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information or clarification. Sincerely, Dawn Mclnnis Event Manager cc. Mr. John MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Niagara Falls Providing Community Coronary Care Programs to the Niagara Region for over 25 years Charitable Registration Number 107473316RR0001 N FARM ESTATE W E STR~ P ~NERY ESTATE START/ - - FINISH CHARMES Vineyard Tour & Cycle Challenge Legend May 29, 2005 65km + ........... 50km + 9:30am to 1 :OOpm 25~ tl T-' SATU AY, Includes meatballs and salad Vince Kerrio Jr. Dinner 5-8pm Sponsor Reception 8pm Guest: Doug Aitchison Optimist Hall Dorchester Rd. Niagara Falls, ON All Proceeds to Stamford Fitness Centre Volume 1, Issue 2 i Brought to you by the Municipality of Leamington February 2006~ i Leamington Facts Home of the annual fall Dear Municipal Official: migration of the Monarch Butterflies--a spectacular natural I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you to the 53rd Annual OSUM Conference and Trade Show being held in our phenomenon . . ,. beautiful community from May 3-5th, 2006. Over 1,000 acres of Leamington is honoured to be hosting this event and we are greenhouse operations producing tomatoes, excited to offer an informative and entertaining program including cucumbers, peppers Keynote Speaker, David Phillips, Senior Climatologist with and flowers Environment Canada. Several plenary sessions have been .:..:..:. scheduled covedng an array of topics including: Energy More than 25 miles of Alternatives, Affordable Housing, Multiculturalism, Emergency public beach! Planning and updates from the FCM and AMO Presidents. ':":":' In addition to a solid conference program, the Municipality of Birthplace of author Leamington has lined up Early Bird activities including an afternoon Nino Ricci of golf at the outstanding Erie Shores Golf and Country Club, considered to be one of Southern Ontario's finest semi-private golf courses. Unique local winery and greenhouse tours will also be available to delegates, companions and trade show exhibitors. Bring a companion to Leamington to enjoy guided hikes to Point Pelee National Park, a tour of local area wineries, culinary classes and exceptional shopping. While you are in Essex County, I encourage you to enjoy our many For more area restaurants and attractions including the Edequest Marine conference Heritage Interpretive Centre, the Arts Centre and Gallery, .,~ '! information and Colasantrs Tropical Gardens and the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary. registration Feel free to contact our Conference Coordinator or visit our web- I forms visit: site for more details. We hope to see you in Leamington in May! www.leamin~l'on.ca Regards, Leamington Conference ~/?///2~ .t'~' :~ Coordinator ~Joh~ n Adams ~'3:,.~ Rochelle Emery-Luckett 519-326-5761 ext.206 rluckett@leamington.ca I I Annual Conference ....... & Trade Show Coordinator ' I M Canadli&M o, ............................. Municipalities of Ontario Ted Blowes Stratford, Ontario Project funded in part_by the G_o__vernment of Canada 519-393-5877 , , ted.b@quadro.net Conlinued... Conference Early Bird Events--WednesdaY, May 3rd To register for Early Erie Shores Golf & Country Club Bird and Coml~nion Starting at 11:00 a.m. join us for 18 holes of Activities, send in golf at one of Southern Ontario's finest semi-private your registrafiOn golf courses. Nestled alongside Lake Erie, this form or contact: course features a classic 1926 Bob Gray design. Erie Shores plays host to true, fast bentgrass greens, manicured bentgrass fairways and Rochelle Emery- plentiful Ohio-white bunkers. A trio of tees gives Luckett challenge to all skill levels. Hucketl'~le.~mingto~.ca Check out www,edeshores,qolf, com for ~ more information on course ratings and hole-specific 51g-$Z6-576:l information. Cost is $70 / person and includes 18 holes of ex?. 20~ play, power cart rental and lunch. Erie Shores Golf & Country Club Leamington Greenhouse Tours ~il Join us on this complimentary tour of 2 local greenhouses and learn first-hand the production techniques used to grow our world-famous tomatoes, cucumbers and flowers. Tour time: 1-1.5 hours. Canada South Wine Tours _/tk_pl'il ]St ~1 Visit award-winning wineries in the Lake Erie North Shore and save! ~11 region. Travel along the shores of Lake Erie and picturesque farmlands, while your tour guide negotiates the drive. Guests will be treated to personalized winery and vineyard tours. Prepare your palette for one-of-a-kind tastings. Cost is $60 / per person and includes transportation, tour and free tastings. Space is limited--book now! This tour will also be offered as part of the Companion Program on Thursday, May 4th. Leaminqton Events The Festival of Birds May 1 - 31, 2006 Companion Acfivifie~Thursday, May 4th & Friday, May 5th Join the thousands of Hike to the Tip---Point Pelee National Park people who migrate to Leave your footprints at the Tip of Canada! Point Point Pelee National Pelee National Park is the most southern point of mainland Park each May to Canada. experience the world This small green oasis is located just south of the famous bird migrations. 42nd parallel, giving it the same latitude as northern California! Learn more about our With a park interpreter, hike to the Tip under a amazing feathered canopy of Carolinian forest. View migrating birds, friends by partaking in wildflowers and mammals. Point Pelee Marsh Boardwalk some of the numerous Cost is $20 / person and includes transportation, events offered through admission to the park, Park Naturalist escort and theatre presentation. Visit www.pc.,qc.ca/pn-np/ the Festival of Birds. on/pelee for more park info. Cooking Classes You can do it! Join us at Strawberries Kitchen Shop and learn to create some delectable edibles showcasing local produce. Savor the fruits of your labour! Cost $40 / person and includes transportation, instruction and food costs. Class size is limited. Hotel rooms booking fasL..aet now.v , Delegate Registration Form ...... i'~ ....... ~i' $3rd Annual OSUM Conference and Trade Show · -- LEAMINGTON i,'~"8'-'r''~', U -- -- ~,~ ~,~^ May 3 - 5, 2006 *'*' Municipalities of Ontario Delegate Name: Position: Municipality: Mailing Address: Telephone: Fax: E-mail Address: Companion Name (if applicable): Full Delegate Before April 1, 2006 $350.00 < After April 2 $375.00 < One-Day Delegate Only $250.00 ~ Specify Day: Companion Package Before April 1, 2006 $ 85.00 < After April 2 $ 95.00 Chairman's Luncheon (extra tickets) Friday, May 5$ 50.00 < After April 2 $ 60.00 Leamington Greenhouse Tours $ free ~ Wed. May 3 - Morning Erie Shores Golf & Country Club $ 70.00 < Wed. May 3- Afternoon Canada South Wine Tours $ 60.00 ~ Wed. May 3 -Aftemoon Cooking Classes - Strawberries Kitchen Shop $ 40.00 ~ Thurs. May 4 - Morning Hike to the Tip - Pt. Pelee Nat. Park $ 20.00 < Thurs. May 4 -Moming Canada South Wine Tours $ 60.00 < Thurs. May 4 -Aftemoon Cooking Classes - Strawberries Kitchen Shop $ 40.00 ~ Friday, May 5 - Morning Hike to the Tip - Point Pelee National Park $ 20.00 < Friday, May 5 - Morning Subtotal: GST: (GST # ) Total: Full Delegate includes: 2 breakfasts, I lunch, the Chairman's Luncheon, all workshops & special events Companion package includes: 2 breakfasts & the Chairman's Luncheon (other events at own cost) E~] VISA [] MC Card # Exp. (mm/yy). Signature: r-] Cheque (payable to the Corporation of the Municipality of Leamington) Please send registration form and payment to the Corporation of the Municipality of Leamin.qton at: 38 Erie St. North, Leamington, ON N8H 2Z3 Fax: 519-326-2481. Registration fees are refundable only upon receipt of written notification by Friday, April 28, 2006 -less a $50.00 service charge. All delegates must book their own accommodations. I Leamington Conference Coordinator: Rochelle Emery-Luckett 519-326-5761 ext. 206 ri u ckett t'~. leamington, ca BOARD REPORT PSB Chair ~ Regional Councillor Doug Martin began his political career as a Councillor for the Town of Fort Erie from LarryA. Iggulden, C.A. 1982 to 1994. He is currently serving his third term on Regional Council and is Chair of the Region's Corporate and Financial Services Committee and Chair of the Budget Review Committee. PSB Vice-Chair "1 want to thank the members for their support for this Doug Martin second year as Vice-Chairman," says Councillor Martin. "1 am proud of our accomplishments last year and I look forward to another productive year with the Board, Chief PSB Members Southall and the Niagara Regional Police Service," says Councillor Martin. Vance Badawey The Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Services Bob Bentley Board is a seven member civilian body governing the William Smeaton Niagara Regional Police Service. The current .Larry Tufford membership of the Board comprises Mr. Larry Iggulden, Malcolm Woodhouse PSB CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR ELECTIONS Chair of the Board; Mr. Vance Badawey; Regional .Section 28(1) of the Police Services Act states: Councillor Bob Bentley; Regional Councillor Doug Martin ++4 The members of a board shall elect a chair at the and Vice-Chair of the Board; Regional Councillor Bill board's first meeting in each year. It goes on to Smeaton; Mr. Larry Tufford; and Mr. Mai Woodhouse. read: The members of a board may also elect a PSB Staff vice-chair at the first meeting. As set out in a The Police Services Board is responsible for the media release (see below), the 2006 election saw provision of adequate and effective police services for 12 the return of the both current Chair and Vice- municipalities, totaling some 420,000 residents and an Deb Morton Chair. estimated 15,000,000 visitors annually. In accordance Executive Director with Section 28 of the Police Services Act and the (St. Catharines, ON) - Larry Iggulden and Doug Board's Procedural By-law, the Board elects its Chair Sandi Taylor Martin, Regional Councillor, were the unanimous and Vice-Chair at the first meeting in each year. Executive Assistant choice of their colleagues to return as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively of the Regional Dawn Moses Municipality of Niagara Police Services Board. Board Clerk The elections were the opening piece of business at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Board held on January 26, 2006. Mr. Iggulden ++-F was re-elected to serve a third term as Chair and Mr. Martin was re-elected as Vice-Chair for a For further second term. information contact: "I'd like to thank the Board for their support and Regional Municipality of confidence," said Mr. Iggulden. "1 look forward to Niagara Police Services Board working with my fellow Board members and Chief Southall as we wrestle with some tough decisions in the months ahead. I know we'll make the dght 68 Church Street decisions when it comes to the safety of our St. Cathadnes, Ontado citizens. It's going to be another busy year, and I L2R 3C6 know we'll meet every policing challenge that faces us in 2006." PSB COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION Bus: (905) 685-0321 The Board considered a memorandum from Deb Morton, lax: (905) 688-0036 Mr. Iggulden was re-appointed by Regional Executive Director, requesting confirmation to the Council on January 22, 2004 as its citizen Board's committee structure for 2006. The Board Emaih nq3board@nrp$.com appointee for a second three-year term. He is a operates 'with a system of Standing Committees Chartered Accountant and has over 25 years of centered on the four main aspects of the Board's areas financial and public accounting experience. Mr. of interest. Operating within the four main committees Website: Iggulden is a partner in the firm of Partridge are 19 sub-committees. The sub-committees are issue www. nrps. com Iggulden LLP, Chartered Accountants, and is oriented and while some operate over a number of currently President of the St. Catharines years, others conclude their mandate when the issue is Downtown Rotary Club and a member of the resolved or broughtto an end. Niagara District Estate Planners. Upon review of the proposed committee structure, membership Services when three children were not picked up from school. was confirmed as follows: Upon responding to the request, officers found the body of a 32- year-old female who had been strangled and an adult male Human Resources Committee requiring medical attention. The 43-year-male was transported to Vance Badawey-Chair the hospital and upon his release was charged with 1st degree Bob Bentley- Member murder. Larry Tufford - Member Niagara's 14th 2005 Homicide - Update Finance Committee Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the circumstances Doug Martin- Chair surrounding the murder of 29-year-old Shelston Antonio Broome Vance Badawey-Member that took place in St. Catharines on December 24th, 2005. On Larry lggulden -Member January 16th, 2006 police arrested a 21-year-old for 1~ degree Bill Smeaton- Member murder, and on January 17th they arrested a 20-year-old for the Larry Tufford-Member same charge. Both individuals are residents of Brampton. On nd January 22 , Glenroy Edwin Francis surrendered to the NRPS in Administrative and Licencing Committee St. Catharines and was also charged with 1st degree murder. The Bob Bentley-Chair Service has issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for suspect Bill Smeaton - Member Toyan Adrian Johnson also from Brampton wanted for the charge Doug Martin - Member of 1st degree murder. Mai Woodhouse - Member Niagara Falls Woman Held Captive. .. General Business Committee On January 234, a Niagara Falls woman found a male intruder in Larry lggulden- Chair her apartment and upon his discovery the male confined the Doug Martin - Vice-Chair woman to a chair for approximately eight hours. The 30-year-old intruder was known to the victim and was arrested following the REPORTS FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD victim's release of being held captive. Chair Iggulden expressed his appreciation for the confidence of the Board in allowing him to sit as Chair of the Board for another year. Peace Bridge Arms Seizure Deb Morton, the Board's Executive Director, provides immense On December 22n~, 2005 custom officials at the Peace Bridge in assistance to the person in this position, and he thanked her for the Fort Erie conducted a search of two Missouri residents. The assistance that she has provided to him. With strong personalities, search revealed four undeclared fully loaded handguns consisting Board members have been able to work well together and have of three semi-automatic firearms and a revolver; additional loaded been able to focus on the good relationships with the Chief and the magazines, a silencer and a plastic dagger disguised as a comb Service Executive who have accomplished much over the past were also discovered. The Missouri residents were arrested and year. He noted that it has been a pleasure to work together stating taken into police custody. the efficiencies of Service staff have provided great assistance to the Board's civilian oversight. Operations - Marijuana Grow Ops, Robberies & Traffic Fatalities The Board, with its continuity, needs to address three issues - new Statistics for 2006 collective agreements for the Uniform and Civilian staff and for the $2,016,000 (estimated street value seized) from Grow Senior Officers Association, to accomplish a resolution on facilities, Operations as of January 24; and to complete the 2007 operating and capital budgets. Chief 7 grow eps (12 arrests); Southall has completed her Program Review providing good insight 2 additional grow eps in St. Cathadnes and Welland; for the personnel requirements and the Service will have to face 14 Robberies (5 arrests, 3 solved, 11 ongoing investigations); the needs and maximize any investment for facilities. It is expected 3 Fatalities (28 during 2005). that the Chief will place this item as a top priority to assist the Board in making the necessary decision for Regional Council's 2005 RIDE Program - The 2005 NRPS RIDE program was consideration. In closing, Chair Iggulden stated that he looks concluded with the final statistics: forward to working with all for the coming year. Program duration - November 27, 2005 - January 1, 2006; Vehicles stopped ....... 3,550; REPORTS FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE Roadside tests ............ 132; · Discovery of Body in Nia.qara Falls 12-hr suspensions ......... 26; Major Crime is investigating the discovery of an adult body found Arrests ......................... 11. on January 24th in the area of Whirlpool Road/Church's Lane in Niagara Falls. 2006 Traffic Fatalities - For the period of January 1 through January 26 three traffic fatalities have occurred on Niagara's REPORTS FROM THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE OF roadways. OPERATIONS Discovery of Body in Niagara Falls (Continued) SAFER COMMUNITIES - 1000 OFFICERS PARTNERSHIP In addition to information provided by Chief Southall on this matter, PROGRAM: UPDATE Deputy Chief Moody codtinued to report that the January 25th post The Board received a memorandum from Noreen AIleyne, mortem indicated definite trauma to the body. The Service is Assistant Deputy Minister, the Ministry of Community Safety and concerned with the possible link to the deaths of several prostitutes Correctional Services, advising that the Ministry will be forwarding in the same manner over the past several years. A press information regarding the entry of Niagara's new hires from the conference was held on January 26th to announce the initiation of Safer Communities - 1,000 Officers Partnership Program into the a Task Force developed to investigate and examine the Ontario Police College (post April 2006) to facilitate the recruitment circumstances surrounding five unsolved murders that occurred in and hiring processes. the Niagara Region. CAPB NATIONAL Niagara's i" 2006 Homicide The Board received a copy of the CAPB's December 2005 On January 10tn, the NRPS responded to a welfare check of a newsletter. Due to the call of January's federal election, a number Welland residence. The request came from Family and Children Volume 5, Issue I January 2006 Page #2 of initiatives outlined in the report have been dissolved. Issues that Crime Stoppers Programs Recover $7 Billion - Crime Stoppers. were not affected by the election are as follows: is the largest crime-fighting program throughout the world operating in about 20 countries, including Australia, the United Tackling HR and Recruiting Challenges In Policing - In late Kingdom, South Africa, Canada and the United States. Since its September, Canadian policing stakeholders announced the official inception in 1976, the program has been responsible for the launch of the Police Sector Council (PSC) to address critical seizure of $5,491,835,498 in illicit drugs and the recovery of human resource issues that Canadian Police Services are $1,529,614,961 in stolenproperty. currently facing. · In addition to the programs original objective of soliciting tips to The committee is funded by the Federal Government's HRSDC) help solve crime, the program has recently evolved into taking Sector Council Program and is focused on finding solutions to information from anonymous callers to prevent criminal acts by issues that currently impact police services across Canada. terrorists. Crime Stoppers works in partnership with law Specific areas of concern being addressed are the shrinking pool enforcement agencies and communities at large. of potential recruits; the rapid decrease in the number and quality of qualified applicants; the impact of aggressive youth marketing Gun Registry - Update - The Canada Firearms Centre has from other sectors that are attracting potentially good candidates; delayed several gun regulations that were to take effect in the fact that Police services are not reflecting on the increasingly September 2005. One measure that is of particular interest to the culturally diverse communities they serve; the fact that aging policing sector is that all police services will be required to register demographics have created vacancies in executive positions at all their weapons with the federal agency, including any seized rates rarely seen before; and the shortage of training and guns within their possession. leadership development opportunities f~ the next generation .of senior police leaders. Updates on the committee's progress and The provision has been delayed until next year and information will initiative developments will be reported on as they are be providedasreceived. implemented. ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF POLICE SERVICES BOARD Electronic Ticketing - The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is the The Board received the December 2005 issue of the OAPSB first Service in Ontario to adopt an innovative solution to address Bulletin Board providing policing information relative to civilian the paper intensive, highly manual procedure of issuing traffic police governance in Ontario. SOme items reported on are also tickets. The OP$ has adapted a system referred to as Electronic reflected in the newsletter issued by the CAPB. Additional items of Ticketing and the benefits are reported as being overwhelming. It interest relate to the following topics: has streamlined a paper-intensive process; has had a positive response to the community's priority for increased traffic and road Police Services Inspection Program Report 2002-2004 - As a safety concerns; increased accountability and addressed ongoing requirement set out in the Pqlice Services Act, the Ministry of budgetary constraints while enhancing the delivery of its core Community Safety and Correctional Services performed a responsibilities through technological advances. Project Manager, Provincial Adequacy Review in October 2002. The objective of the Michael Parsche, describes it as being a more efficient and less review was to ensure that Ontario's police services met and/or complex way of issuing tickets with the capability of meeting all the exceeded the requirements of the Adequacy Regulations and that needs of the City, the judiciary and the Ministry. compliance and consistency were maintained amongst them. For more information about Ottawa's E-Ticketing Launch, visit: The OAPSB has now posted the second report on the Police www.ottawapolice.ca/en/servinq ottawa/media room/corp newsre Services Inspection Program; which builds on the first report and leases.cfm covers the results of all regular inspections conducted by the Police Quality Assurance Unit from August 2002 to December Federal Announcements Focus on Victims of Crime - As of 2004. The report details the more common issues and themes November 1, 2005 and onward, victims of crime who identified during the inspection to provide police services boards attended/attend a National Parole Board hearing for the offender with a helpful quality assurance tool. The reported findings and who victimized them were/will be entitled to apply for financial recommendations are a welcoming resource for police services assistance to cover travel, hotel and meal costs. Funding is boards and can be used to conduct their own self-audit in order to provided in accordance with current Government of Canada Travel determine if any of the reported findings apply to their internal Guidelines. Qualified applicants must be registered with either the situations. It can also assist with the preparation of future Ministry Correctional Service of Canada or the National Parole Board. inspections. Funding is approved by the Department of Justice upon application submission and consideration. It was noted that all police services boards and chiefs of police are encouraged to review the report and use it as they deem ~;1.1 Million to Support Skilled Work Force In Policing Sector appropriate in their individual circumstances. The Police Sector Council (P$C) is a national not-for-profit association. It was created to explore and address human New Technique to Lift Fingerprints - Alexandre Beaudion, resources strategies for the sector. In November 2004, it was Forensic Researcher, Quebec Provincial Police, has developed an announced that the Government of Canada allotted funding inthe alternative technique to lift fingerprints from wet paper. This new amount of $1.1 million through the Sector Council Program to technique works better than existing practices and is a less support the development of Canada's skilled work force in the expensive method. It can be useful in lifting fingerprints from policing sector, boating accident scenes, submerged vehicles, or water/snow- saturated paper. The Canadian Professional Police Association, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Association of Police Beaudoin presented his technique at the annual conference of the Boards, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and federal, Canadian Identification Society and an article was recently provincial and territorial ministries responsible for policing are all published in the Journal of Forensic Identification. strong supporters of the P$C and are committed to working to improve the capacity of public police services for the sector. Volume 5, Issue I January 2006 Page #3 Ontario Road Network'- The Ontario Road Network (ORN) is a experiences of other provinces that do not practice mandatory province-wide system of digital spatial data that has recently retirement. released an Ontario street centerline file containing street names and addresses. The system is a comprehensive and standardized SUSPECT APPREHENSION PURSUITS QUARTERLY database for the province that assists agencies in program REPORTS delivery, provision of services, and enforcement at federal, The Board received Service report 4/2006 providing statistical municipal and local government levels, information towards police pursuits which occurred during the Service's fourth quarter of operation. It stated that were 16 pursuits The ORN is currently partnering with the Ministry of Health and the for the reporting period of September 1 through December 31, OPP who will be incorporating it for the purpose of emergency 2005. dispatch, and with the Ministry of Transportation who will be providing updated information on major highways across Ontario. A quick perusal indicates that five pursuits were terminated for officer and/or public safety reasons with no arrests being made The ORN, with all of this updated datawill be available freely to the and 11 pursuits resulted in the driver, and on occasion public and the private sector upon completion, passenger(s), being apprehended and charged. The Board received the item for its information. ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT, 2005 - UPDATE The Board received for its information a memorandum from the POLClNG STANDARDS QUARTERLY REPORT Regional Municipality of Niagara providing an update on the The Board received Service report 22/2006 providing information Access to Justice Act -2005. Due to the wide spread of concern relating to the investigations of alleged police misconduct reported raised by community stakeholders in the Provincial Offences Court by members of the ~public~for the fourth quarter, period of October 1 System in regards to the shortage of provincially appointed through December31, 2005. Justices of the Peace, the provincial government responded to the expressed concerns through the introduction of the Access to The Service's Policing Standards Unit is responsible for Justice Act, 2005. The Act is comprised of six schedules that will investigating alleged misconduct that is reported by a member of amend several pieces of legislation. Schedules most relevant to the public. In order to maintain compliance with the Provincial municipalities are those that pertain to Justice of the Peace Adequacy Standards Regulations and to comply with Board By- reforms and amendments to the Provincial Offences Act, which are Laws, the unit is required to submit quarterly statistical reports the offences that are most affected by the closure of Ontario's detailing the nature of complaints received. For the period courts. October 1 through December 31, 2005, the Service did not receive any policy/service complaints, however, it did receive 24 officer Proposed changes include a more transparent appointments conduct complaints. The annual total for 2005 resulted in no process for Justices of the Peace (JP's), the ability to hire retired policy/service complaints and 106 officer conduct complaints being JP's, the option for witnesses of POA cases to be heard by way of reported. video/teleconferencing and to permit alternative mechanisms for resolving disputes about certain municipal by-laws. Approval of NIAGARA PARKS POLICE the proposed legislation would give municipalities greater access The Board received Service report 14/2006 from Chief Tim Berndt, to judicial resources to specifically preside over POA offences, to Niagara Parks Police, providing information relating to complaints, help clear up backlogs and to shorten time to trial. However, it is use of force, discipline and arrests associated to the Special not yet known if the proposed legislation will be in effect in time to Constables employed through the Niagara Parks Police for the minimize the impact of court closures across the Central West fourth quarter, period October 1 to December 31,2005. District in 2006. Should the court closures proceed as according to the current master court schedule, the result could bring about a It was reported that throughout the above-noted period, the significant loss of revenue for the Region and its municipal Niagara Parks Police received no complaints of inappropriate partners, conduct, no incidents where a Use of Force option was used by a member and one discipline matter was administered when an OMERS PENSION PLAN officer was assessed and agreed to forfeit 40 hours of annual The Board received for its information a copy of a resolution leave after a number of irregularities and non-compliance issues passed by the Town of Pelham at its November 21, 2005 council were identified during the course of a call for service. In addition to meeting expressing their support towards Regional Niagara's the reported status of officer conduct, the report also stated that decision not to ' support the - proposed and potentially costly during the related time-frame a total of three (3) arrests were made changes to the OMERS Pension Plan and that a copy of the under the Criminal Code, no arrests under the Liquor Licencing resolution be forwarded to representatives associated with Act, two (2) arrests under the Mental Health ACt, no arrests under provincial and regional governance, the Highway Traffic Act and no arrests under the Trespass to Property Act. Therefore during 2005, a combined total of 59 MANDATORY RETIREMENT arrests were made by the Niagara Parks Police. The Board received for its information Service report 20/2006 providing relevant information regarding Bill 211, Ending 2006 POLICE BUDGET APPROVED BY BOARD Mandatory Retirement Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005. The The Board considered and approved the 2006 operating budget Bill dictates that employers will no longer have the ability to require proposal for the Niagara Regional Police Service. The Proposal, employees to retire at the age of 65 unless allotted exceptions can. as approved by the Board, calls for a 2006 Police Service Budget be demonstrated by the employer. . of $101,557,816. This represents a 4.91% increase over the 2005 budget. The Police Services Board proposed the 2006 Budget is The Bill received royal accent in December 2005 and will come $750,000. Therefore, the total proposed amount for 2006, for both into effect in December 2006. The one-year time frame will allow the Police Service and the Police Services Board combined, is workplaces to adjust employment policies and programs as they $102,307,816. This represents a 4.9% increase' over the 2005 relate to collective agreements; termination issues; and the budget and a 3.45% impact on the tax levy after assessment continuation of pensions, insurance plans, and other benefits.* The growth. Ontario government Predicts that the Bill will have little impact on the labour market, estimating that a small percentage of only 0.06 The NRPS budget will be submitted to the Regional Budget per cent of the working population will take advantage of theoption Review Committee for consideration as part Of' the Region's ' to work past the age of 65. This prediction is based on 'the consolidated budget at its meeting on February 9, 2006. Volume 5, Issue I January 2006 Page #4 PRINTRAK MOTOROLA CANADA MAINTENANCE AND adequate and effective police services. This provision is a SUPPORT AGREEMENT mandated responsibility of police services boards which includes The Board received Service report 12/2006 requesting approval for the developing and adopting of approximately 80 performance the renewal of the Printrak Motorola Canada Maintenance and standards, a vigorous training program, and an ongoing skills Support Agreement. The system is used to maintain usage of the development plan. Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which stores and tracks fingerprints via connections to both the Ontario AFIS As a minimum, these policies require compliance with both the Network at the Toronto Police Service and a national database regulation and guidelines and in addition, provide the Board with with the RCMP in Ottawa. The agreement is an annual reports in order to continually assess compliance. The reporting expenditure covering the period of April 1 to March 31, 2006. requirements also.assist in future budget processes, business plans, and in assessing the needs of the police service on an Upon consideration of the item, the Board approved the renewal of ongoing basis. the Agreement in the amount of $51,944 plus applicable taxes and the authorization for Chief Southall to execute the required Annual report(s)received this month relate to the following subject documents and forward copies of the Maintenance and Support matter and were prepared by the noted Service member(s): Agreement to Motorola Canada for formal processing. · Informants and Agents - Service Report 312006 R.I.D.E. GRANT PROGRAM Staff Sergeant George Ravenek The Board received Service report 5~2006 requesting the Board authorize its Chair to execute the required R.I.D.E. grant reports POLICE COMMENDATIONS relevant to the 2005 provincial grant as required:' The Board would like to recognize the following members and commend them on receiving a Chief and/or Commander's In July 2005, the Board entered into a contractual agreement with Commendation for the following related incidents, which displayed the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services exemplary service within the community: confirming the allocation of $20,737.67 for the fiscal year 2005/2006 RIDE initiative. As of December 31, 2005 the project's Chief of Police Commendations expenditures were depleted and an additional $10,000 was Personnel Order 08/2006 - Constables Brent Locking and Neal requested through the reallocation process. Upon consideration of Orlando for their actions taken on November 6, 2005 during an the item, the Board authorized its Chair to execute the required incident involving an individual attempting suicide. documentation and its submission to the Ministry as required and for consideration towards the request for additional funding. Personnel Order 05/2006 - Constable Dean Rudge for his actions taken on September 22, 2005 during an incident which also FUNDING REQUESTS involved an individual attempting suicide. 2006 Canadian Power Liftinl:l Championships - The Board received Service report 1/2006 requesting consideration towards The above noted Chief's Commendations related to incidents that authorizing financial assistance to NRPS Constable Steve were similar in nature, in which the acknowledged officers found Magistrale to enable his participation in the 2006 Canadian Power themselves surrounded by circumstances that required them to Lifting Championships in Chiliwack, BC, from April 5-9, 2006. dissipate emotionally challenging situations. The noted officers were successful in their attempts to do just that and each are The Board considered the request and approved a donation in the commended on their ability to use excellent judgment under amount of $250 to help offset expenses incurred by Constable extremely stressful conditions and bring these calls to safe Steve Magistrale while participating at the 2006 Canadian Power conclusions. Lifting Championships. Commander's Commendations Police Association Of Ontario - Labour Employment 2006 Personnel Order 04/2006 - Constable Patrick McCready for his Seminar - The Board received a letter from Leanne McClay, actions taken on September 23, 2006 during an incident involving CAO/General Counsel, Niagara Region Police Service, requesting the arrest of an out of province wanted criminal who had intent to Board consideration towards authorizing financial assistance to the commit relating crimes in Niagara. Constable McCready is Association for the hosting of a dinner during the Executive Board commended on his fine display of interviewing techniques, meeting of the Police Association of Ontario being held at the intelligence gathering and informant development skills that were Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls, on February,20-21, 2006. so diligently put to valuable use during this incident. His dedication to his policing duties throughout the entirety of this incident brought The Board considered the request and approved a donation in the about the return of Robbery Warrants from three Quebec Police amount of $2,500 to assist with meeting expenses. Agencies and the Laval Police Service, and ultimately prevented a dangerous felon from following through with the intent of carrying Women's Place of South Niagara - The Board received a letter out a crime spree in the City of Niagara Falls and its neighboring from Tamara Coleman-Lawrie, Development Officer, Women's communities. Place of South Niagara Inc., requesting consideration towards authorizing financial assistance to Women's Place for its 4TM Annual Personnel Order 02_/2006 - Constable Geoffrey Purdie for his 'Strike-Out Violence' Bowling Tournament being held March 3, actions taken on October 19, 2006 during an incident involving the 2006 to commemorate the March 8th International Women's Day arrest of two suspects responsible for a number of residential celebration. Break and Enters. Constable Purdie is commended on his chosen course of action taken during this incident. By utilizing his keen The Board considered the request and approved a donation in the observation skills and taking persistent measures to proceed to amount' of $125 as a 'lane sponsorship' to assist with tournament several pawnshops, he and his assisting officers were able to costs, apprehend two suspects that had preyed on innocent residents in Niagara on more than one occasion. The professionalism of his ANNUAL REPORTS policing practices were essential to the success of ending future The Adequacy Standards Regulation requires that police services residential break and enters by these two assailants. boards and police services meet minimum standards for what are Volume 5, Issue I, January 2006 Page #5 Th0r01d ~5~ere S~.ips Climb TM Mountain... Honourable David Caplan Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal 6th Floor, Mowat Block 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 1 C2 Dear Mr. Caplan: Re: Places to Grow 'A Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe November 2005 Draft Growth Plan Please be advised Thorold City Council, at its meeting of January 24, 2006, made the following recommendation regarding the November 2005 Draft Growth Plan "Places to Grow": Item#06-26 City Planner's Report PBS2006-10 dated January 18, 2006 regarding Provincial Draft Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe - November 2005, Places to Grow: Better Choices. Brighter Future Recommendation: The General Committee continue to support the intent of the Provincial initiatives as outlined in the proposed November 2005 Places to Grow - A Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe as prepared by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Ontario Growth Secretariat and further that the Ministry again be requested to incorporate into the Growth Plan the following: (a) That the Province recognize the need to extend the Highway 406 Corridor tt~ connect the municipalities of Thorold, Welland and Port Colborne; (b) That the urban areas of Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie be recognized as Built-Up Areas with designated growth potential; (c) That the Province identify Niagara as an Economic Growth Area within its policies and Schedules of the Plan in order for Niagara to be recognized as a priority for Provincial infrastructure investments; /2 City of Thorold P.O. Box 1044, 8 Carleton Street Seuth, Thorold, Ontario L2V 4A7 Tel: 905-227-6613 -2- (d) That the City continue to actively participate and be a part of broader Regional initiatives in consultation with the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal during the further refinement of the scope and scale of the urban growth centres; and, (e) That copies of this report be circulated for information to the Region and local municipalities. The staff report PBS2006-10 considered by Council is enclosed for your reference. Yours very truly, JB:em Adele Arbour, MCIP, RPP, Attach. City Planner c.c. Corwin Cambray, Commissioner Planning & Development Services Regional Municipality of Niagara Local Municipalities PLANNING AND BUILDING PBS2006-10 SERVICES REPORT January 18, 2006 PROVINCIAL DRAFT GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE - NOVEMBER 2005 PLACES TO GROW: BETTER CHOICES. BRIGHTER FUTURE. RECOMMENDATION: 1. The General Committee continue to support the intent of the Provincial initiatives as outlined in the proposed November 2005 Places to Grow - A Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe as prepared by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Ontario Growth Secretariat and fudher that the Ministry~ again be requested to incorporate into the Growth Plan the following: (a)That the Province recognize the need to extend the Highway 406 Corridor to connect the municipalities of Thorold, Welland and Port Colborne; (b) That the urban areas of Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie be 'recognized as Built-Up Areas with designated growth potential; (c) That the Province identify Niagara as an Econo~]c Growth Area within its policies and Schedules of the Plan in order for Niagara to be recognized as a priority for Provincial infrastructure investments; (d) That the City continue to actively padicipate and be a part of broader .... Regional initiatives in consultation with the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal during the further refinement of the scope and scale of the urban growth centres; and, (e) That copies of this report be circulated for information to the Region and local municipalities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to: 1. Review and identify the main issues of the recent November 2005 Draft Growth Plan as it relates to the City of Thorold and the surrounding, areas; and /2 Page TWo PBS2006-10 2. Provide comments to the Province on the November 2005 Draft Growth Plan. BACKGROUND: On June 13, 2005, the Places to Grow Act received Royal Assent. The Act provides a legal framework and a foundation for preparing plans for healthy and prosperous growth throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe. A regulation was also passed identifying the Greater Golden Horshoe as the first area in the province for which a growth plan will be prepared under the Places to Grow Act. On November 24, 2005, the Province released the Proposed Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This proposed Growth Plan was bas~d on extensive public and stakeholder involvement. It reflects the input received on a discussion paper released in the summer of 2004 and a Draft Growth Plan released in February 2005. The plan sets out a framework to provide overall leadership and guidance to municipalities as we plan for growth in our community. Comments on the Proposed Growth Plan are requested by January 27, 2006 and this may be our last oppodunity to comment as the Plan may be approved in the spring or summer of 2006. Council has approved Planning and Building Services Repods CPLR2004-27 and PBS2005-41 respecting the above Plan. In response to the Province's February 2005 Proposed Growth Plan on Places to Grow - A Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Cou~c, il,.at its meeting of June 7, 2004 approved the Recommendations contained in Planning Services Repod PBS2005-41 as follows: (a) That the Province extend the Highway 406 Corridor to connect the municipalities of Thorold, Welland and Port Colborne; (b) That the urban, areas of Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls and Foal Erie be recognized as Built-Up Areas with designated growth potential; (c)That the Province develop an infrastructure strategy, sooner than later, which suppods the goals of the Growth Plan; (d)That the City continue to actively padicipate and be a part of broader Regional initiatives in lobbying the Province to recognize Niagara Region as an "Economic Growth Area"; (e) That copies of this report be circulated for information to the Region and local municipalities. /3 Page Three · PBS2006-10 REPORT The Province has determined that better investment in our cities will help to mitigate urban sprawl. Enhancing infrastructure, integrating and improving transit systems, protecting valuable natural resources and strengthening local government will all go far towards the implementation of the Plan. This Plan addresses these challenges through policy directions in the following manner: · direct growth to built-up areas where the capacity exists to best accommodate the expected population, household and employment growth while providing strict criteria for settlement area boundary expansions; · promote transit-suppodive densities and healthy mix of residential and employment land uses; · preserve employment lands for future economic oppodunities; · identify and support a transpodation network that linked urban growth centres through an extensive multi-modal system anchored by efficient public transit and highway systems for moving people and goods; · plan for community infrastructure to suppod growth; · ensure sustainable water and wastewater services are available to support future growth; and, ,,, · identify a natural system and prime agricultural areas, and enhance the conservation of these valuable resources. GUIDING PRINCIPLES The Province has a vision for its c~n~.munities which would translate into a place where residents enjoy a high standard of livin~nd an exceptional quality of life. This vision is captured and grounded in the following pr~iples that provide the basis for guiding decisions on how land is developed, resources are managed and public dollars invested: · build compact, vibrant and comple.~C/Ommunities; · plan, and manage grow~o support a strong and competitive economy; · protect, conserv ,e~eenhance and wisely use the valuable natural resources of land, air and water for current and future generations; /4 Page Four PBS2006-10 · optimize the use if existing and new infrastructure to suppod growth in a compact, efficient form; · provide for different approaches to managing growth that recognize the diversity of communities in the GGH; and promote collaboration among all sectors - government, private and non-profit and citizens - to achieve the vision. The main issues identified in Planning and Building Services Repod PBS2005-41, February 2005 Proposed Growth Plan on Places to Grow - A Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe do not appear to have been addressed in this latest November 2005 Proposed Growth Plan. Accordingly these issues are being addressed again and staff's comments updated to reflect the November 200§',draft, as follows: 1. The 'Go South' Strategy and Continuation of the 406 Corridor This important issue was again highlighted in the latest Regional Report DPD3-2006 to the Province and we continue to support and reiterate this position. Part of Niagara is located within the Niagara Region and Hildimand County Sub-Area. Sub-Area assessment work will be carried out by the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal over the next 8-12 months in consultation with upper and single-tier municipalities in determining sub-areas. Growth Strategies, which will be prepared by the Province jointly with municipalities and other stakeholders, will address variable interests, issues and challenges to implementing the Plan. These strategies will meet the specific needs of the Sub-Area. They will provide additional policies tail(~(ed to the unique circumstances and specific needs of the Sub-Area. This analysis will allow for the implementation of policies on intensification, urban growth centres, and settlement area boundaries. The Regional Policy Plan's Strategy for Development and Conservation identifies a strategy for promoting two distinct development corridors to the southern parts of the Region which avoids the demands for expansion onto the Good Tender Fruit and Grape Lands. The QEW through Niagara Falls to Fort Erie corridor continues to be recognized within the Gateway Economic Zone; however, the Plan continues to ignore the one 'go south' corridor along the 406 Corridor between Thorold, Welland and Port Colborne. The final draft of the Growth Plan should reflect the above Regional Strategy which would implement the Growth Plan by providing additional policies tailored to the unique circumstances and specific needs of the Sub-Area. The absence of this strategy within the policies and Schedules of the Growth Plan may preclude future Ministry consideration for transportation infrastructure planning and investments. /5 Page Five' PBS2006-10 2. Urban Growth Centres The Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, in consultation with individual upper and lower-tier municipalities, will fudher refine the scope and scale of the urban growth centres. At this time the City of St. Catharines is the only Urban Growth Centre within the Niagara Region identified in the Plan and Schedules. The urban area of Thorold together with urban areas in Welland, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie posses significant development and redevelopment potential and will rely on the promotion of the QEW and 406 as important trade Corridors. These areas should be recognized as Built - Up Areas with designated growth potential in terms of residential and emplO~/ment development. Again, this acknowledgment within the Plan will provide the opportunity to be considered a priority for future growth related infrastructure planning and investments. 3. Infrastructure Planning Infrastructure planning, land use planning, and infrastructure investment will be co- ordinated to implement this Plan. Infrastructure includes but is not limited to transit and transpodation corridors, water and wastewater systems, waste management systems,and community infrastructure. Priority will be given to infrastructure investments made by the province that suppod the policies and schedules in this Plan. · ,,, - The exclusion of Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie as Built-up Areas within the final Plan will require an aggressive approach, with Niagara Region support, during the sub-area assessment to be conducted by the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. It is paramount to be recognized within the final Plan in order to be considered a priority for Provincial infrastructure investments. CONCLUSION This report has emphasized the need to be recognized in the Growth Plan policies and Schedules in order to be identified as a priority for future Provincial infrastructure investments. Without this acknowledgement within the final Plan, Thorold and the rest of the Niagara Region will have to rely on the Minister's future consultations with individual upper and single-tier municipalities when the scope and scale of the urban growth centres are considered for refinement. Page Six PBS2006-10 ~PREPARED BY: RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY: Jack Bernardi, Planner Adele Arbour,~City Planner APPROVED BY: Mike Weir, Chief Administrative Officer IPBS2006-10 CITY OF THOROLD GENERAL COMMITTEE: JANUARY 25, 2006 'T OFFICE OF THE: MAYOR CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER ~, CLERK DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES THE CORPORATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TOWN PELHAM F*xTEL'(905)(905)892'2607892.5055 DIRECTOR OF PLANNING SERVICES OF DIRECTOR OF BUILDING & ENFORCEMENT SERVICES POST OFFICE BOX 400 PELHAM MUNICIPAl BUILDING, 20 PELHAM TOWN SQUARE FONTHILL, ONTARIO LOS 1 E0 February 7, 2006 MRS. PAM GILROY, REGIONAL CLERK ~"~ REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA OFFICE OF THE CLERK 2201 ST. DAVID'S ROAD ,:r-, P. O. BOX 1042 THOROLD ON L2V4T7 Dear Mrs. Gilroy: This is to advise that Council of the Town of Pelham, at its regular meeting held on Monday, February 6, 2006, resolved to enact the following resolution: "THAT Council of the Town of Pelham endorse and support the resolution enacted by the Regional Municipality of Niagara at their meeting held November 24, 2005 as follows: W. HEREAS Ontario Municipalities face a $3.2 billion funding gap between the cost of programs and services the province requires municipalities to deliver and the amount the province ends up paying for those services; AND WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of Niagara's share of that gap amounts to $98 million; AND WHEREAS Niagara's $98 million net expenditure represents 39% of the Regional property taxes; AND WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of Niagara has considered a resolution from the Township of North Frontenac in respect to minimum capital funding; AND WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of Niagara supports the request from the Township of North Frontenac that the Government of the Province of Ontario remove the obligation of funding the many social programs through the municipal property tax base; fl AND WHEREAS the Association of Municipalities of Ontario has a mechanism for dealing with the Provincial Municipal Fiscal Relationship; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham respectfully requests that the Government of the Province of Ontario remove the obligation of funding the many social programs through the municipal property tax base; AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; local MPP's; Regional Municipality of Niagara and area municipalities." Yours very truly, TOWN OF PELHAM Town Clerk Cc: Association of Municipalities of Ontario Local MPP's Area Municipalities OFFICE OF THE: ~ MAYOR CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER CLERK ~ DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES THE CORPORATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF PLANNING SERVICES TOWN OF PELHAM TEL. DIRECTOR OF BUILDING & ENFORCEMENT SERVICES POST OFFICE BOX 400 PELHAM MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 20 PE,LHAM TOWN SQUARE FONTHILL, ONTARIO LOS 1E0 February 7, 2006 MRS. HOLLY DOWD, TOWN CLERK TOWN OF NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE P. O. BOX 100 1593 CREEK ROAD ~'": VIRGIL ON LOS 1T0 ~-- Dear Mrs. Dowd: This is to advise that Council of the Town of Pelham, at its regular meeting held on Monday, February 6, 2006, resolved to enact the following resolution: "THAT Council of the Town of Pelham endorse and support the resolution enacted by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake at their meeting held January 16, 2006, with respect to the funding for public libraries in Ontario and they call upon the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing and the Minister of Culture to: (a) review the impact of public libraries across Ontario to recognize this vital network of resources which works across sectors to meet the demands of Ontario's knowledge- based economy, and supports the future growth and prosperity of Ontario; (b) provide increased provincial funding for public libraries and base the Provincial library grant on an updated and sustainable indexing model; AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing, the Minister of Culture, local MPP's and area municipalities." Yours very truly, TOWN OF PELHAM Cheryl Mic'lo~te, AMCT Town Clerk Cc: Premier of Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing Minister of Culture Local MPP's Area Municipalities OFFICE OF THE: ~ MAYOR CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER CLERK DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES THE CORPORATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OFPLANNING SERVICES TOWN OF PELHAM TEL. DIRECTOR OF BUILDING & ENFORCEMENT SERVICES POST OFFICE BOX 400 PELHAM MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 20 PELHAM TOWN SQUARE FONTHILL, ONTARIO LOS 1EO February 7, 2006 MRS. PAM GILROY, REGIONAL CLERK ~., REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA OFFICE OF THE CLERK '-' 2201 ST. DAVID'S ROAD P. O. BOX 1042 THOROLD ON L2V4T7 Dear Mrs. Gilroy: This is to advise that Council of the Town of Pelham, at its regular meeting held on Monday, February 6, 2006, resolved to enact the following resolution: "THAT Council of the Town of Pelham endorse and support the resolution enacted by the Regional Municipality of Niagara at their meeting held January 19, 2006 whereby they urge the provincial government to proceed expeditiously with the Environmental Assessment of the Niagara-GTA Corridor; AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of the Environment, the Minister of Transportation, all members of the Ontario Provincial Legislature, the Regional Municipality of Niagara, area municipalities, Cities of Burlington & Hamilton and the Region of Halton." Yours very truly, TOWN OF PELHAM Cheryl Midfette, AMCT Town Clerk Cc: Premier of Ontario Minister of the Environment Minister of Transportation Local MPP's Cities of Burlington & Hamilton Region of Halton Area Municipalities OFFICE Of THE: MAYOR CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER CLERK DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES THE CORPORATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF S,RV,CES TOWN O F PELHAM TEL. <'0'1 DIRECTOR OF BUILDING & ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FAX (905) 892-5055 POST OFFICE BOX 400 PELHAM MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 20 PELHAM TOWN SQUARE FONTHILL, ONTARIO LOS 1E0 February 7, 2006 HONOURABLE DAVID CAPLAN MINISTER OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL 777 BAY STREET, 4TM FLOOR TORONTO ON M5G 2E5 Dear Honourable Caplan: This is to advise that Council of the Town of Pelham, at its regular meeting held on Monday, February 6, 2006, resolved to enact the following resolution: "THAT the Town of Pelham support the principles contained in the report entitled "Watertight: The Case for Ontario's Water and Wastewater Sector", excluding Report Recommendation 4.9 submitted by the Expert Panel to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal on July 22, 2005; AND THAT the Town of Pelham Council support the current two-tier arrangement for the delivery of water and wastewater services in Niagara and direct staff to continue to work collaboratively with the Region of Niagara to deliver water and wastewater services in accordance with recognized "Best Management Practices"; AND THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be directed to draft a letter to the other local municipalities in Niagara confirming the Town of Pelham's support for the Watertight Report, with the exception of Report Recommendation 4.9 and confirming Pelham's support for the current two-tier arrangement for the delivery of water and wastewater services in Niagara; AND THAT the Mayor be directed to draft a letter to the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal confirming the Town of Pelham's support the Watertight Report, with the exception of Report Recommendation 4.9 and confirming Pelham's support for the current two-tier arrangement for the delivery of water and wastewater services in Niagara; Con't ..... AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Pelham's Regional Representative be directed to ensure that the Town's position respecting the recommendations of the Watertight Report are conveyed to Regional Council with the request that Regional Council support the Town's position to the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal." Yours very truly, TOWN OF PELHAM Town Clerk Cc: Local MPP's Regional Municipality of Niagara Clerk's Department Area Municipalities