2011/04/04 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AGENDA
SIXTH MEETING
Monday, April 4, 2011
5:30 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room #2A & B
1) Approval of the March 21, 2011 Committee of the Whole minutes.
2) REPORTS: STAFF CONTACT:
a) R &C- 2011 -09
Sports Tourism Policy Kathy Moldenhauer
b) TS- 2011 -18
Transit Fare Increase Proposal Karl Dren
3) NEW BUSINESS:
4) ADJOURNMENT:
IN- CAMERA SESSION
a) Resolution to go into Closed Meeting.
'll
III
MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Monday, March 21, 2011
Committee Room 2, 5:15 P.M.
All members of Council were present. Councillor loannoni chaired the meeting.
1) MINUTES:
a) MOVED on the motion of Councillor Thomson, seconded by Councillor Mayes that
the minutes of the February 28, 2011 Committee of the Whole meeting be approved.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 21, 2011.
Mayor Diodati, Councillor Pietrangelo and Wing arrived.
2) REPORTS:
a) TS- 2011 -17
Downtown Board of Management
Request for 2 -hour Free parking on Queen Street/Valley Way
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Wing, seconded by Mayor Diodati that the
request for free parking along Queen Street and Valley Way be deferred until after
the completion of the comprehensive Parking Operations study due in June.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 21, 2011
b) HR- 2011 -02
Fire Department Full Time Recruitment
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Pietrangelo, seconded by Councillor Morocco
that the matter be dealt with in Council Chambers later this evening.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 21, 2011
3) NEW BUSINESS:
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Pietrangelo, seconded by Councillor Kerrio that
the New Business matters pertaining to Downtown be dealt with in Council
Chambers later this evening.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 21, 2011
-2-
4) ADJOURNMENT:
MOVED on the motion of Councillor Wing, seconded by Councillor Pietrangelo that
the meeting be adjourned at 6:15 and Committee move into an In- Camera Session.
Motion: Carried
Action: Recommendation submitted to Council March 21, 2011
R &C- 2011 -09
NiagaraJalls April 4, 2011
REPORT TO: Councilor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Committee of the Whole
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
SUBMITTED BY: Recreation & Culture
SUBJECT: R &C- 2011- 09
Sports Tourism Policy
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the Sport Tourism Policy effective May 1, 2011.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Many Ontario and Canadian municipalities have developed a Sport Tourism Policy and
Grant Program. The purpose of Sports Tourism Policy and Grant Program to provide
assistance in the provision of hospitality for visiting sports teams, officials and spectators
attending a major sporting event being held in the City of Niagara Falls.
BACKGROUND
On November 16, 2009, Council approved report R- 2009 -33, Playing Field Fees, that
directed staff to investigate the development of a Sport Tourism Policy for the City of
Niagara Falls.
Sports Tourism Policy and Grant Program will:
• Support City of Niagara Falls youth and adult sport organizations to host regional,
provincial and national amateur sport events within the City of Niagara Falls.
• Encourage provincial and national sport organizations to host their
event/tournament(s) in the City of Niagara Falls.
• Generate positive economic impact by attracting and hosting visitors.
• Benefit the local sport system with development of volunteers, athletes, coaches,
officials and community pride.
Recreation & Culture facility user groups were invited to a Sport Tourism Information
meeting on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Gale Centre. Staff presented an overview of
Sport Tourism and reviewed the draft Sport Tourism Policy and Grant Program. Meeting
attendees discussed the policy guidelines and how the funds will be distributed to
tournament organizers. Staff recommends reviewing the Sport Tourism Policy and Grant
Program in a year to determine if the distribution process of grant dollars needs to be clearly
defined by season or sport. User groups attending the annual Playing Field Allocation
April 4, 2011 - 2 - R &C- 2011 -09
meeting on Thursday, March 24 were also informed of the policy and asked for their
comments.
ANALYSIS /RATIONALE
The City of St. Catharines launched their Sport Tourism Policy in 2007. Over the last three
years the City estimates visitor expenditure of $11 million with an estimated $17 million
economic impact generated from twenty -three tournaments at City facilities. The economic
impact from sport related special events are significant to a community.
This past summer the Niagara Sport Commission completed an economic analysis on two
local tournaments, the Teddy Bear Tournament organized by Niagara Falls Girls Minor
Softball Association and the Canlan Youth Niagara Falls Hockey Challenge II. The
combined visitor, capital and operational spending for both tournaments generated
$581,631.00 of which directly impacted Niagara Falls.
The Teddy Bear Tournament attracted 624 participants with 47% staying overnight and 498
spectators with 44% staying overnight more than three days, Friday to Sunday. The Canlan
Youth Niagara Falls Hockey Challenge II attracted 32 teams of 12 - 14 youth, 400
participants and approximately 800 spectators over the three -day tournament.
Approximately 53% of the participants stayed overnight in local hotels and 52% of the
spectators. During both tournaments participants and spectators enjoyed local restaurants,
stores and hotels /motels.
FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
With the introduction of user fees for use of City of Niagara Falls playing fields local sport
organizations have approached City Council requesting their rental fees be waived for
tournaments. To date approximately 33 tournaments are booked at the Gale Centre with
12 soccer and 25 baseball tournaments planned for this summer at City playing fields.
In response to the significant economic impact of tournaments at City arenas and playing
fields staff recommends implementing a Sport Tourism Grant program to support and
encourage tournaments and other related sport competitions in Niagara Falls. A budget of
$20,000.00 is recommended with Recreation & Culture staff administrating the program.
The City of St. Catharines Sports Tourism Grant program is administered by Economic
Development & Tourism Services Department with a budget of $25,000.00 and the City of
Welland's program is administered by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services staff with a
budget of $10,000.00.
Tournament organizers will contact Niagara Falls Tourism to coordinate room rebates and
tourism related packages.
April 4, 2011 - 3 - R&C- 2011 -09
CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT
The City of Niagara Falls' Strategic Plan for the Provision of Parks, Recreation, Arts and
Culture, Action Plan #four states: "Determine Role of Sport Tourism in Future Additions or
Improvements to Field Supply." Staff and user needs acknowledge the need for a Sport
Tourism Grant program which exists in other communities. The Grant program can be part
of an overall Sport Tourism Policy.
The City of Niagara Strategic Priorities, Economic Vitality states, Encourage development
of new tourism products, to promote and expand year round sport tourism opportunities
utilizing City recreation facilities such as the Gale Centre. The proposed Sport Tourism
Policy and Grant program will assist in promoting new and existing sporting events.
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
1. Sport Tourism Policy
Recommended by: 21� ( ?,c(ErC A (t tp
Kathy Moldenhauer
Actin Di ector of Recr tion & Culture
Approved by:
Ken odd
Chief Administrative Officer
Page 1 of 2
DEPARTMENT: DATE EFFECTED: POLICY:
RECREATION & Sport Tourism Policy &
CULTURE May 1, 2011 Grant Program
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
Section
Purpose
The purpose of Sports Tourism Policy and Grant program is to provide assistance in the provision of
hospitality for visiting sports teams, officials and spectators attending a major sporting event being
held in the City of Niagara Falls at City and community facilities.
Sports Tourism Policy and Grant Program will:
• Support City of Niagara Falls youth and adult sport organizations to host regional, provincial
and national amateur sport events within the City of Niagara Falls.
• Encourage provincial and national sport organizations to host their tournament(s) in the City
of Niagara Falls.
• Generate positive economic impact by attracting and hosting visitors.
• Benefit the local sport system with development of volunteers, athletes, coaches, officials and
community pride.
Guidelines
• Sport Tourism opportunities may include international, national, provincial and regional
single -sport championships. Also include annual tournaments /events, multi -sport games and
training camps, selection camps and /or preparation events. All events to be endorsed or
sanctioned by a Provincial, National or International sporting body.
• Only non -profit organizations, or charitable events with 100% of proceeds benefitting local
charities, can apply for a sport tourism grant.
• New and returning events are requested to provide information on anticipated number of
competitors and /or teams attending the sporting event.
• Sporting event is to be a minimum of two days.
• The event will be hosted in the City of Niagara Falls with the majority of
participants /spectators staying overnight in the City's motels and hotels.
Page 2 of 2
Process
• The Sport tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM) software tool may be utilized to
assess the economic impact of each tournament/special event. STEAM will allow staff to
measure, track and support the event.
• Applicants will complete and submit the Sport Tourism Grant Program form requesting event
and organizer information to Recreation & Culture staff. Form is to be submitted 30 to 60 days
in advance of the event.
• Non -profit organizations will provide a copies of the Constitution or Charter and /or By -Laws.
Event Type Room Nights (Overnight Stay) Amount
Level 1 50 - 249 $300
Level 2 250 - 500 $700
Level3 >501 $1500
Level 4 >750 $4,000 maximum
Significant Events*
* Significant Event - Consider spectator interest, additional visitors, media coverage and legacy
benefits to the City, for example National level event.
• Applicants will be directed to contact Niagara Falls Tourism (905) 356 -6061 ext 16 or by email
LeisureSales (a�niagarafallstourism.cpm to secure room Grants and tourism related packages.
• Post event organizations must provide their actual budget report complete with documentation
to validate the number of out of town participants who stayed overnight in Niagara Falls hotels
and /or motels.
• Post event organizers of charitable events must provide documentation to support proceeds
have been provided to local charities.
I
Revised March 25, 2011
S: \Council \Council 2011 \R &C 2011-09 - Attachment #1- Sports Tourism Policy draft.wpd
TS- 2011 -18
Niagaraaalls April 4, 2011
REPORT TO: Councilor Carolynn loannoni, Chair
and Members of the Committee of the Whole
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
SUBMITTED BY: Transportation Services Department
SUBJECT: TS- 2011 -18
Transit Fare Increase Proposal
RECOMMENDATION
1) That Council endorse the proposed five year plan for Transit Fare revisions as
outlined in Schedule `A'.
2) That the revisions to the Conventional Service fares come into effect July 1S 2011
and the revisions to the Falls Shuttle Fares come into effect on May 1' , 2011.
3) That the Commission for the sale of Conventional fare media be increased from 2%
to 3% and that the sale of Falls Shuttle fare media be decreased from 10% to 5 %,
effective May 1S 2011.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Niagara Falls Transit is proposing a fare increase to ensure operating revenues keep pace
with operating expenditures for the continued health of the system. The previous fare
increase was implemented in April, 2009 and only the cash fares were increased by ten
cents to $2.35 for an adult, $2.10 for seniors and students, and $1.10 for children six to
twelve. Thus, the ticket and pass prices were not increased at that time to further
encourage our customers to migrate away from the cash fares and promote multi ride fare
media, which better promotes loyalty to the service.
In addition, the Falls Shuttle passes have remained the same price since 2002, even
though wages and fuel prices have been rising. It is recommended the fare price for an
all day pass be increased from $6.00 to $10.00. This fare allows one adult and two
children to ride the Falls Shuttle, as well as our conventional system all day. By
comparison, the fare to ride the NPC People Mover would cost $16.50.
The Transit Strategic Business Plan, prepared by the IBI Group and endorsed by Council,
identified a recommended five year fare structure implementation plan to help offset rising
costs, as well as the proposed enhancements to transit services. These fare adjustments
will be phased in over the next five years, so there will be adjustments prior to, during, and
after the routing improvements.
April 4, 2011 - 2 - TS- 2011 -18
In addition to the proposed fare increases, staff recommend adjustments be made to our
vendor commission rates. Niagara Falls Transit currently has over twenty independent
vendors throughout the city, which provide tremendous convenience for our customers to
purchase their tickets and passes. The 2% commission paid to these vendors has
remained unchanged for over fifteen years and should be enhanced to ensure the growth
of this valuable sales network. Thus, an increase from 2% to 3% is recommended for our
conventional fare media and a decrease from 10% to 5% is recommended for our Falls
Shuttle Day Pass. The lower commissions being paid on conventional fare media reflect
the higher value of the product and year round nature of the sales opportunity. The
commission was lowered on the Falls Shuttle Day Pass due to the increase in the Pass
pricing.
BACKGROUND
As noted, Council approved the ten cent cash fare increase, which was implemented in
April, 2009. Neither the ticket or monthly pass prices were increased at that time as
ridership data indicated Niagara Falls Transit collected approximately eighty percent of its
revenue from cash fares, which is disproportionately high. In most systems, the
percentage of revenue generated from cash, tickets, and monthly passes is proportional.
Those customers, which utilize the service most, choose the ticket and monthly pass
options due to their reduced cost per ride. These loyal customers are critical to the health
of Niagara Falls Transit as their patronage generates increased ridership, which in turn,
results in a larger portion of the Provincial Gas Tax Subsidy.
It has been eight years since the ticket, monthly and semester pass prices were increased
and nine years since the day pass price was increased. During this period, operating
expenditures associated with wages, fuel, and maintenance increased by approximately
three percent per year. In addition, the Ontario Bus Replacement Program, which
subsidized one third the cost of each replacement bus purchased was eliminated in 2010
and the utilities and repair costs associated with maintaining the deteriorating Operations
Facility on Bridge Street have continued to escalate. The additional fare revenues will
greatly assist with the management of these ever increasing expenses.
ANALYSIS /RATIONALE
The cash fare increase would place Niagara Falls Transit on parity with Welland and St.
Catharines Transit, which have been at $2.50 for their adult cash fare since 2009. By
increasing the monthly pass rates, Niagara Falls will also be in line with Welland and St.
Catharines, which have higher rates for their passes. At $70.00 per month for an adult
pass, a frequent commuter making twenty round trips per month, has effectively reduced
the per trip ride to $1.75. On a go forward basis, the principle of fare pricing should be to
establish a high cash fare with progressive pricing incentives for loyal, more frequent
customers.
The greater price increase associated with the Falls Shuttle day pass is based on several
factors. The current $6.00 fare is far below market value for this premium service providing
transportation to 1:30 a.m. and half hour headways during the peak tourism season. In
comparison, the Niagara Parks Commission charge $7.50 for an adult and $4.50 per child
(5 through 12 years of age) for an all day pass on their People Mover system. Thus, for
April 4, 2011 - 3 - TS- 2011 -18
a family of two adults and two children it would cost $24.00 per day to travel on the People
Mover versus our current Falls Shuttle pass for $12.00. The price increase in the Falls
Shuttle pass would make the cost for this family $20.00 for the entire day and they could
have up to four children at no additional cost.
As noted above, the wages, fuel, and maintenance costs have continued to rise each year
while many of the fare categories have not kept pace with these increasing expenses. On
average, these costs have risen about three percent per year and thus, over an eight year
period equate to a compounded increase of approximately twenty five percent. Therefore,
the $2.25 cash fare, which was being charged customers in 2003, should be $2.85 for
2011. Also, the IBI Strategic Plan indicates the fare for 2011 should be increased to $2.55
for adults and $2.30 for Seniors and Students to protect our revenues. The following
statements have been hilited for your information from the Strategic Plan;
• Increase the average fare by approximately 5 per cent (5 %) per year, subject to
rounding to nearest convenient $0.05 over the 2010 -2015 period, which is
consistent with inflation and the significant improvements to be made to the
services.
• Price monthly passes on the basis of 30 rides times the cash fare.
• Continue to provide a Day Pass on the basis of 2.5 times the adult cash fare.
• All fares rounded to the nearest convenient coinage.
FINANCIAL /STAFFING /LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no staffing or legal implications associated with the proposed fare increases.
The financial implications should result in additional fare revenues. Public transit is an
inelastic service and increases to fares do not result in proportional decreases in revenue
due to reduced ridership. It is difficult to predict ridership decreases due to fare increases,
but the overall revenue realized per trip will increase.
CITY'S STRATEGIC COMMITMENT
This initiative is supported by Council's Strategic Priority regarding Convenient, Accessible,
and Sustainable Transportation, specifically, continue to generate revenues, which keep
pace with rising operational costs to ensure our community is provided with a healthy,
sustainable transportation option.
Make Niagara Falls Transit an environmentally responsible, reliable, and convenient choice
that connects people to destinations through the implementation of the Transit Strategic
Business Plan and Ridership Growth Strategy
April 4, 2011 - 4 - TS- 2011 -18
List of Attachments
Schedule 'A' - Recommended Fare Structure 2010 - 2015
Recommended by:
Karl Dren, Director of Transportation Services
Respectfully submitted:
Ken odd, Chief Administrative Officer
Dave Stuart
S. \General Administration \GA 1.01 Reports \2011 Committee of the Whole \04 Apr 4 \TS- 2011 -18 Transit Fare Increase Proposal.wpd
SCHEDULE "A"
RECOMMENDED FARE STRUCTURE 2010 - 2015
Conventional Transit
FARE RATE BY YEAR
FARE CATEGORY 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Cash
Adults $2.35 $2.50 $2.65 $2.75 $2.90 $3.00
SeniorsNlP* $2.10 $2.25 $2.30 $2.40 $2.40 $2.50
Student (13 to 19) $2.10 $2.25 $2.30 $2.40 $2.40 $2.50
Child (6 to 12) $1.10 $1.25 $1.25 $1.35 $1.40 $1.50
Infants (5 and under) Free Free Free Free Free Free
10 Ride Passes /Tickets **
Adults $22.00 $23.00 $24.00 $25.00 $26.75 $28.50
Seniors/VIP* $19.50 $20.50 $21.50 $22.50 $23.00 $23.50
Youth (High School) $19.50 $20.50 $21.50 $22.50 $23.00 $23.50
Monthly Passes (30 DAYS)
Adults $65.00 $70.00 $74.00 $77.00 $81.00 $84.00
Students (High School) $50.00 $54.00 $58.00 $62.00 $66.00 $70.00
SeniorsNlP* $50.00 $54.00 $58.00 $62.00 $66.00 $70.00
Student Semester Pass * ** $180.00 $192.00 $204.00 $216.00 $230.00 $244.00
Adult Day Pass $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $7.00 $7.00 $8.00
* VIP Passes and tickets are sold to adults, which are receiving Provincial support subsidies.
** Tickets to be phased out upon the introduction of a 10 ride Smart Card Pass
* ** Semester Passes are valid for high school students for 5 months
Smart Cards - Initial issuance $2.00
Smart Cards - Replacement $5.00
Falls Shuttle
Falls Shuttle One Way $3.50 $3.50 $3.50 $4.00 $4.00 $5.00
Child (12 and under) $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
Falls Shuttle Pass $6.00 $10.00 $10.00 $12.00 $12.00 $15.00
' �II ; . yu 1�
r
CITY OF_ _ v CANADA
NIAG4RA fA
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
No.
Moved by Councillor
Seconded by Councillor
WHEREAS all meetings of Council are to be open to the public; and
WHEREAS the only time a meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject
matter falls under one of the exceptions under s. 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT on April 4, 2011 Niagara Falls Council will go into a
closed meeting to consider a matter that falls under the subject matter of 239(2)(f) of the Municipal
Act, 2001, advice that is subject to solicitor - client privilege.
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed.
DEAN IORFIDA JAMES M. DIODATI
CITY CLERK MAYOR