2007/04/30 - Regional
Council Information
*for period ended April 30, 2007*
*Regional*
1 . 29-Storey Condo
2. 2007 Tax Policy & Rates
3. Ontario Trails Council Summit, Niagara Falls, May 15-17
4. 3009 Valley Way - Affordable Housing Funding
5. Regional Council Highlights
6. Police Board Highlights
Niagara.. Region
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
The Regional Municipality of Niagara
2201 St. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042
Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7
Telephone: 905-984-3630
Fax: 905-641-5208
E-mail: plan@regional.niagara.on.ca
April 17, 2007
File: D.10.M.11.21
Mr. Dean lorfida, Clerk
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
PO Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Dear Mr. lorfida:
Re: Official Plan Amendment 68
Proposed 29-Storey Residential Building
River Road, between John and Philip Streets
City of Niaaara Falls
On February 21, 2007 Report DPD 103-2006 was submitted to the Regional Planning and
Public Works Committee for their consideration. Based on a request by the proponents'
attorney Mr. Amadio, the report was deferred without a specific target date for bringing the
report back. This arrangement was supported by the residents, the City of Niagara Falls and
Mr. T. Richardson.
Regional Council, at its meeting of March 1,2007, supported the deferral request. It was also
noted that at least one month's notice should be given to all parties before a report is brought
back to the Planning and Public Works Committee.
Yours truly,
~
. Farley
Director of Planning
c: Mr. Bill Amadio, Broderick & Partners, 4625 Ontario Avenue, PO Box 897
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6V6
Mr. T. Richardson, Sullivan Mahoney, P.O. Box 1360, SI. Catharines, ON L2R 6Z2
Mr. J. Gruyich, Michael's Inn, 5599 River Road, Niagara Falls, ON
Mr. D. Gillis, MCIP, RPP, Manager, Planning & Properties,
Niagara Parks Commission
Mr. Calvin Beresh, President, Downtown Niagara Falls Board of Management, PO Box
5, Main Station, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S8
Mr. A. Lichtman, Historic Niagara Development Inc., 4681 Ontario Avenue, Niagara
Falls, ON L2E 3R1
djf/OPA 68 letter
Building Community. Building Lives.
Niagara.. Region
\(13 ,/
NlI1G. FfUS CLERKS 'm 041810:42
Office of the Regional Clerk
2201 51. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042, Thorold ON L2V 4T7
Tel: 905-685-1571 Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
Fax: 905-687-4977
pam. gilroy@regional.niagara.on.ca
www.regional.niagara.on.ca
April 13, 2007
Mr. Dean lorfida
Municipal Clerk
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
CL 5-2007, April 12, 2007
Report CSO 54-2007
2007 Tax Policv and Tax Rates
The Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, at its meeting of April 12, 2007, approved the
following recommendation of its Ad Hoc Committee of Council on Property Assessment and Taxation
Reform:
"That Report CSD 54-2007, April 4, 2007, respecting 2007 Tax Policy and Tax Rates, be received;
and
That the following recommendations be approved and adopted:
i) That Scenario "Threshold" of this report be adopted for the taxation year 2007.
ii) That the Area Municipal Councils be informed of Regional Council's decision to utilize the
recommended tax ratios and be directed to apply the same tax ratios in determining their 2007
tax rates for their purposes.
iii) That the Minister of Finance be requested to lower Niagara's Education Tax Rate for the
industrial class equivalent to the reduction of the tax ratio burden adopted by Regional Council.
iv) That the 2007 capping program reflect the following criteria:
a) An annual cap set at:
(i) the greater of:
. An amount representing an increase of 10% of the previous year's annualized tax,
or
. An amount representing an increase of 5% of the previous year's Current Value
Assessment (CVA) tax limit,
b) And, that following the application of the capping program all properties within +/- $250
threshold of the CVA taxes be moved directly to CVA taxation.
v) That the new to class/new construction treatment, under subsection 331(20) of the Municipal
Act, be phased out by establishing a minimum percentage of CVA tax responsibility set at 90%
in 2007.
Building Community. Building Lives.
Page 2....
vi) That the 2007 capping program be funded by claw back from within respective classes
pursuant to section 330 of the Municipal Act.
vii) That the Area Municipal Treasurers be requested to include in the standardized tax bill a
separate tax rate as calculated for Police services in addition to the tax rates for general
Regional services and education purposes
viii) That the Regional Clerk be requested to prepare the necessary by-laws for consideration and
adoption by Regional Council.
ix) That this report be received and circulated to the Councils of the Area Municipalities for
information."
A copy of Report CSD 54-2007 and certified copies of the relevant bylaws are enclosed for your
information.
If further information is required, please contact Mr. John Bergsma, Commissioner, Corporate
Services Department, at (905) 685-1571, ext. 3292
Yours truly,
(k ~~oy
l() Regional Clerk
cc: J. Bergsma, Commissioner, Corporate Services
G. Lockyer, Treasurer/Director, Financial Management and Planning
.
.
BILL 42
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
BY-LAW NO. 42-2007
A BY-LAW TO SET TAX RATIOS AND
TAX RATE REDUCTIONS FOR PRESCRIBED
PROPERTY SUBCLASSES FOR REGIONAL
PURPOSES AND AREA MUNICIPAL PURPOSES
FOR THE YEAR 2007
WHEREAS pursuant to Section 308(5) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as
amended, the Regional Municipality of Niagara may establish the tax ratios for The
Regional Corporation and the Area Municipalities;
AND WHEREAS the tax ratios determine the relative amount of taxation to be borne by
each property class; and
AND WHEREAS the property classes have been prescribed by the Minister of Finance
pursuant to Section 7 of the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.31, as amended; and
AND WHEREAS pursuant to Section 313(1) of the Municipal Act, the Regional
Municipality of Niagara may establish tax reductions for prescribed property subclasses
for the Regional Corporation and the Area Municipalities; and
AND WHEREAS the property subclasses for which tax rate reductions are to be
established are in accordance with Section 8 of the Assessment Act; and
AND WHEREAS Section 311 (25) of the Municipal Act provides that the tax rate
reductions may be lower than would otherwise be permitted to be levied for municipal
purposes.
THEREFORE the Council of The Regional Municipality of Niagara enacts as follows:
1. That the tax ratio for property in:
a) the residential property class is 1.0000;
b) the multi-residential property class is 2.0600;
c) the new multi-residential property class is 1.0000;
d) the commercial property class is 1.7586;
e) the industrial property class is 2.6300;
f) the pipelines property class is 1.6334;'
g) the farmlands property class is 0.2500;
h) the managed forests property class is 0.2500.
.
"
2. That the tax reduction for:
a) the vacant land and excess land subclasses in the commercial property
class is 30%;
b) the vacant land and excess land subclasses in the industrial property class
is 35%;
c) the first class of farmland awaiting development in the residential, multi-
residential, commercial or industrial property classes is 25%;
d) the second class of farmland awaiting development in the residential,
multi-residential, commercial or industrial property classes is 0%.
3. That for the purposes of this by-law:
a) the industrial property class includes all properties classified as industrial,
and large industrial, as per Ontario Regulation 282/98;
b) the first class of farmland awaiting development and the second class of
farmland awaiting development consist of land as defined in accordance
with Ontario Regulation 282/98.
4. That this by-law shall come into force on the day upon which it is passed.
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
(Peter Par1ington, ~egional C
~yj
If-(pam . roy,;e~iOna~ Clerk)
Passed: April 12. 2007
TRUE COpy
BILL 43
THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
BY-LAW NO. 43-2007
A BY-LAW TO SET AND LEVY THE
RATES OF TAXATION FOR REGIONAL
GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSES FOR
THE YEAR 2007
WHEREAS the Regional Council of The Regional Municipality of Niagara (hereinafter
referred to as "The Regional Corporation") has prepared and. adopted a budget
including estimates of all sums it requires during the year 2007 for the purposes of the
Regional Corporation pursuant to Section 289(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001,
c. 25, as amended (hereinafter referred to as the "Municipal Act");
AND WHEREAS Regional Council by By-Law 28-2007, adopted the 2007 Current
Budget;
AND WHEREAS for the purposes of raising the general levy for the Regional
Corporation, the Regional Corporation shall pass a by-law directing each Lower-Tier
Municipality to levy a separate tax rate, as specified in the by-law, on the assessment in
each property class in the Lower-Tier Municipality rateable for the purposes of the
Regional Corporation, pursuant to Section 311 (2) of the Municipal Act;
AND WHEREAS the tax ratios and the tax rate reductions for prescribed property
classes for the 2007 taxation year have been set out in By-law 42-2007 of the Regional
Corporation dated the 1zth of April, 2007;
AND WHEREAS, the Regional Corporation is responsible for providing Waste
Management services pursuant to By-laws 8280-96, 8281-96, 8282-96 and 8283-96;
AND WHEREAS, Regional Council is desirous of imposing a special levy for Waste
Management purposes and the sums required by taxation in the year 2007 for the said
purposes are to be levied by separate rates by the applicable Area Municipalities as
directed by Regional by-law pursuant to Subsection 311 (4) of the Municipal Act, 2001;
AND WHEREAS it is necessary for the Regional Corporation, pursuant to Section
257.12.1 (3) of the Education Act, R.S.O.1990, C.E. 2, to levy tax rates required to raise
the sums requisitioned by the Province against each Lower-Tier Municipality for the
year 2006;
AND WHEREAS Regional Council established tax rates for property classes, and other
decisions consistent with setting and levying rates of taxation for regional purposes for
2007.
THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
ENACTS AS FOLLOWS
1. That for the year 2007 in The Regional Municipality of Niagara the lower-tier
municipalities shall levy upon the property tax classes set out below the property
tax rates applicable thereto
ProDertv Class Tax Rates
Residential 0.00691166
Multi-Residential 0.01423801
New Multi-Residential 0.00691166
Commercial Occupied 0.01215481
Excess Land 0.00850837
Vacant Land 0.00850837
Industrial Occupied 0.01817765
Excess Land 0.01181547
Vacant Land 0.01181547
Pipelines 0.01128948
Farmlands 0.00172791
ManaCled Forests 0.00172791
Farmland Awaiting Development I 0.00518374
Farmland Awaiting Develooment II 0.00691166
As set out in detail in Schedule "A" to this By-law.
2. That for the year 2007 in The Regional Municipality of Niagara, the Town of
Niagara-on-the-Lake be required to pay $1,032,359 to the Regional Corporation
the charges for Waste Management purposes set out in Schedule "C". The
remaining area municipalities shall levy upon the property tax classes and
applicable subclasses the tax rates for Waste Management purposes set out in
Schedule "C" attached to this by-law.
3. That the Regional Corporation, as required by the Province of Ontario, establish
the following education tax rates:
Prope Class
Commercial
Industrial
Occupied
0.01592891
0.02634429
ExcessNacant
Land
0.01115024
0.01712379
4. That the Regional Corporation, as required by the Province of Ontario, establish
the following education tax rates for the remaining property classes:
Pro e Class
Residential
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Pi elines
Farmlands
Mana ed Forests
Farmland Awaitin Develo
Farmland Awaiting Develo
0.00264000
0.00264000
0.00264000
0.01532030
0.00066000
0.00066000
0.00198000
0.00264000
5. That the Regional Council directs that the Council of each lower-tier municipality
levy for Regional purposes, general Regional tax rates, and the education tax
rates as specified herein, and set out in detail on Schedule "A", attached to this
by-law.
6. That the Regional Council direct that the property tax levy for school board
purposes as levied against each lower-tier municipality be paid in accordance
with the provisions of The Education Act and the Regulations passed thereunder.
7. That payment of all amounts directed to be levied pursuant to the provisions of
this by-law and due to the Regional Municipality of Niagara shall be due and
payable in the amounts and at the times shown on Schedule "B" attached to this
by-law.
8. If a lower-tier municipality fails to make any payment or portion thereof as
provided in this by-law, the lower-tier municipality shall pay to the Regional
Corporation interest due on the amount in default at the rate of fifteen (15) per
cent per annum from the due date of the payment until the payment is made.
9. That this by-law shall come into force and take effect on the date upon which it is
passed.
EGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
\ --'-f'
r I
,OJ'
(Peter Partington,R~gio,nal.
Passed: Aoril12. 2007
TRUE COpy
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Schedule C
Calculation of the 2007 Waste Management Tax Rates & Levy
Area Municipality - Niagara Falls
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Assessment
$4,705,598,722
$210,691,065
$0
$1,693,464,713
$19,688,604
$66,765,590
$72,924,047
$3,698,731
$9,797,970
$30,380,000
$24,609,003
$430,300
$0
$0
$6,838,Q48, 745
Area Municipality - Port Colborne
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Assessment
$1,055,983,846
$37,226,330
$0
$78,688,064
$597,020
$1,209,440
$57,723,911
$1,653,328
$894,800
$7,996,000
$20,384,485
$153,500
$1,063,600
$0
$1,263,574,324
Waste Management
Tax Rate
0.00070715
0.00145676
0.00070715
0.00124361
0.00087054
0.00087054
0.00185982
0.00120888
0.00120888
0.00115507
0.00017679
0.00017679
0.00053037
0.00070715
Levy
$3,327,564
$306,926
$0
$2,106,010
$17,140
$58,122
$135,626
$4,471
$11,845
$35,091
$4,351
$76
$0
$0
$6,007,222
Waste Management
Tax Rate Levy
0.00118576 $1,252,143
0.00244270 $90,933
0.00118576 $0
0.00208531 $164,089
0.00145970 $871
0.00145970 $1,765
0.00311858 $180,017
0.00202706 $3,351
0.00202706 $1,814
0.00193683 $15,487
0.00029644 $6,043
0.00029644 $46
0.00088932 $946
0.00118576 $0
$1,717,505
Schedule C
Calculation of the 2007 Waste Management Tax Rates & Levy
Area Municipality - St. Catharines
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Area Municipality - Thorold
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Assessment
$7,867,958,477
$450,998,545
$0
$1,139,489,946
$10,137,626
$16,068,615
$156,671,065
$3,750,859
$7,940,540
$25,209,000
$59,375,305
$0
$0
$0
$9,737,599,978
Assessment
$1,087,831,603
$25,691,675
$0
$112,906,166
$1,942,909
$2,781,500
$71,301,317
$2,564,880
$5,368,945
$15,687,000
$21,784,770
$203,600
$0
$0
$1,348,064,365
Waste Management
Tax Rate
0.00083326
0.00171651
0.00083326
0.00146536
0.00102576
0.00102576
0.00219148
0.00142446
0.00142446
0.00136104
0.00020831
0.00020831
0.00062494
0.00083326
Levy
$6,556,055
$774,144
$0
$1,669,763
$10,399
$16,483
$343,342
$5,343
$11,311
$34,310
$12,368
$0
$0
$0
$9,433,518
Waste Management
Tax Rate
0.00070763
0.00145773
0.00070763
0.00124444
0.00087111
0.00087111
0.00186107
0.00120970
0.00120970
0.00115584
0.00017691
0.00017691
0.00053072
0.00070763
Levy
$769,782
$37,452
$0
$140,505
$1,692
$2,423
$132,697
$3,103
$6,495
$18,132
$3,854
$36
$0
$0
$1,116,171
Schedule C
Calculation of the 2007 Waste Management Tax Rates & Levy
Area Municipality - Weiland
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Assessment
$2,434,969,180
$121,715,835
$0
$250,982,665
$20,867,194
$6,995,700
$58,030,205
$1,230,666
$1,558,200
$14,761,000
$5,966,695
$137,400
$0
$0
$2,917,214,740
Area Municipality - Fort Erie
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Assessment
$2,186,743,595
$33,709,630
$0
$228,819,042
$5,952;935
$14,219,800
$40,535,441
$1,069,002
$2,617,400
$12,817,000
$19,802,405
. $378,900
$0
$0
$2,546,665,150
Waste Management
Tax Rate
0.00106546
0.00219487
0.00106546
0.00187374
0.00131161
0.00131161
0.00280219
0.00182141
0.00182141
0.00174033
0.00026637
0.00026637
0.00079910
0.00106546
Levy
$2,594,362
$267,150
$0
$470,276
$27,370
$9,176
$162,612
$2,242
$2,838
$25,689
$1,589
$37
$0
$0
$3,563,341
Waste Management
Tax Rate
0.00075570
0.00155674
0.00075570
0.00132896
0.00093028
0.00093028
0.00198749
0.00129187
0.00129187
0.00123436
0.00018892
0.00018892
0.00056677
0.00075570
Levy
$1,652,522
$52,477
$0
$304,091
$5,538
$13,228
$80,564
$1,381
$3,381
$15,821
$3,741
$72
$0
$0
$2,132,816
Schedule C
Calculation of the 2007 Waste Management Tax Rates & Levy
Area Municipality - Grimsby
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Area Municipality - Lincoln
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Assessment
$1,950,847,010
$18,513,000
. $0
$136,617,101
$4,859,605
$7,479,670
$24,319,071
$2,144,673
$1,417,200
$6,128,000
$34,395,970
$81,000
$0
$0
$2,186,802,300
Assessment
$1,575,309,589
$10,358,950
$0
$117,871,581
$1,581,245
$3,204,900
$55,056,870
$1,709,540
$1,061,000
$14,665,000
$196,142,930
$103,000
$0
$0
$1,977,064,605
Waste Management
Tax Rate
0.00055098
0.00113502
0.00055098
0.00096898
0.00067827
0.00067827
0.00144909
0.00094190
0.00094190
0.00089997
0.00013775
0.00013775
0.00041324
0.00055098
Levy
$1,074,878
$21,013
$0
$132,379
$3,296
$5,073
$35,241
$2,020
$1,335
$5,515
$4,738
$11
$0
$0
$1,285,499
Waste Management
Tax Rate Levy
0.00056232 $885,828
0.00115837 $11,999
0.00056232 $0
0.00098887 $116,560
0.00069222 $1,095
0.00069222 $2,218
0.00147889 $81,423
0.00096128 $1,643
0.00096128 $1,020
0.00091849 $13,470
0.00014056 $27,570
0.00014056 $14
0.00042174 $0
0.00056232 $0
$1,142,840
Schedule C
Calculation of the 2007 Waste Management Tax Rates & Levy
Area Municipality - Niagara-on-the-Lake
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Area Municipality - Pelham
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Assessment
$1,925,301,448
$13,561,820
$0
$294,167,606
$2,318,810
$1,948,500
$16,427,560
$471,584
$4,252,000
$12,523,000
$187,053,562
$318,700
$0
$0
$2,458,344,590
Assessment
$1,382,905,125
$13,474,750
$0
$48,879,645
$452,060
$180,000
$2,656,878
$0
$49,000
$11,517,000
$61,773,217
$425,940
$0
$0
$1,522,313,615
Waste Management
Tax Rate Levy
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,032,359
Waste Management
Tax Rate
0.00057676
0.00118813
0.00057676
0.00101432
0.00071003
0.00071003
0.00151689
0.00098598
0.00098598
0.00094208
0.00014421
0.00014421
0.00043257
0.00057676
Levy
$797,604
$16,010
$0
$49,580
$321
$128
$4,030
$0
$48
$10,850
$8,908
$61
$0
$0
$887,540
Schedule C
Calculation of the 2007 Waste Management Tax Rates & Levy
Area Municipality - Wainfleet
Residential & Farm
Multi-Residential
New Multi-residential
Commercial
Excess land
Vacant land
Industrial
Excess land
Vacant land
Pipelines
Farmlands
Managed Forests
Farmland I
Farmland II
Totals
Assessment
$526,859,902
$260,000
$0
$11,689,245
$922,035
$89,000
$2,416,821
$144,759
$20,600
$3,652,000
$69,008,900
$513,025
$0
$0
$615,576,287
Area Municipality - West Lincoln
Waste Management
Tax Rate Levy
0.00068955 $363,296
0.00142048 $369
0.00068955 $0
0.00121265 $14,175
0.00084886 $783
0.00084886 $76
0.00181353 $4,383
0.00117879 $171
0.00117879 $24
0.00112632 $4,113
0.00017241 $11,898
0.00017241 $88
0.00051717 $0
0.00068955 $0
$399,376
Waste Management
Assessment . Tax Rate
Residential & Farm $792,736,121 0.00053856
Multi-Residential $4,265,160 0.00110942
New Multi-residential $0 0.00053856
Commercial $37,265,371 0.00094710
Excess land $503,350 0.00066297
'Vacant lana--------------;p~:r,-01JO------O. 001>06297-- .
Industrial $13,309,296 0.00141640
Excess land $216,068 0.00092066
Vacant land $421,500 0.00092066
Pipelines $20,110,800 0.00087968
Farmlands $148,307,119 0.00013462
Managed Forests $229,075 0.00013462
Farmland I $0 0.00040392
Farmland II $0 0.00053856
Totals $1,017,896,860
Levy
$426,936
$4,732
$0
$35,294
$334
--- . --- $353
$18,851
$199
$388
$17,691
$19,965
$31
$0
$0
$524,774
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
(
Niagar:a.. Region
REPORT TO:
Ghair and Members of the Property Assessment and Taxation
Reform Adhoc Committee
SUBJECT:
2007 Tax Policy and Tax Rates
RECOMMENDATION
That this Committee recommend to Regional Council:
That the following recommendations be approved and adopted:
I,. 1) That Scenario "Threshold" of this report be adopted for the taxation year 2007.
2) That the Area Municipal Councils be informed of Regional Council's decision to utilize
the recommended tax ratios and be directed to apply the same tax ratios in
determining their 2007 tax rates for their purposes.
3) That the Minister of Finance be requested to lower Niagara's Education Tax Rate for
the industrial class equivalent to the reduction of the tax ratio burden adopted by
Regional Council.
4) That the 2007 capping program reflect the following criteria:
a) An annual cap set at:
i) the greater of:
(1) An amount representing an increase of 10% of the previous year's
annualized tax, or
(2) An amount representing an increase of 5% of the previous year's Current
Value Assessment (CVA) tax limit,
b) And, that following the application of the capping program all properties within +/-
$250 threshold of the CVA taxes be moved directly to CVA taxation.
(
5) That the new to class/new construction treatment, under subsection 331(20) of the
Municipal Act, be phased out by establishing a minimum percentage of CVA tax
responsibility set at 90% in 2007.
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CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
6) That the 2007 capping program be funded by claw back from within respective classes ('"
pursuant to section 330 of the Municipal Act. ,
7) That the Area Municipal Treasurers be requested to include in the standardized tax bill
a separate tax rate as calculated for Police services in addition to the tax rates for
general Regional services and education purposes
8) That the Regional Clerk be requested to prepare the necessary by-laws for
consideration and adoption by Regional Council.
9) That this report be received and circulated to the Councils of the Area Municipalities for
information.
PURPOSE
This report is intended to provide Committee and Council with an analysis of tax ratios and
the resulting tax rates for 2007 property tax policy decisions. Options are presented for
consideration and the impact of each is discussed.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Municipal Act requires upper tier municipalities to establish a tax ratio by-law followed
by a tax rate by-law each year. The area municipalities are required to adopt the tax ratios
established by the Region to set their own tax rates. The deadline for approval of the by- (
law, is set for April 30 in legislation.
Two scenarios providing alternative tax ratios and rates for the Region of Niagara have
been analyzed. These scenarios have been reviewed by staff and the Area Treasurers.
In addition, mechanisms to fund the mandatory property tax cap for the multi-residential,
commercial and industrial property classes must be considered and a by-law passed by
April 30.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
There are no immediate financial implications to the Region. However, there are financial
implications to the various property classes.
BACKGROUND
The Province introduced a number of reforms in 1998 to the property assessment and
taxation system. Transition ratios were introduced for the seven classes of property
maintaining the tax burden for the various property classes that existed prior to the
reforms. Niagara Region adopted these transition ratios for the taxation year 1998. The
Province then proceeded to freeze these ratios until the year 2000. The Province imposed
a temporary 10-5-5 capping program on municipalities, limiting reassessment related l
increases on the multi-residential, commercial and industrial property classes to no more '"
than 10% in 1998, and 5% in 1999 and 2000.
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April 4, 2007
In 1999, Niagara Region used available residential assessment growth to fund business
tax rate reductions under Section 366 of the Municipal Act. This allowed NiagaraRegion
to circumvent the Province's freezing of the tax ratios. . /
Regional Council adopted a five year tax mitigation plan in 2000 for the business classes
of property and again used available residential assessment growth to fund business tax
rate reductions under Section 366 of the Municipal Act
In 2001, the Province introduced a new permanent capping program with an annual 5%
property tax increase cap for the multi-residential, commercial and industrial properties. In
addition, legislation was passed to restrict municipalities from passing a levy increase onto
any of the capped classes if the municipality's tax ratio for the class exceeded the
threshold ratio prescribed by the Province. For municipalities with tax ratios above the
threshold, the levy increase for the class was shifted to the remaining classes.
In 2004, the term of Niagara Region's five year tax mitigation plan ended.
In 2005, Regional Council opted out of the large industrial class.
In 2006, Regional Council significantly reduced the industrial tax ratio from 3.1142 to
2.8000 or 10.1%.
REPORT
A) Tax Policv Review
To undertake the analysis leading to recommended tax ratios and tax rates it is necessary
to examine four important areas. These are:
1. Provincial announcements,
2. Tax Ratios,
a. the Province's strategy for tax ratios (Ranges of Fairness),
b. the Province's mandated levy restriction for the non-residential classes,
3. the results oflhe 2006 Municipal Tax Study, and
4. each property class situation.
These areas are discussed in detail below. Any analysis and charts included in the
following discussions do not include tax policy assumptions other than the provincially
mandated levy restriction. Niagara specific tax ratio options will be discussed in a further
section of this report.
1. Provincial Announcements
On December 21 , 2006 the Minister of Finance announced decisions for the 2007 taxation
year related to education tax rates and municipal flexibility in setting tax policy.
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CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007 .
~ Education Tax Rates (
For 2007, education tax rates will remain unchanged from the 2006 rates. This is
consistent with the province's policy of not updating education rates in a non-
reassessment year. In addition, the province will continue its policy of providing business
education tax cuts to match municipal tax reductions. As in previous years all matching
reductions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
~ Up to 50% Levy Shift to Restricted Classes
Municipalities (upper or lower tier) with classes subject to the levy restriction may apply up
to 50% of the residential tax rate increase to the restricted class. Should Council adopt
this measure the residential tax rate will decrease, however the industrial tax rates will
increase.
2. Tax Ratios
Tax ratios determine the municipal tax burden for each property class relative to that of the
residential property class. The residential property class is the benchmark class with a tax
ratio set at 1.0000 and all other class tax ratios set in relation to this ratio. Each year
Regional Council, as part of its mandate sets tax ratios which also apply to each of the 12
area municipalities. Tax ratios must be established prior to passing the tax rate by-law.
The deadline for establishing both by-laws is April 30. The last council meeting prior to
this deadline is April 12. (
The Provincial government determined that the tax burden for business properties in
Ontario is high in comparison to residential properties. As such, Ranges of Fairness and
threshold ratios were established to benefit business classes. These limit the Region's
ability to adjust tax ratios to redistribute the tax burden between property classes. With the
exception of special measures announced for the 2004 and 2006 taxation years,
municipalities may not move ratios away from the ranges of fairness. Tax ratio
adjustments may be made towards or within the ranges of fairness. A tax ratio reduction
to any of the non-residential classes does not increase the ratios for the other classes,
however these reductions do increase the amount of taxes to be collected from the
remaining property classes.
a. Ranqes of Fairness
In 1998, the Province established Ranges of Fairness for each class of property across
Ontario. While a mandate does not exist to reduce municipal ratios to the Range of
Fairness, municipal tax ratios can only be moved towards or within the Ranges of
Fairness. Tax ratio reductions result in an increase in the amount of taxes to be collected
from the remaining property classes.
A comparison of the Region's 2007 starting tax ratios to the Provincial Ranges of Fairness
is provided below in Table A. \
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Table A
Pro pert Class
Residential
Multi-Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Pipelines
Farmlands
Mana ed Forests
2007
Starting
Tax Ratios
1
2.0600
1.7586
2.7638
1.6334
0.25
0.25
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
Provincial
Ranges of Fairness
Min Max
1
1
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.25
0.25
1.1
1.1
1.1
0.7
As can be seen, all of the Region's 2007 non-residential ratios are above the maximum
limit of the Provincial Ranges of Fairness. This is not unusual; the majority of municipalities
across the province are in a similar position.
b. Provinciallv Mandated Levv Restriction and Related Tax Ratios
In 2001, the Province introduced a mandatory restriction for municipal levy increases, to
further mitigate tax increases in the multi-residential, commercial and industrial classes of
property. The objective is to limit the amount of levy increase that can be passed on to
those classes of property. TheProvince established threshold ratios for each class. Should
a municipality's tax ratio exceed the Provincial threshold ratio, the municipality would not
be permitted to apply general levy increases (area levies are excluded) to the class. Table
B compares the threshold ratios to Niagara's 2007 starting ratios.
I.,
Table B
Propert Class
Multi-Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Provincial
Threshold
Ratios
2.74
1.98
2.63
2007
Starting
Tax Ratios
2.0600
1.7586
2.7638
Variance
Below
Below
Above
As shown in the above Table the levy restriction applies to Niagara's industrial class of
property. The ultimate result of the levy restriction is to reduce the industrial tax ratio down
to the threshold ratio set by the Province.
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CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
Niaqara Reqion
The total net tax levy, as adopted by Regional Council for the 2007 budget year, to be
raised by all classes for regional purposes amounts to $269,975,811. Due to the Provincial
levy restriction, the industrial portion of Niagara Region's 2007 levy increase, estimated at
$246 thousand, must be passed to the remaining classes of property, the largest portion of
which would be shifted to the residential class ($181 thousand or 73%). Table C provides
the impact of the levy restriction on each class of property in Niagara.
Table C
Pro e Class
Residential
Multi-Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Pipelines
Farm/M d Forest
Totals'
Mandatory Lev Restriction
With Without
$189,809,126 $189,628,491
$13,375,343 $13,362,614
$52,021,978 $51,972,470
$11,315,582 $11,561,741
$1,978,471 $1,976,589
$1,475,310 $1,473,906
$269,975,811 $269,975,811
Levy
Shifts
$180,636
$12,729
$49,508
($246,159)
$1,883
$1,404
$0
Area Municipalities
As in past years, the mandatory levy restriction caused the industrial tax ratios for each
municipality and the Region to differ in 2006. This occurred because of the differences in
percentage levy increase and the proportion of industrial assessment in each municipality.
Since the burden of each property class is determined relative to the residential class,
shifts in property tax burden to the residential class will be different for each area
municipality. Those municipalities with a high percentage of industrial assessment will be
impacted the greatest. As previously indicated the Province has reintroduced the measure
allowing 50% of the residential levy increase to be passed to the restricted property
classes, in Niagara's case the industrial class. This is an option that the Region and area
municipalities may consider to reduce the impact on the residential taxpayer should the
Base Scenario be adopted.
3. 2006 Municipal Tax Studv
(
i
,
Each year the Region participates in the annual Municipal Tax Study undertaken by
Bruzzese, Minshull & Associates Inc. (BMA). The results allow the Region to determine its
tax burden competitiveness and if there is a need for tax mitigation action. The results of
this Study were reviewed and presented to Committee on February 21. A comparison of
the Region's tax ratios and the outside survey average are provided in Table D. (,
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CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
( Table 0
Pro ert Class
Multi-Residential
Commercial
Industrial
2007
Starting
Tax Ratios
2.0600
1.7586
2.7638
2006
SMA Study
Avera e
2.0779
1.7259
2.2731
Variance
Below
Above
Above
The resulting average tax burden created by Niagara's tax ratios compared to the Study
comparators for each property type is provided in summary format in Table E below.
Table E
2006 Municipal Tax Study
Comparison of
Comparison Average Outside Niagara vs
Propertv Class Propertv Tvpe per/ Niagara Niagara Outside
Residential Bungalow $2,670 $2,624 Above 1.75%
Condo $1,946 $1,852 Above 5.08%
Executive $4,906 $4,820 Above 1.78%
Multi-Res Walk-up Unit $1,190 $1,223 Below -2.70%
Mid/High-rise Unit $1,386 $1,423 Below -2.60%
Commercial Office Buildings Sq. Foot $1.26 $1.46 Below -13.70%
Neighbourhood Shopping Sq. Foot $1.74 $1.64 Above 6.10%
Hotels Unit $1,276 $989 Above 29.02%
Motels Unit $702 $673 Above 4.31%
Industrial Industrial Vacant Land Acre $1,214 $1,475 Below -17.69%
Residual Industrial Sq. Foot $0.99 $0.96 Above 3.13%
Large Industriai Sq. Foot $0.63 $0.69 Below -8.70%
Note: Education impact is exciuded.
4. Propertv Class Discussion
Multi-residential Class
(
Niagara Region's multi-residential tax ratio is currently 2.0600, slightly below the Study
average of 2.0779. As can be seen in Table E, the results of the 2006 Study indicate that
the tax burden for the multi-residential class remains in a competitive position. Since 1998
the multi-residential tax ratio has been reduced from 2.5568 to 2.0600. Therefore tax
mitigation is not recommended for the multi-residential class for the 2007 taxation year.
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CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
Commercial Class
(
The 2006 Study indicated that Niagara's commercial tax burden is competitive in the
Office Building property type. The remaining property types, Hotels and to a lesser degree
Motels and Neighbourhood Shopping, are above average. The tax burden for hotels is
high in Niagara due to high assessments experienced in the tourism sector. Niagara's
commercial tax ratio at 1.7586 is above the survey average of 1.7259. In 2006, Regional
Council took advantage of the availability of revenue neutral tax ratios. This allowed
Niagara Region to offset the impacts of reassessment by avoiding tax shifts from the
commercial class to the residential property tax class. The result is that the commercial
tax ratio increased from 1.6621 to 1.7586.
Future Studies will be carefully reviewed in order to monitor the competitive position of
Niagara's commercial class.
Industrial Class
Due to the Region's tax mitigation plan and the Province's mandated hard cap the residual
industrial and large industrial tax ratios have decreased 23% and 33% respectively since
1998.
However, the 2006 Study indicates that the Region's industrial tax ratio at 2.8 remains
higher than the Study average of 2.2731 (see Table D). The impact is not as great as it
could be since Niagara's industrial property values are low compared to the surveyed
comparators. Industrial assessments across Niagara Region have declined due to
Assessment Review Board (ARB) decisions and MPAC's devaluation of properties due to
age and obsolescence. Although this has benefited the industrial properties, Niagara's
high tax ratios and high education rates have been hindering efforts to mitigate the
industrial tax burden. Therefore, further mitigation of the industrial tax burden has been
explored in a scenario considered later in this report.
Of the 39 Regions and municipalities in the Study Niagara Region is one of seven
municipalities with a ratio greater than the provincial threshold of 2.63.
Residential Class
While the need for industrial tax mitigation is apparent, it should be noted that the
residential class has been absorbing multi-residential and industrial tax ratio reductions
since 1999. These impacts have been the result of Niagara's tax mitigation plans and the
Province's mandatory tax levy restriction.
The results of the 2006 Study has indicated that Niagara's residential burden is above
average and given Niagara's below average level of household income taxpayers will find
it more difficult to absorb further tax rate increases. According to the Study, Niagara's
households spend on average 3.6% of their income for property tax compared to the
average of 3.2% for taxpayers in other jurisdictions.
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CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
While the residential class experienced tax growth of $2.6 million this amount has been
more than offset by three factors.
1. The Regional levy was approved at an increase of $9.3 million or 3.5% over 2006.
Should the Base Scenario be adopted the residential class's share of this increase
would be $6.8 million.
2. Niagara's industrial classes are subject to the Province's mandatory levy restriction.
As a result an additional $181 thousand has been shifted to the residential class.
The net shift onto the residential class is $4.3 million leaving no opportunity for the class to
absorb further tax ratio reductions without requiring a tax rate increase. The following
indicates the impact to the residential class.
Table F
Residential Class Impact - Base Scenario
Assessment Growth
Residential Levy Increase
Impact of Levy Restriction
Total
($2,639,662)
$6,785,741
$180,636
$4,326,715
Care must be taken when reviewing the tax ratio scenarios as the adoption of any tax ratio
reduction will result in an additional tax burden shift, over and above the $4.3 million, to the
residential class.
2007 Tax Ratio Scenarios
> 2007 Starting Tax Ratios
To begin the analysis it is necessary to calculate the 2007 starting tax ratios for the
iridustrial class of property. In 2006, the Region and area municipalities were prevented
from passing on levy increases to the industrial classes of property as the Region's
industrial tax ratio exceeded the Province's threshold ratio. Therefore, the starting tax ratio
for 2007 must be calculated to take into account the 2006 industrial restricted levy
increase for the Region and each area municipality. The 2006 restricted levy increase is
the industrial portion of the 2006 levy increase that was passed to the remaining classes of
property. The starting ratio for 2007 has been calculated and is provided below.
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CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
Table G
(
2007 Starting
2006 By-Law Tax Ratio Chanqe
Industrial Class 2.8000 2.7638 -0.0366
~ Scenario Options
Attached to this report are additional schedules providing comparative analysis. These
schedules are:
Schedule 1 a -
Schedule 1 b -
Schedule 2 -
Schedule 3a -
2007 Tax Ratio By-Law Options
2007 Resulting Tax Ratios
2007 Region and Education Tax Rates
Regional Levy Allocation by Class and Tax Burden Shift caused by Tax
Ratio Adjustments
Potential Industrial Education Matching
Impact by Class on $190,000 of Assessment when Compared to
Base Scenario
Schedule 3b -
Schedule 4 -
. Base Scenario
This scenario:
o 2007 starting ratio (2.7638) for the industrial property class.
I
(
The impact of the provincially mandated levy restriction results in a 1.2% tax rate reduction
for the industrial class without the need for further adjustments adopted by Council. A
0.1 % increase to the tax rates of the remaining classes of property is necessary to fund
this restriction.
The impact on a residential property assessed at $190,000 is $28.65. Had the levy
restriction not applied the impact on this residential property would have been $0.72 less
or $27.93. This additional burden on the residential taxpayer funds a $44.42 reduction to
an equally assessed occupied industrial property.
As noted in Table C, the levy restriction provides a $246 thousand benefit to the industrial
class. However, education matching is not available for tax burden reductions resulting
from the levy restriction. A detailed analysis of the impacts is provided in the following
table.
(
10 of 17
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
( Table H
Impact on Assessment of $190,000 - Base Scenario
Residential Industrial
2006 Regional Property Tax $1,283.09 $3,514.12
Assessment Growth ($18.24) ($14.43)
Levy Increase $46.18 $89.55
Industrial Starting Ratio (2.7638) $0.72 ($44.42)
Impacts $28.65 $30.70
2007 Regional Property Tax $1 ;311.74 $3,544.82
Impact
Industrial Property Tax 2006 2007 $ %
Region $3,514.12 $3,544.82 $30.70 0.87%
Education $5,005.42 $5,005.42 $0.00 0.00%
Region & Education $8,519.54 $8,550.24 $30.70 0.36%
If adopted, the industrial burden would be reduced from 2.7638 to 2.7024. The industrial
tax ratio is approaching the provincial threshold ratio of 2.63. Once the provincial
threshold is reached the mandatory levy restriction will no longer apply to the industrial
class. It is therefore prudent to analyze the impact of moving the industrial ratio to the
threshold of 2.63. This analysis is provided in the following scenario.
. Threshold Scenario
This scenario:
>- 2007 industrial ratio moved to 2.63 (provincial threshold), and
>- availability of matching industrial education tax cut.
The impact of reducing the industrial ratio to 2.63 results in an additional industrial class
tax rate reduction of 2.6%. In order to fund this reduction the remaining classes of
property would experience a 0.1 % tax rate increase.
(
The impact on a residential property assessed at $190,000 is $1.47 for a total of $30.13.
This additional burden on the residential taxpayer funds a $91.07 reduction to an equally
assessed occupied industrial property. In total, the industrial property will experience a
property tax reduction of $60.37.
The additional industrial levy reduction of $291 thousand will allow Niagara Region to
apply for a matchinq education tax cut. Table I below provides the recalculated education
rates and the matching levy impact.
11 of 1 7
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
Table I
(
Industrial Class
Occupied
Excess/VacantLand
Total
Legislated
0.02634429
0.01712379
2007 Education Tax Rate
Recalculated
for
Matching*
0.02586498
0.01681224
Impact on
$190,000 of
Assessment
($91.07)
$59.20)
* Submission to Minister of Finance required for approval.
Additional impact information is provided in Table J.
Table J
Impact on Assessment of $190,000 - Threshold Scenario
. -
Assessment Growth
2007 Levy Increase
Industrial Starting Ratio (2.7638)
Industrial Threshold Ratio (2.63)
Residential Industrial
$1,283.09 $3,514.12
($18.24) ($14.43) l
$46.18 $89.55 .
$0.72 ($44.42)
$1.47 ($91.07)
$30.13 ($60.37)
$1,313.21 $3,453.75
Impact
2006 2007 $ %
$3,514.12 $3,453.75 ($60.37) -1.72%
$5,005.42 $4,914.35 ($91.07) -1.82%
$8,519.54 $8,368.10 ($151.44) -1.78%
2006 Regional Property Tax
2007 Regional Property Tax
Industrial Property Tax
Region
Education
Region & Education
Cappinq Options
Optional capping parameters were introduced in the 2005 taxation year. The Region is
not required to implement any of the capping options, however if a by-law is not passed
by April 30, the capping parameters will be limited to 5% of the previous year's
annualized tax.
For each capped class, the Region has the option of continuing with the annual 5% l
capping program or adopting any of the following options independently or in combination,
and the ability to apply them differently by class.
1 2 of 1 7
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
(
1.
Current annual cap may be established from 5% to 10% of the previous year's
annualized taxes.
This option moves capped properties more rapidly towards their full CVA taxes. It
decreases both the level of capping protection and claw back rate since all capped
properties must absorb an increased amount of taxes.
2. An annual cap increase of 0% to 5% of previous year's annualized CVA-Ievel
taxes.
This option tends to target "outlier" capped properties. "Outlier" properties are
those that are quite far from paying their full CV A taxes and are expected to take an
unusual number of years to reach. In some cases these properties may pay a
small percentage of their CVA taxes. This option does not significantly lower the
claw back rate or the number of capped properties.
3.
Move capped and claw-backed properties directly to their full CV A taxes if they are
within $250 (or a lower specified amount).
t~
This option moves capped properties that are within a specified amount of their
CV A taxes to paying full CV A taxes for the year. This option will reduce the number
of capped properties. However, it will not significantly reduce the overall claw back
percentage as the total dollars capped in each class will not be significantly
impacted.
4.
Establish a minimum threshold for properties which become eligible for New
Construction/New to Class treatment.
Allows a minimum level of taxation to be applied to new to class/new construction
properties. New to class/new construction "eligible property" is taxed at the
average tax level of the up to six comparable properties selected by MPAC and
includes properties that:
. have an assessment increase arising from a new building or structure on
vacant land;
. have an assessment increase of 50% or greater as a result of new
construction or improvements;
. change broad property classification (e.g. from commercial to industrial);
. are a new vacant lot as the result of a severance or subdivision of land;
. cease to be exempt from taxes or previously in a non-capped class.
/
This allows the municipality to tax these properties at the average tax level
calculated for the comparable properties selected, or at a specified percentage of
the current year's CVA taxes to a maximum of 90% (for 2007 taxation year),
whichever amount is greater.
l
1 3 of 1 7
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007 ,
These options were adopted at the maximum levels for both the 2005 and 2006 taxation ("
years and are being recommended for 2007. The Area Treasurers have indicated that
they are in support of adopting these options at the maximum levels for the 2007 taxation
year.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
f~ .
Mike Trojan
Chief Administrative Offic
Attachments
This report was prepared by Debbie Williams, Senior Financial Analyst.
(.
c.
14 of 1 7
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
.
(
Schedule 1 a
2007 Bv-Iaw Tax Ratios Options
Threshold
1.0000
2.0600
1.7586
Base
1.0000
2.0600
1.7586
Scenario
Residential
Multi-Residential
Commercial
lfIdustn81 2 7638 2 6300
1.6334
0.2500
0.7500
1.0000
1.6334
0.2500
0.7500
1.0000
Pipelines
Farm/Mgd Forest
FAD I
FAD II
Schedule 1 b
2007 Resultinq Tax Burden
Threshold
1.0000
2.0600
1.0000
1.7586
Base
1.0000
2.0600
1.0000
1.7586
Scenario
Residential
Multi-Residential
New Multi-Res
Commercial
industrial 2.7024 2.6300
,
\
1.6334
0.2500
0.7500
1.0000
1.6334
0.2500
0.7500
1.0000
Pipelines
Farm/Mgd Forest
FAD I
FAD II
Farm Land Awaiting Development (FAD)
(
1 5 of 1 7
2007 Reaion and Education Tax Rates
Base Scenario
2007 Tax Rates
Niagara Reaion
Property Class Department Police Total Education
Residential 0.00429261 0.00261129 0.00690390 0.00264000
Multi-residential 0.0081l427T -0-:OU537925- -O:o1Ll2Z2Ur -0:00264000-
New Multi-residential 0.00429261 0.00261129 0.00690390 0.00264000
Commercial 0.00754895 0.00459222 0.01214117 0.01592891
Excess Land 0.00528427 0.00321455 0.00849882 0.01115024
Vacant Land 0.00528427 0.00321455 0.00849882 0.01115024
Industrial 0.01156273 0.00709423 0.01865696 0.02634429
Excess Land 0.00751578 0.00461124 0.01212702 0.01712379
Vacant Land 0.00751578 0.00461124 0.01212702 0.01712379
Pipelines 0.00701154 0.00426530 0.01127684 0.01532030
Farmland 0.00107315 0.00065282 0.00172597 0.00066000
Managed Forests 0.00107315 0.00065282 0.00172597 0.00066000
FAD I 0.00321945 0.00195847 0.00517792 0.00198000
FAD II 0.00429261 0.00261129 0.00690390 0.00264000
Threshold Scenario
2007 Tax Rates
Niagara Region
Property Class . Department Police Total Education
Residential 0.00429685 0.00261481 0.00691166 0.00264000
Multi-residential 0.00885151 0.00538650 0.01423801 0.00264000
New Multi-residential 0.00429685 0.00261481 0.00691166 0.00264000
Commercial 0.00755642 0.00459839 0.01215481 0.01592891
Excess Land 0.00528949 0.00321888 0.00850837 0.01115024
Vacant Land 0.00528949 0.00321888 0.00850837 0.01115024
Industrial 0.01130071 0.00687694 0.01817765 0.02586498
Excess Land 0.00734546 0.00447001 0.01181547 0.01681224
Vacant Land 0.00734546 0.00447001 0.01181547 0.01681224
Pipelines 0.00701847 0.00427101 0.01128948 0.01532030
Farmland 0.00107421 0.00065370 0.00172791 0.00066000
Managed Forests 0.00107421 0.00065370 0.00172791 0.00066000
FAD I 0.00322264 0.00196110 0.00518374 0.00198000
FAD II 0.00429685 0.00261481 0.00691166 0.00264000
Farm Land Awaiting Development (FAD)
1 6 of 1 7
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
Schedule 2 (
}
Requires Minister
of Finance
approval.
c__
(
Lew Allocations and Tax Burden Shift caused bv Tax Ratio Adiustments
Scenario
Residential
Multi-Residential
Commerciai
Industrial
Pipeiines
Farm/Mgd Forest
Total
Base
$189,809,126
$13,375,343
$52,021,978
$11,315,582
$1,978,471
$1,475,310
$269,975,811
Potential Education MatchinCl
Threshold
$190,022,451
$13,390,375
$52,080,445
$11,024,876
$1,980,695
$1,476,968
$269,975,811
Burden Shifts
$ %
$213,325
$15,032
$58,467
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
CSD 54-2007
April 4, 2007
Schedule 3a
$2,224
$1,658
$0
{
Scenario
Industrial Class
Base Threshold
$0 ($290,706)
---.--......
Impact bv Class on $190.000 of Assessment when Compared to Base
Scenario Base Threshold Impact
Residential $28.65 $30.13 $1.47
Multi-Residential $59.03 $62.06 $3.04
Commercial $50.39 $52.98 $2.59
.
Pipeiines $46.80 $49.21 $2.41
Farm/Mgd Forest $7.16 $7.53 $0.37
(
1 7 of 1 7
0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
Schedule 3b
Schedule 4
Niagara.. Region
The Regional Municipality of Niagara
2201 St. David's Road, PO Box 1042
Thorold, ON L2V 4T7
Telephone: 905-685-1571
Fax: 905-685-6243
E-mail: bruce.timms@regional.niagara.on.ca
Office of Regional Councillor D. Bruce Timms
Chair, Greater Niagara Circle Route Committee
Dear Mayor Salci:
April 11, 2007
File: D.14.A.34.34
Mayor R.T. Salci
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen St.
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Re: Attendance at Ontario Trails Council Summit
Niagara Falls, ON
Mav 15-17. 2007
Thank you for the opportunity to present the progress of the Greater Niagara Circle Route
Committee to Council. The reception from Council was welcome, and the appointment of
Councillor Jim Diodati is appreciated.
I want to restate my invitation to the City of Niagara Falls to send staff and/or Councillors to the
Ontario Trails Summit May 15 to 17 in Niagara Falls this Spring. The Niagara Region and the
Ontario Trails Council are co-sponsoring this event, and we are pleased to have attracted the
event to Niagara.
There are many interesting speakers and sessions relevant to municipal Trails on the agenda.
Sessions dealing with developing trails including the risks and liabilities, the Line Fences Act
and the Ontario Trails policy are the issues of interest to me and I hope they will be of interest to
your staff and Council.
We have attached a program and refer you to the OTC website for up to date details. I am also
enclosing some registration forms which you can distribute as appropriate.
I believe trails and linear parks are significant elements in the Quality of Life offered in Niagara,
and their development is beneficial to the public from both a healthy lifestyle point of view and
as an attractor for economic development.
Please consider encouraging your staff and Council to attend for at least a day. I believe it will
be well worth their time.
Yours truly,
~:L-
D. Bruce Timms
Regional Councillor
Chair, Greater Niagara Circle Route Committee
Building Community. Building Lives.
,
Niagara V Region
Building Community. Building Uves.
Ontario Trails Counell
Conseil des senders de l'Onbl:ri.o
Join trail enthusiasts from all over Ontario for 2 days of professional trail
workshops at the Marriott Renaissance Fallsview in Niagara Falls, Ontario
Proaram
President's Dinner May 15th, Trail Workshops May 16th and 17th, 2007
Land UselUser Input Workshop
.:. Accommodating farmers, A TV history, land reciamation, cycling lanes
.:. Simcoe County Forest Management Plan - accommodating diverse
uses
.:. Public Infrastructure Renewal and Ontario Realty Corporation -
build in infrastructure doilars for trails in your budget, grants and
trail development
.:. Land use ruies and existing access and use policies
. .:. User conflict ORV use - trail etiquette, best prllc!ices and getting
groups around the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee together.
Risk Management and Insurance Issues Workshop
.:. Panel participants talk on their views and corporate actions
requirements on risk management processes and policy for trail
organizations.
.:. Present issue from municipal Recreation and the Municipal trail point of
view.
.:. Steps we need to take to manage risk as opposed to having risk
manage us.
.) What can we do to keep insurance affordable?
.:. Legal consultant - What can we undertake in conjunction with insurance
to develop a universally applicable Risk Management Policy?
Ministry of Health Promotion - Update on the Ontario
Trails Strategy
.:. Focus on particular areas of interest to the Ontario Trails
comm unity
.:. Funding, policy 9rants streams such as Trails for Life, CIAF etc.
.:. Management of issues through the Ontario Trails Coordinating
Committee
i:DA.<;otm Ollr best effort oIesse note that aff tQl.1ics and prP.~p.nt::i,j(Jns ara sub/act'o r.han~e.
;
~~~S'8JN;i~-t~i,"...,jl$ir~Pj3," ~t)~~~~~MD,tl'\~~ Ih;j~~
J '<<if. 'l<ffl ~ ~ ;,;~~"'JI~~'-'~~oil.~JI~i~~IM tr1il~.~t::!
Accommodations are available at the Marriott Renaissance Failsview - special price of $99.00 per night; you must
mention the OTC Trails Summit- Piease cail and make your reservations personally. Tel. # 866 -219-5131
For more complete information you may cail the Ontario Trails Council at 877-668-7245
1. Fuil Trail Summit before March 31,2007 - $225.00 all inciusive except accommodations
2. Fuil Trail Summit after March 31, 2007 - $250.00 all inclusive except accommodations
3. President's Dinner - invitation only, $50.00
4. Banquet oniy - $50.00
5. Accommodation at the Marriott - $99.00 per night.
6. Individual day sessions: $125.00 per day.
OTC CONFERENCE ADVANCE REGISTRATION FORM - PLEASE fill out and fax to OTC @.1.613-389-6329
Name:
Name of Group/Organization:
Mailing Address:
Preferred Method of Payment:
Fax:
Visa 0
E(!I~il:
T.elephone:
Master Card
o
Credit card number:
Expiry date:
Authorizing Signature:
Please Make cheque payable to Ontano Trails Council.
Cheque to follow
in mail
o
Payment to be made
at time ofsign-in
o
Additional Information
For assistance completing this registration form please call
Suzanne Jelley al: 1-877-668-7245
Media Enquiries: execdirllilonlariotrails.on.ca
Auction Donation: adminllilontariotrails.on.ca
Web Address: www.ontariotrails.on.caltrailssummit2007.htm
E-mail aTC: adminllilontariotrails.on.cj!.
ACTIVE2010]ljr.
The OTC appreciates the suppon of the Ministry of Health Promotion and Niagara Region in making thi~ event happen
Mlnlstor Of Munlolpal Affairs
and Hotlsing
777 Say S:reel. 17'" Floor
T o'onlo ON MOO 2E5
Tel. (4'61585.7000
Fax (416) 58&-6470
'iI,"JN\'V.mah,oov.oo.ca
Mini""" dell Affa!l'S$ munlclp."'"
el <lJ1 L<>gornomt
777. rue aay, 1.7' 1lIag<>
ToronlOON MOO 2E5
TOI. (416)565'7000
TOIOO (4t!!) 581H547lJ
www,matu:::ov.Dn;ca
~
Ontario
llH)44
March 19,2007
Mr. Peter Partington
Regional Chair
Regional Municipality of Niagara
P.O. Box 1042
2201 St. David's Road West
Thorold ON L2V 4T7 ~
Dear Chair P~n;
Re: 3009"'lJey Way, Niagara Falls, 40 units
Bethlehem Projects - Niagara Falls, Bethlehem Nol-Tor-Profit Housing Projects of Niagara
Canad.a...()ntario Affordable Housing Program (AHP)- Wave 1 Rental 31ldSupportivc
I am pleased to cont1nn that funding in the amount of$2,OOO,OOO for 40 units for the Bethlehem
Projeets - Niagara Falls project has been approved under the Rental and Supportive component
ofthe Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. This conditionalletler for funding is based
on your recommendation.
Our government would like to commend you fur participating ill the Rental & Supportive
component of the AHP. We want to expressoursupportandent4usiasm for your worthwhile
project.
Our government is committed to building strong communities for the people of Ontario, where
everyone ,has!lCl;ess to safe, secUrew affordllblehousing. As of March ,I, 2007, thereal'e 158
approved AHPcapita] projects for 7,407 units.'Thelieprojectsare in Vllr10Usstages of
development a~'l'QSS the jll'Ovince, andl'l111ny lire occupied.
Under the new Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, up 11'> 15,000 new units
of affordable housing willbe funded and up to 5,OOOhouSlrtg llllowanceswill beprovide(l fur
Ontario's mo,'! vulnerable - including people on, or eligible to be on, the waiting list for IlOcial
housing, victims of domestie violence, individuals dealing with issues of substance llblL'le or
mental illness, aboriginal peoples, recent immigrants, people with physical disabilities, and
lower-income seniors.
12
tm\~l
-2.
Mr. Peter PartlulltQn
Thank you for your participation in the AHP. Ourgovefnmcnt looks forward to our continued
co lIaboration under the program.
/...-'"
Sryly, )
\'lK--
JOn!l Gel'retsen
Mitlister
if
f/
'l' Mr. Mike Trojan, Chief Administrative Offil.'el', Regional Municipality of Niagara
Ms. Lora Beckwith, General Manager, Niagara Regiollil1 tlQusing
i" 'T''''"'''~'~''i'''''''''-'SfC'':;',;''r~;~'i''i'''''
Niagara 9J1f Region
Building Community. Building Lives.
!: ~ ~ Ii ~ 1
....."..... .,-..'_.,...........,,-....c..
_~j.".=;.;;~~+-i.;~.~~~..,;.,=-,""'~,~'";~,..:.~.,"~_:..:;~,c:~.::.",;,~:,;;.:.:c..-'-~;,_""_>,,.-~..~~''',,.,.,,,,,<_._~_:~,<,,~~:.-"c<;,..,~.''''~"''.'"'"~'''~0.'~.,~'""~~,--',.;""-~-,,.'~-=-"'""---""~,...."-+.,~,.,."=~._..,.,.<'"
For further information conlacllhe
Regional Dark's office at
(905) 685-1571 or 1-800-263.7215
www.reglonal.nlagara.on.ca
From the April 12, 2007 Meeting of Regional Council
Volume 15, Issue 5
6th Annual Tobacco-Free Living
Poster Contest Awards
In January 2007 the Niagara Region
Public Health Department sponsored
the Sixth Annual Tobacco-Free Living
Poster Contest. The program is a
collaborative effort between the
Chronic Disease Prevention Program
and Population Health's Youth
Connection Elementary School
Program. 6069 elementary students
from 69 elementary schools across the
Region created posters illustrating their
thoughts as to what a Smoke-Free
Canada would be. The posters were
judged by representatives from school
boards and community agencies such
as the YMCA and the Canadian
Cancer Society. Posters will
be on display in schools, II
health professionals' offices, .
libraries and the Public
Health Department
entranceway from May 28 to June 8 in
promotion of World No Tobacco Day
May 31.
Way to GO, Niagaral
The Niagara Region Employees United
Way Action Group, was pleased to
announce that Niagara Region had for
the fourth year in a row surpassed their
goal of $115,000, which was $15,000
higher than last year's, and a cheque
for contributions to date totalling
$130,895.69 was presented to United
Way representatives. Constable Matt
King of the Niagara Regional Police
Services presented a cheque in the
amount of $43,887. Way to go!
Niagara Region Receives
Outstanding Contributor Award -
2006 - Builder
Niagara Region accepted a plaque
from the Boys & Girls Club of Niagara,
which recognizes Niagara Region for
their "Outstanding Contributor Award -
2006 - Builder".
Vineland
Innovations
Funding
Research and
Centre Receives
The joint Provincial and Federal
funding announcement by Niagara
West Glanbrook MP Dean Allison and
Minister of Agriculture Leona
Dombrowsky for will fund what will now
be known as the Vineland Research
and Innovations Centre. These new
investments will greatly benefit the
agricultural community and move
Niagara a step forward in terms of
building on behalf of the Region.
Councillor Salci a Member of the
NEDC Board
Regional Council appointed Councillor
Salci as a member of the Niagara
Economic Development Corporation's
Board. Councillor Salci will join
Councillors McMullan and Goulbourne
who are currently serving on the board.
Establishing a Weiland
National Heritage Corridor
Canals milestones for Waste Management in the
coming year.
Regional Council supported in principle a
motion that would have Regional Council take
a Leadership Role in collaboration with the
Corridor Communities in establishing a Weiland
Canals National Heritage Corridor.
Corwin Cambray's Retirement
Regional Council announced
with regret the retirement of
Corwin Cambray as
Commissioner of Planning
and Development. Mr.
Cambray's many years of service; his
unquestioned integrity, and his articulate,
consistent and honest communication with
Councillors and the public were commended.
Mr. Cambray's understanding of current
planning, where it evolved from and how it
affects the Niagara Region has positioned
Niagara well for the future. Mr. Cambray noted
that he has enjoyed serving the community and
working with Councillors and appreciated the
opportunity to give the best planning advice he
was able to give. Mr. Cambray noted that
Niagara is a very special place, and it is
important that Niagara Region have good
planning in order for Niagara Region to remain
a special place for now and into the future.
O'Reilly's Bridge Receives Funding
Councillor Henderson advised that the
Township of Wainfleet received $520,000 in
Rural Infrastructure investment for rebuilding of
the O'Reilly's Bridge.
Update on Waste Management Services
Regional Council received presentations on the
Organics Processing Capacity Selection
Process and the Key Items and Decision Points
for Waste Management Services. These
presentations updated Council on the present
status of the Organics Processing Requests for
Proposal, and outlined the key decision
Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities
Initiative
In view of the importance of the quality of water
in the Great Lakes to the municipalities in
Niagara, Council approved that the Niagara
Region participate in the Great Lakes and SI.
Lawrence Cities Initiative.
Niagara Specialized Transit System
Expands its Service Hours
Council approved the expansion of the service
hours of the Niagara Specialized Transit
system to include late night service (Monday
to Friday service to end at 10:00 p.m.) and
Saturday service from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00
p.m.
Seniors Services Volunteers
Recognized
Council was updated on the Seniors Services
Volunteer Program Achievements for 2006 and
Seniors Services Staff Long-term Care week.
Council was invited to attend the various
recognition events.
2007 Provincial Trails Summit
Regional Council was encouraged to attend the
2007 Provincial Trails Summit being held May
15-17 in Niagara Falls. Topics at the Summit
include land use, risk management, and
insurance issues. The Ministry of Health
Promotion will be in attendance.
,
BOARD REPO
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA POLICE SERVICES BOARD
Contents of this report relate to the activities
of the Niagara Police Services Board as an
outcome of the public meeting held March 29,
2007. This information is made available to
members of the police service and interested
members cfthe public.
NEXT MEETING
Thursday, April 26, 2007
8:30 a.m.
PSB Boardroom
110 James Street, 4th Floor
Sf. Catharines, Ontario
APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD - COMMUNITY
REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE REGIONAL
MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
PSB Minute #48. - The Board considered a letter from
Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk, providing the Board with
the decision of Regional Council respecting the
appointment of Mr. Todd Shoalts as the 2006-2010
Regional Community Representative to the Board.
Mr. Shoalts is a Chartered Accountant with more than
20 years of financial and public accounting
experience. He is currently Vice~President and
General Manager of Lester Shoalts Limited, a real
estate development, construction and property
management company based in Port Colborne. In this
position, he is involved with all aspects of construction
and property development, inclUding prelim inary
. design, financing and tenant leasing issues.
Mr. Shoalts has been recognized as a specialist in
investigative and forensic accounting, and also holds
an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration
degree. He currently resides in Port Colborne with
his wife and three children and is an active member of
the community. He has participated and served with a
number of groups, including as a member of the Port
Colborne Physician Recruitment Committee, Board
member of the Port Colborne Economic Development
and Tourism Corporation, a volunteer with the
Canadian Cancer Society and ICAO Income Tax
Clinics. and coaching youth basketball.
Acting Chair Martin welcomed Mr. Shoalts to the
Board as he begins his four-year term as the
Community Representative appointed by the Regional
Municipality of Niagara.
PRESENTATIONS
NRPS Promotions To Suoerintendent - PSB Minute
# 49. . The Board was formally introduced to NRPS
Superintendents Joseph J. Matthews and Robert J.
Wright, newly promoted to the rank of Superintendent
effective April 1. 2007.
Chief Southall introduced Superintendents Joseph
Matthews and Robert Wright as the newest members
of the Niagara Regional Police Service executive team
stating that the addition of both Superintendents will
greatly assist and support the future of the Service.
Acting Deputy Chief Garry Dagenais provided
biographies of the Superintendents outlining the
numerous accomplishments and progression, both in-
house and in the Niagara community. Superintendent
Matthews will be assigned as the Superintendent of
Executive Services in charge of Policy and Risk,
Training, Video and Police Standards Units.
Superintendent Wright will assume command of the
Eastern Region with responSibility for policing
operations in the City of Niagara Falls and the Towns
of Niagara-on-the-lake and Fort Erie.
Chief Southall then presented both Anna Lee Matthews
and Sharon Wright with beautiful floral arrangements in
recognition of their continued partnership support. On
behalf of the Board, Acting Chair Martin thanked
Superintendents Matthews and Wright for their
contributions to the Service, and congratulated each
officer on their most recent accomplishment.
NRPS 2006 Women's ChamDionshio Hockev Team
PSB Minute #71. . Chief Southall proudiy introduced
Constabies Michelle Dywan, Val Hall. Carol Hanna
along with Ms. Rebecca Hyatt and Ms. Samantha
Belansky, representatives of the NRPS 2007 Women's
Hockey Team, the championship team representing
Niagara for the Intemational Police Hockey
Tournament held in Niagara on March 7 & 8, 2007. the
NRPS defeated teams from Hamilton, Halton and
Durham Police Services.
On behaif of the team, Constable Hanna thanked the
Board for its financial support, and noted the team is
eager to continue its winning ways next year. A plaque
commemorating their win will be displayed at police
headquarters.
NRPS "SDscial Enforcement Unit" - PSB Minute #51
The Board considered Service report 71/2007 and
received a presentation from Superintendent Wright to
provide Board members with an overview of the
Services newly implemented "Special Enforcement
Vnir (SEU).
The presentation detailed the role and responsibilities
of the SEU, which mainly functions as directed patrol
and enforcement and as support for the frontline by
maintaining minimum staffing levels. He also
highlighted the successes of the unit after its first two
months of operation.
Chief Southali reported that Superintendent Wright had
researched the concept which was implemented at the
end of 2006 using the 20 recruits available through the
support of the province and the 2006 "1.000 Officers
Partnership" grant.
Actina PSB Chair
Doug Martin
PSB Members
Bob Bentley
Todd Shoa/ts
William Smeaton
Larry Tufford
Malcolm Woodhouse
+++
PSB Staff
Deb Morton
Executive Director
Sandi Taylor
Executive Assistant
Dawn Cichocki
Board Clerk
+++
For further
Information contact:
Regional Municipality of
Niagara Police SelVices Board
68 Church Street
St. Catharines, Ontario
L2R 3C6
Bus: (905) 685-0321
Fax: (905) 688-0036
EmalI: nrpboard@nrps.com
Webslte:
www.nrps.com
,
Superintendent Wlig ht noted that to get the most benefit Qut of new
officers available through the grant, he adapted a concept used by the
Metfo Division of the Los Angeles Police Department in which 270
officers are being used to provide operational flexibility to the 18
uniform divisions of the LAPD. Niagara's SEU is based at a central
location, smaller but comparable in scale.
The Unit is comprised of motivated officers who enjoy varied and
flexible operational challenges. Further, the concept cycles officers
into the Unit from other uniform districts as part of career development.
Its main purpose is to utilize a flexible central specialized enforcement
team of officers to address traffic concerns and other enforcement
issues. The flexibility is aimed at making a contribution to frontline
staffing levels and reducing overtime in both Patrol Services and
Support with a readily available Unit to meet sudden Service demands,
e.g., a traffic fatality at shift change. As well, the use of this concept
has eliminated a part-time Emergency Services position in Field
Services.
The Central Traffic Unit was dissolved, and as a start-up the 20-officer
model uses at least two breath technicians on each shift. Further
training will ensure that all members will have specialized skills. The
long-term goal is to staff the Unit with a Sergeant for each plato_on, that
is, two more Sergea.nts resulting in a 24"officer model. During a typical
day, two consecutive shifts are used focusing on frontline deployment,
directed patrol (traffic, beats, community concerns and/or operational
exigencies), ultimately giVing a core group of flexible people for
deployment.
The Unit's successes to date include 1 ,800 Provincial Offences
Notices with about 120 criminal arrests. Over 130 shifts in 2007 have
been covered, saving about 1,200 hours of overtime.
KPMG - 2006 Audit Overview - PSB Minute #50 - The Board
received for its information the Audit Planning Report for the year
ending December 31, 2006 from Ms. Janet Allan, CA, Partner, KPMG.
LLP, S1. Catharines. Ms. Allan was in attendance and provided the
Board with an overview of the audit procedures to be performed
relative to the Service and the Board by KPMG in the discharge of its
audit responsibilities.
REPORTS FROM THE ACTING CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Acting Chair Doug Marin reported on the fallowing:
Funeral of Constable Rob Gittinas - The Board extended its deepest
sympathy to the Gittings family on the loss of Constable Rob Gittings,
an outstanding officer, husband and father of two children. The show
of support from his fellow officers was very moving and the funeral
service was an honourable tribute to his life that recognized his
passion for policing. Members Bentley, Smeaton and Tufford were
thanked for their attendance at the service, and expressing the Board's
condolences -to the family in their time of grief.
Lona-Term-Ac.commodations ..Strateav ..Chief -Southall, ._Depllty
Chief Beaulieu and members of the Board attended Regional Council
on March 1, 2007 to present the Service's 2007 Capital budget and
provide additional information regarding police facilities. Following
discussion and questions by Council members, Regional Council
approved the police capital budget including the NRPS facilities plan.
NRPS Recruit Swearina-In Ceremony - Chief Southall will be holding
a swearing-in ceremony for 10 new Niagara Regional Police Service
recruits who are presently completing their recruit training at the
Ontario Police College. The ceremony will take place on Thursday,
April 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Club Italia, Niagera Falls. Members Tufford
and Shoalts will be attending on behalf of the Board.
REPORTS FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Chief Wendy Southall reported on the following:
Board Member Todd Shoalts - A warm welcome was extended to
PSg Member Todd Shoalts, and also expressed was the anticipation
toward his input and participation during the course of his four-year
term on the Police Services Board.
2007 ODerational Statistics
Marijuana Grow-Ops
Totals for the period of January 1 to March 28. 2007:
. Estimated street value seized $2,340,700;
Compared to the same period in 2006 at $698,000
Homicides. Robberies & Traffic Fatalities Statistics
Totals for the period of January 1 to March 28, 2007:
Homicide Statistics
There has been one recorded homicide, compared to three for the
same period in 2006.
Robberies
During the reporting period of February 22 through March 28, 2007
there have been:
34 robberies in Niagara;
8 robberies cleared;
24 investigations ongoing with no arrests, indicating a 23.5%
clearance rate (yearly average 44% based on the last five
years).
Traffic Fatal/lies
For the period of January 1 through March 28. 2007 there have been
four traffic fatalities, compared to-seven for-thesame-periodin-2006.
Traffic Serious Injuries
For the period of January 1 through March 28, 2007 there have been
six traffic collisions that have resulted in serious injuries, compared to
six for the same period in 2006.
Counter-Terrorism Review - The Ministry of Community Safety and
Correctional Services recently conducted an inspection of the Service
to ensure policy is consistent with the Provincial Counter Terrorism
Plan released in March 2003. The Plan includes guidelines on 149
service procedures and recommendations on 34 Board policies.
Niagara, which the Ministry used as a 'pilot' inspection, was found to
be in compliance with all provisions and no recommendations were
forwarded. A number of Service members participated in the
assessment, and the inspection team specifically commented on the
professionalism of those involved.
Security Screenina - Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse - The
installation of additional screening and security measures at Robert S.
K. Welch Courthouse commenced April 1, 2007. The project will
ultimately include the installation of walk-through metal detectors and
hand-held wands to screen persons entering the courthouse. The
Service is responsible under the Police Services Act for providing
security at the courthouse, and it is anticipated that the new
technologies will allow redistribution of resources currently dedicated to
securily practices. Chief Southall added that through the Ontario
Association of Chiefs of Police, there might be potential provincial
funding, which will be aggressively requested.
Homicide Arrest - On March 4 the body of a 29~year-old adult female
was discovered on the side of Seventh Avenue in Vineland.
Investigation revealed that this matter was, in fact, Niagara's first
homicide of the year. The Service's Major Crime Unit undertook the
investigation and the following day, March 5, investigators arrested 55-
year-old Wayne RYCZAK for First Degree Murder in relation to this
event.
Industrial Accident - On March 13 a large crane at Weller Dry Docks
toppled trapping the operator in the apparatus' control box.
Unfortunately, rescue attempts were unsuccessful and the male
sustained fatal injuries. Due to the nature of the equipment, the
recovery process was somewhat challenging incurring overtime for
scene protection. The Ministry of Labour continues to investigate the
matter. Sympathies are extended the family.
Veteran Police Officer Dies ~ After a courageous battle with leukemia,
44-year-old Constable Rob Gittings passed away on March 12, 2007.
Constable Gittings was a 25-year veteran of the Service and was well
known for his high level of compassion, commitment and integrity. A
full police ceremonial funeral was held on March 16. The Chief
Volume 6, Issue 3
March 2007
Page #2
.'
expressed her appreciation to those Board Members who were able to
attend the event. As was aptly illustrated at the funeral, Constable
Gittings was an extremely well respected officer whose loss is
sign ificant for the Service.
PSB CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR ELECTIONS
PSB Minutes #1 & 2. - The election for Chair and Vice-Chair were
deferred until the April 26 Police Services Board meeting, pending one
provincial appointment.
PSB COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION
PSB Minute #25. - The confirmation of the Board's committee
structure has been deferred to the April 26 meeting, pending one
provincial appointment.
ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF POLICE SERVICES BOARDS
PSB Minute #54. - The Board received the OAPSB Bulletin Board
newsletter for April 2007 providing policing information relative to
civilian governance in Ontario.
Additional articles of interest contained in the Bulletin are as follow:
Mandatory .Blood Testina Bill Passed :- A _Elill whichWHl enable
emergency workers to determine if they've been infected with HIV or
hepatitis B or C has received final approval from all three required
parties and has yet to receive royal assent before coming law.
Passing of the Bill will enable police, firefighters and paramedics as
well as victims of crime and Good Samaritans to request a blood test if
they have been exposed to infection. In early legislation, only a
medical officer of health could order a blood test, which led to long
delays. Under the new law, testing wiIJ be reduced to a week as
opposed to 70 days with individuals having two days rather than a
week to voluntarily undergo the required blood work. legislative
updates will be provided when received.
Ontario Association of Police Services Board 45th Annual
Conference - The OAPSB will be hosting its 4Stn Annual Meeting and
Conference in Owen Sound from May 3 to 5. This year's theme
entitled aThe Road Ahead" will include presentations from a number of
prominent politicians and individuals in the police community. Session
topics will include key issues of concern such as: Emergency
Preparedness, Methamphetamine and Clandestine Labs, Police Sector
Bargaining, Changes to OMERS Pension Plan, Policy Governance,
and Infonnation Technology. It is an informative event and provides an
excellent opportunity for those involved in municipal and provincial
police governance to share experiences and learn from each other
about the issues that affect policing.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT (SIU)
PSB Minute #53. The Board received a letter from James. L Cornish,
Director, SIU, providing the Special Investigation Unit's Annual Report
for the fiscal year 2005-2006.
The Sllj is a civilian ji'njestigative body, independent :of police, that
conducts investigations of incidents inVOlving the police that have
resulted in death or serous injury, including complaints of sexual
assault. Its primary objective is to determine if there is any evidence of
wrong doing on the part of the police and as part of a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Ministry of the Attorney General, the SiU is
required to prepare an annual report. The report may be accessed on
line at www.siu.on.ca.
The Board received the report for its information.
NIAGARA PARKS POLICE
PSB Minute #55. - The Board received Service report 54/2006
providing the 2006 Annual Report for the Niagara Parks Police Service
(NPP). Submission of a NPP annual report forms part of an
agreement between the Regional Municipality of Niagara Police
Services Board and the Niagara Parks Police, which was entered into
on March 31, 2004, on a renewal basis.
In the message from the Chief of Police, Chief Tim Berndt reported
that a number of Challenges were addressed and achieved throughout
2006. He contributed these achievements to the combined efforts and
participation of NPP members and extended his personal gratitude to
the Service's members, his senior staff and the senior management
team of the Niagara Parks Commission. Chief Berndt further stated
that it is the intent of the NPP to continue to build on their successes
and to carry out their duties in a manner which the Niagara Parks
Commission has not only come to expect but have also come to
deserve.
Niagara Parks Police achievements realized in 2006 are as follow:
4-Year contract settlement;
18% reduction in reported incidents;
32.4% reduction in overtime from 2005;
Implementation of a full-time bus licencing enforcement
team;
Completion of the first phase of a security enhancement
initiative to the police facility; and
. A budget surplus of $119,000.
However, two areas of concern were also identified in 2006, those
being:
An increase in motor-vehicle collisions! from 85 in. 2005 to
117 in 2006. and:
An increase in thefts from autos from 17 in 2005 to 35 in
2006.
Chief Berndt affinned that it is the intent of the NPP to address these
areas of concern as priorities for enforcement efforts throughout 2007
as they continue in their commitment to public safety, exhibiting
professionalism and building community relationships while providing
for the best protection of visitors in Niagara's parks and for the property
of the Commission.
R.I.D.E. GRANT
PSB Minute #58. - The Board received Service report 58/2007
requesting authorization to execute the application for receipt of
provincial funding.
As part of its efforts to combat drinking and driving, the Niagara
Regional Police Service participates in the province's R.I.D.E Grant
Program. Funding is received on annual basis to assist with costs
relating to preventative impaired driving initiatives from April 1, 2007
through to February 28, 2008. The NRPS is requesting funding in the
allotted amount of $22.600.00 from the Ministry of Safety and
Correctional Services.
The Board authorized its Chair to execute the application to ensure its
continuance in the R.I.D.E. Grant Program as required.
#6 DISTRCIT POLICE FACILITY - CITY OF PORT COLBORNE
PSB Minute # 59. - The Board received a copy of a letter addressed
to. Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk, RMON, -from Peter Senese,..Director.of
Community & Corporate Services/Deputy Clerk. The letter provided
Regional Council with a resolution passed by the Council of the City of
Port Coiborne at its meeting heid February 26, 2007. Its contents
addressed issues and concerns of the Niagara Regional Police
Service's #6 District policing facility and requested Regional Council
members to give considerable support towards the strong opposition
that relates to the closure of the City of Port Colborne's Police Division.
The Board received the item for information and corresponded with the
City of Port Colborne reaffinning its commitment to the process it
established with Regional Council for the detennination of the long-
tenn policing accommodations plan.
After a general discussion, the Board reiterated that it has not made
any decisions regarding the long-term facilities strategy for the Niagara
Regional Police Service. The_ next step in the process is the
completion of an in-depth review of facilities on a cost benefits basis.
It is anticipated that the Niagara Regional Police Service will come
fOlWard in late spring or early summer with a cost-benefit analysis to
Volume 6, Issue 3
March 2007
Page #3
accompany a facilities strategy to best suit policing needs. At that
time, the Police Services Board will hold a public meeting to consider
the recommendations before any final decision is presented to Niagara
Regional Council.
#8 DISTRCIT POLICE FACILITY - TOWN OF GRIMSBY
PSB Minute #60. - The Board received a copy of a letter addressed to
Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk, RMON, from Kathryn Vout, Town Clerk.
Town of Grimsby. The letter provided Regional Council with a
resolution passed by the Council of the Town of Grimsby at its meeting
held March 5, 2007 urging Regional Council members to provide
adequate funding to update or replace the Town of Grimsby's local
detachment in order to provide a better service for the constituents of
West Niagara.
The Board received the item for information.
NRPS DIVE VAN BODY FABRICATION
PSB Minute #61. - The Board received Joint SelVice/Region report
69/2007 requesting approval of an award of quotation relating to a dive
van body unit.
The Service's Dive Unit is required to transport sensitive and valuable
equipment on -a routine basis in order to accommodate the team's
operational duties. In December 2005, the Board approved the
purchase of a 2006 GMC C5500 Commercial Cutaway Chassis and
the purchase of a Diesel Driven Breathing Air Compressor System
from Compressor Systems. The above noted acquisitions were
necessary prior to commencing the body van fabrication process in
order to complete the Service's initial intent to possess a specifically
designed and dedicated vehicle to transport and store the equipment
associated with the Dive Team.
After careful review and a lengthy reevaluation process to ensure the
objectivity and integrity of the purchasing process, the Board approved
the purchase of a manufactured dive ban body unit from Weldexperts
Inc., New Lowell. ON. at a cost of $53, 137.00 pius appiicable taxes.
2007 VEHICLE REPLACEMENTS
PSB Minute 1/$2. - The Board received Service report 7012007
requesting approval for the purchase of three (3) Specialty Unit
vehicles, those being one (1) Expedition 4WD and two (2) Chevrolets
4WD.
Approval is being requested at this time, in order to procure the pricing
advantage of the Police Co-operative Purchasing Group's 2007 Police
Vehicle Tender in York Region. The Board considered that item and
approved the following:
1. The purchase of one (1) Ford Expedition SSV 4WD from the
Police Purchasing Cooperative Tender at a total cost of $35,639
plus applicable taxes; and
2. The purchase of two (2)-Chevrolet Tahoe4WD's from-the Police
Purchasing Cooperative Tender at a total cost of $77,436 plus
applicable taxes. funding from Capital Project ZP00701.
VOICE RADIO iNFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT
PSB Minute #63. - The Board received Service report 7212007
requesting approval to purchase the necessary updates as they pertain
to the ongoing maintenance and enhancements of the Service's voice
radio system.
Upon consideration of the request, the Board approved the following:
. The initiation of Capital Project #ZP00506 and expenditures
from that Capital Project as well as additional expenditures
from previously initiated Capital Projects P090409 and
P00605:
To support the Service's request to sole source additional
voice radio system user equipment from the system vendor,
Motorola Canada Limited, to maintain the integrity of the
system through equipment compatibility:
. The approval of purchases of additional voice radio system
user equipment in an amount not to exceed $175,000.
VERSADEX APPLICATIONS
PSB Minute #64. - The Board received Service report 64/2007
requesting approval for payment to Vesaterm for the Service's
Computer Aided Dispatch maintenance and support fees for the period
of March 1. 2007 - February 29, 2008, already agreed to in the original
statement of work and contract details.
In keeping with the contract requirements, the Board approved the
Maintenance/Support fees for Versadex applications from Versaterm,
in :he amount of $103.110.00 plus applicable taxes.
2006 NRPS YEAR-END FINANCIAL OPERATING RESULTS
UPDATED
PSB Minute# 70. - The Board considered Service report 79-2007
providing the Board with an amended 2006 year~end financial
operating results, changed to reflect the '1,000 Officer' provincial grant
accrual in the amount of $348,866.
Chief Southall reported that the NRPS year-end calculations are
subject to the date of book closing at the Region in order to use the
2006 surplus against the NRPS 2007 operating budget. The '1.000
Officer' grant accrual of $348,866 will now show through the
amendment to the 2006 year-end with placement in the Police
Contingency Fund.
In response to Member Smeaton, Chief Southall reported that with the
C.A.A.. the NRPS and the Regional Public Health Unit have received
funding from both the Board at $50,000 and the Region for $30.000
toward the 'Think and Drive' campaign. The concept was
spearheaded in Niagara-on-the-Lake in late 2006 as a result of the
high number of traffic fatalities occurring in the Town's rural areas,
consistently among the highest in comparable southern Ontario
regions. The Committee has been instructed to prepare a business
plan to assist in the 'social marketing' initiative (Item #10.)
Upon consideration of the amendment and subject to approval of
Regional Council of the Consolidated Regional Year-End Transfer
report the Board approved the following:
1. A transfer of the Accumulated Sick leave Reserve Fund in
the amount of $288.859 representing the budgeted amount
not expended in 2006 for retirement sick leave payouts;
2. The transfer of the net expenditure savings of $41 ,398 from
the Police Service Board cost centre to the Police Services
Board Contingency ReselVe;
Budget allocation totaling $1.929 million for one-time expenditures as
follows:
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
$1,000,000 for the Special investigations Task Force;
$ 300,000 for the Job Evaluation Process;
$ 260,000 for Attendance Management:
$ 150,000 for Drug Recognition Expert Training and
Equipment;
$ 100,000 for Proactive Recruiting Marketing Initiative;
$ 40,000 for Intelligence;
$ 39,000 for Project Tandem:
$ 50,000 for the Sociai Marketing initiative;
Additional Transfer to Reserve Funds as follows:
11.
A transfer to the Police Contingency Reserve for the
remaining net expenditure savings of approximately
$871,792.
Volume 6, Issue 3
March 2007
Page #4
DONATIONS
NRPS Male Chorus - PSB Minute #67. - The Board received Service
report 56/2007 requesting support for the Niagara Regional Police
Service Male Chorus to assist with offsetting their annual operational
expenses. The Chorus is a financially self-supporting organization that
draws its operating funds throughout the year from its many performing
events. However, in order to assist with maintaining itself, the Chorus
has requested a donation in the amount of $3,500.00 from the Special
Fund.
In December 2003, Service report 326/2007, PSB Minute #245, was
submitted requesting Board authorization toward funding from the
special account to support the Service's co-exiting partnerships with
the Pipes and Drums Band, Male Chorus, Niagara Victim Crisis
Support Services (NVCSS) and the Informant Fund in addition to other
periodic requests for funding. It was decided that due to unforeseeable
circumstances pre~approved annual donations are difficult to
determine. Therefore, in recognizing the importance of the special
fund donation recipients, the Board supported in principle donations to
the Pipes and Drums, the Male Chorus, NVCSS and the Informant
Fund with the amount to be determined at the chiefs discretion.
In consideration of the item, the Board approved a donation in the
requested amount of $3,500.00 and requested Chief Southall to submit
the financial statement of the Niagara Regional Police Male Chorus at
the April 26 Board meeting.
NRPS TuoMof-War - PSB Minute #65. - The Board received Service
report 52/2007 requesting a donation to offset expenses incurred by
members of the Services who participated in this event. This year's
annual cross border Tug-of-War will take prace on May 12, 2007 on the
Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls. Constable Ernie Pieneman, Team
Captain, and his team will be pulling against their American law
enforcement partners from the New York Police Department. This
event has had a long history of benefiting numerous charitable
organizations, enhancing the image of the NRPS and building on the
existing professional relationships that exist between the cross border
law enforcement agencies.
Chief Southall reported that the Tug-of-War event wili be expanded this
year with a celebration to unveil the new tartan chosen for the NRPS
Pipes and Drums. This year's event will be dedicated to the memory
of Constable Rob Gittings as a long-standing and ardent member of
the team.
The Board approved a donation from the Special Fund in the
requested amount of $300.00.
Heart and Stroke Foundation Bia Bike Ride - PSB Minute #66. The
Board received Service report #53/2007 requesting a donation to the
Heart and Stroke Foundation. Constable Malcolm Scott, Big Bike for
Stroke Team Captain, will join his team of 29 Service members to go
out and ride the "big bike". The event is scheduled for May 23, 2007 at
the Honest Lawyer in downtown S1. Catharines. Service participation
will assist in raising money to further the cure finding efforts that help
researchers gain a better understanding of the root causes of heart
and stroke disease that affect almost 40% of Canadians all while
enhancing the image of the Niagara Regional Police Service.
In support of yet another worthwhile initiative, the Board approved a
donation from the Special Fund in the requested amount of $500.00.
2007 Ontario Association of Crime Stoooers Conference ~ PSB
Minute #68. - The Board received Service report 55/2007 requesting
sponsorship to the 2007 Ontario Crime Stoppers Conference on June
13, 2007 in the City of Niagara Falls. This cooperative program
involves citizens, police and the media to provide residents with a
means to supply valuable anonymous information to investigators. It
has proven to be a valuable partner in the investigation and clearance
of crimes in Niagara with much of the workload being carried out on a
volunteer basis including its civilian Board of Directors. This year's
conference expects to see approximately 200 delegates and
dignitaries throughout the province. Conference costs are offset by
sponsorship at various levels and it is this practice that brings about
this request.
Chief Southall reported that she and Member Woodhouse attended
last year's Crime Stoppers conference, and further stated that she is
very supportive of the request. Member Woodhouse added that he is
quite impressed with the degree of involvement and commitment of the
participants in this effort and that it is a great extension of policing that
provides opportunity for citizens to participate with police.
In anticipation of the upcoming conference's success, the Board
approved sponsorship at the Platinum Level of a $5.000.00
contribution.
Women's Place of South Niaaara - PSB Minute #56. - The Board
received an aCknowledgement letter from Ruthann Brown, Executive
Director, Women's Place, for its $500 sponsorship to support the 5th
Annual "Strike Out Violence" Bowling Tournament. A reporting of
nearly $18,000.00 was raised for two shelters for women and children
who experience abuse.
POLICE COMMENDATIONS
The Board would like to recognize the following members and
commend them on receiving a Chief and/or Commander's
Commendation for the following related incidents, which displayed
exemplary service within the community:
Chief of Police Commendations
Amended Personnel Order 27/2007 - Constable Barry Wills in
addition to the officers previous recognized by way of this Chief of
Police Commendation, Constable Wills was further recognized for his
efforts, which involved the arrest of individuals involved in organized
crime. He and police service dog "Mako" played an important part in
the teams' efforts to successfully arrest two extremely dangerous
individuals without tragic incident.
Personnel Order 100/2007 - Constables Brent Sathmary and
Michael Spera for their actions taken on January 16, 2007 during an
incident involving three smash and grab type break and enters into
business establishments in the City of S1. Catharines. Both officers
are commended on the initiative shown at the onset of this incident.
The timely manner in which they began the pursuit of the culprits
portrayed the actions of dedicated officers. The diligence of their
policing practices were integral to the successful outcome of
apprehending three suspects at the scene, linking them to frve
additional break and enters, and ultimately bringing ongoing
investigations to a close that led to numerous charges being laid.
Personnel Order 101/2007 - Sergeant Richard Frayne, Constables
Richard Lukos, Kristofer Doyle, Ted Riehl, and Neal Orlando for
their actions taken on January 11, 2007 during an incident inVOlving a
female driver driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of the QEW at
a high rate of speed. Together these officers assisted in an
exceptionally dangerous .pursuit, which involved conducting a high-
speed police chase traveling into oncoming traffic on a major highway.
Given the unique circumstances of this pursuit, it is without a doubt
that the decisions needed to be made throughout this incident were
well thought out and executed in a professional and responsible
manner. By using keen judgment throughout the entirety of this pursuit
the involved officers were able to bring the incident to a close without
what could have been a tragic ending.
Personnel Order 10212007 - Constables Kristopher Hamilton and
Larry Tartaglia for their actions taken on January 23, 2007 during an
incident involving a male attempting suicide at the Burgoyne Bridge in
S1. Catharines. The efforts of both officers are commended, as this
incident certainly required a need to go beyond the call of their daily
policing duties. Incidents such as this are emotionally trying and
require a great deal of compassion and emotional control. The extreme
measures that Constables Hamilton and Tartaglia went to in order to
save the life of an extremely troubled man portray characteristics that
are key to the makings of what defines a good police officer. The
combined efforts of them both were indeed exemplary.
Volume 6, Issue 3
March 2007
Page #5