2007/04/30 - Resolutions
Council Information
'for period ended April 30, 2007'
'Resolutions'
1. CAW - Loss of Manufacturing Jobs
2. Inter-municipal Transit
3. Rights of Passage Bill - Great Lake Shore Access
4. Shortage of JP's
5. Vine land Research & Innovation Centre
6. Infrastructure
7. The Big Pipe! Groundwater
8. Property Tax Relief for Seniors
9. Long Term Care Homes
CAW TCA
Page I of2
Dean Iorfida - Manufacturing Matters Forum
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
Attachments:
"Judy Antonio" <jantonio@cawI99.com>
<clksten2@thorold.ca>
5/1/20073:08 PM
Manufacturing Matters Forum
Bradnam, Gary Itr Resolution.doc
""-
CA W~TCA
CANADA
Wayne Gates
President
Local 199
124 Bunting Road
51. Catharines, Ontario, L2P 3G5
Phone (905) 682-2611
Fax (905) 682-9393
Malcolm Allen
Financial Secretary
Bruce Allen
Vice President
Mark Roy
Recording Secretary
May 1,2007
To: Niagara Regional Council of Niagara
Niagara Regional City Councils
Niagara Regional Town Councils
Greetings:
The CAW with the endorsement of the Canadian Labour Congress and in partnership with area
labour bodies is sending the attached resolution for your council's consideration and endorsement. The
Canadian manufacturing sector is in a major crisis, as decent paying jobs that provide workers with
benefits and pensions are disappearing on a daily basis. The CAW, through its research department has
found that approximately 150 manufacturing jobs a day are lost in Canada. In the Niagara Region alone
approximately 4400 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the last few years. By our calculations this
region has suffered a loss of$239 million dollars in employee income.
Collectively, we as Canadian citizens need to reverse this trend before the epidemic has taken its
course and the carnage decimates our communities and their infrastructures. Statistics Canada shows
that from 2005 to 2006 Ontario lost 54,500 manufacturing jobs, while 42,000 were cut elsewhere across
Canada. As elected officials we are asking you to decide if this sector, once the vibrant lifeblood of our
country, is worth fighting for. Is it important to maintain an area oflabour that always strives to meet
their responsibilities to the funding of community based social programs? Is it important to fight for
standardized job skills training and forresponsible health & safety, worker driven legislation? Is it
important to protect the rights of our seniors and their pensions and to secure a solid base for future
file://C:\Documents and Settings\di202\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\46375804Domain1... 5/1/2007
CAW TCA
Page 2 of2
generations of Niagara workers? Is it important for all of us to insure that the employment of Niagara
workers is not confined to low paying, seasonal, service sector workers?
The resolution outlines areas of concern and our solutions. We ask that you stand with us and
endorse this proposal! Please forward your decision to Wayne Gates, (905) 682-2611.
Respectfully yours,
Gary Bradnam
CAW Program Coordinator
Local 199, CAW
Cope343/ja
file://C:\Documents and Settings\di202\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\46375804Domain1... 5/1/2007
Resolution: Manufacturinl!: Matters Camoail!:n
Whereas: Canada's manufacturing sector is a critical part of the national economy: it
is highly productive, generates the highest value-added in the economy,
accounts for two-thirds of our nation's total exports and spends three-
quarters of all private sector research and development; and
Whereas: over the last five years Canada has suffered a quarter million
manufacturing job losses, across a diverse range of sectors including auto,
auto parts, food and beverage, fish processing, shipbuilding, electronics,
electrical, rubber, plastics, steel, wood, paper, metal and general
manufacturing
. These job losses are the result of permanent and indefinite layoffs,
bankruptcies and plant closures, workplace downsizing, work
relocation and production off-shoring to countries both within
North America (the United States and Mexico) and internationally,
. The loss of manufacturing jobs has devastated workers, families
and communities from coast to coast and restricts the amount of
quality job prospects for future generations,
. The loss of manufacturing jobs has placed an added financial strain
on municipal goveruments to deliver social services at the local
level as a result of increasing demand coupled with an overall
shrinking tax base; and
Whereas: the lack of federal and provincial governments attention to the critical
issues of unbalanced and unfair trade, the persistently high Canadian
dollar, the deindustrialization of Canada's economy and its associated
impacts, targeted investment strategies, public procurement policies ad
adequate protection for workers, has resulted in a manufacturing sector in
a state of crisis;
Therefore. Be It Resolved:
That the representatives of City Council, on behalf of the
residents in the regions/districts of call on the
federal & provincial goveruments to take action in addressing the impact
of manufacturing job loss in the City of and in other
communities across Canada by:
1. Identifying the manufacturing industry as a strategic sector in
Canada's economic development;
2. Undertaking a comprehensive review of the causes and
consequences of manufacturing job loss;
3. Adopting a comprehensive and integrated set of economic, fiscal
and monetary policies along with a framework for fair trade that
will both strengthen domestic manufacturing ad protect
manufacturing jobs; and
4. ensuring that all Canadian workers are protected in job loss
through the improvements of bankruptcy laws, wage protection,
pension protection and enhanced employment insurance benefits.
CITY OF ST. CATHA RINES
NlAG. Fil.LS CLERKS '07 l1:1"Jfl 11:02
CORPORATE suPi"tJi'lt
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
50 CHURCH STREET
P.O. BOX 3012
ST. CATHARINES. ONTARIO L2R 7C2
TEL. (905) 688-5601
FAX (905) 682-3631
April 26, 2007
Ms. Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk
Regional Municipality of Niagara
2201 St. David's Road, P.O. Box 1042
Thorold, Ontario
L2V 4T7
Re: Inter-Municipal Transit Service
File: 35.23.11
Please be advised that City Council, at its regular meeting of April 23, 2007, enacted the
following resolution:
"That the Chair and the Vice-Chair of the Region's Transportation Strategy Steering Committee
be added to the list of attendees for a meeting and all future meetings to discuss the inter-
municipal transit situation and identifY potential alternatives;
"and that the Region be notified of this motion prior to the next Regional Council meeting;
"and that copies of this motion be circulated to all Regional municipalities, the Regional Chair,
and the Regional C.A.O. FORTHWITH."
~~f)
Kenneth R. Todd
Director of Corporate Support Services
cc Regional Chair
Regional C.A.O.
All Regional Municipalities"J
rO-. "
Office of the Clerk
Re:
Rights of Passage Bill
March 30, 2007
Sent by fax: 416-325-3745
The Honourable Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Bldg, Room 281
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7 AlAI
Honourable and Dear Sir:
9
At the Council meeting of March 26, 2007, the following resolution was passed respecting
the above referenced matter:
THAT: The Municipal Council of the Town of Fort Erie support, in principle, the Right of Passage
Bill which intends to provide walking rights for the public between the shoreline and high
water mark along the shores of Ontario's Great Lakes, and further
THAT: This resolution be circulated to the Premier of Ontario and Minister of Natural Resources,
including the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Great Lakes Association.
Enclosed please fmd an excerpt of the Council Minutes wherein Gary Skerrett, President of
the Ontario Shorewalk Association appeared as a delegation in support of Kim Craitor's
Rights of Passage Bill which is expected to be introduced into the Legislature on April 10,
2007.
By copy of this letter to The Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources, Tim
Hudak, MPP, Kim Craitor, MPP, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Great Lakes
and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the Niagara Area Mayors and the Region of Niagara, they
are being so notified of this action.
We thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yo rs ry truly,
'car~T.,
Town Clerk
ckett@forterie.on.ca
CJK/dlk
c.c. The Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources
Gary Skerrett, Ontario Shorewa1k Association
Tim Hudak, MPP
Kim Craitor, MPP
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
Regional Chair and Clerk - VIA REGIONAL COURIER
Niagara Area Mayors and Clerk - VIA REGIONAL COURIER
Our Focus: Your Future
Mailing Address:
Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie
Municipal Centre, t Municipal Centre Drive
Fort Erie, Ontario. Canada L2A 286
Phone (905) 871-1600 Fax (905) 871-4022
Web-site: www.forterie.on.ca
MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2007 - REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES
Crystal Ridge Skating Club, Fort Erie Figure Skating Club, Greater Fort Erie Big
Brothers and Big Sisters, I Can Therapeutic Equestrian Riding Association of
Niagara, Ridgeway Lioness Club, Ridgeway Lions Club and Ridgeway Public School
Parent Teacher Association. Councillor Whitfield abstained from discussing or
voting on these matters.
(c) Councillor Stecklev
Councillor Steckley disclosed a pecuniary interest with respect to New Business
item (d) respecting Gaming licences and the Fort Erie Festivals and Loch Sloy
Highland Games since he has been a vendor in the past and not certain about this
year as well as the Greater Fort Erie Minor Hockey Association since his son is a
member of same. Councillor Steckley abstained from discussing or voting on these
matters.
6) ADOPTION OF MINUTES
(a) Special Meeting of Council- March 5, 2007
Resolution No. 1
Noyes-Annunziata
THAT: The Municipal Council of the Town of Fort Erie hereby adopts the minutes of the
Special Meeting of Council held March 5, 2007, as printed.
(CARRIED)
(b) Special Meeting of Council- March 19, 2007
Resolution No.2
Annunziata-Noyes
THAT: The Municipal Council of the Town of Fort Erie hereby adopts the minutes of the
Special Meeting of Council held March 19,2007, as printed.
(CARRIED)
7) PUBLIC NOTICE
(a) Adoption of 2007 Budget
Council intends to consider a by-law at its meeting of April 10, 2007 to adopt
the 2007 budget
8) PRESENTATIONS AND DELEGATIONS
(a) Garry Skerrett, Ontario Shorewalk Association
Re: Right of Passage to Great Lakes shorelines
A copy of Mr. Skerrett's wriUen presentation is available in the Clerk's
Department.
Mr. Skerrett announced that he would present a video in support his
'organization's efforts to seek endorsement of M.P.P. Kim Craitor's Right of
Passage Bill which will be before the Legislature on April 1 0, 2007.
He indicated it was his original intention for it to be circulated beyond the
Ministry of Natural Resources and AMO.
Mr. Skerrett advised the organization now represents approximately 800
members across the Province of Ontario and they are now aligned with other
organizations with similar intent, resulting in an overall number of
approximately 5,000 members. All of these members are supporting the
Right of Passage Bill.
Page 3 of 11
MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2007 - REGULAKI.,;UUN\jIL MIIW I t:o
Mr. Skerrett explained the features of the Bill which include:
- similar to the 2005 Michigan Supreme Court Case that affirmed Right of
Public Passage on all Great Lakes shorelines;
- Walking rights only (Le. no right to put down a blanket);
- Water's edge to high water mark;
- Access to waterfront only through public walkways and not over private
lands;
- Property owners existing rights continue;
- No obstruction of public passage allowed (fences, excavation, rocks, etc.)
- Govemment grants exceptions for harbours, industrial works, etc.
- No expropriation and no compensation.
9) COMMUNICATIONS
(a) Canadian,Cancer Scoiety
Re: Request permission to conduct "Relay for Life" - June 8-9, 2007-
Ridgeway/Crystal Beach High School property
Resolution NO.3
Whitfield-Shular
THAT: Pursuant to Section 6.36 of Zoning By-law No. 129-90, as amended, the Municipal
Council of the Town of Fort Erie hereby grants permission to The Canadian Cancer Society
to conduct their "Relay for Life" fundralsing event at the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High
School on June 8-9, 2007 provided the organizers obtain HeaUh and Fire Department
approvals and any other approvals deemed necessary by any relevant government body or
agency.
(CARRIED)
(b) Regional Municipality of Niagara
Re: Response to a Business Case: The Vineland Renaissance Project:
Establishment of the Vineland's Research and Innovation Centre
Reference: Receive and file.
(c) City of Weiland
Re: Petition Federal and Provincial Govemments to address municipal
infrastructure and related deficit
Resolution No.4
Shular-Whitfield
THAT:The Municipal Council of the Town of Fort Erie hereby supports the resolution of the
City of Weiland re-confirming the urgency for Federal and Provincial Govemment funding
with tackling the crumbling national municipal infrastructure and related deficit of
approximately $60 billion, and further
THA T:The appropriate persons be so notified of this action..
(CARRIED)
(d) Fort Erie SPCA
Re: Board of Director Minutes - January 18, 2007
Reference: Receive and file.
Page 4 of 11
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Thorold -
April 5,2007
The Honourable Michael J. Bryant
Attorney General of Ontario
McMurtry-Scott Building
720 Bay Street, 11th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K1
Dear Attorney General:
Re: Shortage of Justices of the Peace
Please be advised that Thorold City Council, at its April 3, 3007 meeting, adopted the following
resolution:
. THATthe resolution adopted by the Township of Wain fleet at its March 13, 2007 meeting
calling upon the Attorney General of Ontario to fast track the appointment of additional
Justices of the Peace in the Niagara area courts, be received and supported.
AND FURTHER THA T a copy of this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justice
Donald Ebbs, Associate Chief Justice/Coordinator of Justices of the Peace; Ontario Court
of Justice; local M.PP. 's; The Regional Municipality of Niagara and area municipalities.
YourW'- .
~~
S'usa~ Damels, AMCT .
Deputy City Clerk
SMD:hhm
cc: The Honourable Justice Donald Ebbs,
Associate Chief Justice/Coordinator of Justices of the Peace
Ontario Court of Justice
Kim Craitor, M.P.P., Niagara Falls Riding
Peter Kormos, M.P.P., Niagara Centre Riding
Tim Hudak, M.P.P., Erie-Lincoln Riding
:~~~. :'aMuni.ciPalily of Niagara
Iiti~'
em: M. Weir, Chief Administrative Officer
J.K. Bice, City Clerk
A. Arbour, Director of Planning and Building Seovices
J. Menard, Chief Building Official
S. Labatte, By-law Enforcement Officer
M. Briscoe. By-law Enforcement Officer City of Thorold
P.O. Box 1044, 3540 SChmon Parkway, Thol'Old, Ontario L2V 4A7
www.thoPoId.ClJm
Tel: 905-227-8813
Office of the Clerk
S
March 30, 2007
-'- ...
Mr. David Miller, Mayor
City of Toronto
City Hall, 100 Queen Street, 1st floor E
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Dear Mr. Miller:
Re: Allocation of GST for Municipal Purposes
At the Council meeting of March 26, 2007, His Worship Mayor Douglas Martin introduced a
motion in support of your g.s.t. initiatives, which was subsequently passed, as follows:
THAT: The Municipal Council of the Town of Fort Erie hereby supports the efforts by
the Mayor of the City of Toronto, His Worship David Miller, to petition the
Federal Government to allocate 1<1: of the g.s.t. to municipalities for municipal
purposes.
By copy of this letter to the appropriate persons, they are being so notified of this action.
Kindly keep us apprised of your progress with the Federal Government on this important
issue and we thank you for your efforts on behalf of municipalities.
Yo
Carolyn . Kett, A.M.C.T.,
Town Clerk
ckett@Jforterie.on.ca
CJK/dIk
c.c. The Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister
The Honourable James Flaherty. Minister of Finance
The Honourable. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario
The Honourable.Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, M.P., Leader of the Government House of Commons I Minister of Democratic Reform
Niagara Falls
Kim Craitor. MPP
Tim Hudak, MPP
Niagara Area Municipalities & Region of Niagara
AMO
Our Focus: Your Future
Mailing Address;
The Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie
Municipal Centre, I Municipal Centre Drive
Fort Erie. Ontario, Canada L2A 2S6
nffirp U.....l1r" Sl.~n <> on t.... ".1Itl n on
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OFFICE OF THE:
MAYOR
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
CLERK
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING SERVICES
DIRECTOR OF BUILDING & ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
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THE CORPORATION OF THE
TOWN OF PELHAM
TEL. (905) 892-2607
FAX (90S} 892-5055
POST OFFICE BOX 400
PELHAM MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 20 PELHAM TOWN SQUARE
FONTHILL, ONTARIO LOS 1EO
April 23, 2007
MRS. PAM GilROY, REGIONAL CLERK
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF NIAGARA
OFFICE OF THE CLERK
2201 ST. DAVID'S ROAD
P. O. BOX 1042
THOROLD ON l2V 4T7
Dear Mrs. Gilroy::
This is to advise that Council of the Town of Pelham, at its regular meeting held on
Monday, April 2, 2007, resolved to enact the following resolution:
"THAT Council of the Town of Pelham endorse and support the resolution
enacted by Regional Council on March 1, 2007 with respect to the Vineland
Renaissance Project - Establishment of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
be supported and that the Regional Chairman convey this support to the Honourable
Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to area municipalities, City of
Hamilton, County of Haldimand, Boards of Governers of Brock University and Niagara
College, Niagara Economic Development Corporation and the Niagara Parks
Commission."
Yours very truly,
TOWN OF PELHAM .
Cheryl Miclette, AMCT
Town Clerk
Cc: !I1\rea Municipalities
City of Hamilton
County of Haldimand
Board of Governers, Brock University & Niagara College
Niagara Economic Development Corporation
Niagara Parks Commission
OFFICE OF THE:
MAYOR
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
CLERK
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING SERVICES
DIRECTOR OF BUILDING & ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
HIAG. FIlLS ClERKS '(fl 042610:18
THE CORPORATION OF THE
TOWN OF PELHAM
TEL. (905) 892-2807
FAX (905) 892-5055
POST OFACE BOX 400
PELHAM MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 20 PELHAM TOWN SQUARE
FONTHILL, ONTARIO LOS 1 EO
April 23, 2007
MR. CRAIG A. STIRTZINGER,
GENERAL MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS, COUNCIL
AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES/CITY CLERK
CITY OF WELLAND
60 EAST MAIN STREET
WELLAND ON L3B 3X4
Dear Mr. Stirtzinger:
This is to advise that Council of the Town of Pelham, at its regular meeting held on
Monday, April 2, 2007, resolved to enact the following resolution:
"THAT Council of the Town of Pelham endorse and support the resolution
enacted by the City of Weiland at their meeting held March 6, 2007 whereby they urge
the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
and other Provincial Associations across Canada to engage the Federal and Provincial
Governments in committing meaningful funding to assist municipalities in addressing
municipal infrastructure and related deficit issues;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Regional Municipality of
Niagara and area municipalities, local MP's and MPP's, Federation of Canadian
Municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario."
Yours very truly,
TOWN OF PELHAM
Cheryl Mic tte, AMCT
Town Clerk
Cc: Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Regional Municipality of Niagara
Local MP's
L5}Cal MPP's
11\;rea Municipalities
Township of King
Resolution
1\ .1' "A" .
rIppe''''''''' . .
Page 2
. .
It is resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of King requests the fonowing:
1. The provincial and federal governments are urged to augment their contributions to municipal
infrastructure by developing a long-term support program for stable, reliable permanent funding to assist
with infrastructure investment.
2. The provincial goverument is requested to increase the municipal share of provincial gas tax and
expanding eligibility beyond transit.
3. While the Township is acutely aware of the importance of a sustainable agriculture industry and of
environment conservation efforts, the provincial government is requested to review programs such as the
"Farmland Tax Program" and the "Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program" to ensure that the programs
are not funded out of the municipal property tax base.
4. The current provincial goverument committed to ensuring that developers "absorb their fair share of
the costs of new growth", and is requested to begin the review of the Development Charges Act. 1997 as
soon as possible to ensure that municipalities do not continue to subsidize development and municipal
property tax payers are not paying for growth.
5. The provincial goverument is requested to establish one time funding to assist smaller municipalities
move to accounting infrastructure on an accrual basis and meaningful asset management.
6. The provincial goverument is requested to consider providing financial assistance to offset the costs of
implementing the requirements of the AODA and the related standards.
7. The provincial government is requested to review the basis of apportionment of municipal/regional
funding to ensure that lower tier municipalities are not inequitably requisitioned.
8. This Resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Federal and Provincial Ministers of
Finance, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, and to the MPs and MPPs for the Township of King,
and to all the municipalities in Ontario.
Please present this resolution to your Council for their consideration and endorsement.
Yours truly,
Chris Somerville
Township Clerk
csomervillelalking.ca
Township of King
Resolution
Af'padi,o "A 'I. '.
Page 2
It is resolved that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of King requests the following:
1. The provincial and federal goveruments are urged to augment their contributions to municipal
infrastructure by developing a long-term support program for stable, reliable permanent funding to assist
with infrastructure investment.
2. The provincial government is requested to increase the municipal share of provincial gas tax and
expanding eligibility beyond transit.
3. While the Township is acutely aware of the importance of a sustainable agriculture industry and of
environment conservation efforts, the provincial government is requested to review programs such as the
"Farmland Tax Prograrn" and the "Managed ForestTax Incentive Program" to ensure that the programs
are not funded out of the municipal property tax base.
4. The current provincial goverument committed to ensuring that developers "absorb their fair share of
the costs of new growth", and is requested to begin the review of the Development Charges Act, 1997 as
soon as possible to ensure that municipalities do not continue to subsidize development and municipal
property tax payers are not paying for growth.
5. The provincial goverument is requested to establish one time funding to assist smaller municipalities
move to accounting infrastructure on an accrual basis and meaningful asset management.
6. The provincial goverument is requested to consider providing financial assistance to offset the costs of
implementing the requirements of the AODA and the related standards.
7. The provincial government is requested to review the basis of apportionment of municipal/regional
funding to ensure that lower tier municipalities are not inequitably requisitioned.
8. This Resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Federal and Provincial Ministers of
Finance, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, and to the MPs and MPPs for the Township of King,
and to all the municipalities in Ontario.
Please present this resolution to your Council for their consideration and endorsement.
Yours truly,
Chris Somerville
Township Clerk
csomervilletal.king.ca
NIAG.F~WfSmO~w~1COLBORN E
Municipal Offices
66 Charlotte Street
Port COlborne,Ontario
. L3K 3C8
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE SERVICES
March 30th,2007.
Mr. CraigA. Stirtzinger,
General Manager, Communications,
Council and Legislative Services/City Clerk
City of Well and, ..
60 East Main Street,
Welland, ON L3B 3X4
Dear Mr. Stirtzinger:
City of WeIland Resolution Re Federal and Provincial
Fundin!! Assistauce for Municil'al Iufrastructure
Please be advised that the above noted resolution was presented to Port Colbome City Council on
March 26"', 2007, and Council resolved as follows:
"Thatthe Council of the Corporation ofthe City o{Port Colborne support the
resolution of The Corporation of the City of Well and re-confirming the urgency for
Federal and Provincial funding assistance to assist Canadian municipalities with
tackling the crumbling national municipal infrastructure and related deficit and that
the Corporation of the City of Well and, Region of Niagara, local municipalities,
John Maloney, MP, Tim Hudak, MPP, Federation of Canadian Municipalities and
Association of Municipalities be so advised."
Yours very truly
Jo.'~ ~~
Janet Beckett
City Clerk
JB:lw
cc: Region of Niagara
Area Municipalities
J. Maloney, MP
T. Hudak, MPP
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Association of Municipalities
Telephone: (905) 835-2900
Email: dccs@portcolborne.com
Fax: (905) 834-5746
<<.tot_~tlratiDll of
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THE CORPORATION OF
THE CITY OF WELLAND
Office of the General Manager, Communications,
Council and Legislative Services/City Clerk
60 East Main Street
Weiland ON L3B 3X4
Phone: 905.735.1700 Fax: 905-732-1919
Website: www.welland.ca
E-mail: craiO.stirtzinoer@welland.ca
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March 9,2007
AssoCiation of MuniCipalities of Ontario.
393 University Avenue, Suite 1707
Toronto, ON M5G 1E6
Dear Sir:
At its meeting of March 5, 2007, Weliand City Council passed the foliowing resolution:
"THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WELLAND re-confirms the
urgency for Federal and Provincial funding assistance to assist
Canadian municipalities with tackling the crumbling national
municipal infrastructure and related deficit of approximately $60
billion; and further
THAT Weiland City Council urges the Federation of Canadian
- Municipalities (FCM), the ASSOciation of Municipalities (AMO), and
other Provincial associations across Canada to engage the
Federal and Provincial governments in committing meaningful
funding to assist municipalities in addressing this issue
immediately; and further
THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Regional
Municipality of Niagara and the area municipalities, local MP'S
and MPP'S, FCM and AMO, for endorsement."
Background information relative to Council's resolution is attached for your information.
CAS/tb.
Encl
Yours truly,
~~. , ,
, "",~. I Wf...fjJ_/t~>J
tiRAI . STIRTZINGER, ' "
ene Manager, Communications,
· Council and Legislative Services/City Clerk
c.c. - Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 24'Clarence Street, Ottawa, ON,K1N 5P3
. Ms. Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk, Regional Municipality 01 Niagara, 2201 St. David's Road
P.O. Box 1042, Thorold, ON, l2V 477 '
- Mr. John D. Maloney, MP, 50 Division Street, Weiland, ON, L3B 326
. Mr. Peter Kormos, MPP, 60 King Street, Weiland, ON, L3B 6A4
-Area Municipalliies
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TOWNSHIP OF WAINFLEET
Chair Peter Partington
Region of Niagara
2201 St. David's Road
Thorold, ON L2V 4T7
Box 40, 19M43 HV'''Y #3, Wainfleet, ON LOS 1 VO
Tel: 905-899-3463 . Fax: 905-899-2340 . www.townsrup.wainfleet.on
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Dear Chair Partington:
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This is to advise that Council of the Township ofWainfleet, at its meeting held on Tuesday, Marc
2007, resolved to enact the following resolution:
"WHEREAS the Region of Niagara has advocated an expensive "big pipe" solution to
Wainl1eet's contaminated groundwater problem;
AND WHEREAS many Township residents have opposed the "big pipe" solution at public
information sessions and at Township Committee and Council meetings;
AND WHEREAS during the recent municipal election campaign, many voters and candidates
expressed a desire to find an alternative solution to the "big pipe" solution;
AND WHEREAS the Region of Niagara through its "Expression of Interest (EOI)" process has
shown a willingness to entertain more affordable alternative solutions;
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved Council for the Township of WainfIeet does not support the
fmancial burden the "big pipe" places on the WainfIeet property owners;
THAT Council strongly encourages the Region to explore and search for a more affordable
solution;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be provided to the Medical Officer of Health &
Commissioner of Public Health, Dr. Robin Williams; Commissioner of Public Works, Ian
Neville; Regional Chair Peter Partington; Co-Chairs of the Public Health and Social Services
Committee, Brian Baty and Bruce Timms; and Co-Chairs of the Planning and Public Works
Committee, Tim Rigby and BiU Smeaton;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forward to every Regional CounciUor for their
information;
AI\'D THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the area municipalities for their support."
Sincerely,
J.p
Tanya Lamb
Township Clerk
cc: Dr. Robin Williams, Medical Officer of Health
Ian Neville, Commissioner of Public Works
Regional Councillors
Area Municipalities
07-049
tHAG. Fil.LSCLERKS'0704131O:18
VAi@tan
Clerk's Department
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan, Ontario
Canada L6A H1
TIie City Move Toronto
-
Tel (905) 832-8504
Fax (905) 832-8535
FOR INQUIRIES:
PLEASE QUOTE ITEM & REPORT NO.
April 5, 2007
Mr. Dean lorfida, Clerk
The City of Niagara Falls
P.O. Box 1023
4310 Queen Street
Niagara Falls, ON
L2E 6X5
Dear Mr. lorflda:
RE: RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR SENIORS
I am writing to advise you that Vaughan Council, at its meeting held on April 2, 2007, adopted the following
resolution:
WHEREAS many seniors living in our communities have expressed concerns over property taxes
for many years due to their limited abiiity to pay; and
WHEREAS most seniors live on fixed incomes or very limited adjustments; and
WHEREAS a large portion of property tax is not related to municipal service costs, primarily the
Education and Social Service component; and
WHEREAS seniors have already contributed immensely to the well being of our community; and
WHEREAS seniors desire to live in the home they worked for or be able to afford to pay rent;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
That the Provincial Government pass legislation to rebate the Education portion of residential property
taxes, or a portion of the rental expenses for seniors, in a similar fashion to Bill 43 which was
introduced on June 26, 2003, then refused;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty, the Honourable
Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance, Mario G. Racco, M.P.P. (Thornhill), local Members of Provincial
Parliament, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, John Tory, Leader of the New Democratic
Party, Howard Hampton, the Association of Municipaiities of Ontario, the Regional Municipaiity of
York, all Municipalities with a population over 50,000 in the Province of Ontario and all Seniors Groups
in the City of Vaughan.
.../2
Mr. Dean lorfida, Clerk
The City of Niagara Falls
Page 2
April 5, 2007
Attached for your information is Item 38. Report No. 15. of the Committee of the Whole regarding this matter,
Sincerely,
1f~~
kvv J. D. Leach
V City Clerk
Attachment:
Extract
Canadian Snowbird Association highlighted on Bill 43
Explanatory Notes - Bill 43.
J DLlpa
,
,
CITY OF VAUGHAN
EXTRACT FROM COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 2 2007
Item 38. CW Reoort No. 15 - Pace 2
Background. Analvsis and Options:
For many years now, our senior citizens have been complaining and asking for support in
assisting them in easing the burden of their property taxes. The proposed resolution wili provide
some relief to them if enacted. The majority of these seniors have worked a life time to acquire a
residential property and it would be an injustice to force a sale of such property due to taxes. Our
seniors have worked long and hard and deserve our admiration and support in any way we can.
This type of relief is long overdue and n is now time to act.
Relationship to Vaughan Vision 2007
Section A Serve our Citizens
Section 0-2 Develop Internal and External Collaborative Solutions - Develop internal
and external "people connections" to solve problems and improve service
delivery
The above are consistent wnh this recommendation.
Regional Implication
Not Applicable
Conclusion:
This recommendation would provide much needed assistance to our seniors if implemented.
Attachments:
Canadian Snowbird Association highlighted on Bill 43
Explanatory Notes - Bill 43.
Report Prepared Bv:
Regional Councillor Gino Rosati
(A copy of the attach merits referredtoin.the foregoing have been forWarded to each Member of Couricil
and a copy thereof is also on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
,I
CITY OF VAUGHAN
EXTRACT FROM COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 2. 2007
Item 38, Report No. 15, of the Committee of the Whole, which was adopted without amendment by the
Council of the City of Vaughan on April 2, 2007.
38
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR SENIORS
The Committee of the Whole recommends approval of the recommendation contained in the
following report of Regional Councillor Rosati, dated March 26, 2007:
Recommendation
Regional Councillor Gino Rosati recommends the following Resolution:
WHEREAS many seniors living in our communities have expressed concerns over property taxes
for many years due to their limited ability to pay; and
WHEREAS most seniors live on fixed incomes or very limited adjustments; and
WHEREAS a large portion of property tax is not related to municipal service costs, primarily the
Education and Social Service component; and
WHEREAS seniors have already contributed Immensely to the well being of our community; and
WHEREAS seniors desire to live in the home they worked for or be able to afford to pay rent;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
That the Provincial Government pass legisiation to rebate the Education portion of residential
property taxes, or a portion of the rental expenses for seniors, in a similar fashion to Bill 43 which
was introduced on June 26, 2003, then refused;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty, the
Honourable Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance, Mario G. Racca, M.P.P. (Thornhill), local
Members of Provincial Parliament, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, John Tory,
Leader of the New Democratic Party, Howard Hampton, the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario, the Regional Municipality of York, all Municipalities with a population over 50,000 in the
Province of Ontario and all Seniors Groups in the City of Vaughan.
Economic ImDact:
No economic impact to the City of Vaughan
Communication Plan:
As outlined
PurDose:
To provide support to our seniors, who are already petitioning the Provincial Government to enact
the proposed legislation.
...12
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CSA News Issue 48 Fall 2003 - Senior Power
Page 1 of2
38.3
~ Canadian Snowbird Association
- -._~..~.~":"-~~-~-~~~
Benefits
Travellnsuranoe
_ rv1a~a~lne Lifestyle Links .'
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... 'ls~~e ,48 FaU'2~a"""
'~~~'~:';":'~:~~~~:!i;~~~~;~J.:<J?,~:'::',:: ....': : l.:: :::' ~:~:~t~i#~;~~;;;:~::~
Senior Power
Ontario's' New Seniors' Tax Credit and
, Proposed Legislation to End Mandatory Retirement
,8 eniors are the fastest growing segnient of the Can~ian population, Seniors have worked hard for
Canada, fought our wafs, and cohtributed inunensely to the country we all now enjoy, Most seniors also]
on fixed incomes and 1;he precipitous drop in interest rates, a weak Canadian dollar, and a collapse in the
stock markets have led to serious financial pressures and stress on our senior population.
To date, our governments have, too oftfln, ignored the plight of seniors and the many problems they face.
this attifude now appears to be changing. Several provincial governments have set up Ministries, specific .
to represent the needs and interests of seniors. Ontario has been a leader in this changed attitude and the '
Ontario Government has introduced two more ground-breaking initiatives to help seniors.
The Eves government recently introduced Bi1143 to give Ontario's seniors some much needed tax relief.
This new legislation - the Ontario Home Property Tax Relieffor Seniors Act - was passed in the Legislat1
of Ontario on Jtine 25, 2003. It provides senior homeowners ana senior tenants with a tax credit that '
reimburses them for the residential education property taxes theY paid on their principal residence for the
half of the 2003 taxation year, and on a full-year basis starting In 2004..
The new seniors' tax credit will directly benefit Ontario's 700,000 senior homeowners and the 245,000 se
tenants who will collectively receive $450 million in 11et new benefits every year, This represents an aver
net saving of $475 a year per senior household. '
Persons are eligible for the new tax credit if:
They are at least 65 years of age on December 31 of the tax year (to maintain consistency with existing
provincial tax credit and federal programs for seniors);
Their primary place of residence is located in Ontario during the tax year; and
They are liable to pay property taxes or rent on their principal residence.
Seniors are required to complete an application form to apply for their tax credit. And applications will b>
sent out to eligible seniors this September. The first payments will be issued to seniors in December. To
request specific information: on the tax credit, seniors can call the Ontario Ministry of Finance's. toll-free
number at 1-877-533-2188. '
http://www.snowbirds.org/csanews/issues/48/14.html
9/19f2006
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O<OctA News Issue 48 Fall 2003 - Senior Power
\
Page 2 of2
Combining the personal income tax age credit, the additional support for seniors in the Ontario Property,
Sales Tax Credits and the benefits from Ontario's personal income tax cuts, will result in a total of $2.5
billion in tax' savings, per year, for Ontario seniors.
The initiative does not replace the existing Ontario Tax Credits program, which includes a combined
property tax and sales tax credit for low-inoome seniors. These people will continue to be eligible to rece
up tOR maximum of $1,000 a year ill credits under the existing program, but only on the portion not alre~
reimbursed through the new Ontario Home Property Tax Relief for Seniors program.
On May 29, 2003, the Eves government also introduced Bill 68, the Mandatory Retirement ElImlnation.t.
2003. Bill 68 would amend the Ontario Human Rights Code to eliminate mandatory reth'ement and to pr<
workers aged 65 arid over from discrimination in employment on the basis of age. "
This legislation has already passed First Reading in the Legislature of Ontario. If and when it passes See(
and Third Reading, Bill 68 will allow more seniors to remain active in the workforce, retiring. at Ii time 01
their own choosing, rather than automatically at the age of 65. The legislation would !!Qt affect those whc
decide to retire at the age of 65. These people will still receive their full pensions.
Bill 68 would also amend the Audit Act, the Election Act, the Health Protection and Promotion Act, the
Ombudsman Act and the Public Service Act so that they no longer set out a mandatory age of retirement.
These two Acts will benefit, literally, hundreds of thousands of seniors. and will also provide moreflexibi
in retirement planning. We hope that they will set a precedent for other provinces and our Federal '
Government to follow. Senior Power - The Up and Coming Special Interest Group I :I;. ,
Table of Contents Issue 48 I Next Issue Story
I Hom~ 1Q.Q.Ill.<lQLCSA I J;:ven~ I Lifesly!!l.1 ,Loin CJ281 er~ss I ~1!1~ I .
Copyright@2003 MedlpeclnternaUonallnc. All rights "'sarved. Terms of Usa ,
http://www.snowbirds.org/csanews/issues/48/14.htntl
9/19/2006 .
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EXS03004_e
3~,6
Page 1 or'r'
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Explanatory Note was written as a reader's aid to Btll43 and does notform Part of the law.
. Blll43 has been enacted as Chapter 4 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2003.'
A new statute, the Ontario Home Property Tax Relieffor Seniors Act, 2003, is enacted. The new
Act establishes a tax credit that is payable to eligible seniors for home property taxes payable on
their eligible principal residence for 2003 and subsequent years. For 2003, the tax credit applies'
to home property taxes that are attributable to the period from July 1 to December 31.
"Home property taxes" is defined in section I of the Act.
An individual is an eligible senior with respect to a year if he or she satisfies the criteria set out
in subsection 2 (3) of the Act and such additional criteria as may be prescribed by regulation',
Regulations may also specifY that other individuals are eligible seniors. . .,
An individual's eligible principal residence for the purposes of this Act is the same as his or her
principal residence under subsection 8 (1) of the Income Tax Act, unless otherwise prescribed by
regulation. '
Subsection 3 (1) of the Act specifies that the amount of the tax credit is to be calculated in
accordance with the regulations. .
To receive payment of the tax credit for a year, the eligible senior must apply t-o the Minister of
Finance for the cr.edit within two years after the end of the year or within such longer period as '
may be prescribed by regulation.
Complementary amendments are made to the Income Tax Act and to the Municipal Act, 2001.
Clause 8 (3.1) (a) of the Income Tax Act establishes a property tax credit for seniors. Section 8
of that Act is amended to reflect the tax credit that'will be provided to Ontario seniors in respect
of property tax for 2003 and subsequent years under the new Act.
Section 319 of the Municipal Act, 2001 requires municipalities to pass bylllws .provlding for
property tax.relief for low-income seniors and specified others. Amendments to that section
provide that it does not apply with respect to taxes for school purposes levied in such
circumstances and for such years as may be prescribed by the Minister of Finance.
http;//www.e-laws.gov.on.caIDBLawS/SourcelExplanatoryNoteslEnglishl2003/exS03004"':... 9/191.2006
. ,.
April 10, 2007
All Municipalities in Ontario
Western Ontario Warden's Caucus
Please be advised that at the March 1, 2007 meeting of Simcoe County Council,
Council approved circulation of the following resolution to all municipalities and is
requesting that you support the position contained therein:
WHEREAS, the Liberal party promised during the 2003 election
campaign to increase funding to long term care homes by $6,000 per
resident per annum;
WHEREAS, a request in 2005 to increase funding in the per diem of
$11.19 for direct care and services to residents was only increased in the
2006/07 budget by $1.07;
WHEREAS, the combined increases since the 2003 Liberal campaign
represent $2,307 or approximately one third of the government's $6,000
promise;
AND WHEREAS, significant investment is needed now to meet the
immediate needs ofresidents;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council ofthe
County of Simcoe urge this government to increase the funding per diem
to residents of Long Term Care Homes in the fiscal year 2007-2008 by
$3,693 per resident, thereby fulfilling its election promise made in 2003;
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Western
Warden's Caucus and municipalities province wide.
.../2
All Municipalities in Ontario
Western Warden's Caucus
April 10, 2007
Page 2
A copy of the background report on this matter is available on the County of
Simcoe website at
http://oilford.countV.simcoe.on . ca/ClearF rame/Production/eGenda/eGenda.nsf/OI
2d bf6ffb96e545cf8525 72790069a 122/$FI LE/HS%2007 -024 %200AN HSS%
20Update.doc
Please advise both Minister Smitherman and the undersigned of your support of
the quoted resolution. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to
contact the undersigned.
Yours truly,
Original signed by
Glen R. Knox
County Clerk
/cam