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- [Clerk] Three.

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- Welcome everyone to our
city council meeting today

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of Tuesday, June the 23rd.

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As we typically do, we start
with our in-camera meeting,

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where we're going to
go behind closed doors

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as required by the Municipal Act,

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and then in a couple hours at 4:00 PM

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we're going to resume in open session.

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So to go in-camera, I
need a motion of council

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to do just that.

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Motion by Councilor Nieuwesteeg,

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second by Councilor Pietrangelo.

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There's no discussion
of that. Call the vote.

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All those in favor. And that's unanimous.

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And we are now going to go in-camera.

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We'll see you back at 4:00 PM.

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- Of tues-
- Oh!

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We already stumbled out of the gates.

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- What did I do?
- Didn't turn

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the microphone on.
- It was on.

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- I think Bill help you out on that one.

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- No! Oh, did-
- I helped him out on that.

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- Oh, you did? Okay, okay.

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Are we going to start all over again?

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Another countdown-
- No, no, no!

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- or are we good to go?

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All right.
- You're going to go

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and live with that on T.

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- Oh, see, look at that.
- Live with that on T.

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- All right, well, everybody,

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this will be part of our
next blooper reel, so enjoy.

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So ladies and gentlemen,

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welcome to tonight's city council meeting

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of Tuesday, June the 23rd.

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We just concluded our in-camera meeting

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where we have to discuss
things behind closed doors

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as per the Municipal Act.

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And now we're back in open session

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for our regularly scheduled meeting.

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So I'd like to thank
everybody for coming today

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and we are going

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to start the meeting
off the traditional way

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with the singing of "O Canada."

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But just before we do,

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I'd like to introduce our two singers.

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I was just talking with
them a few minutes ago.

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So we've got brother and sister,

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we've got Belen and Mateo Villegas.

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Does I get that right?

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- Villegas.
- Villegas. Okay, well close.

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Second blooper for tonight already.

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It's going to be a long night everybody.

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So Belen is nine, Mateo's
11, is that right?

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Okay, we got something right. Good.

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And they're both musicians.

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They both play a number
of different instruments

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including piano, recorder, violin.

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Have I got a couple of 'em right?

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Yes. Okay. (laughs)

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They're giving me disapproving
looks, so, but that's okay.

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They sing during live
performances at Christmas.

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Also for special events.

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They're students at Notre Dame
Catholic Elementary School,

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same school my kids went to.

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So we're excited that you guys are here.

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So ladies and gentlemen, stand if you can,

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and let's enjoy the
singing of Belen and Mateo

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to sing "O Canada."

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- Just start?

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- [Diodati] Whenever you guys are ready.

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♪ O Canada ♪

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♪ Our home and native land ♪

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♪ True patriot love ♪

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♪ In all thy sons command ♪

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♪ With glowing hearts we see thee rise ♪

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♪ The True North strong and free ♪

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♪ From far and wide ♪

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♪ O Canada ♪

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♪ We stand on guard for thee ♪

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♪ God keep our land ♪

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♪ Glorious and free ♪

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♪ O Canada ♪

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♪ We stand on guard for thee ♪

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♪ O Canada ♪

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♪ We stand on guard for thee ♪

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- All right. So good.
(attendees applaud)

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- And they were blooper free.

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- What's that?
- And they were blooper free.

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- (laughs) And they were blooper free.

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And Belen and Mateo, want to thank you.

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You did a great job.

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I know you guys were
nervous coming in here

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and you still pulled it off.

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You followed through
and you made us proud.

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So on behalf of all of us, great job.

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Continued success with all your music.

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Thank you very, very much.

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(attendees applaud)

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Great job guys. Great job.

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They brought their lyrics,
back up lyrics, just in case,

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(laughs) but they never needed
them, so that's a good thing.

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Okay, moving along.

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Next is the land acknowledgement

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with the aim of educating our community.

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I'd like to invite Michele-Elise Burnett,

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who's Bear Clan,
Thunderbird Clan, and Metis

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to join us to share her testimony

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as we acknowledge and thank
the Indigenous peoples

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who are stewards of this land
for a millennia before us.

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- [Michele] Aanii.

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(gentle music)
Hi, aanii, bonjour.

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(Michele speaking Indigenous language)

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My spirit name is She
Who Is In The Center.

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My French English name
is Michele-Elise Burnett.

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I am an artist, curator, producer,

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and storyteller of mixed
Indigenous and European ancestry

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with Nipissing Algonquin roots.

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In my teachings, we are reminded

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that every decision that we make,

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we must consider the impacts it will have

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on the next seven generations.

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We strive for mino bimaadiziwin,
to live a good life,

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one that seeks balance
with all life forces,

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and a life that truly matters.

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It means leading from the heart,

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seeing, listening, feeling, speaking,

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and acting with good intentions

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and never for self-serving reasons.

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Gitchi Manitou, the
creator, gave all creation

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gifts to share with one another.

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And with those gifts
come responsibilities.

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The first is gratitude.

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Let's give gratitude for
the life-sustaining gifts

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that Mother Earth provides.

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She is our greatest teacher

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demonstrating generosity each day

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without ever asking anything in return.

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We as human beings must learn

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from our older and wiser relatives.

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We must remember that our very existence

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is supported by their gifts.

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And by thinking each
life-sustaining force,

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one becomes tied to each of the
forces of the natural world.

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It also reminds us that what is done

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to one part of the web of life

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has repercussions on all life
forms, including ourselves.

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When we carry this understanding

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into our workplace, our
homes, and our daily choices,

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we are actively caring for
the next seven generations

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with love, generosity and gratitude.

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Chi miigwech.

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- Thank you, Michele-Elise.

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Next on the agenda are the adoption

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of the minutes from the June 2nd meeting.

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Do I have a motion? Councilor Lococo.

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Second by Councilor Strange.

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If there's no discussion to the minutes,

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we'll call the vote.

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All those in favor?
Okay. That's unanimous.

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Thank you for that.

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The next up, disclosures
of a pecuniary interest,

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do we have any disclosures?

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Any conflicts? Okay.

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Seeing none, we'll move on

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to everybody's favorite
part of the meeting,

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which is the mayor's
reports and announcements.

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Starting off, we'd like
to offer our sympathy

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to the families of Glen Kivisto,

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father of Brian Kivisto and Craig Kivisto

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and father-in-law of Ronnie-Kay
Kivisto from Fire Services.

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Also Joe DeSantis,

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the owner-operator of
Provincial Construction

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and longstanding heavy
construction contractors

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here in Niagara Falls.

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Provincial Construction is the company

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that's currently working
on Willoughby Road,

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part of our Operation Smooth Roads

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in the city of Niagara Falls.

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So we have different
events and announcements

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and some of them, we'll draw
your attention to the screens.

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So I got back last week

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from a trip to both Turkey and Bulgaria

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and I'll give you a quick summary here.

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It was an incredible opportunity

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to share Niagara Falls with the world

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and learn about travel
with Michael Warchala

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from our Economic Development Department

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to both Turkey and Bulgaria.

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The invitation was received

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from both the Bulgarian
and Turkish consulates

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and consul generals.

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And the purpose was to help
strengthen bilateral relations,

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explore new investment,

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economic and collaborative opportunities,

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as well as promote the
city of Niagara Falls.

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In Turkey, we had meetings
with the president

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and chairman of the board

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of Turkish Enterprise
Business Confederation,

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that is basically their
Chamber of Commerce.

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Turkey, their largest independent,

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I'm sorry, that's their largest

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independent business organization.

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We met with the vice president

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of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.

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They're the second largest
chamber of commerce in the world

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with 860,000 members.

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- [Councilor] The bird
is right in the picture.

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- Yes. Yeah, we got a bird in the picture.

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Do you notice that bird in the picture?

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(attendees chuckle)

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That's all it takes to
amuse our councilors.

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- [Councilor] Take it again.

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Take it again until we-
(Diodati laughs)

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- We had to wait till
he circled one more time

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so we got him.

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The Istanbul Chamber of
Commerce is very interested

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in new markets for their members.

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Their chairman wants
to visit Niagara Falls

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when he's in Canada the next time.

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And as I said, second
largest chamber in the world.

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Istanbul's got 20 million
people and a lot of interest.

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They are the most Western Muslim country

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and it's the gateway for Russia.

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A very interesting historic place.

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Used to be called Constantinople.

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The Russians were there at one time.

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They built the cisterns, very
interesting historic place.

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So they're very interested in
exploring Canada as a market.

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They're interested in
starting partnerships.

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We also met with the board of TÜRSAB.

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That's their association
of Turkish travel agencies.

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And it's also the second
largest travel association

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in the world, the first being in the USA.

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Then we were in Bulgaria,

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so three days in Turkey,
three days in Bulgaria.

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We met with the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs,

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the Deputy Minister of Tourism
at the Ministry of Tourism,

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and also the deputy mayor of Sofia,

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which is their main city and
an area of culture and tourism.

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I also did an interview on national TV,

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which in Bulgaria it's a pretty big deal,

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goes to all their houses.

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So we talked around Niagara Falls,

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the Bulgarian bilateral relations.

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We have a very big
Bulgarian community here.

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Municipal diplomacy
and cultural exchanges,

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future collaboration with
the City of Niagara Falls

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and Bulgarian institutions.

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They're very well known
for their education

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and their entrepreneurs.

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And they discuss tourism
development strategies

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as well as cultural tourism
and international events.

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We also had meetings

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with the Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria.

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And same thing around
economic collaboration,

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investment, and
collaborative opportunities.

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We're grateful the entire
trip was paid for by our hosts

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and we're grateful to share
Niagara Falls with them

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and take a little bit of their countries

260
02:18:22,620 --> 02:18:24,483
back here to Niagara Falls.

261
02:18:25,470 --> 02:18:28,080
I'd also like to thank
our crossing guards.

262
02:18:28,080 --> 02:18:31,380
We had Crossing Guard Appreciation
Event at the Exchange.

263
02:18:31,380 --> 02:18:32,940
And there you can see,

264
02:18:32,940 --> 02:18:36,300
Steve is the gentleman who
runs things, the tall guy.

265
02:18:36,300 --> 02:18:38,850
And we are recognizing a
number of crossing guards

266
02:18:38,850 --> 02:18:40,527
for many years of service.

267
02:18:40,527 --> 02:18:43,320
And sometimes it's a tough
job. It's the weather.

268
02:18:43,320 --> 02:18:45,780
Doesn't matter if it's
snowing or raining or hot,

269
02:18:45,780 --> 02:18:47,550
they're always out there
making sure the kids

270
02:18:47,550 --> 02:18:50,580
are getting safely across the streets.

271
02:18:50,580 --> 02:18:54,510
We also had the Niagara Canada
International Film Festival

272
02:18:54,510 --> 02:18:57,000
took place at the Greg Frewin Theatre.

273
02:18:57,000 --> 02:19:00,210
So thankful to Gordon
So and all of his team

274
02:19:00,210 --> 02:19:02,310
for bringing all these great movies here

275
02:19:02,310 --> 02:19:04,743
to Niagara Falls for exposure.

276
02:19:05,610 --> 02:19:09,870
Waterfall Folklore Festival
took place at Club Italia

277
02:19:09,870 --> 02:19:12,390
and that was the Bulgarian event

278
02:19:12,390 --> 02:19:15,150
two nights before I took off on our trip.

279
02:19:15,150 --> 02:19:18,600
And there you can see 500
Bulgarians at Club Italia

280
02:19:18,600 --> 02:19:20,400
doing all their traditional dances.

281
02:19:20,400 --> 02:19:23,220
And it was a nice way to get me ready

282
02:19:23,220 --> 02:19:25,800
for traveling to Bulgaria.

283
02:19:25,800 --> 02:19:28,620
Niagara RibStock took
place this past weekend

284
02:19:28,620 --> 02:19:31,080
at Firemen's Park and I was,

285
02:19:31,080 --> 02:19:33,630
I know that a number of
councilors were there,

286
02:19:33,630 --> 02:19:34,920
so who was all there, you guys?

287
02:19:34,920 --> 02:19:37,713
How many people? Councilor
Lococo, Dabrowski.

288
02:19:38,550 --> 02:19:39,720
Anyone else here? No?

289
02:19:39,720 --> 02:19:43,320
So anyway, grateful for
everybody making the trip out.

290
02:19:43,320 --> 02:19:44,700
They are going to make an announcement

291
02:19:44,700 --> 02:19:47,040
that they raised a lot of
money for local charities.

292
02:19:47,040 --> 02:19:49,200
They raised money for Boys and Girls Club,

293
02:19:49,200 --> 02:19:51,780
Pathstone Mental Health,
and Project SHARE.

294
02:19:51,780 --> 02:19:54,870
And I know that Jay
Robitaille who ran the event

295
02:19:54,870 --> 02:19:56,430
was very proud of the success

296
02:19:56,430 --> 02:19:57,900
and they're going to be
making an announcement

297
02:19:57,900 --> 02:20:00,690
for some nice donations they're
given a local charities.

298
02:20:00,690 --> 02:20:03,240
We also had this weekend FlowFest,

299
02:20:03,240 --> 02:20:05,370
which took place at the Exchange

300
02:20:05,370 --> 02:20:06,900
and that's where, oh wait,

301
02:20:06,900 --> 02:20:08,460
we jumped over, I'm
sorry, jumped over one.

302
02:20:08,460 --> 02:20:09,840
Let's back up. I'm sorry.

303
02:20:09,840 --> 02:20:13,020
Worship in the Wild was Jesus Festival

304
02:20:13,020 --> 02:20:15,360
took place next to the Convention Centre.

305
02:20:15,360 --> 02:20:17,700
And did we have the other
shirt? I'm going to tell my dad.

306
02:20:17,700 --> 02:20:18,750
Was that of the picture there too?

307
02:20:18,750 --> 02:20:19,583
Or no? Just that one.

308
02:20:19,583 --> 02:20:21,690
Okay. So anyway, we're grateful.

309
02:20:21,690 --> 02:20:25,890
It's a picture of Jesus says,
"I'm going to tell my dad."

310
02:20:25,890 --> 02:20:27,330
So it was like one of
those kind of funny ones

311
02:20:27,330 --> 02:20:28,770
for Father's Day weekend.

312
02:20:28,770 --> 02:20:33,150
So anyway, I was happy to
bring greetings at Jesus Fest.

313
02:20:33,150 --> 02:20:36,630
Also, then we had
FlowFest at the Exchange,

314
02:20:36,630 --> 02:20:38,460
which is where we have an opportunity

315
02:20:38,460 --> 02:20:41,010
to sample some great local breweries

316
02:20:41,010 --> 02:20:42,960
right here at our city facility.

317
02:20:42,960 --> 02:20:46,590
A second annual event and a big success.

318
02:20:46,590 --> 02:20:48,150
So I want to thank city councilors

319
02:20:48,150 --> 02:20:51,360
for representing myself and
the city at a number of events.

320
02:20:51,360 --> 02:20:52,193
Obviously I can't be all,

321
02:20:52,193 --> 02:20:53,026
oh, and there's another,

322
02:20:53,026 --> 02:20:54,533
oh, back that up there,
there was FlowFest.

323
02:20:54,533 --> 02:20:56,700
Look at the crowds for FlowFest.

324
02:20:56,700 --> 02:20:59,580
Just the second year, a booming success.

325
02:20:59,580 --> 02:21:02,490
And that's a made-in-Niagara Falls event.

326
02:21:02,490 --> 02:21:05,730
And we're really happy
for the hard work they did

327
02:21:05,730 --> 02:21:07,320
and a Counterpart

328
02:21:07,320 --> 02:21:09,990
for their involvement in
bringing this together.

329
02:21:09,990 --> 02:21:12,300
So councilors often represent myself

330
02:21:12,300 --> 02:21:13,950
and the city at different events.

331
02:21:13,950 --> 02:21:16,200
So first I want to thank
Councilor Dabrowski

332
02:21:16,200 --> 02:21:17,100
for representing the city

333
02:21:17,100 --> 02:21:20,550
at the Martha Cullimore
singing competition.

334
02:21:20,550 --> 02:21:22,110
Do we have any picture of
that one? No, we don't.

335
02:21:22,110 --> 02:21:23,550
Okay, so you guys got to send us-

336
02:21:23,550 --> 02:21:25,470
- No clips of them singing?

337
02:21:25,470 --> 02:21:27,540
- Yeah, well apparently
there's a video of him singing.

338
02:21:27,540 --> 02:21:29,040
That's what I want get a hold of it.

339
02:21:29,040 --> 02:21:31,230
(councilors chatter)
If anyone has it,

340
02:21:31,230 --> 02:21:32,250
please share it with us.

341
02:21:32,250 --> 02:21:33,083
We'd like to play.

342
02:21:33,083 --> 02:21:34,020
So you guys, when you go to events,

343
02:21:34,020 --> 02:21:36,420
you got to send us in pictures
so we can put 'em up here.

344
02:21:36,420 --> 02:21:38,100
Councilor Patel representing the city

345
02:21:38,100 --> 02:21:41,580
at the Rotary Paul Harris Award Evening,

346
02:21:41,580 --> 02:21:44,340
also at the Kent School graduation

347
02:21:44,340 --> 02:21:47,580
and the Para Soccer National Team Tryouts.

348
02:21:47,580 --> 02:21:48,780
Thank you, councilor.

349
02:21:48,780 --> 02:21:51,050
Councilors Dabrowski and
Patel representing the city

350
02:21:51,050 --> 02:21:53,100
at the certificate presentation

351
02:21:53,100 --> 02:21:56,460
to the Fire Chief for a Day Event.

352
02:21:56,460 --> 02:21:58,860
Councilor Patel and Nieuwesteeg
represented the city

353
02:21:58,860 --> 02:22:01,080
at the Walker Annual Open House.

354
02:22:01,080 --> 02:22:02,450
Councilor Nieuwesteeg represented the city

355
02:22:02,450 --> 02:22:05,310
at the Meadows of
Dorchester Community Picnic.

356
02:22:05,310 --> 02:22:07,950
The grand opening of Craft Collective.

357
02:22:07,950 --> 02:22:09,960
Councilor Baldinelli represented the city

358
02:22:09,960 --> 02:22:13,443
at the Filipino Independence
Day flag raising.

359
02:22:15,270 --> 02:22:18,300
We had some business
milestones and events.

360
02:22:18,300 --> 02:22:22,590
Mancuso Chemicals turned
40 years and it's amazing.

361
02:22:22,590 --> 02:22:25,830
We have some of these
businesses in our backyard

362
02:22:25,830 --> 02:22:27,180
and they are global.

363
02:22:27,180 --> 02:22:30,420
They supply companies around the world

364
02:22:30,420 --> 02:22:32,400
and they're a Niagara Falls business.

365
02:22:32,400 --> 02:22:36,180
And there you see father on
the right and son on the left.

366
02:22:36,180 --> 02:22:37,800
You know, still, you know,

367
02:22:37,800 --> 02:22:38,910
his dad's in his eighties

368
02:22:38,910 --> 02:22:41,400
and he still shows up to work every day.

369
02:22:41,400 --> 02:22:43,080
And then the next picture,

370
02:22:43,080 --> 02:22:45,810
of course is out front
there in the industrial park

371
02:22:45,810 --> 02:22:49,080
down across from Marineland
off of Stanley Avenue.

372
02:22:49,080 --> 02:22:50,810
Also, we have the grand opening

373
02:22:50,810 --> 02:22:54,630
of the Little Wedding
Chapel on Lundy's Lane,

374
02:22:54,630 --> 02:22:56,880
where if you're not tying
the knot at City Hall,

375
02:22:56,880 --> 02:22:59,880
it's another option for
people to tie the knot.

376
02:22:59,880 --> 02:23:03,420
So congratulations to that latest opening.

377
02:23:03,420 --> 02:23:04,470
Flag raisings.

378
02:23:04,470 --> 02:23:07,560
We had Italian Heritage Month flag raising

379
02:23:07,560 --> 02:23:11,580
with Ambassador Alessandro Cattaneo.

380
02:23:11,580 --> 02:23:13,140
And that was in front of City Hall.

381
02:23:13,140 --> 02:23:15,990
It was a very exciting event as we invited

382
02:23:15,990 --> 02:23:19,530
a lot of people from around Niagara Falls

383
02:23:19,530 --> 02:23:21,360
to be a part of the festivities

384
02:23:21,360 --> 02:23:23,583
of celebrating Italian heritage.

385
02:23:24,930 --> 02:23:28,500
And that I got to thank
our MP Tony Baldinelli.

386
02:23:28,500 --> 02:23:29,550
He was able, in that picture,

387
02:23:29,550 --> 02:23:31,470
you look at from the left is the mayor

388
02:23:31,470 --> 02:23:35,790
of Niagara Falls, New York,
Robert Restaino, and myself.

389
02:23:35,790 --> 02:23:38,010
And then the ambassador,

390
02:23:38,010 --> 02:23:39,960
and then of course Tony Baldinelli.

391
02:23:39,960 --> 02:23:42,360
So he made the original connection

392
02:23:42,360 --> 02:23:44,280
so that we were able to
have the Italian ambassador

393
02:23:44,280 --> 02:23:48,450
join us that day in front of City Hall.

394
02:23:48,450 --> 02:23:50,430
And coming up, Canada Day celebration

395
02:23:50,430 --> 02:23:51,480
right around the corner, folks,

396
02:23:51,480 --> 02:23:55,920
July 1st from noon until
8:00 PM at Firemen's Park.

397
02:23:55,920 --> 02:23:57,887
We're encouraging everybody to come out.

398
02:23:57,887 --> 02:24:00,450
We're going to have live
music, interactive kids shows,

399
02:24:00,450 --> 02:24:04,200
food trucks, artisans,
vendors, inflatables,

400
02:24:04,200 --> 02:24:07,080
kids crafts, cake, and much, much more.

401
02:24:07,080 --> 02:24:07,913
We're asking everyone

402
02:24:07,913 --> 02:24:11,910
to wear your best red-and-white
Canada shirts and outfits.

403
02:24:11,910 --> 02:24:14,730
There will be paid parking on side

404
02:24:14,730 --> 02:24:18,660
and all the paid parking
will go to local charities.

405
02:24:18,660 --> 02:24:21,780
Free accessible shuttles
are also available

406
02:24:21,780 --> 02:24:23,460
from various locations.

407
02:24:23,460 --> 02:24:26,340
And we're asking people bring
a non-perishable food donation

408
02:24:26,340 --> 02:24:28,920
for Project SHARE to the event.

409
02:24:28,920 --> 02:24:31,800
And for details and specifics on shuttles,

410
02:24:31,800 --> 02:24:34,500
go to niagarafalls.ca.

411
02:24:34,500 --> 02:24:35,610
Look forward to seeing everybody.

412
02:24:35,610 --> 02:24:38,340
Noon till 8:00 PM, Firemen's Park.

413
02:24:38,340 --> 02:24:43,340
And our next council meeting
will be Tuesday, July the 14th.

414
02:24:43,770 --> 02:24:48,770
So that concludes our announcements
with the exception of,

415
02:24:48,810 --> 02:24:53,640
I do have a picture of a golf
swing that I'd like to put up.

416
02:24:53,640 --> 02:24:54,750
I think Councilor Baldinelli,

417
02:24:54,750 --> 02:24:56,950
would you like to
introduce to this picture?

418
02:24:58,740 --> 02:25:00,617
- Why certainly. Thank you, Mayor.

419
02:25:01,922 --> 02:25:04,770
We had an opportunity to participate,

420
02:25:04,770 --> 02:25:08,100
Erik and I, in a golf
tournament at Legends.

421
02:25:08,100 --> 02:25:10,350
And on number six we were dead against

422
02:25:10,350 --> 02:25:13,440
a hurricane-force wind

423
02:25:13,440 --> 02:25:15,597
and Erik pummeled one down there.

424
02:25:15,597 --> 02:25:17,550
And I didn't really think it reached

425
02:25:17,550 --> 02:25:21,090
the long drive contest marker out there.

426
02:25:21,090 --> 02:25:23,160
And then lo and behold,
when we drove out there,

427
02:25:23,160 --> 02:25:25,410
he had surpassed it and it was a big drive

428
02:25:25,410 --> 02:25:26,730
and I'd just like to congratulate him.

429
02:25:26,730 --> 02:25:28,170
We didn't win at the end

430
02:25:28,170 --> 02:25:29,700
'cause there was a lot
of young kids out there.

431
02:25:29,700 --> 02:25:33,473
But to put your name on
that plaque is very good.

432
02:25:33,473 --> 02:25:35,067
And I'd like to say I witnessed it

433
02:25:35,067 --> 02:25:36,892
and it was a beautiful high drop.

434
02:25:36,892 --> 02:25:38,280
(all chuckle)

435
02:25:38,280 --> 02:25:40,170
And congratulations, Erik.

436
02:25:40,170 --> 02:25:42,070
- [Diodati] Yes, yes. Mr. Nickel, yes.

437
02:25:43,237 --> 02:25:44,400
- [Councilor] You must
not be working enough.

438
02:25:44,400 --> 02:25:46,560
- Yeah, well what do they
say about good golfers?

439
02:25:46,560 --> 02:25:47,670
They got too much time on their hands.

440
02:25:47,670 --> 02:25:48,930
Is that what somebody said?

441
02:25:48,930 --> 02:25:51,210
So Mr. Nickel, would you like
to share with us the technique

442
02:25:51,210 --> 02:25:53,493
that you used to hit such a great drive?

443
02:25:54,930 --> 02:25:56,611
- Close your eyes and hope for the best.

444
02:25:56,611 --> 02:25:58,320
(all laugh)

445
02:25:58,320 --> 02:25:59,430
- That's what I use too.

446
02:25:59,430 --> 02:26:02,250
So thank you for supplying
the picture, councilman.

447
02:26:02,250 --> 02:26:03,330
And it was pointed out to me

448
02:26:03,330 --> 02:26:06,180
that I've already had our
third blooper of the day.

449
02:26:06,180 --> 02:26:09,450
It was the Romans who built
the cisterns in Turkey,

450
02:26:09,450 --> 02:26:10,680
not the Russians.

451
02:26:10,680 --> 02:26:13,500
So my apology if I offended anybody,

452
02:26:13,500 --> 02:26:15,510
but that's third blooper and counting.

453
02:26:15,510 --> 02:26:16,890
Our CA was kind enough to count.

454
02:26:16,890 --> 02:26:18,300
So thank you for doing that.

455
02:26:18,300 --> 02:26:20,040
He is an accountant so
he is good at counting.

456
02:26:20,040 --> 02:26:22,020
So he's going to have
to take his socks off

457
02:26:22,020 --> 02:26:24,330
to keep track of my bloopers today.

458
02:26:24,330 --> 02:26:26,130
So first up, we now move to,

459
02:26:26,130 --> 02:26:27,570
anyone following along with the agenda,

460
02:26:27,570 --> 02:26:29,790
is number seven on the agenda.

461
02:26:29,790 --> 02:26:32,460
And this will be deputations
and presentations.

462
02:26:32,460 --> 02:26:35,370
So now a reminder to all speakers,

463
02:26:35,370 --> 02:26:37,140
you have a maximum of five minutes.

464
02:26:37,140 --> 02:26:40,020
We ask you to try to not repeat things.

465
02:26:40,020 --> 02:26:42,870
And the first presentation

466
02:26:42,870 --> 02:26:47,870
is going to be our city climate
adaptation implementation plan.

467
02:26:48,330 --> 02:26:50,073
So we're going to ask Carey Campbell,

468
02:26:50,970 --> 02:26:52,887
the manager of the Mayor and CAO's offices

469
02:26:52,887 --> 02:26:54,570
and the Business Development offices

470
02:26:54,570 --> 02:26:59,400
to introduce Shania
Dennall, our climate intern.

471
02:26:59,400 --> 02:27:02,550
And Shania is going to take
us through a presentation

472
02:27:02,550 --> 02:27:05,190
of what she's been up to
for the last little while.

473
02:27:05,190 --> 02:27:07,980
So as a joke, I call her Shania sometimes

474
02:27:07,980 --> 02:27:10,769
and she never laughs, so
we'll just call her Shania.

475
02:27:10,769 --> 02:27:12,870
- She's smiling.
- She's smiling now. Yeah.

476
02:27:12,870 --> 02:27:13,923
- I have to.

477
02:27:15,210 --> 02:27:17,280
- Thanks, Mayor Jim, members of council,

478
02:27:17,280 --> 02:27:19,050
members of the public and staff,

479
02:27:19,050 --> 02:27:22,740
it's my pleasure to introduce
Shania Dennall today

480
02:27:22,740 --> 02:27:25,650
who comes to us from
Environmental Leadership Canada.

481
02:27:25,650 --> 02:27:28,980
She's been here on a six-month internship.

482
02:27:28,980 --> 02:27:31,890
She's been involved in all things climate,

483
02:27:31,890 --> 02:27:34,380
specifically as Mayor Jim mentioned,

484
02:27:34,380 --> 02:27:39,240
working on our climate change
adaptation implementation plan

485
02:27:39,240 --> 02:27:42,960
and giving us a status as
to where we're at with that.

486
02:27:42,960 --> 02:27:44,160
But she's done a lot more

487
02:27:44,160 --> 02:27:46,290
and she'll, I don't want to
take too much of her time

488
02:27:46,290 --> 02:27:48,600
'cause she's really got it
down to her five minutes,

489
02:27:48,600 --> 02:27:51,930
so with no further ado,
I'd like to thank Shania

490
02:27:51,930 --> 02:27:54,720
for all of her work this past six months

491
02:27:54,720 --> 02:27:57,783
and please give her your ear
for the next few minutes.

492
02:28:00,480 --> 02:28:03,750
- Good afternoon and
thank you for having me.

493
02:28:03,750 --> 02:28:06,120
As Carey mentioned, for
the past six months,

494
02:28:06,120 --> 02:28:07,410
I've been supporting

495
02:28:07,410 --> 02:28:09,810
some of the climate-related initiatives,

496
02:28:09,810 --> 02:28:11,550
but also tracking the progress

497
02:28:11,550 --> 02:28:14,523
of the climate adaptation
implementation plan.

498
02:28:14,523 --> 02:28:16,173
It's a bit of a mouthful.

499
02:28:17,640 --> 02:28:20,253
So sorry.

500
02:28:22,188 --> 02:28:23,163
How do I do this?

501
02:28:24,330 --> 02:28:25,493
- [Councilor] All right.

502
02:28:30,660 --> 02:28:33,847
- Or just hit the button.
- I think it's, um...

503
02:28:37,126 --> 02:28:38,587
- Hit the button here.
- Which one now?

504
02:28:38,587 --> 02:28:39,903
- This one.
- Cool.

505
02:28:41,040 --> 02:28:41,873
Hold on.

506
02:28:45,690 --> 02:28:47,333
- This doesn't count as your time.

507
02:28:48,195 --> 02:28:51,095
- [Diodati] No it doesn't.
That is a blooper.

508
02:28:51,095 --> 02:28:54,262
- [Councilor] A lot of bloopers today.

509
02:29:00,846 --> 02:29:01,846
- Thank you.

510
02:29:02,756 --> 02:29:04,903
Okay. (laughs)

511
02:29:04,903 --> 02:29:06,150
So a bit of a background.

512
02:29:06,150 --> 02:29:09,030
The plan was first adopted in 2023

513
02:29:09,030 --> 02:29:11,370
and it's organized over these five themes,

514
02:29:11,370 --> 02:29:14,100
so nature and biodiversity,
infrastructure,

515
02:29:14,100 --> 02:29:16,290
health and wellbeing, economy and workers,

516
02:29:16,290 --> 02:29:17,670
and resilient governance.

517
02:29:17,670 --> 02:29:21,810
The tracking of the implementation
of this plan is vital

518
02:29:21,810 --> 02:29:24,060
to ensure that climate considerations

519
02:29:24,060 --> 02:29:26,760
are continued to be integrated
into new development

520
02:29:26,760 --> 02:29:30,153
and it also shows great
accountability to our residents.

521
02:29:31,050 --> 02:29:32,970
Today I'm just going to
give you a brief overview

522
02:29:32,970 --> 02:29:36,300
and the progress across
the five themes do vary,

523
02:29:36,300 --> 02:29:39,213
but overall there's a lot of
meaningful work being done.

524
02:29:41,514 --> 02:29:44,926
Okay. Oh no. (laughs)

525
02:29:44,926 --> 02:29:46,143
I'm sorry.

526
02:29:49,739 --> 02:29:52,414
- Logan, can you help?
- Yeah, I'm...

527
02:29:52,414 --> 02:29:53,675
- Okay.

528
02:29:53,675 --> 02:29:55,530
Okay, (chuckles) so the first theme,

529
02:29:55,530 --> 02:29:57,990
nature and biodiversity,

530
02:29:57,990 --> 02:30:00,720
focuses on strengthening
our natural systems

531
02:30:00,720 --> 02:30:03,780
and our community resilience.

532
02:30:03,780 --> 02:30:06,000
As you can see by the bar at the top,

533
02:30:06,000 --> 02:30:08,700
the progress is steadily moving forward

534
02:30:08,700 --> 02:30:12,330
with a focus on our urban forest,

535
02:30:12,330 --> 02:30:14,700
expanding and protecting our urban forest.

536
02:30:14,700 --> 02:30:16,680
So our tree canopy currently sits

537
02:30:16,680 --> 02:30:19,020
at 30.5%, which is really great.

538
02:30:19,020 --> 02:30:21,450
It's actually above average

539
02:30:21,450 --> 02:30:24,810
compared to the other
municipalities in the region.

540
02:30:24,810 --> 02:30:26,640
I was also had a lot

541
02:30:26,640 --> 02:30:29,550
supporting our free
tree giveaway last month

542
02:30:29,550 --> 02:30:33,360
where we gave away 500 trees
to Niagara Falls residents,

543
02:30:33,360 --> 02:30:34,743
all which were native,

544
02:30:36,330 --> 02:30:38,340
as an opportunity to expand

545
02:30:38,340 --> 02:30:42,480
while improving and expanding
our tree canopy is important.

546
02:30:42,480 --> 02:30:45,870
It does take time for
trees to grow and mature.

547
02:30:45,870 --> 02:30:48,270
That's why one of the
actions from this theme

548
02:30:48,270 --> 02:30:50,640
that I recommend strengthening

549
02:30:50,640 --> 02:30:53,280
is incorporating
low-impact design practices

550
02:30:53,280 --> 02:30:55,290
into new development.

551
02:30:55,290 --> 02:30:59,280
And an aspect of this is
also educational outreach

552
02:30:59,280 --> 02:31:02,550
regarding protecting
our natural environment,

553
02:31:02,550 --> 02:31:04,380
especially with the younger generation.

554
02:31:04,380 --> 02:31:08,160
I was able to work with the
mayor's Youth Advisory Committee

555
02:31:08,160 --> 02:31:11,400
while I've been here and I
think further utilizing them

556
02:31:11,400 --> 02:31:14,610
and engaging with them in
municipal decision making,

557
02:31:14,610 --> 02:31:16,740
not just climate, is great

558
02:31:16,740 --> 02:31:20,160
as the decisions that you guys make today

559
02:31:20,160 --> 02:31:23,793
really impact further
their future generations.

560
02:31:24,810 --> 02:31:25,893
Moving on.

561
02:31:26,970 --> 02:31:28,920
In infrastructure, so this focuses

562
02:31:28,920 --> 02:31:30,900
on protecting our built environment

563
02:31:30,900 --> 02:31:34,800
while also continuing to
support growth and development.

564
02:31:34,800 --> 02:31:37,530
Progress is still emerging in this theme,

565
02:31:37,530 --> 02:31:39,660
but there is a lot of progress being made

566
02:31:39,660 --> 02:31:42,990
with climates being incorporated
into new development.

567
02:31:42,990 --> 02:31:44,820
And one of the key progress

568
02:31:44,820 --> 02:31:48,810
is the continued electrification
of the city's fleet.

569
02:31:48,810 --> 02:31:51,660
Not only does this reduce
greenhouse gas emissions,

570
02:31:51,660 --> 02:31:56,400
but also shows visible climate
leadership to the community.

571
02:31:56,400 --> 02:31:59,400
A project from this theme
that personally excites me

572
02:31:59,400 --> 02:32:02,370
is the Trails and Active
Transportation Master Plan.

573
02:32:02,370 --> 02:32:06,780
I don't drive so having a
walkable city is really important.

574
02:32:06,780 --> 02:32:09,450
Not only does this reduce
greenhouse gas emissions,

575
02:32:09,450 --> 02:32:11,760
but it also allows residents and visitors

576
02:32:11,760 --> 02:32:13,830
to really explore the city

577
02:32:13,830 --> 02:32:16,320
in a way that you can't do from a car.

578
02:32:16,320 --> 02:32:18,510
The biggest opportunity to expand here

579
02:32:18,510 --> 02:32:21,330
is developing a municipal
green buildings guideline.

580
02:32:21,330 --> 02:32:24,270
It is mentioned in the
Community Improvement Plan.

581
02:32:24,270 --> 02:32:29,130
And while we do have brownfield
and urban infill tax grants,

582
02:32:29,130 --> 02:32:31,770
having a clear green building guideline

583
02:32:31,770 --> 02:32:33,570
to ensure that future developments

584
02:32:33,570 --> 02:32:37,203
don't lock in any future
climate risks is important.

585
02:32:39,270 --> 02:32:40,650
Next, health and wellbeing.

586
02:32:40,650 --> 02:32:42,570
So this focuses on
protecting our residents

587
02:32:42,570 --> 02:32:45,870
from climate risks and also
ensuring equitable access

588
02:32:45,870 --> 02:32:48,270
to resources and services.

589
02:32:48,270 --> 02:32:51,030
I think one of the key
highlights from this theme

590
02:32:51,030 --> 02:32:54,630
is the city's continued support
for emergency preparedness

591
02:32:54,630 --> 02:32:57,690
and access to cooling and heating centers

592
02:32:57,690 --> 02:32:59,460
during extreme weather.

593
02:32:59,460 --> 02:33:03,930
I think there is opportunity
to expand public communication

594
02:33:03,930 --> 02:33:06,453
regarding emergency preparedness as well.

595
02:33:07,350 --> 02:33:09,930
During my time here I had the opportunity

596
02:33:09,930 --> 02:33:13,530
to support the Unhoused
Action Plan Open House,

597
02:33:13,530 --> 02:33:17,160
and also attend some of the
Unhoused Action Team meetings,

598
02:33:17,160 --> 02:33:18,990
which really reinforce the idea

599
02:33:18,990 --> 02:33:21,150
that building climate resilience

600
02:33:21,150 --> 02:33:24,030
and social planning are connected.

601
02:33:24,030 --> 02:33:26,760
Individuals experiencing
housing insecurity

602
02:33:26,760 --> 02:33:29,610
are those that are the most
disproportionately impacted

603
02:33:29,610 --> 02:33:30,690
by climate change.

604
02:33:30,690 --> 02:33:32,580
And so it's critical to make sure

605
02:33:32,580 --> 02:33:33,870
that climate considerations

606
02:33:33,870 --> 02:33:37,650
are also being integrated
into social planning.

607
02:33:37,650 --> 02:33:41,160
Our population is really made
up of a variety of groups,

608
02:33:41,160 --> 02:33:42,600
you know, Indigenous populations,

609
02:33:42,600 --> 02:33:44,640
refugees and newcomers, tourists,

610
02:33:44,640 --> 02:33:47,490
international students, low income, so on.

611
02:33:47,490 --> 02:33:49,260
And it's really important

612
02:33:49,260 --> 02:33:52,020
that these groups are meaningfully engaged

613
02:33:52,020 --> 02:33:54,960
and reflected in the
city's climate action.

614
02:33:54,960 --> 02:33:58,710
Another big action within this theme

615
02:33:58,710 --> 02:34:00,630
is also food security.

616
02:34:00,630 --> 02:34:02,700
This is obviously also public health

617
02:34:02,700 --> 02:34:06,570
and a simple action to strengthen that

618
02:34:06,570 --> 02:34:09,240
could be supporting the
city's community gardens

619
02:34:09,240 --> 02:34:12,210
and continuing collaboration

620
02:34:12,210 --> 02:34:14,703
with local organizations
like Project SHARE.

621
02:34:16,650 --> 02:34:18,660
So next, economy and workers.

622
02:34:18,660 --> 02:34:21,450
This focuses on supporting
businesses and workers

623
02:34:21,450 --> 02:34:23,823
as they adapt to our changing climate.

624
02:34:24,750 --> 02:34:29,220
One of the key takeaways from
this was really how impressive

625
02:34:29,220 --> 02:34:33,330
the city's continued support
for local businesses is.

626
02:34:33,330 --> 02:34:37,440
However, as extreme weather
events become more frequent,

627
02:34:37,440 --> 02:34:40,560
workers and businesses,
especially those working outside

628
02:34:40,560 --> 02:34:43,590
will increasingly search for information

629
02:34:43,590 --> 02:34:45,600
and resources on how to adapt

630
02:34:45,600 --> 02:34:48,240
and become resilient to
our changing climate.

631
02:34:48,240 --> 02:34:51,840
Therefore, expanding outreach
with business-specific tips

632
02:34:51,840 --> 02:34:55,500
and working-specific tips is vital.

633
02:34:55,500 --> 02:34:58,410
Also supporting green
workforce development.

634
02:34:58,410 --> 02:35:00,510
So continuing to partnership

635
02:35:00,510 --> 02:35:03,240
with local educational institutions

636
02:35:03,240 --> 02:35:06,690
like the University of Niagara
Falls and Niagara College

637
02:35:06,690 --> 02:35:10,713
is a great way to really
start developing green jobs.

638
02:35:12,330 --> 02:35:14,400
And lastly, resilient governance.

639
02:35:14,400 --> 02:35:18,120
This focuses on climate
considerations into decision making

640
02:35:18,120 --> 02:35:20,040
and long-term planning.

641
02:35:20,040 --> 02:35:24,090
As you can see, this is the
theme of the most progress made

642
02:35:24,090 --> 02:35:28,020
as climate is continually being considered

643
02:35:28,020 --> 02:35:32,763
into official city plans
and also departmental plans.

644
02:35:33,660 --> 02:35:38,660
Another key progress is
the securing of funding

645
02:35:38,670 --> 02:35:40,410
for climate-related projects

646
02:35:40,410 --> 02:35:43,350
and also just the continued support

647
02:35:43,350 --> 02:35:46,470
for staff and community engagement events.

648
02:35:46,470 --> 02:35:48,120
The biggest opportunity to expand,

649
02:35:48,120 --> 02:35:51,780
and I think the most important first step

650
02:35:51,780 --> 02:35:53,640
from all of these that I've said

651
02:35:53,640 --> 02:35:57,960
is to strengthen coordination internally.

652
02:35:57,960 --> 02:36:00,450
A Green Team was established

653
02:36:00,450 --> 02:36:04,560
when the city's climate
plan was made back in 2023.

654
02:36:04,560 --> 02:36:06,390
And I think utilizing that

655
02:36:06,390 --> 02:36:11,390
to strengthen implementation
across the city is important.

656
02:36:11,850 --> 02:36:15,570
I was also able to create
a The Green Room page

657
02:36:15,570 --> 02:36:18,180
for staff in our internal intranet.

658
02:36:18,180 --> 02:36:19,920
And I would like to see

659
02:36:19,920 --> 02:36:23,070
that page utilized further in the future

660
02:36:23,070 --> 02:36:27,483
for a space to further educate
staff and share resources.

661
02:36:29,310 --> 02:36:31,590
And lastly, another aspect of this

662
02:36:31,590 --> 02:36:33,870
is just visible climate action

663
02:36:33,870 --> 02:36:36,570
and public educational campaigns.

664
02:36:36,570 --> 02:36:38,610
I had the greatest opportunity

665
02:36:38,610 --> 02:36:42,177
to work at the MacBain Community
Center during my time here

666
02:36:42,177 --> 02:36:46,230
and I really saw how much of
a hub it is for this city.

667
02:36:46,230 --> 02:36:47,550
It gets so many visitors,

668
02:36:47,550 --> 02:36:50,070
a variety of residents attend there

669
02:36:50,070 --> 02:36:52,830
and I think it's a real ideal location

670
02:36:52,830 --> 02:36:54,900
to showcase sustainable initiatives

671
02:36:54,900 --> 02:36:57,180
and therefore supporting the staff there

672
02:36:57,180 --> 02:36:58,740
in the Environmental Action Committee

673
02:36:58,740 --> 02:37:02,220
in delivering programs will
help climate action in the city

674
02:37:02,220 --> 02:37:05,913
become more visible, accessible,
and community driven.

675
02:37:06,750 --> 02:37:08,370
I'd like to thank you for allowing me

676
02:37:08,370 --> 02:37:12,120
to complete this internship
and to present to you today.

677
02:37:12,120 --> 02:37:14,490
I've had a really
meaningful experience here

678
02:37:14,490 --> 02:37:17,340
working in this such unique municipality

679
02:37:17,340 --> 02:37:19,170
and I look forward to seeing

680
02:37:19,170 --> 02:37:22,830
how the sustainable
initiatives grow over time

681
02:37:22,830 --> 02:37:24,150
as the city also grows.

682
02:37:24,150 --> 02:37:25,254
Thank you.
- Thank you, Shania. Good job.

683
02:37:25,254 --> 02:37:28,254
(attendees applaud)

684
02:37:30,300 --> 02:37:32,550
Okay, we do have some
questions it looks like.

685
02:37:32,550 --> 02:37:36,420
We'll start off with Councilor
Lococo and then Nieuwesteeg.

686
02:37:36,420 --> 02:37:38,550
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor,
through the mayor to Shania.

687
02:37:38,550 --> 02:37:40,590
Thank you so much for the presentation.

688
02:37:40,590 --> 02:37:41,610
I've had an opportunity

689
02:37:41,610 --> 02:37:44,070
to speak with Shania on a few occasions.

690
02:37:44,070 --> 02:37:46,830
I think we're doing really
well on what we're doing

691
02:37:46,830 --> 02:37:49,500
and this project allowed her to track it

692
02:37:49,500 --> 02:37:50,820
so we could see where we are

693
02:37:50,820 --> 02:37:52,980
and what we need to do moving forward.

694
02:37:52,980 --> 02:37:54,990
There are a lot of opportunities.

695
02:37:54,990 --> 02:37:56,790
One of them that really popped out to me

696
02:37:56,790 --> 02:37:58,110
within this presentation

697
02:37:58,110 --> 02:38:01,410
and one further on our agenda
is about the tree canopy.

698
02:38:01,410 --> 02:38:03,900
We always talk about having a tree canopy

699
02:38:03,900 --> 02:38:05,580
and there's a private tree canopy

700
02:38:05,580 --> 02:38:08,340
and there's the public tree canopy.

701
02:38:08,340 --> 02:38:11,760
And one of the things that
I'm learning more now,

702
02:38:11,760 --> 02:38:14,850
is when you cut a tree
down with a big canopy,

703
02:38:14,850 --> 02:38:16,170
that affects the canopy.

704
02:38:16,170 --> 02:38:19,080
So a lot of times we have
development applications

705
02:38:19,080 --> 02:38:21,930
where we cut trees down
and we say we replace them,

706
02:38:21,930 --> 02:38:24,570
but we replace them with little saplings

707
02:38:24,570 --> 02:38:26,070
that don't have a big tree canopy.

708
02:38:26,070 --> 02:38:28,440
So it's not just the number of trees

709
02:38:28,440 --> 02:38:29,760
that we're swapping out.

710
02:38:29,760 --> 02:38:31,290
We have to think about the tree canopy

711
02:38:31,290 --> 02:38:32,880
once we're cutting that down.

712
02:38:32,880 --> 02:38:34,200
And that really hit home with me

713
02:38:34,200 --> 02:38:36,993
with your presentation,
so thank you for that.

714
02:38:39,060 --> 02:38:42,990
Regarding trees again with
the canopy is a tree by-law.

715
02:38:42,990 --> 02:38:44,460
We've talked about that many times.

716
02:38:44,460 --> 02:38:46,410
It's in the further presentation.

717
02:38:46,410 --> 02:38:47,880
So I just wanted to put that out there

718
02:38:47,880 --> 02:38:50,100
because I have brought
it up numerous times.

719
02:38:50,100 --> 02:38:52,710
There are benefits to it and
there are some disadvantages.

720
02:38:52,710 --> 02:38:53,610
I do understand that.

721
02:38:53,610 --> 02:38:55,860
But that's something
that we should look into.

722
02:38:55,860 --> 02:39:00,030
And then Shania was talking
about the Green Team.

723
02:39:00,030 --> 02:39:02,700
We had an experience at
the Accessibility Committee

724
02:39:02,700 --> 02:39:04,800
that Jay MacClain has started

725
02:39:04,800 --> 02:39:06,677
an internal accessibility committee.

726
02:39:06,677 --> 02:39:09,180
'Cause what we found was
all of these departments

727
02:39:09,180 --> 02:39:10,920
were working in silos

728
02:39:10,920 --> 02:39:13,920
and accessibility became an afterthought.

729
02:39:13,920 --> 02:39:16,080
And the same thing with your Green Team

730
02:39:16,080 --> 02:39:17,910
is it's not an afterthought anymore.

731
02:39:17,910 --> 02:39:20,100
You have all of the
departments working together

732
02:39:20,100 --> 02:39:21,990
and talking about green initiatives

733
02:39:21,990 --> 02:39:25,410
as part of the discussion,
not after the discussion.

734
02:39:25,410 --> 02:39:26,280
So thank you so much

735
02:39:26,280 --> 02:39:29,133
for bringing that back to the forefront.

736
02:39:29,970 --> 02:39:31,770
Some of the topics in there

737
02:39:31,770 --> 02:39:34,800
and I just, a few of them
I'd like to talk about

738
02:39:34,800 --> 02:39:36,120
is permeable surfaces,

739
02:39:36,120 --> 02:39:39,600
very important within our own
city things that we're doing.

740
02:39:39,600 --> 02:39:41,820
And then the developments
that we're doing.

741
02:39:41,820 --> 02:39:44,580
Native species, sometimes
we say they're native

742
02:39:44,580 --> 02:39:47,580
but maybe they're not
native to the Niagara area,

743
02:39:47,580 --> 02:39:49,140
they might be native to Canada.

744
02:39:49,140 --> 02:39:51,270
But we need to look at those.

745
02:39:51,270 --> 02:39:55,350
And working with developers
to make some positive choices

746
02:39:55,350 --> 02:39:58,680
and impacts on our
environment and the health.

747
02:39:58,680 --> 02:40:01,110
And my last point is the
health and wellbeing.

748
02:40:01,110 --> 02:40:04,110
You talked about preparedness.

749
02:40:04,110 --> 02:40:06,930
One time I brought up about
we seem to have a plan

750
02:40:06,930 --> 02:40:09,240
for what to do when disaster strikes,

751
02:40:09,240 --> 02:40:10,860
but I don't think we've communicated

752
02:40:10,860 --> 02:40:12,690
that plan out to our residents.

753
02:40:12,690 --> 02:40:15,000
So when there's no power, there's nothing,

754
02:40:15,000 --> 02:40:16,410
what does a resident do?

755
02:40:16,410 --> 02:40:19,890
So I think through this plan
we can work on that again

756
02:40:19,890 --> 02:40:22,110
about letting our
residents know what to do

757
02:40:22,110 --> 02:40:24,000
when there is a disaster.

758
02:40:24,000 --> 02:40:25,980
Sure we have the plan
but if they don't know,

759
02:40:25,980 --> 02:40:28,050
we have residents sitting
there not knowing what to do.

760
02:40:28,050 --> 02:40:30,480
And I think through this
we can tie it all together.

761
02:40:30,480 --> 02:40:32,820
So thank you so much
for your presentation.

762
02:40:32,820 --> 02:40:33,900
- Thank you.
- Thank you, Councilor.

763
02:40:33,900 --> 02:40:35,640
I've got Councilor Nieuwesteeg up next

764
02:40:35,640 --> 02:40:37,650
and then Councilor Strange.
- Thank you.

765
02:40:37,650 --> 02:40:40,440
A wonderful presentation
and very informative.

766
02:40:40,440 --> 02:40:42,990
Actually Councilor Lococo
touched on one of the points

767
02:40:42,990 --> 02:40:45,750
I was going to bring up as
well about the different silos.

768
02:40:45,750 --> 02:40:47,670
So we have the seniors
committee here today

769
02:40:47,670 --> 02:40:49,650
and as you're talking about

770
02:40:49,650 --> 02:40:51,750
how do we make sure we communicate,

771
02:40:51,750 --> 02:40:52,827
perhaps that is something,

772
02:40:52,827 --> 02:40:54,810
and you mentioned the MYAC as well,

773
02:40:54,810 --> 02:40:58,980
that we can have a
streamline of this committee

774
02:40:58,980 --> 02:41:00,000
focus through all of this

775
02:41:00,000 --> 02:41:01,950
rather than even just
a separate committee,

776
02:41:01,950 --> 02:41:03,300
each one that's already out there

777
02:41:03,300 --> 02:41:04,457
to be able to touch upon it.

778
02:41:04,457 --> 02:41:06,300
'Cause this also affects seniors.

779
02:41:06,300 --> 02:41:08,610
And a question kind of relating to that,

780
02:41:08,610 --> 02:41:09,540
you talked about the number

781
02:41:09,540 --> 02:41:14,540
of cooling facilities for people.

782
02:41:14,550 --> 02:41:16,320
Where are they in the city?

783
02:41:16,320 --> 02:41:17,970
Do we have enough geographically

784
02:41:17,970 --> 02:41:21,723
to accommodate anyone in those
extreme weather conditions?

785
02:41:22,650 --> 02:41:23,880
- Thank you for the question.

786
02:41:23,880 --> 02:41:28,880
I believe the Gale Center,
the MacBain, the library

787
02:41:28,890 --> 02:41:31,530
are all cooling and warming centers.

788
02:41:31,530 --> 02:41:33,750
If that's enough, I'm not sure.

789
02:41:33,750 --> 02:41:36,480
I think the Emergency Preparedness team

790
02:41:36,480 --> 02:41:38,380
is probably better off answering that.

791
02:41:39,240 --> 02:41:40,530
But from what I've seen,

792
02:41:40,530 --> 02:41:44,700
I think it is enough
to hold our population.

793
02:41:44,700 --> 02:41:49,700
But I do agree that the
communications around that

794
02:41:49,710 --> 02:41:51,120
needs to be improved

795
02:41:51,120 --> 02:41:53,430
so people actually know where to go.

796
02:41:53,430 --> 02:41:56,430
- Yes, and especially when
it comes to seniors as well

797
02:41:56,430 --> 02:41:57,330
and whether we have them

798
02:41:57,330 --> 02:41:58,860
in the different ends of the city as well,

799
02:41:58,860 --> 02:42:00,870
like Chippewa, if we can do that.

800
02:42:00,870 --> 02:42:01,920
Just one final question.

801
02:42:01,920 --> 02:42:04,890
What would you say are the
three major climate risks

802
02:42:04,890 --> 02:42:06,870
facing Niagara Falls?

803
02:42:06,870 --> 02:42:09,750
- I'd say extreme weather.

804
02:42:09,750 --> 02:42:13,320
As we've seen, we've just
had a really long winter,

805
02:42:13,320 --> 02:42:17,970
which has really impacted our
roads and our infrastructure.

806
02:42:17,970 --> 02:42:19,320
Invasive species.

807
02:42:19,320 --> 02:42:22,560
I'm sure the Forest Department
will touch on that later,

808
02:42:22,560 --> 02:42:26,460
but it's really touching our urban forest

809
02:42:26,460 --> 02:42:29,370
and we really want to protect that.

810
02:42:29,370 --> 02:42:34,370
And lastly, I would say air quality.

811
02:42:34,500 --> 02:42:39,150
I think this is such a
car-dependent country and city

812
02:42:39,150 --> 02:42:42,240
and as well with the forest fires

813
02:42:42,240 --> 02:42:44,070
that we'll see later on in the season,

814
02:42:44,070 --> 02:42:45,360
and we saw last year

815
02:42:45,360 --> 02:42:48,990
how that really infected our air quality.

816
02:42:48,990 --> 02:42:50,550
I think that should be something

817
02:42:50,550 --> 02:42:51,900
that needs to be addressed too.

818
02:42:51,900 --> 02:42:53,010
But thank you for the question.

819
02:42:53,010 --> 02:42:54,600
- And thank you very much
for the work you've done.

820
02:42:54,600 --> 02:42:55,784
It's really something

821
02:42:55,784 --> 02:42:56,880
that needs to be highlighted for us.

822
02:42:56,880 --> 02:42:57,913
So thank you.
- Thank you.

823
02:42:57,913 --> 02:42:59,940
- [Diodati] Thank you. Councilor Strange?

824
02:42:59,940 --> 02:43:01,050
- Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor,

825
02:43:01,050 --> 02:43:03,180
and thank you, Shania,
and thank you, Carey.

826
02:43:03,180 --> 02:43:05,250
I know you guys been working on this plan

827
02:43:05,250 --> 02:43:08,520
for about three years,
meeting with stakeholders

828
02:43:08,520 --> 02:43:13,170
and different committees
and even hoteliers

829
02:43:13,170 --> 02:43:14,970
and people from the park.

830
02:43:14,970 --> 02:43:19,380
So a lot of work's been put
in this and just great job

831
02:43:19,380 --> 02:43:21,480
and, you know, we saw the presentation

832
02:43:21,480 --> 02:43:24,180
and, you know, you looked at 41 goals

833
02:43:24,180 --> 02:43:27,360
spanning the massive
themes of, just wondering,

834
02:43:27,360 --> 02:43:30,180
what would be kind of
be your three actions

835
02:43:30,180 --> 02:43:32,010
that would you kind of would roll out

836
02:43:32,010 --> 02:43:34,143
in the next 12 to 18 months?

837
02:43:35,550 --> 02:43:36,400
- Great question.

838
02:43:37,290 --> 02:43:41,730
I would say firstly is
reconvening the Green Team

839
02:43:41,730 --> 02:43:44,970
that it's made up of representatives
from each department.

840
02:43:44,970 --> 02:43:46,620
And so I think really getting together

841
02:43:46,620 --> 02:43:50,400
and having discussion on what is viable

842
02:43:50,400 --> 02:43:54,690
regarding the actions is the
most important first step.

843
02:43:54,690 --> 02:43:56,910
I think as the city continues to develop,

844
02:43:56,910 --> 02:43:59,040
I know that's a key priority

845
02:43:59,040 --> 02:44:01,560
making sure that new developments

846
02:44:01,560 --> 02:44:05,070
are really integrating climate
considerations is important.

847
02:44:05,070 --> 02:44:08,190
So, you know, energy
efficiency, green space,

848
02:44:08,190 --> 02:44:10,860
stormwater management,
waste, all that stuff.

849
02:44:10,860 --> 02:44:14,700
And then I also think
protecting our workers,

850
02:44:14,700 --> 02:44:17,460
the ones that work in the
fields and our small businesses,

851
02:44:17,460 --> 02:44:19,200
you know, that's kind
of the heart of the city

852
02:44:19,200 --> 02:44:21,480
and really making sure
that they are protected

853
02:44:21,480 --> 02:44:25,530
during these extreme weathers
will protect our city,

854
02:44:25,530 --> 02:44:27,300
but also our economy,

855
02:44:27,300 --> 02:44:29,610
which I think is important.

856
02:44:29,610 --> 02:44:30,443
Thank you.
- Thank you.

857
02:44:30,443 --> 02:44:33,480
And we mentioned the
canopy, our tree canopy

858
02:44:33,480 --> 02:44:36,720
and how does our city compare
to the rest of the region?

859
02:44:36,720 --> 02:44:39,000
- So when I was looking at the canopies,

860
02:44:39,000 --> 02:44:43,140
the overall average of the region was 28%.

861
02:44:43,140 --> 02:44:46,170
Some of the higher ones were 31, 32.

862
02:44:46,170 --> 02:44:49,755
And we sat well above the average

863
02:44:49,755 --> 02:44:51,210
of 30.5.
- Above the average.

864
02:44:51,210 --> 02:44:53,190
So now I can just give it
a little bit of shout out

865
02:44:53,190 --> 02:44:55,200
to our Environmental Action Committee.

866
02:44:55,200 --> 02:44:56,520
- Yes. (laughs)
- Some people know

867
02:44:56,520 --> 02:45:00,180
that we've been giving away
trees for the last four years,

868
02:45:00,180 --> 02:45:03,060
so we've given away 2,000 trees.

869
02:45:03,060 --> 02:45:04,770
And to kind of put that in perspective,

870
02:45:04,770 --> 02:45:07,053
I'm going to go to our manager of,

871
02:45:08,280 --> 02:45:09,900
and Erik Nickel, if you can just tell us,

872
02:45:09,900 --> 02:45:13,773
how long would it take our
staff to plant 2,000 trees?

873
02:45:14,730 --> 02:45:16,470
- Yeah, through the mayor.

874
02:45:16,470 --> 02:45:18,740
I mean that's more than
a year's worth of work

875
02:45:18,740 --> 02:45:20,700
in our Forestry Department.

876
02:45:20,700 --> 02:45:23,160
We've been fortunate to
have such great partnership

877
02:45:23,160 --> 02:45:26,730
and we have city trees that
we're planting as well.

878
02:45:26,730 --> 02:45:29,730
So if that's the contribution
from one private group,

879
02:45:29,730 --> 02:45:31,260
add that to the trees we're planting

880
02:45:31,260 --> 02:45:33,300
and we're doing a sizable amount of work.

881
02:45:33,300 --> 02:45:34,467
- Yeah, 100%.

882
02:45:34,467 --> 02:45:37,500
And we're so glad we get to get sponsors

883
02:45:37,500 --> 02:45:40,200
to help and pay for these trees

884
02:45:40,200 --> 02:45:43,140
and we give these trees away
to Niagara Falls residents

885
02:45:43,140 --> 02:45:44,910
and they get to put them
on their own property.

886
02:45:44,910 --> 02:45:46,140
And you know, anyone that has a tree

887
02:45:46,140 --> 02:45:47,490
are going to take care of the tree

888
02:45:47,490 --> 02:45:49,110
'cause they actually want the tree there.

889
02:45:49,110 --> 02:45:50,730
So it really helps our canopy.

890
02:45:50,730 --> 02:45:52,230
And just, I want to shout it

891
02:45:52,230 --> 02:45:53,670
to our Environmental Action Committee

892
02:45:53,670 --> 02:45:55,200
'cause they've just been
doing an amazing job

893
02:45:55,200 --> 02:45:57,660
and can imagine what we're
going to be like in 10 years.

894
02:45:57,660 --> 02:45:59,850
So thank you very much
for the presentation.

895
02:45:59,850 --> 02:46:00,810
- Thank you. Thank you so much.

896
02:46:00,810 --> 02:46:02,790
- Thanks very much, Councilor.

897
02:46:02,790 --> 02:46:05,577
Councilor Patel.
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

898
02:46:05,577 --> 02:46:07,530
(councilors chatter)

899
02:46:07,530 --> 02:46:10,710
Presentation and for
your work on this report.

900
02:46:10,710 --> 02:46:13,830
Actually, Councilor Strange
asked most of my questions,

901
02:46:13,830 --> 02:46:15,000
so I just have one more question.

902
02:46:15,000 --> 02:46:17,933
So our tree canopy is 30.5%.

903
02:46:17,933 --> 02:46:19,953
Is that a goal we are trying to achieve?

904
02:46:21,150 --> 02:46:23,430
- I believe they're
still working on a goal

905
02:46:23,430 --> 02:46:26,010
to align with the region's goal,

906
02:46:26,010 --> 02:46:29,970
which I think is around 30%.

907
02:46:29,970 --> 02:46:33,990
But that will come up in the
Forest Urban management plan,

908
02:46:33,990 --> 02:46:36,030
which is still underway,

909
02:46:36,030 --> 02:46:40,200
but I think right now it's
still a pretty strong canopy

910
02:46:40,200 --> 02:46:43,740
and anything more than
that is really good.

911
02:46:43,740 --> 02:46:45,840
- Okay. Thank you.
- Thank you.

912
02:46:45,840 --> 02:46:46,673
- Thank you.

913
02:46:46,673 --> 02:46:49,380
Well, if there's no further
questions of council,

914
02:46:49,380 --> 02:46:51,900
I'll look for a motion to
receive the presentation.

915
02:46:51,900 --> 02:46:54,660
Councilor Pietrangelo,
Councilor Lococo second.

916
02:46:54,660 --> 02:46:57,330
All those in favor? That's unanimous.

917
02:46:57,330 --> 02:46:58,830
And I just want to say thank you, Shania,

918
02:46:58,830 --> 02:47:00,720
it's been great having you in our office.

919
02:47:00,720 --> 02:47:02,520
I know you've been
working with your mentor,

920
02:47:02,520 --> 02:47:04,380
Carey Campbell here, our manager,

921
02:47:04,380 --> 02:47:07,620
and excited that you're
going to leave a legacy

922
02:47:07,620 --> 02:47:09,390
and there'll be residual impact

923
02:47:09,390 --> 02:47:10,980
from the work that you did with us.

924
02:47:10,980 --> 02:47:13,290
And we wish you well with
whatever next steps you take.

925
02:47:13,290 --> 02:47:14,700
So on behalf of all of us, thank you.

926
02:47:14,700 --> 02:47:16,050
Great job. Great having you here.

927
02:47:16,050 --> 02:47:19,563
- Thank you.
(attendees applaud)

928
02:47:21,387 --> 02:47:24,420
- All right, moving on.

929
02:47:24,420 --> 02:47:26,490
We are now moving on to 7.2,

930
02:47:26,490 --> 02:47:30,420
delegation request from
Matt Anthony Guarasci.

931
02:47:30,420 --> 02:47:33,270
This gentleman is planning a
Guinness World Record event

932
02:47:33,270 --> 02:47:37,260
and I'll let him explain
what he's got in mind.

933
02:47:37,260 --> 02:47:38,670
Welcome.
- Yeah, great.

934
02:47:38,670 --> 02:47:40,983
Great to be here. Perfect.

935
02:47:42,090 --> 02:47:44,850
So first off, members of council,

936
02:47:44,850 --> 02:47:47,490
Mayor Jim Diodati and everyone
that's here in attendance,

937
02:47:47,490 --> 02:47:51,360
I've had this crazy outlandish
vision for the last six years

938
02:47:51,360 --> 02:47:53,580
to put Niagara Falls on the map

939
02:47:53,580 --> 02:47:55,290
by not just doing something small,

940
02:47:55,290 --> 02:47:57,900
but putting something
on the world's stage,

941
02:47:57,900 --> 02:48:00,180
which is the birth and the creation

942
02:48:00,180 --> 02:48:03,270
of the world's largest ugly sweater party.

943
02:48:03,270 --> 02:48:04,710
And over the last nine years,

944
02:48:04,710 --> 02:48:06,450
I've hosted an ugly sweater party event

945
02:48:06,450 --> 02:48:08,100
in Grand Central and at Ruth's Chris

946
02:48:08,100 --> 02:48:10,260
both in the tourism and
the downtown district,

947
02:48:10,260 --> 02:48:12,720
ranging from having 500 to 600 people.

948
02:48:12,720 --> 02:48:15,060
And I believe that through
the marketing efforts

949
02:48:15,060 --> 02:48:17,610
and through the ask that I'm
going to be giving today,

950
02:48:17,610 --> 02:48:19,890
this won't be one of the smaller events

951
02:48:19,890 --> 02:48:20,723
that come out of here.

952
02:48:20,723 --> 02:48:22,560
This will be an event
that will be cemented

953
02:48:22,560 --> 02:48:24,900
to put us on the world stage.

954
02:48:24,900 --> 02:48:26,100
So a little bit about me.

955
02:48:26,100 --> 02:48:28,290
I've been proud to have
worked on over 97 events

956
02:48:28,290 --> 02:48:29,880
in the last nine years.

957
02:48:29,880 --> 02:48:31,290
I'm proud to call Niagara my home

958
02:48:31,290 --> 02:48:36,270
and have consulted over 3,350
different business owners

959
02:48:36,270 --> 02:48:38,370
and have won multiple
awards for my efforts.

960
02:48:38,370 --> 02:48:40,950
But nothing is as impressive as that,

961
02:48:40,950 --> 02:48:43,170
as to when I got called on the stage

962
02:48:43,170 --> 02:48:45,750
in front of "The Price Is
Right" in front of 5,000 people

963
02:48:45,750 --> 02:48:49,050
and I lost an all-expenses-paid
vacation to Hawaii.

964
02:48:49,050 --> 02:48:51,420
So needless to say, it was, you know,

965
02:48:51,420 --> 02:48:52,740
I got to hear the words, "Come on down,"

966
02:48:52,740 --> 02:48:57,330
but my girlfriend wasn't
too happy about that.

967
02:48:57,330 --> 02:48:58,380
But what is the goal?

968
02:48:58,380 --> 02:49:01,830
So the goal for this event is
to solve five major problems

969
02:49:01,830 --> 02:49:04,860
for the city of Niagara
Falls during the winter,

970
02:49:04,860 --> 02:49:06,750
during our off-season winter of tourism.

971
02:49:06,750 --> 02:49:09,330
So taking place on
December 5th of this year

972
02:49:09,330 --> 02:49:11,400
at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre.

973
02:49:11,400 --> 02:49:12,330
Our goal with this event

974
02:49:12,330 --> 02:49:14,430
is to drive hotel stays and tourism,

975
02:49:14,430 --> 02:49:17,130
generate millions of views online,

976
02:49:17,130 --> 02:49:19,620
donate a portion of all
the proceeds from the event

977
02:49:19,620 --> 02:49:21,540
to a strategic community partner.

978
02:49:21,540 --> 02:49:23,247
I've already been in
conversations with Project SHARE

979
02:49:23,247 --> 02:49:25,590
and they absolutely love the idea.

980
02:49:25,590 --> 02:49:27,840
To establish global recognition

981
02:49:27,840 --> 02:49:30,000
and to literally cement ourselves

982
02:49:30,000 --> 02:49:32,100
in the world record book with this.

983
02:49:32,100 --> 02:49:33,930
And last but certainly not least,

984
02:49:33,930 --> 02:49:36,570
and arguably the most important,
this event is designed

985
02:49:36,570 --> 02:49:39,750
to drive economic impact
during the winter season

986
02:49:39,750 --> 02:49:43,083
at a time where our city
desperately needs it the most.

987
02:49:44,070 --> 02:49:48,240
And my ask today is to
help get some funding

988
02:49:48,240 --> 02:49:50,220
and initiation to launch this

989
02:49:50,220 --> 02:49:53,040
as a globally recognized event brand.

990
02:49:53,040 --> 02:49:55,530
I'm here to ask for $185,000

991
02:49:55,530 --> 02:49:57,630
from the municipal accommodation tax

992
02:49:57,630 --> 02:50:01,500
to launch this event brand
for the next 5 to 10 years.

993
02:50:01,500 --> 02:50:04,170
This one-time initial
investment will not just be

994
02:50:04,170 --> 02:50:05,700
for a one-and-done opportunity

995
02:50:05,700 --> 02:50:08,310
for cementing ourselves
into the world record book.

996
02:50:08,310 --> 02:50:11,430
This will be a kickstarter
for us to have that funds

997
02:50:11,430 --> 02:50:15,000
to reinvest ourselves for years
two, three, four, five, six,

998
02:50:15,000 --> 02:50:16,530
and so on and so forth.

999
02:50:16,530 --> 02:50:19,020
And I'll be paying myself
a whopping total of,

1000
02:50:19,020 --> 02:50:21,570
excuse me, $0 for this year

1001
02:50:21,570 --> 02:50:23,610
in order to make this event happen.

1002
02:50:23,610 --> 02:50:26,670
So as you can see here with
our friends over at ChatGPT,

1003
02:50:26,670 --> 02:50:29,700
this is exactly what the
event would look like.

1004
02:50:29,700 --> 02:50:31,290
Imagine yourself walking into

1005
02:50:31,290 --> 02:50:34,380
a full immersive winter
wonderland experience

1006
02:50:34,380 --> 02:50:35,910
and everyone's draped and covered

1007
02:50:35,910 --> 02:50:37,740
in their most ugly sweaters.

1008
02:50:37,740 --> 02:50:39,090
You can think of it as your best dressed

1009
02:50:39,090 --> 02:50:41,220
or your worst dressed depending
on how you look at it.

1010
02:50:41,220 --> 02:50:42,720
Where people will be
able to mix and mingle

1011
02:50:42,720 --> 02:50:45,870
with celebrities, experience
world-class entertainment,

1012
02:50:45,870 --> 02:50:48,360
and most importantly
come together for a night

1013
02:50:48,360 --> 02:50:51,090
that will leave people wanting
to talk about this event

1014
02:50:51,090 --> 02:50:52,593
for the years to come.

1015
02:50:53,460 --> 02:50:56,610
So how this works, we're not
reinventing the wheel here.

1016
02:50:56,610 --> 02:50:57,780
We're taking a proven model

1017
02:50:57,780 --> 02:50:59,880
that has been proven to
work time and time again

1018
02:50:59,880 --> 02:51:01,140
with our friends over in Buffalo

1019
02:51:01,140 --> 02:51:02,640
with the world's largest disco,

1020
02:51:02,640 --> 02:51:04,350
like Councilor Dabrowski has done

1021
02:51:04,350 --> 02:51:05,910
with Niagara Falls Comic-Con

1022
02:51:05,910 --> 02:51:07,530
or with what any of the
councilors have done

1023
02:51:07,530 --> 02:51:09,180
when it comes to putting
on different events.

1024
02:51:09,180 --> 02:51:12,090
We're taking on a very strategic niche,

1025
02:51:12,090 --> 02:51:13,830
nostalgic marketing angle,

1026
02:51:13,830 --> 02:51:17,370
and we're putting our
own ugly twist on it.

1027
02:51:17,370 --> 02:51:19,470
And what is the current world record?

1028
02:51:19,470 --> 02:51:20,700
So after my conversations

1029
02:51:20,700 --> 02:51:21,990
with the Guinness Book of World Records,

1030
02:51:21,990 --> 02:51:24,897
the record stands at 3,473 people.

1031
02:51:24,897 --> 02:51:27,300
And that is the current record to beat.

1032
02:51:27,300 --> 02:51:30,780
We need to have at least
3,500 people in attendance

1033
02:51:30,780 --> 02:51:33,300
in the building at the same time

1034
02:51:33,300 --> 02:51:37,050
in order for the record to
officially have been broken.

1035
02:51:37,050 --> 02:51:40,380
And what's our event
projections and economic impact?

1036
02:51:40,380 --> 02:51:44,130
So based on our projections
and the current marketing plan,

1037
02:51:44,130 --> 02:51:46,988
we're expected to have
4,000 to 6,500 people

1038
02:51:46,988 --> 02:51:50,730
attend the event with 60
to 70%, making majority,

1039
02:51:50,730 --> 02:51:54,480
of the audience out people who
are visiting Niagara Falls,

1040
02:51:54,480 --> 02:51:56,070
maybe for the very first time

1041
02:51:56,070 --> 02:51:58,740
or sometimes maybe their
vacationers from Toronto,

1042
02:51:58,740 --> 02:52:01,320
Western New York, Hamilton,
so on and so forth.

1043
02:52:01,320 --> 02:52:03,450
And based on my TRIM report

1044
02:52:03,450 --> 02:52:05,040
done with the Government of Ontario,

1045
02:52:05,040 --> 02:52:06,570
if all is successful with this event,

1046
02:52:06,570 --> 02:52:08,737
we will generate anywhere between $200,000

1047
02:52:08,737 --> 02:52:12,570
to $1,000,000 plus of economic impact

1048
02:52:12,570 --> 02:52:15,363
during this time on
December 25th of this year.

1049
02:52:16,290 --> 02:52:17,210
And as you can see

1050
02:52:17,210 --> 02:52:18,930
in the notes that are
laid out in front of you,

1051
02:52:18,930 --> 02:52:20,820
there's the full cost breakdown

1052
02:52:20,820 --> 02:52:22,800
of everything that maps
out all of my costs

1053
02:52:22,800 --> 02:52:24,570
with the Niagara Falls Convention Centre,

1054
02:52:24,570 --> 02:52:25,830
Guinness World Records,

1055
02:52:25,830 --> 02:52:27,780
the various marketing expenditure,

1056
02:52:27,780 --> 02:52:31,397
totaling a grand total of $169,298.82.

1057
02:52:33,030 --> 02:52:35,640
Now there's still some expenses
that are not accounted for,

1058
02:52:35,640 --> 02:52:40,640
so that's why I'm here to
justify the ask of $185,000.

1059
02:52:40,680 --> 02:52:43,350
So here is based on just
a rough general admission

1060
02:52:43,350 --> 02:52:45,660
as to what we would do
for general admission VIP

1061
02:52:45,660 --> 02:52:46,830
and hotel room bookings.

1062
02:52:46,830 --> 02:52:48,810
The goal is to solidify ourselves

1063
02:52:48,810 --> 02:52:50,310
and get a majority of the people

1064
02:52:50,310 --> 02:52:52,050
to book hotel stays with us

1065
02:52:52,050 --> 02:52:53,940
here in the city of Niagara Falls.

1066
02:52:53,940 --> 02:52:56,220
These are just a generalized numbers

1067
02:52:56,220 --> 02:52:57,570
based on the event projections

1068
02:52:57,570 --> 02:52:58,950
and the projected ticket pricing

1069
02:52:58,950 --> 02:53:00,330
as to what we would go forward with.

1070
02:53:00,330 --> 02:53:03,780
And the total event revenue
that will be generated from this

1071
02:53:03,780 --> 02:53:07,500
would be approximately
$173,000 and counting,

1072
02:53:07,500 --> 02:53:09,630
making that this event
will technically operate

1073
02:53:09,630 --> 02:53:11,730
if someone were to invest
this out of their own money

1074
02:53:11,730 --> 02:53:13,170
at a break even.

1075
02:53:13,170 --> 02:53:16,500
So having that being said,
they'll be taking out,

1076
02:53:16,500 --> 02:53:17,333
me and my events team

1077
02:53:17,333 --> 02:53:19,380
will be taking absolutely
zero personal profit

1078
02:53:19,380 --> 02:53:21,870
and utilizing this funding as a launchpad

1079
02:53:21,870 --> 02:53:24,510
to reinvest into year two, year three,

1080
02:53:24,510 --> 02:53:25,890
and so on and so forth.

1081
02:53:25,890 --> 02:53:29,130
And that could be found outlined
in your notes too as well.

1082
02:53:29,130 --> 02:53:30,300
Because the biggest expenses

1083
02:53:30,300 --> 02:53:32,040
when it comes to this event this year

1084
02:53:32,040 --> 02:53:34,020
is going to be the Guinness
Book of World Records,

1085
02:53:34,020 --> 02:53:36,510
which is anywhere, we're
still finalizing the quote,

1086
02:53:36,510 --> 02:53:37,343
but they said it's going to be anywhere

1087
02:53:37,343 --> 02:53:40,230
between $30 to $40,000
Canadian for them to come out

1088
02:53:40,230 --> 02:53:42,870
and adjudicate an event of this size.

1089
02:53:42,870 --> 02:53:44,310
And as well as with the Convention Centre,

1090
02:53:44,310 --> 02:53:47,430
I'll be looking at costs
about $30 to $35,000,

1091
02:53:47,430 --> 02:53:49,140
that's making operational

1092
02:53:49,140 --> 02:53:51,870
and just the judgment of the event

1093
02:53:51,870 --> 02:53:54,480
about $75,000 in hard costs.

1094
02:53:54,480 --> 02:53:57,930
That is not including
anything to do with marketing.

1095
02:53:57,930 --> 02:53:59,430
And I think that we can all agree

1096
02:53:59,430 --> 02:54:01,470
when it comes to having
a successful event,

1097
02:54:01,470 --> 02:54:03,060
everything is about how you package it

1098
02:54:03,060 --> 02:54:04,560
and how you market it these days.

1099
02:54:04,560 --> 02:54:06,600
So that's why I'm here to justify

1100
02:54:06,600 --> 02:54:08,940
for that ask of that set funding.

1101
02:54:08,940 --> 02:54:11,880
And here is the list of
personalized creators

1102
02:54:11,880 --> 02:54:13,860
that I have a personal relationship

1103
02:54:13,860 --> 02:54:16,320
that are all based here in Toronto

1104
02:54:16,320 --> 02:54:17,730
all the way to Western New York.

1105
02:54:17,730 --> 02:54:22,730
And combined on this list is
5.9 million combined followers

1106
02:54:22,740 --> 02:54:24,060
of all of these people.

1107
02:54:24,060 --> 02:54:25,560
There's no agent, there's no middleman

1108
02:54:25,560 --> 02:54:27,000
that anyone has to go through.

1109
02:54:27,000 --> 02:54:28,920
I have the direct relationship

1110
02:54:28,920 --> 02:54:30,630
with each and every single one of them.

1111
02:54:30,630 --> 02:54:34,680
And even if we can convert
less than half of a percent

1112
02:54:34,680 --> 02:54:35,880
of these people's followers

1113
02:54:35,880 --> 02:54:38,280
to come in and join us at the event,

1114
02:54:38,280 --> 02:54:41,040
we'll be that much closer
to breaking the world record

1115
02:54:41,040 --> 02:54:43,140
along with our other marketing efforts.

1116
02:54:43,140 --> 02:54:44,850
And there's also creators on here

1117
02:54:44,850 --> 02:54:47,130
that have not been listed as of yet.

1118
02:54:47,130 --> 02:54:48,210
We'll reach these projections

1119
02:54:48,210 --> 02:54:50,130
through doing various talk shows

1120
02:54:50,130 --> 02:54:53,250
for my relationship with
"CHCH," "The Morning Show."

1121
02:54:53,250 --> 02:54:54,180
I also have a relationship

1122
02:54:54,180 --> 02:54:56,040
with Global News among other outlets.

1123
02:54:56,040 --> 02:54:59,520
And here's our strategic
target community partners,

1124
02:54:59,520 --> 02:55:01,140
some of which I have already spoken to,

1125
02:55:01,140 --> 02:55:03,120
like Niagara Falls Tourism,

1126
02:55:03,120 --> 02:55:05,010
the University of Niagara Falls Canada,

1127
02:55:05,010 --> 02:55:06,120
Money Buys Happiness,

1128
02:55:06,120 --> 02:55:09,270
which is Canada's largest podcast outlet

1129
02:55:09,270 --> 02:55:12,240
that exists in our
country based in Toronto.

1130
02:55:12,240 --> 02:55:15,150
And as well as the relationship

1131
02:55:15,150 --> 02:55:17,880
that I've been able to cultivate
with the Fallsview Group

1132
02:55:17,880 --> 02:55:20,130
for the last 10 years.

1133
02:55:20,130 --> 02:55:23,130
And they have been more
than gracious to say

1134
02:55:23,130 --> 02:55:25,500
that we have their full and
entire endorsement and support

1135
02:55:25,500 --> 02:55:27,090
when it comes to putting on an event

1136
02:55:27,090 --> 02:55:29,640
of this magnitude and of this scale.

1137
02:55:29,640 --> 02:55:31,650
So again, reinforcing the ask

1138
02:55:31,650 --> 02:55:33,810
as to what would be the
biggest cost for this event.

1139
02:55:33,810 --> 02:55:36,210
Like I had said earlier
about Guinness World Records

1140
02:55:36,210 --> 02:55:38,400
and the cost for the Convention Centre

1141
02:55:38,400 --> 02:55:41,940
and all of our marketing,
this is not a one-off event

1142
02:55:41,940 --> 02:55:43,290
that we're looking to
break the world record

1143
02:55:43,290 --> 02:55:44,190
and cement ourself.

1144
02:55:44,190 --> 02:55:45,870
This is looking for us to expand

1145
02:55:45,870 --> 02:55:49,110
and use as a launchpad
for years going forward.

1146
02:55:49,110 --> 02:55:51,420
I've also collected over
20 letters of endorsement

1147
02:55:51,420 --> 02:55:52,253
for people who have said

1148
02:55:52,253 --> 02:55:54,930
that they have personally
endorsed me for the event.

1149
02:55:54,930 --> 02:55:56,880
And some of them being from members

1150
02:55:56,880 --> 02:55:58,440
of the Board of Ontario Creates

1151
02:55:58,440 --> 02:56:00,960
as well as Canada's
largest not-for-profit,

1152
02:56:00,960 --> 02:56:03,900
Canada's Music Incubator
and Coalition Music

1153
02:56:03,900 --> 02:56:06,300
who represent the likes of Simple Plan,

1154
02:56:06,300 --> 02:56:08,730
Our Lady Peace and many others.

1155
02:56:08,730 --> 02:56:10,590
So with that being said, Niagara,

1156
02:56:10,590 --> 02:56:14,010
do you want to make history and
put Niagara Falls on the map

1157
02:56:14,010 --> 02:56:17,250
and become the global ugly
sweater capital of the world?

1158
02:56:17,250 --> 02:56:19,500
The choice is yours and I'd
love to do this with you.

1159
02:56:19,500 --> 02:56:21,060
Thank you very much for your time.

1160
02:56:21,060 --> 02:56:23,114
- Very good, thank you very much.

1161
02:56:23,114 --> 02:56:25,710
So good work. Wow, holy.
(attendees applause)

1162
02:56:25,710 --> 02:56:28,140
We got clapping sessions
today and everything.

1163
02:56:28,140 --> 02:56:30,060
So Matt Anthony, maybe we'll go to council

1164
02:56:30,060 --> 02:56:31,170
and see if we've got some questions.

1165
02:56:31,170 --> 02:56:32,820
I got Councilor Strange

1166
02:56:32,820 --> 02:56:34,287
and then we'll see if we
got any other questions.

1167
02:56:34,287 --> 02:56:36,060
And Councilor Dabrowski.
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

1168
02:56:36,060 --> 02:56:39,000
Thank you, Matt, for
that lovely presentation.

1169
02:56:39,000 --> 02:56:42,837
I see Brad Pine dressed
up early for the contest.

1170
02:56:42,837 --> 02:56:43,670
(Diodati laughs)
- I think he did.

1171
02:56:43,670 --> 02:56:44,700
- Perfect.
- Might I have to win?

1172
02:56:44,700 --> 02:56:46,636
- Yeah.
- That's an insult.

1173
02:56:46,636 --> 02:56:47,987
- No. How is that an insult?

1174
02:56:47,987 --> 02:56:50,133
- I'm a Canadian, I apologize.

1175
02:56:52,740 --> 02:56:55,200
- Anyway, so if you
accomplish this next year,

1176
02:56:55,200 --> 02:56:58,017
you want to be able to just
roll it out every single year,

1177
02:56:58,017 --> 02:56:59,397
the same-
- Same event concept.

1178
02:56:59,397 --> 02:57:01,470
- do the same-
- Yep, same everything.

1179
02:57:01,470 --> 02:57:04,230
So we'll cement ourselves into
the world record this year

1180
02:57:04,230 --> 02:57:07,500
by owning the title of world's
largest ugly sweater party.

1181
02:57:07,500 --> 02:57:09,960
And then we'll be able to
host it again year after year

1182
02:57:09,960 --> 02:57:11,880
with the attendance to get hopefully

1183
02:57:11,880 --> 02:57:14,640
about 15 to 20% increase year after year.

1184
02:57:14,640 --> 02:57:17,100
So it'll be world's largest
ugly sweater party this year.

1185
02:57:17,100 --> 02:57:18,210
World's largest ugly sweater party

1186
02:57:18,210 --> 02:57:20,190
year two, year three, year four,

1187
02:57:20,190 --> 02:57:21,750
and run it until I can't run it again

1188
02:57:21,750 --> 02:57:22,583
no more.
- Perfect.

1189
02:57:22,583 --> 02:57:24,900
And this kind of leads into my next segue

1190
02:57:24,900 --> 02:57:26,193
because myself and Councilor Baldinelli

1191
02:57:26,193 --> 02:57:28,470
have been trying to
find out how much money

1192
02:57:28,470 --> 02:57:30,660
we do have in the MAT Fund.

1193
02:57:30,660 --> 02:57:33,137
So maybe we can get a
report back sooner or later.

1194
02:57:33,137 --> 02:57:35,910
I don't know when that's
going to come, so, you know.

1195
02:57:35,910 --> 02:57:36,743
- [Diodati] Thank you.

1196
02:57:36,743 --> 02:57:37,740
Thank you for that, Councilor Strange.

1197
02:57:37,740 --> 02:57:39,180
We'll go to Councilor Dabrowski.

1198
02:57:39,180 --> 02:57:42,093
- Yeah, through you. Great
energy, nice presentation.

1199
02:57:43,080 --> 02:57:46,170
It's a niche event, it's a novelty event,

1200
02:57:46,170 --> 02:57:47,040
but it's a great event.

1201
02:57:47,040 --> 02:57:51,750
I look back at the Buffalo's
largest disco started in 1994,

1202
02:57:51,750 --> 02:57:54,060
drew 2,000 people in its first year

1203
02:57:54,060 --> 02:57:56,700
and it's gone on for 20, 25 plus years.

1204
02:57:56,700 --> 02:57:59,250
It's raised millions of
dollars for charities.

1205
02:57:59,250 --> 02:58:02,790
It draws 7,000 people each
year, sells out every year.

1206
02:58:02,790 --> 02:58:07,200
And it's one of those
tourism destination events.

1207
02:58:07,200 --> 02:58:09,170
It's what I see Niagara Falls

1208
02:58:09,170 --> 02:58:11,820
as being known for the
world's largest sweater party,

1209
02:58:11,820 --> 02:58:14,310
eventually, once we break that record.

1210
02:58:14,310 --> 02:58:17,760
My question is, in
terms of media coverage,

1211
02:58:17,760 --> 02:58:21,150
you've mentioned CHTV, City
News, a lot of local outlets,

1212
02:58:21,150 --> 02:58:22,560
a lot of regional outlets.

1213
02:58:22,560 --> 02:58:25,050
Do you see the first year, if
you were to break that record,

1214
02:58:25,050 --> 02:58:27,000
do we see the CNNs, the "Today Shows,"

1215
02:58:27,000 --> 02:58:28,050
the "Good Morning Americas"?

1216
02:58:28,050 --> 02:58:31,440
Do we see North American media
markets picking up on this?

1217
02:58:31,440 --> 02:58:34,290
Do you feel that, is that
part of the strategy?

1218
02:58:34,290 --> 02:58:35,123
- Absolutely.
- I'm just trying

1219
02:58:35,123 --> 02:58:36,060
to look at the big picture

1220
02:58:36,060 --> 02:58:39,240
because it's not just about the attendees,

1221
02:58:39,240 --> 02:58:41,130
it's not just about the hotel stays,

1222
02:58:41,130 --> 02:58:43,530
it's about putting
Niagara Falls on the map

1223
02:58:43,530 --> 02:58:44,880
nationally and internationally.

1224
02:58:44,880 --> 02:58:47,160
So if you could give me
some insight on that,

1225
02:58:47,160 --> 02:58:49,740
it'll help me come to a conclusion to see,

1226
02:58:49,740 --> 02:58:51,000
if we have the funding,

1227
02:58:51,000 --> 02:58:55,110
and how much we have in that
bucket if we can allocate some

1228
02:58:55,110 --> 02:58:56,950
to make this event happen this year, so.

1229
02:58:56,950 --> 02:58:57,990
- Yeah.
- I'll let you answer.

1230
02:58:57,990 --> 02:58:58,823
- Well thank you very much

1231
02:58:58,823 --> 02:58:59,940
for the question, Councilor Dabrowski,

1232
02:58:59,940 --> 02:59:01,500
I super, super appreciate that.

1233
02:59:01,500 --> 02:59:04,200
That is 100% the plan to do that,

1234
02:59:04,200 --> 02:59:07,230
to get as mass media
attention as possible.

1235
02:59:07,230 --> 02:59:10,410
And also after talking with
Guinness Book of World Records

1236
02:59:10,410 --> 02:59:11,243
and they said that they've worked

1237
02:59:11,243 --> 02:59:13,170
with other Niagara Falls
businesses too as well.

1238
02:59:13,170 --> 02:59:15,180
They said that they would put
their best efforts forward

1239
02:59:15,180 --> 02:59:16,890
to help ensure that they can put me

1240
02:59:16,890 --> 02:59:18,540
in the right rooms and the right contacts

1241
02:59:18,540 --> 02:59:22,050
to get as much national and
global exposure as possible.

1242
02:59:22,050 --> 02:59:24,000
So that is definitely 100% the plan.

1243
02:59:24,000 --> 02:59:26,130
And I think that this won't necessarily be

1244
02:59:26,130 --> 02:59:27,720
one of the biggest event
brands that come out of Canada.

1245
02:59:27,720 --> 02:59:28,890
I strongly believe this will be one

1246
02:59:28,890 --> 02:59:29,723
of the biggest event brands

1247
02:59:29,723 --> 02:59:31,553
that can come out in the entire world.

1248
02:59:32,400 --> 02:59:34,170
- And then in terms of cost,

1249
02:59:34,170 --> 02:59:37,020
have you done the due diligence
in revenue generation?

1250
02:59:37,020 --> 02:59:39,090
I saw the slide about ticket sales.

1251
02:59:39,090 --> 02:59:41,580
Are there vendors that are
being charged vendor prices

1252
02:59:41,580 --> 02:59:44,054
to help tackle that expense?

1253
02:59:44,054 --> 02:59:46,590
Or are you exhausting
all revenue opportunities

1254
02:59:46,590 --> 02:59:49,290
to come to that amount of revenue?

1255
02:59:49,290 --> 02:59:51,330
- The majority of the tickets would come

1256
02:59:51,330 --> 02:59:54,510
from the hotel stays and
the ticket revenue for that.

1257
02:59:54,510 --> 02:59:56,997
The vendors will play a
small portion of that,

1258
02:59:56,997 --> 03:00:00,230
but would probably make
up less than 5 to 10%

1259
03:00:00,230 --> 03:00:02,070
of the total event revenue generated.

1260
03:00:02,070 --> 03:00:03,540
So revenue will come in from that,

1261
03:00:03,540 --> 03:00:05,427
but it won't be the main
focal point from it.

1262
03:00:05,427 --> 03:00:08,490
- Okay, and the last one, and
we're a tourist destination,

1263
03:00:08,490 --> 03:00:09,930
we look for overnight stays.

1264
03:00:09,930 --> 03:00:12,510
With a one-day event, do you
see people coming for two days,

1265
03:00:12,510 --> 03:00:14,100
for two nights, or is it more of a,

1266
03:00:14,100 --> 03:00:15,060
would they come in the morning,

1267
03:00:15,060 --> 03:00:16,620
enjoy the event during the day

1268
03:00:16,620 --> 03:00:18,420
and then leave the next day?

1269
03:00:18,420 --> 03:00:20,940
Or could you see them
showing up on Friday,

1270
03:00:20,940 --> 03:00:22,560
getting prepared for the event?

1271
03:00:22,560 --> 03:00:24,930
It's December weather, people
have to plan accordingly.

1272
03:00:24,930 --> 03:00:26,610
Do you see people staying for two nights?

1273
03:00:26,610 --> 03:00:29,310
- I do. Yeah, absolutely.
- All right, thanks.

1274
03:00:29,310 --> 03:00:30,270
- [Diodati] That's great. Thank you.

1275
03:00:30,270 --> 03:00:31,203
Councilor Lococo?

1276
03:00:32,610 --> 03:00:35,220
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor, through
the mayor to the speaker.

1277
03:00:35,220 --> 03:00:36,960
Thank you so much for
your presentation, Matt.

1278
03:00:36,960 --> 03:00:39,660
- Thank you.
- Very creative.

1279
03:00:39,660 --> 03:00:41,520
Thank you for putting it together.

1280
03:00:41,520 --> 03:00:45,030
I'm looking at this as a discussion

1281
03:00:45,030 --> 03:00:46,560
that might be a little bit premature

1282
03:00:46,560 --> 03:00:50,760
as Councilor Strange and
Councilor Dabrowski just said,

1283
03:00:50,760 --> 03:00:55,050
it's about our MAT and I'm
sure $185,000 is there,

1284
03:00:55,050 --> 03:00:58,890
but we haven't determined about
what we're spending it on,

1285
03:00:58,890 --> 03:01:00,060
how we're spending it,

1286
03:01:00,060 --> 03:01:02,370
what is the process to apply for it.

1287
03:01:02,370 --> 03:01:04,830
I think out of transparency for everyone

1288
03:01:04,830 --> 03:01:07,260
and to give a fairness
that anybody can apply,

1289
03:01:07,260 --> 03:01:09,240
we really need to come up with criteria

1290
03:01:09,240 --> 03:01:12,030
and an application process.

1291
03:01:12,030 --> 03:01:14,760
Nothing against your event.
This is a great event.

1292
03:01:14,760 --> 03:01:15,870
It's the process.

1293
03:01:15,870 --> 03:01:18,000
This is the first time that
we've had somebody come

1294
03:01:18,000 --> 03:01:20,790
and ask for money for it from the MAT.

1295
03:01:20,790 --> 03:01:23,100
But we don't have a process
to deal with that yet.

1296
03:01:23,100 --> 03:01:25,170
And I really think we
need to figure that out

1297
03:01:25,170 --> 03:01:28,440
before we start slotting money

1298
03:01:28,440 --> 03:01:31,170
into that MAT use.

1299
03:01:31,170 --> 03:01:33,990
And so that's what I would be looking for.

1300
03:01:33,990 --> 03:01:34,980
- [Diodati] Thank you for that, Councilor.

1301
03:01:34,980 --> 03:01:36,407
Councilor Nieuwesteeg.
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor

1302
03:01:36,407 --> 03:01:37,890
and to the speaker.

1303
03:01:37,890 --> 03:01:39,960
And to piggyback on where Councilor Lococo

1304
03:01:39,960 --> 03:01:42,450
was going as well, we
don't have the MAT tax,

1305
03:01:42,450 --> 03:01:43,680
but even more so than that,

1306
03:01:43,680 --> 03:01:46,020
we don't even have other applicants.

1307
03:01:46,020 --> 03:01:47,880
So there could be somebody
else coming up with things.

1308
03:01:47,880 --> 03:01:51,450
So I think in order to
make a qualified decision,

1309
03:01:51,450 --> 03:01:54,330
we have to look at all the things.

1310
03:01:54,330 --> 03:01:56,340
Your presentation's absolutely fabulous,

1311
03:01:56,340 --> 03:01:58,200
your energy, I think it's great.

1312
03:01:58,200 --> 03:02:01,320
And also to that point,
we are councilors as well.

1313
03:02:01,320 --> 03:02:03,810
We're not hoteliers or tourist people.

1314
03:02:03,810 --> 03:02:06,900
So I think those decisions
have to be made in conjunction

1315
03:02:06,900 --> 03:02:09,720
with people who really can
see the different events.

1316
03:02:09,720 --> 03:02:11,490
'Cause it is a large ask

1317
03:02:11,490 --> 03:02:12,630
and it would be fabulous

1318
03:02:12,630 --> 03:02:14,670
if we could be put on the map for that.

1319
03:02:14,670 --> 03:02:17,010
But we don't know what
else is coming our way.

1320
03:02:17,010 --> 03:02:19,320
So I think it's a great presentation.

1321
03:02:19,320 --> 03:02:22,050
Not saying no, but just
not saying we're ready

1322
03:02:22,050 --> 03:02:24,420
to make that decision till
we have all the information

1323
03:02:24,420 --> 03:02:27,480
so we can make a really
proper educated decision.

1324
03:02:27,480 --> 03:02:31,890
So I back Councilor
Lococo's discussion as well.

1325
03:02:31,890 --> 03:02:34,140
- So I'm sorry. Yeah, go
ahead, Councilor Dabrowski.

1326
03:02:34,140 --> 03:02:34,973
Thank you, Councilor.

1327
03:02:34,973 --> 03:02:36,930
- Yeah, to that end, we've had,

1328
03:02:36,930 --> 03:02:38,970
I can't count them on my fingers

1329
03:02:38,970 --> 03:02:41,460
how many events and festivals
we've had come to this council

1330
03:02:41,460 --> 03:02:43,230
over the course of the last six months.

1331
03:02:43,230 --> 03:02:45,390
We've been talking about
that MAT tax money.

1332
03:02:45,390 --> 03:02:48,540
We have a local entrepreneur
that's coming into city council

1333
03:02:48,540 --> 03:02:51,543
prepared, set, has a budget,
has a marketing plan.

1334
03:02:52,860 --> 03:02:55,620
I would love to give
some sort of indication

1335
03:02:55,620 --> 03:02:56,867
on whether or not he can come back

1336
03:02:56,867 --> 03:03:00,330
in the next 30 days,
60 days to this council

1337
03:03:00,330 --> 03:03:01,800
with a revised presentation

1338
03:03:01,800 --> 03:03:03,090
once we find out those numbers.

1339
03:03:03,090 --> 03:03:04,410
But the clock is ticking.

1340
03:03:04,410 --> 03:03:07,080
We were at the last council
meeting talking about RibFest.

1341
03:03:07,080 --> 03:03:09,147
They came in, they only had
two weeks to pull it together

1342
03:03:09,147 --> 03:03:12,660
and they did and we had
full commitment with that.

1343
03:03:12,660 --> 03:03:15,180
Great presentation. But
where do we go from here?

1344
03:03:15,180 --> 03:03:19,470
And does Mr. Guarasci shelf
this idea for another year

1345
03:03:19,470 --> 03:03:21,510
and let another municipality take it over

1346
03:03:21,510 --> 03:03:22,860
and let the millions of views

1347
03:03:22,860 --> 03:03:25,140
and the thousands of tourists
come into their municipality

1348
03:03:25,140 --> 03:03:26,250
and stay at their hotels

1349
03:03:26,250 --> 03:03:28,440
during an off season
when we need it the most?

1350
03:03:28,440 --> 03:03:30,660
Or are we going to work
towards some sort of resolution

1351
03:03:30,660 --> 03:03:33,150
where we come back with some numbers

1352
03:03:33,150 --> 03:03:35,490
at the next council meeting
or whenever it will be?

1353
03:03:35,490 --> 03:03:36,810
I guess we'll ask staff that,

1354
03:03:36,810 --> 03:03:40,410
but I don't want to see this
idea go to another municipality.

1355
03:03:40,410 --> 03:03:42,537
I think the clock is
ticking for this year.

1356
03:03:42,537 --> 03:03:44,940
And if it's not the full
ask that we're supporting,

1357
03:03:44,940 --> 03:03:46,500
I'd like to see some sort of hybrid.

1358
03:03:46,500 --> 03:03:49,680
And if that means he comes back to us

1359
03:03:49,680 --> 03:03:51,030
with a revised presentation,

1360
03:03:51,030 --> 03:03:53,970
but, you know, if it's yes or no today,

1361
03:03:53,970 --> 03:03:56,910
I'd love to at least give
some sort of indication

1362
03:03:56,910 --> 03:03:58,050
on where he goes from here

1363
03:03:58,050 --> 03:03:59,520
and where other events go from here.

1364
03:03:59,520 --> 03:04:02,070
Because we're now looking at July 1st

1365
03:04:02,070 --> 03:04:04,200
as our next large municipal event,

1366
03:04:04,200 --> 03:04:05,820
October, November, December

1367
03:04:05,820 --> 03:04:08,160
and the shoulder season will
be here before we know it.

1368
03:04:08,160 --> 03:04:09,960
And if we're not prepared
and planning now,

1369
03:04:09,960 --> 03:04:11,130
then we'll be behind,

1370
03:04:11,130 --> 03:04:13,560
not yet another year,
but another two years.

1371
03:04:13,560 --> 03:04:15,120
Because I think we've
been talking about this

1372
03:04:15,120 --> 03:04:16,680
for over 24 months.

1373
03:04:16,680 --> 03:04:18,750
- So maybe make a suggestion.

1374
03:04:18,750 --> 03:04:20,160
Oh, did you want to comment?
Go ahead, Councilor.

1375
03:04:20,160 --> 03:04:21,990
- I, sorry, Mr., I was just going to say

1376
03:04:21,990 --> 03:04:23,010
'cause they were planning to have this

1377
03:04:23,010 --> 03:04:25,020
maybe at the Convention Centre.

1378
03:04:25,020 --> 03:04:28,020
Is there a way that if
we don't have the number

1379
03:04:28,020 --> 03:04:28,853
in the MAT tax

1380
03:04:28,853 --> 03:04:30,240
that we can do some maybe in-kind

1381
03:04:30,240 --> 03:04:35,240
and donate a room or a hall
where you're planning to have it

1382
03:04:35,460 --> 03:04:36,480
and possibly take away

1383
03:04:36,480 --> 03:04:39,150
from that a hundred and
whatever the thousand dollars,

1384
03:04:39,150 --> 03:04:40,920
but the math has to get figured out.

1385
03:04:40,920 --> 03:04:42,900
But I think there's some
way that we might be able

1386
03:04:42,900 --> 03:04:45,270
to do some in-kind services

1387
03:04:45,270 --> 03:04:47,080
like the hall for free for that day

1388
03:04:48,190 --> 03:04:49,023
when we do that.

1389
03:04:49,023 --> 03:04:51,480
'Cause I think it'd be huge,
it'd be huge coverage for us.

1390
03:04:51,480 --> 03:04:54,930
And like Councilor
Dabrowski says, you know,

1391
03:04:54,930 --> 03:04:56,340
it's almost July already.

1392
03:04:56,340 --> 03:04:57,680
If you're planning to do this next year

1393
03:04:57,680 --> 03:04:59,190
in the winter months,

1394
03:04:59,190 --> 03:05:02,280
and if there's a season
where maybe, you know,

1395
03:05:02,280 --> 03:05:04,290
the Convention Centre doesn't
get that busy or something,

1396
03:05:04,290 --> 03:05:06,240
maybe we can fill them
in for a couple days

1397
03:05:06,240 --> 03:05:09,270
and plan that event at that time.

1398
03:05:09,270 --> 03:05:10,200
- That's a great idea.

1399
03:05:10,200 --> 03:05:11,940
And so maybe a suggestion,

1400
03:05:11,940 --> 03:05:13,670
maybe if we refer this back to staff

1401
03:05:13,670 --> 03:05:16,290
to come back with something of a report

1402
03:05:16,290 --> 03:05:20,190
and as Councilors Nieuwesteeg
and Lococo suggested,

1403
03:05:20,190 --> 03:05:23,190
maybe with some kind of a vetting process,

1404
03:05:23,190 --> 03:05:25,740
we could also have discussions
with the Convention Centre

1405
03:05:25,740 --> 03:05:27,240
and maybe we can get some in-kind.

1406
03:05:27,240 --> 03:05:30,000
And this could possibly be a part

1407
03:05:30,000 --> 03:05:31,170
of the Winter Festival of Lights,

1408
03:05:31,170 --> 03:05:33,180
could be part of the kickoff in November

1409
03:05:33,180 --> 03:05:34,680
and turn it into an overnight

1410
03:05:34,680 --> 03:05:37,740
and be part of the celebration
that has become huge.

1411
03:05:37,740 --> 03:05:39,840
It brings millions of
people to Niagara Falls.

1412
03:05:39,840 --> 03:05:41,460
Partner with the Parks Commission.

1413
03:05:41,460 --> 03:05:43,710
You know, so my head's
spinning with ideas too,

1414
03:05:43,710 --> 03:05:45,810
and I just think maybe, I
think it's a great idea too,

1415
03:05:45,810 --> 03:05:47,400
and I'm with you, I don't
want to see it go away,

1416
03:05:47,400 --> 03:05:49,830
but at the same time we can't frivolously,

1417
03:05:49,830 --> 03:05:51,360
you know, make commitments.

1418
03:05:51,360 --> 03:05:53,970
So maybe if we just pause
for a little bit of time,

1419
03:05:53,970 --> 03:05:55,080
have staff come back

1420
03:05:55,080 --> 03:05:57,210
and if I saw your hand
up, Councilor Baldinelli,

1421
03:05:57,210 --> 03:05:58,650
did you want to speak to it

1422
03:05:58,650 --> 03:06:00,450
or make a motion or what did you want?

1423
03:06:00,450 --> 03:06:02,190
- Well, thank you very
much for the presentation

1424
03:06:02,190 --> 03:06:06,270
and I agree with the other
councilors on the MAT tax,

1425
03:06:06,270 --> 03:06:08,370
but we were supposed to actually,

1426
03:06:08,370 --> 03:06:13,230
during the proposal for MAT tax by-law,

1427
03:06:13,230 --> 03:06:16,950
I think Councilor
Nieuwesteeg had amended it

1428
03:06:16,950 --> 03:06:18,600
for us to create a committee.

1429
03:06:18,600 --> 03:06:21,330
And I'm not understanding
why it hasn't been done yet.

1430
03:06:21,330 --> 03:06:23,760
So I think we should fall back
and look back at that meeting

1431
03:06:23,760 --> 03:06:26,400
and make sure we fulfill the by-law

1432
03:06:26,400 --> 03:06:28,067
and have, I mean it was part of it

1433
03:06:28,067 --> 03:06:29,910
and we were supposed to form a committee

1434
03:06:29,910 --> 03:06:31,620
so that we know exactly what's going on.

1435
03:06:31,620 --> 03:06:34,110
We have three buckets
and I need to, you know,

1436
03:06:34,110 --> 03:06:36,180
which bucket are you start taking from.

1437
03:06:36,180 --> 03:06:37,130
Our bucket is supposed to be

1438
03:06:37,130 --> 03:06:39,510
to take care of beautification and stuff

1439
03:06:39,510 --> 03:06:43,530
and help events like this drive tourism

1440
03:06:43,530 --> 03:06:46,110
and also benefit the
people of Niagara Falls.

1441
03:06:46,110 --> 03:06:48,090
So I'm agreeing with everybody else.

1442
03:06:48,090 --> 03:06:50,040
I think we need to report
as soon as possible.

1443
03:06:50,040 --> 03:06:51,900
I mean we had last year
we didn't get a report

1444
03:06:51,900 --> 03:06:52,733
for the end of the year,

1445
03:06:52,733 --> 03:06:54,150
which we were supposed to get yearly

1446
03:06:54,150 --> 03:06:55,740
and we didn't get that report.

1447
03:06:55,740 --> 03:06:56,847
And we need this report

1448
03:06:56,847 --> 03:06:59,970
and I think we should do it
more quarterly than year end.

1449
03:06:59,970 --> 03:07:03,540
And so we know exactly what's
going on and with tourism

1450
03:07:03,540 --> 03:07:05,340
and how we can drive tourism

1451
03:07:05,340 --> 03:07:06,870
and make it prosperous for everybody.

1452
03:07:06,870 --> 03:07:07,770
Thank you.
- Yep.

1453
03:07:07,770 --> 03:07:09,920
And in fairness, I mean we
just started April 1st, right?

1454
03:07:09,920 --> 03:07:12,393
We just started collecting it for this.

1455
03:07:12,393 --> 03:07:14,909
- Well we, last year
we had the STAR system.

1456
03:07:14,909 --> 03:07:16,020
- Yeah.
- Yeah.

1457
03:07:16,020 --> 03:07:20,160
- So we still have that year
end from last year to year end.

1458
03:07:20,160 --> 03:07:22,180
And then we had, before
that we had nothing, so.

1459
03:07:22,180 --> 03:07:23,610
- Well, we had the lawsuit,

1460
03:07:23,610 --> 03:07:24,540
like we had a lot of things

1461
03:07:24,540 --> 03:07:25,373
we were dealing with-
- Oh, I understand that.

1462
03:07:25,373 --> 03:07:27,870
- and I just want to say staff's
plate's been full on this.

1463
03:07:27,870 --> 03:07:30,030
But I'm going to ask our
CAO to maybe comment on it,

1464
03:07:30,030 --> 03:07:32,460
give us an update and we'll
try to direct the discussion

1465
03:07:32,460 --> 03:07:34,290
toward moving it forward.

1466
03:07:34,290 --> 03:07:35,940
- So just so council has,

1467
03:07:35,940 --> 03:07:40,200
this council has approved
$846,000 in that tax spending.

1468
03:07:40,200 --> 03:07:44,100
So to remind council, by-law
support, illumination board,

1469
03:07:44,100 --> 03:07:47,310
beautification, tourism
area service-level increase

1470
03:07:47,310 --> 03:07:52,310
and the airport revenue
guarantee for that.

1471
03:07:52,320 --> 03:07:54,990
So that added up to $846,000.

1472
03:07:54,990 --> 03:07:56,640
This council also made a priority

1473
03:07:56,640 --> 03:07:58,290
for the New Year's Eve show,

1474
03:07:58,290 --> 03:08:00,900
which is still an existing question mark.

1475
03:08:00,900 --> 03:08:03,270
And this council also authorized

1476
03:08:03,270 --> 03:08:06,300
for Mr. Adames to come back with a report

1477
03:08:06,300 --> 03:08:08,070
at the end of the year for the governance,

1478
03:08:08,070 --> 03:08:10,620
which would answer some
of those questions.

1479
03:08:10,620 --> 03:08:14,730
So the amount of revenue is unknown,

1480
03:08:14,730 --> 03:08:19,730
but going into the $846,000
without doing anything else,

1481
03:08:20,490 --> 03:08:24,930
we had approximately $640,000 to spend.

1482
03:08:24,930 --> 03:08:26,850
So we need to take a look at that.

1483
03:08:26,850 --> 03:08:31,080
And we also have the commitment
to the Misty City Music one.

1484
03:08:31,080 --> 03:08:35,640
So we are trying to be careful with that.

1485
03:08:35,640 --> 03:08:37,020
But that's in full disclosure.

1486
03:08:37,020 --> 03:08:38,940
So I don't mind bringing a report back.

1487
03:08:38,940 --> 03:08:42,483
I do agree with a method to be brought to,

1488
03:08:43,950 --> 03:08:45,810
you know, to handle applications

1489
03:08:45,810 --> 03:08:48,090
and the Economic Development Team

1490
03:08:48,090 --> 03:08:51,210
is going to bring a process through,

1491
03:08:51,210 --> 03:08:55,300
but we are trying to align
it with Mr. Adames' approach

1492
03:08:57,169 --> 03:08:59,310
to the governance model also.

1493
03:08:59,310 --> 03:09:00,870
- So maybe if we can get a motion,

1494
03:09:00,870 --> 03:09:02,250
we'll refer this back to staff.

1495
03:09:02,250 --> 03:09:05,520
Councilor Lococo. Seconded
by Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

1496
03:09:05,520 --> 03:09:07,680
And we'll ask staff to come
back with a further report.

1497
03:09:07,680 --> 03:09:09,030
We'll do a little more digging in

1498
03:09:09,030 --> 03:09:11,430
and more due diligence, Matt Anthony.

1499
03:09:11,430 --> 03:09:12,870
And then we will be able to, I think,

1500
03:09:12,870 --> 03:09:14,490
be in a better position
to make a decision.

1501
03:09:14,490 --> 03:09:15,990
I think it's a great idea.

1502
03:09:15,990 --> 03:09:17,223
Let's just see what we can come up with

1503
03:09:17,223 --> 03:09:18,600
with a little bit of research.

1504
03:09:18,600 --> 03:09:21,120
So we've got motioned, seconded,

1505
03:09:21,120 --> 03:09:23,190
and if there's no further
discussion, we'll call the vote.

1506
03:09:23,190 --> 03:09:24,480
All those in favor?

1507
03:09:24,480 --> 03:09:26,580
Okay. That's unanimously referred.

1508
03:09:26,580 --> 03:09:27,960
So to be continued.

1509
03:09:27,960 --> 03:09:29,169
- Awesome. Great.
- All right. Thank you.

1510
03:09:29,169 --> 03:09:30,316
- Thank you all very much for your time.

1511
03:09:30,316 --> 03:09:32,983
Thank you very much.
- Thank you.

1512
03:09:34,033 --> 03:09:36,585
- All right, moving along, 7.3.

1513
03:09:36,585 --> 03:09:38,190
We have the Diversity, Equity,

1514
03:09:38,190 --> 03:09:40,710
and Inclusion Advisory Committee

1515
03:09:40,710 --> 03:09:42,600
and Marilyn Tian

1516
03:09:42,600 --> 03:09:44,583
is going to address council.

1517
03:09:46,350 --> 03:09:47,550
Welcome.

1518
03:09:47,550 --> 03:09:48,383
- Thank you.

1519
03:09:51,144 --> 03:09:52,230
Okay.

1520
03:09:52,230 --> 03:09:55,770
Good afternoon, mayor and
councilor and also guests.

1521
03:09:55,770 --> 03:09:58,173
Thank you for joining
us to celebrate the DEI.

1522
03:09:59,400 --> 03:10:01,500
Actually just a quick
acknowledgment of June,

1523
03:10:01,500 --> 03:10:03,870
because June is the Pride Month

1524
03:10:03,870 --> 03:10:07,350
and highlighting the LGBTQ+ advocacy,

1525
03:10:07,350 --> 03:10:12,350
and also national Indigenous
History Month in Canada.

1526
03:10:12,510 --> 03:10:13,470
So this, just.

1527
03:10:13,470 --> 03:10:17,430
And also I want to
recap, earlier this year

1528
03:10:17,430 --> 03:10:21,240
I made a presentation
regarding the DEI Summit.

1529
03:10:21,240 --> 03:10:22,073
Thank you, Mayor,

1530
03:10:22,073 --> 03:10:23,790
and also all the councilor
members' support,

1531
03:10:23,790 --> 03:10:27,060
and especially we have
Councilor Lori Lococo

1532
03:10:27,060 --> 03:10:29,520
and also Mona Patel

1533
03:10:29,520 --> 03:10:32,070
to being in person supporting the event.

1534
03:10:32,070 --> 03:10:36,990
We had a great turnout, over
150 attendees for the event.

1535
03:10:36,990 --> 03:10:40,203
So that's the most successful
in the past three years.

1536
03:10:42,270 --> 03:10:47,270
So we talking about quick, the DEI.

1537
03:10:47,280 --> 03:10:50,460
I don't need to read every
line, just quickly we have,

1538
03:10:50,460 --> 03:10:54,600
you know, two years ago
we, the city, the committee

1539
03:10:54,600 --> 03:10:57,570
and create this three awards to encourage

1540
03:10:57,570 --> 03:11:01,380
and also, you know, to help, you know,

1541
03:11:01,380 --> 03:11:02,880
the shout out for the community

1542
03:11:02,880 --> 03:11:06,660
to support and be participant initiatives.

1543
03:11:06,660 --> 03:11:09,213
So we do have a Workplace DEI Award.

1544
03:11:10,170 --> 03:11:13,710
So for the definition, is
recognized local business

1545
03:11:13,710 --> 03:11:17,310
committed to inclusive and
equitable work environments.

1546
03:11:17,310 --> 03:11:20,310
And the criteria actually
includes the leadership commitment

1547
03:11:20,310 --> 03:11:22,020
and effective communications.

1548
03:11:22,020 --> 03:11:26,910
So this year we have the
recipient, Enabled Talent,

1549
03:11:26,910 --> 03:11:29,970
and then later on we will
call them on the stage.

1550
03:11:29,970 --> 03:11:32,940
And the second one is
the Community DEI Award.

1551
03:11:32,940 --> 03:11:37,350
So honors organizations or individuals

1552
03:11:37,350 --> 03:11:41,580
with the significant contributions
to the local community.

1553
03:11:41,580 --> 03:11:43,020
And the criteria of this award

1554
03:11:43,020 --> 03:11:45,210
is a focus on community engagement

1555
03:11:45,210 --> 03:11:47,190
and also collaborative impact.

1556
03:11:47,190 --> 03:11:52,170
So we have this year's recipient
is a Niagarka Organization

1557
03:11:52,170 --> 03:11:54,270
and then we'll call it on the stage.

1558
03:11:54,270 --> 03:11:57,810
We have also a Youth Empowerment DEI Award

1559
03:11:57,810 --> 03:12:01,620
presented to the empowered youth

1560
03:12:01,620 --> 03:12:06,540
and the residents under the
age of 21 years old or younger.

1561
03:12:06,540 --> 03:12:09,900
Criteria is emphasized
advocacy and education.

1562
03:12:09,900 --> 03:12:12,330
So this year we do have a recipient

1563
03:12:12,330 --> 03:12:14,670
from St. Paul Catholic High School

1564
03:12:14,670 --> 03:12:17,490
and her name is Ainara,
and Ainara we'll call.

1565
03:12:17,490 --> 03:12:20,043
So for this in the end,

1566
03:12:24,760 --> 03:12:25,593
as we proceed with the
later on the presentation,

1567
03:12:28,200 --> 03:12:32,250
and then also let's
really honor the hard work

1568
03:12:32,250 --> 03:12:34,650
and the dedications of our recipients

1569
03:12:34,650 --> 03:12:38,490
whose efforts inspire
us to advocate for DEI

1570
03:12:38,490 --> 03:12:40,500
in all aspects of our lives.

1571
03:12:40,500 --> 03:12:43,230
And also I want to encourage everyone

1572
03:12:43,230 --> 03:12:48,230
to consider the nominations
for 2027 DEI Summit

1573
03:12:48,360 --> 03:12:49,740
and also the awards.

1574
03:12:49,740 --> 03:12:50,940
So thank you very much.

1575
03:12:50,940 --> 03:12:55,940
So for the next I'll call, so
our co-chair, Sheila DeLuca,

1576
03:12:56,083 --> 03:12:58,950
and also the award three
awards recipients to the stage.

1577
03:12:58,950 --> 03:13:01,050
And also I'll really welcome you

1578
03:13:01,050 --> 03:13:03,873
to join now for the award presentation.

1579
03:13:21,030 --> 03:13:22,650
- Okay. Run around, yeah.
- We'll have to.

1580
03:13:22,650 --> 03:13:24,150
- You can jump in if you want.

1581
03:13:25,371 --> 03:13:29,880
(Diodati chatters indistinctly)

1582
03:13:29,880 --> 03:13:32,010
- Mona Patel, please come.

1583
03:13:32,010 --> 03:13:35,043
I always maybe for one by one,

1584
03:13:36,450 --> 03:13:39,090
one by one first and later on
we have a group photo, okay?

1585
03:13:39,090 --> 03:13:40,623
So the first one.

1586
03:13:41,760 --> 03:13:44,490
It doesn't matter,
whoever, you know, just.

1587
03:13:44,490 --> 03:13:45,900
Which one?

1588
03:13:45,900 --> 03:13:47,640
Oh, okay. Youth award.

1589
03:13:47,640 --> 03:13:50,543
So for Ainara.
- Ainara right?

1590
03:13:50,543 --> 03:13:51,783
- So please come in.

1591
03:13:52,980 --> 03:13:54,376
- Oh, congratulations.
- Thank you.

1592
03:13:54,376 --> 03:13:55,809
- Sorry, I need to take it.
- Thank you.

1593
03:13:55,809 --> 03:13:58,050
- Thank you.
- Okay.

1594
03:13:58,050 --> 03:13:59,009
- Thank you.
- Okay.

1595
03:13:59,009 --> 03:14:01,470
- So you can present.
- So that's for...

1596
03:14:01,470 --> 03:14:02,303
- Thank you.
- Okay.

1597
03:14:02,303 --> 03:14:04,386
So we'll smile for the...

1598
03:14:13,560 --> 03:14:15,493
- Thank you. Do you want to say...?

1599
03:14:17,880 --> 03:14:19,500
- I would like to say first of all,

1600
03:14:19,500 --> 03:14:21,690
my name is Ainara Vincente-Madrano.

1601
03:14:21,690 --> 03:14:23,850
I'm an exchange student from Spain.

1602
03:14:23,850 --> 03:14:26,220
I've been here for two years already.

1603
03:14:26,220 --> 03:14:29,400
And Niagara Falls, well, Canada in general

1604
03:14:29,400 --> 03:14:32,340
has become my country, my family

1605
03:14:32,340 --> 03:14:35,610
and like something that
I will always remember

1606
03:14:35,610 --> 03:14:38,040
and will always be deep in my heart.

1607
03:14:38,040 --> 03:14:40,800
And these two years was amazing

1608
03:14:40,800 --> 03:14:43,800
and getting this opportunity
of receiving this award

1609
03:14:43,800 --> 03:14:46,980
makes me so proud of all
the job that I did here

1610
03:14:46,980 --> 03:14:48,300
and it makes me really happy

1611
03:14:48,300 --> 03:14:50,520
of becoming part of this family.

1612
03:14:50,520 --> 03:14:52,056
Thank you.
- Thank you.

1613
03:14:52,056 --> 03:14:53,328
(attendees applaud)

1614
03:14:53,328 --> 03:14:55,440
- You can just stay aside, wait for a bit

1615
03:14:55,440 --> 03:14:56,380
so we have...

1616
03:14:56,380 --> 03:14:58,910
- Oh, do you call them back?
- Huh?

1617
03:14:58,910 --> 03:15:02,040
- Yes. I just want to say
a few words about Ainara.

1618
03:15:02,040 --> 03:15:04,530
I am her teacher. Yes, yeah.

1619
03:15:04,530 --> 03:15:05,910
I am Ainara's teacher.

1620
03:15:05,910 --> 03:15:10,383
And me and a coworker
nominated you for this award.

1621
03:15:10,383 --> 03:15:12,364
- You have to hold it.
- Yep. So absolutely.

1622
03:15:12,364 --> 03:15:16,488
Oh sorry.
(attendees chatter)

1623
03:15:16,488 --> 03:15:17,738
- You're ready?

1624
03:15:20,501 --> 03:15:22,770
- Awesome. Okay, sorry, keep going.

1625
03:15:22,770 --> 03:15:24,630
- Oh, and I just wanted to say,

1626
03:15:24,630 --> 03:15:27,810
yes, that you have been
such an instrumental part

1627
03:15:27,810 --> 03:15:30,540
of St. Paul past couple years.

1628
03:15:30,540 --> 03:15:31,603
You live in my neighborhood

1629
03:15:31,603 --> 03:15:35,670
and I know the heart that
you have for your friends,

1630
03:15:35,670 --> 03:15:38,100
making our school inclusive.

1631
03:15:38,100 --> 03:15:40,320
We're going to miss you at St. Paul.

1632
03:15:40,320 --> 03:15:43,680
You really empower your classmates

1633
03:15:43,680 --> 03:15:45,780
and also you're so friendly and respectful

1634
03:15:45,780 --> 03:15:48,120
to the teachers and the staff.

1635
03:15:48,120 --> 03:15:49,530
You do amazing community work

1636
03:15:49,530 --> 03:15:51,990
for the Jaylon Craig Organization

1637
03:15:51,990 --> 03:15:53,703
and we're super proud of you.

1638
03:15:53,703 --> 03:15:54,750
Miss Armenti would love

1639
03:15:54,750 --> 03:15:56,533
to have been here
tonight to recognize you.

1640
03:15:56,533 --> 03:15:59,340
I know you're going here with your parents

1641
03:15:59,340 --> 03:16:02,580
who came from Spain a few days ago.

1642
03:16:02,580 --> 03:16:05,790
Yesterday they came from
Spain, they arrived yesterday.

1643
03:16:05,790 --> 03:16:07,350
And I know you're leaving to go home.

1644
03:16:07,350 --> 03:16:09,060
We're going to miss you tremendously.

1645
03:16:09,060 --> 03:16:10,661
So thank you.
- Thank you.

1646
03:16:10,661 --> 03:16:12,184
(attendees applaud)

1647
03:16:12,184 --> 03:16:16,502
- Love you so much.
- Thank you, thank you.

1648
03:16:16,502 --> 03:16:17,353
Thank you.
- Congratulations.

1649
03:16:17,353 --> 03:16:18,990
- Thank you.
- Here's the box.

1650
03:16:18,990 --> 03:16:20,070
- And maybe just wait then,

1651
03:16:20,070 --> 03:16:22,244
we're going to do group
photo after we're done.

1652
03:16:22,244 --> 03:16:23,503
We have a-
- We're going to do group photo

1653
03:16:23,503 --> 03:16:24,424
after we're done, so.

1654
03:16:24,424 --> 03:16:25,341
- Yes.
- So.

1655
03:16:26,678 --> 03:16:30,565
I'll hold that.
(all chatter indistinctly)

1656
03:16:30,565 --> 03:16:32,815
- Oh, you've read it. Okay.

1657
03:16:37,440 --> 03:16:38,690
- Let's do pictures of...

1658
03:16:52,812 --> 03:16:54,382
- Do you want to say...?

1659
03:16:54,382 --> 03:16:55,215
- Sure.

1660
03:16:56,250 --> 03:16:59,250
Thank you, Mayor, Marilyn,
and the committee members.

1661
03:16:59,250 --> 03:17:01,140
This is a prestigious award

1662
03:17:01,140 --> 03:17:04,530
and this acknowledgement really pushes us

1663
03:17:04,530 --> 03:17:06,540
towards our best efforts towards making

1664
03:17:06,540 --> 03:17:10,170
all the workplace accessible
and inclusive, right?

1665
03:17:10,170 --> 03:17:13,620
Starting from Niagara and
taking it to the whole Canada

1666
03:17:13,620 --> 03:17:16,867
and making Canada

1667
03:17:16,867 --> 03:17:18,940
a barrier-free workplace

1668
03:17:20,460 --> 03:17:21,692
as soon as possible.

1669
03:17:21,692 --> 03:17:22,931
Thank you.
- Okay, thank you.

1670
03:17:22,931 --> 03:17:24,073
(attendees applaud)

1671
03:17:24,073 --> 03:17:27,060
- I want add one more kind
of context introduced.

1672
03:17:27,060 --> 03:17:29,280
So one of the founders, Amindipp.

1673
03:17:29,280 --> 03:17:32,370
And he himself also is a disability,

1674
03:17:32,370 --> 03:17:33,203
you know, the founders of.

1675
03:17:33,203 --> 03:17:35,400
And he has done tremendous, you know,

1676
03:17:35,400 --> 03:17:39,000
the work for community, not
just let's say for himself,

1677
03:17:39,000 --> 03:17:40,500
but also created opportunity

1678
03:17:40,500 --> 03:17:43,050
for a lot of, let's say,
disabled in the workplace.

1679
03:17:43,050 --> 03:17:44,150
So thank you for that.

1680
03:17:45,330 --> 03:17:46,367
- Thank you.
- Just wait.

1681
03:17:46,367 --> 03:17:47,200
- Now, don't go too far.

1682
03:17:47,200 --> 03:17:48,387
We're going to do one shot of all of us.

1683
03:17:48,387 --> 03:17:50,177
- Okay. We have-
- Let me hold this.

1684
03:17:50,177 --> 03:17:51,927
Okay.
- Oh, thank you.

1685
03:17:55,535 --> 03:17:58,320
- So Community DEI Award,

1686
03:17:58,320 --> 03:18:00,745
present to Niagarka Organization.

1687
03:18:00,745 --> 03:18:02,366
Iryna, please come in.

1688
03:18:02,366 --> 03:18:05,366
(attendees applaud)

1689
03:18:06,842 --> 03:18:09,259
- Come on in for the picture.

1690
03:18:22,026 --> 03:18:24,384
- Would you say?
- Okay.

1691
03:18:24,384 --> 03:18:27,205
- I would like thank you
for this recognition.

1692
03:18:27,205 --> 03:18:28,615
Thank you, Jim Diodati.

1693
03:18:28,615 --> 03:18:30,810
Thank you. Ah, I forget.

1694
03:18:30,810 --> 03:18:31,643
- Marilyn.
- Marilyn.

1695
03:18:31,643 --> 03:18:36,240
And thank you community for
believe us and trust us.

1696
03:18:36,240 --> 03:18:37,755
Of course, it's very important for us,

1697
03:18:37,755 --> 03:18:40,920
it's not just my effort,
it's effort my team,

1698
03:18:40,920 --> 03:18:44,100
my husband, Father Victor
from St. Mary's Church

1699
03:18:44,100 --> 03:18:46,470
because everyone is like supported me

1700
03:18:46,470 --> 03:18:49,560
and help because for
myself I can do nothing.

1701
03:18:49,560 --> 03:18:51,810
It's all work together.

1702
03:18:51,810 --> 03:18:53,640
Also, just like when I stay here,

1703
03:18:53,640 --> 03:18:55,920
I would like to invite everyone

1704
03:18:55,920 --> 03:18:58,290
to our family festival, sorry for this,

1705
03:18:58,290 --> 03:19:01,620
but no, it's our big community event.

1706
03:19:01,620 --> 03:19:04,290
And for now Niagarka Organization,

1707
03:19:04,290 --> 03:19:08,370
it's our motto is simple,
is bring people together.

1708
03:19:08,370 --> 03:19:09,810
And when we create some event,

1709
03:19:09,810 --> 03:19:11,910
we can bring this like
people stay together,

1710
03:19:11,910 --> 03:19:15,060
show this our community, our tradition,

1711
03:19:15,060 --> 03:19:20,040
and also this like teach
and learn about other.

1712
03:19:20,040 --> 03:19:22,560
Thank you again. Thank you for this award.

1713
03:19:22,560 --> 03:19:24,268
I'm truly honored and grateful.

1714
03:19:24,268 --> 03:19:26,250
(attendees applaud)

1715
03:19:26,250 --> 03:19:27,840
- Thank you. I think yeah,
the group photo, yes.

1716
03:19:27,840 --> 03:19:29,490
- So we'll come up here,
we'll do a group shot.

1717
03:19:29,490 --> 03:19:30,890
We'll get everybody up here.

1718
03:19:31,735 --> 03:19:33,935
Come on in.
- Three award.

1719
03:19:33,935 --> 03:19:38,935
(microphone clatters)
(all chattering)

1720
03:19:55,181 --> 03:19:56,541
Father Victor's got a good one.

1721
03:19:56,541 --> 03:19:59,928
- [Father Victor] I tried but... (laughs)

1722
03:19:59,928 --> 03:20:01,384
Thank you.

1723
03:20:01,384 --> 03:20:02,217
- So ladies and gentlemen,

1724
03:20:02,217 --> 03:20:05,610
we just wanted to thank our DEI Committee.

1725
03:20:05,610 --> 03:20:08,280
They're working so hard to
make everybody feel included

1726
03:20:08,280 --> 03:20:09,960
in the Niagara Falls community.

1727
03:20:09,960 --> 03:20:12,330
They work a lot, they're volunteers.

1728
03:20:12,330 --> 03:20:14,070
They put a lot of effort into this.

1729
03:20:14,070 --> 03:20:16,608
And how about a big hand
for all our DEI recipients

1730
03:20:16,608 --> 03:20:19,926
(attendees applaud)

1731
03:20:19,926 --> 03:20:22,426
(all chatter)

1732
03:20:25,869 --> 03:20:29,299
Congratulations. And
to you mom and dad too.

1733
03:20:29,299 --> 03:20:33,566
Hola! (laughs)

1734
03:20:46,393 --> 03:20:50,760
All right, moving along the agenda is 7.4.

1735
03:20:50,760 --> 03:20:53,340
The Seniors Advisory Committee.

1736
03:20:53,340 --> 03:20:58,210
I'd like to invite up Joe Szabo and Eileen

1737
03:20:59,100 --> 03:21:00,570
to present before council.

1738
03:21:00,570 --> 03:21:01,593
So welcome.

1739
03:21:02,613 --> 03:21:05,404
(attendees clap)

1740
03:21:05,404 --> 03:21:07,004
(chuckles) Everybody's clapping.

1741
03:21:08,580 --> 03:21:13,580
- Hi. So an older gentleman
walks into a bar. (laughs)

1742
03:21:16,410 --> 03:21:21,410
He sees a very elegant
older lady sitting there,

1743
03:21:21,540 --> 03:21:24,993
sits beside her and says to her,

1744
03:21:26,017 --> 03:21:28,257
"Do I come here often?"

1745
03:21:28,257 --> 03:21:30,030
(Diodati laughs)

1746
03:21:30,030 --> 03:21:33,990
The Seniors Advisory
Committee is really thankful

1747
03:21:33,990 --> 03:21:38,072
to our representatives,
Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg

1748
03:21:38,072 --> 03:21:39,540
and Chris Dabrowski,

1749
03:21:39,540 --> 03:21:43,080
and also the staff that
support us in our endeavors.

1750
03:21:43,080 --> 03:21:45,393
So thank you very much for doing that.

1751
03:21:46,350 --> 03:21:51,087
The last time I was here
was in October of 2024

1752
03:21:51,087 --> 03:21:55,540
and I recommended that
we join the, okay...

1753
03:21:59,010 --> 03:22:02,830
- [Clerk] Use the, the
arrow key on the keyboard.

1754
03:22:02,830 --> 03:22:04,980
- The arrow key on the keyboard?

1755
03:22:04,980 --> 03:22:06,130
Can you do it?
- Okay.

1756
03:22:08,190 --> 03:22:10,454
- Oh, the keyboard is... (laughs)

1757
03:22:10,454 --> 03:22:11,760
- I specifically asked-
- Somebody asked

1758
03:22:11,760 --> 03:22:13,330
if I could use the mouse

1759
03:22:14,730 --> 03:22:16,890
and I was told I could use the mouse.

1760
03:22:16,890 --> 03:22:19,263
Okay, so the arrow on the keyboard. Okay.

1761
03:22:20,190 --> 03:22:21,963
And that didn't work either.

1762
03:22:23,670 --> 03:22:25,590
You're talking about the arrows.

1763
03:22:25,590 --> 03:22:28,155
- Hang on.
- Thank you.

1764
03:22:28,155 --> 03:22:29,655
- Okay. All right.

1765
03:22:33,117 --> 03:22:35,043
And I still can't make it move.

1766
03:22:38,700 --> 03:22:40,320
- Mike?
- All right.

1767
03:22:40,320 --> 03:22:43,503
Can I just tell you to move
to the next slide? Okay.

1768
03:22:45,480 --> 03:22:46,753
So, so much for that.

1769
03:22:46,753 --> 03:22:48,783
I can get rid of this keyboard again.

1770
03:22:51,330 --> 03:22:54,180
All right, so last time I was here,

1771
03:22:54,180 --> 03:22:56,730
we suggested that the committee join

1772
03:22:56,730 --> 03:22:58,830
the World Health Organization

1773
03:22:58,830 --> 03:23:02,250
Network for Age-Friendly Cities.

1774
03:23:02,250 --> 03:23:04,140
And we did that, and I'm pleased to say

1775
03:23:04,140 --> 03:23:08,070
that in January we got
awarded the membership.

1776
03:23:08,070 --> 03:23:10,473
So that confirms the city's,

1777
03:23:12,600 --> 03:23:15,420
it demonstrates that
we support older adults

1778
03:23:15,420 --> 03:23:18,690
and advance age-friendly initiatives.

1779
03:23:18,690 --> 03:23:21,240
Okay, next slide. Okay.

1780
03:23:21,240 --> 03:23:24,360
One of the things we're
working on in that regard

1781
03:23:24,360 --> 03:23:28,560
is a business checklist for
age-friendly businesses.

1782
03:23:28,560 --> 03:23:31,590
So that's something that
we're really working hard on

1783
03:23:31,590 --> 03:23:33,900
to try and meet the needs of,

1784
03:23:33,900 --> 03:23:37,920
have the businesses meet
the needs of older adults

1785
03:23:37,920 --> 03:23:40,530
and help them come up with ways

1786
03:23:40,530 --> 03:23:43,890
of improving accessibility, inclusivity,

1787
03:23:43,890 --> 03:23:47,460
and customer service
for age-friendly people.

1788
03:23:47,460 --> 03:23:48,573
Okay, next slide.

1789
03:23:52,020 --> 03:23:56,913
And the thing that we did
in November '25 was host,

1790
03:23:57,960 --> 03:23:59,040
the City of Niagara Falls

1791
03:23:59,040 --> 03:24:03,780
actually hosted the Niagara
Older Adults Alliance meeting.

1792
03:24:03,780 --> 03:24:06,660
And that's a meeting
where similar committees

1793
03:24:06,660 --> 03:24:09,270
to our Seniors Advisory Committee

1794
03:24:09,270 --> 03:24:13,710
also comes to Niagara Falls
and meets all together.

1795
03:24:13,710 --> 03:24:16,350
And that's a really good thing

1796
03:24:16,350 --> 03:24:19,230
because we can share best practices,

1797
03:24:19,230 --> 03:24:21,480
discuss common challenges,

1798
03:24:21,480 --> 03:24:25,380
and collaborate with
other similar committees

1799
03:24:25,380 --> 03:24:28,380
to support older adults.

1800
03:24:28,380 --> 03:24:29,553
So next slide.

1801
03:24:30,750 --> 03:24:34,050
And our committee has also been

1802
03:24:34,050 --> 03:24:36,510
a sounding board for this group

1803
03:24:36,510 --> 03:24:39,870
and also staff to talk about things

1804
03:24:39,870 --> 03:24:43,560
like accessibility
parking at MacBain Centre,

1805
03:24:43,560 --> 03:24:47,940
deferring property taxes
for low-income seniors,

1806
03:24:47,940 --> 03:24:49,500
snow clearing by-law,

1807
03:24:49,500 --> 03:24:52,170
seniors might have trouble clearing snow,

1808
03:24:52,170 --> 03:24:54,060
so that's an issue.

1809
03:24:54,060 --> 03:24:58,743
And sidewalk and trail
safety. Next slide please.

1810
03:25:01,110 --> 03:25:05,490
The Seniors Advisory
Committee legacy project

1811
03:25:05,490 --> 03:25:09,450
seems to be the Seniors
News and Views TV show.

1812
03:25:09,450 --> 03:25:11,340
And that was something

1813
03:25:11,340 --> 03:25:16,340
that Chris Dabrowski
suggested in November of 2020.

1814
03:25:16,380 --> 03:25:20,820
And we aired our first
show in June of 2021.

1815
03:25:20,820 --> 03:25:24,843
And we've been airing shows since then.

1816
03:25:26,220 --> 03:25:30,540
It is limited to the cable TV audience,

1817
03:25:30,540 --> 03:25:32,490
so that is one problem,

1818
03:25:32,490 --> 03:25:35,910
that we can't really show
it generally to everybody,

1819
03:25:35,910 --> 03:25:40,260
but it is aired throughout
Niagara Peninsula.

1820
03:25:40,260 --> 03:25:41,790
So we've also been trying

1821
03:25:41,790 --> 03:25:46,620
to include other Seniors
Advisory Committees.

1822
03:25:46,620 --> 03:25:49,263
So we found that worked really well.

1823
03:25:50,760 --> 03:25:55,760
Our show will continue taping
one day a month in September.

1824
03:25:55,770 --> 03:25:57,570
We'll continue doing that.

1825
03:25:57,570 --> 03:25:59,640
And we air on Sundays

1826
03:25:59,640 --> 03:26:03,330
at 11:00 AM and 7:30 at night.

1827
03:26:03,330 --> 03:26:05,400
So, okay.

1828
03:26:05,400 --> 03:26:07,410
You've already given me the next slide.

1829
03:26:07,410 --> 03:26:10,950
So I'm going to invite
Eileen Tino-Hind up here,

1830
03:26:10,950 --> 03:26:12,600
also a committee member,

1831
03:26:12,600 --> 03:26:14,880
to talk about our June Seniors Month.

1832
03:26:14,880 --> 03:26:15,713
Thank you.

1833
03:26:17,940 --> 03:26:21,690
- Thank you very much, Joe,
members of city council.

1834
03:26:21,690 --> 03:26:26,160
My name is Eileen Tino-Hind,
and yes, I am a member

1835
03:26:26,160 --> 03:26:29,520
of the Seniors Advisory
Committee of Niagara Falls

1836
03:26:29,520 --> 03:26:33,090
and a member of the subcommittee

1837
03:26:33,090 --> 03:26:36,390
which is organizing our Seniors Month,

1838
03:26:36,390 --> 03:26:39,870
which is already, we're
at the last week of June.

1839
03:26:39,870 --> 03:26:41,640
And we've been so busy

1840
03:26:41,640 --> 03:26:45,213
with a lot of activities
this year for seniors.

1841
03:26:46,140 --> 03:26:49,480
Just earlier today, we concluded

1842
03:26:50,790 --> 03:26:54,630
our Seniors Active Living Expo

1843
03:26:54,630 --> 03:26:56,490
at MacBain Community Center,

1844
03:26:56,490 --> 03:27:00,120
which focused on wellness, connection,

1845
03:27:00,120 --> 03:27:03,390
and living life to the fullest.

1846
03:27:03,390 --> 03:27:07,680
Last week we had Lightning
Talks with excellent speakers

1847
03:27:07,680 --> 03:27:10,590
that spoke about healthy eating,

1848
03:27:10,590 --> 03:27:15,590
healthcare at home, fire
safety, fraud prevention,

1849
03:27:16,410 --> 03:27:19,200
an interesting topic on the emotional

1850
03:27:19,200 --> 03:27:20,940
and historical significance

1851
03:27:20,940 --> 03:27:23,910
of cemeteries here in Niagara Falls.

1852
03:27:23,910 --> 03:27:26,820
We covered wills, power of attorney,

1853
03:27:26,820 --> 03:27:31,820
celebration of life,
understanding grief and loss,

1854
03:27:31,860 --> 03:27:34,350
AI and how it helps seniors,

1855
03:27:34,350 --> 03:27:38,433
and an update on our South
Niagara Hospital project.

1856
03:27:39,450 --> 03:27:42,930
And of course we also
have different fitness

1857
03:27:42,930 --> 03:27:45,780
and wellness classes for free.

1858
03:27:45,780 --> 03:27:50,280
We had our first ballroom
and belly dancing lessons.

1859
03:27:50,280 --> 03:27:55,280
And tomorrow, our last day
is for our free Tai Chi

1860
03:27:55,860 --> 03:28:00,120
and line dancing at St-Antoine.

1861
03:28:00,120 --> 03:28:01,950
And of course this weekend

1862
03:28:01,950 --> 03:28:06,950
we have our free Zumba at the
Park on Saturday and Sunday.

1863
03:28:07,140 --> 03:28:09,750
This has become so popular with seniors

1864
03:28:09,750 --> 03:28:14,750
and I'd like to introduce our instructor,

1865
03:28:15,030 --> 03:28:16,500
Monsa, and myself.

1866
03:28:16,500 --> 03:28:21,270
We have two more, Chris
and Liza, who are not here.

1867
03:28:21,270 --> 03:28:25,800
And also part of our
senior Zumba group here.

1868
03:28:27,090 --> 03:28:28,800
As I said, it's been so popular

1869
03:28:28,800 --> 03:28:33,800
that we had as much as 40
people joining our senior Zumba.

1870
03:28:33,960 --> 03:28:37,593
And we have our average age of 70.

1871
03:28:37,593 --> 03:28:39,660
- Wow.
- In our senior Zumba group.

1872
03:28:39,660 --> 03:28:40,860
So.
- Good for you.

1873
03:28:40,860 --> 03:28:43,203
- But younger can attend.

1874
03:28:44,102 --> 03:28:46,830
(all chuckle)

1875
03:28:46,830 --> 03:28:49,290
- [Diodati] We see you at
every event too. So you're...

1876
03:28:49,290 --> 03:28:51,600
- Oh yeah, we have been invited

1877
03:28:51,600 --> 03:28:52,433
to so many different events now-

1878
03:28:52,433 --> 03:28:56,730
- Which is great.
- and it's mostly seniors,

1879
03:28:56,730 --> 03:28:58,380
so it's really great.

1880
03:28:58,380 --> 03:28:59,760
And because of that,

1881
03:28:59,760 --> 03:29:04,140
we are continuing and making
every month Seniors Month

1882
03:29:04,140 --> 03:29:07,863
by holding every Sunday Zumba at your-

1883
03:29:07,863 --> 03:29:08,770
- [Diodati] Your Zumba team seems

1884
03:29:08,770 --> 03:29:10,530
to be getting bigger and bigger as well.

1885
03:29:10,530 --> 03:29:12,540
- Yes, yes we are. Yeah.

1886
03:29:12,540 --> 03:29:16,440
And this month we had a lot of seniors

1887
03:29:16,440 --> 03:29:20,640
actually that joined us, so
it's going to be bigger again.

1888
03:29:20,640 --> 03:29:23,403
'Cause a lot of them have
been coming every weekend.

1889
03:29:24,300 --> 03:29:28,560
And of course we also
have tomorrow, Wednesday,

1890
03:29:28,560 --> 03:29:32,550
it's the last day for
our Niagara Parks free,

1891
03:29:32,550 --> 03:29:36,780
no, not free, 50% off attractions.

1892
03:29:36,780 --> 03:29:41,640
And on Thursday, our free
senior skating at Gale Centre.

1893
03:29:41,640 --> 03:29:43,440
It has been a very exciting month

1894
03:29:43,440 --> 03:29:46,680
with different activities
for seniors this year.

1895
03:29:46,680 --> 03:29:49,620
And on behalf of the
Seniors Advisory Committee,

1896
03:29:49,620 --> 03:29:52,350
we would like to thank
everyone who supported us

1897
03:29:52,350 --> 03:29:54,887
with our Seniors Month program.

1898
03:29:54,887 --> 03:29:55,720
Thank you.
- Oh, thank you.

1899
03:29:55,720 --> 03:29:57,303
Thank you, Eileen. And Joe.

1900
03:29:59,910 --> 03:30:01,826
It's been a big year and this month's been

1901
03:30:01,826 --> 03:30:03,420
a great month for you guys.

1902
03:30:03,420 --> 03:30:06,043
Do I have any questions?
Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

1903
03:30:07,200 --> 03:30:09,990
- Thank you. Councilor Strange.

1904
03:30:09,990 --> 03:30:13,020
I just want to say thank you
for this great presentation.

1905
03:30:13,020 --> 03:30:15,960
And at our last meeting, we
talked about the word senior

1906
03:30:15,960 --> 03:30:19,230
because the image that
people have of senior

1907
03:30:19,230 --> 03:30:20,220
is not this image.

1908
03:30:20,220 --> 03:30:21,780
So we actually started to say

1909
03:30:21,780 --> 03:30:24,390
maybe we should be
rephrasing that word senior

1910
03:30:24,390 --> 03:30:27,930
and being more age-friendly
or active, something.

1911
03:30:27,930 --> 03:30:29,040
We were looking at different words

1912
03:30:29,040 --> 03:30:31,080
because they certainly are not,

1913
03:30:31,080 --> 03:30:33,660
they defy the epitome of that word senior.

1914
03:30:33,660 --> 03:30:36,870
But I do want to acknowledge
all the hard work

1915
03:30:36,870 --> 03:30:40,110
that this committee has
done throughout the year.

1916
03:30:40,110 --> 03:30:41,040
As a council rep,

1917
03:30:41,040 --> 03:30:43,830
I see firsthand the thoughtful discussions

1918
03:30:43,830 --> 03:30:45,390
that they have around the table,

1919
03:30:45,390 --> 03:30:47,310
their valuable recommendations

1920
03:30:47,310 --> 03:30:50,700
as well as the genuine care
you have for the seniors.

1921
03:30:50,700 --> 03:30:53,280
I can tell when we talked
about the sidewalk clearing,

1922
03:30:53,280 --> 03:30:56,100
it was a complete interest,

1923
03:30:56,100 --> 03:30:59,250
that how do we represent the
s-, well, age-friendly people

1924
03:30:59,250 --> 03:31:01,710
and how do we really accommodate them

1925
03:31:01,710 --> 03:31:04,290
and bring them more into
having a more active living.

1926
03:31:04,290 --> 03:31:07,890
So I just want to say thank
you for all the hard work.

1927
03:31:07,890 --> 03:31:09,240
You live and breathe this committee

1928
03:31:09,240 --> 03:31:12,810
and to all our younger Zumba people.

1929
03:31:12,810 --> 03:31:14,582
Thank you so much. So that was...

1930
03:31:14,582 --> 03:31:16,367
(attendee chatters)

1931
03:31:16,367 --> 03:31:17,850
(attendees laugh)

1932
03:31:17,850 --> 03:31:20,700
- Thank you, Councilor. Councilor Lococo.

1933
03:31:20,700 --> 03:31:21,930
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

1934
03:31:21,930 --> 03:31:23,730
Thank you so much for the presentation.

1935
03:31:23,730 --> 03:31:25,110
A lot of great initiatives

1936
03:31:25,110 --> 03:31:28,260
and they open up the lives of people

1937
03:31:28,260 --> 03:31:29,880
because they now have community

1938
03:31:29,880 --> 03:31:31,350
and that contact with people.

1939
03:31:31,350 --> 03:31:32,670
So thank you very much.

1940
03:31:32,670 --> 03:31:34,350
One of the things that you had listed

1941
03:31:34,350 --> 03:31:37,350
was a business checklist
to improve accessibility.

1942
03:31:37,350 --> 03:31:40,170
I think it's a great
opportunity to maybe coordinate

1943
03:31:40,170 --> 03:31:42,930
with the mayor's Accessibility
Advisory Committee

1944
03:31:42,930 --> 03:31:44,340
because they're already working

1945
03:31:44,340 --> 03:31:47,610
on some of the business ideas

1946
03:31:47,610 --> 03:31:49,560
about how to make them more accessible

1947
03:31:49,560 --> 03:31:53,310
and they're also
forwarding that information

1948
03:31:53,310 --> 03:31:54,750
to the economic development

1949
03:31:54,750 --> 03:31:57,960
and to the permitting areas as well.

1950
03:31:57,960 --> 03:31:59,340
So I think it's a great opportunity

1951
03:31:59,340 --> 03:32:00,780
to have some collaboration.

1952
03:32:00,780 --> 03:32:03,660
Thank you so much for all
the work that you do. Thanks.

1953
03:32:03,660 --> 03:32:04,493
- Thank you.

1954
03:32:04,493 --> 03:32:06,300
I think we actually,

1955
03:32:06,300 --> 03:32:09,930
lately the company Lococo's
has already gotten an award,

1956
03:32:09,930 --> 03:32:11,670
so that's kind of preempting us.

1957
03:32:11,670 --> 03:32:14,280
But that's the idea that we'd like to do

1958
03:32:14,280 --> 03:32:19,280
is have companies that are
working towards helping seniors.

1959
03:32:19,530 --> 03:32:21,570
I mean, some are in worse shape than us.

1960
03:32:21,570 --> 03:32:23,520
They don't do the Zumba.

1961
03:32:23,520 --> 03:32:24,780
So there are people

1962
03:32:24,780 --> 03:32:27,240
that do need help getting into a business.

1963
03:32:27,240 --> 03:32:30,690
And there's just many little
things businesses could do

1964
03:32:30,690 --> 03:32:35,010
to help seniors and people
with accessibility problems.

1965
03:32:35,010 --> 03:32:35,843
- Exactly.

1966
03:32:35,843 --> 03:32:39,450
And when we think about seniors
having accessibility issues,

1967
03:32:39,450 --> 03:32:40,500
there's a lot of people

1968
03:32:40,500 --> 03:32:43,110
who are not seniors that
have accessibility issues

1969
03:32:43,110 --> 03:32:44,100
and some challenges

1970
03:32:44,100 --> 03:32:46,050
and a lot of times we don't see them

1971
03:32:46,050 --> 03:32:48,810
if we're not in their shoes.

1972
03:32:48,810 --> 03:32:50,940
So it's nice to have that discussion

1973
03:32:50,940 --> 03:32:53,070
and see what everybody
brings to the table.

1974
03:32:53,070 --> 03:32:55,830
We have many different people
at the Accessibility Committee

1975
03:32:55,830 --> 03:33:00,507
that have different
abilities and disabilities

1976
03:33:00,507 --> 03:33:02,250
and they add to the conversation

1977
03:33:02,250 --> 03:33:04,350
and then you think, "Oh gee,
I never thought of that."

1978
03:33:04,350 --> 03:33:06,690
So now you have that perspective as well.

1979
03:33:06,690 --> 03:33:09,570
And the whole idea is
to have other businesses

1980
03:33:09,570 --> 03:33:13,140
that they can, there's some
small changes that you can make

1981
03:33:13,140 --> 03:33:14,220
that don't cost anything.

1982
03:33:14,220 --> 03:33:17,130
It's just thinking about
it and then doing it.

1983
03:33:17,130 --> 03:33:18,517
- Yep. You're right.
- Thank you.

1984
03:33:18,517 --> 03:33:20,387
- Better to wear out than to rust out.

1985
03:33:20,387 --> 03:33:23,883
That's what I always say. Councilor Patel.

1986
03:33:25,620 --> 03:33:26,910
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

1987
03:33:26,910 --> 03:33:28,137
I want to thank you for the presentation

1988
03:33:28,137 --> 03:33:29,490
and thank the Seniors Committee

1989
03:33:29,490 --> 03:33:33,540
for advocating for the older
adults in our community.

1990
03:33:33,540 --> 03:33:36,000
Actually living with the,

1991
03:33:36,000 --> 03:33:36,877
when you are living with a disability,

1992
03:33:36,877 --> 03:33:39,060
even with the older age,

1993
03:33:39,060 --> 03:33:42,090
having comfortable ways to get around

1994
03:33:42,090 --> 03:33:44,220
is more important than we know.

1995
03:33:44,220 --> 03:33:48,030
And having advocates like our seniors

1996
03:33:48,030 --> 03:33:50,670
come up with the different ideas is great.

1997
03:33:50,670 --> 03:33:52,260
And when we talk about active living,

1998
03:33:52,260 --> 03:33:55,560
like nobody's a better
example than Eileen here.

1999
03:33:55,560 --> 03:33:58,680
She might be the Zumba queen
of the Niagara Falls, right?

2000
03:33:58,680 --> 03:34:00,900
But you know, it's great that
you're a great ambassador

2001
03:34:00,900 --> 03:34:02,760
for the Seniors Committee

2002
03:34:02,760 --> 03:34:04,260
because what Councilor Nieuwesteeg says,

2003
03:34:04,260 --> 03:34:06,570
seniors doesn't really mean,
when we talk about seniors,

2004
03:34:06,570 --> 03:34:08,670
we think about people who can't,

2005
03:34:08,670 --> 03:34:10,847
you know, we're talking to
people in their nineties,

2006
03:34:10,847 --> 03:34:13,290
like, you know, and I know
people who are 90-year-old,

2007
03:34:13,290 --> 03:34:17,460
my grandma, she's 95 and she's
very independent herself.

2008
03:34:17,460 --> 03:34:18,960
So it's like everybody's different.

2009
03:34:18,960 --> 03:34:21,330
But I think getting the
idea in people's head

2010
03:34:21,330 --> 03:34:22,470
that age is just the number

2011
03:34:22,470 --> 03:34:23,670
and you can do whatever you want.

2012
03:34:23,670 --> 03:34:25,380
And having all those amenities

2013
03:34:25,380 --> 03:34:27,510
and all those programs
for people in the city

2014
03:34:27,510 --> 03:34:28,740
goes a long way.

2015
03:34:28,740 --> 03:34:30,920
And I want to add that I
sit on the DEI Committee

2016
03:34:30,920 --> 03:34:32,730
and I think we need to collaborate

2017
03:34:32,730 --> 03:34:35,130
with the Accessibility
and Seniors Committee

2018
03:34:35,130 --> 03:34:37,456
because DEI means different age groups,

2019
03:34:37,456 --> 03:34:38,970
you know, different disabilities.

2020
03:34:38,970 --> 03:34:41,190
Everybody comes from different experience.

2021
03:34:41,190 --> 03:34:43,290
So I think we all need
to collaborate together

2022
03:34:43,290 --> 03:34:46,169
to see how we can all support each other.

2023
03:34:46,169 --> 03:34:48,464
So thank you very much
for coming here again.

2024
03:34:48,464 --> 03:34:49,740
- Thank you.
- Thank you.

2025
03:34:49,740 --> 03:34:51,720
- Actually, I'd like to just say

2026
03:34:51,720 --> 03:34:54,180
Eileen's work is so important.

2027
03:34:54,180 --> 03:34:56,280
There's just been a recent medical study

2028
03:34:56,280 --> 03:34:58,410
that has shown that exercise

2029
03:34:58,410 --> 03:35:03,210
can actually cause cancer
patients to live longer

2030
03:35:03,210 --> 03:35:07,530
before they regress to
needing treatment again.

2031
03:35:07,530 --> 03:35:10,290
And it's also been scientifically showed

2032
03:35:10,290 --> 03:35:13,710
to prevent the onset of cancer.

2033
03:35:13,710 --> 03:35:17,340
People are less likely to get
cancer if they've exercised.

2034
03:35:17,340 --> 03:35:20,910
So she's very important to
Niagara Falls. Thank you.

2035
03:35:20,910 --> 03:35:23,640
- Yeah. Yes, of course.

2036
03:35:23,640 --> 03:35:25,950
I would agree 100%, Joe and Eileen,

2037
03:35:25,950 --> 03:35:28,710
that sedentary lifestyle isn't helpful.

2038
03:35:28,710 --> 03:35:30,390
And for your health, one of
the best things you could do

2039
03:35:30,390 --> 03:35:33,180
is stay in motion, stay
busy, do something.

2040
03:35:33,180 --> 03:35:34,530
So on behalf of the city, we're grateful.

2041
03:35:34,530 --> 03:35:35,520
Thank you for all that you do.

2042
03:35:35,520 --> 03:35:37,800
I need a motion to
receive the presentation.

2043
03:35:37,800 --> 03:35:39,090
Moved by Councilor Nieuwesteeg,

2044
03:35:39,090 --> 03:35:43,140
seconded by Councilor Strange, sorry.

2045
03:35:43,140 --> 03:35:46,290
All those in favor?
Okay, that's unanimous.

2046
03:35:46,290 --> 03:35:48,240
Thank you very much to
our Seniors Committee,

2047
03:35:48,240 --> 03:35:49,290
thank you for all that you're doing.

2048
03:35:49,290 --> 03:35:53,160
Stay active. Stay active.
(attendees applaud)

2049
03:35:53,160 --> 03:35:55,920
What's that? Yeah, yeah, that's right.

2050
03:35:55,920 --> 03:35:57,090
And if you think you're really good,

2051
03:35:57,090 --> 03:35:58,320
stick around for this meeting.

2052
03:35:58,320 --> 03:35:59,970
Let's see if you can handle this.

2053
03:36:01,110 --> 03:36:05,550
Okay, 7.5, Age-Friendly Niagara Council.

2054
03:36:05,550 --> 03:36:10,170
So we're going to invite up
Ginger Grant, executive committee,

2055
03:36:10,170 --> 03:36:11,670
to present to council.

2056
03:36:11,670 --> 03:36:13,237
Welcome.
- Thank you.

2057
03:36:13,237 --> 03:36:16,350
Thank you council
members, members of staff,

2058
03:36:16,350 --> 03:36:18,300
and the general public.

2059
03:36:18,300 --> 03:36:21,090
This is Ursula Hudson, who's running away,

2060
03:36:21,090 --> 03:36:24,210
our chair of the executive committee.

2061
03:36:24,210 --> 03:36:27,330
We brought you some pamphlets
that you can take a look at.

2062
03:36:27,330 --> 03:36:32,330
The council represents the
12 different municipalities.

2063
03:36:32,340 --> 03:36:34,200
So we have on the council

2064
03:36:34,200 --> 03:36:37,260
hopefully representatives
from each of, we've got eight,

2065
03:36:37,260 --> 03:36:39,420
we're recruiting another
couple of board members

2066
03:36:39,420 --> 03:36:42,210
so that we can be a consortium

2067
03:36:42,210 --> 03:36:45,827
or a way of doing pilots.

2068
03:36:47,760 --> 03:36:50,130
So at the moment we're
working on a couple of pilots

2069
03:36:50,130 --> 03:36:52,050
that we can then push down

2070
03:36:52,050 --> 03:36:55,500
into NOA, the advisory
committees, that kind of thing.

2071
03:36:55,500 --> 03:36:59,010
So it's more of a think tank,

2072
03:36:59,010 --> 03:37:04,010
a consortium of innovation
ideas or pushing innovation.

2073
03:37:04,140 --> 03:37:07,328
We had not thought of an
ugly sweater activity.

2074
03:37:07,328 --> 03:37:09,510
(Diodati laughs)
Okay. Right?

2075
03:37:09,510 --> 03:37:13,380
So it's ideas like that that
actually drives something

2076
03:37:13,380 --> 03:37:15,690
that's called the longevity economy.

2077
03:37:15,690 --> 03:37:18,840
If you haven't taken a look
at it, I think you should.

2078
03:37:18,840 --> 03:37:22,410
It's the fastest-growing
market on the planet.

2079
03:37:22,410 --> 03:37:27,300
So it is pushing a very
strong demographic shift

2080
03:37:27,300 --> 03:37:30,900
that's occurring globally,
not just in Canada.

2081
03:37:30,900 --> 03:37:32,853
So buttons.

2082
03:37:35,790 --> 03:37:36,960
Ah, okay.

2083
03:37:36,960 --> 03:37:41,283
So we are a council of the
12 different municipalities.

2084
03:37:42,720 --> 03:37:45,060
Part of our programs
right at the moment is,

2085
03:37:45,060 --> 03:37:48,420
an example would be
developing volunteer packages

2086
03:37:48,420 --> 03:37:50,400
that we can create and then give

2087
03:37:50,400 --> 03:37:53,670
to various different
nonprofit organizations.

2088
03:37:53,670 --> 03:37:56,550
We're a federally incorporated nonprofit.

2089
03:37:56,550 --> 03:37:59,040
What we do is produce pilots

2090
03:37:59,040 --> 03:38:02,670
and then test them on ourselves

2091
03:38:02,670 --> 03:38:05,730
because we're part of
that age demographic.

2092
03:38:05,730 --> 03:38:09,270
So I am a very young 73

2093
03:38:09,270 --> 03:38:13,020
and have no intentions of
slowing down anytime soon.

2094
03:38:13,020 --> 03:38:14,880
So I'm also chair of
our Research Committee

2095
03:38:14,880 --> 03:38:17,790
because anything to do
with the longevity economy,

2096
03:38:17,790 --> 03:38:19,890
you need evidence-based data.

2097
03:38:19,890 --> 03:38:23,430
So without the data, you
can't really move forward

2098
03:38:23,430 --> 03:38:24,720
or you make any decisions

2099
03:38:24,720 --> 03:38:28,650
based upon the information
that's being presented to you.

2100
03:38:28,650 --> 03:38:32,880
So this economy that is rapidly growing,

2101
03:38:32,880 --> 03:38:37,880
you've got about 40% approximately
of 55 plus in Niagara

2102
03:38:38,310 --> 03:38:40,230
that are of that age bracket.

2103
03:38:40,230 --> 03:38:42,150
So for those of you, when you're talking

2104
03:38:42,150 --> 03:38:45,930
about health ramifications of this market,

2105
03:38:45,930 --> 03:38:48,810
those of you who are in the 50 range,

2106
03:38:48,810 --> 03:38:52,414
I want you to start thinking
in terms of living to 110.

2107
03:38:52,414 --> 03:38:53,730
- Ooh!
- 110.

2108
03:38:53,730 --> 03:38:57,960
- And what that does
to our various systems.

2109
03:38:57,960 --> 03:39:01,710
So in my age bracket it's
probably one in three, one in two.

2110
03:39:01,710 --> 03:39:03,630
As healthcare improves,

2111
03:39:03,630 --> 03:39:08,310
you're looking at a much longer
working life, active life.

2112
03:39:08,310 --> 03:39:09,300
And what that does

2113
03:39:09,300 --> 03:39:13,050
as far as Canada experiencing
a talent shortage.

2114
03:39:13,050 --> 03:39:17,673
So you've got an economic asset
that's very much untapped.

2115
03:39:18,810 --> 03:39:21,093
Do I want to work 40 hours a week? No.

2116
03:39:22,440 --> 03:39:25,650
But maybe one day a week
or maybe one day a month.

2117
03:39:25,650 --> 03:39:28,770
So you've got an untapped variety

2118
03:39:28,770 --> 03:39:30,750
of people that you can draw upon.

2119
03:39:30,750 --> 03:39:35,610
It's also a very large group of experience

2120
03:39:35,610 --> 03:39:37,350
that you don't want to lose.

2121
03:39:37,350 --> 03:39:39,990
So we call that an experience dividend.

2122
03:39:39,990 --> 03:39:40,950
When you've worked,

2123
03:39:40,950 --> 03:39:43,590
like can you train a new council member

2124
03:39:43,590 --> 03:39:45,420
in a weekend seminar?

2125
03:39:45,420 --> 03:39:49,020
Two days, bang, you're now
ready to be a council member.

2126
03:39:49,020 --> 03:39:51,330
I would say no, right?

2127
03:39:51,330 --> 03:39:55,380
So you need a length of
experience that we also work with.

2128
03:39:55,380 --> 03:40:00,000
It's called intergenerational
equity. So you're pairing up.

2129
03:40:00,000 --> 03:40:02,950
So think in terms of a
very ancient approach

2130
03:40:03,930 --> 03:40:06,510
to this type of demographic shift

2131
03:40:06,510 --> 03:40:07,980
that was very popular in Europe

2132
03:40:07,980 --> 03:40:09,780
and still is, mentoring.

2133
03:40:09,780 --> 03:40:12,000
So you take a craftsperson

2134
03:40:12,000 --> 03:40:14,370
and you mentor someone coming into

2135
03:40:14,370 --> 03:40:16,710
a variety of different activities.

2136
03:40:16,710 --> 03:40:20,880
We also are willing to coach businesses.

2137
03:40:20,880 --> 03:40:23,040
So think also in terms from an economic,

2138
03:40:23,040 --> 03:40:25,470
socioeconomic growth potential,

2139
03:40:25,470 --> 03:40:27,790
how do you want to
change your business plan

2140
03:40:28,740 --> 03:40:31,953
to tap into a longevity market
if you haven't thought of it?

2141
03:40:32,940 --> 03:40:35,670
What does that do to the
variety of businesses?

2142
03:40:35,670 --> 03:40:38,190
So when you think in
terms of age friendly,

2143
03:40:38,190 --> 03:40:43,190
it's age span, it's lifespan,
it is not just 55 plus.

2144
03:40:43,560 --> 03:40:45,300
So as many people have mentioned,

2145
03:40:45,300 --> 03:40:47,930
if it's accessible to a 55-year-old,

2146
03:40:47,930 --> 03:40:52,470
an 85-year-old, 110 for
those of you in the 50 range,

2147
03:40:52,470 --> 03:40:54,810
then it's also going to be accessible

2148
03:40:54,810 --> 03:40:58,170
to a 20-year-old mom
carrying a two-year-old

2149
03:40:58,170 --> 03:40:59,910
and a bag of groceries.

2150
03:40:59,910 --> 03:41:01,740
So that kind of walkability,

2151
03:41:01,740 --> 03:41:04,230
that kind of what's going on in the city

2152
03:41:04,230 --> 03:41:05,820
and how Niagara can improve,

2153
03:41:05,820 --> 03:41:07,500
it's considered one of the fastest-growing

2154
03:41:07,500 --> 03:41:10,080
retirement communities in Canada.

2155
03:41:10,080 --> 03:41:12,870
So just to give you an
idea why it matters,

2156
03:41:12,870 --> 03:41:15,111
I think I've hit upon that, that this

2157
03:41:15,111 --> 03:41:18,720
(timer chimes)
is socioeconomic value.

2158
03:41:18,720 --> 03:41:23,100
It's not just something that
is good for some people,

2159
03:41:23,100 --> 03:41:24,480
not for others.

2160
03:41:24,480 --> 03:41:27,483
One of the things, buttons
have not stopped working.

2161
03:41:29,640 --> 03:41:30,873
Next slide.

2162
03:41:33,900 --> 03:41:35,940
So do I slaughter a goat? There we go.

2163
03:41:35,940 --> 03:41:38,760
There's a small example
of the longevity economy

2164
03:41:38,760 --> 03:41:39,900
that you can take a look at

2165
03:41:39,900 --> 03:41:42,750
and what it does as far
as what it can bring

2166
03:41:42,750 --> 03:41:44,793
in terms of value to the city.

2167
03:41:46,470 --> 03:41:47,520
One of the partnerships

2168
03:41:47,520 --> 03:41:48,840
we're working with right at the moment

2169
03:41:48,840 --> 03:41:50,520
through a New Horizons grant

2170
03:41:50,520 --> 03:41:52,500
is building these packages.

2171
03:41:52,500 --> 03:41:55,170
So at the MacBain Centre this afternoon,

2172
03:41:55,170 --> 03:41:56,670
we got hit with two other requests

2173
03:41:56,670 --> 03:41:58,560
from a variety of seniors.

2174
03:41:58,560 --> 03:42:02,763
One on, can we have a workshop
on revisioning retirement?

2175
03:42:03,750 --> 03:42:06,000
Yeah, we can design that.

2176
03:42:06,000 --> 03:42:09,993
And also a program about purpose.

2177
03:42:11,160 --> 03:42:14,250
I thought, "Oh, okay, that
would be an interesting one

2178
03:42:14,250 --> 03:42:16,410
as well to do workshops or seminars

2179
03:42:16,410 --> 03:42:18,780
around how do you find your purpose

2180
03:42:18,780 --> 03:42:21,930
and what does it mean if you
haven't figured it out yet?

2181
03:42:21,930 --> 03:42:23,340
So this just gives you some

2182
03:42:23,340 --> 03:42:25,143
of the ideas of what we're doing.

2183
03:42:26,490 --> 03:42:28,590
We have also partnered with CARP.

2184
03:42:28,590 --> 03:42:29,850
So between,

2185
03:42:29,850 --> 03:42:33,180
which is the Canadian
Association of Retired Persons,

2186
03:42:33,180 --> 03:42:37,320
when we combine our sort
of participant list,

2187
03:42:37,320 --> 03:42:38,700
subscriber list with CARP,

2188
03:42:38,700 --> 03:42:41,370
we've got about 3,500 subscribers,

2189
03:42:41,370 --> 03:42:43,800
that is also a very large voting block

2190
03:42:43,800 --> 03:42:45,960
and it's a very large voice.

2191
03:42:45,960 --> 03:42:49,320
So we try and bring that voice to you

2192
03:42:49,320 --> 03:42:51,573
and also back down into the community.

2193
03:42:52,410 --> 03:42:54,450
So if you have any questions,

2194
03:42:54,450 --> 03:42:55,800
we'd be pleased to answer them.

2195
03:42:55,800 --> 03:42:59,040
If you would like us to do a
workshop, even for the council

2196
03:42:59,040 --> 03:43:03,990
on how you bring in the
idea of a longevity economy

2197
03:43:03,990 --> 03:43:07,500
or what MIT is calling a longevity hub,

2198
03:43:07,500 --> 03:43:09,270
what does that look like?

2199
03:43:09,270 --> 03:43:11,250
So thank you for having us

2200
03:43:11,250 --> 03:43:13,200
and we hope to be back
in front of you soon

2201
03:43:13,200 --> 03:43:15,180
with some more results.

2202
03:43:15,180 --> 03:43:16,013
- Ginger, thank you.

2203
03:43:16,013 --> 03:43:18,150
And we're going to see if
council has any questions

2204
03:43:18,150 --> 03:43:18,983
before you run away.

2205
03:43:18,983 --> 03:43:20,880
Do we have any questions of council?

2206
03:43:20,880 --> 03:43:22,174
Okay, we don't have any.

2207
03:43:22,174 --> 03:43:23,007
- Yes!
(attendees laugh)

2208
03:43:23,007 --> 03:43:25,200
- Thank you to you and Ursula.

2209
03:43:25,200 --> 03:43:26,520
Ursula, you've got some brochures?

2210
03:43:26,520 --> 03:43:28,110
Yeah, go ahead, hand them out.

2211
03:43:28,110 --> 03:43:30,840
And I'm looking for a motion
to receive the presentation.

2212
03:43:30,840 --> 03:43:33,330
Councilor Nieuwesteeg,
Councilor Baldinelli.

2213
03:43:33,330 --> 03:43:35,250
All those in favor? Okay.

2214
03:43:35,250 --> 03:43:36,783
Thank you. That's approved.

2215
03:43:37,950 --> 03:43:40,353
Thank you very much, Ursula.

2216
03:43:41,739 --> 03:43:43,468
(Diodati chuckles)
(all chatter)

2217
03:43:43,468 --> 03:43:45,801
- The computers working now.

2218
03:43:58,470 --> 03:44:03,470
- Okay, next up we move to 7.6.

2219
03:44:03,780 --> 03:44:07,257
This is the Niagara Region
Transportation Master Plan.

2220
03:44:07,257 --> 03:44:10,800
And I should also
acknowledge Joyce Morocco,

2221
03:44:10,800 --> 03:44:13,110
one of our regional councilors
who's joining us here today.

2222
03:44:13,110 --> 03:44:14,490
Welcome, Joyce.

2223
03:44:14,490 --> 03:44:17,520
And I welcome Diana Morreale,

2224
03:44:17,520 --> 03:44:19,410
director of infrastructure and planning.

2225
03:44:19,410 --> 03:44:21,450
And Jill Stephen.

2226
03:44:21,450 --> 03:44:24,180
And you're going to lead us
through the presentation.

2227
03:44:24,180 --> 03:44:26,010
- Yes.
- Welcome.

2228
03:44:26,010 --> 03:44:27,240
- Thank you, Mayor Diodati,

2229
03:44:27,240 --> 03:44:30,270
and members of council
for having us today.

2230
03:44:30,270 --> 03:44:32,190
My name's Jill Stephen, as was mentioned,

2231
03:44:32,190 --> 03:44:33,060
I'm the associate director

2232
03:44:33,060 --> 03:44:35,160
of infrastructure planning
at Niagara Region.

2233
03:44:35,160 --> 03:44:36,210
And Diana Morreale,

2234
03:44:36,210 --> 03:44:39,210
our director of infrastructure
planning and development,

2235
03:44:39,210 --> 03:44:41,130
is with us today.

2236
03:44:41,130 --> 03:44:44,820
We are currently visiting
all 12 local municipalities

2237
03:44:44,820 --> 03:44:48,033
to present an overview of our
transportation master plan.

2238
03:44:51,540 --> 03:44:55,290
So we have two primary purposes
of today's presentation.

2239
03:44:55,290 --> 03:44:58,530
One is to introduce the
plan itself, its scope,

2240
03:44:58,530 --> 03:45:01,500
and the engagement plan
that goes with that.

2241
03:45:01,500 --> 03:45:05,460
And secondly, to seek input
on future transportation needs

2242
03:45:05,460 --> 03:45:08,490
for our residents,
businesses, and employees

2243
03:45:08,490 --> 03:45:10,620
as we're looking at how Niagara will grow

2244
03:45:10,620 --> 03:45:12,453
to 2051 and beyond.

2245
03:45:14,790 --> 03:45:16,710
The regional transportation network,

2246
03:45:16,710 --> 03:45:19,710
including the regional road
network, plays a huge role

2247
03:45:19,710 --> 03:45:22,290
in how people and goods
move every day in Niagara.

2248
03:45:22,290 --> 03:45:25,290
It connects our communities
within the region,

2249
03:45:25,290 --> 03:45:28,230
it connects people to destinations,

2250
03:45:28,230 --> 03:45:29,730
and it links the region

2251
03:45:29,730 --> 03:45:33,090
to other municipalities and
markets in Ontario and beyond

2252
03:45:33,090 --> 03:45:35,340
through our connections to
the provincial highway network

2253
03:45:35,340 --> 03:45:36,690
and through federal infrastructure

2254
03:45:36,690 --> 03:45:38,670
such as the Welland Canal,

2255
03:45:38,670 --> 03:45:41,313
rail, air, marine, and
our border crossings.

2256
03:45:43,800 --> 03:45:44,880
But that regional network

2257
03:45:44,880 --> 03:45:47,700
is only one part of our
transportation picture.

2258
03:45:47,700 --> 03:45:50,610
So is our primary focus of the 2051 plan,

2259
03:45:50,610 --> 03:45:52,890
is either the regional network itself,

2260
03:45:52,890 --> 03:45:54,900
but understanding how it fits in

2261
03:45:54,900 --> 03:45:57,360
across the local, regional, provincial,

2262
03:45:57,360 --> 03:45:59,850
and federal levels is very important

2263
03:45:59,850 --> 03:46:03,000
to developing a good plan.

2264
03:46:03,000 --> 03:46:05,100
'Cause each of those levels
plays a different role

2265
03:46:05,100 --> 03:46:07,740
in how people and goods move every day.

2266
03:46:07,740 --> 03:46:10,020
Generally speaking, there
are always some exceptions.

2267
03:46:10,020 --> 03:46:12,300
The local networks
facilitate those daily trips

2268
03:46:12,300 --> 03:46:14,223
to school and work.

2269
03:46:15,360 --> 03:46:17,160
The local network is primarily made up

2270
03:46:17,160 --> 03:46:20,170
of the lower-speed, two-lane roads

2271
03:46:21,120 --> 03:46:24,360
that facilitate those
walking and cycling trips

2272
03:46:24,360 --> 03:46:27,240
and on-street parking.

2273
03:46:27,240 --> 03:46:30,720
The regional network is focused
on connecting communities,

2274
03:46:30,720 --> 03:46:33,000
and it's those main arterial corridors

2275
03:46:33,000 --> 03:46:34,320
that support goods movement

2276
03:46:34,320 --> 03:46:36,873
and regional mobility across Niagara.

2277
03:46:38,040 --> 03:46:40,770
Typically the higher-volume
arterial roads.

2278
03:46:40,770 --> 03:46:43,440
The provincial network
then supports movement

2279
03:46:43,440 --> 03:46:45,930
between Niagara and the rest of Ontario

2280
03:46:45,930 --> 03:46:48,300
via our highways and GO Transit.

2281
03:46:48,300 --> 03:46:52,710
And the federal network, as I
mentioned, includes borders,

2282
03:46:52,710 --> 03:46:56,190
air, marine, and so forth.

2283
03:46:56,190 --> 03:46:59,100
Our first transportation
plan was completed in 2017

2284
03:46:59,100 --> 03:47:01,050
so it is time for a change.

2285
03:47:01,050 --> 03:47:02,430
It is a high-level plan.

2286
03:47:02,430 --> 03:47:04,825
There will be more work
that comes after that

2287
03:47:04,825 --> 03:47:07,530
to move the projects forward,

2288
03:47:07,530 --> 03:47:09,720
but it does do that identification

2289
03:47:09,720 --> 03:47:11,223
of what we need for growth.

2290
03:47:12,360 --> 03:47:14,850
Just like it's important that
we understand the networks,

2291
03:47:14,850 --> 03:47:17,490
it's important that we also
connect the plans together.

2292
03:47:17,490 --> 03:47:19,380
So there are local transportation plans.

2293
03:47:19,380 --> 03:47:23,850
You just saw your TMP and
TA-TMP not too long ago.

2294
03:47:23,850 --> 03:47:27,720
Those will be important
inputs into the regional plan.

2295
03:47:27,720 --> 03:47:29,580
They each have their own focus areas,

2296
03:47:29,580 --> 03:47:32,580
but at their core, they're
supporting and identifying

2297
03:47:32,580 --> 03:47:34,350
what infrastructure we need to move

2298
03:47:34,350 --> 03:47:35,550
for the different types of trips

2299
03:47:35,550 --> 03:47:38,760
that are under our
different jurisdictions.

2300
03:47:38,760 --> 03:47:40,170
We do have a vision statement

2301
03:47:40,170 --> 03:47:41,940
that we've developed for the master plan.

2302
03:47:41,940 --> 03:47:43,290
It is draft at this point

2303
03:47:43,290 --> 03:47:46,140
because we're still in our
first phase of the study

2304
03:47:46,140 --> 03:47:47,910
and we're taking the
input that we received

2305
03:47:47,910 --> 03:47:49,380
through our public information centers

2306
03:47:49,380 --> 03:47:52,560
and through things like
our presentations today

2307
03:47:52,560 --> 03:47:55,710
to evolve that and finalize
it as we move into the part

2308
03:47:55,710 --> 03:47:58,500
where we're identifying the projects

2309
03:47:58,500 --> 03:48:01,443
and the different scenarios
that we want to analyze.

2310
03:48:02,490 --> 03:48:04,290
As part of that too, we're also looking

2311
03:48:04,290 --> 03:48:06,240
at the visions and objectives

2312
03:48:06,240 --> 03:48:08,220
that are in the different local plans.

2313
03:48:08,220 --> 03:48:10,980
It's not necessary that
those all be identical,

2314
03:48:10,980 --> 03:48:13,290
but it is important
that we understand them

2315
03:48:13,290 --> 03:48:17,130
so that we can understand
both what is common

2316
03:48:17,130 --> 03:48:19,440
across all of the plans,
but what's also unique

2317
03:48:19,440 --> 03:48:22,240
and build that unique community
character into our work.

2318
03:48:23,850 --> 03:48:25,230
We have a three-phase plan.

2319
03:48:25,230 --> 03:48:27,540
We're looking at growth needs

2320
03:48:27,540 --> 03:48:31,200
for our transportation network
to 2051, hence the title.

2321
03:48:31,200 --> 03:48:32,520
We're currently in Phase 1,

2322
03:48:32,520 --> 03:48:35,040
which is identifying the
problems and opportunities

2323
03:48:35,040 --> 03:48:38,190
and assessing the existing
network so that we can understand

2324
03:48:38,190 --> 03:48:40,590
what we need to address as
we're looking for growth,

2325
03:48:40,590 --> 03:48:41,970
looking towards growth.

2326
03:48:41,970 --> 03:48:44,280
That phase is about to wrap up this summer

2327
03:48:44,280 --> 03:48:46,560
and we're moving into Phase 2.

2328
03:48:46,560 --> 03:48:48,390
And then overall the plan

2329
03:48:48,390 --> 03:48:51,543
will be completed at the end of 2027.

2330
03:48:52,650 --> 03:48:53,880
At each phase of the project,

2331
03:48:53,880 --> 03:48:56,340
there will be engagement with the public,

2332
03:48:56,340 --> 03:48:57,990
with each of the municipalities,

2333
03:48:57,990 --> 03:49:00,000
primarily through your staff teams,

2334
03:49:00,000 --> 03:49:04,380
and as well through other
agencies and interested parties.

2335
03:49:04,380 --> 03:49:07,800
And then we'll be reporting
to a regional council

2336
03:49:07,800 --> 03:49:10,413
through Public Works
Committee at key milestones.

2337
03:49:11,910 --> 03:49:13,170
Right now in Phase 1

2338
03:49:13,170 --> 03:49:15,750
we're doing that existing
conditions review.

2339
03:49:15,750 --> 03:49:17,550
We're updating our model

2340
03:49:17,550 --> 03:49:19,620
so that we can assess
the system performance

2341
03:49:19,620 --> 03:49:23,100
and we're completing
jurisdictional reviews

2342
03:49:23,100 --> 03:49:23,933
to align the plan,
(time chimes)

2343
03:49:23,933 --> 03:49:27,003
as well as our first round
of public consultation.

2344
03:49:28,620 --> 03:49:32,100
Moving into the next
phase, we'll be developing

2345
03:49:32,100 --> 03:49:33,480
and evaluating the alternatives

2346
03:49:33,480 --> 03:49:35,370
and presenting those to the public.

2347
03:49:35,370 --> 03:49:36,840
Those alternatives build on work

2348
03:49:36,840 --> 03:49:38,160
that's been done in local plans.

2349
03:49:38,160 --> 03:49:42,063
So the input, as I said,
from your TMP and TA-TMP

2350
03:49:42,063 --> 03:49:44,310
will be important to that.

2351
03:49:44,310 --> 03:49:46,620
And then we'll identify
the preferred network

2352
03:49:46,620 --> 03:49:50,613
and develop a 10-year
capital program for that.

2353
03:49:51,939 --> 03:49:52,803
Sorry.

2354
03:49:53,970 --> 03:49:56,520
Quickly on engagement,
we've included a number

2355
03:49:56,520 --> 03:49:57,917
of different ways to engage people

2356
03:49:57,917 --> 03:50:01,080
and we look forward to
hearing from the public.

2357
03:50:01,080 --> 03:50:03,840
We have had two PICs this round

2358
03:50:03,840 --> 03:50:06,390
and we will move into Phase 2

2359
03:50:06,390 --> 03:50:09,900
and include public information
centers for those as well.

2360
03:50:09,900 --> 03:50:11,970
Our information's available online

2361
03:50:11,970 --> 03:50:14,470
and we encourage people
to still provide comments.

2362
03:50:15,420 --> 03:50:17,550
We are taking the comments
that we've heard so far

2363
03:50:17,550 --> 03:50:20,040
and incorporating those into
the revision of the vision

2364
03:50:20,040 --> 03:50:22,260
and, as well as part of the planning.

2365
03:50:22,260 --> 03:50:24,420
This slide represents some
of the comments we've heard

2366
03:50:24,420 --> 03:50:26,730
through our presentations
to Public Works Committee,

2367
03:50:26,730 --> 03:50:28,860
Transportation Strategy
Steering Committee,

2368
03:50:28,860 --> 03:50:31,110
and a council workshop.

2369
03:50:31,110 --> 03:50:32,610
And we'll continue to track those

2370
03:50:32,610 --> 03:50:34,593
and evolve things as we move forward.

2371
03:50:35,970 --> 03:50:38,970
So we began our presentations
to local councils

2372
03:50:38,970 --> 03:50:40,980
about six weeks ago.

2373
03:50:40,980 --> 03:50:42,900
This is our eighth presentation,

2374
03:50:42,900 --> 03:50:44,100
thank you again for having us,

2375
03:50:44,100 --> 03:50:47,373
and we will finish the last four in July.

2376
03:50:48,360 --> 03:50:50,910
And over the next few months, as I said,

2377
03:50:50,910 --> 03:50:54,750
we'll finish Phase 1 of the
study, move into Phase 2.

2378
03:50:54,750 --> 03:50:56,520
And I would like to say thank you again

2379
03:50:56,520 --> 03:50:58,500
for the opportunity to
do that presentation.

2380
03:50:58,500 --> 03:51:00,180
I'd be happy to take any questions,

2381
03:51:00,180 --> 03:51:02,910
as I know I went through
that very quickly.

2382
03:51:02,910 --> 03:51:05,550
- Thank you very much. Appreciate
your presentation, Jill.

2383
03:51:05,550 --> 03:51:08,430
Any questions of council
for our presenters?

2384
03:51:08,430 --> 03:51:12,240
And Diana was there for moral
support, right. (laughs)

2385
03:51:12,240 --> 03:51:14,683
Well I think we're good. Thank
you very much for your time.

2386
03:51:14,683 --> 03:51:17,070
I look for a motion to
receive the presentation.

2387
03:51:17,070 --> 03:51:19,110
Councilor Strange. Councilor Baldinelli.

2388
03:51:19,110 --> 03:51:21,540
All those in favor? Unanimous.

2389
03:51:21,540 --> 03:51:23,873
And thank you ladies for coming
out and enduring the time

2390
03:51:23,873 --> 03:51:26,670
till we got to your portion
of the presentation.

2391
03:51:26,670 --> 03:51:27,900
- For having us.
- Thank you.

2392
03:51:27,900 --> 03:51:29,050
- All right, thank you.

2393
03:51:31,260 --> 03:51:35,073
All right, well next up is what
we've all been waiting for,

2394
03:51:36,540 --> 03:51:40,533
bringing back our chief
administrative officer, Ken Todd,

2395
03:51:41,820 --> 03:51:44,820
this is a presentation for
the Unhoused Action Plan.

2396
03:51:44,820 --> 03:51:47,760
I see some of the members
of various community groups

2397
03:51:47,760 --> 03:51:49,620
that are here as well to support.

2398
03:51:49,620 --> 03:51:51,573
Ken Todd, welcome back.
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

2399
03:51:51,573 --> 03:51:54,390
- Like you never left.
- Hi everybody, how are you?

2400
03:51:54,390 --> 03:51:56,760
- The seat's empty. You can come back up.

2401
03:51:56,760 --> 03:51:58,200
- Yeah, I scared 'em away.

2402
03:51:58,200 --> 03:52:00,780
But we do have some of my friends here.

2403
03:52:00,780 --> 03:52:03,693
We have reps from the Project SHARE board,

2404
03:52:04,770 --> 03:52:07,260
the co-chairs from the Soup Kitchen

2405
03:52:07,260 --> 03:52:09,780
and Steve from The Bridge.

2406
03:52:09,780 --> 03:52:14,100
So I think you know Jim
and AJ and Chris Russell,

2407
03:52:14,100 --> 03:52:16,440
Judy and Sherry from the Soup Kitchen.

2408
03:52:16,440 --> 03:52:17,460
- Welcome. Good to have you back.

2409
03:52:17,460 --> 03:52:19,740
- They just came to throw tomatoes

2410
03:52:19,740 --> 03:52:21,840
or whatever at me as I speak.

2411
03:52:21,840 --> 03:52:24,240
So I know you're under
a crunch here for time.

2412
03:52:24,240 --> 03:52:27,030
So do you want me to just narrow this down

2413
03:52:27,030 --> 03:52:27,863
or do you want to-
- Yeah.

2414
03:52:27,863 --> 03:52:29,410
Like give us the high points, you know,

2415
03:52:29,410 --> 03:52:31,770
and we'll have some tough questions.

2416
03:52:31,770 --> 03:52:33,390
- So thank you.

2417
03:52:33,390 --> 03:52:37,440
Started this engagement several months ago

2418
03:52:37,440 --> 03:52:39,270
and I've got to tell you over that

2419
03:52:39,270 --> 03:52:42,270
time, we certainly have learned a lot

2420
03:52:42,270 --> 03:52:46,320
and I think the recommendations

2421
03:52:46,320 --> 03:52:47,670
that we're coming up with tonight

2422
03:52:47,670 --> 03:52:51,690
are going to be something that
can carry this council forward

2423
03:52:51,690 --> 03:52:55,230
with a fairly reasonable plan.

2424
03:52:55,230 --> 03:52:58,503
So, you know, when we started out,

2425
03:52:59,790 --> 03:53:01,860
I got to start off by saying there's a lot

2426
03:53:01,860 --> 03:53:04,830
of very good things
happening in this community.

2427
03:53:04,830 --> 03:53:07,380
There are so many people on a daily basis

2428
03:53:07,380 --> 03:53:11,460
that are doing volunteerism
in the community and all over.

2429
03:53:11,460 --> 03:53:13,650
And there's so many, so many good people

2430
03:53:13,650 --> 03:53:14,760
and good groups doing that.

2431
03:53:14,760 --> 03:53:17,460
But we found, or I found that,

2432
03:53:17,460 --> 03:53:19,743
you know, people were holding onto things.

2433
03:53:21,120 --> 03:53:24,937
They felt that that's how
things should be done.

2434
03:53:26,700 --> 03:53:30,900
And as I got out, I was
trying to get them to open up

2435
03:53:30,900 --> 03:53:34,920
to abandon, if you will,

2436
03:53:34,920 --> 03:53:36,780
some of the ways of the past

2437
03:53:36,780 --> 03:53:38,490
because a lot of the models

2438
03:53:38,490 --> 03:53:40,560
and a lot of the things that we're seeing

2439
03:53:40,560 --> 03:53:43,320
were just simply not
sustainable in the long run.

2440
03:53:43,320 --> 03:53:45,660
You've got a lot of volunteerism.

2441
03:53:45,660 --> 03:53:48,210
People are getting older,
not as many volunteers.

2442
03:53:48,210 --> 03:53:53,210
So we really needed to
look at a different model.

2443
03:53:54,600 --> 03:53:58,920
So what we did is we went out,
we had a lot of interaction,

2444
03:53:58,920 --> 03:54:00,780
we had a lot of online submissions,

2445
03:54:00,780 --> 03:54:03,600
we had open houses at the MacBain Centre.

2446
03:54:03,600 --> 03:54:06,450
We had an open house,

2447
03:54:06,450 --> 03:54:10,290
a workshop with the experts.

2448
03:54:10,290 --> 03:54:13,140
Probably had 50 to 60 individual meetings

2449
03:54:13,140 --> 03:54:16,590
with agencies and groups
over that period of time,

2450
03:54:16,590 --> 03:54:18,720
doing a lot of listening,
asking a lot of questions,

2451
03:54:18,720 --> 03:54:22,350
trying to come up with what
might be an acceptable plan.

2452
03:54:22,350 --> 03:54:27,350
So what we heard was there
is a desire for change

2453
03:54:28,440 --> 03:54:32,010
in how we handle the unhoused

2454
03:54:32,010 --> 03:54:34,383
and vulnerable people in our community.

2455
03:54:36,510 --> 03:54:39,840
But I think you have to
be focused on the fact

2456
03:54:39,840 --> 03:54:42,360
that even though there's a lot

2457
03:54:42,360 --> 03:54:47,043
of very compassionate
people in our community,

2458
03:54:49,050 --> 03:54:51,000
there's really two sets of clients here.

2459
03:54:51,000 --> 03:54:53,370
There's the people we want to serve

2460
03:54:53,370 --> 03:54:55,260
that are the unhoused and vulnerable,

2461
03:54:55,260 --> 03:54:59,040
but we have to be very
mindful of our residents

2462
03:54:59,040 --> 03:55:01,200
and their communities,
their neighborhoods,

2463
03:55:01,200 --> 03:55:03,300
their public parks, their public spaces,

2464
03:55:03,300 --> 03:55:06,720
the businesses that are seeing some

2465
03:55:06,720 --> 03:55:10,530
of the sort of undesirable elements

2466
03:55:10,530 --> 03:55:12,450
at some points out on our streets.

2467
03:55:12,450 --> 03:55:14,670
So, you know, the plan is trying

2468
03:55:14,670 --> 03:55:17,130
to find a way to balance that

2469
03:55:17,130 --> 03:55:20,550
so that we're respectful of
the people we need to serve,

2470
03:55:20,550 --> 03:55:22,710
but we're also doing things

2471
03:55:22,710 --> 03:55:24,510
that can help improve the quality of life

2472
03:55:24,510 --> 03:55:26,283
for the people that live here.

2473
03:55:29,430 --> 03:55:32,820
So a couple of guiding
principles as we go through.

2474
03:55:32,820 --> 03:55:36,870
One is that we want to be very
empathetic in our approach,

2475
03:55:36,870 --> 03:55:39,570
but we also want to make sure

2476
03:55:39,570 --> 03:55:44,070
that those people that are paying taxes

2477
03:55:44,070 --> 03:55:45,270
and are living here

2478
03:55:45,270 --> 03:55:48,900
are not having to be faced
with those hardships.

2479
03:55:48,900 --> 03:55:52,380
We want to definitely strengthen
community partnerships.

2480
03:55:52,380 --> 03:55:54,360
That's a big part of this plan,

2481
03:55:54,360 --> 03:55:57,690
trying to bring like-minded
community groups together

2482
03:55:57,690 --> 03:55:59,343
to serve the community better.

2483
03:56:00,450 --> 03:56:04,470
Mindful of trying to minimize
the impact on municipal taxes.

2484
03:56:04,470 --> 03:56:07,500
And there is going to be some asks here,

2485
03:56:07,500 --> 03:56:10,260
but I think you got to remember

2486
03:56:10,260 --> 03:56:14,007
that this is community
projects and the community

2487
03:56:14,007 --> 03:56:16,670
and the community partners
should have a big share

2488
03:56:16,670 --> 03:56:17,757
in how this project

2489
03:56:17,757 --> 03:56:20,463
and some of the recommendations
get paid for as well.

2490
03:56:21,330 --> 03:56:24,090
And we want to keep it volunteer focused.

2491
03:56:24,090 --> 03:56:26,400
There's so many volunteers
out doing a lot of good work

2492
03:56:26,400 --> 03:56:28,680
and we want to make sure that

2493
03:56:28,680 --> 03:56:32,520
we keep that in mind.

2494
03:56:32,520 --> 03:56:34,620
So in the recommendations,

2495
03:56:34,620 --> 03:56:38,850
and we kind of came up with three spheres.

2496
03:56:38,850 --> 03:56:41,430
This started out to be an unhoused,

2497
03:56:41,430 --> 03:56:43,020
that was kind of the title.

2498
03:56:43,020 --> 03:56:45,450
I can tell you it very
quickly morphed into something

2499
03:56:45,450 --> 03:56:48,090
that is more about just unhoused

2500
03:56:48,090 --> 03:56:49,950
because you just can't focus

2501
03:56:49,950 --> 03:56:52,980
on the unhoused element of this.

2502
03:56:52,980 --> 03:56:54,990
It expands into so much more.

2503
03:56:54,990 --> 03:56:59,550
And we are looking at
housing and shelter for sure.

2504
03:56:59,550 --> 03:57:02,580
Another sphere is the whole food security,

2505
03:57:02,580 --> 03:57:04,440
which is a big piece of this.

2506
03:57:04,440 --> 03:57:07,050
But the third element is what
I'll call the street life

2507
03:57:07,050 --> 03:57:08,700
and what's happening out on the street

2508
03:57:08,700 --> 03:57:10,860
and what things we can do to improve.

2509
03:57:10,860 --> 03:57:14,070
And so as we go forward, just be mindful,

2510
03:57:14,070 --> 03:57:18,030
All of these spheres
intersect into, at the end,

2511
03:57:18,030 --> 03:57:21,210
what we're going to call this
integrated community hub plan

2512
03:57:21,210 --> 03:57:23,100
that we're going to present to you.

2513
03:57:23,100 --> 03:57:26,673
So on housing and shelter, several things,

2514
03:57:27,935 --> 03:57:30,870
and I'm going to try to move
through these quickly as I can,

2515
03:57:30,870 --> 03:57:34,920
but the one thing that
I heard loud and clear,

2516
03:57:34,920 --> 03:57:36,990
and I know you guys are
working on it already,

2517
03:57:36,990 --> 03:57:39,030
council is very mindful of this,

2518
03:57:39,030 --> 03:57:42,570
but the existing temporary
shelter on Summer Street

2519
03:57:42,570 --> 03:57:45,150
has to be dealt with, has to be relocated.

2520
03:57:45,150 --> 03:57:46,743
There has to be purpose built.

2521
03:57:47,610 --> 03:57:50,200
That's one way of giving
that neighborhood back

2522
03:57:51,060 --> 03:57:53,040
their community, the whole Main ferry.

2523
03:57:53,040 --> 03:57:55,530
So I know council's working on that.

2524
03:57:55,530 --> 03:57:57,510
I know your staff will
have more to come on that,

2525
03:57:57,510 --> 03:57:59,100
so I won't dwell on it.

2526
03:57:59,100 --> 03:58:02,700
But we have to really advocate

2527
03:58:02,700 --> 03:58:06,300
for more supportive housing opportunities.

2528
03:58:06,300 --> 03:58:08,730
Now, the supportive housing,
I'm not talking about shelter,

2529
03:58:08,730 --> 03:58:12,120
I'm talking about a Wayne
Campbell type of development

2530
03:58:12,120 --> 03:58:16,230
that is supportive, dealing
with the hardest to serve,

2531
03:58:16,230 --> 03:58:21,230
which are the mental health
issues and the addiction issues.

2532
03:58:21,810 --> 03:58:25,320
That is where I think time and effort

2533
03:58:25,320 --> 03:58:26,280
really has to be spent.

2534
03:58:26,280 --> 03:58:28,435
The region knows this.

2535
03:58:28,435 --> 03:58:31,020
In the report it gives you the
numbers and the statistics.

2536
03:58:31,020 --> 03:58:32,850
But where council can really help,

2537
03:58:32,850 --> 03:58:34,620
and I've heard this more than once,

2538
03:58:34,620 --> 03:58:37,920
is that council can help
by coming up with property

2539
03:58:37,920 --> 03:58:40,800
that is pre-zoned so
that when a development

2540
03:58:40,800 --> 03:58:42,180
or an opportunity comes along,

2541
03:58:42,180 --> 03:58:44,700
this community's ready to pounce on it

2542
03:58:44,700 --> 03:58:47,040
and get that funding from the
other levels of government.

2543
03:58:47,040 --> 03:58:49,980
If you wait, it is going to
go to some other community.

2544
03:58:49,980 --> 03:58:52,620
So, you know, you have to
find those opportunities

2545
03:58:52,620 --> 03:58:54,510
to get that land, get it zoned,

2546
03:58:54,510 --> 03:58:56,610
and literally be waiting

2547
03:58:56,610 --> 03:58:59,700
for that next allotment
of supportive housing

2548
03:58:59,700 --> 03:59:03,000
because that's where it's
going to be meaningful.

2549
03:59:03,000 --> 03:59:05,820
You've got a great opportunity
coming down the pipe.

2550
03:59:05,820 --> 03:59:09,330
I know Planning's been working
on it on the GNGH site.

2551
03:59:09,330 --> 03:59:10,770
I think it's a great opportunity

2552
03:59:10,770 --> 03:59:12,810
to provide a whole realm of housing

2553
03:59:12,810 --> 03:59:16,980
that'll help this community
going forward into the future.

2554
03:59:16,980 --> 03:59:20,043
Higher-density development,
center the community.

2555
03:59:21,341 --> 03:59:23,850
I think there's planning
issues that are going on now

2556
03:59:23,850 --> 03:59:26,643
that'll help accomplish that for you.

2557
03:59:28,890 --> 03:59:32,160
Over on the, what I'll
call the street part of it.

2558
03:59:32,160 --> 03:59:33,660
I got to tell you, there's been a lot

2559
03:59:33,660 --> 03:59:35,853
of good things happening in the community.

2560
03:59:38,100 --> 03:59:42,330
I know some, Chris is
here, Carey and others

2561
03:59:42,330 --> 03:59:46,320
that have a group that meets biweekly.

2562
03:59:46,320 --> 03:59:47,640
Other communities are now starting

2563
03:59:47,640 --> 03:59:49,560
to look at what Niagara Falls is doing.

2564
03:59:49,560 --> 03:59:51,150
'Cause I tell you, we've traveled around

2565
03:59:51,150 --> 03:59:53,103
and looked at different municipalities.

2566
03:59:54,090 --> 03:59:57,360
You may think Niagara
Falls has serious problems.

2567
03:59:57,360 --> 04:00:01,713
We've got it not as bad as
others. I can tell you that.

2568
04:00:02,580 --> 04:00:06,300
But I think there's a
more proactive approach.

2569
04:00:06,300 --> 04:00:09,300
I think you got to put
the gas down on the pedal

2570
04:00:09,300 --> 04:00:12,150
a little bit more, provide
a little bit more resources.

2571
04:00:12,150 --> 04:00:15,000
There's a few examples in the
report as to how to do that

2572
04:00:15,000 --> 04:00:17,670
because if you can get out ahead of that,

2573
04:00:17,670 --> 04:00:19,080
people are compassionate,

2574
04:00:19,080 --> 04:00:21,540
but it's like, "I don't want
to see it around my community."

2575
04:00:21,540 --> 04:00:23,370
So if you can get ahead of it

2576
04:00:23,370 --> 04:00:26,220
and provide more resources for by-law,

2577
04:00:26,220 --> 04:00:28,380
for groups like NASO or REACH

2578
04:00:28,380 --> 04:00:30,843
to provide street services to help people,

2579
04:00:31,860 --> 04:00:34,770
that'll go a long way to
helping that other client,

2580
04:00:34,770 --> 04:00:36,240
which is the taxpayer

2581
04:00:36,240 --> 04:00:37,830
who just simply doesn't want to see it

2582
04:00:37,830 --> 04:00:39,060
in front of their business,

2583
04:00:39,060 --> 04:00:40,500
doesn't want to see it
in their neighborhood

2584
04:00:40,500 --> 04:00:41,550
and in their park.

2585
04:00:41,550 --> 04:00:44,970
And we've had examples as
we did this of, you know,

2586
04:00:44,970 --> 04:00:46,380
just things going on at our parks

2587
04:00:46,380 --> 04:00:47,490
that should not be happening.

2588
04:00:47,490 --> 04:00:50,400
So if you can resource
that a little bit more,

2589
04:00:50,400 --> 04:00:52,893
it'll go a long way to
helping the situation.

2590
04:00:55,020 --> 04:00:57,360
REACH in Niagara's had a
couple good pilot projects

2591
04:00:57,360 --> 04:00:59,610
I think the staff should look to

2592
04:00:59,610 --> 04:01:02,640
in providing a different
approach to the street.

2593
04:01:02,640 --> 04:01:06,570
But I got to say your staff
has been doing a great job

2594
04:01:06,570 --> 04:01:08,853
and I think with a little more resourcing,

2595
04:01:09,690 --> 04:01:11,580
you can just put it over the top.

2596
04:01:11,580 --> 04:01:15,540
One thing I will say is that I believe

2597
04:01:15,540 --> 04:01:19,650
that the way that the
whole evacuee situation

2598
04:01:19,650 --> 04:01:24,090
with the Indigenous is
not being handled properly

2599
04:01:24,090 --> 04:01:26,193
by the federal and provincial governments.

2600
04:01:27,060 --> 04:01:30,360
Niagara Falls has done
more than its fair share.

2601
04:01:30,360 --> 04:01:32,670
The chief and I have had
several conversations

2602
04:01:32,670 --> 04:01:34,140
over the last couple of months.

2603
04:01:34,140 --> 04:01:36,240
As we speak today,

2604
04:01:36,240 --> 04:01:40,110
there's 1,700 evacuees
across the province.

2605
04:01:40,110 --> 04:01:44,220
Approximately 1,100 of them
are housed in Niagara Falls.

2606
04:01:44,220 --> 04:01:47,040
- Wow.
- To me, that's not fair.

2607
04:01:47,040 --> 04:01:52,040
To me, this community wants
to be, Mr. Mayor, Vegas North.

2608
04:01:53,670 --> 04:01:56,940
We want to be the jewel
of tourism in Ontario.

2609
04:01:56,940 --> 04:01:59,610
And unfortunately a lot of the residents

2610
04:01:59,610 --> 04:02:02,490
and people will see Indigenous people

2611
04:02:02,490 --> 04:02:04,050
on the streets walking around

2612
04:02:04,050 --> 04:02:05,910
thinking they're homeless
people in this community,

2613
04:02:05,910 --> 04:02:07,110
and they're not.

2614
04:02:07,110 --> 04:02:11,340
And I think they deserve better.

2615
04:02:11,340 --> 04:02:13,500
I don't think children deserve

2616
04:02:13,500 --> 04:02:16,220
to be playing their recess time

2617
04:02:16,220 --> 04:02:18,840
in a parking lot beside the casino.

2618
04:02:18,840 --> 04:02:22,350
I really truly think
there's a better approach.

2619
04:02:22,350 --> 04:02:24,330
And I think that should be

2620
04:02:24,330 --> 04:02:27,390
some purpose-built kind of
facility in the province

2621
04:02:27,390 --> 04:02:30,720
where they can go and
have a sense of community

2622
04:02:30,720 --> 04:02:31,920
and not be forced

2623
04:02:31,920 --> 04:02:35,100
to relocate into hotel
rooms across the province.

2624
04:02:35,100 --> 04:02:37,290
But in spite of all that,

2625
04:02:37,290 --> 04:02:40,710
and I know it's in the
report, in spite of all that,

2626
04:02:40,710 --> 04:02:43,860
at minimum, there should
be certain resources

2627
04:02:43,860 --> 04:02:45,660
that come back to the community.

2628
04:02:45,660 --> 04:02:48,000
Like the community's really
getting nothing out of it.

2629
04:02:48,000 --> 04:02:51,960
And I've spoken to the Native Centre

2630
04:02:51,960 --> 04:02:53,580
and Native Centre people

2631
04:02:53,580 --> 04:02:56,010
and even their resources are being drained

2632
04:02:56,010 --> 04:02:58,980
because they have to provide
additional services as well.

2633
04:02:58,980 --> 04:03:01,590
So everybody's being
tapped and drained by this.

2634
04:03:01,590 --> 04:03:06,000
And there certainly, my opinion,
should be a better model

2635
04:03:06,000 --> 04:03:08,670
that takes the strain off Niagara Falls

2636
04:03:08,670 --> 04:03:11,703
in the emergency room and
the police and the CORE unit.

2637
04:03:12,630 --> 04:03:14,817
So I think there's some
solutions, Mr. Mayor,

2638
04:03:14,817 --> 04:03:17,550
and they're outlined in the report.

2639
04:03:17,550 --> 04:03:19,650
Now, having said all that,

2640
04:03:19,650 --> 04:03:24,650
as we talk about dealing
with the most vulnerable,

2641
04:03:26,340 --> 04:03:28,020
you know, there is a bit of a myth

2642
04:03:28,020 --> 04:03:29,730
because a lot of the people

2643
04:03:29,730 --> 04:03:31,710
that are in the line every
day at the Soup Kitchen

2644
04:03:31,710 --> 04:03:35,940
or at Project SHARE every
day are not unhoused.

2645
04:03:35,940 --> 04:03:38,943
They're just on a borderline
or in poverty. Deep poverty.

2646
04:03:40,320 --> 04:03:42,810
They can pay their rent
but they can't afford food.

2647
04:03:42,810 --> 04:03:47,100
So they're individuals
that need additional help.

2648
04:03:47,100 --> 04:03:50,490
And that's why we brought
these partners together.

2649
04:03:50,490 --> 04:03:52,920
And what we're recommending

2650
04:03:52,920 --> 04:03:55,410
is that the three large partners,

2651
04:03:55,410 --> 04:03:59,010
which would be Project
SHARE, the Soup Kitchen,

2652
04:03:59,010 --> 04:04:02,610
and The Bridge, all
three boards of directors

2653
04:04:02,610 --> 04:04:05,160
have agreed to come together

2654
04:04:05,160 --> 04:04:09,423
and look at the development
of a hub for Niagara Falls.

2655
04:04:15,060 --> 04:04:18,030
Those groups would
function under one roof.

2656
04:04:18,030 --> 04:04:21,420
There would be sharing of
resources, sharing of services,

2657
04:04:21,420 --> 04:04:23,643
sharing of food recovery.

2658
04:04:24,750 --> 04:04:27,540
There'd be sharing of staff

2659
04:04:27,540 --> 04:04:30,900
and warehouse-based whatever.

2660
04:04:30,900 --> 04:04:34,050
Much more efficient
way to deliver service.

2661
04:04:34,050 --> 04:04:36,870
But the other part of
that is that not just

2662
04:04:36,870 --> 04:04:41,870
would we have those three
organizations coexisting.

2663
04:04:42,060 --> 04:04:44,140
I've approached a number of groups,

2664
04:04:44,140 --> 04:04:47,850
about 18 groups in total, that have agreed

2665
04:04:47,850 --> 04:04:50,610
to partnering at a hub like this.

2666
04:04:50,610 --> 04:04:53,190
It would be all of your
associated social services,

2667
04:04:53,190 --> 04:04:58,190
like obviously the Region,
Community Health Centre, REACH,

2668
04:04:58,350 --> 04:04:59,970
Niagara Public Health,

2669
04:04:59,970 --> 04:05:03,120
NASO which is the Upstreet
Outreach Positive Living,

2670
04:05:03,120 --> 04:05:06,180
Niagara Employment Centre,
Service Canada, the Library,

2671
04:05:06,180 --> 04:05:08,160
Canadian Mental Health Association,

2672
04:05:08,160 --> 04:05:11,760
Project SHARE, Soup Kitchen, The Bridge,

2673
04:05:11,760 --> 04:05:14,730
Salvation Army, Feed
Ontario, Feed Niagara,

2674
04:05:14,730 --> 04:05:17,820
and Niagara Nutrition Partners, to start.

2675
04:05:17,820 --> 04:05:21,420
That's what I could kind of
cobble together at this point.

2676
04:05:21,420 --> 04:05:23,290
But I think there's an opportunity there

2677
04:05:23,290 --> 04:05:25,740
where all of those other individuals

2678
04:05:25,740 --> 04:05:29,910
that don't perhaps require
supportive housing,

2679
04:05:29,910 --> 04:05:32,430
that are housed, maybe marginally,

2680
04:05:32,430 --> 04:05:34,830
that need access to
these kind of services,

2681
04:05:34,830 --> 04:05:37,380
and they could have direct
access on a daily basis.

2682
04:05:37,380 --> 04:05:39,060
Because if you look at the clients

2683
04:05:39,060 --> 04:05:40,830
that are visiting these sites now,

2684
04:05:40,830 --> 04:05:44,130
you're looking at about 300 to 400,

2685
04:05:44,130 --> 04:05:47,670
maybe 4 or 500 individuals each day

2686
04:05:47,670 --> 04:05:49,110
accessing these different sites.

2687
04:05:49,110 --> 04:05:51,240
But you could bring that together

2688
04:05:51,240 --> 04:05:53,910
and then let them tap into these services.

2689
04:05:53,910 --> 04:05:56,340
I think we've got a much better chance

2690
04:05:56,340 --> 04:05:57,720
of getting them to help,

2691
04:05:57,720 --> 04:05:59,250
to get them that next step up,

2692
04:05:59,250 --> 04:06:02,130
to help them get on with a better life.

2693
04:06:02,130 --> 04:06:04,503
So Mr. Mayor, that's,

2694
04:06:07,260 --> 04:06:09,090
that's basically what the report is about,

2695
04:06:09,090 --> 04:06:14,090
but I'm able to answer
any questions and anyway.

2696
04:06:14,400 --> 04:06:15,840
- Okay, that's great.

2697
04:06:15,840 --> 04:06:17,610
And I want to say thank you, Ken.

2698
04:06:17,610 --> 04:06:21,600
I know you refuse to
take any kind of payment

2699
04:06:21,600 --> 04:06:25,620
for your time and your effort
and it doesn't go unnoticed.

2700
04:06:25,620 --> 04:06:27,510
We're grateful. It's been a lot of work.

2701
04:06:27,510 --> 04:06:30,630
There's been a lot of
kilometers and a lot of meetings

2702
04:06:30,630 --> 04:06:32,970
and it's created quite
a buzz in the region.

2703
04:06:32,970 --> 04:06:35,160
Everybody wants to see the findings,

2704
04:06:35,160 --> 04:06:36,450
all the other municipalities.

2705
04:06:36,450 --> 04:06:38,156
So we're grateful for all your efforts.

2706
04:06:38,156 --> 04:06:38,989
- Oh, you're welcome. Yep.

2707
04:06:38,989 --> 04:06:41,580
- So we do have a number of
councilors have questions.

2708
04:06:41,580 --> 04:06:44,700
So starting with Councilor
Strange, then Councilor Lococo,

2709
04:06:44,700 --> 04:06:47,910
and then I saw another hand
over here, Councilor Patel?

2710
04:06:47,910 --> 04:06:48,990
Okay. Thank you.
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

2711
04:06:48,990 --> 04:06:51,030
- And then Councilor Nieuwesteeg. Yes.

2712
04:06:51,030 --> 04:06:51,863
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

2713
04:06:51,863 --> 04:06:54,390
And thank you, Ken for all
the work you've been doing.

2714
04:06:54,390 --> 04:06:57,900
Like I think every councilor
has seen you in the room

2715
04:06:57,900 --> 04:07:01,350
and talked to you for a lot of hours

2716
04:07:01,350 --> 04:07:04,260
and, you know, listening
to everybody, stakeholders,

2717
04:07:04,260 --> 04:07:09,260
and you doing this for
nothing shows your compassion.

2718
04:07:09,360 --> 04:07:11,370
And I know you volunteer
at the Soup Kitchen

2719
04:07:11,370 --> 04:07:12,477
quite a bit.
- Thank you.

2720
04:07:12,477 --> 04:07:14,190
And I really appreciate that.

2721
04:07:14,190 --> 04:07:15,450
I do, Mike. But-
- I know you do.

2722
04:07:15,450 --> 04:07:16,680
But that's the type of guy you are,

2723
04:07:16,680 --> 04:07:17,541
you don't want to take credit for it.

2724
04:07:17,541 --> 04:07:18,900
- But there's hundreds of people

2725
04:07:18,900 --> 04:07:19,978
every day that are-
- No, I know.

2726
04:07:19,978 --> 04:07:21,000
- doing these things, so-
- And your team.

2727
04:07:21,000 --> 04:07:22,350
And your team as well.
- So yeah, thank you.

2728
04:07:22,350 --> 04:07:23,300
- That's the type of guy

2729
04:07:23,300 --> 04:07:27,030
and I'm sure that you've learned

2730
04:07:27,030 --> 04:07:29,160
in the last how many months

2731
04:07:29,160 --> 04:07:33,240
that it's not just one
type of unhoused person,

2732
04:07:33,240 --> 04:07:35,610
you know, it's mental, it's addictions.

2733
04:07:35,610 --> 04:07:39,090
It's those people that
are on the borderlines

2734
04:07:39,090 --> 04:07:42,090
where they just need
help at the Soup Kitchen

2735
04:07:42,090 --> 04:07:43,677
and maybe they're not unhoused,

2736
04:07:43,677 --> 04:07:45,210
but they're on that borderline.

2737
04:07:45,210 --> 04:07:48,314
And you know, like I said, you're showing

2738
04:07:48,314 --> 04:07:51,870
a lot of compassion and it's,
and there's so many out there.

2739
04:07:51,870 --> 04:07:53,790
And our team here,

2740
04:07:53,790 --> 04:07:58,137
our Bylaw has been working
with everybody and, you know,

2741
04:07:59,100 --> 04:08:00,507
we've seen it on Main Street

2742
04:08:00,507 --> 04:08:02,370
and we went with meetings
with Councilor Nieuwesteeg

2743
04:08:02,370 --> 04:08:06,120
and, you know, with the
shelter there on Summer Street

2744
04:08:06,120 --> 04:08:07,350
and it's a little bit of a mess.

2745
04:08:07,350 --> 04:08:11,400
And I was kind of really disturbed

2746
04:08:11,400 --> 04:08:14,370
because on the one day
I opened up the paper

2747
04:08:14,370 --> 04:08:16,320
and it was May 25th

2748
04:08:16,320 --> 04:08:19,200
and you might know where I'm going here,

2749
04:08:19,200 --> 04:08:23,250
but a male was arrested
attending a nearby shelter

2750
04:08:23,250 --> 04:08:24,630
and was arrested by detectives.

2751
04:08:24,630 --> 04:08:26,970
He attempted to make
another drug transaction

2752
04:08:26,970 --> 04:08:27,987
that was at the Summer Street.

2753
04:08:27,987 --> 04:08:29,970
And it just blows my mind

2754
04:08:29,970 --> 04:08:32,910
that they were released
on a future court date

2755
04:08:32,910 --> 04:08:35,220
and bailed out in a number of hours.

2756
04:08:35,220 --> 04:08:37,080
And our Bylaw are doing our work,

2757
04:08:37,080 --> 04:08:38,430
our staff are doing our work.

2758
04:08:38,430 --> 04:08:39,930
You guys are doing our work

2759
04:08:39,930 --> 04:08:43,260
and these people are
trying to help themselves

2760
04:08:43,260 --> 04:08:45,510
by going to a shelter and staying clean

2761
04:08:45,510 --> 04:08:46,800
and getting the help they need.

2762
04:08:46,800 --> 04:08:49,710
And we all know once you get a little bit

2763
04:08:49,710 --> 04:08:52,740
of this horrible drug fentanyl in you,

2764
04:08:52,740 --> 04:08:56,190
it's tough to not crave that again.

2765
04:08:56,190 --> 04:08:58,590
And I'll even say this guy was caught

2766
04:08:58,590 --> 04:09:02,820
with 35.5 grams of suspected fentanyl.

2767
04:09:02,820 --> 04:09:04,530
And I don't know if
this is the first time,

2768
04:09:04,530 --> 04:09:06,930
but to let this guy out
just free like that,

2769
04:09:06,930 --> 04:09:08,700
I think this guy should be away,

2770
04:09:08,700 --> 04:09:10,350
you know, for five years right away.

2771
04:09:10,350 --> 04:09:13,170
Because, you know, this is what's killing

2772
04:09:13,170 --> 04:09:16,380
our homeless population is this fentanyl.

2773
04:09:16,380 --> 04:09:17,790
I remember growing up

2774
04:09:17,790 --> 04:09:20,190
and everyone could around the table that,

2775
04:09:20,190 --> 04:09:22,620
around my neighborhood,
there was two homeless people

2776
04:09:22,620 --> 04:09:24,360
that I knew and they
weren't even homeless.

2777
04:09:24,360 --> 04:09:25,560
One was mental.

2778
04:09:25,560 --> 04:09:27,060
I think his name was Big Bird,

2779
04:09:27,060 --> 04:09:30,300
but the guy was not homeless,
he just walked the streets.

2780
04:09:30,300 --> 04:09:31,650
And they were nice people.

2781
04:09:31,650 --> 04:09:36,450
But this only started in the
last, you know, maybe 20 years.

2782
04:09:36,450 --> 04:09:38,310
And with fentanyl it's just been,

2783
04:09:38,310 --> 04:09:41,880
it's been just crazy.

2784
04:09:41,880 --> 04:09:43,980
And you have someone like this

2785
04:09:43,980 --> 04:09:46,830
that's just let out the next day

2786
04:09:46,830 --> 04:09:48,600
and I don't know what the answer is.

2787
04:09:48,600 --> 04:09:50,640
And I love what we're doing

2788
04:09:50,640 --> 04:09:53,940
and sharing the services
with the Soup Kitchen

2789
04:09:53,940 --> 04:09:56,880
and other Project SHARE, Bridge.

2790
04:09:56,880 --> 04:09:58,470
I think it's a great idea.

2791
04:09:58,470 --> 04:10:00,390
And if we can have a complex

2792
04:10:00,390 --> 04:10:03,210
where we can serve like
the transitional housing,

2793
04:10:03,210 --> 04:10:04,770
the Wayne Campbell, something like that.

2794
04:10:04,770 --> 04:10:06,720
I know it's going to take a lot from us.

2795
04:10:06,720 --> 04:10:08,010
We're just following your guidance

2796
04:10:08,010 --> 04:10:10,020
and I don't know what, whatever we do,

2797
04:10:10,020 --> 04:10:15,020
we need some kind of security
that, you know, these unhoused

2798
04:10:15,270 --> 04:10:18,780
and these people who are
addicted are trying to get help.

2799
04:10:18,780 --> 04:10:20,340
And then you get someone from the outside.

2800
04:10:20,340 --> 04:10:22,560
And our Bylaw have been amazing.

2801
04:10:22,560 --> 04:10:24,750
And you get someone who just,
"Okay, here's a little,"

2802
04:10:24,750 --> 04:10:26,700
whether it's a little
bit that they're selling

2803
04:10:26,700 --> 04:10:29,100
or just giving them so
they'll buy it off them later,

2804
04:10:29,100 --> 04:10:32,490
and it doesn't seem like
our upper-tier government

2805
04:10:32,490 --> 04:10:34,950
are telling the police
or the judges or whatever

2806
04:10:34,950 --> 04:10:36,780
to keep them in jail

2807
04:10:36,780 --> 04:10:39,450
because it's not helping the situation.

2808
04:10:39,450 --> 04:10:41,640
- So if I could-
- Yeah. Of course.

2809
04:10:41,640 --> 04:10:44,290
- So part of the
recommendations are to say

2810
04:10:45,782 --> 04:10:50,400
if the city can provide
some additional resources

2811
04:10:50,400 --> 04:10:54,690
to tackle that street life,
you know, with the CORE group,

2812
04:10:54,690 --> 04:10:56,370
with the police, very important,

2813
04:10:56,370 --> 04:10:59,520
this council's got to keep
advocating for that to continue,

2814
04:10:59,520 --> 04:11:03,360
but provide additional resources
with Chris and his crew

2815
04:11:03,360 --> 04:11:04,620
and some of the street workers.

2816
04:11:04,620 --> 04:11:07,680
Even if you have to resource
that a little bit more.

2817
04:11:07,680 --> 04:11:11,730
By keeping the street,
putting a push on the street

2818
04:11:11,730 --> 04:11:16,100
gives you time to build those
supportive housing units.

2819
04:11:16,100 --> 04:11:20,520
In the meantime, if we can get a hub built

2820
04:11:20,520 --> 04:11:23,340
providing services, it will service

2821
04:11:23,340 --> 04:11:27,930
the non sort of addictive
mental health clients

2822
04:11:27,930 --> 04:11:30,000
that are housed and are doing okay,

2823
04:11:30,000 --> 04:11:32,670
but just need a little bit more help.

2824
04:11:32,670 --> 04:11:33,810
If this comes together,

2825
04:11:33,810 --> 04:11:35,400
it's kind of a phase thing,

2826
04:11:35,400 --> 04:11:39,540
but I think if we can attack

2827
04:11:39,540 --> 04:11:41,460
that street stuff now, to your point.

2828
04:11:41,460 --> 04:11:42,454
- Yeah. 'Cause the police

2829
04:11:42,454 --> 04:11:43,680
are doing their jobs.
- Let the other things-

2830
04:11:43,680 --> 04:11:44,638
- They are doing their jobs.

2831
04:11:44,638 --> 04:11:46,860
They're just not keeping them in jail.

2832
04:11:46,860 --> 04:11:50,010
So it's not the police's
fault, it's the system's fault.

2833
04:11:50,010 --> 04:11:54,810
- Yeah, and I think if,
I think I'll say this,

2834
04:11:54,810 --> 04:11:56,943
it's a little bit of tough love.

2835
04:11:58,890 --> 04:12:01,800
Because I think Niagara
Falls is having some success

2836
04:12:01,800 --> 04:12:05,700
because we're being a
little bit more aggressive,

2837
04:12:05,700 --> 04:12:08,250
which, as long as you're providing

2838
04:12:08,250 --> 04:12:10,170
those other support services,

2839
04:12:10,170 --> 04:12:12,300
is perhaps not a bad thing.

2840
04:12:12,300 --> 04:12:14,730
But some other municipalities
that we visited

2841
04:12:14,730 --> 04:12:18,270
are taking a little bit
more lax approach to it.

2842
04:12:18,270 --> 04:12:21,030
And I know there's a big, big issue

2843
04:12:21,030 --> 04:12:24,633
going across the province
right now with encampments,

2844
04:12:25,680 --> 04:12:30,210
that if you let an encampment take hold,

2845
04:12:30,210 --> 04:12:32,340
you're going to have
difficulty managing it later.

2846
04:12:32,340 --> 04:12:34,350
So get ahead of it

2847
04:12:34,350 --> 04:12:37,380
and get the individuals
to the right services

2848
04:12:37,380 --> 04:12:38,880
and help that they need

2849
04:12:38,880 --> 04:12:41,010
before these things grow into something

2850
04:12:41,010 --> 04:12:42,540
that becomes totally unmanageable

2851
04:12:42,540 --> 04:12:43,373
for you.
- Yeah.

2852
04:12:43,373 --> 04:12:44,550
'Cause we've seen it in so many cities

2853
04:12:44,550 --> 04:12:46,440
and you even said it like, you know,

2854
04:12:46,440 --> 04:12:48,600
we think Niagara Falls is bad,

2855
04:12:48,600 --> 04:12:50,400
but it's not even close

2856
04:12:50,400 --> 04:12:52,860
to what some other
municipalities are going through.

2857
04:12:52,860 --> 04:12:53,820
- Yeah.
- I'm sure you know,

2858
04:12:53,820 --> 04:12:57,060
Toronto, Hamilton, that
area is really, really bad.

2859
04:12:57,060 --> 04:12:58,500
St. Catharines as well.

2860
04:12:58,500 --> 04:13:02,160
So, but regardless, we're
going in the right direction.

2861
04:13:02,160 --> 04:13:05,130
I think this is such a positive step.

2862
04:13:05,130 --> 04:13:07,200
Having it all in one house

2863
04:13:07,200 --> 04:13:08,430
where we can help everybody

2864
04:13:08,430 --> 04:13:10,230
and show shared services.

2865
04:13:10,230 --> 04:13:11,063
I think it's great.

2866
04:13:11,063 --> 04:13:15,213
- And I will say this in
credit to the three boards,

2867
04:13:16,260 --> 04:13:18,900
each group listened

2868
04:13:18,900 --> 04:13:22,710
and it was unanimous

2869
04:13:22,710 --> 04:13:24,870
on every board that I went to.

2870
04:13:24,870 --> 04:13:28,410
Because I think they're
realizing the model

2871
04:13:28,410 --> 04:13:29,940
is maybe not sustainable.

2872
04:13:29,940 --> 04:13:31,920
It is time for a change.

2873
04:13:31,920 --> 04:13:33,570
Things are probably
still going to get worse

2874
04:13:33,570 --> 04:13:34,530
before they get better.

2875
04:13:34,530 --> 04:13:36,540
So we have to put a
different model in place

2876
04:13:36,540 --> 04:13:39,300
to help what's still
coming down the path here.

2877
04:13:39,300 --> 04:13:42,660
- And what is the kind of
the next step or timeline?

2878
04:13:42,660 --> 04:13:45,480
- Well, (chuckles) I guess
that's up to council,

2879
04:13:45,480 --> 04:13:48,030
but I, you know, the hope would be

2880
04:13:48,030 --> 04:13:51,390
that if council supports
the idea of a hub,

2881
04:13:51,390 --> 04:13:53,670
we're going to need some help
getting that off the ground.

2882
04:13:53,670 --> 04:13:56,343
So we'd need some support
from council there.

2883
04:13:57,270 --> 04:14:00,390
And we're not here asking council,

2884
04:14:00,390 --> 04:14:01,590
we know that there's going to have

2885
04:14:01,590 --> 04:14:04,320
to be community partnerships, fundraising,

2886
04:14:04,320 --> 04:14:07,773
but there will be some
financial assistance needed.

2887
04:14:08,640 --> 04:14:10,440
We think if we can get this thing built,

2888
04:14:10,440 --> 04:14:13,290
then I think the agencies have done

2889
04:14:13,290 --> 04:14:14,460
a good enough job in the past

2890
04:14:14,460 --> 04:14:16,533
that we can monitor it and run it.

2891
04:14:17,460 --> 04:14:19,230
Not asking the city to run it,

2892
04:14:19,230 --> 04:14:21,687
not asking for a lot of
operating dollars to run it.

2893
04:14:21,687 --> 04:14:23,940
The city is providing some funds now,

2894
04:14:23,940 --> 04:14:25,740
which is very, very welcomed.

2895
04:14:25,740 --> 04:14:29,940
But yeah, we just need council

2896
04:14:29,940 --> 04:14:31,500
to kind of get behind
the concept with this.

2897
04:14:31,500 --> 04:14:33,750
- Well I think everyone is behind it.

2898
04:14:33,750 --> 04:14:35,070
All of council will be behind it.

2899
04:14:35,070 --> 04:14:38,340
And just thank you for
taking the time to do this.

2900
04:14:38,340 --> 04:14:39,630
We know you're volunteering

2901
04:14:39,630 --> 04:14:41,250
your time and effort into this,

2902
04:14:41,250 --> 04:14:42,970
so we really appreciate it.
- Yeah, thank you.

2903
04:14:42,970 --> 04:14:44,160
- [Diodati] Okay. Thank you, Councilor.

2904
04:14:44,160 --> 04:14:45,810
I've got actually
Councilor Nieuwesteeg next.

2905
04:14:45,810 --> 04:14:47,280
I'm sorry, I, you did have your hand up.

2906
04:14:47,280 --> 04:14:49,890
And then I got Lococo, Patel, Pietrangelo,

2907
04:14:49,890 --> 04:14:52,530
and I want to remind you
to try to ask questions.

2908
04:14:52,530 --> 04:14:54,990
This is the time to ask
questions of our presenter.

2909
04:14:54,990 --> 04:14:57,420
So try to focus on that
if you can. Councilor.

2910
04:14:57,420 --> 04:14:59,070
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

2911
04:14:59,070 --> 04:15:01,680
Without repeating, absolutely
fabulous presentation,

2912
04:15:01,680 --> 04:15:03,690
but what I really liked
was your balanced approach

2913
04:15:03,690 --> 04:15:06,240
between the need that
we have on the street

2914
04:15:06,240 --> 04:15:09,600
as well as recognizing our
community and businesses.

2915
04:15:09,600 --> 04:15:12,510
So it was a nice combination.

2916
04:15:12,510 --> 04:15:15,420
My questions are, first one is this,

2917
04:15:15,420 --> 04:15:18,180
if you can kind of visualize
more for me, this hub.

2918
04:15:18,180 --> 04:15:19,950
So do you have a place

2919
04:15:19,950 --> 04:15:22,740
that you're looking to
coordinate this hub?

2920
04:15:22,740 --> 04:15:23,760
- No.
- Okay.

2921
04:15:23,760 --> 04:15:25,853
- But we... No.

2922
04:15:26,731 --> 04:15:27,840
- Okay.

2923
04:15:27,840 --> 04:15:31,200
So right now we have agencies
working in different places.

2924
04:15:31,200 --> 04:15:33,480
Is the concept that like Project SHARE,

2925
04:15:33,480 --> 04:15:35,790
the Soup Kitchen, would
all come to that one area?

2926
04:15:35,790 --> 04:15:39,360
Or are they still going
to have their operations

2927
04:15:39,360 --> 04:15:40,470
at these locations

2928
04:15:40,470 --> 04:15:43,410
and just cost your backroom?
- Well, the concept right now

2929
04:15:43,410 --> 04:15:44,910
is all under one roof.

2930
04:15:44,910 --> 04:15:47,910
- Okay. Very good.

2931
04:15:47,910 --> 04:15:50,100
What are the timelines
to getting this done?

2932
04:15:50,100 --> 04:15:54,267
- Well, realistically, you know,

2933
04:15:54,267 --> 04:15:56,520
and it depends if it's a greenfield site

2934
04:15:56,520 --> 04:16:01,143
or if it's a redevelopment
of a site or a retrofit,

2935
04:16:05,727 --> 04:16:07,020
you're probably two to three years

2936
04:16:07,020 --> 04:16:10,620
in the whole, you know, design development

2937
04:16:10,620 --> 04:16:13,920
to the point where you could occupy.

2938
04:16:13,920 --> 04:16:17,197
- Any idea of what this
would cost? Any preliminary?

2939
04:16:18,360 --> 04:16:21,753
- I don't, but let's be
honest, nothing's cheap today.

2940
04:16:24,360 --> 04:16:27,090
You're probably going to
talk several million dollars

2941
04:16:27,090 --> 04:16:28,980
by the time you get to the
end of it, I would think.

2942
04:16:28,980 --> 04:16:31,140
But I have no idea.

2943
04:16:31,140 --> 04:16:33,030
That's the purpose of
getting to the next step,

2944
04:16:33,030 --> 04:16:35,210
to have the groups look
at what the actual cost

2945
04:16:35,210 --> 04:16:38,460
of this would be and see if it's feasible.

2946
04:16:38,460 --> 04:16:40,167
- Okay, well, and through Mr. Mayor,

2947
04:16:40,167 --> 04:16:41,790
the one thing in your presentation

2948
04:16:41,790 --> 04:16:43,920
that I know she talked
about municipal role

2949
04:16:43,920 --> 04:16:44,910
and you hit the three things

2950
04:16:44,910 --> 04:16:49,290
about invest, advocate, and regulate.

2951
04:16:49,290 --> 04:16:51,360
So it's the advocacy piece

2952
04:16:51,360 --> 04:16:52,830
because as we all know,

2953
04:16:52,830 --> 04:16:55,710
this is not really at our municipal level.

2954
04:16:55,710 --> 04:16:58,320
It's really at the
provincial and federal level.

2955
04:16:58,320 --> 04:17:01,440
And I really think we need to
look at, in doing all of this,

2956
04:17:01,440 --> 04:17:04,590
is maybe having somebody do the advocating

2957
04:17:04,590 --> 04:17:06,450
at those levels of
government to help fund this

2958
04:17:06,450 --> 04:17:07,950
because it's not fair to the tax,

2959
04:17:07,950 --> 04:17:09,720
although I fully support it,

2960
04:17:09,720 --> 04:17:12,263
it's not 100% fair to the
taxpayers to carry this.

2961
04:17:12,263 --> 04:17:15,150
This is the responsibility
of other tiered governments.

2962
04:17:15,150 --> 04:17:17,220
And right now, 'cause
all the municipalities

2963
04:17:17,220 --> 04:17:18,660
are taking it upon themselves,

2964
04:17:18,660 --> 04:17:20,037
it seems like they're
getting away with it.

2965
04:17:20,037 --> 04:17:21,900
And I really think that's something

2966
04:17:21,900 --> 04:17:24,350
that we should be looking at
very strongly in all of this,

2967
04:17:24,350 --> 04:17:27,960
is that there's somebody
dedicated to advocate for funds.

2968
04:17:27,960 --> 04:17:29,220
And you mentioned earlier, you know,

2969
04:17:29,220 --> 04:17:30,870
we be ready so when the funds come.

2970
04:17:30,870 --> 04:17:32,850
But I think we have to be very proactive

2971
04:17:32,850 --> 04:17:34,830
and say this is a situation.

2972
04:17:34,830 --> 04:17:38,580
And going back to what you
were saying about the evacuees,

2973
04:17:38,580 --> 04:17:42,330
I dealt with a lot of them last
year because of my business

2974
04:17:42,330 --> 04:17:45,390
and I met many of them
and I heard their stories.

2975
04:17:45,390 --> 04:17:46,770
I saw how they were living.

2976
04:17:46,770 --> 04:17:50,430
And also dealing with the
hospital and they were taxed.

2977
04:17:50,430 --> 04:17:52,980
Everybody was taxed, and yet
there was no funding for them.

2978
04:17:52,980 --> 04:17:55,140
And it just keeps and
really comes back down

2979
04:17:55,140 --> 04:17:56,070
to our taxpayers.

2980
04:17:56,070 --> 04:17:57,960
So I really hope in all of this model

2981
04:17:57,960 --> 04:18:01,260
that we do keep in mind our taxpayers

2982
04:18:01,260 --> 04:18:03,630
and advocate to the other
levels of government

2983
04:18:03,630 --> 04:18:06,060
because this is something,
I think it's fabulous,

2984
04:18:06,060 --> 04:18:07,320
your plan, it makes sense.

2985
04:18:07,320 --> 04:18:11,433
But the funding has to
be at higher levels.

2986
04:18:12,450 --> 04:18:14,610
- I totally agree there's an advocacy part

2987
04:18:14,610 --> 04:18:16,743
for around this horseshoe.

2988
04:18:19,200 --> 04:18:21,330
But there's also a lot in the report

2989
04:18:21,330 --> 04:18:24,870
that really is community driven.

2990
04:18:24,870 --> 04:18:26,280
And that's kind of the hub part.

2991
04:18:26,280 --> 04:18:30,690
But there's a lot of
advocacy you can do here.

2992
04:18:30,690 --> 04:18:33,030
And as I said, with, for example,

2993
04:18:33,030 --> 04:18:35,280
property and stuff, council, you know,

2994
04:18:35,280 --> 04:18:37,470
council can get some
properties identified,

2995
04:18:37,470 --> 04:18:39,180
get them pre-zoned, get them serviced,

2996
04:18:39,180 --> 04:18:40,290
get whatever you have to do

2997
04:18:40,290 --> 04:18:43,110
so when that next
application, you're ready.

2998
04:18:43,110 --> 04:18:47,100
And especially in that whole
supportive housing piece.

2999
04:18:47,100 --> 04:18:49,590
You did a great job over on Park Street.

3000
04:18:49,590 --> 04:18:54,590
That's a good example. Campbell
building, great example.

3001
04:18:54,750 --> 04:18:57,630
Maybe not purpose built, you know,

3002
04:18:57,630 --> 04:18:59,310
but still a great example

3003
04:18:59,310 --> 04:19:02,040
of what you can do if
you set your mind to it.

3004
04:19:02,040 --> 04:19:04,200
- And one final question,

3005
04:19:04,200 --> 04:19:06,177
what kind of metrics for success

3006
04:19:06,177 --> 04:19:08,340
are you looking for out of all of this?

3007
04:19:08,340 --> 04:19:11,760
So is it, I know to eliminate homelessness

3008
04:19:11,760 --> 04:19:13,620
and to make sure everyone has everything

3009
04:19:13,620 --> 04:19:16,290
is kind of a nice dream, but to maintain,

3010
04:19:16,290 --> 04:19:18,843
so what metrics are, do you
hope that the end of the day,

3011
04:19:18,843 --> 04:19:20,280
in 5 years or 10 years from now,

3012
04:19:20,280 --> 04:19:22,830
you can say this project
we brought to council

3013
04:19:22,830 --> 04:19:24,240
was extremely successful

3014
04:19:24,240 --> 04:19:26,010
because we did all of these things.

3015
04:19:26,010 --> 04:19:28,950
Have you looked at what
those items would be?

3016
04:19:28,950 --> 04:19:32,553
- Well, you know, it's as I said before,

3017
04:19:33,660 --> 04:19:35,820
I think it's probably
going to still continue

3018
04:19:35,820 --> 04:19:38,400
to even get worse before it gets better.

3019
04:19:38,400 --> 04:19:42,420
But I think if I could
put that question around,

3020
04:19:42,420 --> 04:19:44,850
I think without taking
some of these actions,

3021
04:19:44,850 --> 04:19:47,010
I'm not sure even what the end result

3022
04:19:47,010 --> 04:19:48,180
will be of these actions.

3023
04:19:48,180 --> 04:19:50,700
But I think by putting some
of these things in place,

3024
04:19:50,700 --> 04:19:53,613
like a hub, getting
more supportive housing,

3025
04:19:54,660 --> 04:19:57,660
putting more boots on
the ground on the street

3026
04:19:57,660 --> 04:20:01,110
to help our community and
parks and public spaces,

3027
04:20:01,110 --> 04:20:03,450
my hope would be that in five years,

3028
04:20:03,450 --> 04:20:08,450
you'd see a substantial
improvement to what you see today.

3029
04:20:10,560 --> 04:20:13,500
Putting that in numbers,
I, sorry, Councilor.

3030
04:20:13,500 --> 04:20:15,090
I don't think I can put it in numbers.

3031
04:20:15,090 --> 04:20:17,070
- That's fine.
- You know,

3032
04:20:17,070 --> 04:20:18,870
you see numbers at Project SHARE,

3033
04:20:18,870 --> 04:20:21,063
you see numbers at the Soup Kitchen.

3034
04:20:22,110 --> 04:20:24,180
It'd be great to say we could, you know,

3035
04:20:24,180 --> 04:20:25,350
cut those numbers down.

3036
04:20:25,350 --> 04:20:28,740
But, you know, those are
all poverty related issues

3037
04:20:28,740 --> 04:20:32,250
and, you know, I'm not sure

3038
04:20:32,250 --> 04:20:33,810
that either of those kind of services

3039
04:20:33,810 --> 04:20:35,610
are going away anytime soon.

3040
04:20:35,610 --> 04:20:37,270
- Okay, I want to thank you so much

3041
04:20:38,157 --> 04:20:39,450
and to bring everyone together

3042
04:20:39,450 --> 04:20:40,624
in that coordinated-
- Oh, thanks.

3043
04:20:40,624 --> 04:20:42,147
- 'Cause as I said on
the Project SHARE board,

3044
04:20:42,147 --> 04:20:44,070
and you hear everyone's
doing different things

3045
04:20:44,070 --> 04:20:46,020
and there's so many good
doers out there too,

3046
04:20:46,020 --> 04:20:49,410
but everyone's working in
sometimes in isolation.

3047
04:20:49,410 --> 04:20:52,230
That it's really good that if
we can centralize everything

3048
04:20:52,230 --> 04:20:54,210
and communicate that out to the public,

3049
04:20:54,210 --> 04:20:56,010
that is such a step in
the right direction.

3050
04:20:56,010 --> 04:20:59,673
- It was so great for
these groups, you know,

3051
04:21:01,319 --> 04:21:02,880
to show a willingness to come together.

3052
04:21:02,880 --> 04:21:05,070
It's, I think in the long term,

3053
04:21:05,070 --> 04:21:07,920
it's going to be a great
thing for the city.

3054
04:21:07,920 --> 04:21:09,420
- Well, thank you very much for,

3055
04:21:09,420 --> 04:21:12,870
and thank you to everyone who's
participated in all of this.

3056
04:21:12,870 --> 04:21:13,710
- Thank you.

3057
04:21:13,710 --> 04:21:15,510
Next up, Councilor Lococo,

3058
04:21:15,510 --> 04:21:18,000
then Patel, Pietrangelo, Baldinelli.

3059
04:21:18,000 --> 04:21:20,400
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor,
through to Mr. Todd.

3060
04:21:20,400 --> 04:21:21,233
Thank you so much.

3061
04:21:21,233 --> 04:21:24,120
It was really good to see all
of the different perspectives

3062
04:21:24,120 --> 04:21:25,590
because we can't make decisions

3063
04:21:25,590 --> 04:21:27,360
just with parts of the puzzle.

3064
04:21:27,360 --> 04:21:29,370
So you brought all the
puzzle pieces together.

3065
04:21:29,370 --> 04:21:31,200
I'm really happy about that.

3066
04:21:31,200 --> 04:21:34,440
I just want to build on what
Councilor Nieuwesteeg was saying

3067
04:21:34,440 --> 04:21:38,490
about a lot of the issues
are not at our funding level.

3068
04:21:38,490 --> 04:21:42,930
So we have eviction
prevention, was in your report.

3069
04:21:42,930 --> 04:21:45,000
And then I'm thinking the other side of it

3070
04:21:45,000 --> 04:21:46,860
about landlord protection as well.

3071
04:21:46,860 --> 04:21:49,950
'Cause you know, there's
two sides, two sides to it.

3072
04:21:49,950 --> 04:21:52,590
And we're having a lot of
landlords who won't rent

3073
04:21:52,590 --> 04:21:54,030
because of some of the challenges.

3074
04:21:54,030 --> 04:21:56,820
And then we have some people
who are evicted unfairly too.

3075
04:21:56,820 --> 04:21:59,040
So we need to look at that.
But that's provincial.

3076
04:21:59,040 --> 04:22:00,360
And then we have mental health,

3077
04:22:00,360 --> 04:22:02,700
which is also provincial
through the region.

3078
04:22:02,700 --> 04:22:04,260
And then we have substance use,

3079
04:22:04,260 --> 04:22:06,093
which is also provincial
through the region.

3080
04:22:06,093 --> 04:22:08,493
- Yep.
- So my question is,

3081
04:22:10,200 --> 04:22:12,690
knowing that we have boots on the ground

3082
04:22:12,690 --> 04:22:14,160
for outreach workers

3083
04:22:14,160 --> 04:22:16,160
and they're working with
the people on the street

3084
04:22:16,160 --> 04:22:18,270
or the people who need the services.

3085
04:22:18,270 --> 04:22:22,170
I often hear that people
are looking for services,

3086
04:22:22,170 --> 04:22:24,060
but the services are not available.

3087
04:22:24,060 --> 04:22:25,290
There's not a shelter bed,

3088
04:22:25,290 --> 04:22:27,990
there's not a mental health bed to go to.

3089
04:22:27,990 --> 04:22:31,050
There's not an addiction bed to go to.

3090
04:22:31,050 --> 04:22:35,820
So if we advocate more to
get more of those resources,

3091
04:22:35,820 --> 04:22:37,890
I can see putting the resources

3092
04:22:37,890 --> 04:22:39,210
for more boots on the ground.

3093
04:22:39,210 --> 04:22:42,300
I'm just afraid if we put
the more boots on the ground,

3094
04:22:42,300 --> 04:22:43,950
they'll tell me, "Lori, I've asked

3095
04:22:43,950 --> 04:22:45,810
and they don't have
anywhere for me to go."

3096
04:22:45,810 --> 04:22:49,290
And like, just two days
ago I went through this.

3097
04:22:49,290 --> 04:22:52,260
I went through the whole
process with somebody

3098
04:22:52,260 --> 04:22:54,090
and they go and do what I suggest,

3099
04:22:54,090 --> 04:22:55,590
what I've been told to suggest,

3100
04:22:55,590 --> 04:22:58,620
and then there's no resources for them.

3101
04:22:58,620 --> 04:23:00,390
So I think we really need to hone in

3102
04:23:00,390 --> 04:23:03,600
on that provincial level
to get those resources,

3103
04:23:03,600 --> 04:23:06,240
an addiction bed, a mental health bed,

3104
04:23:06,240 --> 04:23:08,820
a shelter bed, or a sustainable,

3105
04:23:08,820 --> 04:23:11,940
'cause without that, if we
put more boots on the ground,

3106
04:23:11,940 --> 04:23:14,430
we're just telling them, sorry,
"There's nothing for you."

3107
04:23:14,430 --> 04:23:16,320
And that's what we keep on running into.

3108
04:23:16,320 --> 04:23:18,990
So how does, I know this is
the beginning of the plan,

3109
04:23:18,990 --> 04:23:22,500
but how will we overcome all of that?

3110
04:23:22,500 --> 04:23:25,360
- So I don't see those as being

3111
04:23:27,510 --> 04:23:29,970
contrary to one another.

3112
04:23:29,970 --> 04:23:34,950
I think the boots on the ground
helps from that street level

3113
04:23:34,950 --> 04:23:37,620
for businesses and residents

3114
04:23:37,620 --> 04:23:40,410
who I don't think deserve

3115
04:23:40,410 --> 04:23:42,930
to have to put up with
these kind of issues.

3116
04:23:42,930 --> 04:23:46,620
So I think that's important.
You're absolutely right.

3117
04:23:46,620 --> 04:23:49,515
But what I'm going to stand
here and challenge council to do

3118
04:23:49,515 --> 04:23:51,780
is, the best thing you can do

3119
04:23:51,780 --> 04:23:54,840
to get those supportive units built

3120
04:23:54,840 --> 04:23:56,730
is have somewhere to build them.

3121
04:23:56,730 --> 04:23:59,640
And council is directly in charge of that.

3122
04:23:59,640 --> 04:24:03,240
If you have two or three
pieces of land that you own

3123
04:24:03,240 --> 04:24:05,940
and are zoned, serviced, ready to go,

3124
04:24:05,940 --> 04:24:09,480
your chances of getting that
next supportive application

3125
04:24:09,480 --> 04:24:11,610
is going to increase tenfold

3126
04:24:11,610 --> 04:24:14,550
because you can turn the key tomorrow.

3127
04:24:14,550 --> 04:24:16,800
We can get in the ground tomorrow.

3128
04:24:16,800 --> 04:24:19,650
If you're not ready for that,
it's going to pass you by

3129
04:24:19,650 --> 04:24:21,660
and it's going to go to
some other community.

3130
04:24:21,660 --> 04:24:25,440
So there is funding allocations
that come out all the time.

3131
04:24:25,440 --> 04:24:27,390
So that, I agree.

3132
04:24:27,390 --> 04:24:29,670
The funding of building that

3133
04:24:29,670 --> 04:24:32,130
would be other levels of government,

3134
04:24:32,130 --> 04:24:34,323
region, federal, provincial.

3135
04:24:35,430 --> 04:24:38,613
But if you're there as a council saying,

3136
04:24:39,667 --> 04:24:42,690
"Here's the plate to put it on,"

3137
04:24:42,690 --> 04:24:44,370
you're way ahead of the game.

3138
04:24:44,370 --> 04:24:45,270
- I agree.

3139
04:24:45,270 --> 04:24:46,890
But I just want to bring that back

3140
04:24:46,890 --> 04:24:48,780
to a lot of the challenges
that we're having.

3141
04:24:48,780 --> 04:24:50,793
Our mental health, addiction.

3142
04:24:51,750 --> 04:24:53,790
If those services are not available

3143
04:24:53,790 --> 04:24:55,560
because of the provincial funding,

3144
04:24:55,560 --> 04:24:58,980
it's hard for us to solve
the issues down here.

3145
04:24:58,980 --> 04:25:02,040
So I just want to put
that out there to say,

3146
04:25:02,040 --> 04:25:03,660
how are we going to deal with that?

3147
04:25:03,660 --> 04:25:04,890
Back to the advocacy.

3148
04:25:04,890 --> 04:25:06,810
We need to go to somebody
else for funding,

3149
04:25:06,810 --> 04:25:09,210
who's going to fund those extra things.

3150
04:25:09,210 --> 04:25:11,640
- But it, I guess, again,

3151
04:25:11,640 --> 04:25:15,480
and it's much easier

3152
04:25:15,480 --> 04:25:19,590
to advocate from a position of strength.

3153
04:25:19,590 --> 04:25:23,163
And your position of strength
is, "We're ready to go.

3154
04:25:25,020 --> 04:25:26,250
Here's a couple properties.

3155
04:25:26,250 --> 04:25:28,260
We want this, we're ready to go.

3156
04:25:28,260 --> 04:25:30,300
We've committed to it."

3157
04:25:30,300 --> 04:25:33,180
There's going to be a time,
little bit of a time lag.

3158
04:25:33,180 --> 04:25:35,700
That's why you need to
keep, in my opinion,

3159
04:25:35,700 --> 04:25:38,460
tough on the street
with Chris and his group

3160
04:25:38,460 --> 04:25:40,950
and whoever else doing what they're doing

3161
04:25:40,950 --> 04:25:43,683
to keep, you know, and
rightly so, you know,

3162
04:25:44,640 --> 04:25:47,340
the community, you know,
the other partners,

3163
04:25:47,340 --> 04:25:50,823
which is the community, satisfied,

3164
04:25:51,750 --> 04:25:52,710
which they deserve.

3165
04:25:52,710 --> 04:25:55,890
But in the meantime, I
think all of these pieces

3166
04:25:55,890 --> 04:25:59,880
can work together and do your advocacy,

3167
04:25:59,880 --> 04:26:01,500
but be in a position of strength

3168
04:26:01,500 --> 04:26:02,760
when you go and ask for things

3169
04:26:02,760 --> 04:26:05,640
because other communities are doing it

3170
04:26:05,640 --> 04:26:07,110
and have been successful doing it.

3171
04:26:07,110 --> 04:26:07,943
- Yes.

3172
04:26:09,360 --> 04:26:13,235
- But you're right that that
funding has to come from,

3173
04:26:13,235 --> 04:26:16,080
some of that funding has
to come from other levels.

3174
04:26:16,080 --> 04:26:18,720
- Thank you. One final comment on that.

3175
04:26:18,720 --> 04:26:21,060
Years ago it was housing
first, housing first,

3176
04:26:21,060 --> 04:26:23,010
we wanted to get people into housing,

3177
04:26:23,010 --> 04:26:26,580
but we weren't providing the
supportive wraparound services.

3178
04:26:26,580 --> 04:26:29,347
So even though we build
things, you can't just say,

3179
04:26:29,347 --> 04:26:30,900
"Here's your apartment, go to it."

3180
04:26:30,900 --> 04:26:32,430
They need all of those services

3181
04:26:32,430 --> 04:26:34,020
so we have to have those as well.

3182
04:26:34,020 --> 04:26:35,430
So I'm going to move on.

3183
04:26:35,430 --> 04:26:39,030
A lot of the ideas that are in this report

3184
04:26:39,030 --> 04:26:43,350
are some of the concepts that
Councilor Ioannoni and I found

3185
04:26:43,350 --> 04:26:45,210
when we went into Texas

3186
04:26:45,210 --> 04:26:47,160
and we saw the tiny homes community.

3187
04:26:47,160 --> 04:26:49,290
Now I'm going to remove
the word tiny homes

3188
04:26:49,290 --> 04:26:50,760
because everybody gets stuck on that.

3189
04:26:50,760 --> 04:26:54,600
But the whole concept was that
you had all of these hubs,

3190
04:26:54,600 --> 04:26:57,090
the wraparound services of everybody

3191
04:26:57,090 --> 04:27:00,480
being able to get the mental
health, the addiction,

3192
04:27:00,480 --> 04:27:01,770
everything in one place.

3193
04:27:01,770 --> 04:27:03,970
So I'm seeing a lot of
that within the report.

3194
04:27:03,970 --> 04:27:05,070
(alarm chirps)

3195
04:27:05,070 --> 04:27:07,830
I'm just going to, two more things.

3196
04:27:07,830 --> 04:27:11,130
This was brought up to me by a worker,

3197
04:27:11,130 --> 04:27:14,790
and one of the concerns
that they have with a hub

3198
04:27:14,790 --> 04:27:17,187
is sometimes people get banned from,

3199
04:27:17,187 --> 04:27:19,110
and I brought this up to you before,

3200
04:27:19,110 --> 04:27:21,990
sometimes people get
banned from one agency.

3201
04:27:21,990 --> 04:27:23,097
But the way we're set up now,

3202
04:27:23,097 --> 04:27:25,530
and I agree with the hub,
it's a more effective way.

3203
04:27:25,530 --> 04:27:26,430
I agree with it.

3204
04:27:26,430 --> 04:27:27,960
But what we have to think about

3205
04:27:27,960 --> 04:27:29,910
is sometimes the clients get banned.

3206
04:27:29,910 --> 04:27:31,980
Say they get banned from Project SHARE,

3207
04:27:31,980 --> 04:27:33,480
but they can still go to the Soup Kitchen,

3208
04:27:33,480 --> 04:27:35,040
they can still go to The Bridge.

3209
04:27:35,040 --> 04:27:37,770
If all of the services are in one place,

3210
04:27:37,770 --> 04:27:41,580
we really need to turn our
mind to, if someone gets banned

3211
04:27:41,580 --> 04:27:43,980
because of one of their behaviors,

3212
04:27:43,980 --> 04:27:48,000
how does that work with them
accessing all of the services?

3213
04:27:48,000 --> 04:27:49,710
I know I'm not expecting an answer,

3214
04:27:49,710 --> 04:27:51,113
I just want to put it out there

3215
04:27:51,113 --> 04:27:52,500
because it is important.

3216
04:27:52,500 --> 04:27:56,010
- Well, fair to say, I
think as we move forward

3217
04:27:56,010 --> 04:27:58,110
and the design and operation of it

3218
04:27:58,110 --> 04:28:01,053
will be very mindful of
those kind of things.

3219
04:28:01,890 --> 04:28:03,930
You know, these are,

3220
04:28:03,930 --> 04:28:07,440
the people that will be
operating these services

3221
04:28:07,440 --> 04:28:12,390
are all very well-minded,
compassionate people.

3222
04:28:12,390 --> 04:28:14,190
So they're going to be very mindful

3223
04:28:14,190 --> 04:28:16,470
of all of that as we move forward.

3224
04:28:16,470 --> 04:28:18,180
- And of course, it was
a compassionate person

3225
04:28:18,180 --> 04:28:19,922
that brought it to me
because she was concerned.

3226
04:28:19,922 --> 04:28:21,377
- There you go.
- And my last point is,

3227
04:28:21,377 --> 04:28:23,037
I know we spoke about this before too,

3228
04:28:23,037 --> 04:28:25,230
and I didn't see it in the report.

3229
04:28:25,230 --> 04:28:27,180
Niagara Falls and the Niagara region,

3230
04:28:27,180 --> 04:28:28,350
we're very over-housed.

3231
04:28:28,350 --> 04:28:31,320
You have one person living
in a three-bedroom apartment.

3232
04:28:31,320 --> 04:28:32,550
There are programs out there,

3233
04:28:32,550 --> 04:28:36,120
and I've brought them to
council over the past few years.

3234
04:28:36,120 --> 04:28:38,880
There's a new program that
they're working on right now

3235
04:28:38,880 --> 04:28:40,050
that you co-share.

3236
04:28:40,050 --> 04:28:42,750
And somebody is doing all of the vetting.

3237
04:28:42,750 --> 04:28:43,860
They're matching people.

3238
04:28:43,860 --> 04:28:47,010
So someone could live in
that four-bedroom house

3239
04:28:47,010 --> 04:28:48,120
that one person is living,

3240
04:28:48,120 --> 04:28:49,830
now you have two people living in it.

3241
04:28:49,830 --> 04:28:53,970
So that's part of the
affordable housing that we need.

3242
04:28:53,970 --> 04:28:56,700
So I hope that we look into that too.

3243
04:28:56,700 --> 04:28:57,840
I know I've tried to work

3244
04:28:57,840 --> 04:28:59,970
with different organizations about this.

3245
04:28:59,970 --> 04:29:01,350
And it just keeps falling down.

3246
04:29:01,350 --> 04:29:02,605
I know I'm going to revive
it somehow. (laughs)

3247
04:29:02,605 --> 04:29:06,060
- Well, we had a great conversation,

3248
04:29:06,060 --> 04:29:09,690
as you know, and I did
have a good conversation

3249
04:29:09,690 --> 04:29:12,720
with the region about
that exact thing, so.

3250
04:29:12,720 --> 04:29:15,120
There are things that they're
thinking about from that.

3251
04:29:15,120 --> 04:29:17,940
It didn't make its way
detailed into the report

3252
04:29:17,940 --> 04:29:19,260
because it's still early days.

3253
04:29:19,260 --> 04:29:21,480
But I did follow on and follow up

3254
04:29:21,480 --> 04:29:22,500
and have that conversation

3255
04:29:22,500 --> 04:29:23,800
with the regional people after we met.

3256
04:29:23,800 --> 04:29:25,500
- Well, thank you so much for all the work

3257
04:29:25,500 --> 04:29:27,270
and all of the connections.

3258
04:29:27,270 --> 04:29:30,060
And I think it's important
that we remove those silos

3259
04:29:30,060 --> 04:29:31,620
and figure out what everybody needs,

3260
04:29:31,620 --> 04:29:32,910
what services we can offer,

3261
04:29:32,910 --> 04:29:34,380
and hopefully more effective

3262
04:29:34,380 --> 04:29:36,390
that we can serve the residents,

3263
04:29:36,390 --> 04:29:39,060
whether they are unhoused or in need

3264
04:29:39,060 --> 04:29:41,070
or the people and
businesses that live here.

3265
04:29:41,070 --> 04:29:41,903
So thank you.

3266
04:29:41,903 --> 04:29:42,736
- Thank you. Yeah.
- Thank you.

3267
04:29:42,736 --> 04:29:46,740
We've got Councilor Patel,
Pietrangelo, and Baldinelli.

3268
04:29:46,740 --> 04:29:47,890
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

3269
04:29:49,650 --> 04:29:51,900
Mr. Todd, thank you very
much for this presentation.

3270
04:29:51,900 --> 04:29:53,691
All the work and support
- It's Ken

3271
04:29:53,691 --> 04:29:56,340
- Ken.
- It's Ken. Yeah.

3272
04:29:56,340 --> 04:29:57,510
- One thing I found interesting,

3273
04:29:57,510 --> 04:29:59,160
what is in the report is,

3274
04:29:59,160 --> 04:30:02,673
everybody the residencies on
the street is not unhoused.

3275
04:30:03,540 --> 04:30:06,060
- No.
- And how is that?

3276
04:30:06,060 --> 04:30:10,110
- Well, you may see a lot
of people on the street.

3277
04:30:10,110 --> 04:30:13,380
And they're out, they may be
out walking to Project SHARE.

3278
04:30:13,380 --> 04:30:16,280
They may be out walking to the
Soup Kitchen to get a meal.

3279
04:30:17,310 --> 04:30:19,560
And many or most

3280
04:30:19,560 --> 04:30:22,980
are returning to a roof over their head.

3281
04:30:22,980 --> 04:30:26,310
It might be a hotel room, it
might be a basement apartment,

3282
04:30:26,310 --> 04:30:27,810
it might be whatever.

3283
04:30:27,810 --> 04:30:32,640
But, you know, the majority,

3284
04:30:32,640 --> 04:30:34,380
the vast majority of those individuals

3285
04:30:34,380 --> 04:30:36,420
that are out in a day,
they're socializing,

3286
04:30:36,420 --> 04:30:39,930
they're, you know, and
the majority of them

3287
04:30:39,930 --> 04:30:44,010
are housed in some format or the other.

3288
04:30:44,010 --> 04:30:45,180
- Well, that's good information,

3289
04:30:45,180 --> 04:30:46,013
through you, Mr. Mayor,

3290
04:30:46,013 --> 04:30:48,030
because sometimes people
would email us or call us

3291
04:30:48,030 --> 04:30:50,850
saying they saw 15 people on Lundy's Lane.

3292
04:30:50,850 --> 04:30:52,262
15 people on Main Street.
- Yes. Yep.

3293
04:30:52,262 --> 04:30:53,507
- So that means everybody is not unhoused.

3294
04:30:53,507 --> 04:30:55,860
So that's a really good-
- No.

3295
04:30:55,860 --> 04:30:57,870
No and that's what I got to,

3296
04:30:57,870 --> 04:30:59,640
I'm sorry, with the Indigenous

3297
04:30:59,640 --> 04:31:03,360
and, you know, the Indigenous

3298
04:31:03,360 --> 04:31:05,913
that are relocated here, the evacuees,

3299
04:31:07,080 --> 04:31:09,903
and they're out just, you know,

3300
04:31:10,860 --> 04:31:12,210
whether they're out seeing the city

3301
04:31:12,210 --> 04:31:14,520
or they're out on the street,
but they're not homeless.

3302
04:31:14,520 --> 04:31:15,937
But the first perception is,

3303
04:31:15,937 --> 04:31:17,340
"Oh, there's a homeless person."

3304
04:31:17,340 --> 04:31:20,070
Well, they, again, they
may just be walking down

3305
04:31:20,070 --> 04:31:21,420
to get a meal at the Soup Kitchen.

3306
04:31:21,420 --> 04:31:23,280
Or they might just be having,

3307
04:31:23,280 --> 04:31:25,380
they're congregating
at a corner somewhere.

3308
04:31:25,380 --> 04:31:28,140
Like, but that's the perception.

3309
04:31:28,140 --> 04:31:32,527
But they're not, the vast
majority of them are not unhoused.

3310
04:31:33,420 --> 04:31:34,530
- Thank you.

3311
04:31:34,530 --> 04:31:35,880
Through you, Mr. Mayor,

3312
04:31:35,880 --> 04:31:40,230
has any consideration
given to the GNGH site

3313
04:31:40,230 --> 04:31:42,420
for turning that into a hub?

3314
04:31:42,420 --> 04:31:44,700
Because it is working
as a hospital right now,

3315
04:31:44,700 --> 04:31:46,830
there is rooms there, there
are meeting rooms there,

3316
04:31:46,830 --> 04:31:48,330
there's community areas there.

3317
04:31:51,688 --> 04:31:54,827
- I guess the short
answer is no, only because

3318
04:31:58,050 --> 04:31:59,130
I'd say no for now,

3319
04:31:59,130 --> 04:32:02,460
only because that's not where

3320
04:32:02,460 --> 04:32:04,260
the majority of the clients

3321
04:32:04,260 --> 04:32:09,260
that would access these
services are living.

3322
04:32:09,390 --> 04:32:14,390
And I think there's a
much greater opportunity

3323
04:32:15,030 --> 04:32:17,100
for the redevelopment of that site

3324
04:32:17,100 --> 04:32:19,953
for supportive housing,

3325
04:32:21,450 --> 04:32:23,490
rent-geared-to-income kind of housing,

3326
04:32:23,490 --> 04:32:25,500
Park Street type developments.

3327
04:32:25,500 --> 04:32:27,690
Hawkins has a couple really good examples

3328
04:32:27,690 --> 04:32:31,020
with Niagara Housing,
those kind of opportunities

3329
04:32:31,020 --> 04:32:33,810
to get you that next level up

3330
04:32:33,810 --> 04:32:37,050
on the continuum of housing
that this city needs.

3331
04:32:37,050 --> 04:32:39,840
We've heard about the
supportive housing that we need,

3332
04:32:39,840 --> 04:32:42,120
get those kind of units built

3333
04:32:42,120 --> 04:32:44,910
and leave the hub somewhere else

3334
04:32:44,910 --> 04:32:48,633
where we can service the
clients in that community.

3335
04:32:50,760 --> 04:32:52,480
I had your same thought earlier

3336
04:32:54,300 --> 04:32:55,620
but after thinking it through

3337
04:32:55,620 --> 04:32:57,207
and really looking at
what the opportunities

3338
04:32:57,207 --> 04:32:59,343
the GNGH site can offer,

3339
04:33:01,140 --> 04:33:03,000
you know, you could kind of

3340
04:33:03,000 --> 04:33:05,103
have two different areas working together.

3341
04:33:06,180 --> 04:33:09,540
Great sort of greenfield housing sites,

3342
04:33:09,540 --> 04:33:11,160
which are desperately needed.

3343
04:33:11,160 --> 04:33:14,370
And let's find another spot for the hub.

3344
04:33:14,370 --> 04:33:16,470
- Yeah, to that point, Mr. Mayor,

3345
04:33:16,470 --> 04:33:19,980
the new build is ideal,
but the need is now

3346
04:33:19,980 --> 04:33:21,570
and the hospital's already there.

3347
04:33:21,570 --> 04:33:24,600
In a year and a half, they'll
be vacating that building.

3348
04:33:24,600 --> 04:33:26,970
So until we are building a new place,

3349
04:33:26,970 --> 04:33:29,850
maybe you can use that
as one of the services.

3350
04:33:29,850 --> 04:33:32,850
- Well, I think the timing,

3351
04:33:32,850 --> 04:33:35,520
probably the hospital site

3352
04:33:35,520 --> 04:33:40,520
would not even be available
till 2028, possibly 2029,

3353
04:33:43,080 --> 04:33:44,910
I think along that timeline.

3354
04:33:44,910 --> 04:33:47,460
There's a good chance
we'll be well on the way

3355
04:33:47,460 --> 04:33:52,140
to having developed a
hub at another location.

3356
04:33:52,140 --> 04:33:54,000
So, but I would say to this,

3357
04:33:54,000 --> 04:33:56,610
the concept really would be,

3358
04:33:56,610 --> 04:34:01,200
we may physically not be
together in a new hub yet,

3359
04:34:01,200 --> 04:34:03,360
but the approach would be

3360
04:34:03,360 --> 04:34:06,603
as soon as we can get
the conceptual done here,

3361
04:34:07,830 --> 04:34:10,690
we would be working together back end

3362
04:34:11,940 --> 04:34:13,150
as much as we can

3363
04:34:14,261 --> 04:34:15,810
until we move to a new site.

3364
04:34:15,810 --> 04:34:19,680
So there's lots that we can be
doing while that gets built,

3365
04:34:19,680 --> 04:34:21,300
so that, we're not going to delay.

3366
04:34:21,300 --> 04:34:23,583
I mean, we've got the partners here,

3367
04:34:24,840 --> 04:34:26,760
I think Steve's ready to run out right now

3368
04:34:26,760 --> 04:34:29,190
and start doing stuff tonight if he could.

3369
04:34:29,190 --> 04:34:33,360
So we're anxious to get started. Yeah.

3370
04:34:33,360 --> 04:34:35,667
- Through you, Mr. Mayor, you
know, all the recommendations,

3371
04:34:35,667 --> 04:34:38,550
and if councilors want to pick one or two,

3372
04:34:38,550 --> 04:34:39,900
which one would you prioritize?

3373
04:34:39,900 --> 04:34:41,803
Which one would you say we do first

3374
04:34:41,803 --> 04:34:44,130
of all the recommendations?

3375
04:34:44,130 --> 04:34:46,426
- Well, I'm going to be a little selfish

3376
04:34:46,426 --> 04:34:48,510
'cause I think the hub is a wonderful idea

3377
04:34:48,510 --> 04:34:49,920
that you should get on, really. (laughs)

3378
04:34:49,920 --> 04:34:51,780
But having said that-
- Other levels of the-

3379
04:34:51,780 --> 04:34:53,940
- Having said that, I truly believe

3380
04:34:53,940 --> 04:34:57,960
that reinforcing and continuing on

3381
04:34:57,960 --> 04:35:01,350
what you're doing in the
street, get that solidified.

3382
04:35:01,350 --> 04:35:04,830
'Cause that's going to have
the greatest immediate impact

3383
04:35:04,830 --> 04:35:07,773
on the people of the community.

3384
04:35:09,120 --> 04:35:12,300
So I would say that's a quick one

3385
04:35:12,300 --> 04:35:15,180
that I know that the CAO and by-law

3386
04:35:15,180 --> 04:35:18,210
and others are already mindful of.

3387
04:35:18,210 --> 04:35:22,030
I think that will just give the residents

3388
04:35:24,239 --> 04:35:26,340
a little bit of a lift

3389
04:35:26,340 --> 04:35:27,480
in some of these neighborhoods

3390
04:35:27,480 --> 04:35:30,240
if you can get that under control quickly

3391
04:35:30,240 --> 04:35:35,240
and let these other things
develop, which are really needed,

3392
04:35:35,730 --> 04:35:38,152
but are going to take a little
bit more time to develop.

3393
04:35:38,152 --> 04:35:39,313
- Okay. Thank you.

3394
04:35:39,313 --> 04:35:40,530
- [Diodati] Thank you, Councilor.

3395
04:35:40,530 --> 04:35:43,250
We've got Councilor
Pietrangelo, then Baldinelli.

3396
04:35:44,160 --> 04:35:46,050
- Yeah. Thanks, your worship.

3397
04:35:46,050 --> 04:35:47,190
Through you, to Mr. Todd.

3398
04:35:47,190 --> 04:35:50,220
Ken, it's great to see you
back in council chambers.

3399
04:35:50,220 --> 04:35:51,740
- Good seeing all of you.

3400
04:35:51,740 --> 04:35:54,630
- It almost feels as
though you haven't left,

3401
04:35:54,630 --> 04:35:55,680
but I know you have.

3402
04:35:56,737 --> 04:35:59,340
But your worship, I just
want to start off by saying

3403
04:35:59,340 --> 04:36:02,310
that to us it's important to have a plan.

3404
04:36:02,310 --> 04:36:04,110
So I want to say thank you, Ken,

3405
04:36:04,110 --> 04:36:07,110
for actually getting
a plan in place for us

3406
04:36:07,110 --> 04:36:08,070
and bringing it to us.

3407
04:36:08,070 --> 04:36:11,670
I know you mentioned earlier
that you're not someone

3408
04:36:11,670 --> 04:36:13,320
that really wants a lot of accolades

3409
04:36:13,320 --> 04:36:14,664
and you kind of pointed behind you

3410
04:36:14,664 --> 04:36:16,920
and you said that there's
hundreds of people

3411
04:36:16,920 --> 04:36:18,990
that volunteer in the Center-
- Every day.

3412
04:36:18,990 --> 04:36:20,220
- every single day.

3413
04:36:20,220 --> 04:36:22,410
And I do recognize that

3414
04:36:22,410 --> 04:36:24,810
and obviously I recognize
a lot of the faces,

3415
04:36:24,810 --> 04:36:28,650
but I think the other thing
that I would be remiss in

3416
04:36:28,650 --> 04:36:30,660
if I didn't mention is the fact

3417
04:36:30,660 --> 04:36:34,277
that it does take
someone special to go out

3418
04:36:34,277 --> 04:36:37,095
and to bring all those
people and all their opinions

3419
04:36:37,095 --> 04:36:39,330
and all their ideas together.

3420
04:36:39,330 --> 04:36:43,080
It takes someone special
who actually has a desire

3421
04:36:43,080 --> 04:36:47,340
and is dedicated and wants
to come forward with a plan

3422
04:36:47,340 --> 04:36:49,143
and puts it all into place, Ken.

3423
04:36:50,295 --> 04:36:52,437
So I do want to say
thank you for doing that.

3424
04:36:52,437 --> 04:36:54,930
I know you don't want it,
so I'll leave it at that.

3425
04:36:54,930 --> 04:36:57,060
But you are someone that's
lived it your entire life

3426
04:36:57,060 --> 04:36:58,770
and I recognize that.

3427
04:36:58,770 --> 04:36:59,663
Your worship, I know

3428
04:36:59,663 --> 04:37:01,733
that there's 12
recommendations in the plan.

3429
04:37:01,733 --> 04:37:04,350
I don't really want to
start pulling them apart

3430
04:37:04,350 --> 04:37:06,210
and saying I like this
one better than the other.

3431
04:37:06,210 --> 04:37:09,240
But obviously I think the
centralized integrated hub

3432
04:37:09,240 --> 04:37:12,330
is an absolute great idea.

3433
04:37:12,330 --> 04:37:13,800
I mean, I hope that that's something

3434
04:37:13,800 --> 04:37:15,420
that we can move forward on.

3435
04:37:15,420 --> 04:37:16,890
I understand that as a council,

3436
04:37:16,890 --> 04:37:18,210
we will have to put more funds,

3437
04:37:18,210 --> 04:37:21,333
we'll have to dedicate more
funds into this initiative.

3438
04:37:22,170 --> 04:37:24,930
But that's something
that we're willing to do.

3439
04:37:24,930 --> 04:37:27,540
The other thing that I just
wanted to mention, your worship,

3440
04:37:27,540 --> 04:37:30,240
is that I know Mr. Todd
has said a number of times

3441
04:37:30,240 --> 04:37:33,630
that as a municipality we
need to identify sites.

3442
04:37:33,630 --> 04:37:36,480
We've already talked about some sites.

3443
04:37:36,480 --> 04:37:39,210
So perhaps if you can tell us the point

3444
04:37:39,210 --> 04:37:41,820
that we need to get it
to in terms of a rezoning

3445
04:37:41,820 --> 04:37:44,190
that would fit on those lands,

3446
04:37:44,190 --> 04:37:47,010
then we can simply give
that direction to staff.

3447
04:37:47,010 --> 04:37:49,590
I can think of a couple
sites off the top of my head.

3448
04:37:49,590 --> 04:37:52,020
I don't really want to pop them out now,

3449
04:37:52,020 --> 04:37:55,230
but if you tell us that this
site needs to be rezoned

3450
04:37:55,230 --> 04:37:59,190
as you know, whether
it's institutional or R4,

3451
04:37:59,190 --> 04:38:00,720
whatever the case might be,

3452
04:38:00,720 --> 04:38:02,820
then we can give that
type of direction to staff

3453
04:38:02,820 --> 04:38:04,350
and then we can get moving on that, so.

3454
04:38:04,350 --> 04:38:06,363
- Thank you. Yeah, that'd be wonderful.

3455
04:38:07,200 --> 04:38:09,056
- Thanks, your worship.
- Thank you, Councilor.

3456
04:38:09,056 --> 04:38:11,243
Councilor Baldinelli.

3457
04:38:11,243 --> 04:38:13,773
- Okay. Thank you, Ken, through you mayor.

3458
04:38:15,360 --> 04:38:17,160
I'll call you Ken 'cause
you just... (laughs)

3459
04:38:17,160 --> 04:38:18,543
- It's Ken,
- But yeah.

3460
04:38:20,250 --> 04:38:22,590
That task report, I know
it's mostly faceted,

3461
04:38:22,590 --> 04:38:24,810
house opposing street, but you did mention

3462
04:38:24,810 --> 04:38:29,550
that we had 1,100 out of 1,800 Indigenous

3463
04:38:29,550 --> 04:38:32,190
in Niagara Falls, 61%.

3464
04:38:32,190 --> 04:38:33,360
- This week.

3465
04:38:33,360 --> 04:38:34,530
- This week.

3466
04:38:34,530 --> 04:38:37,380
Now how much of an effect
do you think it had

3467
04:38:37,380 --> 04:38:42,380
on the people around our
area in Niagara Falls

3468
04:38:42,510 --> 04:38:45,570
over the last three years
where we've accepted,

3469
04:38:45,570 --> 04:38:47,580
and I'm not sure how that acceptance works

3470
04:38:47,580 --> 04:38:50,970
because a lot of people
have been enriched by it

3471
04:38:50,970 --> 04:38:52,800
and all that money that
could have been used

3472
04:38:52,800 --> 04:38:57,003
to take care of people
are taking care of others.

3473
04:38:58,050 --> 04:38:59,100
It continues on today

3474
04:38:59,100 --> 04:39:01,470
and it affects, you know, souvenirs,

3475
04:39:01,470 --> 04:39:03,960
restaurants, you know, the tourism.

3476
04:39:03,960 --> 04:39:06,450
But what about the effects

3477
04:39:06,450 --> 04:39:09,210
on our local population and the unhoused

3478
04:39:09,210 --> 04:39:12,150
and those that need, you
know, need assistance?

3479
04:39:12,150 --> 04:39:15,300
- Well, I don't have quantifiable numbers,

3480
04:39:15,300 --> 04:39:20,300
but in talking to many people
over the last six months,

3481
04:39:21,900 --> 04:39:25,593
you know, whether it's
police, emergency room,

3482
04:39:26,880 --> 04:39:31,800
EMS vehicles, it's, you know,

3483
04:39:31,800 --> 04:39:36,800
even stress on other, you
know, social services.

3484
04:39:37,110 --> 04:39:42,030
It's just, you know, I think
Councilor Lococo said it,

3485
04:39:42,030 --> 04:39:43,920
we don't really even have enough resources

3486
04:39:43,920 --> 04:39:45,303
to serve our own people.

3487
04:39:46,230 --> 04:39:47,337
And here on a weekly basis,

3488
04:39:47,337 --> 04:39:51,540
we're having to service
another 1,100 people

3489
04:39:51,540 --> 04:39:53,160
from outside the community.

3490
04:39:53,160 --> 04:39:56,100
And the city of Niagara Falls,

3491
04:39:56,100 --> 04:39:59,070
the region, police, emergency rooms

3492
04:39:59,070 --> 04:40:03,870
get no financial benefit to
offset that additional burden.

3493
04:40:03,870 --> 04:40:05,550
I just think there's a better model.

3494
04:40:05,550 --> 04:40:07,710
And I'm not trying to
be too critical here,

3495
04:40:07,710 --> 04:40:10,380
but, you know, other people got to step up

3496
04:40:10,380 --> 04:40:11,430
and take their fair share.

3497
04:40:11,430 --> 04:40:14,220
I understand Niagara Falls
has a lot of hotel rooms,

3498
04:40:14,220 --> 04:40:17,340
but that's also a core
business of this municipality

3499
04:40:17,340 --> 04:40:19,833
is to provide hotel
rooms for visitors, so.

3500
04:40:20,790 --> 04:40:24,390
But I think there's another
model where, you know,

3501
04:40:24,390 --> 04:40:27,540
you look at the other
side of who the client is,

3502
04:40:27,540 --> 04:40:32,400
I'm not so sure it's fair to
the evacuees of, you know,

3503
04:40:32,400 --> 04:40:34,890
the arrangements we're putting
them into or uprooting them

3504
04:40:34,890 --> 04:40:36,540
and putting them into,

3505
04:40:36,540 --> 04:40:39,630
like, I'm sure there's a place somewhere,

3506
04:40:39,630 --> 04:40:42,450
whether it's an old campus somewhere

3507
04:40:42,450 --> 04:40:44,850
where you could, you know, use it

3508
04:40:44,850 --> 04:40:48,480
as a training facility
and an evacuee center

3509
04:40:48,480 --> 04:40:50,820
and, you know, have all
the facilities there

3510
04:40:50,820 --> 04:40:51,960
on an ongoing basis

3511
04:40:51,960 --> 04:40:55,200
rather than putting them
in hotels in Fallsview

3512
04:40:55,200 --> 04:40:56,460
or on Lundy's Lane.

3513
04:40:56,460 --> 04:41:01,020
And I just think it's not
fair to the residents,

3514
04:41:01,020 --> 04:41:04,470
because I think Councilor Patel said,

3515
04:41:04,470 --> 04:41:05,790
when you look around the streets,

3516
04:41:05,790 --> 04:41:07,640
a lot of what you're seeing are just,

3517
04:41:09,240 --> 04:41:13,080
you know, evacuees just
carrying on their day,

3518
04:41:13,080 --> 04:41:15,870
not maybe causing trouble,
not causing trouble,

3519
04:41:15,870 --> 04:41:17,400
I don't know what the situation is,

3520
04:41:17,400 --> 04:41:22,400
but you know, it's leaving the
impression on our residents

3521
04:41:23,010 --> 04:41:25,170
that there's all these
homeless people around

3522
04:41:25,170 --> 04:41:27,123
and that's really not quite the case.

3523
04:41:28,050 --> 04:41:31,080
- Yeah, we've had some correspondence

3524
04:41:31,080 --> 04:41:36,080
on the lack of, you know,
policing that basically,

3525
04:41:36,630 --> 04:41:39,090
and I spoke to a lot of them
and they're very overworked

3526
04:41:39,090 --> 04:41:40,290
and they've had too many calls

3527
04:41:40,290 --> 04:41:41,123
and they're just, you know,

3528
04:41:41,123 --> 04:41:43,140
it's not paying attention to our community

3529
04:41:43,140 --> 04:41:46,770
and we pay the taxes for it
and et cetera, et cetera.

3530
04:41:46,770 --> 04:41:49,710
I just like to know from
staff, I mean, how do we,

3531
04:41:49,710 --> 04:41:53,130
we must have a say on all
of these people coming

3532
04:41:53,130 --> 04:41:55,590
to Niagara Falls and staying in our rooms.

3533
04:41:55,590 --> 04:41:58,380
I mean, it just can't be, you know,

3534
04:41:58,380 --> 04:41:59,910
there's lots of rooms within Ontario.

3535
04:41:59,910 --> 04:42:03,060
I'm not sure why we
specifically get targeted.

3536
04:42:03,060 --> 04:42:05,430
I know there's a lot of money involved.

3537
04:42:05,430 --> 04:42:07,440
I'm not sure that it benefits,

3538
04:42:07,440 --> 04:42:10,623
and we had spoken about
this during our term,

3539
04:42:12,180 --> 04:42:16,500
that it was affecting us
and affecting our tourism,

3540
04:42:16,500 --> 04:42:18,360
but it's just too lucrative.

3541
04:42:18,360 --> 04:42:21,570
So, you know, I think the last
three years have been hard

3542
04:42:21,570 --> 04:42:24,270
and you probably doing
your studies in the last,

3543
04:42:24,270 --> 04:42:26,670
last year or so, whatever it's been,

3544
04:42:26,670 --> 04:42:28,470
and I think it's contributed to it.

3545
04:42:28,470 --> 04:42:30,630
And I think we got to focus on

3546
04:42:30,630 --> 04:42:34,410
the available monetary,
provincially and federally,

3547
04:42:34,410 --> 04:42:38,370
that's available and start
putting it to where we need it.

3548
04:42:38,370 --> 04:42:41,463
- Well, and you know, I
guess back to my point,

3549
04:42:42,420 --> 04:42:46,450
I don't think it's fair to the evacuees

3550
04:42:47,490 --> 04:42:50,490
with children and uprooting families.

3551
04:42:50,490 --> 04:42:53,610
I think there's better
solutions that are out there

3552
04:42:53,610 --> 04:42:55,620
that would help our community

3553
04:42:55,620 --> 04:42:58,890
and that would help
the evacuees themselves

3554
04:42:58,890 --> 04:43:02,070
in a, you know, and I know
it's a temporary situation,

3555
04:43:02,070 --> 04:43:04,950
but it can be several months
that they're dislocated

3556
04:43:04,950 --> 04:43:08,730
and, you know, I think there's
a better way to do that.

3557
04:43:08,730 --> 04:43:10,770
I think there's a better model out there.

3558
04:43:10,770 --> 04:43:13,020
- Thanks for your time.
(alarm chirps)

3559
04:43:13,020 --> 04:43:16,950
- Perfect, you timed that one
right on. That was excellent.

3560
04:43:16,950 --> 04:43:21,000
So first thing, Ken,
great big thank you to you

3561
04:43:21,000 --> 04:43:23,220
and to all the volunteers for being here.

3562
04:43:23,220 --> 04:43:26,760
We know it's not been easy
trying to get different groups

3563
04:43:26,760 --> 04:43:30,060
to come together to
collaborate, but it's happening,

3564
04:43:30,060 --> 04:43:31,940
and I knew if anybody
could do it would be you.

3565
04:43:31,940 --> 04:43:36,510
- It actually was honestly
pretty, pretty good.

3566
04:43:36,510 --> 04:43:39,480
There's some great people
out there in our community,

3567
04:43:39,480 --> 04:43:43,680
you know, working every
day, volunteering their time

3568
04:43:43,680 --> 04:43:46,680
and, you know, don't think
that I am, you know, took this,

3569
04:43:46,680 --> 04:43:49,109
Judy just wanted to get me
out of the house, that's all.

3570
04:43:49,109 --> 04:43:50,340
(attendees laugh)
So, I mean,

3571
04:43:50,340 --> 04:43:52,650
that's all this was.
- Secretly paying your salary.

3572
04:43:52,650 --> 04:43:55,590
- Yeah, that's all this was
about, you know. (laughs)

3573
04:43:55,590 --> 04:43:59,736
- So a couple things that I'm
going to look to council to do.

3574
04:43:59,736 --> 04:44:03,780
One is to first of all
receive the reports.

3575
04:44:03,780 --> 04:44:04,710
Second of all, okay.

3576
04:44:04,710 --> 04:44:06,750
I'll come to you, Councilor Lococo

3577
04:44:06,750 --> 04:44:09,270
and Councilor Nieuwesteeg for this.

3578
04:44:09,270 --> 04:44:12,600
Second thing is, there's a motion
that I'm going to introduce,

3579
04:44:12,600 --> 04:44:15,840
so maybe first hear me out
before you agree to it.

3580
04:44:15,840 --> 04:44:18,720
Second part is that motion

3581
04:44:18,720 --> 04:44:20,760
that I'd like to put on the floor

3582
04:44:20,760 --> 04:44:23,980
that we, council, enact
a steering committee

3583
04:44:24,900 --> 04:44:27,510
with necessary participants from agencies

3584
04:44:27,510 --> 04:44:31,050
and city staff consisting
of non-elected officials

3585
04:44:31,050 --> 04:44:32,880
under the leadership of Ken

3586
04:44:32,880 --> 04:44:35,370
with the goal of advancing
the recommendations,

3587
04:44:35,370 --> 04:44:39,540
the 12 recommendations
in the 78-page report.

3588
04:44:39,540 --> 04:44:44,350
And lastly that the report
itself be referred to staff

3589
04:44:45,210 --> 04:44:47,580
and brought back to council

3590
04:44:47,580 --> 04:44:51,210
with financial implications
for implementation.

3591
04:44:51,210 --> 04:44:53,037
So if you're still comfortable
with that, Councilor? Okay.

3592
04:44:53,037 --> 04:44:55,170
And you're still,
Councilor, with that? Okay.

3593
04:44:55,170 --> 04:44:58,950
So that's the motion that I'm
going to suggest that we put.

3594
04:44:58,950 --> 04:45:01,080
So that's going to be
moved by Councilor Lococo,

3595
04:45:01,080 --> 04:45:03,030
seconded by Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

3596
04:45:03,030 --> 04:45:05,010
And if we have no further discussion.

3597
04:45:05,010 --> 04:45:06,663
Oh. Yes, Councilor Pietrangelo.

3598
04:45:07,830 --> 04:45:08,663
- Thanks, your worship.

3599
04:45:08,663 --> 04:45:11,310
I just want to follow
up on Ken's suggestion

3600
04:45:11,310 --> 04:45:14,940
that we identify sites and
have those sites pre-zoned.

3601
04:45:14,940 --> 04:45:15,840
- Do you want to add that to it?

3602
04:45:15,840 --> 04:45:17,107
- Yeah, if that could
be part of your motion.

3603
04:45:17,107 --> 04:45:20,040
- Okay. Great idea.
- I think that's an easy one,

3604
04:45:20,040 --> 04:45:22,800
your worship, we already
have a couple sites in mind,

3605
04:45:22,800 --> 04:45:24,720
that we know that we can rezone.

3606
04:45:24,720 --> 04:45:26,700
So if we're just given the information

3607
04:45:26,700 --> 04:45:28,680
in terms of what the zoning needs to be,

3608
04:45:28,680 --> 04:45:31,860
again, whether it's
industrial or high density,

3609
04:45:31,860 --> 04:45:32,940
whatever the case might be,

3610
04:45:32,940 --> 04:45:34,290
then we can follow through on that.

3611
04:45:34,290 --> 04:45:35,640
So if that could be part of the motion

3612
04:45:35,640 --> 04:45:36,510
that staff bring back.
- Great.

3613
04:45:36,510 --> 04:45:37,620
Are you good with that, Councilor? Yep.

3614
04:45:37,620 --> 04:45:38,453
Councilor?

3615
04:45:38,453 --> 04:45:40,050
- Direction to rezone those properties

3616
04:45:40,050 --> 04:45:41,765
that we've identified,

3617
04:45:41,765 --> 04:45:43,890
then that would get us moving faster.

3618
04:45:43,890 --> 04:45:44,820
- Yep. Throw in the amendment.

3619
04:45:44,820 --> 04:45:48,360
So everybody understands the
motion, we'll call the vote.

3620
04:45:48,360 --> 04:45:49,193
All those in favor.

3621
04:45:49,193 --> 04:45:51,060
Okay. And that's unanimous.

3622
04:45:51,060 --> 04:45:52,230
- Mr. Mayor, if I could say

3623
04:45:52,230 --> 04:45:53,820
thank you, first of all for that.

3624
04:45:53,820 --> 04:45:55,800
Secondly, I just want to thank,

3625
04:45:55,800 --> 04:45:58,200
you know, there's a lot
of people behind here too

3626
04:45:58,200 --> 04:46:02,130
that were very helpful in getting
this report to this stage.

3627
04:46:02,130 --> 04:46:03,123
City staff, CAO,

3628
04:46:05,190 --> 04:46:07,390
some of the higher ups along this side

3629
04:46:08,280 --> 04:46:11,790
who were very, very good in
giving me some guidance as well.

3630
04:46:11,790 --> 04:46:14,211
So I really, really appreciate that.

3631
04:46:14,211 --> 04:46:15,990
- Well I think we got an opportunity here.

3632
04:46:15,990 --> 04:46:18,210
It's going to be a
made-in-Niagara Falls solution

3633
04:46:18,210 --> 04:46:21,360
that a lot of people are going to
want to replicate and duplicate

3634
04:46:21,360 --> 04:46:22,950
and I can't think of anybody better

3635
04:46:22,950 --> 04:46:24,090
to put something like that together.

3636
04:46:24,090 --> 04:46:26,670
So Ken, we tip our hat to you
and to all the volunteers.

3637
04:46:26,670 --> 04:46:27,839
Thank you very much everybody.

3638
04:46:27,839 --> 04:46:30,450
(attendees applauding)

3639
04:46:30,450 --> 04:46:32,353
Yeah. (laughs)

3640
04:46:34,020 --> 04:46:35,362
Thank you.

3641
04:46:35,362 --> 04:46:37,380
We're not going to remove that
ankle bracelet off of 'em.

3642
04:46:37,380 --> 04:46:40,750
We're going to keep track of
you. Don't try to hide from us.

3643
04:46:40,750 --> 04:46:42,063
Okay, Mr. Clerk.

3644
04:46:43,080 --> 04:46:44,930
Okay, we're good for that. Thank you.

3645
04:46:49,904 --> 04:46:52,740
All right ladies and gentlemen,
anyone following along now,

3646
04:46:52,740 --> 04:46:55,770
we're at the planning portion
of the council agenda.

3647
04:46:55,770 --> 04:46:58,230
Thank you to those who've
been patiently waiting

3648
04:46:58,230 --> 04:47:00,300
for us to address this.

3649
04:47:00,300 --> 04:47:01,440
I'll call on our city clerk

3650
04:47:01,440 --> 04:47:03,490
to introduce the next item on the agenda.

3651
04:47:05,220 --> 04:47:06,053
- Thanks, your worship.

3652
04:47:06,053 --> 04:47:07,530
A public meeting is now being convened

3653
04:47:07,530 --> 04:47:08,970
to consider a proposed amendment

3654
04:47:08,970 --> 04:47:11,400
to the city's official
Plan and Zoning By-law

3655
04:47:11,400 --> 04:47:15,180
to permit 99 stacked
townhouses within six blocks

3656
04:47:15,180 --> 04:47:19,470
at 5691 through to 6017 Valley Way.

3657
04:47:19,470 --> 04:47:21,240
Notice was given by first class mail

3658
04:47:21,240 --> 04:47:25,260
in accordance with the
Planning Act on May 22nd, 2026,

3659
04:47:25,260 --> 04:47:28,170
and by posting a sign on
the property in question

3660
04:47:28,170 --> 04:47:29,940
in accordance with Bill 185,

3661
04:47:29,940 --> 04:47:32,640
the minister, the applicant,
or a specified person,

3662
04:47:32,640 --> 04:47:35,730
public body or registered
owner of any land

3663
04:47:35,730 --> 04:47:39,630
to which the official plan
amendment by-law will apply,

3664
04:47:39,630 --> 04:47:41,430
who made oral submissions
at a public meeting

3665
04:47:41,430 --> 04:47:43,260
or written submissions to city council

3666
04:47:43,260 --> 04:47:45,780
prior to the adoption of
the official plan amendment

3667
04:47:45,780 --> 04:47:47,520
and/or passage of the by-law

3668
04:47:47,520 --> 04:47:50,250
may appeal the official plan
amendment and/or the by-law

3669
04:47:50,250 --> 04:47:51,810
to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

3670
04:47:51,810 --> 04:47:54,360
Third-party appeals are
no longer permitted.

3671
04:47:54,360 --> 04:47:55,230
- Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

3672
04:47:55,230 --> 04:47:58,110
We'll now call on Nick DeBenedetti,

3673
04:47:58,110 --> 04:48:01,590
our Planner 2, to provide
and explain the purpose

3674
04:48:01,590 --> 04:48:04,203
and reason for the proposed amendments.

3675
04:48:05,790 --> 04:48:09,570
- Good evening, council, your worship,

3676
04:48:09,570 --> 04:48:11,160
members of the public.

3677
04:48:11,160 --> 04:48:12,057
My name's Nick DeBenedetti.

3678
04:48:12,057 --> 04:48:15,000
I'm a Planner 2 with the
City of Niagara Falls

3679
04:48:15,000 --> 04:48:17,430
and we're here to discuss Official Plan

3680
04:48:17,430 --> 04:48:21,667
and Zoning By-law Amendment 2026-002.

3681
04:48:24,600 --> 04:48:28,890
The applicant's Valley Way
Non-Profit Housing Corp.

3682
04:48:28,890 --> 04:48:30,030
Greg Olson.

3683
04:48:30,030 --> 04:48:35,030
Proposal is to construct six
stacked townhouse buildings

3684
04:48:35,490 --> 04:48:37,380
with a total of 99 dwelling units

3685
04:48:37,380 --> 04:48:42,380
located at 5961 and 6017 Valley Way.

3686
04:48:43,530 --> 04:48:46,710
And again, just in this area over here,

3687
04:48:46,710 --> 04:48:50,790
the area in blue is the location.

3688
04:48:50,790 --> 04:48:55,790
This gives you a larger-scale
neighborhood map,

3689
04:48:55,830 --> 04:48:58,113
gives you the road network,

3690
04:48:59,070 --> 04:49:02,860
the current institutional use

3691
04:49:04,380 --> 04:49:06,120
and amenity areas.

3692
04:49:06,120 --> 04:49:11,120
And again, the area here

3693
04:49:11,160 --> 04:49:13,473
in green is the proposal.

3694
04:49:16,170 --> 04:49:20,193
Now this gives you a closer
look of the actual site itself.

3695
04:49:21,210 --> 04:49:24,990
There's Shirley Avenue here, Stevens,

3696
04:49:24,990 --> 04:49:26,580
there's Valley Way located here.

3697
04:49:26,580 --> 04:49:29,280
Again, the institutional use there.

3698
04:49:29,280 --> 04:49:31,443
There's a dead-end street over here,

3699
04:49:32,430 --> 04:49:34,203
which is Sidney Street.

3700
04:49:35,340 --> 04:49:39,630
And then there's the proposal

3701
04:49:39,630 --> 04:49:41,970
with the institutional use here,

3702
04:49:41,970 --> 04:49:45,240
again with detached
dwellings in this location,

3703
04:49:45,240 --> 04:49:48,270
a couple of apartment buildings here,

3704
04:49:48,270 --> 04:49:52,923
and again, singles all along Valley Way.

3705
04:49:55,080 --> 04:49:57,300
Now the official plan indicates

3706
04:49:57,300 --> 04:50:00,060
that the proposal is
designated residential

3707
04:50:00,060 --> 04:50:01,620
and is in the built-up area.

3708
04:50:01,620 --> 04:50:03,660
The official plan amendment is required

3709
04:50:03,660 --> 04:50:07,010
to increase the density from 75 units

3710
04:50:07,010 --> 04:50:09,000
to 92 units per hectare.

3711
04:50:09,000 --> 04:50:11,790
The residential designation,

3712
04:50:11,790 --> 04:50:15,780
generally, policies allow for
dwelling units of all types,

3713
04:50:15,780 --> 04:50:18,750
catering to a wide range of households,

3714
04:50:18,750 --> 04:50:22,770
which includes this townhouse development.

3715
04:50:22,770 --> 04:50:24,960
Now the zoning by-law amendment,

3716
04:50:24,960 --> 04:50:28,320
the current zone is institutional.

3717
04:50:28,320 --> 04:50:32,550
The proposal is to rezone
it to an R5C density

3718
04:50:32,550 --> 04:50:37,020
in accordance with Zoning By-law 79-200.

3719
04:50:37,020 --> 04:50:39,333
And the proposal will include,

3720
04:50:40,260 --> 04:50:44,670
there's a number of parts and regulations

3721
04:50:44,670 --> 04:50:47,580
that need to be recognized.

3722
04:50:47,580 --> 04:50:49,290
The reduced minimum lot frontage

3723
04:50:49,290 --> 04:50:52,260
will be reduced from 30 down to 20.

3724
04:50:52,260 --> 04:50:54,570
The reduction of the
minimum rear yard depth

3725
04:50:54,570 --> 04:50:57,213
from 10 down to 7.5 meters.

3726
04:50:58,140 --> 04:51:01,020
The increase of the
interior side yard width

3727
04:51:01,020 --> 04:51:03,750
to the west and east lot lines.

3728
04:51:03,750 --> 04:51:07,380
So actually we're bumping
up the side yard setback

3729
04:51:07,380 --> 04:51:11,390
to increase it to six meters
where the requirement is 5.5.

3730
04:51:13,080 --> 04:51:16,650
We're actually going to be increasing

3731
04:51:16,650 --> 04:51:19,620
the interior side yard width to the north,

3732
04:51:19,620 --> 04:51:21,110
which again, it's 5.5,

3733
04:51:21,990 --> 04:51:26,460
and the proposal will be at eight meters.

3734
04:51:26,460 --> 04:51:29,160
We're actually decreasing
the height requirement.

3735
04:51:29,160 --> 04:51:31,950
So the proposal in this zone,

3736
04:51:31,950 --> 04:51:34,830
the typical height requirement is 19,

3737
04:51:34,830 --> 04:51:37,380
we're capping it at 11.

3738
04:51:37,380 --> 04:51:40,740
Furthermore, there's a parking standard

3739
04:51:40,740 --> 04:51:44,640
that's being decreased from 1.4 to 1.1

3740
04:51:44,640 --> 04:51:46,290
and then the maneuvering aisle

3741
04:51:46,290 --> 04:51:49,263
is increasing from 6.3 to 6.

3742
04:51:50,100 --> 04:51:52,740
So this gives you a proposed layout

3743
04:51:52,740 --> 04:51:57,180
of what's being contemplated on this site.

3744
04:51:57,180 --> 04:52:00,840
Again, the access off
of Shirley Avenue here,

3745
04:52:00,840 --> 04:52:04,170
it's not a straight access,
it's been purposely designed

3746
04:52:04,170 --> 04:52:06,630
to have a little of an angle,

3747
04:52:06,630 --> 04:52:07,860
and then there's a further access

3748
04:52:07,860 --> 04:52:11,760
that has been introduced off of Valley Way

3749
04:52:11,760 --> 04:52:15,303
to help assist in traffic.

3750
04:52:16,740 --> 04:52:20,100
Again, in this corner over
here, it's the pinch point.

3751
04:52:20,100 --> 04:52:22,380
It's only at the 7.5 meters

3752
04:52:22,380 --> 04:52:25,170
and then actually the rear yard increases

3753
04:52:25,170 --> 04:52:27,180
along this perimeter.

3754
04:52:27,180 --> 04:52:30,450
Again, the pinch point up
here is at the six meters

3755
04:52:30,450 --> 04:52:33,800
where the proposal is 5.5.

3756
04:52:36,120 --> 04:52:37,743
No, just got to get rid of that.

3757
04:52:42,630 --> 04:52:46,740
Okay, again, the pinch point
over here is a six meter.

3758
04:52:46,740 --> 04:52:49,860
And then on the top here we're looking at

3759
04:52:49,860 --> 04:52:53,010
having the eight-meter interior side yard.

3760
04:52:53,010 --> 04:52:56,910
So we're actually increasing
the side yard requirements

3761
04:52:56,910 --> 04:52:58,773
that what you typically would have.

3762
04:53:00,570 --> 04:53:02,733
There also is noted here,

3763
04:53:03,990 --> 04:53:07,380
there's going to be potential
Moloks in the islands there.

3764
04:53:07,380 --> 04:53:08,970
Those are the little round circles.

3765
04:53:08,970 --> 04:53:11,440
And they've indicated some snow storage

3766
04:53:13,050 --> 04:53:17,823
on the perimeters where the
landscape area is being shown.

3767
04:53:18,990 --> 04:53:21,600
Now this gives you a rendering
of what's being proposed.

3768
04:53:21,600 --> 04:53:24,540
Again, there's going to be the rooftop,

3769
04:53:24,540 --> 04:53:28,710
your typical roof shingles
with a porch in the front.

3770
04:53:28,710 --> 04:53:30,750
There's a step up

3771
04:53:30,750 --> 04:53:34,743
and also an additional area on top.

3772
04:53:36,030 --> 04:53:38,283
This gives you the elevation drawings.

3773
04:53:39,360 --> 04:53:42,990
As noted, the side yards
actually are limited

3774
04:53:42,990 --> 04:53:47,220
to the one windows as indicated.

3775
04:53:47,220 --> 04:53:49,080
And then that gives you
the front perspective

3776
04:53:49,080 --> 04:53:50,523
and the rear perspective.

3777
04:53:52,890 --> 04:53:54,480
Now this is an interesting map.

3778
04:53:54,480 --> 04:53:58,410
Typically we're looking at what amenities

3779
04:53:58,410 --> 04:54:02,100
are located with this proposal.

3780
04:54:02,100 --> 04:54:04,440
So the area marked where the star is,

3781
04:54:04,440 --> 04:54:08,700
that's actually where the
proposal's going to be placed.

3782
04:54:08,700 --> 04:54:10,800
And along, there are,

3783
04:54:10,800 --> 04:54:15,480
in the green areas within the
500-meter perimeter radius,

3784
04:54:15,480 --> 04:54:16,800
there are actually parkettes,

3785
04:54:16,800 --> 04:54:21,800
there's a Shirley Parkette
there, there's Huck Park there.

3786
04:54:21,870 --> 04:54:26,580
Oaks Park was in within the
perimeter, there's a Stanford,

3787
04:54:26,580 --> 04:54:30,450
sorry, the Niagara Falls Lions Club there.

3788
04:54:30,450 --> 04:54:33,330
So there are close proximity

3789
04:54:33,330 --> 04:54:36,423
within a 500-meter radius of parks.

3790
04:54:38,130 --> 04:54:41,400
There's also schools in
the general location,

3791
04:54:41,400 --> 04:54:45,570
St. Mary's over here,
Valley Way over here,

3792
04:54:45,570 --> 04:54:48,450
Stanford in this area.

3793
04:54:48,450 --> 04:54:50,280
There's some commercial nodes.

3794
04:54:50,280 --> 04:54:54,630
There's Clancy's, the
commercial plaza at Stanley,

3795
04:54:54,630 --> 04:54:56,460
and Valley Way.

3796
04:54:56,460 --> 04:55:00,360
There's also the day nursery,
which is a commercial entity.

3797
04:55:00,360 --> 04:55:02,430
There's also some commercial

3798
04:55:02,430 --> 04:55:04,020
where you have the bakery over here

3799
04:55:04,020 --> 04:55:06,870
and Scott's Variety over here.

3800
04:55:06,870 --> 04:55:08,820
There's also the institutional use

3801
04:55:08,820 --> 04:55:10,810
where the bank is up in this area

3802
04:55:11,970 --> 04:55:16,600
just at the corner of
Morrison and Portage.

3803
04:55:18,420 --> 04:55:20,850
There's also obviously the healthcare.

3804
04:55:20,850 --> 04:55:23,400
Currently there is the hospital

3805
04:55:23,400 --> 04:55:25,530
in this location for the time being.

3806
04:55:25,530 --> 04:55:28,410
But also there is also
some health center use.

3807
04:55:28,410 --> 04:55:30,180
There's the medical building there.

3808
04:55:30,180 --> 04:55:32,730
There's a Valley Way
medical building there.

3809
04:55:32,730 --> 04:55:35,493
There's also the police
station in close proximity.

3810
04:55:36,960 --> 04:55:40,080
And also looking at this,

3811
04:55:40,080 --> 04:55:42,990
right at the corner of
Portage and Valley Way,

3812
04:55:42,990 --> 04:55:44,100
there are bus stops.

3813
04:55:44,100 --> 04:55:45,420
There's numerous bus stops

3814
04:55:45,420 --> 04:55:48,870
where the little yellow dots are,

3815
04:55:48,870 --> 04:55:51,360
there's actually a bus
stop just across here.

3816
04:55:51,360 --> 04:55:56,100
There's a walkway right about
not even five minutes away.

3817
04:55:56,100 --> 04:55:58,980
There's a bus stop here at Scott Street.

3818
04:55:58,980 --> 04:56:01,090
There's a further bus stop
here, right on Valley Way,

3819
04:56:01,090 --> 04:56:03,990
right in front of the institutional use.

3820
04:56:03,990 --> 04:56:08,370
So there's a majority of close
bus stops in the location.

3821
04:56:08,370 --> 04:56:10,980
And there's the bus network

3822
04:56:10,980 --> 04:56:14,160
and also the bike network dashed in red.

3823
04:56:14,160 --> 04:56:16,590
So this, when you're looking at this,

3824
04:56:16,590 --> 04:56:20,070
it gives you an overall
perspective that where the star is,

3825
04:56:20,070 --> 04:56:22,833
there is a lot of amenities
in close proximity.

3826
04:56:24,360 --> 04:56:27,840
So moving to the public open house,

3827
04:56:27,840 --> 04:56:29,940
we had a meeting on March 18th

3828
04:56:29,940 --> 04:56:31,650
and there was comments

3829
04:56:31,650 --> 04:56:34,770
that came out of the
meeting from the citizens.

3830
04:56:34,770 --> 04:56:38,730
So one of the comments was,
"Opening Shirley Avenue

3831
04:56:38,730 --> 04:56:41,610
generates traffic and safety issues."

3832
04:56:41,610 --> 04:56:43,290
According to the transportation briefs,

3833
04:56:43,290 --> 04:56:45,510
most of the traffic is anticipated

3834
04:56:45,510 --> 04:56:48,240
to be utilized on Valley Way entrance

3835
04:56:48,240 --> 04:56:50,103
rather than the Shirley Avenue.

3836
04:56:51,030 --> 04:56:54,570
The parking standard's going
to be reduced down to the 1.1

3837
04:56:54,570 --> 04:56:56,490
and there could be a potential spillover

3838
04:56:56,490 --> 04:56:57,783
onto Shirley Avenue.

3839
04:56:58,710 --> 04:57:02,250
Transportation staff
completed a technical study

3840
04:57:02,250 --> 04:57:06,330
to modernize parking rates,

3841
04:57:06,330 --> 04:57:08,310
which again is being recommended

3842
04:57:08,310 --> 04:57:13,310
at a 1.1 parking space per
stacked townhouse unit.

3843
04:57:13,350 --> 04:57:16,530
As such, the parking
study was not required

3844
04:57:16,530 --> 04:57:19,920
and spillover is not anticipated.

3845
04:57:19,920 --> 04:57:23,550
Potential decrease in
adjacent property values.

3846
04:57:23,550 --> 04:57:25,650
The proposal provides
an infill opportunity

3847
04:57:25,650 --> 04:57:30,650
which provincially and local
land use policies encourage.

3848
04:57:31,590 --> 04:57:34,830
Proposal will have 99 attainable units

3849
04:57:34,830 --> 04:57:37,500
allowing for adequate separation,

3850
04:57:37,500 --> 04:57:40,350
contemplated height
with adjacent properties

3851
04:57:40,350 --> 04:57:42,660
and using existing services.

3852
04:57:42,660 --> 04:57:45,780
The increase of traffic is minimal,

3853
04:57:45,780 --> 04:57:48,150
and over time the value of the properties,

3854
04:57:48,150 --> 04:57:50,043
mostly an increase in value.

3855
04:57:50,940 --> 04:57:54,360
The coordination of installation

3856
04:57:54,360 --> 04:57:59,360
of basically fencing along the perimeter.

3857
04:58:00,210 --> 04:58:03,990
Now the location and type
of fencing will be decided

3858
04:58:03,990 --> 04:58:06,330
during the future site plan control stage.

3859
04:58:06,330 --> 04:58:09,450
Fencing is typically always a requirement

3860
04:58:09,450 --> 04:58:11,220
along the property line

3861
04:58:11,220 --> 04:58:14,250
and the applicant agrees
with the requirement

3862
04:58:14,250 --> 04:58:17,073
of the placement of the
fencing along the lot lines.

3863
04:58:18,270 --> 04:58:20,820
The privacy, noise, and lighting concerns.

3864
04:58:20,820 --> 04:58:25,140
The conceptual site plan has designed the,

3865
04:58:25,140 --> 04:58:28,080
basically to minimize overlooking

3866
04:58:28,080 --> 04:58:31,530
onto the neighboring properties
in the conceptual site plan.

3867
04:58:31,530 --> 04:58:33,510
There's no balconies are proposed

3868
04:58:33,510 --> 04:58:36,030
on the rear or the side elevations.

3869
04:58:36,030 --> 04:58:40,350
The rear face of the proposed
stacked town dwelling

3870
04:58:40,350 --> 04:58:42,930
maintains a minimum of 7.5.

3871
04:58:42,930 --> 04:58:45,267
And I indicated that at the pinch point

3872
04:58:45,267 --> 04:58:48,240
and it does increase
along the rear lot line.

3873
04:58:48,240 --> 04:58:49,830
Through the site plan control stage,

3874
04:58:49,830 --> 04:58:52,140
wood fencing, plantings

3875
04:58:52,140 --> 04:58:54,750
will be addressed and the applicant agrees

3876
04:58:54,750 --> 04:58:56,910
with the placement of the wood fencing

3877
04:58:56,910 --> 04:58:59,400
and additional plantings for privacy.

3878
04:58:59,400 --> 04:59:03,720
Development is subject under
the City of Niagara Falls,

3879
04:59:03,720 --> 04:59:05,880
will be controlled under the noise by-law.

3880
04:59:05,880 --> 04:59:08,040
And again, the site plan control process

3881
04:59:08,040 --> 04:59:10,680
will review the lighting proposed

3882
04:59:10,680 --> 04:59:14,400
and to make sure that
there is zero setback

3883
04:59:14,400 --> 04:59:17,460
and basically you're not going

3884
04:59:17,460 --> 04:59:19,293
to be emitting over the lot line.

3885
04:59:20,520 --> 04:59:23,130
The type of garbage
enclosure that will be used

3886
04:59:23,130 --> 04:59:24,750
as indicated on the site plan,

3887
04:59:24,750 --> 04:59:27,270
they're looking at
putting the Molok system

3888
04:59:27,270 --> 04:59:30,840
and there were noted some
areas on the site plan.

3889
04:59:30,840 --> 04:59:33,483
The potential pest disturbance.

3890
04:59:34,620 --> 04:59:36,300
The applicant will have best efforts

3891
04:59:36,300 --> 04:59:38,310
to make sure that it'll be minimized

3892
04:59:38,310 --> 04:59:40,440
for potential pest disturbance.

3893
04:59:40,440 --> 04:59:41,702
And during construction,

3894
04:59:41,702 --> 04:59:44,790
all debris will be cleared

3895
04:59:44,790 --> 04:59:47,013
to control any rodent activity.

3896
04:59:48,060 --> 04:59:51,030
Questions regarding city infrastructure.

3897
04:59:51,030 --> 04:59:54,900
Now the city has retained GEI Consultants

3898
04:59:54,900 --> 04:59:57,150
as the third party modeling

3899
04:59:57,150 --> 04:59:59,610
to evaluate the wastewater impacts

3900
04:59:59,610 --> 05:00:02,100
and propose on the townhome development.

3901
05:00:02,100 --> 05:00:03,000
The study concluded

3902
05:00:03,000 --> 05:00:05,820
that the development
will have minimum impact

3903
05:00:05,820 --> 05:00:09,690
on existing wastewater system.

3904
05:00:09,690 --> 05:00:12,280
Larger downstream sewers
on Valley Way and Portage

3905
05:00:13,740 --> 05:00:16,650
in relation to the regional trunk sewer

3906
05:00:16,650 --> 05:00:21,030
near Park Street have
sophisticated capacity

3907
05:00:21,030 --> 05:00:24,033
to cover the two-to-five-
and the 10-year design.

3908
05:00:25,252 --> 05:00:29,100
"Is the city considered
opening up Shirley and Sidney

3909
05:00:29,100 --> 05:00:32,070
if the old school site is demolished?"

3910
05:00:32,070 --> 05:00:34,980
The city has no current application

3911
05:00:34,980 --> 05:00:38,100
for the removal of the school site.

3912
05:00:38,100 --> 05:00:41,580
Any future application will
be reviewed on its merit

3913
05:00:41,580 --> 05:00:43,713
and any planning application, again,

3914
05:00:44,700 --> 05:00:46,050
involving a rezoning

3915
05:00:46,050 --> 05:00:49,500
will be circulated as part
of the public process.

3916
05:00:49,500 --> 05:00:53,730
Snow removal and whether there
are private amenity areas.

3917
05:00:53,730 --> 05:00:55,560
The location of the snow storage

3918
05:00:55,560 --> 05:00:58,260
was identified on the site plan.

3919
05:00:58,260 --> 05:00:59,850
Again, it would be carried out

3920
05:00:59,850 --> 05:01:01,230
for future property owners,

3921
05:01:01,230 --> 05:01:05,160
which would be basically

3922
05:01:05,160 --> 05:01:07,110
the condominium corporation.

3923
05:01:07,110 --> 05:01:08,460
If there's a heavy snow event,

3924
05:01:08,460 --> 05:01:10,110
we'll have to truck out the snow.

3925
05:01:11,280 --> 05:01:14,160
There is landscape buffers
noted on the site plan.

3926
05:01:14,160 --> 05:01:16,920
The detailed landscape
plan will be reviewed

3927
05:01:16,920 --> 05:01:20,010
as part of the site plan control process.

3928
05:01:20,010 --> 05:01:22,410
And again, there's no amenity areas noted

3929
05:01:22,410 --> 05:01:24,213
on the rear of the dwellings.

3930
05:01:25,200 --> 05:01:28,680
Concerns about access going through

3931
05:01:28,680 --> 05:01:31,170
as a through route through Valley Way.

3932
05:01:31,170 --> 05:01:34,050
Through traffic from Valley Way to Shirley

3933
05:01:34,050 --> 05:01:37,410
is expected to be minimal
due to the design.

3934
05:01:37,410 --> 05:01:40,080
And as I indicated, it's
not a straight access.

3935
05:01:40,080 --> 05:01:43,563
The actual site plan
shows it as curvature.

3936
05:01:45,120 --> 05:01:46,410
The design, the layout,

3937
05:01:46,410 --> 05:01:49,290
and the private internal road network.

3938
05:01:49,290 --> 05:01:52,470
The internal roadway
network is only six meters,

3939
05:01:52,470 --> 05:01:55,410
which is narrower than
your typical local road.

3940
05:01:55,410 --> 05:01:57,480
The roadway is not as straight

3941
05:01:57,480 --> 05:01:59,940
and its physical design

3942
05:01:59,940 --> 05:02:03,630
will not encourage a
convenient cut-through route.

3943
05:02:03,630 --> 05:02:06,120
As such, the Paradigm conducted

3944
05:02:06,120 --> 05:02:09,910
the most of its traffic
using the internal roadways

3945
05:02:11,130 --> 05:02:14,460
will consist primarily of the
residents and the visitors

3946
05:02:14,460 --> 05:02:16,470
and additional signage can be placed

3947
05:02:16,470 --> 05:02:19,773
to make sure to deter this through access.

3948
05:02:21,030 --> 05:02:23,280
And finally, now there was a petition

3949
05:02:23,280 --> 05:02:26,430
that was brought up at part
of the consent application

3950
05:02:26,430 --> 05:02:29,220
that was done back last fall.

3951
05:02:29,220 --> 05:02:31,140
A member of the public requested

3952
05:02:31,140 --> 05:02:35,160
that the petition be included
from the consent application.

3953
05:02:35,160 --> 05:02:37,440
The current proposal with the layout

3954
05:02:37,440 --> 05:02:39,030
and the access on the Valley Way

3955
05:02:39,030 --> 05:02:41,580
was not included at the time.

3956
05:02:41,580 --> 05:02:43,980
So basically there were
two different applications

3957
05:02:43,980 --> 05:02:46,860
and the members of the public at that time

3958
05:02:46,860 --> 05:02:50,130
didn't have the opportunity
to see the full layout

3959
05:02:50,130 --> 05:02:52,113
that's been proposed tonight.

3960
05:02:54,300 --> 05:02:59,300
So moving to the OP and
zoning by-law justification.

3961
05:02:59,370 --> 05:03:00,380
The proposal conforms

3962
05:03:00,380 --> 05:03:03,810
to provincial, regional,
and city policies,

3963
05:03:03,810 --> 05:03:06,810
contributes to the minimum
intensification target

3964
05:03:06,810 --> 05:03:11,810
of 50% residential units
in the built-up area.

3965
05:03:12,060 --> 05:03:15,330
It's fully serviced,
located near parks, transit,

3966
05:03:15,330 --> 05:03:17,550
local commercial amenities

3967
05:03:17,550 --> 05:03:20,430
as I noted on the amenity plan.

3968
05:03:20,430 --> 05:03:22,410
The proposed stacked townhouse dwelling

3969
05:03:22,410 --> 05:03:24,870
is a max of 92 units,

3970
05:03:24,870 --> 05:03:28,470
which is compatible with the
existing abutting residential

3971
05:03:28,470 --> 05:03:31,950
maintaining low-rise built form.

3972
05:03:31,950 --> 05:03:35,880
And all units will be sold
at the city's benchmark

3973
05:03:35,880 --> 05:03:37,770
of the attainable values.

3974
05:03:37,770 --> 05:03:40,350
So basically they'll be
selling all those units,

3975
05:03:40,350 --> 05:03:42,483
all 99 units will be attainable.

3976
05:03:43,320 --> 05:03:44,430
The rezoning.

3977
05:03:44,430 --> 05:03:48,450
The rezoning proposal
is a site-specific R5C

3978
05:03:48,450 --> 05:03:50,880
with adequate rear yard buffer.

3979
05:03:50,880 --> 05:03:55,263
We're increasing the side yards
to add additional buffering.

3980
05:03:56,130 --> 05:03:58,290
Yes, there is the
reduction of the standard,

3981
05:03:58,290 --> 05:04:02,883
but that standard meets our
transportation requirement.

3982
05:04:04,410 --> 05:04:07,230
We are actually
restricting the height down

3983
05:04:07,230 --> 05:04:09,300
from 19 down to 11

3984
05:04:09,300 --> 05:04:11,790
and we're blending in the roof designs

3985
05:04:11,790 --> 05:04:15,120
with the pitched roof with
the surrounding neighbors,

3986
05:04:15,120 --> 05:04:17,490
which is achieving the compatibility

3987
05:04:17,490 --> 05:04:19,383
of the residential properties.

3988
05:04:20,280 --> 05:04:21,630
And the proposal contributes

3989
05:04:21,630 --> 05:04:24,120
to the neighborhood's housing options,

3990
05:04:24,120 --> 05:04:28,410
introducing a mix of unit types

3991
05:04:28,410 --> 05:04:31,110
that are consistent with
the residential character

3992
05:04:31,110 --> 05:04:34,203
and existing pattern of
the scale development.

3993
05:04:36,330 --> 05:04:38,910
So the recommendation is council
approve the official plan

3994
05:04:38,910 --> 05:04:42,600
and zoning by-law amendment
located on Valley Way

3995
05:04:42,600 --> 05:04:44,680
to increase the permitted density

3996
05:04:46,770 --> 05:04:49,980
subject to the site-specific R5D density

3997
05:04:49,980 --> 05:04:52,713
for the proposed 99 stacked townhomes.

3998
05:04:56,340 --> 05:04:57,840
Thank you.
- Done? Thank you.

3999
05:04:57,840 --> 05:05:00,510
Thank you. Mr. DeBenedetti.
Questions of council.

4000
05:05:00,510 --> 05:05:05,400
I've got first Councilor
Nieuwesteeg, Strange, and Lococo.

4001
05:05:05,400 --> 05:05:08,670
So Councilor Nieuwesteeg. Yeah.

4002
05:05:08,670 --> 05:05:11,250
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Great presentation.

4003
05:05:11,250 --> 05:05:14,200
I have two questions. How many
homes are on Shirley Avenue?

4004
05:05:17,850 --> 05:05:22,850
- That I'd maybe, maybe
get a close-up view.

4005
05:05:24,840 --> 05:05:28,110
I mean Shirley itself,
if you go up this way-

4006
05:05:28,110 --> 05:05:29,250
- Just yeah.
- to the corner.

4007
05:05:29,250 --> 05:05:30,373
No, Shirley going into like that.

4008
05:05:30,373 --> 05:05:32,460
- Well that, that would be Stevens,

4009
05:05:32,460 --> 05:05:35,190
so Shirley goes straight
up then that bends around.

4010
05:05:35,190 --> 05:05:37,890
- So where this property
is going to attach over,

4011
05:05:37,890 --> 05:05:39,810
like they can go off that way?

4012
05:05:39,810 --> 05:05:40,643
- Yeah.

4013
05:05:40,643 --> 05:05:43,920
Basically this access, Shirley
will then connect to Scott

4014
05:05:43,920 --> 05:05:46,200
and then Scott will go on to Portage

4015
05:05:46,200 --> 05:05:48,750
and then this access at Stevens

4016
05:05:48,750 --> 05:05:51,840
would eventually go out to Drummond Road.

4017
05:05:51,840 --> 05:05:52,680
- But that little piece

4018
05:05:52,680 --> 05:05:54,450
like where it connects from...

4019
05:05:54,450 --> 05:05:55,283
- Right here?
- Yeah.

4020
05:05:55,283 --> 05:05:56,670
So how many houses are in that little...?

4021
05:05:56,670 --> 05:05:57,990
- That little area, you could probably get

4022
05:05:57,990 --> 05:06:01,163
about one, two, three,
four, about five in that,

4023
05:06:01,163 --> 05:06:02,670
in that little perimeter.

4024
05:06:02,670 --> 05:06:06,570
- Okay. So if there's extra
traffic going into Valley Way,

4025
05:06:06,570 --> 05:06:09,090
those people who really
experience no traffic right now,

4026
05:06:09,090 --> 05:06:11,670
would see a huge amount
of increase in traffic.

4027
05:06:11,670 --> 05:06:14,040
- Well again, based on the Paradigm study

4028
05:06:14,040 --> 05:06:17,880
and after the open house, that's
why they updated the study.

4029
05:06:17,880 --> 05:06:21,390
They indicated at the most
that the majority of the flow

4030
05:06:21,390 --> 05:06:24,840
will be coming out the
Valley Way, which is 85%,

4031
05:06:24,840 --> 05:06:28,380
approximately 15 to 20%
will go up this way.

4032
05:06:28,380 --> 05:06:29,670
- How did they know that?

4033
05:06:29,670 --> 05:06:32,880
- They did their studies. Paradigm.

4034
05:06:32,880 --> 05:06:35,073
Well, they're the traffic consultants.

4035
05:06:36,540 --> 05:06:39,510
They feel that the Valley Way is,

4036
05:06:39,510 --> 05:06:42,720
if you look at, and if
you look at the overall,

4037
05:06:42,720 --> 05:06:46,470
the majority actually
action is on Valley Way.

4038
05:06:46,470 --> 05:06:48,210
So if people want to go south,

4039
05:06:48,210 --> 05:06:49,470
they want to get onto the highway,

4040
05:06:49,470 --> 05:06:52,740
to the police station, to
down to the Main Street,

4041
05:06:52,740 --> 05:06:55,110
down to that area,

4042
05:06:55,110 --> 05:06:56,910
they're going to be
coming off the Valley Way.

4043
05:06:56,910 --> 05:06:58,440
If you want to go north,

4044
05:06:58,440 --> 05:07:00,510
really, you're pretty much going

4045
05:07:00,510 --> 05:07:03,450
to the Meridian Bank down to Queen Street.

4046
05:07:03,450 --> 05:07:06,150
A lot of the traffic also
would come down Valley Way

4047
05:07:06,150 --> 05:07:07,860
would go up Drummond.

4048
05:07:07,860 --> 05:07:10,710
And I guess those are the
facts that they looked at.

4049
05:07:10,710 --> 05:07:12,180
- I don't know if I
totally agree with that.

4050
05:07:12,180 --> 05:07:14,040
But let's go back to the Valley Way.

4051
05:07:14,040 --> 05:07:16,920
So I don't know of any road
that comes out of that.

4052
05:07:16,920 --> 05:07:19,110
Like there's no road
there right now, right?

4053
05:07:19,110 --> 05:07:21,540
- No, there's the proposal
based on the site plan.

4054
05:07:21,540 --> 05:07:23,430
- So it's an actual road?
- Right here.

4055
05:07:23,430 --> 05:07:24,263
Yeah, they're going to have

4056
05:07:24,263 --> 05:07:25,860
right here where I have the dash-

4057
05:07:25,860 --> 05:07:26,940
- So there's going to be a legitimate-

4058
05:07:26,940 --> 05:07:28,590
- There's a road access.

4059
05:07:28,590 --> 05:07:30,207
- Access. But you're
saying access, is it a-

4060
05:07:30,207 --> 05:07:33,150
- It's a road. It's a six-meter wide road.

4061
05:07:33,150 --> 05:07:35,213
- Okay. And it'll be named
like it'll be a special road?

4062
05:07:35,213 --> 05:07:37,170
- No, no, that's an internal road.

4063
05:07:37,170 --> 05:07:39,030
You don't, it's not a public street,

4064
05:07:39,030 --> 05:07:41,238
it's an internal road network.

4065
05:07:41,238 --> 05:07:42,960
- Okay, so if I'm there,

4066
05:07:42,960 --> 05:07:46,470
to me it looks like just I
can go out that other area

4067
05:07:46,470 --> 05:07:49,415
as opposed to coming all the
way out, going to Valley Way.

4068
05:07:49,415 --> 05:07:50,248
I guess I just don't see it the same way

4069
05:07:51,090 --> 05:07:52,800
as this Paradigm sees it.

4070
05:07:52,800 --> 05:07:55,320
If I'm living there, I'm going
to go that way as opposed to...

4071
05:07:55,320 --> 05:07:57,540
- Well it depends. Everybody
takes your shortest route.

4072
05:07:57,540 --> 05:07:59,130
If you want to go to the police station,

4073
05:07:59,130 --> 05:08:00,643
why would I want to go down?

4074
05:08:00,643 --> 05:08:04,140
I would come down Valley Way
and go down up Valley Way.

4075
05:08:04,140 --> 05:08:05,730
If you want to go to the south side,

4076
05:08:05,730 --> 05:08:07,830
why would I want to go up Shirley?

4077
05:08:07,830 --> 05:08:08,663
They're looking at,

4078
05:08:08,663 --> 05:08:10,890
they'll take the shortest
route off of Valley Way.

4079
05:08:10,890 --> 05:08:13,290
Want to get onto the highway.
Why would I cut up Shirley?

4080
05:08:13,290 --> 05:08:14,590
I'll go off of Valley Way.

4081
05:08:15,450 --> 05:08:16,590
They're always looking at the short,

4082
05:08:16,590 --> 05:08:18,150
everybody looks at the shortest route.

4083
05:08:18,150 --> 05:08:19,620
- I see the other way as a short way.

4084
05:08:19,620 --> 05:08:21,870
I look at this and I see all
that traffic on Valley Way.

4085
05:08:21,870 --> 05:08:25,140
I'd scoot out that way,
anyways, the way I drive.

4086
05:08:25,140 --> 05:08:27,510
But, so this is a real road that's coming.

4087
05:08:27,510 --> 05:08:28,920
It's not, you keep calling it access,

4088
05:08:28,920 --> 05:08:31,105
that's why I'm just so...

4089
05:08:31,105 --> 05:08:33,240
- It would be part of their future consent

4090
05:08:33,240 --> 05:08:35,010
that they would have an easement

4091
05:08:35,010 --> 05:08:39,093
that would have a road network
connecting onto Valley Way-

4092
05:08:39,093 --> 05:08:40,440
- An easement or a road?

4093
05:08:40,440 --> 05:08:44,100
- It's an easement of favor
of having the road network.

4094
05:08:44,100 --> 05:08:45,600
- Okay. So I...

4095
05:08:45,600 --> 05:08:46,890
- It's a basic, the bottom line,

4096
05:08:46,890 --> 05:08:49,200
it's going to be a six-meter
wide road connection

4097
05:08:49,200 --> 05:08:50,033
onto Valley Way.

4098
05:08:50,033 --> 05:08:50,866
So how about-
- An internal road.

4099
05:08:50,866 --> 05:08:53,040
- So that means two cars go-
- Yes.

4100
05:08:53,040 --> 05:08:54,270
- At the same time?
- Yes.

4101
05:08:54,270 --> 05:08:55,950
- Okay. All right.

4102
05:08:55,950 --> 05:08:57,870
Those are my two questions. Thank you.

4103
05:08:57,870 --> 05:09:00,120
- [Diodati] Okay, thank
you. Councilor Strange.

4104
05:09:00,120 --> 05:09:02,220
- Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor.

4105
05:09:02,220 --> 05:09:05,010
I was just wondering, so I
know we have two access points,

4106
05:09:05,010 --> 05:09:06,750
but you know, the one on Shirley

4107
05:09:06,750 --> 05:09:09,450
is going to be at least very disruptive

4108
05:09:09,450 --> 05:09:11,490
for the current residents.

4109
05:09:11,490 --> 05:09:12,840
They've been there for years

4110
05:09:12,840 --> 05:09:13,910
without having any through traffic there.

4111
05:09:13,910 --> 05:09:17,460
And I think that's going
to be a potential problem.

4112
05:09:17,460 --> 05:09:21,900
Is there a way that we can use Shirley

4113
05:09:21,900 --> 05:09:24,270
as an emergency access

4114
05:09:24,270 --> 05:09:28,380
only for fire department,
EMS, that sort of stuff?

4115
05:09:28,380 --> 05:09:29,820
And we've done it in the past

4116
05:09:29,820 --> 05:09:32,880
and I think all Ontario
they do it as well.

4117
05:09:32,880 --> 05:09:35,220
So we block that off
as an emergency access

4118
05:09:35,220 --> 05:09:40,220
and have this easement as
the road going in and out.

4119
05:09:40,380 --> 05:09:42,406
I don't know whether that'd
be a question for you

4120
05:09:42,406 --> 05:09:45,463
or for Ms. Dolch?
- Ms. Dolch.

4121
05:09:45,463 --> 05:09:47,880
- Thank you, Councilor.

4122
05:09:47,880 --> 05:09:52,740
Obviously emergency accesses
are something that we consider

4123
05:09:52,740 --> 05:09:55,080
at certain times in certain situations.

4124
05:09:55,080 --> 05:09:56,250
In this case in particular,

4125
05:09:56,250 --> 05:10:00,300
the easement's not yet
secured for the south roadway.

4126
05:10:00,300 --> 05:10:01,445
So I think-
- It's not secured?

4127
05:10:01,445 --> 05:10:02,278
- No.

4128
05:10:02,278 --> 05:10:05,290
So I'd be hesitant to close
this off as an emergency access

4129
05:10:06,540 --> 05:10:09,090
and, you know, put that
chain or bollards across

4130
05:10:09,090 --> 05:10:10,350
because, again, it wouldn't provide

4131
05:10:10,350 --> 05:10:11,850
that access at this point.

4132
05:10:11,850 --> 05:10:13,920
Not to say that the
applicant's not intending

4133
05:10:13,920 --> 05:10:16,050
to secure that easement, but again,

4134
05:10:16,050 --> 05:10:17,730
it's predicated on the fact

4135
05:10:17,730 --> 05:10:19,950
that will this application
be approved tonight

4136
05:10:19,950 --> 05:10:21,030
or will it be denied?

4137
05:10:21,030 --> 05:10:22,080
They may not have to go through

4138
05:10:22,080 --> 05:10:24,933
that extra step at this point.

4139
05:10:25,830 --> 05:10:29,010
You know, in terms of planning
and long-term planning,

4140
05:10:29,010 --> 05:10:31,560
we want to see every connection possible

4141
05:10:31,560 --> 05:10:34,770
for active transportation
to disperse traffic.

4142
05:10:34,770 --> 05:10:37,080
And as Mr. DeBenedetti
was saying, you know,

4143
05:10:37,080 --> 05:10:38,310
the easiest point of travel

4144
05:10:38,310 --> 05:10:40,530
is going to Valley Way,
its collector road,

4145
05:10:40,530 --> 05:10:42,390
it manages more volume of traffic,

4146
05:10:42,390 --> 05:10:43,770
it's easier to get in and out

4147
05:10:43,770 --> 05:10:46,410
rather than going up to
obviously Shirley and out,

4148
05:10:46,410 --> 05:10:48,270
you have to wind through subdivisions.

4149
05:10:48,270 --> 05:10:50,100
So most people won't take that path

4150
05:10:50,100 --> 05:10:52,680
unless they're dedicated
to going somewhere

4151
05:10:52,680 --> 05:10:54,570
in that area specifically.

4152
05:10:54,570 --> 05:10:56,370
And that's where Paradigm comes up

4153
05:10:56,370 --> 05:10:58,770
with their assessment and is probably best

4154
05:10:58,770 --> 05:11:01,590
to hear from them if they're
here tonight on that.

4155
05:11:01,590 --> 05:11:03,750
But to close that access point,

4156
05:11:03,750 --> 05:11:06,250
I would have concerns from
a planning perspective.

4157
05:11:07,170 --> 05:11:09,630
So that would be my concern at this point.

4158
05:11:09,630 --> 05:11:11,130
- But we do have,

4159
05:11:11,130 --> 05:11:12,390
I remember in Chippewa

4160
05:11:12,390 --> 05:11:13,980
I believe we had the same type of thing

4161
05:11:13,980 --> 05:11:16,950
where there was an emergency
access and it was closed off.

4162
05:11:16,950 --> 05:11:19,080
And maybe even Chief Jo,

4163
05:11:19,080 --> 05:11:24,080
is it acceptable to the
fire department as well?

4164
05:11:26,700 --> 05:11:27,533
- Thank you, your worship.

4165
05:11:27,533 --> 05:11:28,366
Through to the councilor.
- Yeah, sure.

4166
05:11:28,366 --> 05:11:31,560
- So I'll let Mr.
Zambito, or Chief Zambito,

4167
05:11:31,560 --> 05:11:34,290
speak to that directly in
terms of emergency access.

4168
05:11:34,290 --> 05:11:37,050
My concern is we haven't
secured another access point.

4169
05:11:37,050 --> 05:11:40,350
So to agree tonight that it's
an emergency access only,

4170
05:11:40,350 --> 05:11:42,150
I would have some concerns.

4171
05:11:42,150 --> 05:11:42,983
- Okay. Thank you.

4172
05:11:42,983 --> 05:11:44,430
Well, I guess we can hear from Chief Jo.

4173
05:11:44,430 --> 05:11:46,620
- Chief, I know Optimist Lane,

4174
05:11:46,620 --> 05:11:48,630
we've got one of those
kind of closed lanes

4175
05:11:48,630 --> 05:11:49,950
for the fire department.

4176
05:11:49,950 --> 05:11:52,560
- Yes. Through you, Mr.
Mayor, to the Councilor.

4177
05:11:52,560 --> 05:11:55,380
I guess if we were to say hypothetically

4178
05:11:55,380 --> 05:11:58,680
if the easement was secured
in terms of planning

4179
05:11:58,680 --> 05:12:02,190
and it met all the conditions that staff,

4180
05:12:02,190 --> 05:12:05,370
all staff would want in
terms of a site plan,

4181
05:12:05,370 --> 05:12:07,020
it is something that we have done

4182
05:12:07,020 --> 05:12:08,970
in terms of emergency
access in other areas.

4183
05:12:08,970 --> 05:12:12,060
So we could take a look at that for sure

4184
05:12:12,060 --> 05:12:14,820
to limit the traffic
for emergency services.

4185
05:12:14,820 --> 05:12:19,290
But then again, that would be
only if all the other areas

4186
05:12:19,290 --> 05:12:21,600
in terms of planning and
the easement, et cetera,

4187
05:12:21,600 --> 05:12:25,380
were all to the satisfaction
of all the city departments.

4188
05:12:25,380 --> 05:12:29,230
But to answer your question,
assuming hypothetically

4189
05:12:30,957 --> 05:12:33,977
that was done, we could
certainly look at that

4190
05:12:33,977 --> 05:12:36,540
and find an alternative to,

4191
05:12:36,540 --> 05:12:38,310
or some sort of emergency access.

4192
05:12:38,310 --> 05:12:39,390
- Okay. Thank you.

4193
05:12:39,390 --> 05:12:41,580
Yeah, 'cause in the planning
report, it explicitly says

4194
05:12:41,580 --> 05:12:43,530
that the applicant requires an easement

4195
05:12:43,530 --> 05:12:45,300
over the retained parcel

4196
05:12:45,300 --> 05:12:50,300
to secure access in
perpetuity onto Valley Way.

4197
05:12:50,820 --> 05:12:52,770
In perpetuity means forever.

4198
05:12:52,770 --> 05:12:55,080
It is legally registered
on the title of the land

4199
05:12:55,080 --> 05:12:56,520
at the Land Registry Office.

4200
05:12:56,520 --> 05:12:59,680
Even if the nonprofit
corporation sells the property

4201
05:13:00,720 --> 05:13:01,800
in 20 years from now,

4202
05:13:01,800 --> 05:13:03,780
the easement remains legally binding.

4203
05:13:03,780 --> 05:13:05,730
The new owner cannot block, alter,

4204
05:13:05,730 --> 05:13:07,953
or cancel that right of way.

4205
05:13:08,910 --> 05:13:10,410
- [Diodati] Yep.

4206
05:13:10,410 --> 05:13:11,880
- Through you to the councilor.

4207
05:13:11,880 --> 05:13:15,150
So my concern is that there
is no condition on the zoning

4208
05:13:15,150 --> 05:13:16,920
for that to be done.

4209
05:13:16,920 --> 05:13:19,590
So if you are considering
an emergency access,

4210
05:13:19,590 --> 05:13:21,330
you are going to have to
make sure it's a condition

4211
05:13:21,330 --> 05:13:23,070
that that easement be secured.

4212
05:13:23,070 --> 05:13:25,410
Otherwise, we would have no access

4213
05:13:25,410 --> 05:13:27,993
for this subdivision or
for this development.

4214
05:13:29,190 --> 05:13:30,157
- I have a question to that.
- Go ahead.

4215
05:13:30,157 --> 05:13:31,863
Go ahead, Councilor. Yep.

4216
05:13:32,790 --> 05:13:34,980
- Yeah, just on that point, your worship,

4217
05:13:34,980 --> 05:13:37,350
I guess through you to Ms. Dolch.

4218
05:13:37,350 --> 05:13:40,950
So if the easement is not secured,

4219
05:13:40,950 --> 05:13:42,750
can the easement go away at this point?

4220
05:13:42,750 --> 05:13:45,600
Because we're being shown a plan right now

4221
05:13:45,600 --> 05:13:47,550
that has an access out to Valley Way.

4222
05:13:47,550 --> 05:13:50,850
But if you're telling us that
that easement is not secured,

4223
05:13:50,850 --> 05:13:53,343
can that easement be deleted at any point?

4224
05:13:54,240 --> 05:13:55,890
- Thank you, your worship.
Through you to the councilor.

4225
05:13:55,890 --> 05:13:56,723
That's correct.

4226
05:13:56,723 --> 05:13:58,920
Right now, obviously it's in the report,

4227
05:13:58,920 --> 05:14:00,510
there's no condition that that easement

4228
05:14:00,510 --> 05:14:02,940
be provided through this report.

4229
05:14:02,940 --> 05:14:04,470
So that's why I'm cautioning

4230
05:14:04,470 --> 05:14:07,020
if you do close up that access to Shirley,

4231
05:14:07,020 --> 05:14:09,930
you could potentially have an issue

4232
05:14:09,930 --> 05:14:11,460
that there would be no access point.

4233
05:14:11,460 --> 05:14:14,100
So either way, if the access was open

4234
05:14:14,100 --> 05:14:17,520
or if the easement is not there,

4235
05:14:17,520 --> 05:14:19,320
I would suggest that a condition be placed

4236
05:14:19,320 --> 05:14:23,373
that the easement be provided
as a condition of the zoning.

4237
05:14:25,140 --> 05:14:30,060
- Okay, I guess that
doesn't strike me as normal

4238
05:14:30,060 --> 05:14:31,230
when we're presented a plan

4239
05:14:31,230 --> 05:14:34,380
and then I guess I hear that

4240
05:14:34,380 --> 05:14:36,963
even after we approve the
plan, that can change,

4241
05:14:36,963 --> 05:14:38,400
like the easement can go away.

4242
05:14:38,400 --> 05:14:40,350
So I mean, we're looking at a plan

4243
05:14:40,350 --> 05:14:42,693
that has access out onto Valley Way.

4244
05:14:43,740 --> 05:14:45,660
It is somewhat odd to say

4245
05:14:45,660 --> 05:14:48,243
that all of a sudden we could approve this

4246
05:14:48,243 --> 05:14:51,693
and then that easement out
to Valley Way could go away.

4247
05:14:53,790 --> 05:14:55,350
- Yep. Good.
- Thank you, your worship.

4248
05:14:55,350 --> 05:14:58,200
So originally that wasn't
the original proposal.

4249
05:14:58,200 --> 05:15:01,410
So the original proposal had
no access out to Valley Way.

4250
05:15:01,410 --> 05:15:04,770
Obviously this has been added as something

4251
05:15:04,770 --> 05:15:06,240
to address the concerns raised

4252
05:15:06,240 --> 05:15:08,760
by the residents at the open houses.

4253
05:15:08,760 --> 05:15:11,670
So that's why this easement's
now being suggested.

4254
05:15:11,670 --> 05:15:13,570
It hasn't been yet applied for though.

4255
05:15:14,880 --> 05:15:16,140
- Okay.

4256
05:15:16,140 --> 05:15:17,160
And I just want to say, your worship,

4257
05:15:17,160 --> 05:15:19,380
I tend to agree with the emergency access.

4258
05:15:19,380 --> 05:15:22,080
I can, I mean, yes, we did it in Chippewa,

4259
05:15:22,080 --> 05:15:23,370
yes, we did it at Optimist,

4260
05:15:23,370 --> 05:15:24,443
we also did it on Beaverdams,

4261
05:15:24,443 --> 05:15:26,370
we also did it on Mountain Road.

4262
05:15:26,370 --> 05:15:29,340
There's a number of different
sites across Niagara Falls

4263
05:15:29,340 --> 05:15:30,600
where we've actually done that

4264
05:15:30,600 --> 05:15:34,200
and they've been sites
where we have one access in.

4265
05:15:34,200 --> 05:15:37,560
And I'm not sure, like in
the areas that we've done it,

4266
05:15:37,560 --> 05:15:39,360
they've been larger developments.

4267
05:15:39,360 --> 05:15:42,300
I don't know how large a
development actually has to be

4268
05:15:42,300 --> 05:15:44,400
before the Planning Department

4269
05:15:44,400 --> 05:15:47,070
requires a secondary access.

4270
05:15:47,070 --> 05:15:51,660
So is this development
of that size and nature

4271
05:15:51,660 --> 05:15:55,050
where it would require a secondary access?

4272
05:15:55,050 --> 05:15:57,600
Because I can think of other
developments that we've done

4273
05:15:57,600 --> 05:16:00,690
that are just simple townhouse condos

4274
05:16:00,690 --> 05:16:01,770
and they're all attached

4275
05:16:01,770 --> 05:16:04,620
and there's probably more
than a hundred units in them

4276
05:16:04,620 --> 05:16:06,820
and we only have the
one access in the node.

4277
05:16:08,610 --> 05:16:10,590
- Thank you, your worship,
through you to the councilor.

4278
05:16:10,590 --> 05:16:13,800
So obviously any development,
in my opinion anyway,

4279
05:16:13,800 --> 05:16:16,470
any development, not to say
it can't have one access,

4280
05:16:16,470 --> 05:16:19,740
but it shouldn't have one
sole access without a median.

4281
05:16:19,740 --> 05:16:22,260
Again, that's only from
a planning perspective.

4282
05:16:22,260 --> 05:16:24,480
So if one access point gets blocked,

4283
05:16:24,480 --> 05:16:25,830
if the firetrucks needs to go in,

4284
05:16:25,830 --> 05:16:27,150
they can go through the other access

4285
05:16:27,150 --> 05:16:28,560
on the other side of the median.

4286
05:16:28,560 --> 05:16:30,000
Again, still can have one access

4287
05:16:30,000 --> 05:16:31,320
but you put a median in between

4288
05:16:31,320 --> 05:16:34,710
to make sure you have another point of,

4289
05:16:34,710 --> 05:16:36,120
in case there's an accident,

4290
05:16:36,120 --> 05:16:39,300
but you have some barrier in between.

4291
05:16:39,300 --> 05:16:41,673
That would always be my
recommendation if that was the case

4292
05:16:41,673 --> 05:16:43,563
or a secondary access point.

4293
05:16:44,940 --> 05:16:46,590
- Thank you. Councilor
Strange, you're done?

4294
05:16:46,590 --> 05:16:49,920
Okay. So we'll go to Councilor
Lococo, then Dabrowski.

4295
05:16:49,920 --> 05:16:52,110
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I guess
we're all on the same page.

4296
05:16:52,110 --> 05:16:53,880
We've talked to the same residents.

4297
05:16:53,880 --> 05:16:55,680
I was speaking to the chief today

4298
05:16:55,680 --> 05:16:57,990
and that was one of my suggestions

4299
05:16:57,990 --> 05:17:00,090
was about the emergency access.

4300
05:17:00,090 --> 05:17:04,380
When I read about this easement,
if we look at that picture,

4301
05:17:04,380 --> 05:17:05,820
the one that says the one

4302
05:17:05,820 --> 05:17:08,850
that's at the far left, 5961 residential,

4303
05:17:08,850 --> 05:17:10,650
the one that's to the
right of the green mark,

4304
05:17:10,650 --> 05:17:12,960
where I guess the easement,
right where the road would be.

4305
05:17:12,960 --> 05:17:17,400
When I Google that,
there's a house on that.

4306
05:17:17,400 --> 05:17:20,520
It's not on that drawing.
Is the house being removed?

4307
05:17:20,520 --> 05:17:23,490
Is it a vacant lot which
I can't see online?

4308
05:17:23,490 --> 05:17:26,343
Like what am I not seeing there?

4309
05:17:27,780 --> 05:17:31,260
Like if you Google 5961,
you look at a house

4310
05:17:31,260 --> 05:17:33,000
and there's no house on this.

4311
05:17:33,000 --> 05:17:36,960
And so the easement is going
to be to the left of that lot

4312
05:17:36,960 --> 05:17:38,980
or part of that lot?

4313
05:17:38,980 --> 05:17:40,920
- Through, chair.

4314
05:17:40,920 --> 05:17:44,610
So this, the one I'm hovering
right here. Is that the lot?

4315
05:17:44,610 --> 05:17:47,280
Yeah, there is a house on there. Yeah.

4316
05:17:47,280 --> 05:17:50,470
So for some reason

4317
05:17:51,990 --> 05:17:53,910
the mapping didn't catch it,

4318
05:17:53,910 --> 05:17:55,443
but there is a house there.

4319
05:17:56,760 --> 05:17:59,580
Actually there's an apartment
building right next to it,

4320
05:17:59,580 --> 05:18:00,600
but no, you are correct.

4321
05:18:00,600 --> 05:18:01,433
There is a house.

4322
05:18:01,433 --> 05:18:03,270
It's not a vacant lot.
There is a house there.

4323
05:18:03,270 --> 05:18:04,920
- Okay,
- So...

4324
05:18:04,920 --> 05:18:09,333
- So is the easement going
over that 5961 property?

4325
05:18:10,290 --> 05:18:13,680
- No, this, let me get my bearings here.

4326
05:18:13,680 --> 05:18:15,693
Just hold on one second here. Sorry.

4327
05:18:19,020 --> 05:18:23,220
This could maybe, so
right now this is, sorry,

4328
05:18:23,220 --> 05:18:25,470
this is the house that
we were talking about.

4329
05:18:26,550 --> 05:18:28,530
This gives you the error photo.

4330
05:18:28,530 --> 05:18:32,670
Right here, there is a vacant area

4331
05:18:32,670 --> 05:18:36,030
and then to the, if you're
looking at straight,

4332
05:18:36,030 --> 05:18:39,557
then there's to the left
of it is the road access.

4333
05:18:43,170 --> 05:18:46,320
- Okay, thank you. That explains that.

4334
05:18:46,320 --> 05:18:49,020
But I am really leery about
approving a development

4335
05:18:49,020 --> 05:18:51,690
where we don't even have this access yet.

4336
05:18:51,690 --> 05:18:53,220
Originally when the proposal came,

4337
05:18:53,220 --> 05:18:56,760
it was just one access on Shirley.

4338
05:18:56,760 --> 05:19:00,570
Then the residents spoke and
expressed their concerns.

4339
05:19:00,570 --> 05:19:02,190
Now we have two accesses

4340
05:19:02,190 --> 05:19:03,870
and like Councilor Nieuwesteeg,

4341
05:19:03,870 --> 05:19:06,300
if I, can we go back to that one,

4342
05:19:06,300 --> 05:19:08,760
if I lived in any of those townhouses

4343
05:19:08,760 --> 05:19:12,420
up at the top or to the left
there, I would go out that way.

4344
05:19:12,420 --> 05:19:13,800
I wouldn't go all the way down.

4345
05:19:13,800 --> 05:19:16,290
So to me, that's half of the development

4346
05:19:16,290 --> 05:19:19,590
that would be going that way
and go out different ways

4347
05:19:19,590 --> 05:19:21,975
so you don't have to go down Valley Way.

4348
05:19:21,975 --> 05:19:24,840
I understand we have a
consultant, Paradigm,

4349
05:19:24,840 --> 05:19:26,760
but I would go out that way.

4350
05:19:26,760 --> 05:19:30,600
So when I spoke to Chief Zambito
about the emergency access,

4351
05:19:30,600 --> 05:19:33,420
I told him about Chippewa
and could we do that

4352
05:19:33,420 --> 05:19:36,060
because the wording in the report

4353
05:19:36,060 --> 05:19:38,310
actually says fire's preference

4354
05:19:38,310 --> 05:19:40,230
would be that the access from Shirley

4355
05:19:40,230 --> 05:19:43,080
be maintained as a
regular access driveway.

4356
05:19:43,080 --> 05:19:44,790
Well that's their preference.

4357
05:19:44,790 --> 05:19:47,790
To me, it doesn't say it's
mandated or it has to be.

4358
05:19:47,790 --> 05:19:49,230
So that's why I was wondering

4359
05:19:49,230 --> 05:19:51,030
if we could do the emergency access.

4360
05:19:51,030 --> 05:19:52,710
So two things out of this

4361
05:19:52,710 --> 05:19:55,440
is, yes, I'd like to
see an emergency access,

4362
05:19:55,440 --> 05:19:58,080
but I don't really want
to approve a development

4363
05:19:58,080 --> 05:20:00,300
where we don't have the easement yet.

4364
05:20:00,300 --> 05:20:02,490
So I'm wondering if we can
do something about that.

4365
05:20:02,490 --> 05:20:05,340
If it takes a motion,
I'll put that on the floor

4366
05:20:05,340 --> 05:20:08,640
that the easement be taken care of first

4367
05:20:08,640 --> 05:20:11,280
before this, the development gets-

4368
05:20:11,280 --> 05:20:12,180
- [Diodati] So maybe we'll ask,

4369
05:20:12,180 --> 05:20:13,213
so we're not at that point yet.

4370
05:20:13,213 --> 05:20:14,703
- Yes, but I'm willing
to put that forward.

4371
05:20:14,703 --> 05:20:16,920
- If there's a way of doing
a conditional approval

4372
05:20:16,920 --> 05:20:19,560
subject to approval, an easement.

4373
05:20:19,560 --> 05:20:21,390
To Ms. Dolch.
- Thank you, your worship.

4374
05:20:21,390 --> 05:20:24,270
Yeah, so what I would suggest
is if you're looking at that,

4375
05:20:24,270 --> 05:20:26,070
that you would just put a condition,

4376
05:20:26,940 --> 05:20:29,820
if you were anticipating approval tonight,

4377
05:20:29,820 --> 05:20:31,840
I would suggest that the by-law be held

4378
05:20:32,700 --> 05:20:35,610
pending the successful easement

4379
05:20:35,610 --> 05:20:37,500
through Committee of Adjustment.

4380
05:20:37,500 --> 05:20:39,000
Because normally Committee of Adjustment

4381
05:20:39,000 --> 05:20:41,010
doesn't want to make a
decision on an application

4382
05:20:41,010 --> 05:20:43,290
until they know the, in some instances,

4383
05:20:43,290 --> 05:20:45,090
until they know that
the decision of council.

4384
05:20:45,090 --> 05:20:46,800
So I think that would be helpful tonight

4385
05:20:46,800 --> 05:20:48,100
with that condition added.

4386
05:20:49,290 --> 05:20:50,123
- Okay, thank you.

4387
05:20:50,123 --> 05:20:52,200
So I'll put that motion forward later

4388
05:20:52,200 --> 05:20:54,870
that the easement and
then the emergency access.

4389
05:20:54,870 --> 05:20:56,310
- Okay, great. Thank you.

4390
05:20:56,310 --> 05:20:58,050
Councilor Dabrowski?

4391
05:20:58,050 --> 05:20:59,983
- Yeah, I agree, through you.
Thanks for the presentation.

4392
05:20:59,983 --> 05:21:02,010
I agree, when I leave
my house in the morning,

4393
05:21:02,010 --> 05:21:04,680
I sometimes I go left, sometimes
I go right, doesn't matter.

4394
05:21:04,680 --> 05:21:06,333
And sometimes I end up
somewhere where I'm like,

4395
05:21:06,333 --> 05:21:07,890
"Oh, why did I go that way today?"

4396
05:21:07,890 --> 05:21:10,530
So we can all speculate on what-ifs,

4397
05:21:10,530 --> 05:21:13,200
but I think it would create
a problem on Shirley Avenue.

4398
05:21:13,200 --> 05:21:16,830
So I can respect everybody's
discussion around the table.

4399
05:21:16,830 --> 05:21:18,300
Regarding the sunset clause.

4400
05:21:18,300 --> 05:21:20,430
If this development weren't to go

4401
05:21:20,430 --> 05:21:22,380
or if it were to go through,

4402
05:21:22,380 --> 05:21:24,240
but the development didn't break ground,

4403
05:21:24,240 --> 05:21:26,970
what happens to zoning permission?

4404
05:21:26,970 --> 05:21:29,340
- Ms. Dolch?
- Thank you, your worship.

4405
05:21:29,340 --> 05:21:31,230
So there is some ability obviously

4406
05:21:31,230 --> 05:21:34,860
for myself to extend it another year

4407
05:21:34,860 --> 05:21:37,260
and then there is an ability
for them to come to council

4408
05:21:37,260 --> 05:21:38,370
to extend as well.

4409
05:21:38,370 --> 05:21:39,720
There's certain circumstances,

4410
05:21:39,720 --> 05:21:42,810
we do have an internal
policy in place to do that.

4411
05:21:42,810 --> 05:21:45,420
But let's say for hypothetical sakes

4412
05:21:45,420 --> 05:21:47,130
that they're not moving forward at all.

4413
05:21:47,130 --> 05:21:49,800
There's no market issue, no nothing.

4414
05:21:49,800 --> 05:21:51,810
Then the zoning permissions

4415
05:21:51,810 --> 05:21:53,400
would revert back to what they were.

4416
05:21:53,400 --> 05:21:54,747
- Okay. Thank you.

4417
05:21:54,747 --> 05:21:58,380
Great. So if there's no
further questions of council.

4418
05:21:58,380 --> 05:21:59,793
Thank you, Mr. DeBenedetti.

4419
05:22:04,800 --> 05:22:07,110
Members of the public
are advised that failure

4420
05:22:07,110 --> 05:22:10,470
to make an oral or written
submission at this public meeting

4421
05:22:10,470 --> 05:22:12,600
could result in the Ontario Land Tribunal

4422
05:22:12,600 --> 05:22:15,540
dismissing any referral that it receives.

4423
05:22:15,540 --> 05:22:18,960
Council will now hear from
anyone other than the applicant

4424
05:22:18,960 --> 05:22:21,600
who wishes to speak to
the proposed amendments.

4425
05:22:21,600 --> 05:22:25,083
Mr. Clerk, do we have any
pre-registered speakers?

4426
05:22:26,280 --> 05:22:27,900
- Yes, your worship, we do have two

4427
05:22:27,900 --> 05:22:30,600
that are registered to speak

4428
05:22:30,600 --> 05:22:33,000
and then you could go
to the gallery as well.

4429
05:22:33,000 --> 05:22:35,640
And before we call on those members,

4430
05:22:35,640 --> 05:22:37,680
just a reminder that any
members of the public

4431
05:22:37,680 --> 05:22:40,740
that do wish to speak to
this application or report

4432
05:22:40,740 --> 05:22:43,920
must keep their comments
relevant to the subject matter

4433
05:22:43,920 --> 05:22:46,743
of the application that
is before council today.

4434
05:22:47,580 --> 05:22:51,570
The first speaker that
registered is Penny Clendennin.

4435
05:22:51,570 --> 05:22:52,833
- Okay, Ms. Clendennin.

4436
05:22:55,290 --> 05:22:57,030
So you just state your,
well, we know your name,

4437
05:22:57,030 --> 05:22:59,150
your address, and we've
got up to five minutes.

4438
05:22:59,150 --> 05:23:01,983
- Yes, I will try and
stay in that five minutes.

4439
05:23:03,090 --> 05:23:05,280
Good evening, Mayor, members of council.

4440
05:23:05,280 --> 05:23:07,890
Thank you for the
opportunity to speak tonight.

4441
05:23:07,890 --> 05:23:09,510
My name is Penny Clendennin.

4442
05:23:09,510 --> 05:23:13,080
I reside at 5935 Stevens Street

4443
05:23:13,080 --> 05:23:15,273
in the Scott subdivision in question.

4444
05:23:16,290 --> 05:23:18,780
I'm here to share my concerns

4445
05:23:18,780 --> 05:23:21,873
as well as many of my neighbors
who are all here tonight.

4446
05:23:23,400 --> 05:23:24,660
our continued concerns,

4447
05:23:24,660 --> 05:23:27,000
even though some may have
been addressed and brought,

4448
05:23:27,000 --> 05:23:28,833
they've been all brought up before,

4449
05:23:29,940 --> 05:23:34,323
but the report we feel didn't
quite address our concerns.

4450
05:23:37,260 --> 05:23:38,790
And also, just to go on record,

4451
05:23:38,790 --> 05:23:41,430
that there was a petition submitted.

4452
05:23:41,430 --> 05:23:45,210
31 residents in our area
have signed a petition

4453
05:23:45,210 --> 05:23:47,950
opposing the development

4454
05:23:49,200 --> 05:23:52,503
and primarily the access
from Shirley Street.

4455
05:23:55,050 --> 05:23:58,710
First, we don't agree with the
city's built-up area policy

4456
05:23:58,710 --> 05:23:59,543
in this case.

4457
05:23:59,543 --> 05:24:02,670
We understand the goal
of encouraging infill

4458
05:24:02,670 --> 05:24:04,800
and mixed housing types,

4459
05:24:04,800 --> 05:24:08,040
but the new development must still respect

4460
05:24:08,040 --> 05:24:09,490
the surrounding neighborhood.

4461
05:24:10,860 --> 05:24:13,640
The proposed stacked townhouse development

4462
05:24:13,640 --> 05:24:16,050
is a major departure
from the existing area,

4463
05:24:16,050 --> 05:24:18,090
which is made up primarily

4464
05:24:18,090 --> 05:24:21,033
of single-family dwellings.

4465
05:24:25,710 --> 05:24:28,440
We're also concerned with the intensity,

4466
05:24:28,440 --> 05:24:31,230
the size of this
development being 99 units

4467
05:24:31,230 --> 05:24:33,513
in that compressed area.

4468
05:24:35,362 --> 05:24:37,410
It appears to be excessive,

4469
05:24:37,410 --> 05:24:38,670
leaving little green space,

4470
05:24:38,670 --> 05:24:41,853
understanding there are
parkettes and whatever nearby.

4471
05:24:43,260 --> 05:24:45,750
Green space, our neighborhood is known

4472
05:24:45,750 --> 05:24:48,816
as a mature neighborhood
with lots of trees.

4473
05:24:48,816 --> 05:24:51,630
That property line where Stevens,

4474
05:24:51,630 --> 05:24:53,790
or where Shirley is planned to be open,

4475
05:24:53,790 --> 05:24:56,580
there are trees along there
that would be removed.

4476
05:24:56,580 --> 05:24:58,467
And that's what our neighborhood is,

4477
05:24:58,467 --> 05:25:00,543
one of our appeals of our neighborhood.

4478
05:25:05,850 --> 05:25:07,680
We feel that removal of those would affect

4479
05:25:07,680 --> 05:25:10,480
the neighborhood's appearance
and environmental quality.

4480
05:25:11,940 --> 05:25:16,530
Traffic access (chuckles)
remains a concern of ours.

4481
05:25:16,530 --> 05:25:18,870
As said with the plan,

4482
05:25:18,870 --> 05:25:23,043
even though there's curvature
put into those roads,

4483
05:25:25,103 --> 05:25:28,050
the clear option would be
to go out Shirley Street.

4484
05:25:28,050 --> 05:25:29,640
It just seems that way.

4485
05:25:29,640 --> 05:25:31,320
The fire department has mentioned that

4486
05:25:31,320 --> 05:25:33,570
that would be their
preferred access point.

4487
05:25:33,570 --> 05:25:36,330
So why wouldn't everyone else living there

4488
05:25:36,330 --> 05:25:38,193
be their primary access point?

4489
05:25:40,770 --> 05:25:45,770
We respectfully ask council
to reconsider at Valley Way

4490
05:25:46,080 --> 05:25:48,993
if the easement is approved
the only ingress, egress,

4491
05:25:50,340 --> 05:25:54,720
as it's a better-suited
ingress, egress location.

4492
05:25:54,720 --> 05:25:56,760
The emergency exits,

4493
05:25:56,760 --> 05:25:59,583
I think we would all be fine with that.

4494
05:26:01,140 --> 05:26:03,780
But as long as it's removing
the day-to-day traffic,

4495
05:26:03,780 --> 05:26:05,380
is, I think our biggest concern.

4496
05:26:10,020 --> 05:26:12,300
And other concerns we had,

4497
05:26:12,300 --> 05:26:17,010
and I still feel these are legitimate

4498
05:26:17,010 --> 05:26:20,790
to the concern to the project at hand

4499
05:26:20,790 --> 05:26:24,960
is that I'd like to just call into record

4500
05:26:24,960 --> 05:26:28,770
newspaper articles,
which are public record

4501
05:26:28,770 --> 05:26:31,380
and have a direct bearing on this project,

4502
05:26:31,380 --> 05:26:32,610
as well as the website

4503
05:26:32,610 --> 05:26:36,900
of the Ontario Home Construction
Regulatory Authority,

4504
05:26:36,900 --> 05:26:38,253
the HCRA.

4505
05:26:39,690 --> 05:26:44,520
There are articles from
2021 and '22 in the "Review"

4506
05:26:44,520 --> 05:26:46,137
and as well as the "Standard,"

4507
05:26:47,820 --> 05:26:52,330
specifically to this developer
and his past conduct.

4508
05:26:53,670 --> 05:26:55,920
- I would just caution you to be careful

4509
05:26:55,920 --> 05:26:58,613
because we're wading into an
area we don't want to go into-

4510
05:26:58,613 --> 05:27:00,480
- Gotcha.
- For libelous reasons.

4511
05:27:00,480 --> 05:27:01,860
- Yep. Okay.

4512
05:27:01,860 --> 05:27:02,693
It's public record.

4513
05:27:02,693 --> 05:27:04,740
If you were to Google it, you
would find the information.

4514
05:27:04,740 --> 05:27:06,960
- And we did get your
messages, your email.

4515
05:27:06,960 --> 05:27:09,543
- Okay.
- So we appreciate that.

4516
05:27:10,650 --> 05:27:13,560
- So our concern with
that would be, again,

4517
05:27:13,560 --> 05:27:15,710
projects starting that
aren't going to finish.

4518
05:27:16,620 --> 05:27:18,960
There are a lot of those in our city now.

4519
05:27:18,960 --> 05:27:20,860
We don't want one in our neighborhood.

4520
05:27:23,070 --> 05:27:26,340
Property values, again, the
report mentioned that they feel

4521
05:27:26,340 --> 05:27:28,290
that the property values would increase,

4522
05:27:28,290 --> 05:27:30,690
but that would only happen
at some point in time

4523
05:27:31,650 --> 05:27:34,080
once our property values have decreased

4524
05:27:34,080 --> 05:27:36,150
because of this project.

4525
05:27:36,150 --> 05:27:39,180
In addition to the proposed price point,

4526
05:27:39,180 --> 05:27:41,550
it will attract investors of the project.

4527
05:27:41,550 --> 05:27:46,530
It will attract investors
rather than owner-occupants.

4528
05:27:46,530 --> 05:27:49,713
Our concern would be with rental units,

4529
05:27:50,730 --> 05:27:54,780
absentee landlords,
Airbnbs, short-term rentals,

4530
05:27:54,780 --> 05:27:56,493
all of that that comes with those.

4531
05:27:57,810 --> 05:28:00,470
Shirley Street is currently
a quiet dead-end street

4532
05:28:00,470 --> 05:28:01,560
(alarm chirps)

4533
05:28:01,560 --> 05:28:03,600
where children ride bikes, play outside,

4534
05:28:03,600 --> 05:28:05,760
and gather safely with their friends.

4535
05:28:05,760 --> 05:28:08,970
Opening it to traffic would
change the character of the area

4536
05:28:08,970 --> 05:28:13,320
and reduce the sense of
safety families now enjoy.

4537
05:28:13,320 --> 05:28:15,450
We understand the historic
planning documents

4538
05:28:15,450 --> 05:28:16,770
once envisioned Shirley Street

4539
05:28:16,770 --> 05:28:19,590
extending into the planned area.

4540
05:28:19,590 --> 05:28:21,630
But those plans are 70 years old

4541
05:28:21,630 --> 05:28:24,030
and at that time

4542
05:28:24,030 --> 05:28:27,333
they would've built
similar type of residences.

4543
05:28:28,740 --> 05:28:32,280
And just on a personal
(sighs) personal point,

4544
05:28:32,280 --> 05:28:34,530
the impact that this is having

4545
05:28:34,530 --> 05:28:37,113
on residents in our neighborhood.

4546
05:28:38,100 --> 05:28:42,730
We're a peaceful, close-knit community

4547
05:28:43,980 --> 05:28:47,670
that makes this neighborhood
so special for us.

4548
05:28:47,670 --> 05:28:49,500
Many are now questioning

4549
05:28:49,500 --> 05:28:51,660
whether they can remain
in this neighborhood.

4550
05:28:51,660 --> 05:28:53,580
Some neighbors have
lived in this community

4551
05:28:53,580 --> 05:28:55,590
for more than 50 years

4552
05:28:55,590 --> 05:28:58,350
and the uncertainty
created by this proposal

4553
05:28:58,350 --> 05:29:00,963
has caused a real concern and anxiety.

4554
05:29:02,040 --> 05:29:04,560
In summary, we ask council and city staff

4555
05:29:04,560 --> 05:29:06,510
to carefully consider
the long-term impacts

4556
05:29:06,510 --> 05:29:08,730
this proposal will have
on our neighborhood,

4557
05:29:08,730 --> 05:29:11,280
its character, its safety,

4558
05:29:11,280 --> 05:29:13,930
and the residents who have
invested their lives here.

4559
05:29:14,850 --> 05:29:19,850
We ask you to reject or
significantly revise this proposal

4560
05:29:20,340 --> 05:29:23,160
so that any develop in this
location protects Shirley Street

4561
05:29:23,160 --> 05:29:26,790
and protects and respects the concern

4562
05:29:26,790 --> 05:29:29,140
of the residents who
live, work, and vote here.

4563
05:29:30,030 --> 05:29:32,498
Thank you for your time.
- Thank you.

4564
05:29:32,498 --> 05:29:34,740
There may be questions if I
can just, before you run away.

4565
05:29:34,740 --> 05:29:36,940
Any questions of council
for Ms. Clendennin?

4566
05:29:37,920 --> 05:29:38,910
Okay. So I think we're good.

4567
05:29:38,910 --> 05:29:41,280
The only thing I do want to
see if we can get an answer to,

4568
05:29:41,280 --> 05:29:43,830
you did make mention of vacation rentals.

4569
05:29:43,830 --> 05:29:46,980
So I didn't know if maybe
Ms. Dolch can address that.

4570
05:29:46,980 --> 05:29:47,970
- Thank you, your worship.

4571
05:29:47,970 --> 05:29:49,650
So vacation rental units

4572
05:29:49,650 --> 05:29:51,540
would not be permitted in this area,

4573
05:29:51,540 --> 05:29:54,180
even with this development,
it is only permitted

4574
05:29:54,180 --> 05:29:56,553
in tourist, commercial, commercial areas.

4575
05:29:57,570 --> 05:29:59,790
Owner-occupied short-term
rentals are permitted,

4576
05:29:59,790 --> 05:30:02,700
but the owner would have
to be present on site.

4577
05:30:02,700 --> 05:30:04,140
- Where they would stay in with the owner.

4578
05:30:04,140 --> 05:30:05,172
- Yes, correct.
- With the owner.

4579
05:30:05,172 --> 05:30:07,280
- Right, and I don't know,

4580
05:30:07,280 --> 05:30:10,410
if you check any (chuckles)
short-term rental website.

4581
05:30:10,410 --> 05:30:12,210
I'll just ask how that's going.

4582
05:30:12,210 --> 05:30:15,760
- Oh yeah, we've got, so our
manager of by-law is here today

4583
05:30:16,812 --> 05:30:20,280
Mr. Gallagher, and I can
tell you we've been blitzing

4584
05:30:20,280 --> 05:30:23,280
and shutting them down very aggressively.

4585
05:30:23,280 --> 05:30:26,580
So I dunno if Mr. Gallagher,
if you want to address that

4586
05:30:26,580 --> 05:30:29,223
to let you know we're very
proactive with it now.

4587
05:30:30,390 --> 05:30:32,130
- Yeah, again, through the mayor,

4588
05:30:32,130 --> 05:30:34,190
we're actively blitzing the VRUs.

4589
05:30:34,190 --> 05:30:36,630
As a matter of fact we
just started this week,

4590
05:30:36,630 --> 05:30:38,880
we have 72 that have been recognized

4591
05:30:38,880 --> 05:30:40,410
that we're addressing right now.

4592
05:30:40,410 --> 05:30:42,363
And we're continuing to monitor daily.

4593
05:30:43,530 --> 05:30:45,390
- [Diodati] Just by
advertising, we go after them.

4594
05:30:45,390 --> 05:30:46,350
- Okay.
- Yeah.

4595
05:30:46,350 --> 05:30:47,790
So we've been very aggressive.

4596
05:30:47,790 --> 05:30:49,290
So I want, yep, you have a question.

4597
05:30:49,290 --> 05:30:50,610
Yes. Councilor Baldinelli.

4598
05:30:50,610 --> 05:30:52,020
- Just one question.

4599
05:30:52,020 --> 05:30:54,810
I'm just looking at the
overhead view of this

4600
05:30:54,810 --> 05:30:56,220
and I see right now,

4601
05:30:56,220 --> 05:30:58,050
and I'm not sure if it's current or not.

4602
05:30:58,050 --> 05:31:00,690
They have garden blocks, garden beds?

4603
05:31:00,690 --> 05:31:04,470
- The church had a
community harvest garden

4604
05:31:04,470 --> 05:31:05,973
where people could grow,

4605
05:31:07,213 --> 05:31:08,556
they've been evicted.

4606
05:31:08,556 --> 05:31:09,389
- Oh, it's no longer?

4607
05:31:09,389 --> 05:31:10,500
- They're not operating this year.

4608
05:31:10,500 --> 05:31:12,690
They were told last summer
it was their last summer

4609
05:31:12,690 --> 05:31:13,770
and they're not operating anymore.

4610
05:31:13,770 --> 05:31:15,130
- That was part of your
community togetherness?

4611
05:31:15,130 --> 05:31:18,090
- It was part of the community
togetherness, the church.

4612
05:31:18,090 --> 05:31:20,910
And I think even the daily
bread food bank may have even

4613
05:31:20,910 --> 05:31:22,407
grown at that site.
- So the non-profits-

4614
05:31:22,407 --> 05:31:26,790
the nonprofit purchases
the lots, nonprofit entity,

4615
05:31:26,790 --> 05:31:27,623
nonprofit.
- Yeah.

4616
05:31:27,623 --> 05:31:29,790
- I'm going to keep saying non-profit.

4617
05:31:29,790 --> 05:31:30,843
And booted everybody out of there?

4618
05:31:30,843 --> 05:31:32,523
- Mm-hmm.
- Okay. Thank you.

4619
05:31:34,391 --> 05:31:36,957
- Okay, any other questions?
Okay, thank you very much.

4620
05:31:36,957 --> 05:31:39,903
- Thank you.
- Okay. Mr. Clerk.

4621
05:31:41,880 --> 05:31:45,093
- The next registered
presenter is Robert Ward.

4622
05:31:49,500 --> 05:31:51,530
- Yes, Mr. Ward.
- Mr. Ward,

4623
05:31:52,727 --> 05:31:55,080
if you can just state your address please.

4624
05:31:55,080 --> 05:31:57,690
And then again you've
got up to five minutes.

4625
05:31:57,690 --> 05:32:01,623
- Robert Ward. I'm a resident
at 5952 Stevens Street.

4626
05:32:02,520 --> 05:32:05,220
And as most of you'll understand now,

4627
05:32:05,220 --> 05:32:10,080
our biggest concern is the
opening of Shirley Street, okay?

4628
05:32:10,080 --> 05:32:12,240
Keeping Shirley Street closed

4629
05:32:12,240 --> 05:32:16,380
would allow the development
to change its landscaping

4630
05:32:16,380 --> 05:32:21,380
and probably add upwards of
20 more lots for parking.

4631
05:32:22,170 --> 05:32:26,670
Okay? This project is
already over density.

4632
05:32:26,670 --> 05:32:30,960
The normal for the size of
this property of 1.08 hectares

4633
05:32:30,960 --> 05:32:35,820
is run between 47 and 75 stacked houses.

4634
05:32:35,820 --> 05:32:37,710
You can find this information anywhere

4635
05:32:37,710 --> 05:32:39,300
on the government sites.

4636
05:32:39,300 --> 05:32:41,793
I found it, I'm sure
city council can find it.

4637
05:32:43,380 --> 05:32:48,380
So by allowing it to expand by 20%,

4638
05:32:48,990 --> 05:32:53,493
right, from 75 to 90, 99,

4639
05:32:54,390 --> 05:32:58,290
and decreasing the parking from 1.4 to 1.1

4640
05:32:58,290 --> 05:33:02,670
is just against what your planning says.

4641
05:33:02,670 --> 05:33:05,520
We should not be so dense.

4642
05:33:05,520 --> 05:33:08,820
That's why he would like
to have this assessment

4643
05:33:08,820 --> 05:33:11,733
or this reamendment done.

4644
05:33:13,200 --> 05:33:15,750
So by keeping the project smaller,

4645
05:33:15,750 --> 05:33:18,990
and I know that the project's
going to go ahead at some point,

4646
05:33:18,990 --> 05:33:20,910
it's the government, the
provincial government

4647
05:33:20,910 --> 05:33:22,981
is demanding this to be done.

4648
05:33:22,981 --> 05:33:24,963
Infilling is what's going to happen.

4649
05:33:25,950 --> 05:33:29,430
We could keep this at a smaller project.

4650
05:33:29,430 --> 05:33:30,813
change the landscaping,

4651
05:33:32,130 --> 05:33:34,920
increase the parking back to 1.4,

4652
05:33:34,920 --> 05:33:36,660
keep Shirley Street closed,

4653
05:33:36,660 --> 05:33:40,650
one access point, which you
have in many areas in the city,

4654
05:33:40,650 --> 05:33:43,950
especially a new one over on Portage there

4655
05:33:43,950 --> 05:33:45,450
behind St-Antoine Church,

4656
05:33:45,450 --> 05:33:50,450
over, I think it's 150
units, one entrance, okay?

4657
05:33:51,026 --> 05:33:53,550
So that takes care of what
everybody is worried about,

4658
05:33:53,550 --> 05:33:55,020
Shirley Street opened up.

4659
05:33:55,020 --> 05:33:58,740
An emergency exit like I see
over by the Optimist Club

4660
05:33:58,740 --> 05:33:59,940
and all that.

4661
05:33:59,940 --> 05:34:03,510
It's a great idea.
Solves the problem, okay?

4662
05:34:03,510 --> 05:34:05,373
Downsizing solves the problem.

4663
05:34:08,190 --> 05:34:10,550
So many amendments are
wanted for this thing.

4664
05:34:10,550 --> 05:34:13,770
It just makes it sound
like it's just there

4665
05:34:13,770 --> 05:34:18,000
to make a money grab rather
than to fit into our area.

4666
05:34:18,000 --> 05:34:20,333
It's a very quiet neighborhood. Okay?

4667
05:34:21,430 --> 05:34:24,783
So the parking is one thing,
density is another. Right?

4668
05:34:25,710 --> 05:34:29,310
Keeping Shirley closed also
prevents a third throughway

4669
05:34:29,310 --> 05:34:31,563
from Valley Way to Scott Street.

4670
05:34:32,490 --> 05:34:37,490
And that would be the what
everybody wants, right, so.

4671
05:34:37,980 --> 05:34:39,420
- Thank you, let me check if we,

4672
05:34:39,420 --> 05:34:41,310
yes, see questions we've got.

4673
05:34:41,310 --> 05:34:42,273
Councilor Patel.

4674
05:34:43,830 --> 05:34:45,720
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

4675
05:34:45,720 --> 05:34:48,060
Thank you for, you know,
coming to the council chambers

4676
05:34:48,060 --> 05:34:51,090
and telling us what you are worried about.

4677
05:34:51,090 --> 05:34:51,960
And I'm with you.

4678
05:34:51,960 --> 05:34:54,150
My major concern about this development

4679
05:34:54,150 --> 05:34:57,510
is the access from Shirley Avenue

4680
05:34:57,510 --> 05:35:01,320
and the overflow parking coming
onto the Shirley and Scott.

4681
05:35:01,320 --> 05:35:02,910
Even if you have emergency exit,

4682
05:35:02,910 --> 05:35:06,060
it just closed with the gates or chain,

4683
05:35:06,060 --> 05:35:07,590
people can still park on the stairs.

4684
05:35:07,590 --> 05:35:10,200
Shirley and Stevens, they'll
just walk right over.

4685
05:35:10,200 --> 05:35:13,650
And I agree reducing parking

4686
05:35:13,650 --> 05:35:15,570
is something we are doing lately,

4687
05:35:15,570 --> 05:35:18,750
but our parking standards are seeing 1.4.

4688
05:35:18,750 --> 05:35:20,550
And I want to ask Ms. Dolch,

4689
05:35:20,550 --> 05:35:24,130
what happens if you don't
approve the reduced parking?

4690
05:35:25,764 --> 05:35:29,190
- Ms. Dolch,
- Thank you, your worship.

4691
05:35:29,190 --> 05:35:30,420
Obviously if council chooses

4692
05:35:30,420 --> 05:35:35,070
not to approve the reduced
parking, they could appeal.

4693
05:35:35,070 --> 05:35:38,160
They do have appeal rights
to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

4694
05:35:38,160 --> 05:35:41,130
I will advise though
that our parking study

4695
05:35:41,130 --> 05:35:42,630
that's been recently done

4696
05:35:42,630 --> 05:35:45,030
by our transportation division

4697
05:35:45,030 --> 05:35:48,360
did make a recommendation
at 1.1 spaces per unit.

4698
05:35:48,360 --> 05:35:50,880
- So would we be able to see the study?

4699
05:35:50,880 --> 05:35:52,050
Would that pass down to us?

4700
05:35:52,050 --> 05:35:53,280
Because I was just wondering that

4701
05:35:53,280 --> 05:35:56,640
if the study done with the
broader data from Ontario

4702
05:35:56,640 --> 05:35:58,840
or it was done just
from Niagara Falls data.

4703
05:35:59,760 --> 05:36:00,660
- Thank you, your worship.

4704
05:36:00,660 --> 05:36:03,540
I'm going to just pass
that over to Mr. Nickel.

4705
05:36:03,540 --> 05:36:05,340
- Mr. Nickel.
- Yeah, thank you.

4706
05:36:05,340 --> 05:36:06,540
Through you, Mr. Mayor.

4707
05:36:06,540 --> 05:36:09,750
We have done actual site
surveys of similar sites,

4708
05:36:09,750 --> 05:36:12,750
a broad spectrum of sites,
apartments, multi-res units,

4709
05:36:12,750 --> 05:36:14,970
townhouse units to get a sense

4710
05:36:14,970 --> 05:36:18,180
of what the range of actual
parking demands are on site.

4711
05:36:18,180 --> 05:36:22,140
And those are what are used to
guide our new zoning by-laws.

4712
05:36:22,140 --> 05:36:24,750
That by-law rates that
will be coming forward

4713
05:36:24,750 --> 05:36:27,420
at a time when the zoning
by-laws going to be updated.

4714
05:36:27,420 --> 05:36:29,190
We have successfully implemented that

4715
05:36:29,190 --> 05:36:30,670
on a number of applications

4716
05:36:31,650 --> 05:36:34,367
and we often will also
use proximity to transit

4717
05:36:34,367 --> 05:36:35,733
'cause we don't, you know,

4718
05:36:36,750 --> 05:36:38,400
we can't force everyone to use transit,

4719
05:36:38,400 --> 05:36:39,930
but if we want to encourage transit,

4720
05:36:39,930 --> 05:36:42,828
we can't always provide
reliance on an auto vehicle.

4721
05:36:42,828 --> 05:36:44,702
- To that point, through you, Mr. Mayor,

4722
05:36:44,702 --> 05:36:46,827
so when you took that
data in consideration,

4723
05:36:46,827 --> 05:36:50,520
was transit use and
parking fines that issued,

4724
05:36:50,520 --> 05:36:52,653
was everything taken in consideration?

4725
05:36:53,550 --> 05:36:54,630
- Yeah. Through you, Mr. Mayor.

4726
05:36:54,630 --> 05:36:59,310
We actually physically had
people survey actual sites

4727
05:36:59,310 --> 05:37:00,960
and some sites were close to transit,

4728
05:37:00,960 --> 05:37:02,610
some sites were not close to transit.

4729
05:37:02,610 --> 05:37:04,200
We had sites in Niagara, there were sites

4730
05:37:04,200 --> 05:37:07,230
throughout Southern
Ontario that were included.

4731
05:37:07,230 --> 05:37:10,830
And so we have a sense of
what the actual demands are

4732
05:37:10,830 --> 05:37:14,613
for similar sites and it's a
range, depends on demographics,

4733
05:37:15,480 --> 05:37:17,067
you know, the number of
bedrooms in those units

4734
05:37:17,067 --> 05:37:18,840
and those sort of things.

4735
05:37:18,840 --> 05:37:21,330
But we have ranges

4736
05:37:21,330 --> 05:37:24,360
that were down below one space per unit.

4737
05:37:24,360 --> 05:37:26,840
Generally what this rate results in

4738
05:37:26,840 --> 05:37:28,800
is one car dedicated per unit

4739
05:37:28,800 --> 05:37:30,510
and that can be dealt with

4740
05:37:30,510 --> 05:37:33,540
through the arrangements
of the purchase of the unit

4741
05:37:33,540 --> 05:37:35,670
and then one visitor space

4742
05:37:35,670 --> 05:37:38,130
for every 10 spaces,
or for every 10 units.

4743
05:37:38,130 --> 05:37:39,253
So that we know that

4744
05:37:39,253 --> 05:37:40,677
there's not going to be
visitors all the time.

4745
05:37:40,677 --> 05:37:43,260
And if there are, streets like Valley Way

4746
05:37:43,260 --> 05:37:44,610
do have on-street parking

4747
05:37:44,610 --> 05:37:46,290
and so there are places in the community

4748
05:37:46,290 --> 05:37:48,693
for that periodic time
when things overflow.

4749
05:37:49,590 --> 05:37:50,423
- Thank you.

4750
05:37:50,423 --> 05:37:52,260
The parking is a major concern for me

4751
05:37:52,260 --> 05:37:55,140
and I do know that when
the holidays happen,

4752
05:37:55,140 --> 05:37:57,000
people have friends and family come over.

4753
05:37:57,000 --> 05:38:00,210
We have maybe 10 parking
spaces for visitors

4754
05:38:00,210 --> 05:38:01,860
and other cars

4755
05:38:01,860 --> 05:38:03,420
will be parked on a neighborhood street.

4756
05:38:03,420 --> 05:38:04,410
So that will be a concern

4757
05:38:04,410 --> 05:38:07,500
because I have friends who live
in the development like this

4758
05:38:07,500 --> 05:38:08,423
and we avoid to go to their house

4759
05:38:08,423 --> 05:38:10,980
because you cannot find
parking around there.

4760
05:38:10,980 --> 05:38:11,813
So that will be a concern.

4761
05:38:11,813 --> 05:38:13,290
That's my major concern as well.

4762
05:38:13,290 --> 05:38:15,783
- That's why I think that
it should be downsized,

4763
05:38:17,100 --> 05:38:20,730
change of landscaping,
keeps Shirley closed,

4764
05:38:20,730 --> 05:38:23,850
and that will increase
your parking by 20%.

4765
05:38:23,850 --> 05:38:26,670
- Well that makes sense if
we close the Shirley access,

4766
05:38:26,670 --> 05:38:27,720
if we don't really require that-

4767
05:38:27,720 --> 05:38:28,800
- [Diodati] Right now it's just questions.

4768
05:38:28,800 --> 05:38:31,290
So right now just
questions of the presenter.

4769
05:38:31,290 --> 05:38:33,830
- Oh, oh sorry. After for your, thank you.

4770
05:38:33,830 --> 05:38:35,190
- Yeah, there'll be time for the dialogue.

4771
05:38:35,190 --> 05:38:37,440
Any other questions for Mr. Ward?

4772
05:38:37,440 --> 05:38:39,690
Okay, thank you very much, sir.

4773
05:38:39,690 --> 05:38:42,300
Mr. Clerk, do we have anyone
else registered? We don't.

4774
05:38:42,300 --> 05:38:44,520
Is there anyone else here
other than the applicant

4775
05:38:44,520 --> 05:38:46,680
who wishes to address, come forward,

4776
05:38:46,680 --> 05:38:49,980
just state your name, your
address, up to five minutes.

4777
05:38:49,980 --> 05:38:51,960
Try not to repeat 'cause we've heard,

4778
05:38:51,960 --> 05:38:54,810
don't close or don't open up Shirley.

4779
05:38:54,810 --> 05:38:56,490
Like we've heard those things
so if you've got anything new.

4780
05:38:56,490 --> 05:38:58,787
- Well I just want to thank you, Mayor,

4781
05:38:58,787 --> 05:39:00,270
and to members of council.

4782
05:39:00,270 --> 05:39:04,170
My name is Anna Morocco. I
live at 5122 Cabot Drive.

4783
05:39:04,170 --> 05:39:07,480
I'm probably one of the
longest residents in that area.

4784
05:39:07,480 --> 05:39:09,630
And I just want to speak to the point

4785
05:39:09,630 --> 05:39:13,680
where Mr. DeBenedetti
said the shortest route

4786
05:39:13,680 --> 05:39:14,807
would be Valley Way.

4787
05:39:14,807 --> 05:39:16,440
'Cause if you go out Shirley,

4788
05:39:16,440 --> 05:39:18,210
you end up at Portage and Morrison.

4789
05:39:18,210 --> 05:39:19,200
That is incorrect.

4790
05:39:19,200 --> 05:39:22,470
If you go out Shirley you end up at Scott,

4791
05:39:22,470 --> 05:39:23,333
which goes on to Portage.

4792
05:39:23,333 --> 05:39:25,650
So it's not very far.

4793
05:39:25,650 --> 05:39:29,550
So yes, if you go to Portage to Morrison,

4794
05:39:29,550 --> 05:39:30,900
you wouldn't want to go that way.

4795
05:39:30,900 --> 05:39:34,020
But if you want to go out
Shirley you go to Scott,

4796
05:39:34,020 --> 05:39:35,490
you can have a nice exit.

4797
05:39:35,490 --> 05:39:37,410
You're not sitting at
Drummond Road for 10 minutes,

4798
05:39:37,410 --> 05:39:38,880
you're not sitting at Valley Way.

4799
05:39:38,880 --> 05:39:43,110
So I just wanted to make a point on that.

4800
05:39:43,110 --> 05:39:43,943
Okay, thank you.
- Thank you. Hold on.

4801
05:39:43,943 --> 05:39:47,220
Any questions of Ms.
Morocco? Any questions?

4802
05:39:47,220 --> 05:39:48,716
Okay, you're good, thank you.

4803
05:39:48,716 --> 05:39:50,190
Is there anyone else other?

4804
05:39:50,190 --> 05:39:51,420
Yes, if you'd like, step forward,

4805
05:39:51,420 --> 05:39:55,440
again, name, address, up to
five minutes, try not to repeat.

4806
05:39:55,440 --> 05:39:58,500
- Okay, I'll try. Thank you,
Mayor, and council members.

4807
05:39:58,500 --> 05:40:00,060
I've never done this so hopefully,

4808
05:40:00,060 --> 05:40:02,730
can I go to, I don't know if I can scroll,

4809
05:40:02,730 --> 05:40:06,450
but the image of just our subdivision

4810
05:40:06,450 --> 05:40:08,130
with the houses, am I able to?

4811
05:40:08,130 --> 05:40:09,090
- Yeah, well they'll do it.

4812
05:40:09,090 --> 05:40:12,450
They'll get you.
- Okay, thank you.

4813
05:40:12,450 --> 05:40:14,220
- Well we got two people.
- I know the,

4814
05:40:14,220 --> 05:40:16,177
where it zoomed in a little bit back.

4815
05:40:16,177 --> 05:40:18,810
Do I just do this? I
don't know what I'm doing.

4816
05:40:18,810 --> 05:40:20,880
I don't want to mess it up.

4817
05:40:20,880 --> 05:40:22,290
- Yeah.
- Okay.

4818
05:40:22,290 --> 05:40:27,290
So, two years ago I
moved, where's my cursor?

4819
05:40:27,390 --> 05:40:31,380
Right here. So this is my
home, 5134 Shirley Avenue.

4820
05:40:31,380 --> 05:40:33,090
I specifically moved to this area

4821
05:40:33,090 --> 05:40:34,860
with my three small children.

4822
05:40:34,860 --> 05:40:37,860
We're going through a little
bit of a transition in life,

4823
05:40:37,860 --> 05:40:39,690
but I specifically moved to this area

4824
05:40:39,690 --> 05:40:42,405
because of this being a dead end.

4825
05:40:42,405 --> 05:40:45,150
A very quiet residential neighborhood.

4826
05:40:45,150 --> 05:40:46,470
Obviously it's been reiterated,

4827
05:40:46,470 --> 05:40:49,200
we don't want Shirley
opened up for this reason,

4828
05:40:49,200 --> 05:40:50,310
but I just wanted to highlight

4829
05:40:50,310 --> 05:40:55,310
that out of the one, two,
three, four, five, six homes

4830
05:40:55,380 --> 05:40:59,670
just at the end of this street,
there are 15 small children,

4831
05:40:59,670 --> 05:41:01,754
sorry I'm shaking a little bit,

4832
05:41:01,754 --> 05:41:05,640
ranging from the age of six
months old to 14 years old.

4833
05:41:05,640 --> 05:41:08,130
They all play in this area.

4834
05:41:08,130 --> 05:41:12,030
By opening that up, I do
fear it's going to create

4835
05:41:12,030 --> 05:41:15,090
a significant safety concern.

4836
05:41:15,090 --> 05:41:17,340
So that's really all I have to say.

4837
05:41:17,340 --> 05:41:21,900
- Fair enough. And any
questions for our presenter?

4838
05:41:21,900 --> 05:41:22,733
No? Okay, thank you for that.

4839
05:41:22,733 --> 05:41:24,720
- I'm probably a little too nervous ever.

4840
05:41:24,720 --> 05:41:26,520
- Thank you. Thank You.
- Thank you.

4841
05:41:26,520 --> 05:41:29,040
- Anyone else, other than the applicant,

4842
05:41:29,040 --> 05:41:30,840
who wishes to address council?

4843
05:41:30,840 --> 05:41:34,230
Okay, seeing none, thank
you for all of your input.

4844
05:41:34,230 --> 05:41:39,150
Now council will now hear

4845
05:41:39,150 --> 05:41:42,273
from the applicant or his
or her representative.

4846
05:41:57,900 --> 05:42:00,145
- Good evening, worship,
members of council.

4847
05:42:00,145 --> 05:42:03,990
(Mary Lou whispers)

4848
05:42:03,990 --> 05:42:07,740
Oh, can we go back to our presentation?

4849
05:42:07,740 --> 05:42:10,323
We're, you're onto the next one.

4850
05:42:11,430 --> 05:42:13,230
- [Tech] Not that one? I did, sorry.

4851
05:42:14,250 --> 05:42:16,440
- Yeah, you should have an
applicant's presentation.

4852
05:42:16,440 --> 05:42:17,273
- [Tech] Yep, I did.

4853
05:42:17,273 --> 05:42:18,620
Sorry about that.
- It's okay.

4854
05:42:20,400 --> 05:42:22,113
Well, while we're pulling that up,

4855
05:42:23,190 --> 05:42:25,200
your worship, for the record,
my name's Rocky Vacca.

4856
05:42:25,200 --> 05:42:27,900
I'm a partner at the law
firm Sullivan Mahoney.

4857
05:42:27,900 --> 05:42:30,780
With me I have Mary Lou
Tanner of NPG Solutions.

4858
05:42:30,780 --> 05:42:33,030
She's the land use
planner for the applicant.

4859
05:42:34,350 --> 05:42:36,480
So Mary Lou's going to be addressing

4860
05:42:36,480 --> 05:42:38,520
the planning merits of the application

4861
05:42:38,520 --> 05:42:42,900
and the issues and concerns
raised by the area residents.

4862
05:42:42,900 --> 05:42:45,420
I'd like to begin by
recognizing the work put in

4863
05:42:45,420 --> 05:42:48,660
by your planning staff in
assessing the application

4864
05:42:48,660 --> 05:42:51,720
and challenging the
applicant to make changes

4865
05:42:51,720 --> 05:42:55,200
that further the goal of a
compatible infill development.

4866
05:42:55,200 --> 05:42:57,843
We believe what is before
you meets that goal.

4867
05:42:59,820 --> 05:43:02,490
For the record, we have reviewed
the recommendation report

4868
05:43:02,490 --> 05:43:05,190
and accept all of the recommendations

4869
05:43:05,190 --> 05:43:06,873
as set out in the staff report.

4870
05:43:07,950 --> 05:43:08,880
So as you've heard,

4871
05:43:08,880 --> 05:43:11,580
the project includes 99 stacked townhouses

4872
05:43:11,580 --> 05:43:13,410
within six blocks.

4873
05:43:13,410 --> 05:43:16,230
The units will be sold below
the attainable threshold

4874
05:43:16,230 --> 05:43:20,100
of $567,574.

4875
05:43:20,100 --> 05:43:24,180
With the majority of
units being at $399,000.

4876
05:43:24,180 --> 05:43:26,253
That's all the units will be attainable.

4877
05:43:27,270 --> 05:43:28,530
On the issues of access,

4878
05:43:28,530 --> 05:43:31,140
the proposed access will
be through Shirley Avenue,

4879
05:43:31,140 --> 05:43:33,840
as you've heard, and via an easement

4880
05:43:33,840 --> 05:43:36,993
with Valley Way Non-Profit
Housing to Valley Way.

4881
05:43:37,830 --> 05:43:40,410
I can advise that there is
an agreement of purchase

4882
05:43:40,410 --> 05:43:42,423
and sale that secures that easement.

4883
05:43:43,410 --> 05:43:45,180
It would have to go to your
Committee of Adjustment

4884
05:43:45,180 --> 05:43:48,240
for approval in order for it
to be registered on title.

4885
05:43:48,240 --> 05:43:50,970
But there is a contractual
right to that easement

4886
05:43:50,970 --> 05:43:54,273
as soon as the transaction
is closed for these lands.

4887
05:43:58,680 --> 05:44:01,560
You will hear that having only one access

4888
05:44:01,560 --> 05:44:04,350
through easement lands
leaving Shirley Avenue

4889
05:44:04,350 --> 05:44:06,480
as an emergency access only

4890
05:44:06,480 --> 05:44:10,740
not only represents, I'm going
to suggest, poor planning.

4891
05:44:10,740 --> 05:44:14,160
You've heard from your
planning director, Ms. Dolch,

4892
05:44:14,160 --> 05:44:17,310
but makes the development
very difficult to finance

4893
05:44:17,310 --> 05:44:19,380
and to sell units to the public

4894
05:44:19,380 --> 05:44:23,767
having a sole means of access
through easement lands.

4895
05:44:23,767 --> 05:44:26,250
And that hasn't been addressed yet.

4896
05:44:26,250 --> 05:44:27,660
Studies that have been completed

4897
05:44:27,660 --> 05:44:31,110
and have been accepted by staff
supporting the development

4898
05:44:31,110 --> 05:44:33,570
include: a noise impact study,

4899
05:44:33,570 --> 05:44:36,300
environmental site
assessment Phase 1 and 2,

4900
05:44:36,300 --> 05:44:37,980
archeological assessment,

4901
05:44:37,980 --> 05:44:42,570
tree inventory and preservation
plan, urban design brief,

4902
05:44:42,570 --> 05:44:45,840
planning justification report,
a transportation brief,

4903
05:44:45,840 --> 05:44:49,860
which supports and recommends
full access to Shirley Avenue.

4904
05:44:49,860 --> 05:44:52,680
All of the following commenting
agencies and departments

4905
05:44:52,680 --> 05:44:54,660
do not object to the development:

4906
05:44:54,660 --> 05:44:57,480
Region of Niagara, DSBN School Board,

4907
05:44:57,480 --> 05:45:00,030
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation,

4908
05:45:00,030 --> 05:45:01,950
Six Nations of the Credit Union,

4909
05:45:01,950 --> 05:45:03,990
sorry, First Nations of the Grand River,

4910
05:45:03,990 --> 05:45:07,020
City's Building Services,
City's Fire Services,

4911
05:45:07,020 --> 05:45:10,410
which if you read the report,
expresses a preference

4912
05:45:10,410 --> 05:45:12,210
that full access to Shirley Avenue

4913
05:45:12,210 --> 05:45:14,403
be maintained for fire safety.

4914
05:45:16,080 --> 05:45:18,390
Urban Design and Landscape Services,

4915
05:45:18,390 --> 05:45:21,480
Municipal Works, Transportation Services,

4916
05:45:21,480 --> 05:45:22,590
which as you've heard,

4917
05:45:22,590 --> 05:45:26,730
supports the proposed 1.1
parking spaces per unit

4918
05:45:26,730 --> 05:45:28,290
and acknowledges that traffic

4919
05:45:28,290 --> 05:45:33,290
is expected to be nominal from
Valley Way to Shirley Avenue

4920
05:45:33,540 --> 05:45:35,250
and vice versa.

4921
05:45:35,250 --> 05:45:39,600
Legal Services does not object.
GIS Services do not object.

4922
05:45:39,600 --> 05:45:43,680
In other words, no
professional expert consultant,

4923
05:45:43,680 --> 05:45:46,710
circulated agency or city department

4924
05:45:46,710 --> 05:45:48,003
objects to the proposal.

4925
05:45:50,700 --> 05:45:53,250
Respectfully, the only
objections before you

4926
05:45:53,250 --> 05:45:56,223
are from the area
residents, which I respect,

4927
05:45:57,240 --> 05:45:58,860
but the issues they have raised

4928
05:45:58,860 --> 05:46:01,800
have already been fully
investigated and signed off

4929
05:46:01,800 --> 05:46:05,280
by the experts including your city staff.

4930
05:46:05,280 --> 05:46:06,870
I'm now going to call on Mary Lou

4931
05:46:06,870 --> 05:46:08,250
to discuss the planning merits

4932
05:46:08,250 --> 05:46:10,320
and take you through the PowerPoint.

4933
05:46:10,320 --> 05:46:12,810
I'll be back with concluding remarks

4934
05:46:12,810 --> 05:46:14,910
and I'll be discussing
the financial benefits

4935
05:46:14,910 --> 05:46:18,180
of the development and dealing
directly with the issue

4936
05:46:18,180 --> 05:46:23,180
of easement as not good
access for legal reasons.

4937
05:46:26,850 --> 05:46:28,200
- Thank you very much.

4938
05:46:28,200 --> 05:46:30,180
Just to reiterate, my
name is Mary Lou Tanner.

4939
05:46:30,180 --> 05:46:32,610
I'm a senior partner with
NPG Planning Solutions.

4940
05:46:32,610 --> 05:46:34,800
Our office is in Niagara Falls.

4941
05:46:34,800 --> 05:46:38,873
So let's move to our presentation.

4942
05:46:38,873 --> 05:46:40,350
And I'm not going to propose

4943
05:46:40,350 --> 05:46:42,300
to repeat what Mr.
DeBenedetti shared with you

4944
05:46:42,300 --> 05:46:44,250
because there are some commonalities

4945
05:46:44,250 --> 05:46:46,770
and in the interest of
time we can move forward.

4946
05:46:46,770 --> 05:46:51,390
So just this, the importance
of this particular air photo

4947
05:46:51,390 --> 05:46:55,530
and showing the subject lands
in relation to Shirley Avenue.

4948
05:46:55,530 --> 05:46:58,440
This would be lands that
would be a future severance

4949
05:46:58,440 --> 05:46:59,880
off of the broader parcel,

4950
05:46:59,880 --> 05:47:02,370
which is owned by Valley
Way Non-Profit Housing.

4951
05:47:02,370 --> 05:47:04,230
The easement would also be provided

4952
05:47:04,230 --> 05:47:07,350
through, as Rocky said,
and Ms. Dolch said,

4953
05:47:07,350 --> 05:47:09,360
an easement that would have to be approved

4954
05:47:09,360 --> 05:47:10,680
by the Committee of Adjustment.

4955
05:47:10,680 --> 05:47:13,380
We fully intend to apply for those.

4956
05:47:13,380 --> 05:47:15,840
However, the Committee
of Adjustment did request

4957
05:47:15,840 --> 05:47:17,730
that we get council's
position on the development

4958
05:47:17,730 --> 05:47:19,800
before we proceed with those applications.

4959
05:47:19,800 --> 05:47:23,643
So that's the sequencing
that we are working towards.

4960
05:47:25,110 --> 05:47:25,943
Oops.

4961
05:47:27,810 --> 05:47:30,630
So Mr. DeBenedetti showed you

4962
05:47:30,630 --> 05:47:32,550
an air photo of the subject lands.

4963
05:47:32,550 --> 05:47:33,960
This colored visualization

4964
05:47:33,960 --> 05:47:36,270
just gives you a bit more context.

4965
05:47:36,270 --> 05:47:37,650
The subject lands are shown,

4966
05:47:37,650 --> 05:47:41,370
the lands that are shown in
blue are institutional uses.

4967
05:47:41,370 --> 05:47:43,950
The orange ones are
higher-density residential,

4968
05:47:43,950 --> 05:47:46,410
and then the lighter beige
are lower-density residential.

4969
05:47:46,410 --> 05:47:49,230
And you can also see
the street network here

4970
05:47:49,230 --> 05:47:52,593
with Shirley Avenue and Valley
Way as well as Portage Road.

4971
05:47:54,450 --> 05:47:56,070
This is the proposed development.

4972
05:47:56,070 --> 05:47:58,440
We've heard an awful lot
about it this evening,

4973
05:47:58,440 --> 05:48:01,110
but just confirming this is the drawing

4974
05:48:01,110 --> 05:48:03,720
and the proposal that
we are working towards

4975
05:48:03,720 --> 05:48:06,600
and the zoning by-law has been tailored

4976
05:48:06,600 --> 05:48:09,213
to this specific development.

4977
05:48:10,380 --> 05:48:11,910
Want to touch a bit on the issues

4978
05:48:11,910 --> 05:48:13,800
of affordable and attainable housing.

4979
05:48:13,800 --> 05:48:18,132
The anticipated sale price is $399,000.

4980
05:48:18,132 --> 05:48:20,850
All 99 units would meet
the city's requirements

4981
05:48:20,850 --> 05:48:23,337
for both affordability and attainability.

4982
05:48:23,337 --> 05:48:27,330
And there are a range of unit
sizes within the development.

4983
05:48:27,330 --> 05:48:31,830
So it is attractive to
families of different sizes.

4984
05:48:31,830 --> 05:48:34,140
This is the built form and massing drawing

4985
05:48:34,140 --> 05:48:35,793
that Mr. DeBenedetti showed you.

4986
05:48:36,900 --> 05:48:39,240
The proposed official plan
amendment is site-specific,

4987
05:48:39,240 --> 05:48:41,520
so it would be tied to this
development at a density

4988
05:48:41,520 --> 05:48:44,430
of 92 units per hectare for
stacked townhouse dwellings.

4989
05:48:44,430 --> 05:48:47,010
It's a very tight official plan amendment

4990
05:48:47,010 --> 05:48:49,920
and it would apply to the blue block,

4991
05:48:49,920 --> 05:48:52,860
which is the developable lands.

4992
05:48:52,860 --> 05:48:55,560
The zoning by-laws Mr.
DeBenedetti touched on,

4993
05:48:55,560 --> 05:48:58,140
is Residential Apartment 5C.

4994
05:48:58,140 --> 05:48:59,610
I'm actually going to skip by this

4995
05:48:59,610 --> 05:49:02,220
because the next slide we
have gives a bit more context

4996
05:49:02,220 --> 05:49:04,140
of where the variances are.

4997
05:49:04,140 --> 05:49:08,040
So if we start with the
minimum lot frontage, this is,

4998
05:49:08,040 --> 05:49:09,813
it's required to be 30 meters.

4999
05:49:10,650 --> 05:49:13,050
The actual circumstances
are, it would be 20 meters.

5000
05:49:13,050 --> 05:49:14,430
We cannot meet 30 meters

5001
05:49:14,430 --> 05:49:18,510
because of where the road
frontage is at Shirley Avenue.

5002
05:49:18,510 --> 05:49:20,040
The minimum rear yard setback,

5003
05:49:20,040 --> 05:49:23,370
if we look to the lower
right in the orange box,

5004
05:49:23,370 --> 05:49:27,240
that is proposed at 7.5 meters
as Mr. DeBenedetti said.

5005
05:49:27,240 --> 05:49:29,340
That's a bit of a pinch
point so it narrows down,

5006
05:49:29,340 --> 05:49:33,990
but it is wider as we move
further along in the development.

5007
05:49:33,990 --> 05:49:35,460
Moving to the left-hand side

5008
05:49:35,460 --> 05:49:37,380
and starting with the
parking requirements,

5009
05:49:37,380 --> 05:49:39,000
there's been a lot of
discussion about those.

5010
05:49:39,000 --> 05:49:42,150
The city's transportation
study is 1.1 spaces per unit,

5011
05:49:42,150 --> 05:49:44,190
which is what we're proposing.

5012
05:49:44,190 --> 05:49:46,890
The width of the parking
aisle would be six meters

5013
05:49:46,890 --> 05:49:48,450
instead of 6.9 meters.

5014
05:49:48,450 --> 05:49:49,800
Six meters is quite common

5015
05:49:49,800 --> 05:49:52,710
and does work for vehicles backing in

5016
05:49:52,710 --> 05:49:55,230
and two vehicles moving
in opposite directions.

5017
05:49:55,230 --> 05:49:57,093
And finally, the building height.

5018
05:49:58,050 --> 05:50:01,140
The zone we're proposing
has a height of 19 meters.

5019
05:50:01,140 --> 05:50:03,960
We are voluntarily
reducing that to 11 meters,

5020
05:50:03,960 --> 05:50:05,700
which is generally consistent

5021
05:50:05,700 --> 05:50:07,983
with what a two-story house would be.

5022
05:50:09,600 --> 05:50:12,210
I want to move now to the public concerns

5023
05:50:12,210 --> 05:50:15,720
and responses that we heard
through the open houses

5024
05:50:15,720 --> 05:50:19,500
and the written materials and
discussions with residents.

5025
05:50:19,500 --> 05:50:23,730
So the first issue of privacy,
as Mr. DeBenedetti indicated,

5026
05:50:23,730 --> 05:50:25,050
there will be no balconies

5027
05:50:25,050 --> 05:50:26,520
on the rear side elevation

5028
05:50:26,520 --> 05:50:30,540
so that people don't have
overlook from the higher units.

5029
05:50:30,540 --> 05:50:31,710
We have been requested

5030
05:50:31,710 --> 05:50:33,930
to include a 2.5-meter tall wood fence

5031
05:50:33,930 --> 05:50:35,070
and we're supportive of that

5032
05:50:35,070 --> 05:50:37,020
as well as additional landscape buffering.

5033
05:50:37,020 --> 05:50:38,040
All of that will be dealt with

5034
05:50:38,040 --> 05:50:39,603
through the site plan process.

5035
05:50:40,770 --> 05:50:43,350
With compatibility, stacked townhouses

5036
05:50:43,350 --> 05:50:45,840
are a lower-density residential
form of development.

5037
05:50:45,840 --> 05:50:48,690
We have made adjustments at
the request of city staff

5038
05:50:48,690 --> 05:50:51,000
to increase certain building setbacks

5039
05:50:51,000 --> 05:50:53,987
to provide greater distance
from existing residential homes

5040
05:50:53,987 --> 05:50:56,430
in the existing residential community.

5041
05:50:56,430 --> 05:50:59,790
And then making certain choices

5042
05:50:59,790 --> 05:51:01,020
that I'll share with you in a minute

5043
05:51:01,020 --> 05:51:06,020
about emphasizing Valley
Way as the primary access.

5044
05:51:06,270 --> 05:51:09,270
And in terms of noise, as
Mr. DeBenedetti indicated,

5045
05:51:09,270 --> 05:51:12,543
noise is subject to the
city's noise control by-law.

5046
05:51:13,980 --> 05:51:15,360
Parking, I've touched on.

5047
05:51:15,360 --> 05:51:17,910
Municipal infrastructure,
there were no concerns

5048
05:51:17,910 --> 05:51:20,100
with the ability to service the site.

5049
05:51:20,100 --> 05:51:22,800
And increased traffic on Shirley Avenue.

5050
05:51:22,800 --> 05:51:24,600
So let's just share a bit more

5051
05:51:24,600 --> 05:51:26,340
than on that is on this slide.

5052
05:51:26,340 --> 05:51:28,710
Paradigm Transportation Consultants

5053
05:51:28,710 --> 05:51:30,330
are professional engineers

5054
05:51:30,330 --> 05:51:33,150
who do transportation engineering
and traffic engineering.

5055
05:51:33,150 --> 05:51:36,150
Their data comes from Niagara Falls data.

5056
05:51:36,150 --> 05:51:38,250
They use data from across Ontario.

5057
05:51:38,250 --> 05:51:41,670
But this study also
incorporates Niagara Falls data.

5058
05:51:41,670 --> 05:51:44,190
They survey people who
live in this community

5059
05:51:44,190 --> 05:51:45,900
about their travel choices.

5060
05:51:45,900 --> 05:51:48,870
So that is incorporated into their model.

5061
05:51:48,870 --> 05:51:52,170
Their conclusion is that there
will be six to seven vehicles

5062
05:51:52,170 --> 05:51:53,790
to use Shirley Avenue,

5063
05:51:53,790 --> 05:51:56,070
which is in what's called
the peak traffic hours,

5064
05:51:56,070 --> 05:51:57,720
either in the morning or the afternoon,

5065
05:51:57,720 --> 05:52:00,750
which represents approximately 12 to 17%

5066
05:52:00,750 --> 05:52:02,760
of projected site traffic.

5067
05:52:02,760 --> 05:52:03,713
But we understand the concerns.

5068
05:52:03,713 --> 05:52:05,640
I mean, I don't want to say that we don't,

5069
05:52:05,640 --> 05:52:08,190
we do understand the concerns.

5070
05:52:08,190 --> 05:52:11,562
So in discussions with our client,

5071
05:52:11,562 --> 05:52:13,440
we really want to commit

5072
05:52:13,440 --> 05:52:16,080
to de-emphasizing Shirley
Avenue as an access.

5073
05:52:16,080 --> 05:52:18,660
Mr. DeBenedetti talked about
the curved nature of it,

5074
05:52:18,660 --> 05:52:20,130
and that will remain.

5075
05:52:20,130 --> 05:52:21,600
It is a six-meter road,

5076
05:52:21,600 --> 05:52:24,120
whereas the city road
portion is eight meters.

5077
05:52:24,120 --> 05:52:25,620
We are going to put signs up

5078
05:52:25,620 --> 05:52:27,300
that indicate no through traffic.

5079
05:52:27,300 --> 05:52:30,657
It will be on the private
side on our client's land

5080
05:52:30,657 --> 05:52:31,770
and we will ensure

5081
05:52:31,770 --> 05:52:33,960
that there's landscape
treatment at the entrance.

5082
05:52:33,960 --> 05:52:36,900
So it really does not look like a place

5083
05:52:36,900 --> 05:52:38,767
anybody coming down
Shirley Avenue will go,

5084
05:52:38,767 --> 05:52:40,590
"That's a street. I'm going to go there."

5085
05:52:40,590 --> 05:52:43,920
Those will all be private
roads within the development.

5086
05:52:43,920 --> 05:52:46,650
We also want to emphasize
the Valley Way access.

5087
05:52:46,650 --> 05:52:50,370
So similarly, we will put
no-through-traffic signs up.

5088
05:52:50,370 --> 05:52:52,860
There will be a feature wall
at the Valley Way entrance

5089
05:52:52,860 --> 05:52:55,680
so people know that that is
an entrance to the development

5090
05:52:55,680 --> 05:52:57,210
and there'll be a warning clause

5091
05:52:57,210 --> 05:52:59,940
in the future purchase and sale agreements

5092
05:52:59,940 --> 05:53:02,670
that Valley Way is the
main and preferred access

5093
05:53:02,670 --> 05:53:05,283
while Shirley Avenue is secondary.

5094
05:53:07,230 --> 05:53:09,240
Just want to touch on one other issue

5095
05:53:09,240 --> 05:53:10,290
that came up in questioning

5096
05:53:10,290 --> 05:53:11,970
related to the gardens that are on site.

5097
05:53:11,970 --> 05:53:15,360
The representatives of Valley
Way Non-Profit are here.

5098
05:53:15,360 --> 05:53:17,050
Those gardens have been relocated

5099
05:53:18,030 --> 05:53:19,137
to the other side of the building

5100
05:53:19,137 --> 05:53:21,750
and there for residents
of their nonprofit.

5101
05:53:21,750 --> 05:53:24,840
And so people do have
access to community gardens,

5102
05:53:24,840 --> 05:53:26,370
but it's not in the location

5103
05:53:26,370 --> 05:53:28,170
that you would see on the air photo.

5104
05:53:29,280 --> 05:53:31,890
So in conclusion, this development

5105
05:53:31,890 --> 05:53:34,140
is in the public interest.

5106
05:53:34,140 --> 05:53:38,610
It has been reviewed by
city staff, by agency staff.

5107
05:53:38,610 --> 05:53:41,340
The technical reports have been completed.

5108
05:53:41,340 --> 05:53:42,780
It does create new housing

5109
05:53:42,780 --> 05:53:44,670
and provides affordable home ownership

5110
05:53:44,670 --> 05:53:46,470
and attainable home ownership.

5111
05:53:46,470 --> 05:53:48,090
It implements intensification

5112
05:53:48,090 --> 05:53:50,340
on an underutilized parcel of land.

5113
05:53:50,340 --> 05:53:51,450
To the best of our ability,

5114
05:53:51,450 --> 05:53:54,450
we've worked to address comments
and feedback from residents

5115
05:53:54,450 --> 05:53:58,680
and we are committed to Valley
Way as the primary access.

5116
05:53:58,680 --> 05:54:01,110
I should also add that our client did try

5117
05:54:01,110 --> 05:54:04,470
to obtain an access through the
church lands to Portage Road

5118
05:54:04,470 --> 05:54:06,210
and spent several months
trying to do that.

5119
05:54:06,210 --> 05:54:08,460
That was ultimately not successful

5120
05:54:08,460 --> 05:54:12,810
and resulted in the Valley
Way easement approach

5121
05:54:12,810 --> 05:54:13,643
being brought forward.

5122
05:54:13,643 --> 05:54:16,143
I'll now turn it back to
Rocky, who will conclude.

5123
05:54:18,780 --> 05:54:20,430
- Okay, if we can go to the last slide.

5124
05:54:20,430 --> 05:54:22,320
I'm not sure if you can
assist me with that.

5125
05:54:22,320 --> 05:54:23,657
- [Tech] You have the use of the...

5126
05:54:23,657 --> 05:54:24,813
- Oh, sorry?

5127
05:54:24,813 --> 05:54:28,503
- You have the-
- Oh, okay.

5128
05:54:29,370 --> 05:54:33,600
Didn't know I could do that. Okay.

5129
05:54:33,600 --> 05:54:36,933
So dealing with the financial
impact of the development.

5130
05:54:37,860 --> 05:54:41,610
So total development
charges and permit fees

5131
05:54:41,610 --> 05:54:46,610
would be $2,254,270.

5132
05:54:47,070 --> 05:54:51,300
Annual property taxes
would be $3,500 per unit

5133
05:54:51,300 --> 05:54:53,553
times 99 units.

5134
05:54:54,930 --> 05:54:58,080
Estimated construction costs, $35 million.

5135
05:54:58,080 --> 05:55:00,210
Construction labor hours anticipated

5136
05:55:00,210 --> 05:55:03,600
to build out the project
is over 200,000 hours.

5137
05:55:03,600 --> 05:55:06,993
That's a lot of employment
income to our trades.

5138
05:55:07,920 --> 05:55:09,780
And again, the price of the units

5139
05:55:09,780 --> 05:55:12,300
will generally sell for $399,000.

5140
05:55:12,300 --> 05:55:16,630
So there is some substantial
financial benefits

5141
05:55:17,940 --> 05:55:18,993
to this project.

5142
05:55:20,460 --> 05:55:22,380
Now the complaint I often hear

5143
05:55:22,380 --> 05:55:24,810
is that projects get approved,

5144
05:55:24,810 --> 05:55:27,090
but shovels don't go in the ground.

5145
05:55:27,090 --> 05:55:28,350
And I think that's what led

5146
05:55:28,350 --> 05:55:31,263
to the sunset clause
provision you've been using.

5147
05:55:32,910 --> 05:55:35,520
I can assure you that's not the case here.

5148
05:55:35,520 --> 05:55:37,893
This developer has a proven track record.

5149
05:55:39,150 --> 05:55:42,000
Over 220 total units have been approved

5150
05:55:42,000 --> 05:55:44,700
and completed in the
region by this developer.

5151
05:55:44,700 --> 05:55:47,460
And he is in the process of
obtaining site plan approval

5152
05:55:47,460 --> 05:55:51,000
and permits for a three-story
building on Stanley Avenue

5153
05:55:51,000 --> 05:55:52,920
that you approved several months ago.

5154
05:55:52,920 --> 05:55:54,990
You may recall that approval.

5155
05:55:54,990 --> 05:55:57,333
If approved, this will be built.

5156
05:56:00,990 --> 05:56:03,723
Moving on to the Shirley Avenue issue.

5157
05:56:05,550 --> 05:56:08,070
So you've heard Mary Lou Tanner's opinion,

5158
05:56:08,070 --> 05:56:11,850
you've also heard your
planning director's opinion

5159
05:56:11,850 --> 05:56:14,100
that mandating Shirley Avenue

5160
05:56:14,100 --> 05:56:17,553
to be emergency access
only is not good planning.

5161
05:56:19,080 --> 05:56:21,390
I want to remind you that the staff report

5162
05:56:21,390 --> 05:56:24,000
and all commenting
departments on this issue

5163
05:56:24,000 --> 05:56:27,270
do not support emergency access only.

5164
05:56:27,270 --> 05:56:29,310
Nowhere in any of the comments,

5165
05:56:29,310 --> 05:56:30,690
nowhere in your staff report

5166
05:56:30,690 --> 05:56:35,070
does it suggest or recommend
emergency access only.

5167
05:56:35,070 --> 05:56:37,230
In particular, your fire
department's comments

5168
05:56:37,230 --> 05:56:42,000
in the report, again, prefer
that Shirley access be open

5169
05:56:42,000 --> 05:56:43,530
and your Transportation Department

5170
05:56:43,530 --> 05:56:47,340
reviewed Paradigm's
report and also confirmed

5171
05:56:47,340 --> 05:56:49,950
that Paradigm's recommendation

5172
05:56:49,950 --> 05:56:52,653
that it remain open ought to be followed.

5173
05:56:56,340 --> 05:56:59,100
So fundamental problem

5174
05:56:59,100 --> 05:57:02,670
with making Shirley Avenue
emergency access only

5175
05:57:02,670 --> 05:57:06,000
is the ability to finance this project

5176
05:57:06,000 --> 05:57:08,790
and to sell units to unit owners

5177
05:57:08,790 --> 05:57:13,380
who more than likely have to
get mortgages to buy the units.

5178
05:57:13,380 --> 05:57:16,053
I'm sure we all have
mortgages or had mortgages.

5179
05:57:17,400 --> 05:57:21,720
I dare you to contact a bank
and say, "I want a mortgage,

5180
05:57:21,720 --> 05:57:24,660
I'm buying this new residential unit,

5181
05:57:24,660 --> 05:57:28,680
but the only access is through an easement

5182
05:57:28,680 --> 05:57:30,750
that is not owned by the developer,

5183
05:57:30,750 --> 05:57:33,510
it's not owned by the condo corporation

5184
05:57:33,510 --> 05:57:34,680
and there's no other access

5185
05:57:34,680 --> 05:57:37,080
because Shirley Avenue has been closed off

5186
05:57:37,080 --> 05:57:39,720
or is emergency access only."

5187
05:57:39,720 --> 05:57:41,940
The answer you're going
to get is, "Seriously?

5188
05:57:41,940 --> 05:57:43,830
You want us to give you money

5189
05:57:43,830 --> 05:57:47,730
when there really is no legal access?"

5190
05:57:47,730 --> 05:57:48,990
It's an easement.

5191
05:57:48,990 --> 05:57:52,710
And your solicitor is
here, there's many cases

5192
05:57:52,710 --> 05:57:56,010
where easements in perpetuity
have been registered in title

5193
05:57:56,010 --> 05:57:58,320
and they've been removed from title

5194
05:57:58,320 --> 05:58:01,890
through court application
for various reasons.

5195
05:58:01,890 --> 05:58:03,960
So I'm telling you right now,

5196
05:58:03,960 --> 05:58:06,840
if that is the only access
through an easement,

5197
05:58:06,840 --> 05:58:08,740
this project is not going to go anywhere.

5198
05:58:09,840 --> 05:58:11,250
And you're going to force us

5199
05:58:11,250 --> 05:58:14,220
to basically go to the
Ontario Land Tribunal

5200
05:58:14,220 --> 05:58:15,420
because I've never heard

5201
05:58:15,420 --> 05:58:18,090
of an approval from the
Ontario Land Tribunal

5202
05:58:18,090 --> 05:58:20,580
of a development where the only access

5203
05:58:20,580 --> 05:58:23,940
is through easement lands
not owned by the developer

5204
05:58:23,940 --> 05:58:26,160
and not owned by the municipality.

5205
05:58:26,160 --> 05:58:29,100
So that's the lay of the land.

5206
05:58:29,100 --> 05:58:30,930
You're free to ask your city solicitor

5207
05:58:30,930 --> 05:58:33,573
if she agrees with that assessment.

5208
05:58:36,000 --> 05:58:38,850
Now there's discussion
about other examples.

5209
05:58:38,850 --> 05:58:41,040
Optimist Lane, Chippewa.

5210
05:58:41,040 --> 05:58:43,590
I'm sure there are many
others in the city.

5211
05:58:43,590 --> 05:58:47,940
Again, the distinction
is, in all those cases,

5212
05:58:47,940 --> 05:58:50,670
there is access through a public road.

5213
05:58:50,670 --> 05:58:53,730
Optimist Lane, it's through Victor Road,

5214
05:58:53,730 --> 05:58:56,130
which goes right in front of my office.

5215
05:58:56,130 --> 05:58:59,520
Public access. It's a road, city road.

5216
05:58:59,520 --> 05:59:00,960
This is not a city road.

5217
05:59:00,960 --> 05:59:05,100
This is a private road
leading to the condominium,

5218
05:59:05,100 --> 05:59:07,440
which is not owned by the
condominium corporation

5219
05:59:07,440 --> 05:59:08,990
and not owned by the developer.

5220
05:59:09,990 --> 05:59:11,463
Chippewa, same thing.

5221
05:59:12,720 --> 05:59:15,870
There is legal access
through a public road

5222
05:59:15,870 --> 05:59:18,300
and that's why there is emergency access

5223
05:59:18,300 --> 05:59:20,250
through the other route.

5224
05:59:20,250 --> 05:59:22,083
So that is the major problem.

5225
05:59:23,820 --> 05:59:26,340
Now, I asked my client, "Have you talked

5226
05:59:26,340 --> 05:59:28,200
to the Valley Way Housing Corporation

5227
05:59:28,200 --> 05:59:31,530
about buying the property
instead of an easement?"

5228
05:59:31,530 --> 05:59:34,410
Not going to happen, way too much money.

5229
05:59:34,410 --> 05:59:38,880
Problem is he made the
deal with the easement

5230
05:59:38,880 --> 05:59:42,360
because he believed that
would satisfy planning,

5231
05:59:42,360 --> 05:59:44,400
which I believe it has.

5232
05:59:44,400 --> 05:59:47,100
And now he's been asked to go back

5233
05:59:47,100 --> 05:59:51,120
and consider having Shirley Avenue closed.

5234
05:59:51,120 --> 05:59:55,710
He went back, and what they
want to buy that property

5235
05:59:55,710 --> 05:59:56,730
just doesn't make sense.

5236
05:59:56,730 --> 05:59:58,653
This development is done.

5237
05:59:59,580 --> 06:00:01,233
So that's where that stands.

5238
06:00:19,170 --> 06:00:20,610
I think those are all my comments.

5239
06:00:20,610 --> 06:00:22,500
I just tried to address
some of the comments

5240
06:00:22,500 --> 06:00:24,330
that were made by the public,

5241
06:00:24,330 --> 06:00:28,890
but I'd love to agree to have Shirley

5242
06:00:28,890 --> 06:00:32,700
as emergency access only
if there was legal access

5243
06:00:32,700 --> 06:00:35,070
through a public road to Valley Way

5244
06:00:35,070 --> 06:00:38,520
or lands that the
condominium corporation owns.

5245
06:00:38,520 --> 06:00:40,080
Someone mentioned the development,

5246
06:00:40,080 --> 06:00:43,380
the Millennium Towns behind St-Antoine's.

5247
06:00:43,380 --> 06:00:45,420
That's my client who developed that.

5248
06:00:45,420 --> 06:00:47,070
I got that approval.

5249
06:00:47,070 --> 06:00:48,360
The density was much higher

5250
06:00:48,360 --> 06:00:50,370
than what you're looking at today.

5251
06:00:50,370 --> 06:00:53,640
Difference is it is a public road,

5252
06:00:53,640 --> 06:00:55,380
a private road owned by the condo corp

5253
06:00:55,380 --> 06:00:57,150
taking you to Portage.

5254
06:00:57,150 --> 06:01:00,480
There's no issue, no issue of
getting financing to build it,

5255
06:01:00,480 --> 06:01:03,690
no issue of getting
mortgages to buy a unit.

5256
06:01:03,690 --> 06:01:05,250
So that's the biggest problem.

5257
06:01:05,250 --> 06:01:07,830
That's the conundrum we're in. Okay?

5258
06:01:07,830 --> 06:01:10,240
Those are my comments. I'm
available for any questions.

5259
06:01:10,240 --> 06:01:13,650
- Okay, thank you very much,
Mr. Vacca and Ms. Tanner.

5260
06:01:13,650 --> 06:01:16,600
So first I've got Councilor
Lococo, Dabrowski, Nieuwesteeg.

5261
06:01:17,910 --> 06:01:21,480
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor, easy
question through the mayor

5262
06:01:21,480 --> 06:01:25,320
to, I'm not sure who, when
will the development start?

5263
06:01:25,320 --> 06:01:30,060
I know that Mr. Vacca
said that it will start,

5264
06:01:30,060 --> 06:01:30,893
do you know when?

5265
06:01:30,893 --> 06:01:33,410
One of the residents was
asking when it would start?

5266
06:01:36,090 --> 06:01:39,090
- I'm assuming it'll follow
the same timeline as Stanley

5267
06:01:39,090 --> 06:01:41,072
where...
- One year.

5268
06:01:41,072 --> 06:01:42,150
- One year?
- Yep.

5269
06:01:42,150 --> 06:01:43,530
- One year for site plan.

5270
06:01:43,530 --> 06:01:45,770
So basically what happened
at Stanley Avenue,

5271
06:01:45,770 --> 06:01:47,670
is we got the approval,

5272
06:01:47,670 --> 06:01:49,017
he immediately began doing the drawings

5273
06:01:49,017 --> 06:01:51,180
and the work for site plan approval.

5274
06:01:51,180 --> 06:01:54,360
So within one year he'll have approval

5275
06:01:54,360 --> 06:01:56,580
and shovels will be in the ground.

5276
06:01:56,580 --> 06:01:57,870
- Okay, thank you.

5277
06:01:57,870 --> 06:02:01,320
I guess my more difficult question,

5278
06:02:01,320 --> 06:02:03,960
Mr. Vacca said that maybe
we could talk to our legal,

5279
06:02:03,960 --> 06:02:06,300
is this an opportunity
that we can go in-camera

5280
06:02:06,300 --> 06:02:09,970
and speak to legal or
can our legal give us

5281
06:02:11,730 --> 06:02:12,900
some information right now?

5282
06:02:12,900 --> 06:02:14,520
Some advice, now.
- In-camera?

5283
06:02:14,520 --> 06:02:16,680
- Yeah, well, depending on the question,

5284
06:02:16,680 --> 06:02:19,260
we can ask our solicitor

5285
06:02:19,260 --> 06:02:20,820
if it's something she can answer in open

5286
06:02:20,820 --> 06:02:23,220
or she'll need to go in-camera.

5287
06:02:23,220 --> 06:02:24,510
Did you want to ask her the question?

5288
06:02:24,510 --> 06:02:25,680
And-
- Yes.

5289
06:02:25,680 --> 06:02:27,430
Further to what Mr. Vacca said

5290
06:02:28,830 --> 06:02:32,880
that the access is not
owned by the developer

5291
06:02:32,880 --> 06:02:34,473
and it's not a public road,

5292
06:02:35,670 --> 06:02:39,450
that there would be issues with financing

5293
06:02:39,450 --> 06:02:43,200
and people getting mortgages
and that sort of thing.

5294
06:02:43,200 --> 06:02:46,590
So, and I know Ms. Dolch said that maybe

5295
06:02:46,590 --> 06:02:49,830
that wasn't maybe the
best planning argument.

5296
06:02:49,830 --> 06:02:54,030
The fire department
does say fire preference

5297
06:02:54,030 --> 06:02:56,670
would be an access from
Shirley be maintained

5298
06:02:56,670 --> 06:02:58,290
as a regular access driveway.

5299
06:02:58,290 --> 06:03:00,630
And that's where I looked
at the word preference.

5300
06:03:00,630 --> 06:03:03,150
Usually it's mandatory or required

5301
06:03:03,150 --> 06:03:04,740
and I thought maybe it was a little bit,

5302
06:03:04,740 --> 06:03:06,330
but now we hear different information

5303
06:03:06,330 --> 06:03:08,040
that it's not the property,

5304
06:03:08,040 --> 06:03:10,860
that it's not owned by the
property and it's not a road.

5305
06:03:10,860 --> 06:03:14,130
So I would like some legal advice on that.

5306
06:03:14,130 --> 06:03:16,560
- So Ms. Punyarthi, so the first question,

5307
06:03:16,560 --> 06:03:17,850
if you agree with the statement

5308
06:03:17,850 --> 06:03:19,350
that, you know, it's
going to be a challenge

5309
06:03:19,350 --> 06:03:22,320
to get any kind of financing
if they don't own it

5310
06:03:22,320 --> 06:03:23,760
or the municipality doesn't own it,

5311
06:03:23,760 --> 06:03:27,600
it's just simply an
access easement agreement.

5312
06:03:27,600 --> 06:03:29,940
Is that something you can answer us here?

5313
06:03:29,940 --> 06:03:30,773
- Through the chair,

5314
06:03:30,773 --> 06:03:32,670
it sounds like a question for legal advice

5315
06:03:32,670 --> 06:03:35,430
so it's not something that I
could address in open council.

5316
06:03:35,430 --> 06:03:37,800
- Okay. So if-
- I'd like to put

5317
06:03:37,800 --> 06:03:39,207
a motion forward that we go in-camera

5318
06:03:39,207 --> 06:03:40,830
and receive legal advice.

5319
06:03:40,830 --> 06:03:44,732
- Okay. So yeah, our CAO's
asking to speak. Yes.

5320
06:03:44,732 --> 06:03:46,230
- Yeah, just for efficiency.

5321
06:03:46,230 --> 06:03:47,300
Maybe put all the questions out-

5322
06:03:47,300 --> 06:03:50,400
- Yeah, legal ones.
- save any other legal ones.

5323
06:03:50,400 --> 06:03:52,170
That way we don't have
to go back and forth.

5324
06:03:52,170 --> 06:03:53,190
- Yep, good idea.
- Thank you.

5325
06:03:53,190 --> 06:03:54,371
- So is there any other
questions in the meantime?

5326
06:03:54,371 --> 06:03:55,500
- No. That's it.
- That was it?

5327
06:03:55,500 --> 06:03:58,563
Okay, so we'll go to Councilor
Dabrowski, then Nieuwesteeg.

5328
06:03:59,910 --> 06:04:01,011
- Yeah, through you.

5329
06:04:01,011 --> 06:04:03,870
4552 Portage Road, is that
subject to an easement

5330
06:04:03,870 --> 06:04:06,210
or what other developments
within the municipality,

5331
06:04:06,210 --> 06:04:07,620
maybe we can get that answer after,

5332
06:04:07,620 --> 06:04:10,703
that would look similar
to this development.

5333
06:04:10,703 --> 06:04:13,290
Because I'm wondering
to Mr. Vacca's point,

5334
06:04:13,290 --> 06:04:16,290
is it a safety or operational concern

5335
06:04:16,290 --> 06:04:18,060
or is it basically we're
talking about the mortgage,

5336
06:04:18,060 --> 06:04:19,890
so maybe I can get
those answered in-camera

5337
06:04:19,890 --> 06:04:21,600
or I'll give planning staff an opportunity

5338
06:04:21,600 --> 06:04:24,180
to look into that address and others.

5339
06:04:24,180 --> 06:04:25,013
- Okay.

5340
06:04:25,013 --> 06:04:26,100
- Just by way of clarification,

5341
06:04:26,100 --> 06:04:28,560
that is the Millennium Towns
address you're talking about

5342
06:04:28,560 --> 06:04:31,798
behind St. Antoine's, 4552?
- Yep. Yeah.

5343
06:04:31,798 --> 06:04:33,960
- Okay.
- And if there's others.

5344
06:04:33,960 --> 06:04:37,710
- Okay. And Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

5345
06:04:37,710 --> 06:04:41,400
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Question to Mr. Vacca.

5346
06:04:41,400 --> 06:04:43,980
You made a comment that they can't afford

5347
06:04:43,980 --> 06:04:46,740
to buy the property, the easement road,

5348
06:04:46,740 --> 06:04:48,690
but that kind of leads me to the question,

5349
06:04:48,690 --> 06:04:50,430
are they able to afford this development

5350
06:04:50,430 --> 06:04:53,160
if they're not able to
afford to buy a road?

5351
06:04:53,160 --> 06:04:58,160
And to Penny's point,

5352
06:04:58,500 --> 06:05:00,030
we don't want to have a development

5353
06:05:00,030 --> 06:05:01,500
that gets started and can't finish.

5354
06:05:01,500 --> 06:05:04,560
So I'm now kind of concerned
about the financial ability

5355
06:05:04,560 --> 06:05:08,700
of this applicant if they're
not able to even buy a road,

5356
06:05:08,700 --> 06:05:11,280
if that makes sense for
their project to go through.

5357
06:05:11,280 --> 06:05:14,910
- So the scenario is, a deal was made,

5358
06:05:14,910 --> 06:05:18,540
so my client was locked into
an agreement to buy the lands.

5359
06:05:18,540 --> 06:05:19,830
And with an easement,

5360
06:05:19,830 --> 06:05:23,250
if he gets permission from
the Committee of Adjustment,

5361
06:05:23,250 --> 06:05:25,020
he then had to pivot back

5362
06:05:25,020 --> 06:05:28,980
and basically say, "Well, can
I buy the property instead?"

5363
06:05:28,980 --> 06:05:32,520
So basically when that happens,

5364
06:05:32,520 --> 06:05:33,780
how do I put this politely?

5365
06:05:33,780 --> 06:05:35,730
Somebody has you over the barrel.

5366
06:05:35,730 --> 06:05:37,587
They know you need this

5367
06:05:37,587 --> 06:05:40,860
and the price given is based on the fact

5368
06:05:40,860 --> 06:05:42,480
that you're desperate and you need it.

5369
06:05:42,480 --> 06:05:45,057
So that's where we're at on that.

5370
06:05:45,057 --> 06:05:46,740
And I'm not going to disclose a number,

5371
06:05:46,740 --> 06:05:50,730
but it would be the most
expensive strip of land

5372
06:05:50,730 --> 06:05:53,100
for roads to cross that I've ever heard of

5373
06:05:53,100 --> 06:05:54,450
in the city of Niagara Falls.

5374
06:05:54,450 --> 06:05:56,520
- So it's really not fair in this church

5375
06:05:56,520 --> 06:05:59,910
or in this community that's selling.

5376
06:05:59,910 --> 06:06:01,443
Okay. No, that's good, thanks.

5377
06:06:02,940 --> 06:06:04,833
- Thank you. Councilor Pietrangelo.

5378
06:06:06,510 --> 06:06:07,343
- Thanks, your worship.

5379
06:06:07,343 --> 06:06:10,083
I do have a question through
you to Mr. Vacca as well.

5380
06:06:12,000 --> 06:06:16,803
In terms of the easement,
once the easement is in place,

5381
06:06:17,670 --> 06:06:20,793
what else can it be used
for other than access?

5382
06:06:21,660 --> 06:06:25,110
- Well, the easement will be for access

5383
06:06:25,110 --> 06:06:28,380
in favor of the developer
or condo corporation

5384
06:06:28,380 --> 06:06:29,343
once it's formed.

5385
06:06:30,330 --> 06:06:31,590
Problem is, all easements

5386
06:06:31,590 --> 06:06:34,890
have terms and conditions
and requirements,

5387
06:06:34,890 --> 06:06:38,910
and that's where you get into some issues

5388
06:06:38,910 --> 06:06:43,443
of whether you're fulfilling
the provisions in the easement.

5389
06:06:44,460 --> 06:06:46,710
A new buyer comes in.

5390
06:06:46,710 --> 06:06:48,960
I don't think Valley Way
Not-For-Profit Housing

5391
06:06:48,960 --> 06:06:50,700
is going to be an issue,
but down the road,

5392
06:06:50,700 --> 06:06:54,360
if someone acquires that
property, there's a risk.

5393
06:06:54,360 --> 06:06:55,920
And I can give you cases

5394
06:06:55,920 --> 06:06:59,850
where easements in perpetuity
have been removed by a judge

5395
06:06:59,850 --> 06:07:02,640
in cases where there has been breaches

5396
06:07:02,640 --> 06:07:06,840
or there has been some
gray areas in the easement.

5397
06:07:06,840 --> 06:07:08,010
That's the concern.

5398
06:07:08,010 --> 06:07:09,330
And when you go to a bank

5399
06:07:09,330 --> 06:07:11,670
and say, "You know, I want to build this,

5400
06:07:11,670 --> 06:07:14,217
it's $35 million of construction,"

5401
06:07:15,480 --> 06:07:16,380
and they say, "Okay,

5402
06:07:16,380 --> 06:07:19,087
well what's your legal means of access?"

5403
06:07:19,087 --> 06:07:20,940
"Well, I have it through an easement

5404
06:07:20,940 --> 06:07:22,267
that goes to Valley Way."

5405
06:07:22,267 --> 06:07:24,937
"So you don't own that property?" "No."

5406
06:07:24,937 --> 06:07:28,537
"The condo corporation doesn't
own that property?" "No."

5407
06:07:28,537 --> 06:07:30,180
"So basically you're at the mercy

5408
06:07:30,180 --> 06:07:34,470
of the third party that owns
it, that at any point in time

5409
06:07:34,470 --> 06:07:36,240
can challenge the easement?"

5410
06:07:36,240 --> 06:07:39,727
And that's going to tell the bank,

5411
06:07:39,727 --> 06:07:41,910
"Yeah, I don't think we want to do this."

5412
06:07:41,910 --> 06:07:44,940
And even if they do get financing

5413
06:07:44,940 --> 06:07:47,100
and you're looking to buy a unit,

5414
06:07:47,100 --> 06:07:49,320
good luck getting a mortgage
in that circumstance

5415
06:07:49,320 --> 06:07:51,330
where the only legal access,

5416
06:07:51,330 --> 06:07:53,280
and if you make Shirley emergency access,

5417
06:07:53,280 --> 06:07:56,190
the only legal access
will be to Valley Way.

5418
06:07:56,190 --> 06:07:59,280
And it's on lands that
are not owned by the city,

5419
06:07:59,280 --> 06:08:02,430
not owned by the developer,
not owned by the condo corp.

5420
06:08:02,430 --> 06:08:06,900
Owned by a third party pursuant
to an easement agreement

5421
06:08:06,900 --> 06:08:08,760
that gives you the right to use it.

5422
06:08:08,760 --> 06:08:11,040
And you know how agreements go.

5423
06:08:11,040 --> 06:08:14,340
They get challenged, they
get deleted from title.

5424
06:08:14,340 --> 06:08:15,960
So, and I'm sure

5425
06:08:15,960 --> 06:08:18,260
your lawyer's going to be
addressing those questions-

5426
06:08:18,260 --> 06:08:19,093
- And the only reason-
- In-camera.

5427
06:08:19,093 --> 06:08:22,320
- for not acquiring the
land would be financial.

5428
06:08:22,320 --> 06:08:24,963
- Yes. That's the only reason.

5429
06:08:25,980 --> 06:08:26,813
- Thank you.

5430
06:08:27,780 --> 06:08:28,743
- Councilor Patel.

5431
06:08:30,540 --> 06:08:32,973
- Through you, Mr. Mayor,
to Mr. Vacca. I think.

5432
06:08:33,960 --> 06:08:36,300
So, in the future, if
the property gets sold

5433
06:08:36,300 --> 06:08:39,360
and the easement agreement

5434
06:08:39,360 --> 06:08:43,050
gets denied, declined, or gets canceled,

5435
06:08:43,050 --> 06:08:44,340
then Shirley Avenue becomes

5436
06:08:44,340 --> 06:08:47,820
the primary access to that development.

5437
06:08:47,820 --> 06:08:48,653
Is that true?

5438
06:08:49,530 --> 06:08:52,080
- I don't see how it could
become primary access.

5439
06:08:52,080 --> 06:08:53,210
When the approval makes an emergency.

5440
06:08:53,210 --> 06:08:55,320
- That's the only access would there be.

5441
06:08:55,320 --> 06:08:57,453
No. In the future.

5442
06:08:58,380 --> 06:08:59,520
- But-
- It will,

5443
06:08:59,520 --> 06:09:01,080
because your recommended,
our staff is saying

5444
06:09:01,080 --> 06:09:05,250
that we should keep the
Shirley Avenue access open.

5445
06:09:05,250 --> 06:09:08,190
So if you keep that access
open, an easement in the future,

5446
06:09:08,190 --> 06:09:10,410
when the property gets sold

5447
06:09:10,410 --> 06:09:13,890
and that agreement gets canceled,

5448
06:09:13,890 --> 06:09:15,150
then Shirley Avenue becomes

5449
06:09:15,150 --> 06:09:17,670
the only access to the development.

5450
06:09:17,670 --> 06:09:19,440
- Yes. Yeah, that's right.

5451
06:09:19,440 --> 06:09:22,470
But in that case, you can finance
it, you can get a mortgage

5452
06:09:22,470 --> 06:09:26,280
'cause there is legal access
that will never go away.

5453
06:09:26,280 --> 06:09:27,690
It's a public road.

5454
06:09:27,690 --> 06:09:30,180
Whereas relying on easement lands

5455
06:09:30,180 --> 06:09:32,820
as your only means of legal access

5456
06:09:32,820 --> 06:09:33,960
is not going to get you anywhere

5457
06:09:33,960 --> 06:09:36,660
for financing and for selling units.

5458
06:09:36,660 --> 06:09:38,860
- So having an easement, we're not really

5459
06:09:40,650 --> 06:09:42,330
answering all the concerns we have

5460
06:09:42,330 --> 06:09:43,740
about traffic going through Shirley.

5461
06:09:43,740 --> 06:09:46,020
So you kind of just answered the question.

5462
06:09:46,020 --> 06:09:47,430
If the property gets sold,

5463
06:09:47,430 --> 06:09:50,280
then Shirley Avenue
becomes a primary access.

5464
06:09:50,280 --> 06:09:51,569
- I'm not saying if it gets sold-

5465
06:09:51,569 --> 06:09:53,190
- It could. It could.
- it automatically,

5466
06:09:53,190 --> 06:09:56,130
the new owner would have to
try and challenge the easement.

5467
06:09:56,130 --> 06:10:00,330
Okay? That's what what
will have to happen, yes.

5468
06:10:00,330 --> 06:10:02,970
Possibility of that happening?
Probably very slight.

5469
06:10:02,970 --> 06:10:04,950
But when you go to a bank

5470
06:10:04,950 --> 06:10:06,870
and say, "Well yeah, you have an easement,

5471
06:10:06,870 --> 06:10:10,830
yeah, there's a 90% chance
it'll never go away.

5472
06:10:10,830 --> 06:10:14,430
But if it does, we've lent money to you

5473
06:10:14,430 --> 06:10:16,650
to a house that no
longer has legal access."

5474
06:10:16,650 --> 06:10:19,080
So unless we start
putting helicopter pads,

5475
06:10:19,080 --> 06:10:22,290
you're not going to have
access to that house legally.

5476
06:10:22,290 --> 06:10:24,093
That's the problem.
- Thank you.

5477
06:10:25,080 --> 06:10:26,670
- One quick-
- Councilor Dabrowski.

5478
06:10:26,670 --> 06:10:28,080
- And through you, and
it might be to staff.

5479
06:10:28,080 --> 06:10:32,190
So to Councilor Patel's point, if we left,

5480
06:10:32,190 --> 06:10:36,090
or if we left emergency
access open only on Shirley

5481
06:10:36,090 --> 06:10:38,430
and we left the easement the way it is

5482
06:10:38,430 --> 06:10:40,470
as the main focal point of access

5483
06:10:40,470 --> 06:10:43,260
into and out of that development,
if one day down the road

5484
06:10:43,260 --> 06:10:45,060
that did happen where
the easement was removed,

5485
06:10:45,060 --> 06:10:47,040
could we reverse that emergency access

5486
06:10:47,040 --> 06:10:48,907
to open it up to Shirley?

5487
06:10:48,907 --> 06:10:50,907
- Yes.
- Mm-hmm.

5488
06:10:50,907 --> 06:10:54,420
- Ms. Dolch.
Thank you, your worship.

5489
06:10:54,420 --> 06:10:55,650
Yeah, that would be up to council.

5490
06:10:55,650 --> 06:10:56,970
You'd have to bring it back from,

5491
06:10:56,970 --> 06:10:59,373
bring it forward to remove.
- Thanks.

5492
06:11:01,410 --> 06:11:03,390
- Okay. If there's no further questions,

5493
06:11:03,390 --> 06:11:04,440
so what we're going to do folks,

5494
06:11:04,440 --> 06:11:07,530
we are going to go in-camera
in our committee room.

5495
06:11:07,530 --> 06:11:10,710
So just assume we're going to
be in there for 15 minutes.

5496
06:11:10,710 --> 06:11:11,970
If you have to go to the washroom,

5497
06:11:11,970 --> 06:11:13,980
it's a good chance, smoke break,

5498
06:11:13,980 --> 06:11:16,050
and we'll resume right after

5499
06:11:16,050 --> 06:11:17,820
we get our legal questions answered.

5500
06:11:17,820 --> 06:11:18,660
- Call to vote on that.

5501
06:11:18,660 --> 06:11:22,080
- Oh, just before we do
folks, Councilor Strange.

5502
06:11:22,080 --> 06:11:25,767
Need a motion to go in-camera.
Seconded by Councilor Lococo.

5503
06:11:25,767 --> 06:11:28,860
All those in favor? Okay,
we're going in-camera.

5504
06:11:28,860 --> 06:11:31,753
Thank you. Thank you for that, Bill.

5505
06:52:51,628 --> 06:52:52,961
- [Clerk] Three.

5506
06:52:54,360 --> 06:52:55,680
- Well everyone, welcome back.

5507
06:52:55,680 --> 06:52:57,930
We just concluded going in-camera

5508
06:52:57,930 --> 06:53:00,480
to get legal advice from our solicitor

5509
06:53:00,480 --> 06:53:04,290
and we're going to reconvene
once again in open session.

5510
06:53:04,290 --> 06:53:08,100
So we are prepared here for council.

5511
06:53:08,100 --> 06:53:09,960
Any questions that you have at this point?

5512
06:53:09,960 --> 06:53:11,250
Councilor Lococo.

5513
06:53:11,250 --> 06:53:12,330
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

5514
06:53:12,330 --> 06:53:14,160
One question that came from a resident,

5515
06:53:14,160 --> 06:53:19,160
on page five of the agent's proposal,

5516
06:53:20,820 --> 06:53:24,480
it talks about the anticipated
sale price of $399,000,

5517
06:53:24,480 --> 06:53:27,210
but below it it has
the affordability rate.

5518
06:53:27,210 --> 06:53:28,800
Is that just showing us

5519
06:53:28,800 --> 06:53:31,800
what the affordability rate
would be in Niagara Falls?

5520
06:53:31,800 --> 06:53:33,270
That's not what they're selling them for.

5521
06:53:33,270 --> 06:53:36,680
They're all $399,000. Is that
what I'm getting out of that?

5522
06:53:36,680 --> 06:53:39,990
- So Mary Lou?
- Thank you very much,

5523
06:53:39,990 --> 06:53:42,960
Mayor Diodati, through
you to Councilor Lococo.

5524
06:53:42,960 --> 06:53:44,850
The affordability rates in the chart

5525
06:53:44,850 --> 06:53:46,920
are what the city has set

5526
06:53:46,920 --> 06:53:49,410
in terms of its housing impact assessment

5527
06:53:49,410 --> 06:53:51,330
requirements for applications.

5528
06:53:51,330 --> 06:53:54,090
- But it's not the value of the homes.

5529
06:53:54,090 --> 06:53:56,193
Someone was reading it that
it was the value of the homes,

5530
06:53:56,193 --> 06:53:57,840
that you're selling it for $399,000.

5531
06:53:57,840 --> 06:53:59,040
That's not it.

5532
06:53:59,040 --> 06:54:01,380
It's $399,000, that's what the value is

5533
06:54:01,380 --> 06:54:06,380
but our affordability
criteria is the $567,574.

5534
06:54:07,380 --> 06:54:10,000
- That's correct, yes.
- Thank you very much.

5535
06:54:10,000 --> 06:54:12,393
- Okay. Any other questions of council?

5536
06:54:13,980 --> 06:54:16,110
- Yeah, one more.
- Yes, Councilor Patel.

5537
06:54:16,110 --> 06:54:17,880
- Through you, Mr. Mayor,

5538
06:54:17,880 --> 06:54:19,830
there was one concern about the fencing

5539
06:54:19,830 --> 06:54:22,410
behind the development
from one of the residents.

5540
06:54:22,410 --> 06:54:24,723
So is that going to be
eight feet tall fence.

5541
06:54:27,540 --> 06:54:29,460
- Through Mr. Mayor, it's
two and a half meters,

5542
06:54:29,460 --> 06:54:32,340
and it'll be a solid
board wood fence, yes.

5543
06:54:32,340 --> 06:54:34,078
That will be dealt with
through the site plan process.

5544
06:54:34,078 --> 06:54:35,580
- They'll build a privacy fence there?

5545
06:54:35,580 --> 06:54:36,843
- Yeah.
- Thank you.

5546
06:54:37,800 --> 06:54:41,373
- Okay, if there are no
further questions of council,

5547
06:54:42,660 --> 06:54:43,650
the public meeting

5548
06:54:43,650 --> 06:54:45,600
with respect to the proposed official plan

5549
06:54:45,600 --> 06:54:48,840
and zoning by-law
amendment is now concluded.

5550
06:54:48,840 --> 06:54:50,357
I'll go to Councilor Lococo.

5551
06:54:51,330 --> 06:54:52,650
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

5552
06:54:52,650 --> 06:54:55,470
I propose the recommendations

5553
06:54:55,470 --> 06:54:59,220
that are on the proposal with an addition.

5554
06:54:59,220 --> 06:55:03,150
And it says that the applicant
must secure permanent access

5555
06:55:03,150 --> 06:55:05,220
to a public road being Valley Way

5556
06:55:05,220 --> 06:55:06,570
to support the development

5557
06:55:06,570 --> 06:55:08,910
as per the applicant's traffic study

5558
06:55:08,910 --> 06:55:10,770
and that access to Shirley Avenue

5559
06:55:10,770 --> 06:55:13,870
be used as an emergency access only.

5560
06:55:13,870 --> 06:55:16,920
- Okay. And we've got a
second by Councilor Dabrowski.

5561
06:55:16,920 --> 06:55:18,933
Do we have any discussion to the motion?

5562
06:55:19,830 --> 06:55:21,330
Okay. Seeing none, we'll call the vote.

5563
06:55:21,330 --> 06:55:23,237
All those in favor? Okay.

5564
06:55:23,237 --> 06:55:24,990
And that's approved unanimously.

5565
06:55:24,990 --> 06:55:27,210
So thank you everyone,
appreciate your time today.

5566
06:55:27,210 --> 06:55:30,180
So you understand, everyone
understands what happened?

5567
06:55:30,180 --> 06:55:32,340
Okay, great. Thank you.

5568
06:55:32,340 --> 06:55:34,640
Thank you very much.
Appreciate your patience.

5569
06:55:40,050 --> 06:55:45,050
Is it the same one? Okay.

5570
06:55:45,300 --> 06:55:49,020
Mr. Clerk, please introduce
the next item on the agenda.

5571
06:55:49,020 --> 06:55:50,970
- The second public meeting
is now being convened

5572
06:55:50,970 --> 06:55:52,350
to consider a proposed amendment

5573
06:55:52,350 --> 06:55:54,660
to the city's official
Plan and Zoning By-law

5574
06:55:54,660 --> 06:55:55,770
to permit the construction

5575
06:55:55,770 --> 06:55:58,500
of a six-story residential
apartment dwelling

5576
06:55:58,500 --> 06:56:03,330
with 57 units at 6104 Garner Road.

5577
06:56:03,330 --> 06:56:05,100
Notice was given by first class mail

5578
06:56:05,100 --> 06:56:08,820
in accordance with the
Planning Act on May 22nd, 2026,

5579
06:56:08,820 --> 06:56:11,880
and by posting a sign on
the property in question.

5580
06:56:11,880 --> 06:56:14,010
In accordance with Bill 185,

5581
06:56:14,010 --> 06:56:16,470
the minister, the applicant,
or a specified person,

5582
06:56:16,470 --> 06:56:19,050
public body, or registered
owner of any land

5583
06:56:19,050 --> 06:56:22,230
to which the official plan
amendment and by-law will apply

5584
06:56:22,230 --> 06:56:24,180
who made oral submissions
at a public meeting

5585
06:56:24,180 --> 06:56:26,340
or written submissions to city council

5586
06:56:26,340 --> 06:56:28,470
prior to the adoption of
the official plan amendment

5587
06:56:28,470 --> 06:56:30,120
and/or passage of the by-law

5588
06:56:30,120 --> 06:56:32,750
may appeal the official plan amendment

5589
06:56:32,750 --> 06:56:35,670
or the by-law to the
Ontario Land Tribunal.

5590
06:56:35,670 --> 06:56:38,490
Third party appeals are
no longer permitted.

5591
06:56:38,490 --> 06:56:39,330
- Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

5592
06:56:39,330 --> 06:56:41,280
I'm now going to call on Chris Roome,

5593
06:56:41,280 --> 06:56:43,200
one of our planners,
to explain the purpose

5594
06:56:43,200 --> 06:56:45,393
and reason for the proposed amendments.

5595
06:56:46,290 --> 06:56:47,460
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

5596
06:56:47,460 --> 06:56:50,157
Good evening, Mr. Mayor,
council and staff,

5597
06:56:50,157 --> 06:56:52,170
and any area residents.

5598
06:56:52,170 --> 06:56:53,400
Thank you for joining the public meeting

5599
06:56:53,400 --> 06:56:54,990
for the official Plan and Zoning By-law

5600
06:56:54,990 --> 06:56:59,130
amendment application
file number AM-2025-033

5601
06:56:59,130 --> 06:57:02,730
for the property at 6104 Garner Road.

5602
06:57:02,730 --> 06:57:05,130
This application has been
submitted by Maria Nguyen

5603
06:57:05,130 --> 06:57:08,010
and proposes to amend the
official Plan and Zoning By-law

5604
06:57:08,010 --> 06:57:10,620
to increase the density and
rezone the subject lands

5605
06:57:10,620 --> 06:57:11,850
to facilitate the construction

5606
06:57:11,850 --> 06:57:14,010
of a six-story residential apartment

5607
06:57:14,010 --> 06:57:17,613
containing 57 residential dwelling units.

5608
06:57:19,200 --> 06:57:21,840
Subject lands are located on
the east side of Garner Road,

5609
06:57:21,840 --> 06:57:24,150
south of Lundy's Lane, and
are surrounded by commercial

5610
06:57:24,150 --> 06:57:26,070
and residential uses to the north,

5611
06:57:26,070 --> 06:57:28,980
detached and townhouse
dwellings to the east and south,

5612
06:57:28,980 --> 06:57:30,870
and agricultural lands to the west,

5613
06:57:30,870 --> 06:57:32,130
which are the location

5614
06:57:32,130 --> 06:57:34,773
of the future Garner
West secondary plan area.

5615
06:57:37,560 --> 06:57:39,570
Subject lands are currently
designated residential,

5616
06:57:39,570 --> 06:57:42,420
which permits six-story
apartments along arterial roads

5617
06:57:42,420 --> 06:57:46,140
within a density range of
75 to 100 units per hectare.

5618
06:57:46,140 --> 06:57:47,490
This application proposes a density

5619
06:57:47,490 --> 06:57:48,840
of 150 units per hectare,

5620
06:57:48,840 --> 06:57:51,600
triggering the need for the
official plan amendment.

5621
06:57:51,600 --> 06:57:53,550
The lands are zoned as a
development holding zone,

5622
06:57:53,550 --> 06:57:55,650
which is intended to
accommodate future development

5623
06:57:55,650 --> 06:57:59,040
through an implementing
zoning by-law amendment.

5624
06:57:59,040 --> 06:58:02,160
This application proposes a
new site-specific R5E zone

5625
06:58:02,160 --> 06:58:03,510
to permit an apartment dwelling

5626
06:58:03,510 --> 06:58:05,520
with site-specific provisions.

5627
06:58:05,520 --> 06:58:07,200
Staff at this time are also recommending

5628
06:58:07,200 --> 06:58:08,610
the inclusion of a holding provision

5629
06:58:08,610 --> 06:58:10,830
until a revised functional
servicing report

5630
06:58:10,830 --> 06:58:13,710
has been submitted to the
satisfaction of city staff.

5631
06:58:13,710 --> 06:58:15,420
Should a new FSR be submitted

5632
06:58:15,420 --> 06:58:17,340
prior to the by-laws
coming back to council,

5633
06:58:17,340 --> 06:58:18,750
which has addressed staff's comments,

5634
06:58:18,750 --> 06:58:21,723
the provision may be omitted
from the amending by-law.

5635
06:58:24,810 --> 06:58:27,390
This slide depicts the
proposed site layout.

5636
06:58:27,390 --> 06:58:29,550
The apartment is situated on
the north side of the site,

5637
06:58:29,550 --> 06:58:31,410
allowing for parking on the south side

5638
06:58:31,410 --> 06:58:32,400
and into the rear yard,

5639
06:58:32,400 --> 06:58:35,160
with landscaping along
Garner Road and Angie Drive,

5640
06:58:35,160 --> 06:58:37,350
amenity spaces provided in
the front and the rear yard,

5641
06:58:37,350 --> 06:58:41,670
and via a rooftop patio and
private ensuite balconies.

5642
06:58:41,670 --> 06:58:43,290
The requested site-specific provisions

5643
06:58:43,290 --> 06:58:45,930
consist of a front yard
depth of six meters,

5644
06:58:45,930 --> 06:58:50,160
plus a 13-meters to the
center line of Garner Road,

5645
06:58:50,160 --> 06:58:52,740
a rear yard depth of 8.74 meters,

5646
06:58:52,740 --> 06:58:55,563
an exterior side yard
width of three meters,

5647
06:58:55,563 --> 06:58:58,350
1.14 parking spaces per unit,

5648
06:58:58,350 --> 06:59:00,480
a maneuvering aisle width of six meters,

5649
06:59:00,480 --> 06:59:04,020
a minimum landscaped open space of 33.2%,

5650
06:59:04,020 --> 06:59:06,603
and a canopy projection of 3.02 meters.

5651
06:59:09,960 --> 06:59:12,030
This slide here just
depicts the renderings

5652
06:59:12,030 --> 06:59:14,460
of the south and west
elevations of the building.

5653
06:59:14,460 --> 06:59:17,340
I just wanted to highlight
the architectural treatments

5654
06:59:17,340 --> 06:59:19,830
like the entrance canopy,
the building materials,

5655
06:59:19,830 --> 06:59:22,710
and the balconies that
break up the building mass.

5656
06:59:22,710 --> 06:59:25,560
The building also provides
a clear relationship

5657
06:59:25,560 --> 06:59:27,330
to the public realm
and the building itself

5658
06:59:27,330 --> 06:59:29,550
while maintaining a
distinct sense of place

5659
06:59:29,550 --> 06:59:31,503
through its orientation and detailing.

5660
06:59:36,030 --> 06:59:38,070
A public open house was
hosted by the applicant

5661
06:59:38,070 --> 06:59:40,200
and their agent on April 2nd, 2026.

5662
06:59:40,200 --> 06:59:42,210
And notice for that public
open house was circulated

5663
06:59:42,210 --> 06:59:46,080
to all property owners
within a 120-meter radius

5664
06:59:46,080 --> 06:59:49,920
of the subject lands on March 19th, 2026.

5665
06:59:49,920 --> 06:59:52,110
Three members of the public
attended the open house

5666
06:59:52,110 --> 06:59:54,870
and concerns were raised

5667
06:59:54,870 --> 06:59:58,590
regarding poor drainage in
the Shapton Crescent area,

5668
06:59:58,590 --> 07:00:00,780
light trespass, and sidewalk extensions,

5669
07:00:00,780 --> 07:00:03,480
to which staff have provided
the following response.

5670
07:00:03,480 --> 07:00:04,710
With regards to drainage,

5671
07:00:04,710 --> 07:00:06,930
while it is not the
responsibility of the applicant

5672
07:00:06,930 --> 07:00:09,000
to address the existing drainage issues,

5673
07:00:09,000 --> 07:00:10,680
staff are aware of this issue

5674
07:00:10,680 --> 07:00:12,570
and have noted that the sanitary sewers

5675
07:00:12,570 --> 07:00:15,300
and storm sewers within
the Angie Drive subdivision

5676
07:00:15,300 --> 07:00:18,420
are still under developer maintenance.

5677
07:00:18,420 --> 07:00:20,397
This site is located away
from these drainage concerns

5678
07:00:20,397 --> 07:00:23,370
and will not contribute to
the existing conditions.

5679
07:00:23,370 --> 07:00:25,380
Stormwater from the area will be conveyed

5680
07:00:25,380 --> 07:00:27,360
to the existing stormwater
management facility

5681
07:00:27,360 --> 07:00:29,460
located south of the
property, which is expected

5682
07:00:29,460 --> 07:00:32,610
to have adequate capacity
for this development.

5683
07:00:32,610 --> 07:00:33,840
With regards to light trespass,

5684
07:00:33,840 --> 07:00:35,550
a photometric plan will be required

5685
07:00:35,550 --> 07:00:37,020
with the site plan control application.

5686
07:00:37,020 --> 07:00:39,090
It must demonstrate that
there is zero light trespass

5687
07:00:39,090 --> 07:00:40,710
at the property lines.

5688
07:00:40,710 --> 07:00:42,900
And with regards to the
sidewalk extensions,

5689
07:00:42,900 --> 07:00:45,150
a 1.5-meter sidewalk is proposed

5690
07:00:45,150 --> 07:00:47,040
along Garner Road abutting the site.

5691
07:00:47,040 --> 07:00:48,990
And this will be secured
at the site plan stage

5692
07:00:48,990 --> 07:00:52,102
and will be the responsibility
of the applicant to install.

5693
07:00:52,102 --> 07:00:55,800
The Angie Drive sidewalk
has already been extended

5694
07:00:55,800 --> 07:00:56,973
towards Garner Road.

5695
07:00:59,760 --> 07:01:01,020
The proposed development conforms

5696
07:01:01,020 --> 07:01:02,850
with provincial, regional,
and city policies

5697
07:01:02,850 --> 07:01:04,050
as it is transit-supportive,

5698
07:01:04,050 --> 07:01:06,000
supports the achievement
of a complete community,

5699
07:01:06,000 --> 07:01:06,930
and will assist the city

5700
07:01:06,930 --> 07:01:08,880
in meeting its intensification targets.

5701
07:01:08,880 --> 07:01:11,730
The proposal will minimize
urban land consumption,

5702
07:01:11,730 --> 07:01:13,170
efficiently use underutilized land,

5703
07:01:13,170 --> 07:01:14,883
and is serviced by
existing municipal services

5704
07:01:14,883 --> 07:01:18,990
with no transportation or
traffic impacts expected.

5705
07:01:18,990 --> 07:01:21,930
And the introduction of additional
multiple housing dwelling

5706
07:01:21,930 --> 07:01:24,210
or multiple dwellings will
contribute to the diversification

5707
07:01:24,210 --> 07:01:26,340
of housing supply within the urban area

5708
07:01:26,340 --> 07:01:28,920
as prescribed by the 2024 PPS

5709
07:01:28,920 --> 07:01:31,563
and regional and city official plans.

5710
07:01:33,480 --> 07:01:37,110
As such, staff recommends

5711
07:01:37,110 --> 07:01:38,910
that council approve the
official plan amendment

5712
07:01:38,910 --> 07:01:41,790
and zoning by-law amendment
to re-designate the lands

5713
07:01:41,790 --> 07:01:42,990
to permit apartment dwellings

5714
07:01:42,990 --> 07:01:46,230
with a density of 150 units per hectare

5715
07:01:46,230 --> 07:01:48,540
and rezone the lands from
a development holding zone

5716
07:01:48,540 --> 07:01:51,780
to a site-specific R5E zone
to permit the construction

5717
07:01:51,780 --> 07:01:53,700
of the six-story apartment building.

5718
07:01:53,700 --> 07:01:56,340
And that council authorize the inclusion

5719
07:01:56,340 --> 07:01:58,650
of a holding provision
in the amending by-law

5720
07:01:58,650 --> 07:01:59,700
to require the submission

5721
07:01:59,700 --> 07:02:01,380
of a revised functional servicing report

5722
07:02:01,380 --> 07:02:03,210
to the satisfaction of city staff.

5723
07:02:03,210 --> 07:02:05,040
And that council authorize
the amending by-law

5724
07:02:05,040 --> 07:02:08,070
to include a sunset clause
to require the execution

5725
07:02:08,070 --> 07:02:09,470
of a site plan agreement
within three years

5726
07:02:09,470 --> 07:02:12,150
of the amending by-law coming into effect.

5727
07:02:12,150 --> 07:02:14,730
And that concludes the
presentation for this application.

5728
07:02:14,730 --> 07:02:16,620
- Thank you very much.
Questions of council?

5729
07:02:16,620 --> 07:02:18,390
Councilor Lococo.

5730
07:02:18,390 --> 07:02:21,543
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Through the mayor to Mr. Roome.

5731
07:02:22,680 --> 07:02:25,950
My question is regarding
the industrial BVGlazing.

5732
07:02:25,950 --> 07:02:28,320
We've had this discussion before.

5733
07:02:28,320 --> 07:02:30,120
This report and the last report said

5734
07:02:30,120 --> 07:02:34,470
that BVGlazing is a class 2 industrial

5735
07:02:34,470 --> 07:02:39,450
and BVGlazing and the owner
said it was a class 3.

5736
07:02:39,450 --> 07:02:42,630
So my concern, the comment on the report

5737
07:02:42,630 --> 07:02:44,460
says it's not expected to infringe

5738
07:02:44,460 --> 07:02:47,790
upon any environmental
permits or nearby businesses,

5739
07:02:47,790 --> 07:02:50,640
but we know from the past,

5740
07:02:50,640 --> 07:02:51,690
when there's a complaint,

5741
07:02:51,690 --> 07:02:54,360
the Minister of Environment
has to deal with it.

5742
07:02:54,360 --> 07:02:57,480
And then that onus is on the business.

5743
07:02:57,480 --> 07:02:59,070
Do you have any comments?

5744
07:02:59,070 --> 07:03:02,310
Who did we rely on for
this class 2 designation?

5745
07:03:02,310 --> 07:03:04,230
- Right, through the
mayor to the councilor.

5746
07:03:04,230 --> 07:03:06,930
We referred back to the
Land Use Compatibility Study

5747
07:03:06,930 --> 07:03:09,150
that was submitted, it
designated it as a class 2.

5748
07:03:09,150 --> 07:03:11,910
And further there was, if you're familiar

5749
07:03:11,910 --> 07:03:13,830
with the development just to
the north of the property,

5750
07:03:13,830 --> 07:03:16,620
what came last year, it was
the same designation as well.

5751
07:03:16,620 --> 07:03:19,020
So we're just relying
on those two studies.

5752
07:03:19,020 --> 07:03:22,710
- So we relied on, did they
provide a study this time

5753
07:03:22,710 --> 07:03:24,840
or did we rely on the last study?

5754
07:03:24,840 --> 07:03:26,634
- Through the mayor, they
provided a study this time

5755
07:03:26,634 --> 07:03:27,467
that we relied on.
- Okay.

5756
07:03:27,467 --> 07:03:29,730
So this study says class 2 again?

5757
07:03:29,730 --> 07:03:31,020
Again, I'll put it out there,

5758
07:03:31,020 --> 07:03:32,760
like we need to have a better system.

5759
07:03:32,760 --> 07:03:35,070
I don't think it's fair or accurate

5760
07:03:35,070 --> 07:03:37,980
that we're relying on a
developer's consultant

5761
07:03:37,980 --> 07:03:41,490
to put a classification
on an industrial business

5762
07:03:41,490 --> 07:03:44,550
when the business itself,
they know what they're doing,

5763
07:03:44,550 --> 07:03:46,860
how many hours they're open,
how much noise they make,

5764
07:03:46,860 --> 07:03:48,390
and they're saying
they're a different class.

5765
07:03:48,390 --> 07:03:51,030
So I know that's not something
that we can deal with,

5766
07:03:51,030 --> 07:03:53,370
but every time we get
closer to industrial,

5767
07:03:53,370 --> 07:03:55,500
we have these competing interests.

5768
07:03:55,500 --> 07:03:58,350
Yes, we want to support industrial,
yes, we want residential,

5769
07:03:58,350 --> 07:04:00,330
but when the two of them are colliding,

5770
07:04:00,330 --> 07:04:01,500
we end up with issues.

5771
07:04:01,500 --> 07:04:04,320
So I hope we don't get any issues.

5772
07:04:04,320 --> 07:04:05,880
- Maybe we'll go to our planner.

5773
07:04:05,880 --> 07:04:08,370
I mean, do we get an independent peer?

5774
07:04:08,370 --> 07:04:10,410
'Cause obviously they both
have their own motives

5775
07:04:10,410 --> 07:04:13,290
for the different classification.

5776
07:04:13,290 --> 07:04:16,080
What do we do in this
case? How do we decide?

5777
07:04:16,080 --> 07:04:17,220
- Thank you, your worship.
- Clue me in.

5778
07:04:17,220 --> 07:04:20,160
- So usually we evaluate their study work,

5779
07:04:20,160 --> 07:04:22,500
we assess whether we agree with the fact

5780
07:04:22,500 --> 07:04:26,550
that they've, you know, decided
it was a class 2 facility.

5781
07:04:26,550 --> 07:04:28,500
We do vet it a little bit.

5782
07:04:28,500 --> 07:04:32,760
If we do have concerns, we go
to a peer review situation.

5783
07:04:32,760 --> 07:04:34,080
In this case, we haven't,

5784
07:04:34,080 --> 07:04:36,390
we don't have those concerns
at this point in time.

5785
07:04:36,390 --> 07:04:38,700
So we haven't gone to a peer review.

5786
07:04:38,700 --> 07:04:41,730
But if that's something that's
required, we could do that.

5787
07:04:41,730 --> 07:04:43,140
We've done it in the past.

5788
07:04:43,140 --> 07:04:46,620
But like I said, it's not
something we automatically do.

5789
07:04:46,620 --> 07:04:48,270
It's something if we've raised concerns,

5790
07:04:48,270 --> 07:04:50,850
like something's not
adding up in their reports

5791
07:04:50,850 --> 07:04:51,930
or not making sense,

5792
07:04:51,930 --> 07:04:55,380
we need expert advice
beyond what we can do.

5793
07:04:55,380 --> 07:04:56,790
- Thank you.
- Okay. Thank you.

5794
07:04:56,790 --> 07:04:59,430
I did send the report to the owner

5795
07:04:59,430 --> 07:05:01,440
and they didn't get back to me.

5796
07:05:01,440 --> 07:05:02,970
I guess that says they're not concerned,

5797
07:05:02,970 --> 07:05:04,620
so we'll just leave it at that.

5798
07:05:04,620 --> 07:05:05,497
Thank you.
- Thank you.

5799
07:05:05,497 --> 07:05:08,820
Any other questions of
council for Mr. Roome?

5800
07:05:08,820 --> 07:05:11,433
Okay, I think we're good
at this point. Thank you.

5801
07:05:14,160 --> 07:05:15,780
Members of the public are advised

5802
07:05:15,780 --> 07:05:17,490
that failure to make an
oral or written submission

5803
07:05:17,490 --> 07:05:18,330
at this public meeting

5804
07:05:18,330 --> 07:05:20,190
could result in the Ontario Land Tribunal

5805
07:05:20,190 --> 07:05:22,860
dismissing any referral that it receives.

5806
07:05:22,860 --> 07:05:25,560
Council will now hear from
anyone other than the applicant

5807
07:05:25,560 --> 07:05:28,350
who wishes to speak to
the proposed amendments.

5808
07:05:28,350 --> 07:05:30,780
Mr. Clerk, do we have
anybody registered? No.

5809
07:05:30,780 --> 07:05:32,730
Is there anybody here
other than the applicant

5810
07:05:32,730 --> 07:05:35,130
who wishes to address council?

5811
07:05:35,130 --> 07:05:38,820
Okay, seeing none, council will
now hear from the applicant

5812
07:05:38,820 --> 07:05:40,683
or his or her representative.

5813
07:05:46,740 --> 07:05:48,450
- Good evening, Mr.
Mayor, members of council.

5814
07:05:48,450 --> 07:05:49,317
My name is Ethan Laman.

5815
07:05:49,317 --> 07:05:52,404
I'm a senior planner with
Upper Canada Consultants.

5816
07:05:52,404 --> 07:05:54,150
I do have a presentation prepared,

5817
07:05:54,150 --> 07:05:55,500
but I think in the interest of time,

5818
07:05:55,500 --> 07:05:56,880
I'll forego the presentation

5819
07:05:56,880 --> 07:05:58,800
and I'm just happy to
answer any questions.

5820
07:05:58,800 --> 07:05:59,700
- Okay. Sounds good.

5821
07:05:59,700 --> 07:06:02,820
Do we have any questions
of council for Mr. Laman?

5822
07:06:02,820 --> 07:06:03,990
Lamen?
- Laman.

5823
07:06:03,990 --> 07:06:06,510
- Laman?
- Same thing. good enough.

5824
07:06:06,510 --> 07:06:08,041
- Okay. I think we're good.

5825
07:06:08,041 --> 07:06:10,733
We've got our questions
answered. Thank you very much.

5826
07:06:12,240 --> 07:06:13,590
Where are we here? Here we are.

5827
07:06:13,590 --> 07:06:14,423
All right.

5828
07:06:14,423 --> 07:06:16,890
Public meeting with respect
to the proposed official plan

5829
07:06:16,890 --> 07:06:19,590
and zoning by-law
amendment is now concluded.

5830
07:06:19,590 --> 07:06:21,270
Councilor Dabrowski.

5831
07:06:21,270 --> 07:06:23,340
- Motion to approve
without any recommendation.

5832
07:06:23,340 --> 07:06:26,010
- Okay. Seconded by Councilor Baldinelli.

5833
07:06:26,010 --> 07:06:28,830
Any discussion to that
motion? Seeing none.

5834
07:06:28,830 --> 07:06:29,663
All those in favor?

5835
07:06:29,663 --> 07:06:31,800
Okay. And that's approved unanimously.

5836
07:06:31,800 --> 07:06:34,758
Thank you gentlemen. Thank you.

5837
07:06:34,758 --> 07:06:36,877
Okay. Back at you.

5838
07:06:38,700 --> 07:06:39,533
Thank you, Kira.

5839
07:06:39,533 --> 07:06:41,640
You don't have to go. You can stay.

5840
07:06:41,640 --> 07:06:43,290
I actually kind of prefer you.

5841
07:06:43,290 --> 07:06:46,473
- It's like the last one.
- You're less noisy.

5842
07:06:47,340 --> 07:06:49,980
You smile more.
- No chip bag.

5843
07:06:49,980 --> 07:06:51,813
- No chip bags crunching.

5844
07:06:51,813 --> 07:06:54,180
- No crumbs.
- That too.

5845
07:06:54,180 --> 07:06:56,025
No flatulence, you know.

5846
07:06:56,025 --> 07:06:58,942
(councilors laugh)

5847
07:07:00,765 --> 07:07:02,845
- Okay. She let him get away with that.

5848
07:07:02,845 --> 07:07:05,310
- He smelt it and dealt it.

5849
07:07:05,310 --> 07:07:07,710
- Oh, don't worry. I'll pay for that.

5850
07:07:07,710 --> 07:07:11,130
Yes, so, Mr. Clerk, so we've got some,

5851
07:07:11,130 --> 07:07:12,660
do we need motions for deferral

5852
07:07:12,660 --> 07:07:14,673
on a couple of the issues on the agenda?

5853
07:07:15,870 --> 07:07:20,580
- Yes. So 9.1, 9.2 are a couple of matters

5854
07:07:20,580 --> 07:07:22,590
that, just like last meeting,

5855
07:07:22,590 --> 07:07:27,390
we know that Councilor
Kerrio was curious about

5856
07:07:27,390 --> 07:07:29,760
and in his absence,

5857
07:07:29,760 --> 07:07:31,910
I think that from what I'm
hearing from this council,

5858
07:07:31,910 --> 07:07:34,860
is that they would like to
entertain a motion for deferral.

5859
07:07:34,860 --> 07:07:36,870
- Okay. So we got a motion
by Councilor Dabrowski.

5860
07:07:36,870 --> 07:07:39,630
- And 9.5.2?
- And 9.5 as well.

5861
07:07:39,630 --> 07:07:41,650
Yes, that's right. Was
the other one, right?

5862
07:07:41,650 --> 07:07:42,870
- Yep. We can do 'em all in once.

5863
07:07:42,870 --> 07:07:44,733
- Okay. So 9.1, 9.2, 9.5.

5864
07:07:46,080 --> 07:07:47,490
Motion by Councilor Dabrowski,

5865
07:07:47,490 --> 07:07:49,620
seconded by Councilor Strange.

5866
07:07:49,620 --> 07:07:51,780
If there's no discussion,
we'll call the vote.

5867
07:07:51,780 --> 07:07:52,920
All those in favor?

5868
07:07:52,920 --> 07:07:54,990
Okay. And that's unanimous.

5869
07:07:54,990 --> 07:07:58,650
So we will move on to 9.3. So-

5870
07:07:58,650 --> 07:08:00,240
- I'll move the fee waivers, your worship.

5871
07:08:00,240 --> 07:08:01,560
- Okay, motion by Councilor Pietrangelo,

5872
07:08:01,560 --> 07:08:04,410
second by Councilor Strange,
to move the fee waivers.

5873
07:08:04,410 --> 07:08:06,873
Any discussion to that? Councilor Lococo?

5874
07:08:09,600 --> 07:08:10,773
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

5875
07:08:11,910 --> 07:08:14,580
You know, I look at these fee waivers,

5876
07:08:14,580 --> 07:08:16,560
we need to come up with a better system

5877
07:08:16,560 --> 07:08:19,170
because they seem to be
different categories.

5878
07:08:19,170 --> 07:08:23,070
There's some that are permit
fees, some that are labor,

5879
07:08:23,070 --> 07:08:25,470
and then some that are rental amounts.

5880
07:08:25,470 --> 07:08:30,003
And we've already exceeded our budget.

5881
07:08:32,460 --> 07:08:35,190
Like they're all things

5882
07:08:35,190 --> 07:08:36,630
that are coming back to the community.

5883
07:08:36,630 --> 07:08:38,160
They're doing great
things for the community.

5884
07:08:38,160 --> 07:08:40,350
Some are very small, some are larger.

5885
07:08:40,350 --> 07:08:42,720
I'm just having a
challenge with this process

5886
07:08:42,720 --> 07:08:45,360
because we have one more
time, it's coming in August.

5887
07:08:45,360 --> 07:08:46,923
We're already over budget.

5888
07:08:49,260 --> 07:08:50,130
And I know we've talked

5889
07:08:50,130 --> 07:08:52,500
about doing something different before,

5890
07:08:52,500 --> 07:08:56,253
but I just have a challenge with this

5891
07:08:56,253 --> 07:08:59,910
and I'm not even going to get

5892
07:08:59,910 --> 07:09:03,960
into some of the things that
we're going to approve them all.

5893
07:09:03,960 --> 07:09:05,130
They're just very different.

5894
07:09:05,130 --> 07:09:06,720
And I think we should have different ways

5895
07:09:06,720 --> 07:09:08,520
of approaching them

5896
07:09:08,520 --> 07:09:11,970
because it's not necessarily
money out of the city's pocket.

5897
07:09:11,970 --> 07:09:15,180
It might be some labor cost, permit cost.

5898
07:09:15,180 --> 07:09:16,620
Yes, there can be some labor,

5899
07:09:16,620 --> 07:09:19,290
but like for example, the convention sign,

5900
07:09:19,290 --> 07:09:20,340
it is city property.

5901
07:09:20,340 --> 07:09:25,230
Why would we charge it? What
is the cost of a permit?

5902
07:09:25,230 --> 07:09:26,940
So, you know, I really think we need

5903
07:09:26,940 --> 07:09:27,870
to do something different

5904
07:09:27,870 --> 07:09:29,700
because it just seems
like it's a free-for-all.

5905
07:09:29,700 --> 07:09:31,410
Everybody's asking the city for money

5906
07:09:31,410 --> 07:09:33,840
and they're all good causes, and...

5907
07:09:33,840 --> 07:09:34,680
- Well, the other one is,

5908
07:09:34,680 --> 07:09:36,360
some of them are opportunity costs.

5909
07:09:36,360 --> 07:09:40,080
I mean, Chippewa volunteer
firefighters, I mean,

5910
07:09:40,080 --> 07:09:41,970
you know, using the ball diamonds,

5911
07:09:41,970 --> 07:09:43,440
you know, I mean I know it's hard

5912
07:09:43,440 --> 07:09:46,560
to monetize and quantify some of these,

5913
07:09:46,560 --> 07:09:48,510
and I just think it's
an accounting practice

5914
07:09:48,510 --> 07:09:50,190
more than anything on a lot of them.

5915
07:09:50,190 --> 07:09:53,593
- Oh, I didn't mean to monetize
the value of what they were.

5916
07:09:53,593 --> 07:09:57,600
I meant to look at what it's
actually costing the city.

5917
07:09:57,600 --> 07:10:00,630
So if it's a rental, could
we rent it to somebody else?

5918
07:10:00,630 --> 07:10:01,860
Are we losing that opportunity?

5919
07:10:01,860 --> 07:10:04,380
If it's a permit, how much staff time

5920
07:10:04,380 --> 07:10:05,910
actually goes into that permit?

5921
07:10:05,910 --> 07:10:10,053
So for example, with the
Convention Centre at $6,574,

5922
07:10:11,010 --> 07:10:15,120
do we really utilize
$6,574 worth of labor?

5923
07:10:15,120 --> 07:10:16,560
That's where I'm getting at.

5924
07:10:16,560 --> 07:10:19,710
Because then our budget
won't be up as high

5925
07:10:19,710 --> 07:10:22,230
and we won't be over
budget if the real costs,

5926
07:10:22,230 --> 07:10:23,280
that's what I'm trying to get at.

5927
07:10:23,280 --> 07:10:25,110
- We can go to the assistant
GM of planning here

5928
07:10:25,110 --> 07:10:26,361
and see if, well, you can answer this.

5929
07:10:26,361 --> 07:10:29,040
(councilors chuckle)

5930
07:10:29,040 --> 07:10:32,190
- Our fees are usually
there's fee cost studies

5931
07:10:32,190 --> 07:10:33,450
and there's usually cost.

5932
07:10:33,450 --> 07:10:36,120
So when you're renting,
when you're renting,

5933
07:10:36,120 --> 07:10:38,160
you have to remember that
just because it's a rental

5934
07:10:38,160 --> 07:10:39,510
doesn't mean that there's not cleanup,

5935
07:10:39,510 --> 07:10:40,980
janitorial costs, garbage.

5936
07:10:40,980 --> 07:10:42,180
When we host a baseball tournament,

5937
07:10:42,180 --> 07:10:44,520
we have a lot of staff
out there doing that.

5938
07:10:44,520 --> 07:10:46,320
Permit fee for a sign,

5939
07:10:46,320 --> 07:10:47,970
we have engineers reviewing that.

5940
07:10:47,970 --> 07:10:49,530
We have our people reviewing that.

5941
07:10:49,530 --> 07:10:52,800
So that's why there's, I
think it was two years ago

5942
07:10:52,800 --> 07:10:55,200
we did the study that
showed what is our cost

5943
07:10:55,200 --> 07:10:56,700
to process all those things.

5944
07:10:56,700 --> 07:10:59,073
So those are true costs.

5945
07:11:00,480 --> 07:11:05,070
And you know, like I'll just be blunt,

5946
07:11:05,070 --> 07:11:06,510
in the five years I've been here,

5947
07:11:06,510 --> 07:11:08,610
council has yet to turn
down one of these things.

5948
07:11:08,610 --> 07:11:10,983
So I don't know what
system would be better.

5949
07:11:11,833 --> 07:11:13,950
We are just being very clear with,

5950
07:11:13,950 --> 07:11:18,950
we are not obtaining
this revenue each year

5951
07:11:18,960 --> 07:11:20,790
for these things.

5952
07:11:20,790 --> 07:11:22,950
I'm happy for the next council term

5953
07:11:22,950 --> 07:11:24,030
if there was a suggestion,

5954
07:11:24,030 --> 07:11:26,370
but like I said, at the end of the day,

5955
07:11:26,370 --> 07:11:28,950
I've not yet seen one
of these turned down.

5956
07:11:28,950 --> 07:11:30,660
So I'm not sure any system

5957
07:11:30,660 --> 07:11:32,580
would result in anything different.

5958
07:11:32,580 --> 07:11:33,450
- Okay.

5959
07:11:33,450 --> 07:11:35,790
Well maybe we have a
brainstorming session on it

5960
07:11:35,790 --> 07:11:39,120
because it's just, I don't
know where to go with it.

5961
07:11:39,120 --> 07:11:40,320
I don't know what the answer is,

5962
07:11:40,320 --> 07:11:43,141
but they are different when
you're looking at them.

5963
07:11:43,141 --> 07:11:44,700
And now that we're the third,

5964
07:11:44,700 --> 07:11:47,370
what is, so this is the third time, March?

5965
07:11:47,370 --> 07:11:49,170
No, this is the second time. June.

5966
07:11:49,170 --> 07:11:50,520
There's one more coming

5967
07:11:50,520 --> 07:11:53,040
and we're going to be over budget again.

5968
07:11:53,040 --> 07:11:56,530
So I don't know, are we
realistic on our budget?

5969
07:11:56,530 --> 07:11:58,158
- Okay. Yeah, well that's the other thing.

5970
07:11:58,158 --> 07:12:00,630
Maybe we're not realistic on
the budgeting part, you know?

5971
07:12:00,630 --> 07:12:02,680
I've got Councilor Patel, then Dabrowski.

5972
07:12:04,085 --> 07:12:05,760
- Sorry.
- That's okay.

5973
07:12:05,760 --> 07:12:07,530
Mr. Mayor, I think when
we talk about the budget

5974
07:12:07,530 --> 07:12:09,570
for this fee waiver applications,

5975
07:12:09,570 --> 07:12:12,610
a major chunk went into the YWCA's

5976
07:12:13,770 --> 07:12:15,627
building permit applications, I think.

5977
07:12:15,627 --> 07:12:17,850
And that's a one-time occurring cost.

5978
07:12:17,850 --> 07:12:19,800
So next year it will not be there.

5979
07:12:19,800 --> 07:12:21,720
And we were all very
happy to support that.

5980
07:12:21,720 --> 07:12:25,740
So that could have been
coming from the reserves,

5981
07:12:25,740 --> 07:12:27,480
but we just wanted to
put everything together

5982
07:12:27,480 --> 07:12:30,420
to see how much we are
giving away per year.

5983
07:12:30,420 --> 07:12:33,300
So I think going over the
budget is not an issue for me

5984
07:12:33,300 --> 07:12:34,920
because, you know, lots
of these organizations

5985
07:12:34,920 --> 07:12:36,480
are doing a great job

5986
07:12:36,480 --> 07:12:39,720
and if we can support them in some way,

5987
07:12:39,720 --> 07:12:41,460
I'm really happy to support them.

5988
07:12:41,460 --> 07:12:44,340
- Okay, thank you for
that. Councilor Dabrowski.

5989
07:12:44,340 --> 07:12:46,320
- Yeah, I share the same sentiment.

5990
07:12:46,320 --> 07:12:49,200
I'm wondering if looking at the expenses,

5991
07:12:49,200 --> 07:12:50,220
but they're fee waivers,

5992
07:12:50,220 --> 07:12:52,920
so they're not necessarily hard costs.

5993
07:12:52,920 --> 07:12:55,220
Could we have a column
that says hard costs?

5994
07:12:55,220 --> 07:12:57,300
So if we're talking about
a slo-pitch tournament,

5995
07:12:57,300 --> 07:13:00,450
here's the fee waiver that the
organization's looking for.

5996
07:13:00,450 --> 07:13:03,240
Here's the hard cost
or expense to the city.

5997
07:13:03,240 --> 07:13:04,080
'Cause the way I look at it,

5998
07:13:04,080 --> 07:13:05,640
especially the Convention Centre sign,

5999
07:13:05,640 --> 07:13:10,640
it's a digital sign that has
a rolling billboard of events

6000
07:13:10,770 --> 07:13:13,260
that are taking place in the city.

6001
07:13:13,260 --> 07:13:16,830
Like there's some potential
revenue generation there.

6002
07:13:16,830 --> 07:13:19,380
I mean we get a kickback from
that, if that makes sense.

6003
07:13:19,380 --> 07:13:22,620
But like what, for example,
that Convention Centre sign,

6004
07:13:22,620 --> 07:13:26,640
what the $6,500 is just
strictly fees, not hard cost?

6005
07:13:26,640 --> 07:13:28,890
- You know what? I don't know
who wants to answer that.

6006
07:13:28,890 --> 07:13:30,330
The assistant GM?

6007
07:13:30,330 --> 07:13:31,530
- Yeah, and I can refer,

6008
07:13:31,530 --> 07:13:35,850
but on any sign we have to
review the plans for that.

6009
07:13:35,850 --> 07:13:38,400
So there's a plan review for all signs.

6010
07:13:38,400 --> 07:13:40,650
So when someone wants to post a sign,

6011
07:13:40,650 --> 07:13:42,180
it has to go to our Building Department.

6012
07:13:42,180 --> 07:13:44,250
They have to review it.

6013
07:13:44,250 --> 07:13:46,110
There's engineering
drawings that we look at.

6014
07:13:46,110 --> 07:13:49,653
There's usually comments
that go back, back and forth.

6015
07:13:50,760 --> 07:13:52,410
And that's why the fees are based upon

6016
07:13:52,410 --> 07:13:55,170
what is the average time
does it take to review a sign

6017
07:13:55,170 --> 07:13:57,720
and everyone gets charged
with the same fee.

6018
07:13:57,720 --> 07:13:59,880
So in all these, a road closure,

6019
07:13:59,880 --> 07:14:01,770
people will say, "Well,
it's just a road closure,"

6020
07:14:01,770 --> 07:14:03,420
but Mr. Nickel will say

6021
07:14:03,420 --> 07:14:06,420
that he's got staff out there on overtime,

6022
07:14:06,420 --> 07:14:08,310
you know, putting down
the stuff, you know,

6023
07:14:08,310 --> 07:14:09,930
and then picking the stuff up.

6024
07:14:09,930 --> 07:14:12,630
If there's, I'll put it this way,

6025
07:14:12,630 --> 07:14:14,073
all our fees in the city,

6026
07:14:14,910 --> 07:14:18,780
at most we can do is collect
100% of our cost back.

6027
07:14:18,780 --> 07:14:20,430
In most cases, our fees lose.

6028
07:14:20,430 --> 07:14:21,720
I don't charge enough for hockey,

6029
07:14:21,720 --> 07:14:23,190
I don't charge enough
for a baseball field.

6030
07:14:23,190 --> 07:14:24,023
I don't charge enough.

6031
07:14:24,023 --> 07:14:25,500
So when I'm putting a fee there,

6032
07:14:25,500 --> 07:14:27,210
that's what would've been paid.

6033
07:14:27,210 --> 07:14:30,570
And I'm probably losing money
at that fee to begin with.

6034
07:14:30,570 --> 07:14:33,597
So when you waive it, you're
just losing more money.

6035
07:14:33,597 --> 07:14:37,110
- But it's hypothetical that-
- No, no, it's an actual cost.

6036
07:14:37,110 --> 07:14:40,263
Like I get $40,000,

6037
07:14:40,263 --> 07:14:42,180
well actually this year is higher.

6038
07:14:42,180 --> 07:14:44,640
I think it was $67,000

6039
07:14:44,640 --> 07:14:47,640
from the rental of all
our parks and fields,

6040
07:14:47,640 --> 07:14:49,500
but it cost me hundreds
of thousands of dollars

6041
07:14:49,500 --> 07:14:52,500
to cut the grass and do all that stuff.

6042
07:14:52,500 --> 07:14:56,130
So like, I would just be cautious
to say it's hypothetical.

6043
07:14:56,130 --> 07:14:59,640
We have staff that go out
there and maintain stuff.

6044
07:14:59,640 --> 07:15:02,250
We have staff that have
to review applications,

6045
07:15:02,250 --> 07:15:04,650
we have staff that have to do that.

6046
07:15:04,650 --> 07:15:06,540
And when someone comes in,

6047
07:15:06,540 --> 07:15:08,010
and I just, like I said, I'd be careful

6048
07:15:08,010 --> 07:15:09,720
because when I put a building permit in,

6049
07:15:09,720 --> 07:15:11,550
there's a review process
and someone's paying it.

6050
07:15:11,550 --> 07:15:12,427
I don't want someone coming and say,

6051
07:15:12,427 --> 07:15:13,590
"Well, it's a hypothetical fee."

6052
07:15:13,590 --> 07:15:16,500
It's not a hypothetical
fee. It's a real fee.

6053
07:15:16,500 --> 07:15:18,990
And it's fine, like at the end of the day,

6054
07:15:18,990 --> 07:15:23,370
this is transparent for what it is.

6055
07:15:23,370 --> 07:15:24,480
And if you go over budget,

6056
07:15:24,480 --> 07:15:27,420
that is council's decision
to go over budget.

6057
07:15:27,420 --> 07:15:29,430
In certain cases we have to transfer this.

6058
07:15:29,430 --> 07:15:32,070
So for a planning or building fee,

6059
07:15:32,070 --> 07:15:33,450
I have to take it from my levy

6060
07:15:33,450 --> 07:15:34,920
and put it into that reserve

6061
07:15:34,920 --> 07:15:39,330
because I can't just wave that revenue

6062
07:15:39,330 --> 07:15:40,380
because the planning and building

6063
07:15:40,380 --> 07:15:41,640
has to be sustained on its own.

6064
07:15:41,640 --> 07:15:43,590
So the fee has to go over.

6065
07:15:43,590 --> 07:15:45,840
When it's something like
for the Chippewa Arena,

6066
07:15:45,840 --> 07:15:47,550
it's right pocket, left pocket.

6067
07:15:47,550 --> 07:15:48,870
I'm taking it from one reserve

6068
07:15:48,870 --> 07:15:50,580
and moving it over to rec and culture.

6069
07:15:50,580 --> 07:15:53,190
But when it's planning and building,

6070
07:15:53,190 --> 07:15:54,960
it's no different than a water levy.

6071
07:15:54,960 --> 07:15:56,970
I have to actually put
the money over there.

6072
07:15:56,970 --> 07:15:58,670
Or a DC waiver, I have
to take it from levy

6073
07:15:58,670 --> 07:16:00,030
to put it over to DCs.

6074
07:16:00,030 --> 07:16:01,620
- Well, I understand that, but I don't,

6075
07:16:01,620 --> 07:16:02,850
again, back to fee waiver

6076
07:16:02,850 --> 07:16:05,700
for the slo-pitch tournament.

6077
07:16:05,700 --> 07:16:07,110
- Yes.
- There's additional costs

6078
07:16:07,110 --> 07:16:10,983
to those costs that are-
- Yeah.

6079
07:16:11,850 --> 07:16:13,290
- absorbed by the city?
- That's right. Yeah.

6080
07:16:13,290 --> 07:16:16,500
Like that slo-pitch tournament,
we put extra staff on.

6081
07:16:16,500 --> 07:16:18,300
So even that cost is low.

6082
07:16:18,300 --> 07:16:19,380
- So why don't we show the real,

6083
07:16:19,380 --> 07:16:20,820
like why don't we show the true,

6084
07:16:20,820 --> 07:16:22,020
I'm not saying it's not the true number,

6085
07:16:22,020 --> 07:16:24,930
but why don't we show that
it might make it a lot easier

6086
07:16:24,930 --> 07:16:26,760
to turn down specific.

6087
07:16:26,760 --> 07:16:30,821
I'm just trying to figure
out exactly what the cost is.

6088
07:16:30,821 --> 07:16:34,219
- Yeah, like on rec and culture,

6089
07:16:34,219 --> 07:16:36,930
we can put some more to that.

6090
07:16:36,930 --> 07:16:41,493
But yeah, like a thousand
dollars for a tournament,

6091
07:16:42,690 --> 07:16:45,717
I will chew up far more than
that on salaries for that day.

6092
07:16:45,717 --> 07:16:47,640
I'm not even forgetting about, you know,

6093
07:16:47,640 --> 07:16:48,870
whether I could have rented the field

6094
07:16:48,870 --> 07:16:50,320
to somebody else or whatever.

6095
07:16:51,180 --> 07:16:55,320
It's, I don't want to spend more money

6096
07:16:55,320 --> 07:16:56,553
to tell you what the actual cost is

6097
07:16:56,553 --> 07:16:58,830
when I'm not getting any
money out of it anyways,

6098
07:16:58,830 --> 07:16:59,670
to be quite frank.

6099
07:16:59,670 --> 07:17:01,500
- But we're already over budget

6100
07:17:01,500 --> 07:17:03,870
and what you're saying is
we're even more over budget.

6101
07:17:03,870 --> 07:17:04,703
- Yeah.
- Okay.

6102
07:17:06,930 --> 07:17:07,800
- Any other questions?

6103
07:17:07,800 --> 07:17:12,390
Yes, I've got Councilor
Nieuwesteeg, and Lococo.

6104
07:17:12,390 --> 07:17:13,440
- Actually, according to my math,

6105
07:17:13,440 --> 07:17:14,790
I don't think we're over budget at all

6106
07:17:14,790 --> 07:17:16,680
because if we take out the two anomalies

6107
07:17:16,680 --> 07:17:19,170
being the RibFest, which came
to us at that last minute

6108
07:17:19,170 --> 07:17:22,320
and really it probably
wouldn't look like that.

6109
07:17:22,320 --> 07:17:25,200
And the Falls Manor, it really shows

6110
07:17:25,200 --> 07:17:28,230
that we have $17,144 under budget.

6111
07:17:28,230 --> 07:17:30,180
So, 'cause in normal times

6112
07:17:30,180 --> 07:17:31,290
those things wouldn't have been there.

6113
07:17:31,290 --> 07:17:33,540
'Cause the fee waivers are usually,

6114
07:17:33,540 --> 07:17:35,220
all the other ones that are consistent.

6115
07:17:35,220 --> 07:17:37,170
So really in actuality,
we're not over budget.

6116
07:17:37,170 --> 07:17:38,940
We're under budget if you
took those two anomalies.

6117
07:17:38,940 --> 07:17:41,703
So I don't think this
is a big concern at all.

6118
07:17:42,840 --> 07:17:44,550
- Thank you, Councilor Lococo.

6119
07:17:44,550 --> 07:17:45,660
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

6120
07:17:45,660 --> 07:17:48,030
I have a different perspective on that.

6121
07:17:48,030 --> 07:17:49,350
Maybe take out the YWCA,

6122
07:17:49,350 --> 07:17:51,300
'cause that was something different,

6123
07:17:51,300 --> 07:17:53,040
but RibStock, technically they should have

6124
07:17:53,040 --> 07:17:55,440
filled one of these out,
which was now filled out.

6125
07:17:55,440 --> 07:17:57,660
So they are part of that process.

6126
07:17:57,660 --> 07:17:58,740
But I wanted to talk about

6127
07:17:58,740 --> 07:18:01,350
the Niagara Falls Cultural
Development Fund Grant.

6128
07:18:01,350 --> 07:18:04,170
So $70,000 every year is given

6129
07:18:04,170 --> 07:18:05,730
to the recreation and culture

6130
07:18:05,730 --> 07:18:07,620
for arts and culture applications.

6131
07:18:07,620 --> 07:18:09,600
And people have to put in the applications

6132
07:18:09,600 --> 07:18:13,500
and it's a lot more than
what these applications are.

6133
07:18:13,500 --> 07:18:15,300
You're putting sort of a business case,

6134
07:18:15,300 --> 07:18:16,560
where's your money coming from?

6135
07:18:16,560 --> 07:18:17,820
I know we asked for budgets,

6136
07:18:17,820 --> 07:18:20,370
but some of them on here
didn't even give a budget.

6137
07:18:20,370 --> 07:18:22,110
And I've brought this up before.

6138
07:18:22,110 --> 07:18:24,390
They're not completing
the proper applications

6139
07:18:24,390 --> 07:18:25,650
with the proper information

6140
07:18:25,650 --> 07:18:27,420
and we're giving a lot of money out.

6141
07:18:27,420 --> 07:18:32,190
I think there needs to be
more requirement on their end

6142
07:18:32,190 --> 07:18:34,020
to fill out the proper paperwork.

6143
07:18:34,020 --> 07:18:35,610
We're giving a lot of money.

6144
07:18:35,610 --> 07:18:36,690
So, you know, if you look at

6145
07:18:36,690 --> 07:18:38,760
the Niagara Falls
Cultural Development Fund,

6146
07:18:38,760 --> 07:18:40,560
there's a whole process that goes,

6147
07:18:40,560 --> 07:18:41,820
there's a committee that looks at it.

6148
07:18:41,820 --> 07:18:43,230
I'm not suggesting a committee,

6149
07:18:43,230 --> 07:18:45,540
but there's a different
application process.

6150
07:18:45,540 --> 07:18:48,120
You're outlining the business plan.

6151
07:18:48,120 --> 07:18:50,340
It's a more fulsome application.

6152
07:18:50,340 --> 07:18:53,040
So I just wanted to look at that as well.

6153
07:18:53,040 --> 07:18:55,200
- Something we can definitely look at.

6154
07:18:55,200 --> 07:18:56,560
Councilor Strange.
- Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor.

6155
07:18:56,560 --> 07:18:58,830
I was looking at a couple
other municipalities

6156
07:18:58,830 --> 07:19:03,360
where they kind of do like
a no direct staff cost rule

6157
07:19:03,360 --> 07:19:05,100
where policies typically
state that the city

6158
07:19:05,100 --> 07:19:08,040
will only waive facility
rental or permit fees.

6159
07:19:08,040 --> 07:19:11,280
Direct costs like staff overtime, set up,

6160
07:19:11,280 --> 07:19:13,080
teardown, security or paid officers

6161
07:19:13,080 --> 07:19:14,700
are completely non-waivable.

6162
07:19:14,700 --> 07:19:16,350
It must be paid by the group.

6163
07:19:16,350 --> 07:19:17,940
And then they have financial disclosure.

6164
07:19:17,940 --> 07:19:18,773
Groups are required

6165
07:19:18,773 --> 07:19:20,820
to submit their recent
financial statements

6166
07:19:20,820 --> 07:19:23,850
or the specific event budget.

6167
07:19:23,850 --> 07:19:25,650
If an event is heavily sponsored

6168
07:19:25,650 --> 07:19:27,330
or the group has deep reserves,

6169
07:19:27,330 --> 07:19:29,868
the waiver's scaled back or denied.

6170
07:19:29,868 --> 07:19:31,230
- [Assistant GM] That's
what I was getting at.

6171
07:19:31,230 --> 07:19:32,820
- Yeah.

6172
07:19:32,820 --> 07:19:35,260
So kind of no direct staff,
like, you know what I mean?

6173
07:19:35,260 --> 07:19:37,230
We're not supplying staff for that

6174
07:19:37,230 --> 07:19:38,818
or clean up or anything like that.

6175
07:19:38,818 --> 07:19:40,668
Like if it is, they have to cover it.

6176
07:19:41,940 --> 07:19:42,960
- Yeah, I agree with you.

6177
07:19:42,960 --> 07:19:44,010
- Agree?
- So what are your...

6178
07:19:44,010 --> 07:19:45,603
Yeah, go ahead.
- And that's,

6179
07:19:46,980 --> 07:19:47,813
is that what you were meaning?

6180
07:19:47,813 --> 07:19:48,646
- That's what I was referring to.

6181
07:19:48,646 --> 07:19:51,540
I was saying we're listing the fee waiver.

6182
07:19:51,540 --> 07:19:54,060
But we're not actually
listing the hard cost

6183
07:19:54,060 --> 07:19:56,160
for the outcome of the
cleanup and the staffing.

6184
07:19:56,160 --> 07:19:57,510
- It's actually paid by them.

6185
07:19:57,510 --> 07:19:59,550
- Yeah, exactly. But we
don't see that number.

6186
07:19:59,550 --> 07:20:00,990
It'd be nice to see both numbers

6187
07:20:00,990 --> 07:20:05,610
and then when they're coming
to us looking for relief,

6188
07:20:05,610 --> 07:20:08,160
we can outline, we're only
responsible for this much

6189
07:20:08,160 --> 07:20:09,330
and you'd be on the hook for the rest

6190
07:20:09,330 --> 07:20:12,900
and they might not come back
with the same sort of proposal

6191
07:20:12,900 --> 07:20:14,667
or if their budget will look
a lot different as well, so.

6192
07:20:14,667 --> 07:20:16,050
- [Strange] Can we bring something back?

6193
07:20:16,050 --> 07:20:18,330
Actually can staff bring back?

6194
07:20:18,330 --> 07:20:19,770
- Well, why don't you make
that part of the motion.

6195
07:20:19,770 --> 07:20:21,510
So Councilor Pietrangelo made it,

6196
07:20:21,510 --> 07:20:23,463
and who seconded it, Mr. Clerk?

6197
07:20:25,742 --> 07:20:26,913
- Mike did. Mr. Strange.
- Oh, Mike did. Okay.

6198
07:20:26,913 --> 07:20:28,800
Well then why don't you
ask the guy next to you

6199
07:20:28,800 --> 07:20:31,050
if he's willing to add that to it?

6200
07:20:31,050 --> 07:20:32,273
- Of course.
- Okay, great.

6201
07:20:32,273 --> 07:20:34,512
And are you agreeable to your idea?

6202
07:20:34,512 --> 07:20:35,949
- Yeah.
- Okay. Good.

6203
07:20:35,949 --> 07:20:37,620
- We'll bring it to the
budget time, I think, Paul's.

6204
07:20:37,620 --> 07:20:38,550
- Yeah, that's fine.

6205
07:20:38,550 --> 07:20:39,390
- Okay, perfect.

6206
07:20:39,390 --> 07:20:41,040
- Yeah, of course. Let's ask Mark

6207
07:20:42,810 --> 07:20:45,988
- Here there's the meeting
room rental fee for 2026,

6208
07:20:45,988 --> 07:20:47,550
the Pathstone Mental Health,

6209
07:20:47,550 --> 07:20:49,980
and we do provide them
funding from our budget.

6210
07:20:49,980 --> 07:20:52,950
So how is this different from that?

6211
07:20:52,950 --> 07:20:53,783
- Say that again.

6212
07:20:53,783 --> 07:20:55,080
- For Pathstone Mental Health,

6213
07:20:55,080 --> 07:20:57,300
there's the room fee waiver here.

6214
07:20:57,300 --> 07:20:58,740
- Yes.
- And we do give them

6215
07:20:58,740 --> 07:21:00,420
some amount from our budget

6216
07:21:00,420 --> 07:21:02,100
when it comes to social services, correct?

6217
07:21:02,100 --> 07:21:04,320
- Who wants to address that one?

6218
07:21:04,320 --> 07:21:06,540
- Yeah, so they've asked for a fee.

6219
07:21:06,540 --> 07:21:08,340
They rent our boardroom, I believe.

6220
07:21:08,340 --> 07:21:10,950
No, they rent their
community room too upstairs.

6221
07:21:10,950 --> 07:21:13,978
And that was a, that
was an agreement that-

6222
07:21:13,978 --> 07:21:16,410
- They're looking at it.
- they came to council,

6223
07:21:16,410 --> 07:21:19,350
they wanted to move out
of the location downtown

6224
07:21:19,350 --> 07:21:23,239
to that location and, you know,

6225
07:21:23,239 --> 07:21:27,000
and they've asked for a
reduction in fees for that.

6226
07:21:27,000 --> 07:21:30,103
- Okay. So will that be
occurring every year?

6227
07:21:30,103 --> 07:21:31,377
- Most likely it will.

6228
07:21:31,377 --> 07:21:34,260
- So maybe we can add this
to the grant altogether,

6229
07:21:34,260 --> 07:21:35,640
would that make sense?

6230
07:21:35,640 --> 07:21:37,710
- We could, if you want
to increase that budget,

6231
07:21:37,710 --> 07:21:41,283
but that budget, if council
remembers correctly,

6232
07:21:42,690 --> 07:21:43,890
that came before council.

6233
07:21:43,890 --> 07:21:45,600
It was deferred.
- Right.

6234
07:21:45,600 --> 07:21:49,650
- Because the social services budget,

6235
07:21:49,650 --> 07:21:53,099
or whatever you want to call
that, has been frozen in time.

6236
07:21:53,099 --> 07:21:55,988
I'm going to look at
Ms. Clark for a decade.

6237
07:21:55,988 --> 07:21:57,330
- Yep.
- At least.

6238
07:21:57,330 --> 07:21:58,170
- At least a decade.

6239
07:21:58,170 --> 07:22:03,120
So we can bring that back
up, frankly, with this motion

6240
07:22:03,120 --> 07:22:04,410
to look at some other items.

6241
07:22:04,410 --> 07:22:05,243
- Yeah, that'll be good.

6242
07:22:05,243 --> 07:22:07,740
So everything is streamlined,
I think that's...

6243
07:22:07,740 --> 07:22:09,070
- Yep.
- Thank you.

6244
07:22:09,070 --> 07:22:10,923
- Okay. Yes, Councilor Pietrangelo.

6245
07:22:12,570 --> 07:22:13,403
- Thanks, your worship.

6246
07:22:13,403 --> 07:22:16,350
Is the motion with the amendment,

6247
07:22:16,350 --> 07:22:19,260
like I know the motion is
to approve the fee waivers.

6248
07:22:19,260 --> 07:22:22,320
Is the amendment to not allow staff costs

6249
07:22:22,320 --> 07:22:23,613
to be paid by the city?

6250
07:22:24,990 --> 07:22:26,190
Is that the amendment?

6251
07:22:26,190 --> 07:22:28,650
- I've taken that we come back

6252
07:22:28,650 --> 07:22:30,480
and look at a new policy in the new year.

6253
07:22:30,480 --> 07:22:32,160
So I said we would bring that

6254
07:22:32,160 --> 07:22:34,350
through the next budget process

6255
07:22:34,350 --> 07:22:38,501
with looking at Councilor
Strange's concept

6256
07:22:38,501 --> 07:22:42,960
of that salary costs or
hard costs are not waived.

6257
07:22:42,960 --> 07:22:46,683
That rental costs are eligible for waiver.

6258
07:22:47,730 --> 07:22:51,360
So an event would have to pay
for staff cost for an event.

6259
07:22:51,360 --> 07:22:53,340
But that would be for the next council

6260
07:22:53,340 --> 07:22:55,380
to decide as part of their budget process.

6261
07:22:55,380 --> 07:22:57,030
- Okay, so just so I understand,

6262
07:22:57,030 --> 07:22:58,740
like Women's Place comes down,

6263
07:22:58,740 --> 07:23:01,200
we give 'em to Gale Centre every year.

6264
07:23:01,200 --> 07:23:04,620
They have their Book Riot,
there's a rental fee for the ice,

6265
07:23:04,620 --> 07:23:06,120
but I'm sure that that rental fee

6266
07:23:06,120 --> 07:23:07,830
would include staffing costs.

6267
07:23:07,830 --> 07:23:09,360
Would the thought be that they would have

6268
07:23:09,360 --> 07:23:10,660
to pay the staffing costs?

6269
07:23:11,574 --> 07:23:13,017
- I don't know.

6270
07:23:13,017 --> 07:23:14,460
I'd go back and take a look

6271
07:23:14,460 --> 07:23:16,440
at how some of these other
municipalities are doing that

6272
07:23:16,440 --> 07:23:18,937
and come back with a
recommendation at budget.

6273
07:23:18,937 --> 07:23:19,770
So I don't know.
- 'Cause I just think that

6274
07:23:19,770 --> 07:23:22,110
I mean, if it's a nonprofit,
I would like the city

6275
07:23:22,110 --> 07:23:25,020
to, you know, somewhat
help them out anyway.

6276
07:23:25,020 --> 07:23:27,030
- Yeah, and I would say that

6277
07:23:27,030 --> 07:23:29,160
we're very deliberate in the wording

6278
07:23:29,160 --> 07:23:30,690
that we put on these motions

6279
07:23:30,690 --> 07:23:33,060
that we give council the choice to deny,

6280
07:23:33,060 --> 07:23:35,880
to do in part, or to accept.

6281
07:23:35,880 --> 07:23:38,880
And I would say that
council is 0 for 5 years

6282
07:23:38,880 --> 07:23:41,220
on choosing door A or B.

6283
07:23:41,220 --> 07:23:42,420
It's always been door C.

6284
07:23:44,483 --> 07:23:46,920
- All right, okay. Thanks very much.

6285
07:23:48,285 --> 07:23:49,530
(councilors chuckle)

6286
07:23:49,530 --> 07:23:53,130
- Okay, so we've got a motion
seconded. Let's call the vote.

6287
07:23:53,130 --> 07:23:54,510
All those in favor?

6288
07:23:54,510 --> 07:23:55,710
Okay. That's unanimous.

6289
07:23:55,710 --> 07:23:59,370
Thank you. Okay, where are we now?

6290
07:23:59,370 --> 07:24:03,183
We just, we're on 9.4?

6291
07:24:05,430 --> 07:24:06,510
Or 3? No, 4.

6292
07:24:06,510 --> 07:24:08,550
Yeah. 9.4, right?

6293
07:24:08,550 --> 07:24:09,720
- Yes.
- Okay.

6294
07:24:09,720 --> 07:24:12,570
So 9.4, schedule a user fee update

6295
07:24:12,570 --> 07:24:14,883
for vow renewal ceremonies.

6296
07:24:16,410 --> 07:24:17,463
Councilor Dabrowski.

6297
07:24:18,360 --> 07:24:21,483
- Yeah, looking at the four options,

6298
07:24:22,320 --> 07:24:25,410
I'd like to see us at least
align with current market trends

6299
07:24:25,410 --> 07:24:27,600
and offer our residents a discount.

6300
07:24:27,600 --> 07:24:29,700
So if I had to weigh the four options,

6301
07:24:29,700 --> 07:24:34,620
I'd like to put a motion
forward to move option two.

6302
07:24:34,620 --> 07:24:37,890
- Okay. Do we have a
seconder for the motion?

6303
07:24:37,890 --> 07:24:39,480
Second, Councilor Strange.

6304
07:24:39,480 --> 07:24:43,500
Discussion to the
motion, Councilor Lococo.

6305
07:24:43,500 --> 07:24:45,270
- I wanted, and Nieuwesteeg.
- Sorry.

6306
07:24:45,270 --> 07:24:48,090
I wanted to approve the recommendations

6307
07:24:48,090 --> 07:24:49,470
that were there with option one.

6308
07:24:49,470 --> 07:24:50,431
I felt-
- Well there's already

6309
07:24:50,431 --> 07:24:51,960
a motion on-
- I know that's my discussion.

6310
07:24:51,960 --> 07:24:54,060
That's what I'm saying. That's
what I wanted to approve.

6311
07:24:54,060 --> 07:24:55,500
So I won't approve option two.

6312
07:24:55,500 --> 07:24:56,635
- Okay.
- I liked option one.

6313
07:24:56,635 --> 07:24:58,800
- Okay. Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

6314
07:24:58,800 --> 07:25:01,350
- And I agree, I was looking
at option one as well

6315
07:25:01,350 --> 07:25:03,780
because in the report, when we look at it,

6316
07:25:03,780 --> 07:25:05,790
it says basically this is a market

6317
07:25:05,790 --> 07:25:08,280
that is very highly price sensitive.

6318
07:25:08,280 --> 07:25:11,670
When we increase the fees
for regular ceremonies,

6319
07:25:11,670 --> 07:25:15,650
our volume has decreased by 50%.

6320
07:25:15,650 --> 07:25:17,430
So I think that's telling us in itself

6321
07:25:17,430 --> 07:25:19,380
that if we're going to offer this service,

6322
07:25:19,380 --> 07:25:20,940
we got to offer it to the price,

6323
07:25:20,940 --> 07:25:21,900
obviously, price-sensitive,

6324
07:25:21,900 --> 07:25:24,420
if that's the market
that's looking at this.

6325
07:25:24,420 --> 07:25:27,270
- Any other discussion to the motion?

6326
07:25:27,270 --> 07:25:31,010
Okay, so we'll call the
vote. All those in favor?

6327
07:25:32,490 --> 07:25:34,140
Okay. Opposed?

6328
07:25:34,140 --> 07:25:38,280
Okay, so that passes, four-three.

6329
07:25:38,280 --> 07:25:41,640
Next is nine-

6330
07:25:41,640 --> 07:25:42,930
- That's a pretty good math for you.

6331
07:25:42,930 --> 07:25:45,990
- I could go up that,
'cause I have 10 fingers.

6332
07:25:45,990 --> 07:25:47,070
I can do that.

6333
07:25:47,070 --> 07:25:48,572
What? Okay, wait a minute.

6334
07:25:48,572 --> 07:25:50,613
9.5, we've already deferred. Okay.

6335
07:25:50,613 --> 07:25:55,613
9.6, 2026-27 insurance renewal program.

6336
07:25:56,880 --> 07:25:58,950
Moved by Councilor Patel,
seconded by Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

6337
07:25:58,950 --> 07:26:00,390
- Sure but I have a comment.

6338
07:26:00,390 --> 07:26:01,890
- Yes, but you have a comment. Yep.

6339
07:26:01,890 --> 07:26:03,670
- And through you, Mr.
Mayor, to Ms. Punyarthi.

6340
07:26:03,670 --> 07:26:07,740
It says in the report
that it covers directors,

6341
07:26:07,740 --> 07:26:11,002
so the BAOs, the BAOs?

6342
07:26:11,002 --> 07:26:16,002
The BIAs have director's insurance.

6343
07:26:16,530 --> 07:26:21,063
Are they covered under the
city's insurance policy?

6344
07:26:23,880 --> 07:26:24,713
- Through the chair.

6345
07:26:24,713 --> 07:26:26,997
I have our risk manager, Ms. McQuay here

6346
07:26:26,997 --> 07:26:29,670
and she can answer questions.

6347
07:26:29,670 --> 07:26:30,970
- Sorry, I didn't see her.

6348
07:26:39,374 --> 07:26:41,550
- Through the chair to the councilor?

6349
07:26:41,550 --> 07:26:44,490
Yes. The BIA is are covered
under the city's policy.

6350
07:26:44,490 --> 07:26:47,910
- So all we've been paying
director's insurance,

6351
07:26:47,910 --> 07:26:49,560
but you don't need to do this.

6352
07:26:49,560 --> 07:26:51,840
- Director's insurance is different.

6353
07:26:51,840 --> 07:26:54,780
You do have to have that
coverage separately.

6354
07:26:54,780 --> 07:26:55,770
- Okay.
- Yes.

6355
07:26:55,770 --> 07:26:58,318
- Okay. Thank you.
- You're welcome.

6356
07:26:58,318 --> 07:26:59,151
- Okay. All right.

6357
07:26:59,151 --> 07:27:01,860
So we can call the vote.
All those in favor?

6358
07:27:01,860 --> 07:27:04,650
That's approved. Thank you very much.

6359
07:27:04,650 --> 07:27:09,650
9.7, service utility agreement
with Ontario Utility Locates.

6360
07:27:10,324 --> 07:27:11,157
- With recommendations.

6361
07:27:11,157 --> 07:27:12,180
- Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

6362
07:27:12,180 --> 07:27:14,610
Seconded by Councilor
Patel. Councilor Lococo.

6363
07:27:14,610 --> 07:27:15,870
- Quick question.

6364
07:27:15,870 --> 07:27:17,460
Resident asked, what is the,

6365
07:27:17,460 --> 07:27:19,650
it says partial acquisition by HoldCo.

6366
07:27:19,650 --> 07:27:23,010
What is the percentage that that is owned?

6367
07:27:23,010 --> 07:27:25,620
- We'll go to our
assistant GM of planning.

6368
07:27:25,620 --> 07:27:28,593
- Yeah. We own 33% of the corporation.

6369
07:27:30,180 --> 07:27:32,220
- Okay. Any other questions?

6370
07:27:32,220 --> 07:27:33,330
Seeing none, will call the vote.

6371
07:27:33,330 --> 07:27:34,350
All those in favor?

6372
07:27:34,350 --> 07:27:36,540
That's unanimous. Thank you.

6373
07:27:36,540 --> 07:27:39,630
9.8, McLeod Road reconstruction.

6374
07:27:39,630 --> 07:27:41,760
The recommendation that we
approve the budget amendment.

6375
07:27:41,760 --> 07:27:43,035
- Move the recommendation.

6376
07:27:43,035 --> 07:27:43,868
- Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

6377
07:27:43,868 --> 07:27:46,033
Second by Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

6378
07:27:46,885 --> 07:27:47,718
- I just got a quick question.

6379
07:27:47,718 --> 07:27:48,690
- Yes. Councilor Patel.

6380
07:27:48,690 --> 07:27:49,523
Quick.

6381
07:27:49,523 --> 07:27:50,356
Start the timer.
- Through you, Mr. Mayor.

6382
07:27:50,356 --> 07:27:53,043
Just a question for Erik.
I'm sorry, Mr. Nickel.

6383
07:27:54,240 --> 07:27:55,679
Is this being proactive

6384
07:27:55,679 --> 07:27:57,990
because the roadway
construction is happening

6385
07:27:57,990 --> 07:27:59,279
and we are changing the water,

6386
07:27:59,279 --> 07:28:01,650
meaning is that being proactive?

6387
07:28:01,650 --> 07:28:03,690
- Yeah. Through the mayor,
it would be proactive.

6388
07:28:03,690 --> 07:28:05,100
There are active developments

6389
07:28:05,100 --> 07:28:07,620
on all edges of this development.

6390
07:28:07,620 --> 07:28:09,660
We are now a little bit further along

6391
07:28:09,660 --> 07:28:10,590
in the development planning,

6392
07:28:10,590 --> 07:28:12,780
so we know the size and type and location

6393
07:28:12,780 --> 07:28:14,610
that we can include in
the upcoming contract

6394
07:28:14,610 --> 07:28:15,630
to go out this year.

6395
07:28:15,630 --> 07:28:17,940
- So because McLeod Road
is being reconstructed,

6396
07:28:17,940 --> 07:28:19,500
is it going to be a little cheaper for us

6397
07:28:19,500 --> 07:28:21,270
because it's already happening?

6398
07:28:21,270 --> 07:28:24,300
- Yeah, through the mayor, it
will be more cost effective

6399
07:28:24,300 --> 07:28:26,040
and it will limit disruptions.

6400
07:28:26,040 --> 07:28:28,140
If we were, you know, the alternative is

6401
07:28:28,140 --> 07:28:29,970
this is done by a
developer at a later date

6402
07:28:29,970 --> 07:28:31,710
or by the city at a later date

6403
07:28:31,710 --> 07:28:33,210
and it's going to disrupt the sidewalks,

6404
07:28:33,210 --> 07:28:34,562
the road, the curb and everything else.

6405
07:28:34,562 --> 07:28:36,240
- Okay, thank you.

6406
07:28:36,240 --> 07:28:39,120
- Okay. We, I'm sorry,
do we have the motion?

6407
07:28:39,120 --> 07:28:40,170
I can't remember now.

6408
07:28:40,170 --> 07:28:41,333
Yes? Okay.

6409
07:28:41,333 --> 07:28:43,770
We will call the vote. All those in favor?

6410
07:28:43,770 --> 07:28:44,910
Okay. That's unanimous.

6411
07:28:44,910 --> 07:28:45,769
Thank you.

6412
07:28:45,769 --> 07:28:50,769
9.9, PBD-2026-28, Bill 119,

6413
07:28:51,120 --> 07:28:54,183
Protecting Ontario Streets
and Communities Act.

6414
07:28:55,800 --> 07:28:56,910
Two recommendations.

6415
07:28:56,910 --> 07:28:58,440
Yes. Councilor Lococo, are you moving it?

6416
07:28:58,440 --> 07:29:00,180
- I'll move it. And I had one question.

6417
07:29:00,180 --> 07:29:01,470
- Okay. Let me just get a seconder.

6418
07:29:01,470 --> 07:29:03,870
Councilor Patel, second. Okay.

6419
07:29:03,870 --> 07:29:06,330
- I guess this is a
general question for AMPS.

6420
07:29:06,330 --> 07:29:11,040
So if we are going to
fine them through AMPS,

6421
07:29:11,040 --> 07:29:12,510
do we give them notice

6422
07:29:12,510 --> 07:29:14,910
to say, "Hey, you're doing
something wrong, stop it,"

6423
07:29:14,910 --> 07:29:16,140
and then fine them?

6424
07:29:16,140 --> 07:29:17,340
Or do we just fine them?

6425
07:29:17,340 --> 07:29:19,500
Because a resident got in
touch with me the other day

6426
07:29:19,500 --> 07:29:22,560
and said that they're not
getting parking tickets anymore.

6427
07:29:22,560 --> 07:29:24,780
They're getting AMPS
sent to them in the mail

6428
07:29:24,780 --> 07:29:26,819
and they didn't even know
they had a parking ticket.

6429
07:29:26,819 --> 07:29:29,344
So the parking is going
through AMPS now too,

6430
07:29:29,344 --> 07:29:30,510
is that correct?

6431
07:29:30,510 --> 07:29:31,830
- So we can go to Mr. Gallagher

6432
07:29:31,830 --> 07:29:35,700
and get some insight into
that for that report.

6433
07:29:35,700 --> 07:29:37,413
- I don't believe that to be true.

6434
07:29:38,310 --> 07:29:40,650
I believe that they are being enforced

6435
07:29:40,650 --> 07:29:43,330
through the parking measures
and receiving a ticket for it.

6436
07:29:43,330 --> 07:29:45,480
But I can look into it
a little bit further

6437
07:29:45,480 --> 07:29:46,440
and confirm for you.

6438
07:29:46,440 --> 07:29:47,460
- Okay, thank you.

6439
07:29:47,460 --> 07:29:50,160
And for this, for all of AMPS,

6440
07:29:50,160 --> 07:29:52,290
do we give them a notice first

6441
07:29:52,290 --> 07:29:55,290
and then the AMPS outside of parking?

6442
07:29:55,290 --> 07:29:56,580
- Through the mayor.

6443
07:29:56,580 --> 07:29:57,882
Traditionally, we will go ahead

6444
07:29:57,882 --> 07:29:59,670
and we will give them
notice to make them aware

6445
07:29:59,670 --> 07:30:02,460
that they're not
complying with the by-law.

6446
07:30:02,460 --> 07:30:04,050
And then we will go ahead and enforce it,

6447
07:30:04,050 --> 07:30:05,580
unless it's a repeat offender,

6448
07:30:05,580 --> 07:30:07,620
and then we will go immediately
to the AMPS program.

6449
07:30:07,620 --> 07:30:09,690
- Thank you.
- Okay. Thank you for that.

6450
07:30:09,690 --> 07:30:12,180
We'll call the vote. All those in favor?

6451
07:30:12,180 --> 07:30:13,560
All those in favor? Yes.

6452
07:30:13,560 --> 07:30:15,030
That's unanimous. Thank you.

6453
07:30:15,030 --> 07:30:17,370
We go to consent agenda.

6454
07:30:17,370 --> 07:30:18,420
- Move consent again.

6455
07:30:18,420 --> 07:30:19,713
- Okay, before we do that,

6456
07:30:19,713 --> 07:30:21,930
does anyone want anything
lifted before we do that?

6457
07:30:21,930 --> 07:30:22,763
No? Okay.

6458
07:30:22,763 --> 07:30:24,120
Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

6459
07:30:24,120 --> 07:30:27,600
Second by Councilor Patel that
we move the consent agenda.

6460
07:30:27,600 --> 07:30:29,277
All those in favor? Okay.

6461
07:30:29,277 --> 07:30:31,770
And that's approved. Thank you.

6462
07:30:31,770 --> 07:30:34,170
And then we go to communications

6463
07:30:34,170 --> 07:30:35,820
and comments of the city clerk.

6464
07:30:35,820 --> 07:30:37,950
There's a recommendation
that council approve

6465
07:30:37,950 --> 07:30:41,630
and support 11.1 through 11.5.

6466
07:30:42,690 --> 07:30:45,180
Do we have a motion for
that? Councilor Baldinelli.

6467
07:30:45,180 --> 07:30:48,333
Seconded by Councilor Patel.

6468
07:30:49,410 --> 07:30:51,600
All those in favor? That's approved.

6469
07:30:51,600 --> 07:30:53,400
Let me just quickly read what they are.

6470
07:30:53,400 --> 07:30:56,130
Flag raising request

6471
07:30:56,130 --> 07:30:59,550
for National Addiction
Week, November 19th.

6472
07:30:59,550 --> 07:31:03,240
Proclamation request, World
Hepatitis Day, July 28th.

6473
07:31:03,240 --> 07:31:06,600
Proclamation request,
National Coaches Week,

6474
07:31:06,600 --> 07:31:09,690
September 14th through 20th.

6475
07:31:09,690 --> 07:31:10,740
Flag raising request,

6476
07:31:10,740 --> 07:31:14,010
Independence Day of India, August 15th.

6477
07:31:14,010 --> 07:31:15,840
And proclamation and flag raising

6478
07:31:15,840 --> 07:31:19,170
for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

6479
07:31:19,170 --> 07:31:20,790
That'll be for September.

6480
07:31:20,790 --> 07:31:23,550
Now we go to communications,
comments of city clerk.

6481
07:31:23,550 --> 07:31:27,480
Recommendation that we
receive 12.1 through 12.6.

6482
07:31:27,480 --> 07:31:29,820
What do we want to lift first?
Anyone want anything lifted?

6483
07:31:29,820 --> 07:31:30,990
Yes. Councilor Lococo.

6484
07:31:30,990 --> 07:31:32,850
- 12.5 please.

6485
07:31:32,850 --> 07:31:34,853
- Okay. 12.5.

6486
07:31:36,569 --> 07:31:39,663
Okay, correspondence from
the Recreation Committee,

6487
07:31:41,340 --> 07:31:43,380
presence at city events.

6488
07:31:43,380 --> 07:31:45,900
- I think this lends to
some of the discussion

6489
07:31:45,900 --> 07:31:49,050
we had earlier about the
Accessibility Committee

6490
07:31:49,050 --> 07:31:51,840
having an internal
accessibility committee,

6491
07:31:51,840 --> 07:31:54,930
what Shania brought about the Green Team,

6492
07:31:54,930 --> 07:31:56,550
what Councilor Patel talked about,

6493
07:31:56,550 --> 07:31:59,190
that the committees should
be working together.

6494
07:31:59,190 --> 07:32:01,440
So when, when I saw that I thought,

6495
07:32:01,440 --> 07:32:03,090
you know, we should be working together.

6496
07:32:03,090 --> 07:32:04,350
We're all working in silos

6497
07:32:04,350 --> 07:32:06,660
and we're working on
some similar projects.

6498
07:32:06,660 --> 07:32:08,520
So maybe we can do

6499
07:32:08,520 --> 07:32:10,950
not just the Recreation
Committee be part of things,

6500
07:32:10,950 --> 07:32:12,360
but maybe look at opportunities

6501
07:32:12,360 --> 07:32:15,420
for all committees to come
together at different times.

6502
07:32:15,420 --> 07:32:16,500
Maybe not all the time,

6503
07:32:16,500 --> 07:32:19,260
but with some of the same events.

6504
07:32:19,260 --> 07:32:21,330
- Yeah. And to me it makes
sense to have a booth.

6505
07:32:21,330 --> 07:32:23,160
You're trying to recruit
at community events,

6506
07:32:23,160 --> 07:32:24,030
the community.
- Yeah.

6507
07:32:24,030 --> 07:32:26,130
And the Accessibility Committee

6508
07:32:26,130 --> 07:32:28,110
is having a booth at the Canada Day.

6509
07:32:28,110 --> 07:32:29,430
So there was a whole process

6510
07:32:29,430 --> 07:32:30,750
of what they had to do to get there.

6511
07:32:30,750 --> 07:32:32,820
So maybe we can streamline the process,

6512
07:32:32,820 --> 07:32:35,610
offer it to all committees
that people can go.

6513
07:32:35,610 --> 07:32:39,000
So I'd like to pull that one
and maybe refer that to staff,

6514
07:32:39,000 --> 07:32:41,850
for some ideas about how
committees can integrate

6515
07:32:41,850 --> 07:32:44,070
and have other opportunities.

6516
07:32:44,070 --> 07:32:46,350
- Ms. Moldenhauer has
got her hand up. Yes.

6517
07:32:46,350 --> 07:32:49,170
- Yes. Thank you. And
it's through the mayor.

6518
07:32:49,170 --> 07:32:52,620
The committees are always
welcome at any event

6519
07:32:52,620 --> 07:32:54,690
and we do encourage committee members

6520
07:32:54,690 --> 07:32:57,300
to attend and volunteer as well.

6521
07:32:57,300 --> 07:32:59,340
So I would say it's an
open door right now.

6522
07:32:59,340 --> 07:33:03,300
We're willing to engage with
any committee, so that's fine.

6523
07:33:03,300 --> 07:33:04,407
- Okay. Thank you.

6524
07:33:04,407 --> 07:33:07,830
- Okay, so are you going to
make that referral motion?

6525
07:33:07,830 --> 07:33:10,770
Councilor Lococo, seconded
by Councilor Baldinelli

6526
07:33:10,770 --> 07:33:13,920
that we refer 12.5 to staff

6527
07:33:13,920 --> 07:33:18,270
for further input, feedback.

6528
07:33:18,270 --> 07:33:19,350
And then now is there a motion

6529
07:33:19,350 --> 07:33:22,080
for the remainder of the correspondence?

6530
07:33:22,080 --> 07:33:25,923
Yes. Councilor Lococo, seconded
by Councilor Baldinelli.

6531
07:33:27,270 --> 07:33:31,200
Then that'll be 12.1 through 12.6.

6532
07:33:31,200 --> 07:33:33,030
All those in favor?

6533
07:33:33,030 --> 07:33:35,610
Okay. And that's unanimous.

6534
07:33:35,610 --> 07:33:40,610
And we now go to
ratification of in-camera.

6535
07:33:41,370 --> 07:33:42,363
Mr. Clerk.

6536
07:33:46,740 --> 07:33:47,730
- Yeah. Thanks, your worship.

6537
07:33:47,730 --> 07:33:49,860
Council did meet earlier today

6538
07:33:49,860 --> 07:33:52,890
after passing a resolution
to go in-camera.

6539
07:33:52,890 --> 07:33:56,100
Out of that for ratification
is that council direct

6540
07:33:56,100 --> 07:33:58,020
that the city enter into a lease

6541
07:33:58,020 --> 07:33:59,790
with the Willoughby
Volunteer Fire Department

6542
07:33:59,790 --> 07:34:01,680
for a portion of the lands and building

6543
07:34:01,680 --> 07:34:05,040
known as 1120 Sodom Road

6544
07:34:05,040 --> 07:34:06,660
with various terms and conditions,

6545
07:34:06,660 --> 07:34:07,950
including annual rent

6546
07:34:07,950 --> 07:34:12,950
in the amount of $32,343 plus HST.

6547
07:34:13,140 --> 07:34:15,600
And that council authorized
the mayor and clerk

6548
07:34:15,600 --> 07:34:17,343
to execute that lease agreement.

6549
07:34:19,260 --> 07:34:22,440
- Okay. A motion for, so we need to...?

6550
07:34:22,440 --> 07:34:24,330
- Motion for ratification.
- Motion for ratification.

6551
07:34:24,330 --> 07:34:25,620
Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

6552
07:34:25,620 --> 07:34:28,200
Second by Councilor Patel.
There's no discussion.

6553
07:34:28,200 --> 07:34:29,640
All those in favor?

6554
07:34:29,640 --> 07:34:31,620
Okay. And that's unanimous.

6555
07:34:31,620 --> 07:34:34,020
Then we've got motions for consideration.

6556
07:34:34,020 --> 07:34:38,010
So Councilor Patel, you have one there?

6557
07:34:38,010 --> 07:34:38,843
- Yes.

6558
07:34:41,550 --> 07:34:43,110
- Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

6559
07:34:43,110 --> 07:34:44,430
The motion for consideration

6560
07:34:44,430 --> 07:34:46,560
is enhanced washroom facility

6561
07:34:46,560 --> 07:34:49,980
at Chippewa Boat Ramp
and Naisbitt Parkette,

6562
07:34:49,980 --> 07:34:52,140
Whereas the Chippewa Boat
Ramp and Naisbitt Parkette

6563
07:34:52,140 --> 07:34:53,670
are among the city's most heavily used

6564
07:34:53,670 --> 07:34:55,590
waterfront recreation areas

6565
07:34:55,590 --> 07:34:57,000
serving residents and visitors

6566
07:34:57,000 --> 07:34:59,970
for boating, fishing,
kayaking, picnicking,

6567
07:34:59,970 --> 07:35:02,100
recreation, and community gatherings.

6568
07:35:02,100 --> 07:35:04,620
And whereas residents have raised concerns

6569
07:35:04,620 --> 07:35:06,900
regarding the availability, accessibility,

6570
07:35:06,900 --> 07:35:10,290
and suitability of washroom
facilities at the site.

6571
07:35:10,290 --> 07:35:13,410
Now therefore be it resolved
that council direct staff

6572
07:35:13,410 --> 07:35:16,650
to investigate options for
enhanced washroom facilities

6573
07:35:16,650 --> 07:35:19,290
at Chippewa Boat Ramp
and Naisbitt Parkette,

6574
07:35:19,290 --> 07:35:21,930
including permanent,
modular, self-contained,

6575
07:35:21,930 --> 07:35:24,570
and any other innovative
washroom solutions,

6576
07:35:24,570 --> 07:35:27,450
and be further resolved that
staff report back to council

6577
07:35:27,450 --> 07:35:30,570
with options, cost, and recommendations

6578
07:35:30,570 --> 07:35:32,220
on the most appropriate

6579
07:35:32,220 --> 07:35:35,013
and cost-effective washroom
solution for the site.

6580
07:35:36,360 --> 07:35:38,160
As I mentioned before, when I was there,

6581
07:35:38,160 --> 07:35:40,590
I got few complaints
during the long weekend.

6582
07:35:40,590 --> 07:35:42,103
After that I have heard
from lots more people.

6583
07:35:42,103 --> 07:35:43,689
And I know a couple weeks ago

6584
07:35:43,689 --> 07:35:44,820
when we were at the trade show,

6585
07:35:44,820 --> 07:35:47,700
we saw some very inexpensive options

6586
07:35:47,700 --> 07:35:50,820
for the washrooms for the parks.

6587
07:35:50,820 --> 07:35:54,330
So, and I know Ms. Dolch
knows about some options too,

6588
07:35:54,330 --> 07:35:56,610
so I'll just leave it to the
staff to come up with a report

6589
07:35:56,610 --> 07:35:58,890
and recommendation to see what we can do.

6590
07:35:58,890 --> 07:36:00,210
- Okay.

6591
07:36:00,210 --> 07:36:02,220
- I will have to get a seconder.

6592
07:36:02,220 --> 07:36:03,630
- Yeah, we've got Councilor Dabrowski

6593
07:36:03,630 --> 07:36:05,570
has agreed to to second that.

6594
07:36:05,570 --> 07:36:07,170
- Yes.
- Let me just send,

6595
07:36:07,170 --> 07:36:08,003
do something here.

6596
07:36:08,003 --> 07:36:10,839
Give me one half a second. Okay.

6597
07:36:10,839 --> 07:36:12,630
I don't know if something's
going with my computer.

6598
07:36:12,630 --> 07:36:17,630
Give me one half a second.
I can't close that out.

6599
07:36:17,910 --> 07:36:22,590
Okay, so we've got the motion
seconded. All those in favor?

6600
07:36:22,590 --> 07:36:24,870
Okay, that's unanimous.
Thank you for that.

6601
07:36:24,870 --> 07:36:29,400
And now is there any new
business, first of all?

6602
07:36:29,400 --> 07:36:33,780
Of course we got Councilor
Patel, Councilor Lococo.

6603
07:36:33,780 --> 07:36:35,580
- It's just something
brought to my attention

6604
07:36:35,580 --> 07:36:39,120
was our city doesn't have
a rain barrel program.

6605
07:36:39,120 --> 07:36:40,470
I'm not sure if we ever had them before.

6606
07:36:40,470 --> 07:36:42,030
- Yeah, we have.
- We do?

6607
07:36:42,030 --> 07:36:42,863
- We used to. Yep.

6608
07:36:42,863 --> 07:36:44,610
- Oh, I know somebody contacted me

6609
07:36:44,610 --> 07:36:46,290
and says, St. Catharines
has a rain barrel program,

6610
07:36:46,290 --> 07:36:48,503
we do not.
- They copied us. Yeah.

6611
07:36:48,503 --> 07:36:49,770
- They did? Okay.
- Yes.

6612
07:36:49,770 --> 07:36:50,640
- We used to have it. Yes.

6613
07:36:50,640 --> 07:36:53,100
- We used to. So do we
still have it though?

6614
07:36:53,100 --> 07:36:55,590
- [Staff] No, I think probably
Mr. Nickel can speak to it.

6615
07:36:55,590 --> 07:36:57,720
We just didn't have a lot of uptake on it.

6616
07:36:57,720 --> 07:36:59,550
- Okay. Because that was
the contact I got for this.

6617
07:36:59,550 --> 07:37:00,960
St. Catharines had, we do not.

6618
07:37:00,960 --> 07:37:02,670
I just want to, that's
why I want to bring it in

6619
07:37:02,670 --> 07:37:03,930
new business to see what we,

6620
07:37:03,930 --> 07:37:05,141
- [Nickel] They weren't
free, there was still a cost.

6621
07:37:05,141 --> 07:37:07,830
People just didn't want to pay for them.

6622
07:37:07,830 --> 07:37:09,170
- Okay.
- I got two.

6623
07:37:10,950 --> 07:37:12,540
- No, you, maybe you can.

6624
07:37:12,540 --> 07:37:15,330
- Yeah, I can provide
some context to Councilor.

6625
07:37:15,330 --> 07:37:16,830
At a point in the past,

6626
07:37:16,830 --> 07:37:19,830
the rain barrels were a
bit more of a new product

6627
07:37:19,830 --> 07:37:21,990
and people were looking to implement them

6628
07:37:21,990 --> 07:37:23,880
to help offset the cost of watering,

6629
07:37:23,880 --> 07:37:28,683
and water metering is obviously
driving up those costs.

6630
07:37:29,820 --> 07:37:31,770
We did reach, and most cities reached

6631
07:37:31,770 --> 07:37:32,970
what I'll call a saturation point

6632
07:37:32,970 --> 07:37:35,520
where everybody who wanted
a rain barrel for low cost

6633
07:37:35,520 --> 07:37:36,570
kind of got one

6634
07:37:36,570 --> 07:37:38,280
and then they were going
on marketplace and things

6635
07:37:38,280 --> 07:37:40,440
and they were being sold at our expense.

6636
07:37:40,440 --> 07:37:42,750
So what some municipalities have done

6637
07:37:42,750 --> 07:37:45,300
is partnered with
third-party delivery agents

6638
07:37:45,300 --> 07:37:46,740
like rainbarrel.ca

6639
07:37:46,740 --> 07:37:48,525
and they'll bring the program to you

6640
07:37:48,525 --> 07:37:50,710
and all you need to do is
host it at a city facility.

6641
07:37:50,710 --> 07:37:52,650
- Okay.
- And that's an option.

6642
07:37:52,650 --> 07:37:54,570
Some municipalities will provide a subsidy

6643
07:37:54,570 --> 07:37:56,673
if you submit a receipt.

6644
07:37:57,510 --> 07:37:59,220
Those are some of the various options.

6645
07:37:59,220 --> 07:38:00,150
At this point though,

6646
07:38:00,150 --> 07:38:03,000
I wouldn't be recommending
paying any city dollars

6647
07:38:03,000 --> 07:38:04,770
to offset those costs

6648
07:38:04,770 --> 07:38:07,740
unless it's in an area where
we have combined sewers

6649
07:38:07,740 --> 07:38:09,040
and we know that we can

6650
07:38:11,580 --> 07:38:14,130
disconnect an illegally
connected downspout.

6651
07:38:14,130 --> 07:38:17,580
So, you know, I'm open
to taking a report back

6652
07:38:17,580 --> 07:38:20,790
if that's something that council
wants to pass a motion on.

6653
07:38:20,790 --> 07:38:24,720
But at this point, I don't see
the calls coming in my office

6654
07:38:24,720 --> 07:38:27,270
for people who are really
eager about rain barrels.

6655
07:38:28,260 --> 07:38:29,100
- Thank you, Mr. Nickel.

6656
07:38:29,100 --> 07:38:32,100
I just want to say maybe if
we can have maybe options

6657
07:38:32,100 --> 07:38:34,380
when we are doing the
tree giveaway next time.

6658
07:38:34,380 --> 07:38:36,210
It's not just the more, we
don't want to spend money

6659
07:38:36,210 --> 07:38:39,540
to give it to people, but
when you said rainbarrel.ca,

6660
07:38:39,540 --> 07:38:40,440
we have them come there.

6661
07:38:40,440 --> 07:38:41,520
If people want to buy it there

6662
07:38:41,520 --> 07:38:43,440
because we already do
giving away the trees,

6663
07:38:43,440 --> 07:38:45,480
then it is environmentally friendly.

6664
07:38:45,480 --> 07:38:48,777
So why not maybe have them
come in just the same time

6665
07:38:48,777 --> 07:38:51,570
and have a counter or table there to them?

6666
07:38:51,570 --> 07:38:52,860
- [Nickel] You refer it to Jeff Karachi

6667
07:38:52,860 --> 07:38:54,720
and then he can bring forward.

6668
07:38:54,720 --> 07:38:56,760
- Okay, perfect. Maybe I can help.

6669
07:38:56,760 --> 07:38:59,490
Nick, Erik, or maybe
Kathy can take care of it.

6670
07:38:59,490 --> 07:39:00,330
I guess.
- We'll take Kathy. Sure.

6671
07:39:00,330 --> 07:39:01,163
- Okay. Thank you.

6672
07:39:01,163 --> 07:39:04,022
- Councilor Pietrangelo
uses his for a cold plunge.

6673
07:39:04,022 --> 07:39:05,867
Yeah. He uses it for, yeah. (laughs)

6674
07:39:05,867 --> 07:39:07,428
- For his one leg.

6675
07:39:07,428 --> 07:39:08,860
- Huh?
- For his one leg.

6676
07:39:08,860 --> 07:39:09,783
- Yeah. Yeah.

6677
07:39:11,010 --> 07:39:13,800
Okay, so Councilor Lococo.

6678
07:39:13,800 --> 07:39:15,480
- Just one quick thing.

6679
07:39:15,480 --> 07:39:19,200
Today was the deadline for
the RFP for the Ferris wheel.

6680
07:39:19,200 --> 07:39:21,780
I know that the Let's Talk page went up

6681
07:39:21,780 --> 07:39:24,300
so our residents are giving input.

6682
07:39:24,300 --> 07:39:27,510
I've seen lots of comments
on Facebook as well,

6683
07:39:27,510 --> 07:39:30,270
and I've had some messages.

6684
07:39:30,270 --> 07:39:32,310
Have we heard anything more
about the Ferris wheel? (laughs)

6685
07:39:32,310 --> 07:39:33,143
- Not today.

6686
07:39:33,143 --> 07:39:33,976
We've been in council,

6687
07:39:33,976 --> 07:39:35,404
so I haven't heard
anything if there was any-

6688
07:39:35,404 --> 07:39:37,080
- Yesterday, was there anything?

6689
07:39:37,080 --> 07:39:39,060
- I haven't, honestly, we
haven't gotten any updates.

6690
07:39:39,060 --> 07:39:41,254
They typically wouldn't until it closes.

6691
07:39:41,254 --> 07:39:42,087
- Okay.
- And then-

6692
07:39:42,087 --> 07:39:44,760
- Well, sometimes he pulls his
ideas back, so I don't know.

6693
07:39:44,760 --> 07:39:45,593
- Oh, yeah. Yeah.

6694
07:39:45,593 --> 07:39:48,180
So yeah, so I haven't heard anything.

6695
07:39:48,180 --> 07:39:49,013
I don't know. I have no updates.

6696
07:39:49,013 --> 07:39:52,950
- Okay, well, I hope that being
today was the RFP deadline,

6697
07:39:52,950 --> 07:39:55,587
that all of the comments
coming in on July 9th

6698
07:39:55,587 --> 07:39:57,180
are not going to be for nothing.

6699
07:39:57,180 --> 07:39:59,460
I hope that today's not
the strong deadline.

6700
07:39:59,460 --> 07:40:02,340
I hope that there's still
time to have some input.

6701
07:40:02,340 --> 07:40:03,173
- Yeah. Yeah.

6702
07:40:03,173 --> 07:40:04,380
So, and again, that's Parks.

6703
07:40:04,380 --> 07:40:05,790
- I know, I understand that.

6704
07:40:05,790 --> 07:40:08,880
It's our residents and
they're really relying

6705
07:40:08,880 --> 07:40:10,290
on us to say something.

6706
07:40:10,290 --> 07:40:11,123
- Yeah. Yeah.

6707
07:40:11,123 --> 07:40:13,530
And I haven't heard anyone
speak in favor of it.

6708
07:40:13,530 --> 07:40:16,923
So anybody, well, one person.

6709
07:40:18,240 --> 07:40:19,620
Yes. Councilor Baldinelli.

6710
07:40:19,620 --> 07:40:24,620
- Just looking for an update
for next meeting on MAT tax,

6711
07:40:24,750 --> 07:40:28,110
since we started, the city
actually received anything

6712
07:40:28,110 --> 07:40:30,300
like an update on the STAR system

6713
07:40:30,300 --> 07:40:31,350
and what we currently have.

6714
07:40:31,350 --> 07:40:32,400
Oops, sorry, Mona.

6715
07:40:32,400 --> 07:40:33,777
- What'd you say, the
STAR? Oh, the STAR, yep.

6716
07:40:33,777 --> 07:40:36,496
- The STAR system. And what's going on.

6717
07:40:36,496 --> 07:40:39,780
And geez, now I spilled the water.

6718
07:40:39,780 --> 07:40:41,100
I forgot I was going to say next.

6719
07:40:41,100 --> 07:40:44,143
- Do you just spill the water
all over Councilor Patel?

6720
07:40:44,143 --> 07:40:45,213
- I do that often.

6721
07:40:46,860 --> 07:40:50,781
Usually it's wine, but
that'll be it for now.

6722
07:40:50,781 --> 07:40:53,531
(Diodati laughs)

6723
07:40:55,980 --> 07:40:57,539
- Sorry about that, Councilor Patel.

6724
07:40:57,539 --> 07:41:00,150
(attendee chatters)

6725
07:41:00,150 --> 07:41:01,050
Yeah. No, you did.

6726
07:41:01,050 --> 07:41:03,060
Any other new business? Okay.

6727
07:41:03,060 --> 07:41:06,000
Looking for a motion for
adjournment. Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

6728
07:41:06,000 --> 07:41:07,651
Seconded by Councilor Dabrowski.

6729
07:41:07,651 --> 07:41:08,580
- By-law singing.
- Oh, the by-law,

6730
07:41:08,580 --> 07:41:11,070
oh my God.
- Wow!

6731
07:41:11,070 --> 07:41:12,980
- Wow. My apologies.

6732
07:41:12,980 --> 07:41:14,160
- Well, the water threw you off.

6733
07:41:14,160 --> 07:41:15,483
- It threw me off. Yes.

6734
07:41:16,470 --> 07:41:18,210
- Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

6735
07:41:18,210 --> 07:41:21,270
Give the by-laws a first,
second, and third reading.

6736
07:41:21,270 --> 07:41:22,650
Seconded by...

6737
07:41:22,650 --> 07:41:25,470
- I'll second it, but 060 has to come off.

6738
07:41:25,470 --> 07:41:28,020
That's the Integrity
Commissioner report by-law.

6739
07:41:28,020 --> 07:41:28,890
And we didn't...

6740
07:41:28,890 --> 07:41:31,020
- Yep, yep, yes, absolutely.

6741
07:41:31,020 --> 07:41:34,740
I second by Councilor Lococo
with obviously the removal

6742
07:41:34,740 --> 07:41:36,630
of the Integrity Commissioner by-law.

6743
07:41:36,630 --> 07:41:38,340
All those in favor?

6744
07:41:38,340 --> 07:41:39,173
Okay. Thank you.

6745
07:41:39,173 --> 07:41:41,280
And now motion for adjournment.
Councilor Dabrowski.

6746
07:41:41,280 --> 07:41:42,750
Second by Councilor Patel.

6747
07:41:42,750 --> 07:41:44,640
All those in favor? We're adjourned.

6748
07:41:44,640 --> 07:41:45,693
Thank you everybody.