[7:24] - [Clerk] Three.

[7:27] city council meeting today

[7:30] of Tuesday, June the 23rd.

[7:33] with our in-camera meeting,

[7:36] go behind closed doors

[7:37] as required by the Municipal Act,

[7:39] and then in a couple hours at 4:00 PM

[7:42] we're going to resume in open session.

[7:44] need a motion of council

[7:47] to do just that.

[7:47] Motion by Councilor Nieuwesteeg,

[7:49] second by Councilor Pietrangelo.

[7:51] of that. Call the vote.

[7:53] All those in favor. And that's unanimous.

[7:55] And we are now going to go in-camera.

[7:57] We'll see you back at 4:00 PM.

[2:07:48] - Oh!

[2:07:49] We already stumbled out of the gates.

[2:07:52] - Didn't turn

[2:07:53] - It was on.

[2:07:55] - I think Bill help you out on that one.

[2:07:56] - I helped him out on that.

[2:07:57] - Oh, you did? Okay, okay.

[2:07:59] Are we going to start all over again?

[2:08:00] - No, no, no!

[2:08:01] - or are we good to go?

[2:08:02] - You're going to go

[2:08:03] and live with that on T.

[2:08:04] - Live with that on T.

[2:08:06] - All right, well, everybody,

[2:08:07] next blooper reel, so enjoy.

[2:08:10] So ladies and gentlemen,

[2:08:11] welcome to tonight's city council meeting

[2:08:12] of Tuesday, June the 23rd.

[2:08:14] We just concluded our in-camera meeting

[2:08:17] things behind closed doors

[2:08:19] as per the Municipal Act.

[2:08:22] And now we're back in open session

[2:08:23] for our regularly scheduled meeting.

[2:08:25] everybody for coming today

[2:08:27] and we are going

[2:08:29] off the traditional way

[2:08:32] with the singing of "O Canada."

[2:08:34] But just before we do,

[2:08:35] I'd like to introduce our two singers.

[2:08:37] them a few minutes ago.

[2:08:40] So we've got brother and sister,

[2:08:42] we've got Belen and Mateo Villegas.

[2:08:47] Does I get that right?

[2:08:48] - Villegas. Okay, well close.

[2:08:52] Second blooper for tonight already.

[2:08:53] It's going to be a long night everybody.

[2:08:56] 11, is that right?

[2:09:00] Okay, we got something right. Good.

[2:09:01] And they're both musicians.

[2:09:04] of different instruments

[2:09:06] including piano, recorder, violin.

[2:09:09] Have I got a couple of 'em right?

[2:09:11] Yes. Okay. (laughs)

[2:09:12] looks, so, but that's okay.

[2:09:15] performances at Christmas.

[2:09:18] Also for special events.

[2:09:20] Catholic Elementary School,

[2:09:24] same school my kids went to.

[2:09:26] So we're excited that you guys are here.

[2:09:28] So ladies and gentlemen, stand if you can,

[2:09:32] singing of Belen and Mateo

[2:09:35] to sing "O Canada."

[2:09:40] - Just start?

[2:09:42] - [Diodati] Whenever you guys are ready.

[2:09:43] ♪ O Canada ♪

[2:09:47] ♪ Our home and native land ♪

[2:09:52] ♪ True patriot love ♪

[2:09:57] ♪ In all thy sons command ♪

[2:10:01] ♪ With glowing hearts we see thee rise ♪

[2:10:06] ♪ The True North strong and free ♪

[2:10:11] ♪ From far and wide ♪

[2:10:13] ♪ O Canada ♪

[2:10:16] ♪ We stand on guard for thee ♪

[2:10:21] ♪ God keep our land ♪

[2:10:25] ♪ Glorious and free ♪

[2:10:31] ♪ O Canada ♪

[2:10:33] ♪ We stand on guard for thee ♪

[2:10:40] ♪ O Canada ♪

[2:10:42] ♪ We stand on guard for thee ♪

[2:10:48] (attendees applaud)

[2:10:56] - And they were blooper free.

[2:10:59] - (laughs) And they were blooper free.

[2:11:01] And Belen and Mateo, want to thank you.

[2:11:03] You did a great job.

[2:11:04] nervous coming in here

[2:11:06] and you still pulled it off.

[2:11:07] and you made us proud.

[2:11:09] So on behalf of all of us, great job.

[2:11:12] Continued success with all your music.

[2:11:14] Thank you very, very much.

[2:11:16] (attendees applaud)

[2:11:21] Great job guys. Great job.

[2:11:25] back up lyrics, just in case,

[2:11:28] them, so that's a good thing.

[2:11:32] Okay, moving along.

[2:11:33] Next is the land acknowledgement

[2:11:37] with the aim of educating our community.

[2:11:39] I'd like to invite Michele-Elise Burnett,

[2:11:42] Thunderbird Clan, and Metis

[2:11:44] to join us to share her testimony

[2:11:46] the Indigenous peoples

[2:11:48] for a millennia before us.

[2:11:52] - [Michele] Aanii.

[2:11:55] Hi, aanii, bonjour.

[2:11:57] (Michele speaking Indigenous language)

[2:12:06] Who Is In The Center.

[2:12:09] is Michele-Elise Burnett.

[2:12:12] I am an artist, curator, producer,

[2:12:15] Indigenous and European ancestry

[2:12:19] with Nipissing Algonquin roots.

[2:12:21] In my teachings, we are reminded

[2:12:23] that every decision that we make,

[2:12:25] we must consider the impacts it will have

[2:12:27] on the next seven generations.

[2:12:30] to live a good life,

[2:12:34] with all life forces,

[2:12:37] and a life that truly matters.

[2:12:39] It means leading from the heart,

[2:12:41] seeing, listening, feeling, speaking,

[2:12:44] and acting with good intentions

[2:12:46] and never for self-serving reasons.

[2:12:49] creator, gave all creation

[2:12:52] gifts to share with one another.

[2:12:54] come responsibilities.

[2:12:57] The first is gratitude.

[2:13:00] the life-sustaining gifts

[2:13:03] that Mother Earth provides.

[2:13:05] She is our greatest teacher

[2:13:07] demonstrating generosity each day

[2:13:10] without ever asking anything in return.

[2:13:13] We as human beings must learn

[2:13:15] from our older and wiser relatives.

[2:13:17] We must remember that our very existence

[2:13:20] is supported by their gifts.

[2:13:22] life-sustaining force,

[2:13:25] forces of the natural world.

[2:13:29] It also reminds us that what is done

[2:13:32] to one part of the web of life

[2:13:34] forms, including ourselves.

[2:13:39] When we carry this understanding

[2:13:41] homes, and our daily choices,

[2:13:46] the next seven generations

[2:13:49] with love, generosity and gratitude.

[2:13:53] Chi miigwech.

[2:13:56] - Thank you, Michele-Elise.

[2:14:00] Next on the agenda are the adoption

[2:14:03] of the minutes from the June 2nd meeting.

[2:14:05] Do I have a motion? Councilor Lococo.

[2:14:06] Second by Councilor Strange.

[2:14:09] If there's no discussion to the minutes,

[2:14:10] we'll call the vote.

[2:14:11] Okay. That's unanimous.

[2:14:13] Thank you for that.

[2:14:14] of a pecuniary interest,

[2:14:18] do we have any disclosures?

[2:14:19] Any conflicts? Okay.

[2:14:21] Seeing none, we'll move on

[2:14:23] part of the meeting,

[2:14:26] reports and announcements.

[2:14:30] to offer our sympathy

[2:14:33] to the families of Glen Kivisto,

[2:14:36] father of Brian Kivisto and Craig Kivisto

[2:14:39] Kivisto from Fire Services.

[2:14:44] Also Joe DeSantis,

[2:14:46] Provincial Construction

[2:14:49] construction contractors

[2:14:52] here in Niagara Falls.

[2:14:54] Provincial Construction is the company

[2:14:55] on Willoughby Road,

[2:14:58] part of our Operation Smooth Roads

[2:15:00] in the city of Niagara Falls.

[2:15:02] events and announcements

[2:15:04] your attention to the screens.

[2:15:08] So I got back last week

[2:15:09] from a trip to both Turkey and Bulgaria

[2:15:13] and I'll give you a quick summary here.

[2:15:15] It was an incredible opportunity

[2:15:16] to share Niagara Falls with the world

[2:15:18] with Michael Warchala

[2:15:21] from our Economic Development Department

[2:15:23] to both Turkey and Bulgaria.

[2:15:26] The invitation was received

[2:15:27] and Turkish consulates

[2:15:30] and consul generals.

[2:15:31] strengthen bilateral relations,

[2:15:35] explore new investment,

[2:15:37] economic and collaborative opportunities,

[2:15:39] city of Niagara Falls.

[2:15:43] with the president

[2:15:45] and chairman of the board

[2:15:47] Business Confederation,

[2:15:51] Chamber of Commerce.

[2:15:56] Turkey, their largest independent,

[2:15:58] I'm sorry, that's their largest

[2:15:59] independent business organization.

[2:16:02] We met with the vice president

[2:16:03] of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.

[2:16:06] chamber of commerce in the world

[2:16:09] with 860,000 members.

[2:16:13] is right in the picture.

[2:16:15] - Yes. Yeah, we got a bird in the picture.

[2:16:16] Do you notice that bird in the picture?

[2:16:18] (attendees chuckle)

[2:16:19] amuse our councilors.

[2:16:21] - [Councilor] Take it again.

[2:16:22] (Diodati laughs)

[2:16:23] he circled one more time

[2:16:25] so we got him.

[2:16:26] Commerce is very interested

[2:16:30] in new markets for their members.

[2:16:32] to visit Niagara Falls

[2:16:35] when he's in Canada the next time.

[2:16:37] largest chamber in the world.

[2:16:40] people and a lot of interest.

[2:16:44] They are the most Western Muslim country

[2:16:47] and it's the gateway for Russia.

[2:16:49] A very interesting historic place.

[2:16:51] Used to be called Constantinople.

[2:16:54] The Russians were there at one time.

[2:16:55] interesting historic place.

[2:17:00] exploring Canada as a market.

[2:17:03] starting partnerships.

[2:17:06] We also met with the board of TÜRSAB.

[2:17:09] of Turkish travel agencies.

[2:17:13] largest travel association

[2:17:16] in the world, the first being in the USA.

[2:17:19] Then we were in Bulgaria,

[2:17:20] three days in Bulgaria.

[2:17:22] of Foreign Affairs,

[2:17:25] at the Ministry of Tourism,

[2:17:28] and also the deputy mayor of Sofia,

[2:17:30] an area of culture and tourism.

[2:17:34] I also did an interview on national TV,

[2:17:37] which in Bulgaria it's a pretty big deal,

[2:17:39] goes to all their houses.

[2:17:41] So we talked around Niagara Falls,

[2:17:43] the Bulgarian bilateral relations.

[2:17:45] Bulgarian community here.

[2:17:47] and cultural exchanges,

[2:17:50] the City of Niagara Falls

[2:17:52] and Bulgarian institutions.

[2:17:54] for their education

[2:17:56] and their entrepreneurs.

[2:17:58] development strategies

[2:18:01] and international events.

[2:18:04] We also had meetings

[2:18:05] with the Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria.

[2:18:08] economic collaboration,

[2:18:10] collaborative opportunities.

[2:18:14] trip was paid for by our hosts

[2:18:18] Niagara Falls with them

[2:18:21] and take a little bit of their countries

[2:18:22] back here to Niagara Falls.

[2:18:25] our crossing guards.

[2:18:28] Event at the Exchange.

[2:18:31] And there you can see,

[2:18:32] runs things, the tall guy.

[2:18:36] number of crossing guards

[2:18:38] for many years of service.

[2:18:40] job. It's the weather.

[2:18:43] snowing or raining or hot,

[2:18:45] making sure the kids

[2:18:47] are getting safely across the streets.

[2:18:50] International Film Festival

[2:18:54] took place at the Greg Frewin Theatre.

[2:18:57] So and all of his team

[2:19:00] for bringing all these great movies here

[2:19:02] to Niagara Falls for exposure.

[2:19:05] took place at Club Italia

[2:19:09] and that was the Bulgarian event

[2:19:12] two nights before I took off on our trip.

[2:19:15] Bulgarians at Club Italia

[2:19:18] doing all their traditional dances.

[2:19:20] And it was a nice way to get me ready

[2:19:23] for traveling to Bulgaria.

[2:19:25] place this past weekend

[2:19:28] at Firemen's Park and I was,

[2:19:31] councilors were there,

[2:19:33] so who was all there, you guys?

[2:19:34] Lococo, Dabrowski.

[2:19:38] Anyone else here? No?

[2:19:39] everybody making the trip out.

[2:19:43] They are going to make an announcement

[2:19:44] money for local charities.

[2:19:47] They raised money for Boys and Girls Club,

[2:19:49] and Project SHARE.

[2:19:51] Robitaille who ran the event

[2:19:54] was very proud of the success

[2:19:56] making an announcement

[2:19:57] given a local charities.

[2:20:00] We also had this weekend FlowFest,

[2:20:03] which took place at the Exchange

[2:20:05] and that's where, oh wait,

[2:20:06] sorry, jumped over one.

[2:20:08] Let's back up. I'm sorry.

[2:20:09] Worship in the Wild was Jesus Festival

[2:20:13] took place next to the Convention Centre.

[2:20:15] shirt? I'm going to tell my dad.

[2:20:17] Was that of the picture there too?

[2:20:18] Or no? Just that one.

[2:20:19] Okay. So anyway, we're grateful.

[2:20:21] "I'm going to tell my dad."

[2:20:25] those kind of funny ones

[2:20:27] for Father's Day weekend.

[2:20:28] bring greetings at Jesus Fest.

[2:20:33] FlowFest at the Exchange,

[2:20:36] which is where we have an opportunity

[2:20:38] to sample some great local breweries

[2:20:41] right here at our city facility.

[2:20:42] A second annual event and a big success.

[2:20:46] So I want to thank city councilors

[2:20:48] the city at a number of events.

[2:20:51] Obviously I can't be all,

[2:20:52] oh, and there's another,

[2:20:53] there was FlowFest.

[2:20:54] Look at the crowds for FlowFest.

[2:20:56] Just the second year, a booming success.

[2:20:59] And that's a made-in-Niagara Falls event.

[2:21:02] for the hard work they did

[2:21:05] and a Counterpart

[2:21:07] bringing this together.

[2:21:09] So councilors often represent myself

[2:21:12] and the city at different events.

[2:21:13] Councilor Dabrowski

[2:21:16] for representing the city

[2:21:17] singing competition.

[2:21:20] that one? No, we don't.

[2:21:22] Okay, so you guys got to send us-

[2:21:23] - No clips of them singing?

[2:21:25] there's a video of him singing.

[2:21:27] That's what I want get a hold of it.

[2:21:29] If anyone has it,

[2:21:31] please share it with us.

[2:21:32] We'd like to play.

[2:21:33] So you guys, when you go to events,

[2:21:34] so we can put 'em up here.

[2:21:36] Councilor Patel representing the city

[2:21:38] at the Rotary Paul Harris Award Evening,

[2:21:41] also at the Kent School graduation

[2:21:44] and the Para Soccer National Team Tryouts.

[2:21:47] Thank you, councilor.

[2:21:48] Patel representing the city

[2:21:51] at the certificate presentation

[2:21:53] to the Fire Chief for a Day Event.

[2:21:56] represented the city

[2:21:58] at the Walker Annual Open House.

[2:22:01] Councilor Nieuwesteeg represented the city

[2:22:02] Dorchester Community Picnic.

[2:22:05] The grand opening of Craft Collective.

[2:22:07] Councilor Baldinelli represented the city

[2:22:09] Day flag raising.

[2:22:15] milestones and events.

[2:22:18] 40 years and it's amazing.

[2:22:22] businesses in our backyard

[2:22:25] and they are global.

[2:22:27] They supply companies around the world

[2:22:30] and they're a Niagara Falls business.

[2:22:32] the right and son on the left.

[2:22:36] You know, still, you know,

[2:22:37] his dad's in his eighties

[2:22:38] and he still shows up to work every day.

[2:22:41] And then the next picture,

[2:22:43] there in the industrial park

[2:22:45] off of Stanley Avenue.

[2:22:49] Also, we have the grand opening

[2:22:50] Chapel on Lundy's Lane,

[2:22:54] the knot at City Hall,

[2:22:56] people to tie the knot.

[2:22:59] So congratulations to that latest opening.

[2:23:03] Flag raisings.

[2:23:04] We had Italian Heritage Month flag raising

[2:23:07] with Ambassador Alessandro Cattaneo.

[2:23:11] And that was in front of City Hall.

[2:23:13] It was a very exciting event as we invited

[2:23:15] a lot of people from around Niagara Falls

[2:23:19] to be a part of the festivities

[2:23:21] of celebrating Italian heritage.

[2:23:24] our MP Tony Baldinelli.

[2:23:28] He was able, in that picture,

[2:23:29] you look at from the left is the mayor

[2:23:31] Robert Restaino, and myself.

[2:23:35] And then the ambassador,

[2:23:38] and then of course Tony Baldinelli.

[2:23:39] So he made the original connection

[2:23:42] have the Italian ambassador

[2:23:44] join us that day in front of City Hall.

[2:23:48] And coming up, Canada Day celebration

[2:23:50] right around the corner, folks,

[2:23:51] 8:00 PM at Firemen's Park.

[2:23:55] We're encouraging everybody to come out.

[2:23:57] music, interactive kids shows,

[2:24:00] vendors, inflatables,

[2:24:04] kids crafts, cake, and much, much more.

[2:24:07] We're asking everyone

[2:24:07] Canada shirts and outfits.

[2:24:11] There will be paid parking on side

[2:24:14] will go to local charities.

[2:24:18] are also available

[2:24:21] from various locations.

[2:24:23] a non-perishable food donation

[2:24:26] for Project SHARE to the event.

[2:24:28] And for details and specifics on shuttles,

[2:24:31] go to niagarafalls.ca.

[2:24:34] Look forward to seeing everybody.

[2:24:35] Noon till 8:00 PM, Firemen's Park.

[2:24:38] will be Tuesday, July the 14th.

[2:24:43] with the exception of,

[2:24:48] swing that I'd like to put up.

[2:24:53] I think Councilor Baldinelli,

[2:24:54] introduce to this picture?

[2:24:58] - Why certainly. Thank you, Mayor.

[2:25:01] We had an opportunity to participate,

[2:25:04] tournament at Legends.

[2:25:08] And on number six we were dead against

[2:25:10] a hurricane-force wind

[2:25:13] and Erik pummeled one down there.

[2:25:15] And I didn't really think it reached

[2:25:17] the long drive contest marker out there.

[2:25:21] when we drove out there,

[2:25:23] he had surpassed it and it was a big drive

[2:25:25] and I'd just like to congratulate him.

[2:25:26] We didn't win at the end

[2:25:28] of young kids out there.

[2:25:29] that plaque is very good.

[2:25:33] And I'd like to say I witnessed it

[2:25:35] and it was a beautiful high drop.

[2:25:36] (all chuckle)

[2:25:38] And congratulations, Erik.

[2:25:40] - [Diodati] Yes, yes. Mr. Nickel, yes.

[2:25:43] not be working enough.

[2:25:44] say about good golfers?

[2:25:46] They got too much time on their hands.

[2:25:47] Is that what somebody said?

[2:25:48] to share with us the technique

[2:25:51] that you used to hit such a great drive?

[2:25:54] - Close your eyes and hope for the best.

[2:25:56] (all laugh)

[2:25:58] - That's what I use too.

[2:25:59] the picture, councilman.

[2:26:02] And it was pointed out to me

[2:26:03] third blooper of the day.

[2:26:06] the cisterns in Turkey,

[2:26:09] not the Russians.

[2:26:10] So my apology if I offended anybody,

[2:26:13] but that's third blooper and counting.

[2:26:15] Our CA was kind enough to count.

[2:26:16] So thank you for doing that.

[2:26:18] he is good at counting.

[2:26:20] to take his socks off

[2:26:22] to keep track of my bloopers today.

[2:26:24] So first up, we now move to,

[2:26:26] anyone following along with the agenda,

[2:26:27] is number seven on the agenda.

[2:26:29] and presentations.

[2:26:32] So now a reminder to all speakers,

[2:26:35] you have a maximum of five minutes.

[2:26:37] We ask you to try to not repeat things.

[2:26:40] And the first presentation

[2:26:42] adaptation implementation plan.

[2:26:48] So we're going to ask Carey Campbell,

[2:26:50] the manager of the Mayor and CAO's offices

[2:26:52] and the Business Development offices

[2:26:54] Dennall, our climate intern.

[2:26:59] us through a presentation

[2:27:02] for the last little while.

[2:27:05] So as a joke, I call her Shania sometimes

[2:27:07] we'll just call her Shania.

[2:27:10] - She's smiling now. Yeah.

[2:27:12] - I have to.

[2:27:15] - Thanks, Mayor Jim, members of council,

[2:27:17] members of the public and staff,

[2:27:19] Shania Dennall today

[2:27:22] Environmental Leadership Canada.

[2:27:25] She's been here on a six-month internship.

[2:27:28] She's been involved in all things climate,

[2:27:31] specifically as Mayor Jim mentioned,

[2:27:34] adaptation implementation plan

[2:27:39] to where we're at with that.

[2:27:42] But she's done a lot more

[2:27:44] take too much of her time

[2:27:46] down to her five minutes,

[2:27:48] I'd like to thank Shania

[2:27:51] for all of her work this past six months

[2:27:54] for the next few minutes.

[2:28:00] thank you for having me.

[2:28:03] the past six months,

[2:28:06] I've been supporting

[2:28:07] some of the climate-related initiatives,

[2:28:09] but also tracking the progress

[2:28:11] implementation plan.

[2:28:14] It's a bit of a mouthful.

[2:28:17] So sorry.

[2:28:22] How do I do this?

[2:28:24] - [Councilor] All right.

[2:28:30] - I think it's, um...

[2:28:37] - Which one now?

[2:28:38] - Cool.

[2:28:41] Hold on.

[2:28:45] - This doesn't count as your time.

[2:28:48] That is a blooper.

[2:28:51] - [Councilor] A lot of bloopers today.

[2:29:00] - Thank you.

[2:29:02] Okay. (laughs)

[2:29:04] So a bit of a background.

[2:29:06] The plan was first adopted in 2023

[2:29:09] and it's organized over these five themes,

[2:29:11] infrastructure,

[2:29:14] health and wellbeing, economy and workers,

[2:29:16] and resilient governance.

[2:29:17] of this plan is vital

[2:29:21] to ensure that climate considerations

[2:29:24] into new development

[2:29:26] accountability to our residents.

[2:29:31] give you a brief overview

[2:29:32] the five themes do vary,

[2:29:36] meaningful work being done.

[2:29:41] Okay. Oh no. (laughs)

[2:29:44] I'm sorry.

[2:29:49] - Yeah, I'm...

[2:29:52] - Okay.

[2:29:53] Okay, (chuckles) so the first theme,

[2:29:55] nature and biodiversity,

[2:29:57] our natural systems

[2:30:00] and our community resilience.

[2:30:03] As you can see by the bar at the top,

[2:30:06] the progress is steadily moving forward

[2:30:08] with a focus on our urban forest,

[2:30:12] expanding and protecting our urban forest.

[2:30:14] So our tree canopy currently sits

[2:30:16] at 30.5%, which is really great.

[2:30:19] It's actually above average

[2:30:21] municipalities in the region.

[2:30:24] I was also had a lot

[2:30:26] tree giveaway last month

[2:30:29] to Niagara Falls residents,

[2:30:33] all which were native,

[2:30:36] as an opportunity to expand

[2:30:38] our tree canopy is important.

[2:30:42] trees to grow and mature.

[2:30:45] actions from this theme

[2:30:48] that I recommend strengthening

[2:30:50] low-impact design practices

[2:30:53] into new development.

[2:30:55] also educational outreach

[2:30:59] our natural environment,

[2:31:02] especially with the younger generation.

[2:31:04] mayor's Youth Advisory Committee

[2:31:08] think further utilizing them

[2:31:11] municipal decision making,

[2:31:14] not just climate, is great

[2:31:16] as the decisions that you guys make today

[2:31:20] their future generations.

[2:31:24] Moving on.

[2:31:26] In infrastructure, so this focuses

[2:31:28] on protecting our built environment

[2:31:30] support growth and development.

[2:31:34] Progress is still emerging in this theme,

[2:31:37] but there is a lot of progress being made

[2:31:39] into new development.

[2:31:42] And one of the key progress

[2:31:44] of the city's fleet.

[2:31:48] greenhouse gas emissions,

[2:31:51] leadership to the community.

[2:31:56] that personally excites me

[2:31:59] Transportation Master Plan.

[2:32:02] walkable city is really important.

[2:32:06] greenhouse gas emissions,

[2:32:09] but it also allows residents and visitors

[2:32:11] to really explore the city

[2:32:13] in a way that you can't do from a car.

[2:32:16] The biggest opportunity to expand here

[2:32:18] green buildings guideline.

[2:32:21] Community Improvement Plan.

[2:32:24] and urban infill tax grants,

[2:32:29] having a clear green building guideline

[2:32:31] to ensure that future developments

[2:32:33] climate risks is important.

[2:32:39] Next, health and wellbeing.

[2:32:40] protecting our residents

[2:32:42] ensuring equitable access

[2:32:45] to resources and services.

[2:32:48] highlights from this theme

[2:32:51] for emergency preparedness

[2:32:54] and access to cooling and heating centers

[2:32:57] during extreme weather.

[2:32:59] to expand public communication

[2:33:03] regarding emergency preparedness as well.

[2:33:07] During my time here I had the opportunity

[2:33:09] Action Plan Open House,

[2:33:13] Unhoused Action Team meetings,

[2:33:17] which really reinforce the idea

[2:33:18] that building climate resilience

[2:33:21] and social planning are connected.

[2:33:24] housing insecurity

[2:33:26] disproportionately impacted

[2:33:29] by climate change.

[2:33:30] And so it's critical to make sure

[2:33:32] that climate considerations

[2:33:33] into social planning.

[2:33:37] up of a variety of groups,

[2:33:41] you know, Indigenous populations,

[2:33:42] refugees and newcomers, tourists,

[2:33:44] international students, low income, so on.

[2:33:47] And it's really important

[2:33:49] that these groups are meaningfully engaged

[2:33:52] city's climate action.

[2:33:54] Another big action within this theme

[2:33:58] is also food security.

[2:34:00] This is obviously also public health

[2:34:02] and a simple action to strengthen that

[2:34:06] city's community gardens

[2:34:09] and continuing collaboration

[2:34:12] like Project SHARE.

[2:34:16] So next, economy and workers.

[2:34:18] businesses and workers

[2:34:21] as they adapt to our changing climate.

[2:34:24] this was really how impressive

[2:34:29] for local businesses is.

[2:34:33] events become more frequent,

[2:34:37] especially those working outside

[2:34:40] will increasingly search for information

[2:34:43] and resources on how to adapt

[2:34:45] our changing climate.

[2:34:48] with business-specific tips

[2:34:51] and working-specific tips is vital.

[2:34:55] workforce development.

[2:34:58] So continuing to partnership

[2:35:00] with local educational institutions

[2:35:03] Falls and Niagara College

[2:35:06] start developing green jobs.

[2:35:12] And lastly, resilient governance.

[2:35:14] considerations into decision making

[2:35:18] and long-term planning.

[2:35:20] theme of the most progress made

[2:35:24] as climate is continually being considered

[2:35:28] and also departmental plans.

[2:35:33] the securing of funding

[2:35:38] for climate-related projects

[2:35:40] and also just the continued support

[2:35:43] for staff and community engagement events.

[2:35:46] The biggest opportunity to expand,

[2:35:48] and I think the most important first step

[2:35:51] from all of these that I've said

[2:35:53] is to strengthen coordination internally.

[2:35:57] A Green Team was established

[2:36:00] plan was made back in 2023.

[2:36:04] And I think utilizing that

[2:36:06] across the city is important.

[2:36:11] a The Green Room page

[2:36:15] for staff in our internal intranet.

[2:36:18] And I would like to see

[2:36:19] that page utilized further in the future

[2:36:23] staff and share resources.

[2:36:29] And lastly, another aspect of this

[2:36:31] is just visible climate action

[2:36:33] and public educational campaigns.

[2:36:36] I had the greatest opportunity

[2:36:38] Center during my time here

[2:36:42] a hub it is for this city.

[2:36:46] It gets so many visitors,

[2:36:47] a variety of residents attend there

[2:36:50] and I think it's a real ideal location

[2:36:52] to showcase sustainable initiatives

[2:36:54] and therefore supporting the staff there

[2:36:57] in the Environmental Action Committee

[2:36:58] help climate action in the city

[2:37:02] and community driven.

[2:37:06] I'd like to thank you for allowing me

[2:37:08] and to present to you today.

[2:37:12] meaningful experience here

[2:37:14] working in this such unique municipality

[2:37:17] and I look forward to seeing

[2:37:19] initiatives grow over time

[2:37:22] as the city also grows.

[2:37:24] - Thank you, Shania. Good job.

[2:37:25] (attendees applaud)

[2:37:30] questions it looks like.

[2:37:32] Lococo and then Nieuwesteeg.

[2:37:36] through the mayor to Shania.

[2:37:38] Thank you so much for the presentation.

[2:37:40] I've had an opportunity

[2:37:41] to speak with Shania on a few occasions.

[2:37:44] well on what we're doing

[2:37:46] and this project allowed her to track it

[2:37:49] so we could see where we are

[2:37:50] and what we need to do moving forward.

[2:37:52] There are a lot of opportunities.

[2:37:54] One of them that really popped out to me

[2:37:56] within this presentation

[2:37:58] is about the tree canopy.

[2:38:01] We always talk about having a tree canopy

[2:38:03] and there's a private tree canopy

[2:38:05] and there's the public tree canopy.

[2:38:08] I'm learning more now,

[2:38:11] down with a big canopy,

[2:38:14] that affects the canopy.

[2:38:16] development applications

[2:38:19] and we say we replace them,

[2:38:21] but we replace them with little saplings

[2:38:24] that don't have a big tree canopy.

[2:38:26] So it's not just the number of trees

[2:38:28] that we're swapping out.

[2:38:29] We have to think about the tree canopy

[2:38:31] once we're cutting that down.

[2:38:32] And that really hit home with me

[2:38:34] so thank you for that.

[2:38:39] the canopy is a tree by-law.

[2:38:42] We've talked about that many times.

[2:38:44] It's in the further presentation.

[2:38:46] So I just wanted to put that out there

[2:38:47] it up numerous times.

[2:38:50] there are some disadvantages.

[2:38:52] I do understand that.

[2:38:53] that we should look into.

[2:38:55] about the Green Team.

[2:39:00] the Accessibility Committee

[2:39:02] that Jay MacClain has started

[2:39:04] an internal accessibility committee.

[2:39:06] all of these departments

[2:39:09] were working in silos

[2:39:10] and accessibility became an afterthought.

[2:39:13] And the same thing with your Green Team

[2:39:16] is it's not an afterthought anymore.

[2:39:17] departments working together

[2:39:20] and talking about green initiatives

[2:39:21] not after the discussion.

[2:39:25] So thank you so much

[2:39:26] for bringing that back to the forefront.

[2:39:29] Some of the topics in there

[2:39:31] I'd like to talk about

[2:39:34] is permeable surfaces,

[2:39:36] city things that we're doing.

[2:39:39] that we're doing.

[2:39:41] we say they're native

[2:39:44] native to the Niagara area,

[2:39:47] they might be native to Canada.

[2:39:49] But we need to look at those.

[2:39:51] to make some positive choices

[2:39:55] environment and the health.

[2:39:58] health and wellbeing.

[2:40:01] You talked about preparedness.

[2:40:04] we seem to have a plan

[2:40:06] for what to do when disaster strikes,

[2:40:09] but I don't think we've communicated

[2:40:10] that plan out to our residents.

[2:40:12] So when there's no power, there's nothing,

[2:40:15] what does a resident do?

[2:40:16] we can work on that again

[2:40:19] residents know what to do

[2:40:22] when there is a disaster.

[2:40:24] but if they don't know,

[2:40:25] there not knowing what to do.

[2:40:28] we can tie it all together.

[2:40:30] for your presentation.

[2:40:32] - Thank you, Councilor.

[2:40:33] I've got Councilor Nieuwesteeg up next

[2:40:35] - Thank you.

[2:40:37] and very informative.

[2:40:40] touched on one of the points

[2:40:42] well about the different silos.

[2:40:45] committee here today

[2:40:47] and as you're talking about

[2:40:49] how do we make sure we communicate,

[2:40:51] perhaps that is something,

[2:40:52] and you mentioned the MYAC as well,

[2:40:54] streamline of this committee

[2:40:58] focus through all of this

[2:41:00] a separate committee,

[2:41:01] each one that's already out there

[2:41:03] to be able to touch upon it.

[2:41:04] 'Cause this also affects seniors.

[2:41:06] And a question kind of relating to that,

[2:41:08] you talked about the number

[2:41:09] of cooling facilities for people.

[2:41:14] Where are they in the city?

[2:41:16] Do we have enough geographically

[2:41:17] extreme weather conditions?

[2:41:22] - Thank you for the question.

[2:41:23] the MacBain, the library

[2:41:28] are all cooling and warming centers.

[2:41:31] If that's enough, I'm not sure.

[2:41:33] I think the Emergency Preparedness team

[2:41:36] is probably better off answering that.

[2:41:39] But from what I've seen,

[2:41:40] to hold our population.

[2:41:44] communications around that

[2:41:49] needs to be improved

[2:41:51] so people actually know where to go.

[2:41:53] it comes to seniors as well

[2:41:56] and whether we have them

[2:41:57] in the different ends of the city as well,

[2:41:58] like Chippewa, if we can do that.

[2:42:00] Just one final question.

[2:42:01] three major climate risks

[2:42:04] facing Niagara Falls?

[2:42:06] - I'd say extreme weather.

[2:42:09] had a really long winter,

[2:42:13] roads and our infrastructure.

[2:42:17] Invasive species.

[2:42:19] will touch on that later,

[2:42:22] but it's really touching our urban forest

[2:42:26] and we really want to protect that.

[2:42:29] And lastly, I would say air quality.

[2:42:34] car-dependent country and city

[2:42:39] and as well with the forest fires

[2:42:42] that we'll see later on in the season,

[2:42:44] and we saw last year

[2:42:45] how that really infected our air quality.

[2:42:48] I think that should be something

[2:42:50] that needs to be addressed too.

[2:42:51] But thank you for the question.

[2:42:53] for the work you've done.

[2:42:54] It's really something

[2:42:55] that needs to be highlighted for us.

[2:42:56] - Thank you.

[2:42:57] - [Diodati] Thank you. Councilor Strange?

[2:42:59] - Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor,

[2:43:01] and thank you, Carey.

[2:43:03] I know you guys been working on this plan

[2:43:05] meeting with stakeholders

[2:43:08] and even hoteliers

[2:43:13] and people from the park.

[2:43:14] in this and just great job

[2:43:19] and, you know, we saw the presentation

[2:43:21] and, you know, you looked at 41 goals

[2:43:24] themes of, just wondering,

[2:43:27] be your three actions

[2:43:30] that would you kind of would roll out

[2:43:32] in the next 12 to 18 months?

[2:43:35] - Great question.

[2:43:37] reconvening the Green Team

[2:43:41] from each department.

[2:43:44] And so I think really getting together

[2:43:46] and having discussion on what is viable

[2:43:50] most important first step.

[2:43:54] I think as the city continues to develop,

[2:43:56] I know that's a key priority

[2:43:59] making sure that new developments

[2:44:01] considerations is important.

[2:44:05] efficiency, green space,

[2:44:08] waste, all that stuff.

[2:44:10] protecting our workers,

[2:44:14] fields and our small businesses,

[2:44:17] of the heart of the city

[2:44:19] that they are protected

[2:44:21] will protect our city,

[2:44:25] but also our economy,

[2:44:27] which I think is important.

[2:44:29] - Thank you.

[2:44:30] canopy, our tree canopy

[2:44:33] to the rest of the region?

[2:44:36] - So when I was looking at the canopies,

[2:44:39] the overall average of the region was 28%.

[2:44:43] Some of the higher ones were 31, 32.

[2:44:46] And we sat well above the average

[2:44:49] - Above the average.

[2:44:51] a little bit of shout out

[2:44:53] to our Environmental Action Committee.

[2:44:55] - Some people know

[2:44:56] trees for the last four years,

[2:45:00] so we've given away 2,000 trees.

[2:45:03] And to kind of put that in perspective,

[2:45:04] I'm going to go to our manager of,

[2:45:08] and Erik Nickel, if you can just tell us,

[2:45:09] staff to plant 2,000 trees?

[2:45:14] - Yeah, through the mayor.

[2:45:16] a year's worth of work

[2:45:18] in our Forestry Department.

[2:45:20] have such great partnership

[2:45:23] we're planting as well.

[2:45:26] from one private group,

[2:45:29] add that to the trees we're planting

[2:45:31] and we're doing a sizable amount of work.

[2:45:33] - Yeah, 100%.

[2:45:34] And we're so glad we get to get sponsors

[2:45:37] to help and pay for these trees

[2:45:40] to Niagara Falls residents

[2:45:43] on their own property.

[2:45:44] And you know, anyone that has a tree

[2:45:46] are going to take care of the tree

[2:45:47] 'cause they actually want the tree there.

[2:45:49] So it really helps our canopy.

[2:45:50] And just, I want to shout it

[2:45:52] to our Environmental Action Committee

[2:45:53] doing an amazing job

[2:45:55] going to be like in 10 years.

[2:45:57] for the presentation.

[2:45:59] - Thank you. Thank you so much.

[2:46:00] - Thanks very much, Councilor.

[2:46:02] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[2:46:05] (councilors chatter)

[2:46:07] your work on this report.

[2:46:10] asked most of my questions,

[2:46:13] so I just have one more question.

[2:46:15] So our tree canopy is 30.5%.

[2:46:17] Is that a goal we are trying to achieve?

[2:46:21] still working on a goal

[2:46:23] to align with the region's goal,

[2:46:26] which I think is around 30%.

[2:46:29] Forest Urban management plan,

[2:46:33] which is still underway,

[2:46:36] still a pretty strong canopy

[2:46:40] that is really good.

[2:46:43] - Thank you.

[2:46:46] questions of council,

[2:46:49] receive the presentation.

[2:46:51] Councilor Lococo second.

[2:46:54] All those in favor? That's unanimous.

[2:46:57] And I just want to say thank you, Shania,

[2:46:58] it's been great having you in our office.

[2:47:00] working with your mentor,

[2:47:02] Carey Campbell here, our manager,

[2:47:04] going to leave a legacy

[2:47:07] and there'll be residual impact

[2:47:09] from the work that you did with us.

[2:47:10] whatever next steps you take.

[2:47:13] So on behalf of all of us, thank you.

[2:47:14] Great job. Great having you here.

[2:47:16] (attendees applaud)

[2:47:21] - All right, moving on.

[2:47:24] We are now moving on to 7.2,

[2:47:26] Matt Anthony Guarasci.

[2:47:30] Guinness World Record event

[2:47:33] what he's got in mind.

[2:47:37] - Yeah, great.

[2:47:38] Great to be here. Perfect.

[2:47:42] So first off, members of council,

[2:47:44] that's here in attendance,

[2:47:47] vision for the last six years

[2:47:51] to put Niagara Falls on the map

[2:47:53] by not just doing something small,

[2:47:55] on the world's stage,

[2:47:57] which is the birth and the creation

[2:48:00] of the world's largest ugly sweater party.

[2:48:03] And over the last nine years,

[2:48:04] I've hosted an ugly sweater party event

[2:48:06] in Grand Central and at Ruth's Chris

[2:48:08] the downtown district,

[2:48:10] ranging from having 500 to 600 people.

[2:48:12] the marketing efforts

[2:48:15] going to be giving today,

[2:48:17] this won't be one of the smaller events

[2:48:19] that come out of here.

[2:48:20] that will be cemented

[2:48:22] to put us on the world stage.

[2:48:24] So a little bit about me.

[2:48:26] worked on over 97 events

[2:48:28] in the last nine years.

[2:48:29] I'm proud to call Niagara my home

[2:48:31] different business owners

[2:48:36] awards for my efforts.

[2:48:38] But nothing is as impressive as that,

[2:48:40] as to when I got called on the stage

[2:48:43] Right" in front of 5,000 people

[2:48:45] vacation to Hawaii.

[2:48:49] So needless to say, it was, you know,

[2:48:51] I got to hear the words, "Come on down,"

[2:48:52] too happy about that.

[2:48:57] But what is the goal?

[2:48:58] to solve five major problems

[2:49:01] Falls during the winter,

[2:49:04] during our off-season winter of tourism.

[2:49:06] December 5th of this year

[2:49:09] at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre.

[2:49:11] Our goal with this event

[2:49:12] is to drive hotel stays and tourism,

[2:49:14] generate millions of views online,

[2:49:17] the proceeds from the event

[2:49:19] to a strategic community partner.

[2:49:21] conversations with Project SHARE

[2:49:23] and they absolutely love the idea.

[2:49:25] To establish global recognition

[2:49:27] and to literally cement ourselves

[2:49:30] in the world record book with this.

[2:49:32] And last but certainly not least,

[2:49:33] this event is designed

[2:49:36] during the winter season

[2:49:39] desperately needs it the most.

[2:49:44] help get some funding

[2:49:48] and initiation to launch this

[2:49:50] as a globally recognized event brand.

[2:49:53] I'm here to ask for $185,000

[2:49:55] from the municipal accommodation tax

[2:49:57] for the next 5 to 10 years.

[2:50:01] investment will not just be

[2:50:04] for a one-and-done opportunity

[2:50:05] into the world record book.

[2:50:08] for us to have that funds

[2:50:11] two, three, four, five, six,

[2:50:15] and so on and so forth.

[2:50:16] a whopping total of,

[2:50:19] excuse me, $0 for this year

[2:50:21] in order to make this event happen.

[2:50:23] our friends over at ChatGPT,

[2:50:26] event would look like.

[2:50:29] Imagine yourself walking into

[2:50:31] wonderland experience

[2:50:34] and everyone's draped and covered

[2:50:35] in their most ugly sweaters.

[2:50:37] You can think of it as your best dressed

[2:50:39] on how you look at it.

[2:50:41] able to mix and mingle

[2:50:42] world-class entertainment,

[2:50:45] come together for a night

[2:50:48] to talk about this event

[2:50:51] for the years to come.

[2:50:53] reinventing the wheel here.

[2:50:56] We're taking a proven model

[2:50:57] work time and time again

[2:50:59] with our friends over in Buffalo

[2:51:01] with the world's largest disco,

[2:51:02] like Councilor Dabrowski has done

[2:51:04] with Niagara Falls Comic-Con

[2:51:05] councilors have done

[2:51:07] on different events.

[2:51:09] We're taking on a very strategic niche,

[2:51:12] nostalgic marketing angle,

[2:51:13] own ugly twist on it.

[2:51:17] And what is the current world record?

[2:51:19] So after my conversations

[2:51:20] with the Guinness Book of World Records,

[2:51:21] the record stands at 3,473 people.

[2:51:24] And that is the current record to beat.

[2:51:27] 3,500 people in attendance

[2:51:30] in the building at the same time

[2:51:33] officially have been broken.

[2:51:37] projections and economic impact?

[2:51:40] and the current marketing plan,

[2:51:44] 4,000 to 6,500 people

[2:51:46] to 70%, making majority,

[2:51:50] are visiting Niagara Falls,

[2:51:54] maybe for the very first time

[2:51:56] vacationers from Toronto,

[2:51:58] so on and so forth.

[2:52:01] And based on my TRIM report

[2:52:03] done with the Government of Ontario,

[2:52:05] if all is successful with this event,

[2:52:06] we will generate anywhere between $200,000

[2:52:08] to $1,000,000 plus of economic impact

[2:52:12] December 25th of this year.

[2:52:16] And as you can see

[2:52:17] laid out in front of you,

[2:52:18] there's the full cost breakdown

[2:52:20] out all of my costs

[2:52:22] with the Niagara Falls Convention Centre,

[2:52:24] Guinness World Records,

[2:52:25] the various marketing expenditure,

[2:52:27] totaling a grand total of $169,298.82.

[2:52:33] that are not accounted for,

[2:52:35] justify the ask of $185,000.

[2:52:40] a rough general admission

[2:52:43] for general admission VIP

[2:52:45] and hotel room bookings.

[2:52:46] The goal is to solidify ourselves

[2:52:48] and get a majority of the people

[2:52:50] to book hotel stays with us

[2:52:52] here in the city of Niagara Falls.

[2:52:53] These are just a generalized numbers

[2:52:56] based on the event projections

[2:52:57] and the projected ticket pricing

[2:52:58] as to what we would go forward with.

[2:53:00] that will be generated from this

[2:53:03] $173,000 and counting,

[2:53:07] will technically operate

[2:53:09] this out of their own money

[2:53:11] at a break even.

[2:53:13] they'll be taking out,

[2:53:16] me and my events team

[2:53:17] zero personal profit

[2:53:19] and utilizing this funding as a launchpad

[2:53:21] to reinvest into year two, year three,

[2:53:24] and so on and so forth.

[2:53:25] in your notes too as well.

[2:53:29] Because the biggest expenses

[2:53:30] when it comes to this event this year

[2:53:32] Book of World Records,

[2:53:34] still finalizing the quote,

[2:53:36] but they said it's going to be anywhere

[2:53:37] Canadian for them to come out

[2:53:40] and adjudicate an event of this size.

[2:53:42] And as well as with the Convention Centre,

[2:53:44] about $30 to $35,000,

[2:53:47] that's making operational

[2:53:49] and just the judgment of the event

[2:53:51] about $75,000 in hard costs.

[2:53:54] anything to do with marketing.

[2:53:57] And I think that we can all agree

[2:53:59] a successful event,

[2:54:01] everything is about how you package it

[2:54:03] and how you market it these days.

[2:54:04] So that's why I'm here to justify

[2:54:06] for that ask of that set funding.

[2:54:08] personalized creators

[2:54:11] that I have a personal relationship

[2:54:13] that are all based here in Toronto

[2:54:16] all the way to Western New York.

[2:54:17] 5.9 million combined followers

[2:54:22] of all of these people.

[2:54:24] There's no agent, there's no middleman

[2:54:25] that anyone has to go through.

[2:54:27] I have the direct relationship

[2:54:28] with each and every single one of them.

[2:54:30] less than half of a percent

[2:54:34] of these people's followers

[2:54:35] to come in and join us at the event,

[2:54:38] to breaking the world record

[2:54:41] along with our other marketing efforts.

[2:54:43] And there's also creators on here

[2:54:44] that have not been listed as of yet.

[2:54:47] We'll reach these projections

[2:54:48] through doing various talk shows

[2:54:50] "CHCH," "The Morning Show."

[2:54:53] I also have a relationship

[2:54:54] with Global News among other outlets.

[2:54:56] target community partners,

[2:54:59] some of which I have already spoken to,

[2:55:01] like Niagara Falls Tourism,

[2:55:03] the University of Niagara Falls Canada,

[2:55:05] Money Buys Happiness,

[2:55:06] which is Canada's largest podcast outlet

[2:55:09] country based in Toronto.

[2:55:12] And as well as the relationship

[2:55:15] with the Fallsview Group

[2:55:17] for the last 10 years.

[2:55:20] than gracious to say

[2:55:23] entire endorsement and support

[2:55:25] when it comes to putting on an event

[2:55:27] of this magnitude and of this scale.

[2:55:29] So again, reinforcing the ask

[2:55:31] biggest cost for this event.

[2:55:33] about Guinness World Records

[2:55:36] and the cost for the Convention Centre

[2:55:38] this is not a one-off event

[2:55:41] break the world record

[2:55:43] and cement ourself.

[2:55:44] This is looking for us to expand

[2:55:45] for years going forward.

[2:55:49] 20 letters of endorsement

[2:55:51] for people who have said

[2:55:52] endorsed me for the event.

[2:55:54] And some of them being from members

[2:55:56] of the Board of Ontario Creates

[2:55:58] largest not-for-profit,

[2:56:00] and Coalition Music

[2:56:03] who represent the likes of Simple Plan,

[2:56:06] Our Lady Peace and many others.

[2:56:08] So with that being said, Niagara,

[2:56:10] put Niagara Falls on the map

[2:56:14] sweater capital of the world?

[2:56:17] love to do this with you.

[2:56:19] Thank you very much for your time.

[2:56:21] - Very good, thank you very much.

[2:56:23] (attendees applause)

[2:56:25] today and everything.

[2:56:28] So Matt Anthony, maybe we'll go to council

[2:56:30] and see if we've got some questions.

[2:56:31] I got Councilor Strange

[2:56:32] got any other questions.

[2:56:34] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[2:56:36] that lovely presentation.

[2:56:39] up early for the contest.

[2:56:42] - I think he did.

[2:56:43] - Might I have to win?

[2:56:44] - That's an insult.

[2:56:46] - No. How is that an insult?

[2:56:47] - I'm a Canadian, I apologize.

[2:56:52] accomplish this next year,

[2:56:55] roll it out every single year,

[2:56:58] - Same event concept.

[2:56:59] - Yep, same everything.

[2:57:01] the world record this year

[2:57:04] largest ugly sweater party.

[2:57:07] host it again year after year

[2:57:09] with the attendance to get hopefully

[2:57:11] about 15 to 20% increase year after year.

[2:57:14] ugly sweater party this year.

[2:57:17] World's largest ugly sweater party

[2:57:18] year two, year three, year four,

[2:57:20] and run it until I can't run it again

[2:57:21] - Perfect.

[2:57:22] And this kind of leads into my next segue

[2:57:24] because myself and Councilor Baldinelli

[2:57:26] find out how much money

[2:57:28] we do have in the MAT Fund.

[2:57:30] report back sooner or later.

[2:57:33] going to come, so, you know.

[2:57:35] - [Diodati] Thank you.

[2:57:36] Thank you for that, Councilor Strange.

[2:57:37] We'll go to Councilor Dabrowski.

[2:57:39] energy, nice presentation.

[2:57:43] It's a niche event, it's a novelty event,

[2:57:46] but it's a great event.

[2:57:47] largest disco started in 1994,

[2:57:51] drew 2,000 people in its first year

[2:57:54] and it's gone on for 20, 25 plus years.

[2:57:56] dollars for charities.

[2:57:59] year, sells out every year.

[2:58:02] tourism destination events.

[2:58:07] It's what I see Niagara Falls

[2:58:09] world's largest sweater party,

[2:58:11] eventually, once we break that record.

[2:58:14] terms of media coverage,

[2:58:17] News, a lot of local outlets,

[2:58:21] a lot of regional outlets.

[2:58:22] you were to break that record,

[2:58:25] do we see the CNNs, the "Today Shows,"

[2:58:27] the "Good Morning Americas"?

[2:58:28] markets picking up on this?

[2:58:31] part of the strategy?

[2:58:34] - I'm just trying

[2:58:35] to look at the big picture

[2:58:36] because it's not just about the attendees,

[2:58:39] it's not just about the hotel stays,

[2:58:41] Niagara Falls on the map

[2:58:43] nationally and internationally.

[2:58:44] some insight on that,

[2:58:47] it'll help me come to a conclusion to see,

[2:58:49] if we have the funding,

[2:58:51] bucket if we can allocate some

[2:58:55] to make this event happen this year, so.

[2:58:56] - I'll let you answer.

[2:58:57] - Well thank you very much

[2:58:58] for the question, Councilor Dabrowski,

[2:58:59] I super, super appreciate that.

[2:59:01] That is 100% the plan to do that,

[2:59:04] attention as possible.

[2:59:07] Guinness Book of World Records

[2:59:10] and they said that they've worked

[2:59:11] businesses too as well.

[2:59:13] their best efforts forward

[2:59:15] to help ensure that they can put me

[2:59:16] in the right rooms and the right contacts

[2:59:18] global exposure as possible.

[2:59:22] So that is definitely 100% the plan.

[2:59:24] And I think that this won't necessarily be

[2:59:26] brands that come out of Canada.

[2:59:27] I strongly believe this will be one

[2:59:28] of the biggest event brands

[2:59:29] that can come out in the entire world.

[2:59:32] - And then in terms of cost,

[2:59:34] in revenue generation?

[2:59:37] I saw the slide about ticket sales.

[2:59:39] being charged vendor prices

[2:59:41] to help tackle that expense?

[2:59:44] all revenue opportunities

[2:59:46] to come to that amount of revenue?

[2:59:49] - The majority of the tickets would come

[2:59:51] the ticket revenue for that.

[2:59:54] small portion of that,

[2:59:56] up less than 5 to 10%

[3:00:00] of the total event revenue generated.

[3:00:02] So revenue will come in from that,

[3:00:03] focal point from it.

[3:00:05] we're a tourist destination,

[3:00:08] we look for overnight stays.

[3:00:09] see people coming for two days,

[3:00:12] for two nights, or is it more of a,

[3:00:14] would they come in the morning,

[3:00:15] enjoy the event during the day

[3:00:16] and then leave the next day?

[3:00:18] showing up on Friday,

[3:00:20] getting prepared for the event?

[3:00:22] have to plan accordingly.

[3:00:24] Do you see people staying for two nights?

[3:00:26] - All right, thanks.

[3:00:29] - [Diodati] That's great. Thank you.

[3:00:30] Councilor Lococo?

[3:00:32] the mayor to the speaker.

[3:00:35] your presentation, Matt.

[3:00:36] - Very creative.

[3:00:39] Thank you for putting it together.

[3:00:41] I'm looking at this as a discussion

[3:00:45] that might be a little bit premature

[3:00:46] Councilor Dabrowski just said,

[3:00:50] sure $185,000 is there,

[3:00:55] what we're spending it on,

[3:00:58] how we're spending it,

[3:01:00] what is the process to apply for it.

[3:01:02] I think out of transparency for everyone

[3:01:04] that anybody can apply,

[3:01:07] we really need to come up with criteria

[3:01:09] and an application process.

[3:01:12] This is a great event.

[3:01:14] It's the process.

[3:01:15] we've had somebody come

[3:01:18] and ask for money for it from the MAT.

[3:01:20] to deal with that yet.

[3:01:23] need to figure that out

[3:01:25] before we start slotting money

[3:01:28] into that MAT use.

[3:01:31] And so that's what I would be looking for.

[3:01:33] - [Diodati] Thank you for that, Councilor.

[3:01:34] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor

[3:01:36] and to the speaker.

[3:01:37] And to piggyback on where Councilor Lococo

[3:01:39] don't have the MAT tax,

[3:01:42] but even more so than that,

[3:01:43] we don't even have other applicants.

[3:01:46] else coming up with things.

[3:01:47] make a qualified decision,

[3:01:51] we have to look at all the things.

[3:01:54] Your presentation's absolutely fabulous,

[3:01:56] your energy, I think it's great.

[3:01:58] we are councilors as well.

[3:02:01] We're not hoteliers or tourist people.

[3:02:03] have to be made in conjunction

[3:02:06] see the different events.

[3:02:09] 'Cause it is a large ask

[3:02:11] and it would be fabulous

[3:02:12] if we could be put on the map for that.

[3:02:14] else is coming our way.

[3:02:17] So I think it's a great presentation.

[3:02:19] not saying we're ready

[3:02:22] we have all the information

[3:02:24] proper educated decision.

[3:02:27] Lococo's discussion as well.

[3:02:31] ahead, Councilor Dabrowski.

[3:02:34] Thank you, Councilor.

[3:02:34] - Yeah, to that end, we've had,

[3:02:36] I can't count them on my fingers

[3:02:38] we've had come to this council

[3:02:41] over the course of the last six months.

[3:02:43] that MAT tax money.

[3:02:45] that's coming into city council

[3:02:48] has a marketing plan.

[3:02:52] some sort of indication

[3:02:55] on whether or not he can come back

[3:02:56] 60 days to this council

[3:03:00] with a revised presentation

[3:03:01] once we find out those numbers.

[3:03:03] But the clock is ticking.

[3:03:04] meeting talking about RibFest.

[3:03:07] two weeks to pull it together

[3:03:09] full commitment with that.

[3:03:12] where do we go from here?

[3:03:15] this idea for another year

[3:03:19] and let another municipality take it over

[3:03:21] and let the millions of views

[3:03:22] come into their municipality

[3:03:25] and stay at their hotels

[3:03:26] when we need it the most?

[3:03:28] towards some sort of resolution

[3:03:30] where we come back with some numbers

[3:03:33] or whenever it will be?

[3:03:35] I guess we'll ask staff that,

[3:03:36] idea go to another municipality.

[3:03:40] ticking for this year.

[3:03:42] ask that we're supporting,

[3:03:44] I'd like to see some sort of hybrid.

[3:03:46] And if that means he comes back to us

[3:03:49] with a revised presentation,

[3:03:51] but, you know, if it's yes or no today,

[3:03:53] some sort of indication

[3:03:56] on where he goes from here

[3:03:58] and where other events go from here.

[3:03:59] Because we're now looking at July 1st

[3:04:02] as our next large municipal event,

[3:04:04] October, November, December

[3:04:05] be here before we know it.

[3:04:08] and planning now,

[3:04:09] then we'll be behind,

[3:04:11] but another two years.

[3:04:13] been talking about this

[3:04:15] for over 24 months.

[3:04:16] - So maybe make a suggestion.

[3:04:18] Go ahead, Councilor.

[3:04:20] - I, sorry, Mr., I was just going to say

[3:04:21] 'cause they were planning to have this

[3:04:23] maybe at the Convention Centre.

[3:04:25] we don't have the number

[3:04:28] in the MAT tax

[3:04:28] that we can do some maybe in-kind

[3:04:30] where you're planning to have it

[3:04:35] and possibly take away

[3:04:36] whatever the thousand dollars,

[3:04:39] but the math has to get figured out.

[3:04:40] way that we might be able

[3:04:42] to do some in-kind services

[3:04:45] like the hall for free for that day

[3:04:48] when we do that.

[3:04:49] it'd be huge coverage for us.

[3:04:51] Dabrowski says, you know,

[3:04:54] it's almost July already.

[3:04:56] If you're planning to do this next year

[3:04:57] in the winter months,

[3:04:59] where maybe, you know,

[3:05:02] get that busy or something,

[3:05:04] in for a couple days

[3:05:06] and plan that event at that time.

[3:05:09] - That's a great idea.

[3:05:10] And so maybe a suggestion,

[3:05:11] maybe if we refer this back to staff

[3:05:13] to come back with something of a report

[3:05:16] and Lococo suggested,

[3:05:20] maybe with some kind of a vetting process,

[3:05:23] with the Convention Centre

[3:05:25] and maybe we can get some in-kind.

[3:05:27] And this could possibly be a part

[3:05:30] of the Winter Festival of Lights,

[3:05:31] could be part of the kickoff in November

[3:05:33] and turn it into an overnight

[3:05:34] that has become huge.

[3:05:37] people to Niagara Falls.

[3:05:39] Partner with the Parks Commission.

[3:05:41] spinning with ideas too,

[3:05:43] think it's a great idea too,

[3:05:45] want to see it go away,

[3:05:47] but at the same time we can't frivolously,

[3:05:49] you know, make commitments.

[3:05:51] for a little bit of time,

[3:05:53] have staff come back

[3:05:55] up, Councilor Baldinelli,

[3:05:57] did you want to speak to it

[3:05:58] or make a motion or what did you want?

[3:06:00] much for the presentation

[3:06:02] councilors on the MAT tax,

[3:06:06] but we were supposed to actually,

[3:06:08] during the proposal for MAT tax by-law,

[3:06:13] Nieuwesteeg had amended it

[3:06:16] for us to create a committee.

[3:06:18] why it hasn't been done yet.

[3:06:21] and look back at that meeting

[3:06:23] and make sure we fulfill the by-law

[3:06:26] and have, I mean it was part of it

[3:06:28] and we were supposed to form a committee

[3:06:29] so that we know exactly what's going on.

[3:06:31] and I need to, you know,

[3:06:34] which bucket are you start taking from.

[3:06:36] Our bucket is supposed to be

[3:06:37] to take care of beautification and stuff

[3:06:39] and help events like this drive tourism

[3:06:43] people of Niagara Falls.

[3:06:46] So I'm agreeing with everybody else.

[3:06:48] as soon as possible.

[3:06:50] we didn't get a report

[3:06:51] for the end of the year,

[3:06:52] which we were supposed to get yearly

[3:06:54] and we didn't get that report.

[3:06:55] And we need this report

[3:06:56] more quarterly than year end.

[3:06:59] going on and with tourism

[3:07:03] and how we can drive tourism

[3:07:05] and make it prosperous for everybody.

[3:07:06] - Yep.

[3:07:07] just started April 1st, right?

[3:07:09] We just started collecting it for this.

[3:07:12] we had the STAR system.

[3:07:14] - Yeah.

[3:07:16] end from last year to year end.

[3:07:20] that we had nothing, so.

[3:07:22] - Well, we had the lawsuit,

[3:07:23] like we had a lot of things

[3:07:24] - Oh, I understand that.

[3:07:25] plate's been full on this.

[3:07:27] CAO to maybe comment on it,

[3:07:30] try to direct the discussion

[3:07:32] toward moving it forward.

[3:07:34] - So just so council has,

[3:07:35] $846,000 in that tax spending.

[3:07:40] support, illumination board,

[3:07:44] area service-level increase

[3:07:47] guarantee for that.

[3:07:52] So that added up to $846,000.

[3:07:54] This council also made a priority

[3:07:56] for the New Year's Eve show,

[3:07:58] which is still an existing question mark.

[3:08:00] And this council also authorized

[3:08:03] for Mr. Adames to come back with a report

[3:08:06] at the end of the year for the governance,

[3:08:08] of those questions.

[3:08:10] So the amount of revenue is unknown,

[3:08:14] without doing anything else,

[3:08:20] we had approximately $640,000 to spend.

[3:08:24] So we need to take a look at that.

[3:08:26] to the Misty City Music one.

[3:08:31] So we are trying to be careful with that.

[3:08:35] But that's in full disclosure.

[3:08:37] So I don't mind bringing a report back.

[3:08:38] I do agree with a method to be brought to,

[3:08:43] you know, to handle applications

[3:08:45] and the Economic Development Team

[3:08:48] is going to bring a process through,

[3:08:51] it with Mr. Adames' approach

[3:08:57] to the governance model also.

[3:08:59] - So maybe if we can get a motion,

[3:09:00] we'll refer this back to staff.

[3:09:02] by Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

[3:09:05] back with a further report.

[3:09:07] We'll do a little more digging in

[3:09:09] and more due diligence, Matt Anthony.

[3:09:11] And then we will be able to, I think,

[3:09:12] to make a decision.

[3:09:14] I think it's a great idea.

[3:09:15] Let's just see what we can come up with

[3:09:17] with a little bit of research.

[3:09:18] So we've got motioned, seconded,

[3:09:21] discussion, we'll call the vote.

[3:09:23] All those in favor?

[3:09:24] Okay. That's unanimously referred.

[3:09:26] So to be continued.

[3:09:27] - All right. Thank you.

[3:09:29] - Thank you all very much for your time.

[3:09:30] - Thank you.

[3:09:34] - All right, moving along, 7.3.

[3:09:36] We have the Diversity, Equity,

[3:09:38] and Inclusion Advisory Committee

[3:09:40] and Marilyn Tian

[3:09:42] is going to address council.

[3:09:46] Welcome.

[3:09:47] - Thank you.

[3:09:51] Okay.

[3:09:52] councilor and also guests.

[3:09:55] us to celebrate the DEI.

[3:09:59] acknowledgment of June,

[3:10:01] because June is the Pride Month

[3:10:03] and highlighting the LGBTQ+ advocacy,

[3:10:07] History Month in Canada.

[3:10:12] So this, just.

[3:10:13] recap, earlier this year

[3:10:17] regarding the DEI Summit.

[3:10:21] Thank you, Mayor,

[3:10:22] members' support,

[3:10:23] Councilor Lori Lococo

[3:10:27] and also Mona Patel

[3:10:29] to being in person supporting the event.

[3:10:32] 150 attendees for the event.

[3:10:36] in the past three years.

[3:10:42] So we talking about quick, the DEI.

[3:10:47] line, just quickly we have,

[3:10:50] we, the city, the committee

[3:10:54] and create this three awards to encourage

[3:10:57] and also, you know, to help, you know,

[3:11:01] the shout out for the community

[3:11:02] to support and be participant initiatives.

[3:11:06] So we do have a Workplace DEI Award.

[3:11:10] recognized local business

[3:11:13] equitable work environments.

[3:11:17] includes the leadership commitment

[3:11:20] and effective communications.

[3:11:22] recipient, Enabled Talent,

[3:11:26] call them on the stage.

[3:11:29] the Community DEI Award.

[3:11:32] So honors organizations or individuals

[3:11:37] to the local community.

[3:11:41] And the criteria of this award

[3:11:43] is a focus on community engagement

[3:11:45] and also collaborative impact.

[3:11:47] is a Niagarka Organization

[3:11:52] and then we'll call it on the stage.

[3:11:54] We have also a Youth Empowerment DEI Award

[3:11:57] presented to the empowered youth

[3:12:01] age of 21 years old or younger.

[3:12:06] advocacy and education.

[3:12:09] So this year we do have a recipient

[3:12:12] from St. Paul Catholic High School

[3:12:14] and Ainara we'll call.

[3:12:17] So for this in the end,

[3:12:24] later on the presentation,

[3:12:28] really honor the hard work

[3:12:32] and the dedications of our recipients

[3:12:34] us to advocate for DEI

[3:12:38] in all aspects of our lives.

[3:12:40] And also I want to encourage everyone

[3:12:43] for 2027 DEI Summit

[3:12:48] and also the awards.

[3:12:49] So thank you very much.

[3:12:50] our co-chair, Sheila DeLuca,

[3:12:56] awards recipients to the stage.

[3:12:58] And also I'll really welcome you

[3:13:01] to join now for the award presentation.

[3:13:21] - We'll have to.

[3:13:22] - You can jump in if you want.

[3:13:25] (Diodati chatters indistinctly)

[3:13:29] - Mona Patel, please come.

[3:13:32] I always maybe for one by one,

[3:13:36] we have a group photo, okay?

[3:13:39] So the first one.

[3:13:41] whoever, you know, just.

[3:13:44] Which one?

[3:13:45] Oh, okay. Youth award.

[3:13:47] - Ainara right?

[3:13:50] - So please come in.

[3:13:52] - Thank you.

[3:13:55] - Okay.

[3:13:59] - So that's for...

[3:14:01] - Okay.

[3:14:02] So we'll smile for the...

[3:14:13] - Thank you. Do you want to say...?

[3:14:17] - I would like to say first of all,

[3:14:19] my name is Ainara Vincente-Madrano.

[3:14:21] I'm an exchange student from Spain.

[3:14:23] I've been here for two years already.

[3:14:26] And Niagara Falls, well, Canada in general

[3:14:29] has become my country, my family

[3:14:32] I will always remember

[3:14:35] and will always be deep in my heart.

[3:14:38] And these two years was amazing

[3:14:40] of receiving this award

[3:14:43] the job that I did here

[3:14:46] and it makes me really happy

[3:14:48] of becoming part of this family.

[3:14:50] - Thank you.

[3:14:52] (attendees applaud)

[3:14:53] - You can just stay aside, wait for a bit

[3:14:55] so we have...

[3:14:56] - Huh?

[3:14:58] a few words about Ainara.

[3:15:02] I am her teacher. Yes, yeah.

[3:15:04] I am Ainara's teacher.

[3:15:05] nominated you for this award.

[3:15:10] - Yep. So absolutely.

[3:15:12] (attendees chatter)

[3:15:16] - You're ready?

[3:15:20] - Awesome. Okay, sorry, keep going.

[3:15:22] - Oh, and I just wanted to say,

[3:15:24] such an instrumental part

[3:15:27] of St. Paul past couple years.

[3:15:30] You live in my neighborhood

[3:15:31] you have for your friends,

[3:15:35] making our school inclusive.

[3:15:38] We're going to miss you at St. Paul.

[3:15:40] You really empower your classmates

[3:15:43] and also you're so friendly and respectful

[3:15:45] to the teachers and the staff.

[3:15:48] You do amazing community work

[3:15:49] for the Jaylon Craig Organization

[3:15:51] and we're super proud of you.

[3:15:53] Miss Armenti would love

[3:15:54] tonight to recognize you.

[3:15:56] I know you're going here with your parents

[3:15:59] who came from Spain a few days ago.

[3:16:02] Spain, they arrived yesterday.

[3:16:05] And I know you're leaving to go home.

[3:16:07] We're going to miss you tremendously.

[3:16:09] - Thank you.

[3:16:10] (attendees applaud)

[3:16:12] - Thank you, thank you.

[3:16:16] - Congratulations.

[3:16:17] - Here's the box.

[3:16:18] - And maybe just wait then,

[3:16:20] photo after we're done.

[3:16:22] - We're going to do group photo

[3:16:23] after we're done, so.

[3:16:24] - So.

[3:16:26] (all chatter indistinctly)

[3:16:30] - Oh, you've read it. Okay.

[3:16:37] - Let's do pictures of...

[3:16:52] - Do you want to say...?

[3:16:54] - Sure.

[3:16:56] and the committee members.

[3:16:59] This is a prestigious award

[3:17:01] and this acknowledgement really pushes us

[3:17:04] towards our best efforts towards making

[3:17:06] and inclusive, right?

[3:17:10] taking it to the whole Canada

[3:17:13] and making Canada

[3:17:16] a barrier-free workplace

[3:17:20] as soon as possible.

[3:17:21] - Okay, thank you.

[3:17:22] (attendees applaud)

[3:17:24] of context introduced.

[3:17:27] So one of the founders, Amindipp.

[3:17:29] And he himself also is a disability,

[3:17:32] you know, the founders of.

[3:17:33] And he has done tremendous, you know,

[3:17:35] just let's say for himself,

[3:17:39] but also created opportunity

[3:17:40] disabled in the workplace.

[3:17:43] So thank you for that.

[3:17:45] - Just wait.

[3:17:46] - Now, don't go too far.

[3:17:47] We're going to do one shot of all of us.

[3:17:48] - Let me hold this.

[3:17:50] - Oh, thank you.

[3:17:55] - So Community DEI Award,

[3:17:58] present to Niagarka Organization.

[3:18:00] Iryna, please come in.

[3:18:02] (attendees applaud)

[3:18:06] - Come on in for the picture.

[3:18:22] - Okay.

[3:18:24] for this recognition.

[3:18:27] Thank you, Jim Diodati.

[3:18:28] Thank you. Ah, I forget.

[3:18:30] - Marilyn.

[3:18:31] believe us and trust us.

[3:18:36] Of course, it's very important for us,

[3:18:37] it's effort my team,

[3:18:40] from St. Mary's Church

[3:18:44] because everyone is like supported me

[3:18:46] myself I can do nothing.

[3:18:49] It's all work together.

[3:18:51] Also, just like when I stay here,

[3:18:53] I would like to invite everyone

[3:18:55] to our family festival, sorry for this,

[3:18:58] but no, it's our big community event.

[3:19:01] And for now Niagarka Organization,

[3:19:04] is bring people together.

[3:19:08] And when we create some event,

[3:19:09] people stay together,

[3:19:11] show this our community, our tradition,

[3:19:15] and learn about other.

[3:19:20] Thank you again. Thank you for this award.

[3:19:22] I'm truly honored and grateful.

[3:19:24] (attendees applaud)

[3:19:26] the group photo, yes.

[3:19:27] we'll do a group shot.

[3:19:29] We'll get everybody up here.

[3:19:31] - Three award.

[3:19:33] (all chattering)

[3:19:55] Father Victor's got a good one.

[3:19:56] - [Father Victor] I tried but... (laughs)

[3:19:59] Thank you.

[3:20:01] - So ladies and gentlemen,

[3:20:02] we just wanted to thank our DEI Committee.

[3:20:05] make everybody feel included

[3:20:08] in the Niagara Falls community.

[3:20:09] They work a lot, they're volunteers.

[3:20:12] They put a lot of effort into this.

[3:20:14] for all our DEI recipients

[3:20:16] (attendees applaud)

[3:20:19] (all chatter)

[3:20:25] to you mom and dad too.

[3:20:29] Hola! (laughs)

[3:20:46] All right, moving along the agenda is 7.4.

[3:20:50] The Seniors Advisory Committee.

[3:20:53] I'd like to invite up Joe Szabo and Eileen

[3:20:59] to present before council.

[3:21:00] So welcome.

[3:21:02] (attendees clap)

[3:21:05] (chuckles) Everybody's clapping.

[3:21:08] walks into a bar. (laughs)

[3:21:16] older lady sitting there,

[3:21:21] sits beside her and says to her,

[3:21:26] "Do I come here often?"

[3:21:28] (Diodati laughs)

[3:21:30] Committee is really thankful

[3:21:33] Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg

[3:21:38] and Chris Dabrowski,

[3:21:39] support us in our endeavors.

[3:21:43] So thank you very much for doing that.

[3:21:46] was in October of 2024

[3:21:51] we join the, okay...

[3:21:59] arrow key on the keyboard.

[3:22:02] - The arrow key on the keyboard?

[3:22:04] - Okay.

[3:22:08] - Oh, the keyboard is... (laughs)

[3:22:10] - Somebody asked

[3:22:11] if I could use the mouse

[3:22:14] and I was told I could use the mouse.

[3:22:16] Okay, so the arrow on the keyboard. Okay.

[3:22:20] And that didn't work either.

[3:22:23] You're talking about the arrows.

[3:22:25] - Thank you.

[3:22:28] - Okay. All right.

[3:22:33] And I still can't make it move.

[3:22:38] - All right.

[3:22:40] to the next slide? Okay.

[3:22:45] So, so much for that.

[3:22:46] I can get rid of this keyboard again.

[3:22:51] All right, so last time I was here,

[3:22:54] we suggested that the committee join

[3:22:56] the World Health Organization

[3:22:58] Network for Age-Friendly Cities.

[3:23:02] And we did that, and I'm pleased to say

[3:23:04] awarded the membership.

[3:23:08] So that confirms the city's,

[3:23:12] we support older adults

[3:23:15] and advance age-friendly initiatives.

[3:23:18] Okay, next slide. Okay.

[3:23:21] working on in that regard

[3:23:24] age-friendly businesses.

[3:23:28] we're really working hard on

[3:23:31] to try and meet the needs of,

[3:23:33] the needs of older adults

[3:23:37] and help them come up with ways

[3:23:40] of improving accessibility, inclusivity,

[3:23:43] for age-friendly people.

[3:23:47] Okay, next slide.

[3:23:52] in November '25 was host,

[3:23:57] the City of Niagara Falls

[3:23:59] Older Adults Alliance meeting.

[3:24:03] where similar committees

[3:24:06] to our Seniors Advisory Committee

[3:24:09] and meets all together.

[3:24:13] And that's a really good thing

[3:24:16] because we can share best practices,

[3:24:19] discuss common challenges,

[3:24:21] other similar committees

[3:24:25] to support older adults.

[3:24:28] So next slide.

[3:24:30] And our committee has also been

[3:24:34] a sounding board for this group

[3:24:36] and also staff to talk about things

[3:24:39] parking at MacBain Centre,

[3:24:43] for low-income seniors,

[3:24:47] snow clearing by-law,

[3:24:49] seniors might have trouble clearing snow,

[3:24:52] so that's an issue.

[3:24:54] safety. Next slide please.

[3:25:01] Committee legacy project

[3:25:05] News and Views TV show.

[3:25:09] And that was something

[3:25:11] suggested in November of 2020.

[3:25:16] show in June of 2021.

[3:25:20] And we've been airing shows since then.

[3:25:26] It is limited to the cable TV audience,

[3:25:30] so that is one problem,

[3:25:32] it generally to everybody,

[3:25:35] Niagara Peninsula.

[3:25:40] So we've also been trying

[3:25:41] Advisory Committees.

[3:25:46] So we found that worked really well.

[3:25:50] one day a month in September.

[3:25:55] We'll continue doing that.

[3:25:57] And we air on Sundays

[3:25:59] at 11:00 AM and 7:30 at night.

[3:26:03] So, okay.

[3:26:05] You've already given me the next slide.

[3:26:07] Eileen Tino-Hind up here,

[3:26:10] also a committee member,

[3:26:12] to talk about our June Seniors Month.

[3:26:14] Thank you.

[3:26:17] members of city council.

[3:26:21] and yes, I am a member

[3:26:26] Committee of Niagara Falls

[3:26:29] and a member of the subcommittee

[3:26:33] which is organizing our Seniors Month,

[3:26:36] at the last week of June.

[3:26:39] And we've been so busy

[3:26:41] this year for seniors.

[3:26:46] Just earlier today, we concluded

[3:26:50] our Seniors Active Living Expo

[3:26:54] at MacBain Community Center,

[3:26:56] which focused on wellness, connection,

[3:27:00] and living life to the fullest.

[3:27:03] Talks with excellent speakers

[3:27:07] that spoke about healthy eating,

[3:27:10] safety, fraud prevention,

[3:27:16] an interesting topic on the emotional

[3:27:19] and historical significance

[3:27:20] of cemeteries here in Niagara Falls.

[3:27:23] We covered wills, power of attorney,

[3:27:26] understanding grief and loss,

[3:27:31] AI and how it helps seniors,

[3:27:34] Niagara Hospital project.

[3:27:39] have different fitness

[3:27:42] and wellness classes for free.

[3:27:45] and belly dancing lessons.

[3:27:50] is for our free Tai Chi

[3:27:55] and line dancing at St-Antoine.

[3:28:00] And of course this weekend

[3:28:01] Park on Saturday and Sunday.

[3:28:07] This has become so popular with seniors

[3:28:09] and I'd like to introduce our instructor,

[3:28:15] Monsa, and myself.

[3:28:16] and Liza, who are not here.

[3:28:21] senior Zumba group here.

[3:28:27] As I said, it's been so popular

[3:28:28] people joining our senior Zumba.

[3:28:33] And we have our average age of 70.

[3:28:37] - In our senior Zumba group.

[3:28:39] - Good for you.

[3:28:40] - But younger can attend.

[3:28:44] (all chuckle)

[3:28:46] every event too. So you're...

[3:28:49] - Oh yeah, we have been invited

[3:28:51] to so many different events now-

[3:28:52] - and it's mostly seniors,

[3:28:56] so it's really great.

[3:28:58] And because of that,

[3:28:59] every month Seniors Month

[3:29:04] by holding every Sunday Zumba at your-

[3:29:07] - [Diodati] Your Zumba team seems

[3:29:08] to be getting bigger and bigger as well.

[3:29:10] - Yes, yes we are. Yeah.

[3:29:12] And this month we had a lot of seniors

[3:29:16] it's going to be bigger again.

[3:29:20] been coming every weekend.

[3:29:24] have tomorrow, Wednesday,

[3:29:28] our Niagara Parks free,

[3:29:32] no, not free, 50% off attractions.

[3:29:36] senior skating at Gale Centre.

[3:29:41] It has been a very exciting month

[3:29:43] for seniors this year.

[3:29:46] Seniors Advisory Committee,

[3:29:49] everyone who supported us

[3:29:52] with our Seniors Month program.

[3:29:54] - Oh, thank you.

[3:29:55] Thank you, Eileen. And Joe.

[3:29:59] It's been a big year and this month's been

[3:30:01] a great month for you guys.

[3:30:03] Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

[3:30:07] - Thank you. Councilor Strange.

[3:30:09] for this great presentation.

[3:30:13] talked about the word senior

[3:30:15] people have of senior

[3:30:19] is not this image.

[3:30:20] So we actually started to say

[3:30:21] rephrasing that word senior

[3:30:24] or active, something.

[3:30:27] We were looking at different words

[3:30:29] because they certainly are not,

[3:30:31] they defy the epitome of that word senior.

[3:30:33] all the hard work

[3:30:36] done throughout the year.

[3:30:40] As a council rep,

[3:30:41] I see firsthand the thoughtful discussions

[3:30:43] that they have around the table,

[3:30:45] their valuable recommendations

[3:30:47] you have for the seniors.

[3:30:50] about the sidewalk clearing,

[3:30:53] it was a complete interest,

[3:30:56] s-, well, age-friendly people

[3:30:59] and how do we really accommodate them

[3:31:01] having a more active living.

[3:31:04] you for all the hard work.

[3:31:07] You live and breathe this committee

[3:31:09] and to all our younger Zumba people.

[3:31:12] Thank you so much. So that was...

[3:31:14] (attendee chatters)

[3:31:16] (attendees laugh)

[3:31:17] - Thank you, Councilor. Councilor Lococo.

[3:31:20] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[3:31:21] Thank you so much for the presentation.

[3:31:23] A lot of great initiatives

[3:31:25] and they open up the lives of people

[3:31:28] because they now have community

[3:31:29] and that contact with people.

[3:31:31] So thank you very much.

[3:31:32] One of the things that you had listed

[3:31:34] to improve accessibility.

[3:31:37] opportunity to maybe coordinate

[3:31:40] Advisory Committee

[3:31:42] because they're already working

[3:31:44] on some of the business ideas

[3:31:47] about how to make them more accessible

[3:31:49] forwarding that information

[3:31:53] to the economic development

[3:31:54] and to the permitting areas as well.

[3:31:57] So I think it's a great opportunity

[3:31:59] to have some collaboration.

[3:32:00] the work that you do. Thanks.

[3:32:03] - Thank you.

[3:32:04] I think we actually,

[3:32:06] has already gotten an award,

[3:32:09] so that's kind of preempting us.

[3:32:11] But that's the idea that we'd like to do

[3:32:14] working towards helping seniors.

[3:32:19] I mean, some are in worse shape than us.

[3:32:21] They don't do the Zumba.

[3:32:23] So there are people

[3:32:24] that do need help getting into a business.

[3:32:27] things businesses could do

[3:32:30] with accessibility problems.

[3:32:35] - Exactly.

[3:32:35] having accessibility issues,

[3:32:39] there's a lot of people

[3:32:40] have accessibility issues

[3:32:43] and some challenges

[3:32:44] and a lot of times we don't see them

[3:32:46] if we're not in their shoes.

[3:32:48] So it's nice to have that discussion

[3:32:50] brings to the table.

[3:32:53] at the Accessibility Committee

[3:32:55] abilities and disabilities

[3:33:00] and they add to the conversation

[3:33:02] I never thought of that."

[3:33:04] So now you have that perspective as well.

[3:33:06] to have other businesses

[3:33:09] small changes that you can make

[3:33:13] that don't cost anything.

[3:33:14] it and then doing it.

[3:33:17] - Thank you.

[3:33:18] - Better to wear out than to rust out.

[3:33:20] That's what I always say. Councilor Patel.

[3:33:25] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[3:33:26] I want to thank you for the presentation

[3:33:28] and thank the Seniors Committee

[3:33:29] adults in our community.

[3:33:33] Actually living with the,

[3:33:36] when you are living with a disability,

[3:33:36] even with the older age,

[3:33:39] having comfortable ways to get around

[3:33:42] is more important than we know.

[3:33:44] And having advocates like our seniors

[3:33:48] come up with the different ideas is great.

[3:33:50] And when we talk about active living,

[3:33:52] example than Eileen here.

[3:33:55] of the Niagara Falls, right?

[3:33:58] you're a great ambassador

[3:34:00] for the Seniors Committee

[3:34:02] because what Councilor Nieuwesteeg says,

[3:34:04] when we talk about seniors,

[3:34:06] we think about people who can't,

[3:34:08] people in their nineties,

[3:34:10] people who are 90-year-old,

[3:34:13] very independent herself.

[3:34:17] So it's like everybody's different.

[3:34:18] idea in people's head

[3:34:21] that age is just the number

[3:34:22] and you can do whatever you want.

[3:34:23] And having all those amenities

[3:34:25] for people in the city

[3:34:27] goes a long way.

[3:34:28] sit on the DEI Committee

[3:34:30] and I think we need to collaborate

[3:34:32] and Seniors Committee

[3:34:35] because DEI means different age groups,

[3:34:37] you know, different disabilities.

[3:34:38] Everybody comes from different experience.

[3:34:41] to collaborate together

[3:34:43] to see how we can all support each other.

[3:34:46] for coming here again.

[3:34:48] - Thank you.

[3:34:49] - Actually, I'd like to just say

[3:34:51] Eileen's work is so important.

[3:34:54] There's just been a recent medical study

[3:34:56] that has shown that exercise

[3:34:58] patients to live longer

[3:35:03] needing treatment again.

[3:35:07] And it's also been scientifically showed

[3:35:10] to prevent the onset of cancer.

[3:35:13] cancer if they've exercised.

[3:35:17] Niagara Falls. Thank you.

[3:35:20] - Yeah. Yes, of course.

[3:35:23] I would agree 100%, Joe and Eileen,

[3:35:25] that sedentary lifestyle isn't helpful.

[3:35:28] the best things you could do

[3:35:30] busy, do something.

[3:35:33] So on behalf of the city, we're grateful.

[3:35:34] Thank you for all that you do.

[3:35:35] receive the presentation.

[3:35:37] Moved by Councilor Nieuwesteeg,

[3:35:39] seconded by Councilor Strange, sorry.

[3:35:43] Okay, that's unanimous.

[3:35:46] our Seniors Committee,

[3:35:48] thank you for all that you're doing.

[3:35:49] (attendees applaud)

[3:35:53] What's that? Yeah, yeah, that's right.

[3:35:55] And if you think you're really good,

[3:35:57] stick around for this meeting.

[3:35:58] Let's see if you can handle this.

[3:36:01] Okay, 7.5, Age-Friendly Niagara Council.

[3:36:05] Ginger Grant, executive committee,

[3:36:10] to present to council.

[3:36:11] - Thank you.

[3:36:13] members, members of staff,

[3:36:16] and the general public.

[3:36:18] This is Ursula Hudson, who's running away,

[3:36:21] our chair of the executive committee.

[3:36:24] that you can take a look at.

[3:36:27] 12 different municipalities.

[3:36:32] So we have on the council

[3:36:34] from each of, we've got eight,

[3:36:37] couple of board members

[3:36:39] so that we can be a consortium

[3:36:42] or a way of doing pilots.

[3:36:47] working on a couple of pilots

[3:36:50] that we can then push down

[3:36:52] committees, that kind of thing.

[3:36:55] So it's more of a think tank,

[3:36:59] ideas or pushing innovation.

[3:37:04] ugly sweater activity.

[3:37:07] Okay. Right?

[3:37:09] actually drives something

[3:37:13] that's called the longevity economy.

[3:37:15] at it, I think you should.

[3:37:18] market on the planet.

[3:37:22] strong demographic shift

[3:37:27] not just in Canada.

[3:37:30] So buttons.

[3:37:35] Ah, okay.

[3:37:36] 12 different municipalities.

[3:37:42] right at the moment is,

[3:37:45] developing volunteer packages

[3:37:48] that we can create and then give

[3:37:50] nonprofit organizations.

[3:37:53] We're a federally incorporated nonprofit.

[3:37:56] What we do is produce pilots

[3:37:59] and then test them on ourselves

[3:38:02] that age demographic.

[3:38:05] So I am a very young 73

[3:38:09] slowing down anytime soon.

[3:38:13] our Research Committee

[3:38:14] with the longevity economy,

[3:38:17] you need evidence-based data.

[3:38:19] can't really move forward

[3:38:23] or you make any decisions

[3:38:24] that's being presented to you.

[3:38:28] So this economy that is rapidly growing,

[3:38:32] of 55 plus in Niagara

[3:38:38] that are of that age bracket.

[3:38:40] So for those of you, when you're talking

[3:38:42] about health ramifications of this market,

[3:38:45] those of you who are in the 50 range,

[3:38:48] in terms of living to 110.

[3:38:52] - 110.

[3:38:53] to our various systems.

[3:38:57] probably one in three, one in two.

[3:39:01] As healthcare improves,

[3:39:03] working life, active life.

[3:39:08] And what that does

[3:39:09] a talent shortage.

[3:39:13] that's very much untapped.

[3:39:18] Do I want to work 40 hours a week? No.

[3:39:22] or maybe one day a month.

[3:39:25] So you've got an untapped variety

[3:39:28] of people that you can draw upon.

[3:39:30] It's also a very large group of experience

[3:39:35] that you don't want to lose.

[3:39:37] So we call that an experience dividend.

[3:39:39] When you've worked,

[3:39:40] like can you train a new council member

[3:39:43] in a weekend seminar?

[3:39:45] ready to be a council member.

[3:39:49] I would say no, right?

[3:39:51] experience that we also work with.

[3:39:55] equity. So you're pairing up.

[3:40:00] very ancient approach

[3:40:03] to this type of demographic shift

[3:40:06] that was very popular in Europe

[3:40:07] and still is, mentoring.

[3:40:09] So you take a craftsperson

[3:40:12] and you mentor someone coming into

[3:40:14] a variety of different activities.

[3:40:16] We also are willing to coach businesses.

[3:40:20] So think also in terms from an economic,

[3:40:23] socioeconomic growth potential,

[3:40:25] change your business plan

[3:40:28] if you haven't thought of it?

[3:40:32] variety of businesses?

[3:40:35] terms of age friendly,

[3:40:38] it is not just 55 plus.

[3:40:43] So as many people have mentioned,

[3:40:45] if it's accessible to a 55-year-old,

[3:40:47] those of you in the 50 range,

[3:40:52] then it's also going to be accessible

[3:40:54] carrying a two-year-old

[3:40:58] and a bag of groceries.

[3:40:59] So that kind of walkability,

[3:41:01] that kind of what's going on in the city

[3:41:04] and how Niagara can improve,

[3:41:05] it's considered one of the fastest-growing

[3:41:07] retirement communities in Canada.

[3:41:10] idea why it matters,

[3:41:12] I think I've hit upon that, that this

[3:41:15] is socioeconomic value.

[3:41:18] is good for some people,

[3:41:23] not for others.

[3:41:24] have not stopped working.

[3:41:29] Next slide.

[3:41:33] So do I slaughter a goat? There we go.

[3:41:35] of the longevity economy

[3:41:38] that you can take a look at

[3:41:39] as what it can bring

[3:41:42] in terms of value to the city.

[3:41:46] One of the partnerships

[3:41:47] we're working with right at the moment

[3:41:48] through a New Horizons grant

[3:41:50] is building these packages.

[3:41:52] So at the MacBain Centre this afternoon,

[3:41:55] we got hit with two other requests

[3:41:56] from a variety of seniors.

[3:41:58] on revisioning retirement?

[3:42:03] Yeah, we can design that.

[3:42:06] And also a program about purpose.

[3:42:11] would be an interesting one

[3:42:14] as well to do workshops or seminars

[3:42:16] around how do you find your purpose

[3:42:18] haven't figured it out yet?

[3:42:21] So this just gives you some

[3:42:23] of the ideas of what we're doing.

[3:42:26] We have also partnered with CARP.

[3:42:28] So between,

[3:42:29] Association of Retired Persons,

[3:42:33] of participant list,

[3:42:37] subscriber list with CARP,

[3:42:38] we've got about 3,500 subscribers,

[3:42:41] that is also a very large voting block

[3:42:43] and it's a very large voice.

[3:42:45] So we try and bring that voice to you

[3:42:49] and also back down into the community.

[3:42:52] So if you have any questions,

[3:42:54] we'd be pleased to answer them.

[3:42:55] workshop, even for the council

[3:42:59] idea of a longevity economy

[3:43:03] or what MIT is calling a longevity hub,

[3:43:07] what does that look like?

[3:43:09] So thank you for having us

[3:43:11] in front of you soon

[3:43:13] with some more results.

[3:43:15] - Ginger, thank you.

[3:43:16] council has any questions

[3:43:18] before you run away.

[3:43:18] Do we have any questions of council?

[3:43:20] Okay, we don't have any.

[3:43:22] (attendees laugh)

[3:43:23] - Thank you to you and Ursula.

[3:43:25] Ursula, you've got some brochures?

[3:43:26] Yeah, go ahead, hand them out.

[3:43:28] to receive the presentation.

[3:43:30] Councilor Baldinelli.

[3:43:33] All those in favor? Okay.

[3:43:35] Thank you. That's approved.

[3:43:37] Thank you very much, Ursula.

[3:43:41] (all chatter)

[3:43:43] - The computers working now.

[3:43:58] - Okay, next up we move to 7.6.

[3:44:03] Transportation Master Plan.

[3:44:07] acknowledge Joyce Morocco,

[3:44:10] who's joining us here today.

[3:44:13] Welcome, Joyce.

[3:44:14] And I welcome Diana Morreale,

[3:44:17] director of infrastructure and planning.

[3:44:19] And Jill Stephen.

[3:44:21] through the presentation.

[3:44:24] - Welcome.

[3:44:26] - Thank you, Mayor Diodati,

[3:44:27] for having us today.

[3:44:30] My name's Jill Stephen, as was mentioned,

[3:44:32] I'm the associate director

[3:44:33] at Niagara Region.

[3:44:35] And Diana Morreale,

[3:44:36] planning and development,

[3:44:39] is with us today.

[3:44:41] all 12 local municipalities

[3:44:44] transportation master plan.

[3:44:51] of today's presentation.

[3:44:55] plan itself, its scope,

[3:44:58] that goes with that.

[3:45:01] on future transportation needs

[3:45:05] businesses, and employees

[3:45:08] as we're looking at how Niagara will grow

[3:45:10] to 2051 and beyond.

[3:45:14] The regional transportation network,

[3:45:16] network, plays a huge role

[3:45:19] move every day in Niagara.

[3:45:22] within the region,

[3:45:25] it connects people to destinations,

[3:45:28] and it links the region

[3:45:29] markets in Ontario and beyond

[3:45:33] the provincial highway network

[3:45:35] and through federal infrastructure

[3:45:36] such as the Welland Canal,

[3:45:38] our border crossings.

[3:45:43] But that regional network

[3:45:44] transportation picture.

[3:45:47] So is our primary focus of the 2051 plan,

[3:45:50] is either the regional network itself,

[3:45:52] but understanding how it fits in

[3:45:54] across the local, regional, provincial,

[3:45:57] and federal levels is very important

[3:45:59] to developing a good plan.

[3:46:03] plays a different role

[3:46:05] in how people and goods move every day.

[3:46:07] are always some exceptions.

[3:46:10] facilitate those daily trips

[3:46:12] to school and work.

[3:46:15] The local network is primarily made up

[3:46:17] of the lower-speed, two-lane roads

[3:46:21] walking and cycling trips

[3:46:24] and on-street parking.

[3:46:27] on connecting communities,

[3:46:30] and it's those main arterial corridors

[3:46:33] that support goods movement

[3:46:34] and regional mobility across Niagara.

[3:46:38] arterial roads.

[3:46:40] then supports movement

[3:46:43] between Niagara and the rest of Ontario

[3:46:45] via our highways and GO Transit.

[3:46:48] mentioned, includes borders,

[3:46:52] air, marine, and so forth.

[3:46:56] plan was completed in 2017

[3:46:59] so it is time for a change.

[3:47:01] It is a high-level plan.

[3:47:02] that comes after that

[3:47:04] to move the projects forward,

[3:47:07] but it does do that identification

[3:47:09] of what we need for growth.

[3:47:12] we understand the networks,

[3:47:14] connect the plans together.

[3:47:17] So there are local transportation plans.

[3:47:19] TA-TMP not too long ago.

[3:47:23] inputs into the regional plan.

[3:47:27] They each have their own focus areas,

[3:47:29] supporting and identifying

[3:47:32] what infrastructure we need to move

[3:47:34] for the different types of trips

[3:47:35] different jurisdictions.

[3:47:38] We do have a vision statement

[3:47:40] that we've developed for the master plan.

[3:47:41] It is draft at this point

[3:47:43] first phase of the study

[3:47:46] input that we received

[3:47:47] through our public information centers

[3:47:49] our presentations today

[3:47:52] it as we move into the part

[3:47:55] where we're identifying the projects

[3:47:58] that we want to analyze.

[3:48:02] As part of that too, we're also looking

[3:48:04] at the visions and objectives

[3:48:06] that are in the different local plans.

[3:48:08] those all be identical,

[3:48:10] that we understand them

[3:48:13] both what is common

[3:48:17] but what's also unique

[3:48:19] character into our work.

[3:48:23] We have a three-phase plan.

[3:48:25] We're looking at growth needs

[3:48:27] to 2051, hence the title.

[3:48:31] We're currently in Phase 1,

[3:48:32] problems and opportunities

[3:48:35] network so that we can understand

[3:48:38] we're looking for growth,

[3:48:40] looking towards growth.

[3:48:41] That phase is about to wrap up this summer

[3:48:44] and we're moving into Phase 2.

[3:48:46] And then overall the plan

[3:48:48] will be completed at the end of 2027.

[3:48:52] At each phase of the project,

[3:48:53] there will be engagement with the public,

[3:48:56] with each of the municipalities,

[3:48:57] primarily through your staff teams,

[3:49:00] agencies and interested parties.

[3:49:04] to a regional council

[3:49:07] Committee at key milestones.

[3:49:11] Right now in Phase 1

[3:49:13] conditions review.

[3:49:15] We're updating our model

[3:49:17] the system performance

[3:49:19] jurisdictional reviews

[3:49:23] (time chimes)

[3:49:23] of public consultation.

[3:49:28] phase, we'll be developing

[3:49:32] and evaluating the alternatives

[3:49:33] and presenting those to the public.

[3:49:35] Those alternatives build on work

[3:49:36] that's been done in local plans.

[3:49:38] from your TMP and TA-TMP

[3:49:42] will be important to that.

[3:49:44] the preferred network

[3:49:46] capital program for that.

[3:49:51] Sorry.

[3:49:53] we've included a number

[3:49:56] of different ways to engage people

[3:49:57] hearing from the public.

[3:50:01] We have had two PICs this round

[3:50:03] and we will move into Phase 2

[3:50:06] centers for those as well.

[3:50:09] Our information's available online

[3:50:11] to still provide comments.

[3:50:15] that we've heard so far

[3:50:17] the revision of the vision

[3:50:20] and, as well as part of the planning.

[3:50:22] of the comments we've heard

[3:50:24] to Public Works Committee,

[3:50:26] Steering Committee,

[3:50:28] and a council workshop.

[3:50:31] And we'll continue to track those

[3:50:32] and evolve things as we move forward.

[3:50:35] to local councils

[3:50:38] about six weeks ago.

[3:50:40] This is our eighth presentation,

[3:50:42] thank you again for having us,

[3:50:44] and we will finish the last four in July.

[3:50:48] And over the next few months, as I said,

[3:50:50] study, move into Phase 2.

[3:50:54] And I would like to say thank you again

[3:50:56] do that presentation.

[3:50:58] I'd be happy to take any questions,

[3:51:00] that very quickly.

[3:51:02] your presentation, Jill.

[3:51:05] for our presenters?

[3:51:08] support, right. (laughs)

[3:51:12] you very much for your time.

[3:51:14] receive the presentation.

[3:51:17] Councilor Strange. Councilor Baldinelli.

[3:51:19] All those in favor? Unanimous.

[3:51:21] out and enduring the time

[3:51:23] of the presentation.

[3:51:26] - Thank you.

[3:51:27] - All right, thank you.

[3:51:31] we've all been waiting for,

[3:51:36] administrative officer, Ken Todd,

[3:51:41] the Unhoused Action Plan.

[3:51:44] of various community groups

[3:51:47] that are here as well to support.

[3:51:49] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[3:51:51] - Hi everybody, how are you?

[3:51:54] - The seat's empty. You can come back up.

[3:51:56] - Yeah, I scared 'em away.

[3:51:58] But we do have some of my friends here.

[3:52:00] We have reps from the Project SHARE board,

[3:52:04] the co-chairs from the Soup Kitchen

[3:52:07] and Steve from The Bridge.

[3:52:09] and AJ and Chris Russell,

[3:52:14] Judy and Sherry from the Soup Kitchen.

[3:52:16] - Welcome. Good to have you back.

[3:52:17] - They just came to throw tomatoes

[3:52:19] or whatever at me as I speak.

[3:52:21] a crunch here for time.

[3:52:24] So do you want me to just narrow this down

[3:52:27] - Yeah.

[3:52:27] Like give us the high points, you know,

[3:52:29] and we'll have some tough questions.

[3:52:31] - So thank you.

[3:52:33] Started this engagement several months ago

[3:52:37] and I've got to tell you over that

[3:52:39] time, we certainly have learned a lot

[3:52:42] and I think the recommendations

[3:52:46] that we're coming up with tonight

[3:52:47] can carry this council forward

[3:52:51] with a fairly reasonable plan.

[3:52:55] So, you know, when we started out,

[3:52:59] I got to start off by saying there's a lot

[3:53:01] happening in this community.

[3:53:04] There are so many people on a daily basis

[3:53:07] in the community and all over.

[3:53:11] And there's so many, so many good people

[3:53:13] and good groups doing that.

[3:53:14] But we found, or I found that,

[3:53:17] you know, people were holding onto things.

[3:53:21] things should be done.

[3:53:26] trying to get them to open up

[3:53:30] to abandon, if you will,

[3:53:34] some of the ways of the past

[3:53:36] because a lot of the models

[3:53:38] and a lot of the things that we're seeing

[3:53:40] sustainable in the long run.

[3:53:43] You've got a lot of volunteerism.

[3:53:45] not as many volunteers.

[3:53:48] look at a different model.

[3:53:54] we had a lot of interaction,

[3:53:58] we had a lot of online submissions,

[3:54:00] we had open houses at the MacBain Centre.

[3:54:03] We had an open house,

[3:54:06] a workshop with the experts.

[3:54:10] Probably had 50 to 60 individual meetings

[3:54:13] over that period of time,

[3:54:16] asking a lot of questions,

[3:54:18] might be an acceptable plan.

[3:54:22] is a desire for change

[3:54:28] in how we handle the unhoused

[3:54:32] and vulnerable people in our community.

[3:54:36] be focused on the fact

[3:54:39] that even though there's a lot

[3:54:42] people in our community,

[3:54:49] there's really two sets of clients here.

[3:54:51] There's the people we want to serve

[3:54:53] that are the unhoused and vulnerable,

[3:54:55] mindful of our residents

[3:54:59] their neighborhoods,

[3:55:01] their public parks, their public spaces,

[3:55:03] the businesses that are seeing some

[3:55:06] of the sort of undesirable elements

[3:55:10] at some points out on our streets.

[3:55:12] So, you know, the plan is trying

[3:55:14] to find a way to balance that

[3:55:17] the people we need to serve,

[3:55:20] but we're also doing things

[3:55:22] that can help improve the quality of life

[3:55:24] for the people that live here.

[3:55:29] principles as we go through.

[3:55:32] empathetic in our approach,

[3:55:36] but we also want to make sure

[3:55:39] that those people that are paying taxes

[3:55:44] and are living here

[3:55:45] with those hardships.

[3:55:48] community partnerships.

[3:55:52] That's a big part of this plan,

[3:55:54] community groups together

[3:55:57] to serve the community better.

[3:56:00] the impact on municipal taxes.

[3:56:04] And there is going to be some asks here,

[3:56:07] but I think you got to remember

[3:56:10] projects and the community

[3:56:14] should have a big share

[3:56:16] in how this project

[3:56:17] get paid for as well.

[3:56:21] And we want to keep it volunteer focused.

[3:56:24] out doing a lot of good work

[3:56:26] and we want to make sure that

[3:56:28] we keep that in mind.

[3:56:32] So in the recommendations,

[3:56:34] and we kind of came up with three spheres.

[3:56:38] This started out to be an unhoused,

[3:56:41] that was kind of the title.

[3:56:43] quickly morphed into something

[3:56:45] that is more about just unhoused

[3:56:48] because you just can't focus

[3:56:49] on the unhoused element of this.

[3:56:52] It expands into so much more.

[3:56:54] housing and shelter for sure.

[3:56:59] Another sphere is the whole food security,

[3:57:02] which is a big piece of this.

[3:57:04] I'll call the street life

[3:57:07] and what's happening out on the street

[3:57:08] and what things we can do to improve.

[3:57:10] And so as we go forward, just be mindful,

[3:57:14] intersect into, at the end,

[3:57:18] integrated community hub plan

[3:57:21] that we're going to present to you.

[3:57:23] So on housing and shelter, several things,

[3:57:27] through these quickly as I can,

[3:57:30] I heard loud and clear,

[3:57:34] working on it already,

[3:57:36] council is very mindful of this,

[3:57:39] shelter on Summer Street

[3:57:42] has to be dealt with, has to be relocated.

[3:57:45] There has to be purpose built.

[3:57:47] that neighborhood back

[3:57:51] their community, the whole Main ferry.

[3:57:53] So I know council's working on that.

[3:57:55] have more to come on that,

[3:57:57] so I won't dwell on it.

[3:57:59] But we have to really advocate

[3:58:02] for more supportive housing opportunities.

[3:58:06] I'm not talking about shelter,

[3:58:08] Campbell type of development

[3:58:12] with the hardest to serve,

[3:58:16] issues and the addiction issues.

[3:58:21] That is where I think time and effort

[3:58:25] really has to be spent.

[3:58:26] The region knows this.

[3:58:28] numbers and the statistics.

[3:58:31] But where council can really help,

[3:58:32] and I've heard this more than once,

[3:58:34] by coming up with property

[3:58:37] that when a development

[3:58:40] or an opportunity comes along,

[3:58:42] this community's ready to pounce on it

[3:58:44] other levels of government.

[3:58:47] go to some other community.

[3:58:49] find those opportunities

[3:58:52] to get that land, get it zoned,

[3:58:54] and literally be waiting

[3:58:56] of supportive housing

[3:58:59] going to be meaningful.

[3:59:03] coming down the pipe.

[3:59:05] on it on the GNGH site.

[3:59:09] I think it's a great opportunity

[3:59:10] to provide a whole realm of housing

[3:59:12] going forward into the future.

[3:59:16] center the community.

[3:59:21] issues that are going on now

[3:59:23] that'll help accomplish that for you.

[3:59:28] call the street part of it.

[3:59:32] I got to tell you, there's been a lot

[3:59:33] of good things happening in the community.

[3:59:38] here, Carey and others

[3:59:42] that have a group that meets biweekly.

[3:59:46] Other communities are now starting

[3:59:47] to look at what Niagara Falls is doing.

[3:59:49] 'Cause I tell you, we've traveled around

[3:59:51] and looked at different municipalities.

[3:59:54] Falls has serious problems.

[3:59:57] others. I can tell you that.

[4:00:02] more proactive approach.

[4:00:06] the gas down on the pedal

[4:00:09] a little bit more resources.

[4:00:12] report as to how to do that

[4:00:15] because if you can get out ahead of that,

[4:00:17] people are compassionate,

[4:00:19] to see it around my community."

[4:00:21] So if you can get ahead of it

[4:00:23] and provide more resources for by-law,

[4:00:26] for groups like NASO or REACH

[4:00:28] to provide street services to help people,

[4:00:31] helping that other client,

[4:00:34] which is the taxpayer

[4:00:36] who just simply doesn't want to see it

[4:00:37] in front of their business,

[4:00:39] in their neighborhood

[4:00:40] and in their park.

[4:00:41] we did this of, you know,

[4:00:44] just things going on at our parks

[4:00:46] that should not be happening.

[4:00:47] that a little bit more,

[4:00:50] helping the situation.

[4:00:55] couple good pilot projects

[4:00:57] I think the staff should look to

[4:00:59] approach to the street.

[4:01:02] has been doing a great job

[4:01:06] and I think with a little more resourcing,

[4:01:09] you can just put it over the top.

[4:01:11] One thing I will say is that I believe

[4:01:15] whole evacuee situation

[4:01:19] not being handled properly

[4:01:24] by the federal and provincial governments.

[4:01:27] more than its fair share.

[4:01:30] several conversations

[4:01:32] over the last couple of months.

[4:01:34] As we speak today,

[4:01:36] across the province.

[4:01:40] are housed in Niagara Falls.

[4:01:44] - To me, that's not fair.

[4:01:47] to be, Mr. Mayor, Vegas North.

[4:01:53] of tourism in Ontario.

[4:01:56] And unfortunately a lot of the residents

[4:01:59] and people will see Indigenous people

[4:02:02] on the streets walking around

[4:02:04] people in this community,

[4:02:05] and they're not.

[4:02:07] And I think they deserve better.

[4:02:11] I don't think children deserve

[4:02:13] to be playing their recess time

[4:02:16] in a parking lot beside the casino.

[4:02:18] there's a better approach.

[4:02:22] And I think that should be

[4:02:24] facility in the province

[4:02:27] have a sense of community

[4:02:30] and not be forced

[4:02:31] rooms across the province.

[4:02:35] But in spite of all that,

[4:02:37] report, in spite of all that,

[4:02:40] be certain resources

[4:02:43] that come back to the community.

[4:02:45] getting nothing out of it.

[4:02:48] And I've spoken to the Native Centre

[4:02:51] and Native Centre people

[4:02:53] and even their resources are being drained

[4:02:56] additional services as well.

[4:02:58] tapped and drained by this.

[4:03:01] should be a better model

[4:03:06] that takes the strain off Niagara Falls

[4:03:08] the police and the CORE unit.

[4:03:12] solutions, Mr. Mayor,

[4:03:14] and they're outlined in the report.

[4:03:17] Now, having said all that,

[4:03:19] with the most vulnerable,

[4:03:26] you know, there is a bit of a myth

[4:03:28] because a lot of the people

[4:03:29] day at the Soup Kitchen

[4:03:31] day are not unhoused.

[4:03:35] or in poverty. Deep poverty.

[4:03:40] but they can't afford food.

[4:03:42] that need additional help.

[4:03:47] these partners together.

[4:03:50] And what we're recommending

[4:03:52] is that the three large partners,

[4:03:55] SHARE, the Soup Kitchen,

[4:03:59] three boards of directors

[4:04:02] have agreed to come together

[4:04:05] of a hub for Niagara Falls.

[4:04:15] function under one roof.

[4:04:18] resources, sharing of services,

[4:04:21] sharing of food recovery.

[4:04:24] There'd be sharing of staff

[4:04:27] and warehouse-based whatever.

[4:04:30] way to deliver service.

[4:04:34] that is that not just

[4:04:36] organizations coexisting.

[4:04:42] I've approached a number of groups,

[4:04:44] about 18 groups in total, that have agreed

[4:04:47] to partnering at a hub like this.

[4:04:50] associated social services,

[4:04:53] Community Health Centre, REACH,

[4:04:58] Niagara Public Health,

[4:04:59] Outreach Positive Living,

[4:05:03] Service Canada, the Library,

[4:05:06] Canadian Mental Health Association,

[4:05:08] Project SHARE, Soup Kitchen, The Bridge,

[4:05:11] Ontario, Feed Niagara,

[4:05:14] and Niagara Nutrition Partners, to start.

[4:05:17] cobble together at this point.

[4:05:21] But I think there's an opportunity there

[4:05:23] where all of those other individuals

[4:05:25] supportive housing,

[4:05:29] that are housed, maybe marginally,

[4:05:32] these kind of services,

[4:05:34] access on a daily basis.

[4:05:37] Because if you look at the clients

[4:05:39] that are visiting these sites now,

[4:05:40] you're looking at about 300 to 400,

[4:05:44] maybe 4 or 500 individuals each day

[4:05:47] accessing these different sites.

[4:05:49] But you could bring that together

[4:05:51] and then let them tap into these services.

[4:05:53] I think we've got a much better chance

[4:05:56] of getting them to help,

[4:05:57] to get them that next step up,

[4:05:59] to help them get on with a better life.

[4:06:02] So Mr. Mayor, that's,

[4:06:07] that's basically what the report is about,

[4:06:09] any questions and anyway.

[4:06:14] - Okay, that's great.

[4:06:15] And I want to say thank you, Ken.

[4:06:17] take any kind of payment

[4:06:21] and it doesn't go unnoticed.

[4:06:25] We're grateful. It's been a lot of work.

[4:06:27] kilometers and a lot of meetings

[4:06:30] a buzz in the region.

[4:06:32] Everybody wants to see the findings,

[4:06:35] all the other municipalities.

[4:06:36] So we're grateful for all your efforts.

[4:06:38] - Oh, you're welcome. Yep.

[4:06:38] councilors have questions.

[4:06:41] Strange, then Councilor Lococo,

[4:06:44] over here, Councilor Patel?

[4:06:47] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[4:06:48] - And then Councilor Nieuwesteeg. Yes.

[4:06:51] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[4:06:51] the work you've been doing.

[4:06:54] has seen you in the room

[4:06:57] and talked to you for a lot of hours

[4:07:01] to everybody, stakeholders,

[4:07:04] nothing shows your compassion.

[4:07:09] at the Soup Kitchen

[4:07:11] - Thank you.

[4:07:12] And I really appreciate that.

[4:07:14] - I know you do.

[4:07:15] But that's the type of guy you are,

[4:07:16] you don't want to take credit for it.

[4:07:17] - But there's hundreds of people

[4:07:18] - No, I know.

[4:07:19] - And your team.

[4:07:21] - So yeah, thank you.

[4:07:22] - That's the type of guy

[4:07:23] and I'm sure that you've learned

[4:07:27] in the last how many months

[4:07:29] type of unhoused person,

[4:07:33] you know, it's mental, it's addictions.

[4:07:35] are on the borderlines

[4:07:39] help at the Soup Kitchen

[4:07:42] and maybe they're not unhoused,

[4:07:43] but they're on that borderline.

[4:07:45] And you know, like I said, you're showing

[4:07:48] and there's so many out there.

[4:07:51] And our team here,

[4:07:53] with everybody and, you know,

[4:07:59] we've seen it on Main Street

[4:08:00] with Councilor Nieuwesteeg

[4:08:02] shelter there on Summer Street

[4:08:06] and it's a little bit of a mess.

[4:08:07] And I was kind of really disturbed

[4:08:11] I opened up the paper

[4:08:14] and it was May 25th

[4:08:16] and you might know where I'm going here,

[4:08:19] attending a nearby shelter

[4:08:23] and was arrested by detectives.

[4:08:24] another drug transaction

[4:08:26] that was at the Summer Street.

[4:08:27] And it just blows my mind

[4:08:29] on a future court date

[4:08:32] and bailed out in a number of hours.

[4:08:35] And our Bylaw are doing our work,

[4:08:37] our staff are doing our work.

[4:08:38] You guys are doing our work

[4:08:39] trying to help themselves

[4:08:43] by going to a shelter and staying clean

[4:08:45] and getting the help they need.

[4:08:46] And we all know once you get a little bit

[4:08:49] of this horrible drug fentanyl in you,

[4:08:52] it's tough to not crave that again.

[4:08:56] And I'll even say this guy was caught

[4:08:58] with 35.5 grams of suspected fentanyl.

[4:09:02] this is the first time,

[4:09:04] just free like that,

[4:09:06] I think this guy should be away,

[4:09:08] you know, for five years right away.

[4:09:10] Because, you know, this is what's killing

[4:09:13] our homeless population is this fentanyl.

[4:09:16] I remember growing up

[4:09:17] and everyone could around the table that,

[4:09:20] there was two homeless people

[4:09:22] weren't even homeless.

[4:09:24] One was mental.

[4:09:25] I think his name was Big Bird,

[4:09:27] he just walked the streets.

[4:09:30] And they were nice people.

[4:09:31] last, you know, maybe 20 years.

[4:09:36] And with fentanyl it's just been,

[4:09:38] it's been just crazy.

[4:09:41] And you have someone like this

[4:09:43] that's just let out the next day

[4:09:46] and I don't know what the answer is.

[4:09:48] And I love what we're doing

[4:09:50] with the Soup Kitchen

[4:09:53] and other Project SHARE, Bridge.

[4:09:56] I think it's a great idea.

[4:09:58] And if we can have a complex

[4:10:00] the transitional housing,

[4:10:03] the Wayne Campbell, something like that.

[4:10:04] I know it's going to take a lot from us.

[4:10:06] We're just following your guidance

[4:10:08] and I don't know what, whatever we do,

[4:10:10] that, you know, these unhoused

[4:10:15] addicted are trying to get help.

[4:10:18] And then you get someone from the outside.

[4:10:20] And our Bylaw have been amazing.

[4:10:22] "Okay, here's a little,"

[4:10:24] bit that they're selling

[4:10:26] they'll buy it off them later,

[4:10:29] our upper-tier government

[4:10:32] or the judges or whatever

[4:10:34] to keep them in jail

[4:10:36] because it's not helping the situation.

[4:10:39] - Yeah. Of course.

[4:10:41] recommendations are to say

[4:10:45] some additional resources

[4:10:50] you know, with the CORE group,

[4:10:54] with the police, very important,

[4:10:56] advocating for that to continue,

[4:10:59] with Chris and his crew

[4:11:03] and some of the street workers.

[4:11:04] that a little bit more.

[4:11:07] putting a push on the street

[4:11:11] supportive housing units.

[4:11:16] In the meantime, if we can get a hub built

[4:11:20] providing services, it will service

[4:11:23] mental health clients

[4:11:27] that are housed and are doing okay,

[4:11:30] but just need a little bit more help.

[4:11:32] If this comes together,

[4:11:33] it's kind of a phase thing,

[4:11:35] but I think if we can attack

[4:11:39] that street stuff now, to your point.

[4:11:41] - Yeah. 'Cause the police

[4:11:42] - Let the other things-

[4:11:43] - They are doing their jobs.

[4:11:44] They're just not keeping them in jail.

[4:11:46] fault, it's the system's fault.

[4:11:50] I think I'll say this,

[4:11:54] it's a little bit of tough love.

[4:11:58] Falls is having some success

[4:12:01] little bit more aggressive,

[4:12:05] which, as long as you're providing

[4:12:08] those other support services,

[4:12:10] is perhaps not a bad thing.

[4:12:12] that we visited

[4:12:14] more lax approach to it.

[4:12:18] And I know there's a big, big issue

[4:12:21] right now with encampments,

[4:12:25] that if you let an encampment take hold,

[4:12:30] difficulty managing it later.

[4:12:32] So get ahead of it

[4:12:34] to the right services

[4:12:37] and help that they need

[4:12:38] before these things grow into something

[4:12:41] that becomes totally unmanageable

[4:12:42] - Yeah.

[4:12:43] 'Cause we've seen it in so many cities

[4:12:44] and you even said it like, you know,

[4:12:46] we think Niagara Falls is bad,

[4:12:48] but it's not even close

[4:12:50] municipalities are going through.

[4:12:52] - I'm sure you know,

[4:12:53] area is really, really bad.

[4:12:57] St. Catharines as well.

[4:12:58] going in the right direction.

[4:13:02] I think this is such a positive step.

[4:13:05] Having it all in one house

[4:13:07] where we can help everybody

[4:13:08] and show shared services.

[4:13:10] I think it's great.

[4:13:11] credit to the three boards,

[4:13:16] each group listened

[4:13:18] and it was unanimous

[4:13:22] on every board that I went to.

[4:13:24] realizing the model

[4:13:28] is maybe not sustainable.

[4:13:29] It is time for a change.

[4:13:31] still going to get worse

[4:13:33] before they get better.

[4:13:34] different model in place

[4:13:36] coming down the path here.

[4:13:39] the next step or timeline?

[4:13:42] that's up to council,

[4:13:45] but I, you know, the hope would be

[4:13:48] the idea of a hub,

[4:13:51] getting that off the ground.

[4:13:53] from council there.

[4:13:57] And we're not here asking council,

[4:14:00] we know that there's going to have

[4:14:01] to be community partnerships, fundraising,

[4:14:04] financial assistance needed.

[4:14:08] We think if we can get this thing built,

[4:14:10] then I think the agencies have done

[4:14:13] a good enough job in the past

[4:14:14] that we can monitor it and run it.

[4:14:17] Not asking the city to run it,

[4:14:19] operating dollars to run it.

[4:14:21] The city is providing some funds now,

[4:14:23] which is very, very welcomed.

[4:14:25] But yeah, we just need council

[4:14:29] the concept with this.

[4:14:31] - Well I think everyone is behind it.

[4:14:33] All of council will be behind it.

[4:14:35] taking the time to do this.

[4:14:38] We know you're volunteering

[4:14:39] your time and effort into this,

[4:14:41] - Yeah, thank you.

[4:14:42] - [Diodati] Okay. Thank you, Councilor.

[4:14:44] Councilor Nieuwesteeg next.

[4:14:45] I'm sorry, I, you did have your hand up.

[4:14:47] And then I got Lococo, Patel, Pietrangelo,

[4:14:49] to try to ask questions.

[4:14:52] questions of our presenter.

[4:14:54] if you can. Councilor.

[4:14:57] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[4:14:59] fabulous presentation,

[4:15:01] was your balanced approach

[4:15:03] we have on the street

[4:15:06] community and businesses.

[4:15:09] So it was a nice combination.

[4:15:12] My questions are, first one is this,

[4:15:15] more for me, this hub.

[4:15:18] So do you have a place

[4:15:19] coordinate this hub?

[4:15:22] - Okay.

[4:15:23] - But we... No.

[4:15:26] - Okay.

[4:15:27] working in different places.

[4:15:31] Is the concept that like Project SHARE,

[4:15:33] all come to that one area?

[4:15:35] to have their operations

[4:15:39] at these locations

[4:15:40] - Well, the concept right now

[4:15:43] is all under one roof.

[4:15:44] - Okay. Very good.

[4:15:47] to getting this done?

[4:15:50] - Well, realistically, you know,

[4:15:54] and it depends if it's a greenfield site

[4:15:56] of a site or a retrofit,

[4:16:05] you're probably two to three years

[4:16:07] in the whole, you know, design development

[4:16:10] to the point where you could occupy.

[4:16:13] would cost? Any preliminary?

[4:16:18] honest, nothing's cheap today.

[4:16:24] talk several million dollars

[4:16:27] end of it, I would think.

[4:16:28] But I have no idea.

[4:16:31] getting to the next step,

[4:16:33] at what the actual cost

[4:16:35] of this would be and see if it's feasible.

[4:16:38] - Okay, well, and through Mr. Mayor,

[4:16:40] the one thing in your presentation

[4:16:41] about municipal role

[4:16:43] and you hit the three things

[4:16:44] about invest, advocate, and regulate.

[4:16:49] So it's the advocacy piece

[4:16:51] because as we all know,

[4:16:52] this is not really at our municipal level.

[4:16:55] provincial and federal level.

[4:16:58] look at, in doing all of this,

[4:17:01] is maybe having somebody do the advocating

[4:17:04] government to help fund this

[4:17:06] because it's not fair to the tax,

[4:17:07] although I fully support it,

[4:17:09] taxpayers to carry this.

[4:17:12] of other tiered governments.

[4:17:15] all the municipalities

[4:17:17] are taking it upon themselves,

[4:17:18] getting away with it.

[4:17:20] And I really think that's something

[4:17:21] very strongly in all of this,

[4:17:24] dedicated to advocate for funds.

[4:17:27] And you mentioned earlier, you know,

[4:17:29] we be ready so when the funds come.

[4:17:30] But I think we have to be very proactive

[4:17:32] and say this is a situation.

[4:17:34] were saying about the evacuees,

[4:17:38] year because of my business

[4:17:42] and I heard their stories.

[4:17:45] I saw how they were living.

[4:17:46] hospital and they were taxed.

[4:17:50] there was no funding for them.

[4:17:52] really comes back down

[4:17:55] to our taxpayers.

[4:17:56] So I really hope in all of this model

[4:17:57] that we do keep in mind our taxpayers

[4:18:01] levels of government

[4:18:03] I think it's fabulous,

[4:18:06] your plan, it makes sense.

[4:18:07] be at higher levels.

[4:18:12] - I totally agree there's an advocacy part

[4:18:14] for around this horseshoe.

[4:18:19] But there's also a lot in the report

[4:18:21] that really is community driven.

[4:18:24] And that's kind of the hub part.

[4:18:26] advocacy you can do here.

[4:18:30] And as I said, with, for example,

[4:18:33] property and stuff, council, you know,

[4:18:35] properties identified,

[4:18:37] get them pre-zoned, get them serviced,

[4:18:39] get whatever you have to do

[4:18:40] application, you're ready.

[4:18:43] supportive housing piece.

[4:18:47] You did a great job over on Park Street.

[4:18:49] building, great example.

[4:18:54] Maybe not purpose built, you know,

[4:18:57] but still a great example

[4:18:59] you set your mind to it.

[4:19:02] - And one final question,

[4:19:04] what kind of metrics for success

[4:19:06] are you looking for out of all of this?

[4:19:08] So is it, I know to eliminate homelessness

[4:19:11] and to make sure everyone has everything

[4:19:13] is kind of a nice dream, but to maintain,

[4:19:16] hope that the end of the day,

[4:19:18] in 5 years or 10 years from now,

[4:19:20] we brought to council

[4:19:22] was extremely successful

[4:19:24] because we did all of these things.

[4:19:26] those items would be?

[4:19:28] - Well, you know, it's as I said before,

[4:19:33] going to still continue

[4:19:35] to even get worse before it gets better.

[4:19:38] put that question around,

[4:19:42] some of these actions,

[4:19:44] I'm not sure even what the end result

[4:19:47] will be of these actions.

[4:19:48] of these things in place,

[4:19:50] more supportive housing,

[4:19:54] the ground on the street

[4:19:57] parks and public spaces,

[4:20:01] my hope would be that in five years,

[4:20:03] improvement to what you see today.

[4:20:10] I, sorry, Councilor.

[4:20:13] I don't think I can put it in numbers.

[4:20:15] - You know,

[4:20:17] you see numbers at Project SHARE,

[4:20:18] you see numbers at the Soup Kitchen.

[4:20:22] It'd be great to say we could, you know,

[4:20:24] cut those numbers down.

[4:20:25] all poverty related issues

[4:20:28] and, you know, I'm not sure

[4:20:32] that either of those kind of services

[4:20:33] are going away anytime soon.

[4:20:35] - Okay, I want to thank you so much

[4:20:38] and to bring everyone together

[4:20:39] - Oh, thanks.

[4:20:40] the Project SHARE board,

[4:20:42] doing different things

[4:20:44] doers out there too,

[4:20:46] sometimes in isolation.

[4:20:49] we can centralize everything

[4:20:52] and communicate that out to the public,

[4:20:54] the right direction.

[4:20:56] these groups, you know,

[4:21:01] to show a willingness to come together.

[4:21:02] It's, I think in the long term,

[4:21:05] thing for the city.

[4:21:07] - Well, thank you very much for,

[4:21:09] participated in all of this.

[4:21:12] - Thank you.

[4:21:13] Next up, Councilor Lococo,

[4:21:15] then Patel, Pietrangelo, Baldinelli.

[4:21:18] through to Mr. Todd.

[4:21:20] Thank you so much.

[4:21:21] of the different perspectives

[4:21:24] because we can't make decisions

[4:21:25] just with parts of the puzzle.

[4:21:27] puzzle pieces together.

[4:21:29] I'm really happy about that.

[4:21:31] Councilor Nieuwesteeg was saying

[4:21:34] are not at our funding level.

[4:21:38] prevention, was in your report.

[4:21:42] And then I'm thinking the other side of it

[4:21:45] about landlord protection as well.

[4:21:46] two sides, two sides to it.

[4:21:49] landlords who won't rent

[4:21:52] because of some of the challenges.

[4:21:54] who are evicted unfairly too.

[4:21:56] But that's provincial.

[4:21:59] And then we have mental health,

[4:22:00] through the region.

[4:22:02] And then we have substance use,

[4:22:04] through the region.

[4:22:06] - So my question is,

[4:22:10] knowing that we have boots on the ground

[4:22:12] for outreach workers

[4:22:14] the people on the street

[4:22:16] or the people who need the services.

[4:22:18] are looking for services,

[4:22:22] but the services are not available.

[4:22:24] There's not a shelter bed,

[4:22:25] there's not a mental health bed to go to.

[4:22:27] There's not an addiction bed to go to.

[4:22:31] get more of those resources,

[4:22:35] I can see putting the resources

[4:22:37] for more boots on the ground.

[4:22:39] the more boots on the ground,

[4:22:42] they'll tell me, "Lori, I've asked

[4:22:43] anywhere for me to go."

[4:22:45] ago I went through this.

[4:22:49] process with somebody

[4:22:52] and they go and do what I suggest,

[4:22:54] what I've been told to suggest,

[4:22:55] and then there's no resources for them.

[4:22:58] So I think we really need to hone in

[4:23:00] to get those resources,

[4:23:03] an addiction bed, a mental health bed,

[4:23:06] a shelter bed, or a sustainable,

[4:23:08] put more boots on the ground,

[4:23:11] "There's nothing for you."

[4:23:14] And that's what we keep on running into.

[4:23:16] the beginning of the plan,

[4:23:18] but how will we overcome all of that?

[4:23:22] - So I don't see those as being

[4:23:27] contrary to one another.

[4:23:29] helps from that street level

[4:23:34] for businesses and residents

[4:23:37] who I don't think deserve

[4:23:40] these kind of issues.

[4:23:42] You're absolutely right.

[4:23:46] here and challenge council to do

[4:23:49] is, the best thing you can do

[4:23:51] to get those supportive units built

[4:23:54] is have somewhere to build them.

[4:23:56] And council is directly in charge of that.

[4:23:59] pieces of land that you own

[4:24:03] and are zoned, serviced, ready to go,

[4:24:05] next supportive application

[4:24:09] is going to increase tenfold

[4:24:11] because you can turn the key tomorrow.

[4:24:14] We can get in the ground tomorrow.

[4:24:16] it's going to pass you by

[4:24:19] some other community.

[4:24:21] that come out all the time.

[4:24:25] So that, I agree.

[4:24:27] The funding of building that

[4:24:29] would be other levels of government,

[4:24:32] region, federal, provincial.

[4:24:35] But if you're there as a council saying,

[4:24:39] "Here's the plate to put it on,"

[4:24:42] you're way ahead of the game.

[4:24:44] - I agree.

[4:24:45] But I just want to bring that back

[4:24:46] that we're having.

[4:24:48] Our mental health, addiction.

[4:24:51] If those services are not available

[4:24:53] because of the provincial funding,

[4:24:55] the issues down here.

[4:24:58] that out there to say,

[4:25:02] how are we going to deal with that?

[4:25:03] Back to the advocacy.

[4:25:04] else for funding,

[4:25:06] who's going to fund those extra things.

[4:25:09] - But it, I guess, again,

[4:25:11] and it's much easier

[4:25:15] to advocate from a position of strength.

[4:25:19] is, "We're ready to go.

[4:25:25] Here's a couple properties.

[4:25:26] We want this, we're ready to go.

[4:25:28] We've committed to it."

[4:25:30] little bit of a time lag.

[4:25:33] keep, in my opinion,

[4:25:35] with Chris and his group

[4:25:38] and whoever else doing what they're doing

[4:25:40] rightly so, you know,

[4:25:44] the other partners,

[4:25:47] which is the community, satisfied,

[4:25:51] which they deserve.

[4:25:52] think all of these pieces

[4:25:55] can work together and do your advocacy,

[4:25:59] but be in a position of strength

[4:26:01] when you go and ask for things

[4:26:02] because other communities are doing it

[4:26:05] and have been successful doing it.

[4:26:07] - Yes.

[4:26:09] funding has to come from,

[4:26:13] to come from other levels.

[4:26:16] - Thank you. One final comment on that.

[4:26:18] first, housing first,

[4:26:21] we wanted to get people into housing,

[4:26:23] supportive wraparound services.

[4:26:26] things, you can't just say,

[4:26:29] "Here's your apartment, go to it."

[4:26:30] They need all of those services

[4:26:32] so we have to have those as well.

[4:26:34] So I'm going to move on.

[4:26:35] A lot of the ideas that are in this report

[4:26:39] Councilor Ioannoni and I found

[4:26:43] when we went into Texas

[4:26:45] and we saw the tiny homes community.

[4:26:47] the word tiny homes

[4:26:49] because everybody gets stuck on that.

[4:26:50] you had all of these hubs,

[4:26:54] the wraparound services of everybody

[4:26:57] health, the addiction,

[4:27:00] everything in one place.

[4:27:01] that within the report.

[4:27:03] (alarm chirps)

[4:27:05] I'm just going to, two more things.

[4:27:07] This was brought up to me by a worker,

[4:27:11] that they have with a hub

[4:27:14] is sometimes people get banned from,

[4:27:17] and I brought this up to you before,

[4:27:19] banned from one agency.

[4:27:21] But the way we're set up now,

[4:27:23] it's a more effective way.

[4:27:25] I agree with it.

[4:27:26] But what we have to think about

[4:27:27] is sometimes the clients get banned.

[4:27:29] Say they get banned from Project SHARE,

[4:27:31] but they can still go to the Soup Kitchen,

[4:27:33] they can still go to The Bridge.

[4:27:35] If all of the services are in one place,

[4:27:37] mind to, if someone gets banned

[4:27:41] because of one of their behaviors,

[4:27:43] accessing all of the services?

[4:27:48] I know I'm not expecting an answer,

[4:27:49] I just want to put it out there

[4:27:51] because it is important.

[4:27:52] think as we move forward

[4:27:56] and the design and operation of it

[4:27:58] those kind of things.

[4:28:01] You know, these are,

[4:28:03] operating these services

[4:28:07] compassionate people.

[4:28:12] So they're going to be very mindful

[4:28:14] of all of that as we move forward.

[4:28:16] a compassionate person

[4:28:18] because she was concerned.

[4:28:19] - And my last point is,

[4:28:21] I know we spoke about this before too,

[4:28:23] and I didn't see it in the report.

[4:28:25] Niagara Falls and the Niagara region,

[4:28:27] we're very over-housed.

[4:28:28] in a three-bedroom apartment.

[4:28:31] There are programs out there,

[4:28:32] council over the past few years.

[4:28:36] they're working on right now

[4:28:38] that you co-share.

[4:28:40] And somebody is doing all of the vetting.

[4:28:42] They're matching people.

[4:28:43] that four-bedroom house

[4:28:47] that one person is living,

[4:28:48] now you have two people living in it.

[4:28:49] affordable housing that we need.

[4:28:53] So I hope that we look into that too.

[4:28:56] I know I've tried to work

[4:28:57] with different organizations about this.

[4:28:59] And it just keeps falling down.

[4:29:01] it somehow. (laughs)

[4:29:02] - Well, we had a great conversation,

[4:29:06] have a good conversation

[4:29:09] that exact thing, so.

[4:29:12] thinking about from that.

[4:29:15] detailed into the report

[4:29:17] because it's still early days.

[4:29:19] But I did follow on and follow up

[4:29:21] and have that conversation

[4:29:22] with the regional people after we met.

[4:29:23] - Well, thank you so much for all the work

[4:29:25] and all of the connections.

[4:29:27] that we remove those silos

[4:29:30] and figure out what everybody needs,

[4:29:31] what services we can offer,

[4:29:32] and hopefully more effective

[4:29:34] that we can serve the residents,

[4:29:36] whether they are unhoused or in need

[4:29:39] businesses that live here.

[4:29:41] So thank you.

[4:29:41] - Thank you.

[4:29:42] Pietrangelo, and Baldinelli.

[4:29:46] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[4:29:49] much for this presentation.

[4:29:51] - It's Ken. Yeah.

[4:29:56] - One thing I found interesting,

[4:29:57] what is in the report is,

[4:29:59] the street is not unhoused.

[4:30:03] - And how is that?

[4:30:06] of people on the street.

[4:30:10] out walking to Project SHARE.

[4:30:13] Soup Kitchen to get a meal.

[4:30:17] And many or most

[4:30:19] are returning to a roof over their head.

[4:30:22] might be a basement apartment,

[4:30:26] it might be whatever.

[4:30:27] But, you know, the majority,

[4:30:32] the vast majority of those individuals

[4:30:34] they're socializing,

[4:30:36] the majority of them

[4:30:39] are housed in some format or the other.

[4:30:44] - Well, that's good information,

[4:30:45] through you, Mr. Mayor,

[4:30:46] would email us or call us

[4:30:48] saying they saw 15 people on Lundy's Lane.

[4:30:50] - Yes. Yep.

[4:30:52] - So that means everybody is not unhoused.

[4:30:53] - No.

[4:30:55] No and that's what I got to,

[4:30:57] I'm sorry, with the Indigenous

[4:30:59] and, you know, the Indigenous

[4:31:03] that are relocated here, the evacuees,

[4:31:07] and they're out just, you know,

[4:31:10] whether they're out seeing the city

[4:31:12] but they're not homeless.

[4:31:14] But the first perception is,

[4:31:15] "Oh, there's a homeless person."

[4:31:17] may just be walking down

[4:31:20] to get a meal at the Soup Kitchen.

[4:31:21] Or they might just be having,

[4:31:23] at a corner somewhere.

[4:31:25] Like, but that's the perception.

[4:31:28] majority of them are not unhoused.

[4:31:33] - Thank you.

[4:31:34] Through you, Mr. Mayor,

[4:31:35] given to the GNGH site

[4:31:40] for turning that into a hub?

[4:31:42] as a hospital right now,

[4:31:44] are meeting rooms there,

[4:31:46] there's community areas there.

[4:31:51] answer is no, only because

[4:31:58] I'd say no for now,

[4:31:59] only because that's not where

[4:32:02] the majority of the clients

[4:32:04] services are living.

[4:32:09] much greater opportunity

[4:32:15] for the redevelopment of that site

[4:32:17] for supportive housing,

[4:32:21] rent-geared-to-income kind of housing,

[4:32:23] Park Street type developments.

[4:32:25] Hawkins has a couple really good examples

[4:32:27] those kind of opportunities

[4:32:31] to get you that next level up

[4:32:33] that this city needs.

[4:32:37] supportive housing that we need,

[4:32:39] get those kind of units built

[4:32:42] and leave the hub somewhere else

[4:32:44] clients in that community.

[4:32:50] I had your same thought earlier

[4:32:54] but after thinking it through

[4:32:55] what the opportunities

[4:32:57] the GNGH site can offer,

[4:33:01] you know, you could kind of

[4:33:03] have two different areas working together.

[4:33:06] Great sort of greenfield housing sites,

[4:33:09] which are desperately needed.

[4:33:11] And let's find another spot for the hub.

[4:33:14] - Yeah, to that point, Mr. Mayor,

[4:33:16] but the need is now

[4:33:19] and the hospital's already there.

[4:33:21] be vacating that building.

[4:33:24] So until we are building a new place,

[4:33:26] as one of the services.

[4:33:29] - Well, I think the timing,

[4:33:32] probably the hospital site

[4:33:35] till 2028, possibly 2029,

[4:33:43] I think along that timeline.

[4:33:44] we'll be well on the way

[4:33:47] hub at another location.

[4:33:52] So, but I would say to this,

[4:33:54] the concept really would be,

[4:33:56] together in a new hub yet,

[4:34:01] but the approach would be

[4:34:03] the conceptual done here,

[4:34:07] we would be working together back end

[4:34:11] as much as we can

[4:34:14] until we move to a new site.

[4:34:15] doing while that gets built,

[4:34:19] so that, we're not going to delay.

[4:34:21] I mean, we've got the partners here,

[4:34:24] I think Steve's ready to run out right now

[4:34:26] and start doing stuff tonight if he could.

[4:34:29] So we're anxious to get started. Yeah.

[4:34:33] know, all the recommendations,

[4:34:35] and if councilors want to pick one or two,

[4:34:38] which one would you prioritize?

[4:34:39] Which one would you say we do first

[4:34:41] of all the recommendations?

[4:34:44] - Well, I'm going to be a little selfish

[4:34:46] 'cause I think the hub is a wonderful idea

[4:34:48] that you should get on, really. (laughs)

[4:34:49] - Other levels of the-

[4:34:51] - Having said that, I truly believe

[4:34:53] that reinforcing and continuing on

[4:34:57] street, get that solidified.

[4:35:01] the greatest immediate impact

[4:35:04] on the people of the community.

[4:35:09] So I would say that's a quick one

[4:35:12] that I know that the CAO and by-law

[4:35:15] and others are already mindful of.

[4:35:18] I think that will just give the residents

[4:35:24] a little bit of a lift

[4:35:26] in some of these neighborhoods

[4:35:27] if you can get that under control quickly

[4:35:30] develop, which are really needed,

[4:35:35] bit more time to develop.

[4:35:38] - Okay. Thank you.

[4:35:39] - [Diodati] Thank you, Councilor.

[4:35:40] Pietrangelo, then Baldinelli.

[4:35:44] - Yeah. Thanks, your worship.

[4:35:46] Through you, to Mr. Todd.

[4:35:47] back in council chambers.

[4:35:50] - Good seeing all of you.

[4:35:51] though you haven't left,

[4:35:54] but I know you have.

[4:35:56] want to start off by saying

[4:35:59] that to us it's important to have a plan.

[4:36:02] So I want to say thank you, Ken,

[4:36:04] a plan in place for us

[4:36:07] and bringing it to us.

[4:36:08] that you're not someone

[4:36:11] that really wants a lot of accolades

[4:36:13] and you kind of pointed behind you

[4:36:14] hundreds of people

[4:36:16] - Every day.

[4:36:18] - every single day.

[4:36:20] And I do recognize that

[4:36:22] a lot of the faces,

[4:36:24] that I would be remiss in

[4:36:28] if I didn't mention is the fact

[4:36:30] someone special to go out

[4:36:34] people and all their opinions

[4:36:37] and all their ideas together.

[4:36:39] who actually has a desire

[4:36:43] to come forward with a plan

[4:36:47] and puts it all into place, Ken.

[4:36:50] thank you for doing that.

[4:36:52] so I'll leave it at that.

[4:36:54] lived it your entire life

[4:36:57] and I recognize that.

[4:36:58] Your worship, I know

[4:36:59] recommendations in the plan.

[4:37:01] start pulling them apart

[4:37:04] one better than the other.

[4:37:06] centralized integrated hub

[4:37:09] is an absolute great idea.

[4:37:12] I mean, I hope that that's something

[4:37:13] that we can move forward on.

[4:37:15] I understand that as a council,

[4:37:16] we will have to put more funds,

[4:37:18] funds into this initiative.

[4:37:22] that we're willing to do.

[4:37:24] wanted to mention, your worship,

[4:37:27] has said a number of times

[4:37:30] need to identify sites.

[4:37:33] We've already talked about some sites.

[4:37:36] So perhaps if you can tell us the point

[4:37:39] to in terms of a rezoning

[4:37:41] that would fit on those lands,

[4:37:44] that direction to staff.

[4:37:47] sites off the top of my head.

[4:37:49] I don't really want to pop them out now,

[4:37:52] site needs to be rezoned

[4:37:55] it's institutional or R4,

[4:37:59] whatever the case might be,

[4:38:00] type of direction to staff

[4:38:02] and then we can get moving on that, so.

[4:38:04] - Thank you. Yeah, that'd be wonderful.

[4:38:07] - Thank you, Councilor.

[4:38:09] Councilor Baldinelli.

[4:38:11] - Okay. Thank you, Ken, through you mayor.

[4:38:15] you just... (laughs)

[4:38:17] - But yeah.

[4:38:20] it's mostly faceted,

[4:38:22] house opposing street, but you did mention

[4:38:24] that we had 1,100 out of 1,800 Indigenous

[4:38:29] in Niagara Falls, 61%.

[4:38:32] - This week.

[4:38:34] do you think it had

[4:38:37] area in Niagara Falls

[4:38:42] where we've accepted,

[4:38:45] and I'm not sure how that acceptance works

[4:38:47] have been enriched by it

[4:38:50] could have been used

[4:38:52] are taking care of others.

[4:38:58] It continues on today

[4:38:59] and it affects, you know, souvenirs,

[4:39:01] restaurants, you know, the tourism.

[4:39:03] But what about the effects

[4:39:06] on our local population and the unhoused

[4:39:09] know, need assistance?

[4:39:12] - Well, I don't have quantifiable numbers,

[4:39:15] over the last six months,

[4:39:21] police, emergency room,

[4:39:26] EMS vehicles, it's, you know,

[4:39:31] know, social services.

[4:39:37] Councilor Lococo said it,

[4:39:42] we don't really even have enough resources

[4:39:43] to serve our own people.

[4:39:46] And here on a weekly basis,

[4:39:47] another 1,100 people

[4:39:51] from outside the community.

[4:39:53] And the city of Niagara Falls,

[4:39:56] the region, police, emergency rooms

[4:39:59] offset that additional burden.

[4:40:03] I just think there's a better model.

[4:40:05] be too critical here,

[4:40:07] but, you know, other people got to step up

[4:40:10] and take their fair share.

[4:40:11] has a lot of hotel rooms,

[4:40:14] business of this municipality

[4:40:17] rooms for visitors, so.

[4:40:20] model where, you know,

[4:40:24] side of who the client is,

[4:40:27] the evacuees of, you know,

[4:40:32] them into or uprooting them

[4:40:34] and putting them into,

[4:40:36] like, I'm sure there's a place somewhere,

[4:40:39] whether it's an old campus somewhere

[4:40:42] where you could, you know, use it

[4:40:44] and an evacuee center

[4:40:48] the facilities there

[4:40:50] on an ongoing basis

[4:40:51] in hotels in Fallsview

[4:40:55] or on Lundy's Lane.

[4:40:56] fair to the residents,

[4:41:01] because I think Councilor Patel said,

[4:41:04] when you look around the streets,

[4:41:05] a lot of what you're seeing are just,

[4:41:09] carrying on their day,

[4:41:13] not causing trouble,

[4:41:15] I don't know what the situation is,

[4:41:17] impression on our residents

[4:41:23] homeless people around

[4:41:25] and that's really not quite the case.

[4:41:28] - Yeah, we've had some correspondence

[4:41:31] policing that basically,

[4:41:36] and they're very overworked

[4:41:39] and they've had too many calls

[4:41:40] and they're just, you know,

[4:41:41] it's not paying attention to our community

[4:41:43] and et cetera, et cetera.

[4:41:46] staff, I mean, how do we,

[4:41:49] of these people coming

[4:41:53] to Niagara Falls and staying in our rooms.

[4:41:55] I mean, it just can't be, you know,

[4:41:58] there's lots of rooms within Ontario.

[4:41:59] specifically get targeted.

[4:42:03] I know there's a lot of money involved.

[4:42:05] I'm not sure that it benefits,

[4:42:07] this during our term,

[4:42:12] and affecting our tourism,

[4:42:16] but it's just too lucrative.

[4:42:18] three years have been hard

[4:42:21] your studies in the last,

[4:42:24] last year or so, whatever it's been,

[4:42:26] and I think it's contributed to it.

[4:42:28] And I think we got to focus on

[4:42:30] provincially and federally,

[4:42:34] putting it to where we need it.

[4:42:38] guess back to my point,

[4:42:42] I don't think it's fair to the evacuees

[4:42:47] with children and uprooting families.

[4:42:50] solutions that are out there

[4:42:53] that would help our community

[4:42:55] the evacuees themselves

[4:42:58] it's a temporary situation,

[4:43:02] that they're dislocated

[4:43:04] a better way to do that.

[4:43:08] I think there's a better model out there.

[4:43:10] (alarm chirps)

[4:43:13] right on. That was excellent.

[4:43:16] great big thank you to you

[4:43:21] and to all the volunteers for being here.

[4:43:23] trying to get different groups

[4:43:26] collaborate, but it's happening,

[4:43:30] could do it would be you.

[4:43:31] pretty, pretty good.

[4:43:36] out there in our community,

[4:43:39] day, volunteering their time

[4:43:43] that I am, you know, took this,

[4:43:46] out of the house, that's all.

[4:43:49] So, I mean,

[4:43:50] - Secretly paying your salary.

[4:43:52] about, you know. (laughs)

[4:43:55] going to look to council to do.

[4:43:59] receive the reports.

[4:44:03] Second of all, okay.

[4:44:04] I'll come to you, Councilor Lococo

[4:44:06] and Councilor Nieuwesteeg for this.

[4:44:09] that I'm going to introduce,

[4:44:12] before you agree to it.

[4:44:15] Second part is that motion

[4:44:18] that I'd like to put on the floor

[4:44:20] a steering committee

[4:44:24] with necessary participants from agencies

[4:44:27] of non-elected officials

[4:44:31] under the leadership of Ken

[4:44:32] the recommendations,

[4:44:35] in the 78-page report.

[4:44:39] itself be referred to staff

[4:44:45] and brought back to council

[4:44:47] for implementation.

[4:44:51] with that, Councilor? Okay.

[4:44:53] Councilor, with that? Okay.

[4:44:55] going to suggest that we put.

[4:44:58] moved by Councilor Lococo,

[4:45:01] seconded by Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

[4:45:03] And if we have no further discussion.

[4:45:05] Oh. Yes, Councilor Pietrangelo.

[4:45:07] - Thanks, your worship.

[4:45:08] up on Ken's suggestion

[4:45:11] have those sites pre-zoned.

[4:45:14] - Do you want to add that to it?

[4:45:15] be part of your motion.

[4:45:17] - I think that's an easy one,

[4:45:20] have a couple sites in mind,

[4:45:22] that we know that we can rezone.

[4:45:24] So if we're just given the information

[4:45:26] in terms of what the zoning needs to be,

[4:45:28] industrial or high density,

[4:45:31] whatever the case might be,

[4:45:32] then we can follow through on that.

[4:45:34] So if that could be part of the motion

[4:45:35] - Great.

[4:45:36] Are you good with that, Councilor? Yep.

[4:45:37] Councilor?

[4:45:38] - Direction to rezone those properties

[4:45:40] that we've identified,

[4:45:41] then that would get us moving faster.

[4:45:43] - Yep. Throw in the amendment.

[4:45:44] motion, we'll call the vote.

[4:45:48] All those in favor.

[4:45:49] Okay. And that's unanimous.

[4:45:51] - Mr. Mayor, if I could say

[4:45:52] thank you, first of all for that.

[4:45:53] Secondly, I just want to thank,

[4:45:55] of people behind here too

[4:45:58] this report to this stage.

[4:46:02] City staff, CAO,

[4:46:05] some of the higher ups along this side

[4:46:08] giving me some guidance as well.

[4:46:11] So I really, really appreciate that.

[4:46:14] - Well I think we got an opportunity here.

[4:46:15] made-in-Niagara Falls solution

[4:46:18] want to replicate and duplicate

[4:46:21] and I can't think of anybody better

[4:46:22] to put something like that together.

[4:46:24] and to all the volunteers.

[4:46:26] Thank you very much everybody.

[4:46:27] (attendees applauding)

[4:46:30] Yeah. (laughs)

[4:46:34] Thank you.

[4:46:35] ankle bracelet off of 'em.

[4:46:37] you. Don't try to hide from us.

[4:46:40] Okay, Mr. Clerk.

[4:46:43] Okay, we're good for that. Thank you.

[4:46:49] anyone following along now,

[4:46:52] of the council agenda.

[4:46:55] been patiently waiting

[4:46:58] for us to address this.

[4:47:00] I'll call on our city clerk

[4:47:01] to introduce the next item on the agenda.

[4:47:05] - Thanks, your worship.

[4:47:06] A public meeting is now being convened

[4:47:07] to consider a proposed amendment

[4:47:08] Plan and Zoning By-law

[4:47:11] townhouses within six blocks

[4:47:15] at 5691 through to 6017 Valley Way.

[4:47:19] Notice was given by first class mail

[4:47:21] Planning Act on May 22nd, 2026,

[4:47:25] the property in question

[4:47:28] in accordance with Bill 185,

[4:47:29] or a specified person,

[4:47:32] owner of any land

[4:47:35] amendment by-law will apply,

[4:47:39] at a public meeting

[4:47:41] or written submissions to city council

[4:47:43] the official plan amendment

[4:47:45] and/or passage of the by-law

[4:47:47] amendment and/or the by-law

[4:47:50] to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

[4:47:51] no longer permitted.

[4:47:54] - Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

[4:47:55] We'll now call on Nick DeBenedetti,

[4:47:58] and explain the purpose

[4:48:01] and reason for the proposed amendments.

[4:48:05] - Good evening, council, your worship,

[4:48:09] members of the public.

[4:48:11] My name's Nick DeBenedetti.

[4:48:12] City of Niagara Falls

[4:48:15] and we're here to discuss Official Plan

[4:48:17] and Zoning By-law Amendment 2026-002.

[4:48:24] Non-Profit Housing Corp.

[4:48:28] Greg Olson.

[4:48:30] stacked townhouse buildings

[4:48:35] with a total of 99 dwelling units

[4:48:37] located at 5961 and 6017 Valley Way.

[4:48:43] And again, just in this area over here,

[4:48:46] the area in blue is the location.

[4:48:50] neighborhood map,

[4:48:55] gives you the road network,

[4:48:59] the current institutional use

[4:49:04] and amenity areas.

[4:49:06] And again, the area here

[4:49:11] in green is the proposal.

[4:49:16] look of the actual site itself.

[4:49:21] There's Shirley Avenue here, Stevens,

[4:49:24] there's Valley Way located here.

[4:49:26] Again, the institutional use there.

[4:49:29] There's a dead-end street over here,

[4:49:32] which is Sidney Street.

[4:49:35] And then there's the proposal

[4:49:39] with the institutional use here,

[4:49:41] dwellings in this location,

[4:49:45] a couple of apartment buildings here,

[4:49:48] and again, singles all along Valley Way.

[4:49:55] Now the official plan indicates

[4:49:57] designated residential

[4:50:00] and is in the built-up area.

[4:50:01] The official plan amendment is required

[4:50:03] to increase the density from 75 units

[4:50:07] to 92 units per hectare.

[4:50:09] The residential designation,

[4:50:11] dwelling units of all types,

[4:50:15] catering to a wide range of households,

[4:50:18] which includes this townhouse development.

[4:50:22] Now the zoning by-law amendment,

[4:50:24] the current zone is institutional.

[4:50:28] it to an R5C density

[4:50:32] in accordance with Zoning By-law 79-200.

[4:50:37] And the proposal will include,

[4:50:40] there's a number of parts and regulations

[4:50:44] that need to be recognized.

[4:50:47] The reduced minimum lot frontage

[4:50:49] will be reduced from 30 down to 20.

[4:50:52] minimum rear yard depth

[4:50:54] from 10 down to 7.5 meters.

[4:50:58] interior side yard width

[4:51:01] to the west and east lot lines.

[4:51:03] up the side yard setback

[4:51:07] where the requirement is 5.5.

[4:51:13] We're actually going to be increasing

[4:51:16] the interior side yard width to the north,

[4:51:19] which again, it's 5.5,

[4:51:21] and the proposal will be at eight meters.

[4:51:26] the height requirement.

[4:51:29] So the proposal in this zone,

[4:51:31] the typical height requirement is 19,

[4:51:34] we're capping it at 11.

[4:51:37] Furthermore, there's a parking standard

[4:51:40] that's being decreased from 1.4 to 1.1

[4:51:44] and then the maneuvering aisle

[4:51:46] is increasing from 6.3 to 6.

[4:51:50] So this gives you a proposed layout

[4:51:52] of what's being contemplated on this site.

[4:51:57] of Shirley Avenue here,

[4:52:00] it's been purposely designed

[4:52:04] to have a little of an angle,

[4:52:06] and then there's a further access

[4:52:07] that has been introduced off of Valley Way

[4:52:11] to help assist in traffic.

[4:52:16] here, it's the pinch point.

[4:52:20] It's only at the 7.5 meters

[4:52:22] and then actually the rear yard increases

[4:52:25] along this perimeter.

[4:52:27] here is at the six meters

[4:52:30] where the proposal is 5.5.

[4:52:36] No, just got to get rid of that.

[4:52:42] over here is a six meter.

[4:52:46] And then on the top here we're looking at

[4:52:49] having the eight-meter interior side yard.

[4:52:53] the side yard requirements

[4:52:56] that what you typically would have.

[4:53:00] There also is noted here,

[4:53:03] Moloks in the islands there.

[4:53:07] Those are the little round circles.

[4:53:08] And they've indicated some snow storage

[4:53:13] landscape area is being shown.

[4:53:18] of what's being proposed.

[4:53:21] Again, there's going to be the rooftop,

[4:53:24] with a porch in the front.

[4:53:28] There's a step up

[4:53:30] and also an additional area on top.

[4:53:36] This gives you the elevation drawings.

[4:53:39] actually are limited

[4:53:42] to the one windows as indicated.

[4:53:47] the front perspective

[4:53:49] and the rear perspective.

[4:53:52] Now this is an interesting map.

[4:53:54] Typically we're looking at what amenities

[4:53:58] are located with this proposal.

[4:54:02] So the area marked where the star is,

[4:54:04] proposal's going to be placed.

[4:54:08] And along, there are,

[4:54:10] 500-meter perimeter radius,

[4:54:15] there are actually parkettes,

[4:54:16] there, there's Huck Park there.

[4:54:21] perimeter, there's a Stanford,

[4:54:26] sorry, the Niagara Falls Lions Club there.

[4:54:30] So there are close proximity

[4:54:33] within a 500-meter radius of parks.

[4:54:38] the general location,

[4:54:41] Valley Way over here,

[4:54:45] Stanford in this area.

[4:54:48] There's some commercial nodes.

[4:54:50] commercial plaza at Stanley,

[4:54:54] and Valley Way.

[4:54:56] which is a commercial entity.

[4:55:00] There's also some commercial

[4:55:02] where you have the bakery over here

[4:55:04] and Scott's Variety over here.

[4:55:06] There's also the institutional use

[4:55:08] where the bank is up in this area

[4:55:11] Morrison and Portage.

[4:55:18] There's also obviously the healthcare.

[4:55:20] Currently there is the hospital

[4:55:23] in this location for the time being.

[4:55:25] some health center use.

[4:55:28] There's the medical building there.

[4:55:30] medical building there.

[4:55:32] station in close proximity.

[4:55:36] And also looking at this,

[4:55:40] Portage and Valley Way,

[4:55:42] there are bus stops.

[4:55:44] There's numerous bus stops

[4:55:45] where the little yellow dots are,

[4:55:48] stop just across here.

[4:55:51] not even five minutes away.

[4:55:56] There's a bus stop here at Scott Street.

[4:55:58] here, right on Valley Way,

[4:56:01] right in front of the institutional use.

[4:56:03] bus stops in the location.

[4:56:08] And there's the bus network

[4:56:10] and also the bike network dashed in red.

[4:56:14] So this, when you're looking at this,

[4:56:16] perspective that where the star is,

[4:56:20] in close proximity.

[4:56:24] So moving to the public open house,

[4:56:27] we had a meeting on March 18th

[4:56:29] and there was comments

[4:56:31] meeting from the citizens.

[4:56:34] "Opening Shirley Avenue

[4:56:38] generates traffic and safety issues."

[4:56:41] According to the transportation briefs,

[4:56:43] most of the traffic is anticipated

[4:56:45] to be utilized on Valley Way entrance

[4:56:48] rather than the Shirley Avenue.

[4:56:51] to be reduced down to the 1.1

[4:56:54] and there could be a potential spillover

[4:56:56] onto Shirley Avenue.

[4:56:58] completed a technical study

[4:57:02] to modernize parking rates,

[4:57:06] which again is being recommended

[4:57:08] stacked townhouse unit.

[4:57:13] study was not required

[4:57:16] and spillover is not anticipated.

[4:57:19] adjacent property values.

[4:57:23] an infill opportunity

[4:57:25] land use policies encourage.

[4:57:31] Proposal will have 99 attainable units

[4:57:34] allowing for adequate separation,

[4:57:37] with adjacent properties

[4:57:40] and using existing services.

[4:57:42] The increase of traffic is minimal,

[4:57:45] and over time the value of the properties,

[4:57:48] mostly an increase in value.

[4:57:50] The coordination of installation

[4:57:54] of basically fencing along the perimeter.

[4:58:00] of fencing will be decided

[4:58:03] during the future site plan control stage.

[4:58:06] Fencing is typically always a requirement

[4:58:09] along the property line

[4:58:11] with the requirement

[4:58:14] fencing along the lot lines.

[4:58:18] The privacy, noise, and lighting concerns.

[4:58:20] The conceptual site plan has designed the,

[4:58:25] basically to minimize overlooking

[4:58:28] in the conceptual site plan.

[4:58:31] There's no balconies are proposed

[4:58:33] on the rear or the side elevations.

[4:58:36] stacked town dwelling

[4:58:40] maintains a minimum of 7.5.

[4:58:42] And I indicated that at the pinch point

[4:58:45] along the rear lot line.

[4:58:48] Through the site plan control stage,

[4:58:49] wood fencing, plantings

[4:58:52] will be addressed and the applicant agrees

[4:58:54] with the placement of the wood fencing

[4:58:56] and additional plantings for privacy.

[4:58:59] the City of Niagara Falls,

[4:59:03] will be controlled under the noise by-law.

[4:59:05] And again, the site plan control process

[4:59:08] will review the lighting proposed

[4:59:10] there is zero setback

[4:59:14] and basically you're not going

[4:59:17] to be emitting over the lot line.

[4:59:20] enclosure that will be used

[4:59:23] as indicated on the site plan,

[4:59:24] putting the Molok system

[4:59:27] areas on the site plan.

[4:59:30] The potential pest disturbance.

[4:59:34] The applicant will have best efforts

[4:59:36] to make sure that it'll be minimized

[4:59:38] for potential pest disturbance.

[4:59:40] And during construction,

[4:59:41] all debris will be cleared

[4:59:44] to control any rodent activity.

[4:59:48] Questions regarding city infrastructure.

[4:59:51] Now the city has retained GEI Consultants

[4:59:54] as the third party modeling

[4:59:57] to evaluate the wastewater impacts

[4:59:59] and propose on the townhome development.

[5:00:02] The study concluded

[5:00:03] will have minimum impact

[5:00:05] on existing wastewater system.

[5:00:09] on Valley Way and Portage

[5:00:13] in relation to the regional trunk sewer

[5:00:16] sophisticated capacity

[5:00:21] and the 10-year design.

[5:00:25] opening up Shirley and Sidney

[5:00:29] if the old school site is demolished?"

[5:00:32] The city has no current application

[5:00:34] for the removal of the school site.

[5:00:38] be reviewed on its merit

[5:00:41] and any planning application, again,

[5:00:44] involving a rezoning

[5:00:46] of the public process.

[5:00:49] are private amenity areas.

[5:00:53] The location of the snow storage

[5:00:55] was identified on the site plan.

[5:00:58] Again, it would be carried out

[5:00:59] for future property owners,

[5:01:01] which would be basically

[5:01:05] the condominium corporation.

[5:01:07] If there's a heavy snow event,

[5:01:08] we'll have to truck out the snow.

[5:01:11] noted on the site plan.

[5:01:14] plan will be reviewed

[5:01:16] as part of the site plan control process.

[5:01:20] And again, there's no amenity areas noted

[5:01:22] on the rear of the dwellings.

[5:01:25] Concerns about access going through

[5:01:28] as a through route through Valley Way.

[5:01:31] Through traffic from Valley Way to Shirley

[5:01:34] due to the design.

[5:01:37] not a straight access.

[5:01:40] shows it as curvature.

[5:01:45] The design, the layout,

[5:01:46] and the private internal road network.

[5:01:49] network is only six meters,

[5:01:52] your typical local road.

[5:01:55] The roadway is not as straight

[5:01:57] and its physical design

[5:01:59] convenient cut-through route.

[5:02:03] As such, the Paradigm conducted

[5:02:06] using the internal roadways

[5:02:11] residents and the visitors

[5:02:14] and additional signage can be placed

[5:02:16] to make sure to deter this through access.

[5:02:21] And finally, now there was a petition

[5:02:23] of the consent application

[5:02:26] that was done back last fall.

[5:02:29] A member of the public requested

[5:02:31] from the consent application.

[5:02:35] The current proposal with the layout

[5:02:37] and the access on the Valley Way

[5:02:39] was not included at the time.

[5:02:41] two different applications

[5:02:43] and the members of the public at that time

[5:02:46] to see the full layout

[5:02:50] that's been proposed tonight.

[5:02:54] zoning by-law justification.

[5:02:59] The proposal conforms

[5:03:00] and city policies,

[5:03:03] intensification target

[5:03:06] in the built-up area.

[5:03:12] located near parks, transit,

[5:03:15] local commercial amenities

[5:03:17] as I noted on the amenity plan.

[5:03:20] The proposed stacked townhouse dwelling

[5:03:22] is a max of 92 units,

[5:03:24] existing abutting residential

[5:03:28] maintaining low-rise built form.

[5:03:31] at the city's benchmark

[5:03:35] of the attainable values.

[5:03:37] selling all those units,

[5:03:40] all 99 units will be attainable.

[5:03:43] The rezoning.

[5:03:44] is a site-specific R5C

[5:03:48] with adequate rear yard buffer.

[5:03:50] to add additional buffering.

[5:03:56] reduction of the standard,

[5:03:58] transportation requirement.

[5:04:04] restricting the height down

[5:04:07] from 19 down to 11

[5:04:09] and we're blending in the roof designs

[5:04:11] the surrounding neighbors,

[5:04:15] which is achieving the compatibility

[5:04:17] of the residential properties.

[5:04:20] And the proposal contributes

[5:04:21] to the neighborhood's housing options,

[5:04:24] introducing a mix of unit types

[5:04:28] the residential character

[5:04:31] the scale development.

[5:04:36] approve the official plan

[5:04:38] located on Valley Way

[5:04:42] to increase the permitted density

[5:04:46] subject to the site-specific R5D density

[5:04:49] for the proposed 99 stacked townhomes.

[5:04:56] - Done? Thank you.

[5:04:57] Questions of council.

[5:05:00] Nieuwesteeg, Strange, and Lococo.

[5:05:05] So Councilor Nieuwesteeg. Yeah.

[5:05:08] Great presentation.

[5:05:11] homes are on Shirley Avenue?

[5:05:17] get a close-up view.

[5:05:24] if you go up this way-

[5:05:28] - to the corner.

[5:05:29] No, Shirley going into like that.

[5:05:30] - Well that, that would be Stevens,

[5:05:32] up then that bends around.

[5:05:35] is going to attach over,

[5:05:37] like they can go off that way?

[5:05:39] - Yeah.

[5:05:40] will then connect to Scott

[5:05:43] and then Scott will go on to Portage

[5:05:46] and then this access at Stevens

[5:05:48] would eventually go out to Drummond Road.

[5:05:51] - But that little piece

[5:05:52] like where it connects from...

[5:05:54] - Yeah.

[5:05:55] So how many houses are in that little...?

[5:05:56] - That little area, you could probably get

[5:05:57] four, about five in that,

[5:06:01] in that little perimeter.

[5:06:02] traffic going into Valley Way,

[5:06:06] experience no traffic right now,

[5:06:09] of increase in traffic.

[5:06:11] - Well again, based on the Paradigm study

[5:06:14] why they updated the study.

[5:06:17] that the majority of the flow

[5:06:21] Valley Way, which is 85%,

[5:06:24] will go up this way.

[5:06:28] - How did they know that?

[5:06:29] - They did their studies. Paradigm.

[5:06:32] Well, they're the traffic consultants.

[5:06:36] They feel that the Valley Way is,

[5:06:39] you look at the overall,

[5:06:42] action is on Valley Way.

[5:06:46] So if people want to go south,

[5:06:48] they want to get onto the highway,

[5:06:49] down to the Main Street,

[5:06:52] down to that area,

[5:06:55] coming off the Valley Way.

[5:06:56] If you want to go north,

[5:06:58] really, you're pretty much going

[5:07:00] to the Meridian Bank down to Queen Street.

[5:07:03] would come down Valley Way

[5:07:06] would go up Drummond.

[5:07:07] facts that they looked at.

[5:07:10] totally agree with that.

[5:07:12] But let's go back to the Valley Way.

[5:07:14] that comes out of that.

[5:07:16] there right now, right?

[5:07:19] based on the site plan.

[5:07:21] - Right here.

[5:07:23] Yeah, they're going to have

[5:07:24] right here where I have the dash-

[5:07:25] - So there's going to be a legitimate-

[5:07:26] - There's a road access.

[5:07:28] saying access, is it a-

[5:07:30] - It's a road. It's a six-meter wide road.

[5:07:33] like it'll be a special road?

[5:07:35] - No, no, that's an internal road.

[5:07:37] You don't, it's not a public street,

[5:07:39] it's an internal road network.

[5:07:41] - Okay, so if I'm there,

[5:07:42] can go out that other area

[5:07:46] way out, going to Valley Way.

[5:07:49] I guess I just don't see it the same way

[5:07:51] as this Paradigm sees it.

[5:07:52] to go that way as opposed to...

[5:07:55] takes your shortest route.

[5:07:57] If you want to go to the police station,

[5:07:59] why would I want to go down?

[5:08:00] and go down up Valley Way.

[5:08:04] If you want to go to the south side,

[5:08:05] why would I want to go up Shirley?

[5:08:07] They're looking at,

[5:08:08] route off of Valley Way.

[5:08:10] Why would I cut up Shirley?

[5:08:13] I'll go off of Valley Way.

[5:08:15] They're always looking at the short,

[5:08:16] everybody looks at the shortest route.

[5:08:18] - I see the other way as a short way.

[5:08:19] that traffic on Valley Way.

[5:08:21] anyways, the way I drive.

[5:08:25] But, so this is a real road that's coming.

[5:08:27] It's not, you keep calling it access,

[5:08:28] that's why I'm just so...

[5:08:31] - It would be part of their future consent

[5:08:33] that they would have an easement

[5:08:35] connecting onto Valley Way-

[5:08:39] - An easement or a road?

[5:08:40] of having the road network.

[5:08:44] - Okay. So I...

[5:08:45] - It's a basic, the bottom line,

[5:08:46] wide road connection

[5:08:49] onto Valley Way.

[5:08:50] - An internal road.

[5:08:50] - Yes.

[5:08:54] - Okay. All right.

[5:08:55] Those are my two questions. Thank you.

[5:08:57] you. Councilor Strange.

[5:09:00] - Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[5:09:02] know we have two access points,

[5:09:05] but you know, the one on Shirley

[5:09:06] is going to be at least very disruptive

[5:09:09] for the current residents.

[5:09:11] They've been there for years

[5:09:12] without having any through traffic there.

[5:09:13] to be a potential problem.

[5:09:17] Is there a way that we can use Shirley

[5:09:21] as an emergency access

[5:09:24] EMS, that sort of stuff?

[5:09:28] And we've done it in the past

[5:09:29] they do it as well.

[5:09:32] as an emergency access

[5:09:35] the road going in and out.

[5:09:40] be a question for you

[5:09:42] - Ms. Dolch.

[5:09:45] - Thank you, Councilor.

[5:09:47] are something that we consider

[5:09:52] at certain times in certain situations.

[5:09:55] In this case in particular,

[5:09:56] secured for the south roadway.

[5:10:00] - It's not secured?

[5:10:01] - No.

[5:10:02] this off as an emergency access

[5:10:06] chain or bollards across

[5:10:09] because, again, it wouldn't provide

[5:10:10] that access at this point.

[5:10:11] applicant's not intending

[5:10:13] to secure that easement, but again,

[5:10:16] it's predicated on the fact

[5:10:17] be approved tonight

[5:10:19] or will it be denied?

[5:10:21] They may not have to go through

[5:10:22] that extra step at this point.

[5:10:25] and long-term planning,

[5:10:29] we want to see every connection possible

[5:10:31] to disperse traffic.

[5:10:34] was saying, you know,

[5:10:37] the easiest point of travel

[5:10:38] its collector road,

[5:10:40] it manages more volume of traffic,

[5:10:42] it's easier to get in and out

[5:10:43] obviously Shirley and out,

[5:10:46] you have to wind through subdivisions.

[5:10:48] So most people won't take that path

[5:10:50] to going somewhere

[5:10:52] in that area specifically.

[5:10:54] And that's where Paradigm comes up

[5:10:56] with their assessment and is probably best

[5:10:58] here tonight on that.

[5:11:01] But to close that access point,

[5:11:03] a planning perspective.

[5:11:07] So that would be my concern at this point.

[5:11:09] - But we do have,

[5:11:11] I remember in Chippewa

[5:11:12] I believe we had the same type of thing

[5:11:13] access and it was closed off.

[5:11:16] And maybe even Chief Jo,

[5:11:19] fire department as well?

[5:11:26] - Thank you, your worship.

[5:11:27] - Yeah, sure.

[5:11:28] Zambito, or Chief Zambito,

[5:11:31] terms of emergency access.

[5:11:34] secured another access point.

[5:11:37] an emergency access only,

[5:11:40] I would have some concerns.

[5:11:42] - Okay. Thank you.

[5:11:42] Well, I guess we can hear from Chief Jo.

[5:11:44] - Chief, I know Optimist Lane,

[5:11:46] kind of closed lanes

[5:11:48] for the fire department.

[5:11:49] Mayor, to the Councilor.

[5:11:52] I guess if we were to say hypothetically

[5:11:55] in terms of planning

[5:11:58] and it met all the conditions that staff,

[5:12:02] terms of a site plan,

[5:12:05] it is something that we have done

[5:12:07] access in other areas.

[5:12:08] So we could take a look at that for sure

[5:12:12] for emergency services.

[5:12:14] only if all the other areas

[5:12:19] the easement, et cetera,

[5:12:21] of all the city departments.

[5:12:25] assuming hypothetically

[5:12:30] certainly look at that

[5:12:33] and find an alternative to,

[5:12:36] or some sort of emergency access.

[5:12:38] - Okay. Thank you.

[5:12:39] report, it explicitly says

[5:12:41] that the applicant requires an easement

[5:12:43] over the retained parcel

[5:12:45] perpetuity onto Valley Way.

[5:12:50] In perpetuity means forever.

[5:12:52] on the title of the land

[5:12:55] at the Land Registry Office.

[5:12:56] corporation sells the property

[5:13:00] in 20 years from now,

[5:13:01] the easement remains legally binding.

[5:13:03] The new owner cannot block, alter,

[5:13:05] or cancel that right of way.

[5:13:08] - [Diodati] Yep.

[5:13:10] - Through you to the councilor.

[5:13:11] is no condition on the zoning

[5:13:15] for that to be done.

[5:13:16] an emergency access,

[5:13:19] make sure it's a condition

[5:13:21] that that easement be secured.

[5:13:23] Otherwise, we would have no access

[5:13:25] for this development.

[5:13:29] - Go ahead.

[5:13:30] Go ahead, Councilor. Yep.

[5:13:32] - Yeah, just on that point, your worship,

[5:13:34] I guess through you to Ms. Dolch.

[5:13:37] So if the easement is not secured,

[5:13:40] can the easement go away at this point?

[5:13:42] Because we're being shown a plan right now

[5:13:45] that has an access out to Valley Way.

[5:13:47] that easement is not secured,

[5:13:50] can that easement be deleted at any point?

[5:13:54] Through you to the councilor.

[5:13:55] That's correct.

[5:13:56] Right now, obviously it's in the report,

[5:13:58] there's no condition that that easement

[5:14:00] be provided through this report.

[5:14:02] So that's why I'm cautioning

[5:14:04] if you do close up that access to Shirley,

[5:14:07] you could potentially have an issue

[5:14:09] that there would be no access point.

[5:14:11] So either way, if the access was open

[5:14:14] or if the easement is not there,

[5:14:17] I would suggest that a condition be placed

[5:14:19] as a condition of the zoning.

[5:14:25] doesn't strike me as normal

[5:14:30] when we're presented a plan

[5:14:31] and then I guess I hear that

[5:14:34] plan, that can change,

[5:14:36] like the easement can go away.

[5:14:38] So I mean, we're looking at a plan

[5:14:40] that has access out onto Valley Way.

[5:14:43] It is somewhat odd to say

[5:14:45] that all of a sudden we could approve this

[5:14:48] to Valley Way could go away.

[5:14:53] - Thank you, your worship.

[5:14:55] the original proposal.

[5:14:58] no access out to Valley Way.

[5:15:01] Obviously this has been added as something

[5:15:04] to address the concerns raised

[5:15:06] by the residents at the open houses.

[5:15:08] now being suggested.

[5:15:11] It hasn't been yet applied for though.

[5:15:14] - Okay.

[5:15:16] And I just want to say, your worship,

[5:15:17] I tend to agree with the emergency access.

[5:15:19] I can, I mean, yes, we did it in Chippewa,

[5:15:22] yes, we did it at Optimist,

[5:15:23] we also did it on Beaverdams,

[5:15:24] we also did it on Mountain Road.

[5:15:26] sites across Niagara Falls

[5:15:29] where we've actually done that

[5:15:30] where we have one access in.

[5:15:34] the areas that we've done it,

[5:15:37] they've been larger developments.

[5:15:39] development actually has to be

[5:15:42] before the Planning Department

[5:15:44] requires a secondary access.

[5:15:47] of that size and nature

[5:15:51] where it would require a secondary access?

[5:15:55] developments that we've done

[5:15:57] that are just simple townhouse condos

[5:16:00] and they're all attached

[5:16:01] than a hundred units in them

[5:16:04] one access in the node.

[5:16:08] through you to the councilor.

[5:16:10] in my opinion anyway,

[5:16:13] it can't have one access,

[5:16:16] sole access without a median.

[5:16:19] a planning perspective.

[5:16:22] So if one access point gets blocked,

[5:16:24] if the firetrucks needs to go in,

[5:16:25] they can go through the other access

[5:16:27] on the other side of the median.

[5:16:28] Again, still can have one access

[5:16:30] but you put a median in between

[5:16:31] to make sure you have another point of,

[5:16:34] in case there's an accident,

[5:16:36] but you have some barrier in between.

[5:16:39] recommendation if that was the case

[5:16:41] or a secondary access point.

[5:16:44] Strange, you're done?

[5:16:46] Lococo, then Dabrowski.

[5:16:49] we're all on the same page.

[5:16:52] We've talked to the same residents.

[5:16:53] I was speaking to the chief today

[5:16:55] and that was one of my suggestions

[5:16:57] was about the emergency access.

[5:17:00] if we look at that picture,

[5:17:04] the one that says the one

[5:17:05] that's at the far left, 5961 residential,

[5:17:08] right of the green mark,

[5:17:10] right where the road would be.

[5:17:12] there's a house on that.

[5:17:17] Is the house being removed?

[5:17:20] I can't see online?

[5:17:23] Like what am I not seeing there?

[5:17:27] you look at a house

[5:17:31] and there's no house on this.

[5:17:33] to be to the left of that lot

[5:17:36] or part of that lot?

[5:17:38] - Through, chair.

[5:17:40] right here. Is that the lot?

[5:17:44] Yeah, there is a house on there. Yeah.

[5:17:47] So for some reason

[5:17:51] the mapping didn't catch it,

[5:17:53] but there is a house there.

[5:17:56] building right next to it,

[5:17:59] but no, you are correct.

[5:18:00] There is a house.

[5:18:01] There is a house there.

[5:18:03] - So...

[5:18:04] over that 5961 property?

[5:18:10] - No, this, let me get my bearings here.

[5:18:13] Just hold on one second here. Sorry.

[5:18:19] right now this is, sorry,

[5:18:23] we were talking about.

[5:18:26] This gives you the error photo.

[5:18:28] Right here, there is a vacant area

[5:18:32] looking at straight,

[5:18:36] of it is the road access.

[5:18:43] - Okay, thank you. That explains that.

[5:18:46] approving a development

[5:18:49] where we don't even have this access yet.

[5:18:51] Originally when the proposal came,

[5:18:53] it was just one access on Shirley.

[5:18:56] expressed their concerns.

[5:19:00] Now we have two accesses

[5:19:02] and like Councilor Nieuwesteeg,

[5:19:03] if I, can we go back to that one,

[5:19:06] if I lived in any of those townhouses

[5:19:08] there, I would go out that way.

[5:19:12] I wouldn't go all the way down.

[5:19:13] So to me, that's half of the development

[5:19:16] and go out different ways

[5:19:19] so you don't have to go down Valley Way.

[5:19:21] consultant, Paradigm,

[5:19:24] but I would go out that way.

[5:19:26] about the emergency access,

[5:19:30] and could we do that

[5:19:33] because the wording in the report

[5:19:36] actually says fire's preference

[5:19:38] would be that the access from Shirley

[5:19:40] regular access driveway.

[5:19:43] Well that's their preference.

[5:19:44] mandated or it has to be.

[5:19:47] So that's why I was wondering

[5:19:49] if we could do the emergency access.

[5:19:51] So two things out of this

[5:19:52] see an emergency access,

[5:19:55] to approve a development

[5:19:58] where we don't have the easement yet.

[5:20:00] do something about that.

[5:20:02] I'll put that on the floor

[5:20:05] that the easement be taken care of first

[5:20:08] before this, the development gets-

[5:20:11] - [Diodati] So maybe we'll ask,

[5:20:12] so we're not at that point yet.

[5:20:13] to put that forward.

[5:20:14] a conditional approval

[5:20:16] subject to approval, an easement.

[5:20:19] - Thank you, your worship.

[5:20:21] is if you're looking at that,

[5:20:24] that you would just put a condition,

[5:20:26] if you were anticipating approval tonight,

[5:20:29] I would suggest that the by-law be held

[5:20:32] pending the successful easement

[5:20:35] through Committee of Adjustment.

[5:20:37] Because normally Committee of Adjustment

[5:20:39] decision on an application

[5:20:41] until they know the, in some instances,

[5:20:43] the decision of council.

[5:20:45] So I think that would be helpful tonight

[5:20:46] with that condition added.

[5:20:49] - Okay, thank you.

[5:20:50] So I'll put that motion forward later

[5:20:52] then the emergency access.

[5:20:54] - Okay, great. Thank you.

[5:20:56] Councilor Dabrowski?

[5:20:58] Thanks for the presentation.

[5:20:59] my house in the morning,

[5:21:02] I go right, doesn't matter.

[5:21:04] somewhere where I'm like,

[5:21:06] "Oh, why did I go that way today?"

[5:21:07] So we can all speculate on what-ifs,

[5:21:10] a problem on Shirley Avenue.

[5:21:13] discussion around the table.

[5:21:16] Regarding the sunset clause.

[5:21:18] If this development weren't to go

[5:21:20] or if it were to go through,

[5:21:22] but the development didn't break ground,

[5:21:24] what happens to zoning permission?

[5:21:26] - Thank you, your worship.

[5:21:29] So there is some ability obviously

[5:21:31] for myself to extend it another year

[5:21:34] for them to come to council

[5:21:37] to extend as well.

[5:21:38] There's certain circumstances,

[5:21:39] policy in place to do that.

[5:21:42] But let's say for hypothetical sakes

[5:21:45] that they're not moving forward at all.

[5:21:47] There's no market issue, no nothing.

[5:21:49] Then the zoning permissions

[5:21:51] would revert back to what they were.

[5:21:53] - Okay. Thank you.

[5:21:54] further questions of council.

[5:21:58] Thank you, Mr. DeBenedetti.

[5:22:04] are advised that failure

[5:22:07] submission at this public meeting

[5:22:10] could result in the Ontario Land Tribunal

[5:22:12] dismissing any referral that it receives.

[5:22:15] anyone other than the applicant

[5:22:18] the proposed amendments.

[5:22:21] pre-registered speakers?

[5:22:26] - Yes, your worship, we do have two

[5:22:27] that are registered to speak

[5:22:30] to the gallery as well.

[5:22:33] And before we call on those members,

[5:22:35] members of the public

[5:22:37] this application or report

[5:22:40] relevant to the subject matter

[5:22:43] is before council today.

[5:22:47] registered is Penny Clendennin.

[5:22:51] - Okay, Ms. Clendennin.

[5:22:55] well, we know your name,

[5:22:57] got up to five minutes.

[5:22:59] stay in that five minutes.

[5:23:03] Good evening, Mayor, members of council.

[5:23:05] opportunity to speak tonight.

[5:23:07] My name is Penny Clendennin.

[5:23:09] I reside at 5935 Stevens Street

[5:23:13] in the Scott subdivision in question.

[5:23:16] I'm here to share my concerns

[5:23:18] who are all here tonight.

[5:23:23] our continued concerns,

[5:23:24] been addressed and brought,

[5:23:27] they've been all brought up before,

[5:23:29] quite address our concerns.

[5:23:37] And also, just to go on record,

[5:23:38] that there was a petition submitted.

[5:23:41] have signed a petition

[5:23:45] opposing the development

[5:23:49] from Shirley Street.

[5:23:55] city's built-up area policy

[5:23:58] in this case.

[5:23:59] of encouraging infill

[5:24:02] and mixed housing types,

[5:24:04] but the new development must still respect

[5:24:08] the surrounding neighborhood.

[5:24:10] The proposed stacked townhouse development

[5:24:13] from the existing area,

[5:24:16] which is made up primarily

[5:24:18] of single-family dwellings.

[5:24:25] We're also concerned with the intensity,

[5:24:28] development being 99 units

[5:24:31] in that compressed area.

[5:24:35] It appears to be excessive,

[5:24:37] leaving little green space,

[5:24:38] parkettes and whatever nearby.

[5:24:43] Green space, our neighborhood is known

[5:24:45] with lots of trees.

[5:24:48] That property line where Stevens,

[5:24:51] or where Shirley is planned to be open,

[5:24:53] that would be removed.

[5:24:56] And that's what our neighborhood is,

[5:24:58] one of our appeals of our neighborhood.

[5:25:05] We feel that removal of those would affect

[5:25:07] and environmental quality.

[5:25:11] remains a concern of ours.

[5:25:16] As said with the plan,

[5:25:18] put into those roads,

[5:25:25] to go out Shirley Street.

[5:25:28] It just seems that way.

[5:25:29] The fire department has mentioned that

[5:25:31] preferred access point.

[5:25:33] So why wouldn't everyone else living there

[5:25:36] be their primary access point?

[5:25:40] to reconsider at Valley Way

[5:25:46] the only ingress, egress,

[5:25:50] ingress, egress location.

[5:25:54] The emergency exits,

[5:25:56] I think we would all be fine with that.

[5:26:01] the day-to-day traffic,

[5:26:03] is, I think our biggest concern.

[5:26:10] And other concerns we had,

[5:26:12] and I still feel these are legitimate

[5:26:17] to the concern to the project at hand

[5:26:20] is that I'd like to just call into record

[5:26:24] which are public record

[5:26:28] and have a direct bearing on this project,

[5:26:31] as well as the website

[5:26:32] Regulatory Authority,

[5:26:36] the HCRA.

[5:26:39] 2021 and '22 in the "Review"

[5:26:44] and as well as the "Standard,"

[5:26:47] and his past conduct.

[5:26:53] - I would just caution you to be careful

[5:26:55] area we don't want to go into-

[5:26:58] - For libelous reasons.

[5:27:00] - Yep. Okay.

[5:27:01] It's public record.

[5:27:02] would find the information.

[5:27:04] messages, your email.

[5:27:06] - So we appreciate that.

[5:27:10] that would be, again,

[5:27:13] aren't going to finish.

[5:27:16] There are a lot of those in our city now.

[5:27:18] We don't want one in our neighborhood.

[5:27:23] report mentioned that they feel

[5:27:26] that the property values would increase,

[5:27:28] at some point in time

[5:27:31] once our property values have decreased

[5:27:34] because of this project.

[5:27:36] In addition to the proposed price point,

[5:27:39] it will attract investors of the project.

[5:27:41] rather than owner-occupants.

[5:27:46] Our concern would be with rental units,

[5:27:50] Airbnbs, short-term rentals,

[5:27:54] all of that that comes with those.

[5:27:57] a quiet dead-end street

[5:28:00] (alarm chirps)

[5:28:01] where children ride bikes, play outside,

[5:28:03] and gather safely with their friends.

[5:28:05] change the character of the area

[5:28:08] safety families now enjoy.

[5:28:13] planning documents

[5:28:15] once envisioned Shirley Street

[5:28:16] extending into the planned area.

[5:28:19] But those plans are 70 years old

[5:28:21] and at that time

[5:28:24] similar type of residences.

[5:28:28] (sighs) personal point,

[5:28:32] the impact that this is having

[5:28:34] on residents in our neighborhood.

[5:28:38] We're a peaceful, close-knit community

[5:28:43] so special for us.

[5:28:47] Many are now questioning

[5:28:49] in this neighborhood.

[5:28:51] lived in this community

[5:28:53] for more than 50 years

[5:28:55] created by this proposal

[5:28:58] has caused a real concern and anxiety.

[5:29:02] In summary, we ask council and city staff

[5:29:04] the long-term impacts

[5:29:06] on our neighborhood,

[5:29:08] its character, its safety,

[5:29:11] invested their lives here.

[5:29:14] significantly revise this proposal

[5:29:20] location protects Shirley Street

[5:29:23] and protects and respects the concern

[5:29:26] live, work, and vote here.

[5:29:30] - Thank you.

[5:29:32] can just, before you run away.

[5:29:34] for Ms. Clendennin?

[5:29:37] Okay. So I think we're good.

[5:29:38] see if we can get an answer to,

[5:29:41] you did make mention of vacation rentals.

[5:29:43] Ms. Dolch can address that.

[5:29:46] - Thank you, your worship.

[5:29:47] So vacation rental units

[5:29:49] would not be permitted in this area,

[5:29:51] it is only permitted

[5:29:54] in tourist, commercial, commercial areas.

[5:29:57] rentals are permitted,

[5:29:59] to be present on site.

[5:30:02] - Where they would stay in with the owner.

[5:30:04] - With the owner.

[5:30:05] - Right, and I don't know,

[5:30:07] short-term rental website.

[5:30:10] I'll just ask how that's going.

[5:30:12] manager of by-law is here today

[5:30:16] tell you we've been blitzing

[5:30:20] and shutting them down very aggressively.

[5:30:23] if you want to address that

[5:30:26] proactive with it now.

[5:30:30] - Yeah, again, through the mayor,

[5:30:32] we're actively blitzing the VRUs.

[5:30:34] just started this week,

[5:30:36] we have 72 that have been recognized

[5:30:38] that we're addressing right now.

[5:30:40] And we're continuing to monitor daily.

[5:30:43] advertising, we go after them.

[5:30:45] - Yeah.

[5:30:46] So we've been very aggressive.

[5:30:47] So I want, yep, you have a question.

[5:30:49] Yes. Councilor Baldinelli.

[5:30:50] - Just one question.

[5:30:52] overhead view of this

[5:30:54] and I see right now,

[5:30:56] and I'm not sure if it's current or not.

[5:30:58] They have garden blocks, garden beds?

[5:31:00] community harvest garden

[5:31:04] where people could grow,

[5:31:07] they've been evicted.

[5:31:08] - Oh, it's no longer?

[5:31:09] - They're not operating this year.

[5:31:10] it was their last summer

[5:31:12] and they're not operating anymore.

[5:31:13] community togetherness?

[5:31:15] togetherness, the church.

[5:31:18] bread food bank may have even

[5:31:20] - So the non-profits-

[5:31:22] the lots, nonprofit entity,

[5:31:26] - Yeah.

[5:31:27] - I'm going to keep saying non-profit.

[5:31:29] And booted everybody out of there?

[5:31:30] - Okay. Thank you.

[5:31:34] Okay, thank you very much.

[5:31:36] - Okay. Mr. Clerk.

[5:31:41] presenter is Robert Ward.

[5:31:49] - Mr. Ward,

[5:31:52] if you can just state your address please.

[5:31:55] got up to five minutes.

[5:31:57] at 5952 Stevens Street.

[5:32:02] And as most of you'll understand now,

[5:32:05] opening of Shirley Street, okay?

[5:32:10] Keeping Shirley Street closed

[5:32:12] to change its landscaping

[5:32:16] 20 more lots for parking.

[5:32:22] already over density.

[5:32:26] this property of 1.08 hectares

[5:32:30] is run between 47 and 75 stacked houses.

[5:32:35] You can find this information anywhere

[5:32:37] on the government sites.

[5:32:39] city council can find it.

[5:32:43] So by allowing it to expand by 20%,

[5:32:48] right, from 75 to 90, 99,

[5:32:54] and decreasing the parking from 1.4 to 1.1

[5:32:58] is just against what your planning says.

[5:33:02] We should not be so dense.

[5:33:05] to have this assessment

[5:33:08] or this reamendment done.

[5:33:13] So by keeping the project smaller,

[5:33:15] going to go ahead at some point,

[5:33:18] provincial government

[5:33:20] is demanding this to be done.

[5:33:22] Infilling is what's going to happen.

[5:33:25] We could keep this at a smaller project.

[5:33:29] change the landscaping,

[5:33:32] increase the parking back to 1.4,

[5:33:34] keep Shirley Street closed,

[5:33:36] have in many areas in the city,

[5:33:40] especially a new one over on Portage there

[5:33:43] behind St-Antoine Church,

[5:33:45] units, one entrance, okay?

[5:33:51] everybody is worried about,

[5:33:53] Shirley Street opened up.

[5:33:55] over by the Optimist Club

[5:33:58] and all that.

[5:33:59] Solves the problem, okay?

[5:34:03] Downsizing solves the problem.

[5:34:08] wanted for this thing.

[5:34:10] like it's just there

[5:34:13] than to fit into our area.

[5:34:18] It's a very quiet neighborhood. Okay?

[5:34:21] density is another. Right?

[5:34:25] prevents a third throughway

[5:34:29] from Valley Way to Scott Street.

[5:34:32] everybody wants, right, so.

[5:34:37] - Thank you, let me check if we,

[5:34:39] yes, see questions we've got.

[5:34:41] Councilor Patel.

[5:34:43] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[5:34:45] coming to the council chambers

[5:34:48] and telling us what you are worried about.

[5:34:51] And I'm with you.

[5:34:51] My major concern about this development

[5:34:54] is the access from Shirley Avenue

[5:34:57] onto the Shirley and Scott.

[5:35:01] Even if you have emergency exit,

[5:35:02] it just closed with the gates or chain,

[5:35:06] people can still park on the stairs.

[5:35:07] just walk right over.

[5:35:10] And I agree reducing parking

[5:35:13] is something we are doing lately,

[5:35:15] but our parking standards are seeing 1.4.

[5:35:18] And I want to ask Ms. Dolch,

[5:35:20] approve the reduced parking?

[5:35:25] - Thank you, your worship.

[5:35:29] Obviously if council chooses

[5:35:30] parking, they could appeal.

[5:35:35] to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

[5:35:38] that our parking study

[5:35:41] that's been recently done

[5:35:42] by our transportation division

[5:35:45] at 1.1 spaces per unit.

[5:35:48] - So would we be able to see the study?

[5:35:50] Would that pass down to us?

[5:35:52] Because I was just wondering that

[5:35:53] broader data from Ontario

[5:35:56] from Niagara Falls data.

[5:35:59] - Thank you, your worship.

[5:36:00] that over to Mr. Nickel.

[5:36:03] - Yeah, thank you.

[5:36:05] Through you, Mr. Mayor.

[5:36:06] surveys of similar sites,

[5:36:09] apartments, multi-res units,

[5:36:12] townhouse units to get a sense

[5:36:14] parking demands are on site.

[5:36:18] guide our new zoning by-laws.

[5:36:22] will be coming forward

[5:36:24] by-laws going to be updated.

[5:36:27] We have successfully implemented that

[5:36:29] on a number of applications

[5:36:31] use proximity to transit

[5:36:34] 'cause we don't, you know,

[5:36:36] we can't force everyone to use transit,

[5:36:38] but if we want to encourage transit,

[5:36:39] reliance on an auto vehicle.

[5:36:42] - To that point, through you, Mr. Mayor,

[5:36:44] data in consideration,

[5:36:46] parking fines that issued,

[5:36:50] was everything taken in consideration?

[5:36:53] - Yeah. Through you, Mr. Mayor.

[5:36:54] people survey actual sites

[5:36:59] and some sites were close to transit,

[5:37:00] some sites were not close to transit.

[5:37:02] We had sites in Niagara, there were sites

[5:37:04] Ontario that were included.

[5:37:07] what the actual demands are

[5:37:10] range, depends on demographics,

[5:37:15] bedrooms in those units

[5:37:17] and those sort of things.

[5:37:18] But we have ranges

[5:37:21] that were down below one space per unit.

[5:37:24] Generally what this rate results in

[5:37:26] is one car dedicated per unit

[5:37:28] and that can be dealt with

[5:37:30] of the purchase of the unit

[5:37:33] and then one visitor space

[5:37:35] or for every 10 units.

[5:37:38] So that we know that

[5:37:39] visitors all the time.

[5:37:40] And if there are, streets like Valley Way

[5:37:43] do have on-street parking

[5:37:44] and so there are places in the community

[5:37:46] when things overflow.

[5:37:49] - Thank you.

[5:37:50] The parking is a major concern for me

[5:37:52] the holidays happen,

[5:37:55] people have friends and family come over.

[5:37:57] spaces for visitors

[5:38:00] and other cars

[5:38:01] will be parked on a neighborhood street.

[5:38:03] So that will be a concern

[5:38:04] in the development like this

[5:38:07] and we avoid to go to their house

[5:38:08] parking around there.

[5:38:10] So that will be a concern.

[5:38:11] That's my major concern as well.

[5:38:13] it should be downsized,

[5:38:17] keeps Shirley closed,

[5:38:20] your parking by 20%.

[5:38:23] we close the Shirley access,

[5:38:26] if we don't really require that-

[5:38:27] - [Diodati] Right now it's just questions.

[5:38:28] questions of the presenter.

[5:38:31] - Oh, oh sorry. After for your, thank you.

[5:38:33] - Yeah, there'll be time for the dialogue.

[5:38:35] Any other questions for Mr. Ward?

[5:38:37] Okay, thank you very much, sir.

[5:38:39] else registered? We don't.

[5:38:42] other than the applicant

[5:38:44] who wishes to address, come forward,

[5:38:46] address, up to five minutes.

[5:38:49] Try not to repeat 'cause we've heard,

[5:38:51] don't close or don't open up Shirley.

[5:38:54] so if you've got anything new.

[5:38:56] - Well I just want to thank you, Mayor,

[5:38:58] and to members of council.

[5:39:00] live at 5122 Cabot Drive.

[5:39:04] longest residents in that area.

[5:39:07] And I just want to speak to the point

[5:39:09] said the shortest route

[5:39:13] would be Valley Way.

[5:39:14] 'Cause if you go out Shirley,

[5:39:16] you end up at Portage and Morrison.

[5:39:18] That is incorrect.

[5:39:19] If you go out Shirley you end up at Scott,

[5:39:22] which goes on to Portage.

[5:39:23] So it's not very far.

[5:39:25] So yes, if you go to Portage to Morrison,

[5:39:29] you wouldn't want to go that way.

[5:39:30] Shirley you go to Scott,

[5:39:34] you can have a nice exit.

[5:39:35] Drummond Road for 10 minutes,

[5:39:37] you're not sitting at Valley Way.

[5:39:38] So I just wanted to make a point on that.

[5:39:43] - Thank you. Hold on.

[5:39:43] Morocco? Any questions?

[5:39:47] Okay, you're good, thank you.

[5:39:48] Is there anyone else other?

[5:39:50] Yes, if you'd like, step forward,

[5:39:51] five minutes, try not to repeat.

[5:39:55] Mayor, and council members.

[5:39:58] I've never done this so hopefully,

[5:40:00] can I go to, I don't know if I can scroll,

[5:40:02] but the image of just our subdivision

[5:40:06] with the houses, am I able to?

[5:40:08] - Yeah, well they'll do it.

[5:40:09] - Okay, thank you.

[5:40:12] - I know the,

[5:40:14] where it zoomed in a little bit back.

[5:40:16] don't know what I'm doing.

[5:40:18] I don't want to mess it up.

[5:40:20] - Okay.

[5:40:22] moved, where's my cursor?

[5:40:27] home, 5134 Shirley Avenue.

[5:40:31] I specifically moved to this area

[5:40:33] with my three small children.

[5:40:34] bit of a transition in life,

[5:40:37] but I specifically moved to this area

[5:40:39] because of this being a dead end.

[5:40:42] A very quiet residential neighborhood.

[5:40:45] Obviously it's been reiterated,

[5:40:46] opened up for this reason,

[5:40:49] but I just wanted to highlight

[5:40:50] three, four, five, six homes

[5:40:55] there are 15 small children,

[5:40:59] sorry I'm shaking a little bit,

[5:41:01] months old to 14 years old.

[5:41:05] They all play in this area.

[5:41:08] fear it's going to create

[5:41:12] a significant safety concern.

[5:41:15] So that's really all I have to say.

[5:41:17] questions for our presenter?

[5:41:21] No? Okay, thank you for that.

[5:41:22] - I'm probably a little too nervous ever.

[5:41:24] - Thank you.

[5:41:26] - Anyone else, other than the applicant,

[5:41:29] who wishes to address council?

[5:41:30] you for all of your input.

[5:41:34] Now council will now hear

[5:41:39] or her representative.

[5:41:57] members of council.

[5:42:00] (Mary Lou whispers)

[5:42:03] Oh, can we go back to our presentation?

[5:42:07] We're, you're onto the next one.

[5:42:11] - [Tech] Not that one? I did, sorry.

[5:42:14] applicant's presentation.

[5:42:16] - [Tech] Yep, I did.

[5:42:17] - It's okay.

[5:42:20] Well, while we're pulling that up,

[5:42:23] my name's Rocky Vacca.

[5:42:25] firm Sullivan Mahoney.

[5:42:27] Tanner of NPG Solutions.

[5:42:30] planner for the applicant.

[5:42:34] So Mary Lou's going to be addressing

[5:42:36] the planning merits of the application

[5:42:38] raised by the area residents.

[5:42:42] recognizing the work put in

[5:42:45] assessing the application

[5:42:48] applicant to make changes

[5:42:51] compatible infill development.

[5:42:55] you meets that goal.

[5:42:59] the recommendation report

[5:43:02] and accept all of the recommendations

[5:43:05] as set out in the staff report.

[5:43:07] So as you've heard,

[5:43:08] the project includes 99 stacked townhouses

[5:43:11] within six blocks.

[5:43:13] the attainable threshold

[5:43:16] of $567,574.

[5:43:20] units being at $399,000.

[5:43:24] That's all the units will be attainable.

[5:43:27] On the issues of access,

[5:43:28] be through Shirley Avenue,

[5:43:31] as you've heard, and via an easement

[5:43:33] Housing to Valley Way.

[5:43:37] an agreement of purchase

[5:43:40] and sale that secures that easement.

[5:43:43] Committee of Adjustment

[5:43:45] to be registered on title.

[5:43:48] right to that easement

[5:43:50] is closed for these lands.

[5:43:58] You will hear that having only one access

[5:44:01] leaving Shirley Avenue

[5:44:04] as an emergency access only

[5:44:06] to suggest, poor planning.

[5:44:10] planning director, Ms. Dolch,

[5:44:14] very difficult to finance

[5:44:17] and to sell units to the public

[5:44:19] through easement lands.

[5:44:23] And that hasn't been addressed yet.

[5:44:26] Studies that have been completed

[5:44:27] supporting the development

[5:44:31] include: a noise impact study,

[5:44:33] assessment Phase 1 and 2,

[5:44:36] archeological assessment,

[5:44:37] plan, urban design brief,

[5:44:42] a transportation brief,

[5:44:45] full access to Shirley Avenue.

[5:44:49] agencies and departments

[5:44:52] do not object to the development:

[5:44:54] Region of Niagara, DSBN School Board,

[5:44:57] Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation,

[5:45:00] Six Nations of the Credit Union,

[5:45:01] sorry, First Nations of the Grand River,

[5:45:03] City's Fire Services,

[5:45:07] expresses a preference

[5:45:10] that full access to Shirley Avenue

[5:45:12] be maintained for fire safety.

[5:45:16] Urban Design and Landscape Services,

[5:45:18] Municipal Works, Transportation Services,

[5:45:21] which as you've heard,

[5:45:22] parking spaces per unit

[5:45:26] and acknowledges that traffic

[5:45:28] Valley Way to Shirley Avenue

[5:45:33] and vice versa.

[5:45:35] GIS Services do not object.

[5:45:39] professional expert consultant,

[5:45:43] circulated agency or city department

[5:45:46] objects to the proposal.

[5:45:50] objections before you

[5:45:53] residents, which I respect,

[5:45:57] but the issues they have raised

[5:45:58] investigated and signed off

[5:46:01] by the experts including your city staff.

[5:46:05] I'm now going to call on Mary Lou

[5:46:06] to discuss the planning merits

[5:46:08] and take you through the PowerPoint.

[5:46:10] I'll be back with concluding remarks

[5:46:12] the financial benefits

[5:46:14] directly with the issue

[5:46:18] access for legal reasons.

[5:46:26] - Thank you very much.

[5:46:28] name is Mary Lou Tanner.

[5:46:30] NPG Planning Solutions.

[5:46:32] Our office is in Niagara Falls.

[5:46:34] So let's move to our presentation.

[5:46:38] And I'm not going to propose

[5:46:40] DeBenedetti shared with you

[5:46:42] because there are some commonalities

[5:46:44] time we can move forward.

[5:46:46] of this particular air photo

[5:46:51] in relation to Shirley Avenue.

[5:46:55] would be a future severance

[5:46:58] off of the broader parcel,

[5:46:59] Way Non-Profit Housing.

[5:47:02] The easement would also be provided

[5:47:04] and Ms. Dolch said,

[5:47:07] an easement that would have to be approved

[5:47:09] by the Committee of Adjustment.

[5:47:10] We fully intend to apply for those.

[5:47:13] of Adjustment did request

[5:47:15] position on the development

[5:47:17] before we proceed with those applications.

[5:47:19] that we are working towards.

[5:47:25] Oops.

[5:47:27] So Mr. DeBenedetti showed you

[5:47:30] an air photo of the subject lands.

[5:47:32] This colored visualization

[5:47:33] just gives you a bit more context.

[5:47:36] The subject lands are shown,

[5:47:37] blue are institutional uses.

[5:47:41] higher-density residential,

[5:47:43] are lower-density residential.

[5:47:46] the street network here

[5:47:49] Way as well as Portage Road.

[5:47:54] This is the proposed development.

[5:47:56] about it this evening,

[5:47:58] but just confirming this is the drawing

[5:48:01] we are working towards

[5:48:03] and the zoning by-law has been tailored

[5:48:06] to this specific development.

[5:48:10] Want to touch a bit on the issues

[5:48:11] of affordable and attainable housing.

[5:48:13] The anticipated sale price is $399,000.

[5:48:18] the city's requirements

[5:48:20] for both affordability and attainability.

[5:48:23] sizes within the development.

[5:48:27] families of different sizes.

[5:48:31] This is the built form and massing drawing

[5:48:34] that Mr. DeBenedetti showed you.

[5:48:36] amendment is site-specific,

[5:48:39] development at a density

[5:48:41] stacked townhouse dwellings.

[5:48:44] It's a very tight official plan amendment

[5:48:47] and it would apply to the blue block,

[5:48:49] which is the developable lands.

[5:48:52] DeBenedetti touched on,

[5:48:55] is Residential Apartment 5C.

[5:48:58] I'm actually going to skip by this

[5:48:59] have gives a bit more context

[5:49:02] of where the variances are.

[5:49:04] minimum lot frontage, this is,

[5:49:08] it's required to be 30 meters.

[5:49:10] are, it would be 20 meters.

[5:49:13] We cannot meet 30 meters

[5:49:14] frontage is at Shirley Avenue.

[5:49:18] The minimum rear yard setback,

[5:49:20] right in the orange box,

[5:49:23] as Mr. DeBenedetti said.

[5:49:27] point so it narrows down,

[5:49:29] further along in the development.

[5:49:33] Moving to the left-hand side

[5:49:35] parking requirements,

[5:49:37] discussion about those.

[5:49:39] study is 1.1 spaces per unit,

[5:49:42] which is what we're proposing.

[5:49:44] aisle would be six meters

[5:49:46] instead of 6.9 meters.

[5:49:48] Six meters is quite common

[5:49:49] and does work for vehicles backing in

[5:49:52] in opposite directions.

[5:49:55] And finally, the building height.

[5:49:58] has a height of 19 meters.

[5:50:01] reducing that to 11 meters,

[5:50:03] which is generally consistent

[5:50:05] with what a two-story house would be.

[5:50:09] I want to move now to the public concerns

[5:50:12] through the open houses

[5:50:15] discussions with residents.

[5:50:19] as Mr. DeBenedetti indicated,

[5:50:23] there will be no balconies

[5:50:25] on the rear side elevation

[5:50:26] overlook from the higher units.

[5:50:30] We have been requested

[5:50:31] to include a 2.5-meter tall wood fence

[5:50:33] and we're supportive of that

[5:50:35] as well as additional landscape buffering.

[5:50:37] All of that will be dealt with

[5:50:38] through the site plan process.

[5:50:40] With compatibility, stacked townhouses

[5:50:43] form of development.

[5:50:45] the request of city staff

[5:50:48] to increase certain building setbacks

[5:50:51] from existing residential homes

[5:50:53] in the existing residential community.

[5:50:56] And then making certain choices

[5:50:59] that I'll share with you in a minute

[5:51:01] Way as the primary access.

[5:51:06] Mr. DeBenedetti indicated,

[5:51:09] city's noise control by-law.

[5:51:13] Parking, I've touched on.

[5:51:15] there were no concerns

[5:51:17] with the ability to service the site.

[5:51:20] And increased traffic on Shirley Avenue.

[5:51:22] So let's just share a bit more

[5:51:24] than on that is on this slide.

[5:51:26] Paradigm Transportation Consultants

[5:51:28] are professional engineers

[5:51:30] and traffic engineering.

[5:51:33] Their data comes from Niagara Falls data.

[5:51:36] They use data from across Ontario.

[5:51:38] incorporates Niagara Falls data.

[5:51:41] live in this community

[5:51:44] about their travel choices.

[5:51:45] So that is incorporated into their model.

[5:51:48] will be six to seven vehicles

[5:51:52] to use Shirley Avenue,

[5:51:53] the peak traffic hours,

[5:51:56] either in the morning or the afternoon,

[5:51:57] which represents approximately 12 to 17%

[5:52:00] of projected site traffic.

[5:52:02] But we understand the concerns.

[5:52:03] I mean, I don't want to say that we don't,

[5:52:05] we do understand the concerns.

[5:52:08] So in discussions with our client,

[5:52:11] we really want to commit

[5:52:13] Avenue as an access.

[5:52:16] the curved nature of it,

[5:52:18] and that will remain.

[5:52:20] It is a six-meter road,

[5:52:21] portion is eight meters.

[5:52:24] We are going to put signs up

[5:52:25] that indicate no through traffic.

[5:52:27] side on our client's land

[5:52:30] and we will ensure

[5:52:31] treatment at the entrance.

[5:52:33] So it really does not look like a place

[5:52:36] Shirley Avenue will go,

[5:52:38] "That's a street. I'm going to go there."

[5:52:40] roads within the development.

[5:52:43] the Valley Way access.

[5:52:46] no-through-traffic signs up.

[5:52:50] at the Valley Way entrance

[5:52:52] an entrance to the development

[5:52:55] and there'll be a warning clause

[5:52:57] in the future purchase and sale agreements

[5:52:59] main and preferred access

[5:53:02] while Shirley Avenue is secondary.

[5:53:07] Just want to touch on one other issue

[5:53:09] that came up in questioning

[5:53:10] related to the gardens that are on site.

[5:53:11] Way Non-Profit are here.

[5:53:15] Those gardens have been relocated

[5:53:18] to the other side of the building

[5:53:19] of their nonprofit.

[5:53:21] access to community gardens,

[5:53:24] but it's not in the location

[5:53:26] that you would see on the air photo.

[5:53:29] So in conclusion, this development

[5:53:31] is in the public interest.

[5:53:34] city staff, by agency staff.

[5:53:38] The technical reports have been completed.

[5:53:41] It does create new housing

[5:53:42] and provides affordable home ownership

[5:53:44] and attainable home ownership.

[5:53:46] It implements intensification

[5:53:48] on an underutilized parcel of land.

[5:53:50] To the best of our ability,

[5:53:51] and feedback from residents

[5:53:54] Way as the primary access.

[5:53:58] I should also add that our client did try

[5:54:01] church lands to Portage Road

[5:54:04] trying to do that.

[5:54:06] That was ultimately not successful

[5:54:08] Way easement approach

[5:54:12] being brought forward.

[5:54:13] Rocky, who will conclude.

[5:54:18] - Okay, if we can go to the last slide.

[5:54:20] assist me with that.

[5:54:22] - [Tech] You have the use of the...

[5:54:23] - Oh, sorry?

[5:54:24] - Oh, okay.

[5:54:29] Didn't know I could do that. Okay.

[5:54:33] impact of the development.

[5:54:37] charges and permit fees

[5:54:41] would be $2,254,270.

[5:54:47] would be $3,500 per unit

[5:54:51] times 99 units.

[5:54:54] Estimated construction costs, $35 million.

[5:54:58] Construction labor hours anticipated

[5:55:00] is over 200,000 hours.

[5:55:03] income to our trades.

[5:55:07] And again, the price of the units

[5:55:09] will generally sell for $399,000.

[5:55:12] financial benefits

[5:55:17] to this project.

[5:55:20] Now the complaint I often hear

[5:55:22] is that projects get approved,

[5:55:24] but shovels don't go in the ground.

[5:55:27] And I think that's what led

[5:55:28] provision you've been using.

[5:55:32] I can assure you that's not the case here.

[5:55:35] This developer has a proven track record.

[5:55:39] Over 220 total units have been approved

[5:55:42] region by this developer.

[5:55:44] obtaining site plan approval

[5:55:47] building on Stanley Avenue

[5:55:51] that you approved several months ago.

[5:55:52] You may recall that approval.

[5:55:54] If approved, this will be built.

[5:56:00] Moving on to the Shirley Avenue issue.

[5:56:05] So you've heard Mary Lou Tanner's opinion,

[5:56:08] planning director's opinion

[5:56:11] that mandating Shirley Avenue

[5:56:14] only is not good planning.

[5:56:19] I want to remind you that the staff report

[5:56:21] departments on this issue

[5:56:24] do not support emergency access only.

[5:56:27] Nowhere in any of the comments,

[5:56:29] nowhere in your staff report

[5:56:30] emergency access only.

[5:56:35] department's comments

[5:56:37] that Shirley access be open

[5:56:42] and your Transportation Department

[5:56:43] report and also confirmed

[5:56:47] that Paradigm's recommendation

[5:56:49] that it remain open ought to be followed.

[5:56:56] So fundamental problem

[5:56:59] emergency access only

[5:57:02] is the ability to finance this project

[5:57:06] and to sell units to unit owners

[5:57:08] get mortgages to buy the units.

[5:57:13] mortgages or had mortgages.

[5:57:17] and say, "I want a mortgage,

[5:57:21] I'm buying this new residential unit,

[5:57:24] but the only access is through an easement

[5:57:28] that is not owned by the developer,

[5:57:30] it's not owned by the condo corporation

[5:57:33] and there's no other access

[5:57:34] because Shirley Avenue has been closed off

[5:57:37] or is emergency access only."

[5:57:39] to get is, "Seriously?

[5:57:41] You want us to give you money

[5:57:43] when there really is no legal access?"

[5:57:47] It's an easement.

[5:57:48] here, there's many cases

[5:57:52] have been registered in title

[5:57:56] and they've been removed from title

[5:57:58] for various reasons.

[5:58:01] So I'm telling you right now,

[5:58:03] through an easement,

[5:58:06] this project is not going to go anywhere.

[5:58:09] And you're going to force us

[5:58:11] Ontario Land Tribunal

[5:58:14] because I've never heard

[5:58:15] Ontario Land Tribunal

[5:58:18] of a development where the only access

[5:58:20] not owned by the developer

[5:58:23] and not owned by the municipality.

[5:58:26] So that's the lay of the land.

[5:58:29] You're free to ask your city solicitor

[5:58:30] if she agrees with that assessment.

[5:58:36] about other examples.

[5:58:38] Optimist Lane, Chippewa.

[5:58:41] others in the city.

[5:58:43] is, in all those cases,

[5:58:47] there is access through a public road.

[5:58:50] Optimist Lane, it's through Victor Road,

[5:58:53] which goes right in front of my office.

[5:58:56] Public access. It's a road, city road.

[5:58:59] This is not a city road.

[5:59:00] leading to the condominium,

[5:59:05] condominium corporation

[5:59:07] and not owned by the developer.

[5:59:09] Chippewa, same thing.

[5:59:12] through a public road

[5:59:15] and that's why there is emergency access

[5:59:18] through the other route.

[5:59:20] So that is the major problem.

[5:59:23] Now, I asked my client, "Have you talked

[5:59:26] to the Valley Way Housing Corporation

[5:59:28] instead of an easement?"

[5:59:31] Not going to happen, way too much money.

[5:59:34] deal with the easement

[5:59:38] would satisfy planning,

[5:59:42] which I believe it has.

[5:59:44] And now he's been asked to go back

[5:59:47] and consider having Shirley Avenue closed.

[5:59:51] want to buy that property

[5:59:55] just doesn't make sense.

[5:59:56] This development is done.

[5:59:59] So that's where that stands.

[6:00:19] I think those are all my comments.

[6:00:20] some of the comments

[6:00:22] that were made by the public,

[6:00:24] but I'd love to agree to have Shirley

[6:00:28] if there was legal access

[6:00:32] through a public road to Valley Way

[6:00:35] condominium corporation owns.

[6:00:38] Someone mentioned the development,

[6:00:40] the Millennium Towns behind St-Antoine's.

[6:00:43] That's my client who developed that.

[6:00:45] I got that approval.

[6:00:47] The density was much higher

[6:00:48] than what you're looking at today.

[6:00:50] Difference is it is a public road,

[6:00:53] a private road owned by the condo corp

[6:00:55] taking you to Portage.

[6:00:57] getting financing to build it,

[6:01:00] mortgages to buy a unit.

[6:01:03] So that's the biggest problem.

[6:01:05] That's the conundrum we're in. Okay?

[6:01:07] available for any questions.

[6:01:10] Mr. Vacca and Ms. Tanner.

[6:01:13] Lococo, Dabrowski, Nieuwesteeg.

[6:01:17] question through the mayor

[6:01:21] will the development start?

[6:01:25] said that it will start,

[6:01:30] do you know when?

[6:01:30] asking when it would start?

[6:01:36] the same timeline as Stanley

[6:01:39] - One year.

[6:01:41] - Yep.

[6:01:42] - One year for site plan.

[6:01:43] at Stanley Avenue,

[6:01:45] is we got the approval,

[6:01:47] he immediately began doing the drawings

[6:01:49] and the work for site plan approval.

[6:01:51] So within one year he'll have approval

[6:01:54] and shovels will be in the ground.

[6:01:56] - Okay, thank you.

[6:01:57] I guess my more difficult question,

[6:02:01] we could talk to our legal,

[6:02:03] that we can go in-camera

[6:02:06] can our legal give us

[6:02:11] some information right now?

[6:02:12] - In-camera?

[6:02:14] - Yeah, well, depending on the question,

[6:02:16] we can ask our solicitor

[6:02:19] if it's something she can answer in open

[6:02:20] or she'll need to go in-camera.

[6:02:23] Did you want to ask her the question?

[6:02:24] - Yes.

[6:02:25] Further to what Mr. Vacca said

[6:02:28] owned by the developer

[6:02:32] and it's not a public road,

[6:02:35] that there would be issues with financing

[6:02:39] and that sort of thing.

[6:02:43] So, and I know Ms. Dolch said that maybe

[6:02:46] best planning argument.

[6:02:49] does say fire preference

[6:02:54] Shirley be maintained

[6:02:56] as a regular access driveway.

[6:02:58] at the word preference.

[6:03:00] Usually it's mandatory or required

[6:03:03] and I thought maybe it was a little bit,

[6:03:04] but now we hear different information

[6:03:06] that it's not the property,

[6:03:08] property and it's not a road.

[6:03:10] So I would like some legal advice on that.

[6:03:14] - So Ms. Punyarthi, so the first question,

[6:03:16] if you agree with the statement

[6:03:17] going to be a challenge

[6:03:19] if they don't own it

[6:03:22] or the municipality doesn't own it,

[6:03:23] access easement agreement.

[6:03:27] Is that something you can answer us here?

[6:03:29] - Through the chair,

[6:03:30] it sounds like a question for legal advice

[6:03:32] could address in open council.

[6:03:35] - I'd like to put

[6:03:37] a motion forward that we go in-camera

[6:03:39] and receive legal advice.

[6:03:40] asking to speak. Yes.

[6:03:44] - Yeah, just for efficiency.

[6:03:46] Maybe put all the questions out-

[6:03:47] - save any other legal ones.

[6:03:50] to go back and forth.

[6:03:52] - Thank you.

[6:03:53] questions in the meantime?

[6:03:54] - That was it?

[6:03:55] Dabrowski, then Nieuwesteeg.

[6:03:59] - Yeah, through you.

[6:04:01] subject to an easement

[6:04:03] within the municipality,

[6:04:06] maybe we can get that answer after,

[6:04:07] to this development.

[6:04:10] to Mr. Vacca's point,

[6:04:13] is it a safety or operational concern

[6:04:16] talking about the mortgage,

[6:04:18] those answered in-camera

[6:04:19] or I'll give planning staff an opportunity

[6:04:21] to look into that address and others.

[6:04:24] - Okay.

[6:04:25] - Just by way of clarification,

[6:04:26] address you're talking about

[6:04:28] - Yep. Yeah.

[6:04:31] - And if there's others.

[6:04:33] - Okay. And Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

[6:04:37] Question to Mr. Vacca.

[6:04:41] You made a comment that they can't afford

[6:04:43] to buy the property, the easement road,

[6:04:46] but that kind of leads me to the question,

[6:04:48] are they able to afford this development

[6:04:50] afford to buy a road?

[6:04:53] And to Penny's point,

[6:04:58] we don't want to have a development

[6:05:00] that gets started and can't finish.

[6:05:01] about the financial ability

[6:05:04] not able to even buy a road,

[6:05:08] their project to go through.

[6:05:11] - So the scenario is, a deal was made,

[6:05:14] an agreement to buy the lands.

[6:05:18] And with an easement,

[6:05:19] the Committee of Adjustment,

[6:05:23] he then had to pivot back

[6:05:25] I buy the property instead?"

[6:05:28] So basically when that happens,

[6:05:32] how do I put this politely?

[6:05:33] Somebody has you over the barrel.

[6:05:35] They know you need this

[6:05:37] and the price given is based on the fact

[6:05:40] that you're desperate and you need it.

[6:05:42] So that's where we're at on that.

[6:05:45] And I'm not going to disclose a number,

[6:05:46] expensive strip of land

[6:05:50] for roads to cross that I've ever heard of

[6:05:53] in the city of Niagara Falls.

[6:05:54] - So it's really not fair in this church

[6:05:56] or in this community that's selling.

[6:05:59] Okay. No, that's good, thanks.

[6:06:02] - Thank you. Councilor Pietrangelo.

[6:06:06] - Thanks, your worship.

[6:06:07] you to Mr. Vacca as well.

[6:06:12] once the easement is in place,

[6:06:17] for other than access?

[6:06:21] - Well, the easement will be for access

[6:06:25] or condo corporation

[6:06:28] once it's formed.

[6:06:30] Problem is, all easements

[6:06:31] and requirements,

[6:06:34] and that's where you get into some issues

[6:06:38] the provisions in the easement.

[6:06:44] A new buyer comes in.

[6:06:46] Not-For-Profit Housing

[6:06:48] but down the road,

[6:06:50] property, there's a risk.

[6:06:54] And I can give you cases

[6:06:55] have been removed by a judge

[6:06:59] in cases where there has been breaches

[6:07:02] gray areas in the easement.

[6:07:06] That's the concern.

[6:07:08] And when you go to a bank

[6:07:09] and say, "You know, I want to build this,

[6:07:11] it's $35 million of construction,"

[6:07:15] and they say, "Okay,

[6:07:16] well what's your legal means of access?"

[6:07:19] "Well, I have it through an easement

[6:07:20] that goes to Valley Way."

[6:07:22] "So you don't own that property?" "No."

[6:07:24] own that property?" "No."

[6:07:28] "So basically you're at the mercy

[6:07:30] it, that at any point in time

[6:07:34] can challenge the easement?"

[6:07:36] And that's going to tell the bank,

[6:07:39] "Yeah, I don't think we want to do this."

[6:07:41] And even if they do get financing

[6:07:44] and you're looking to buy a unit,

[6:07:47] in that circumstance

[6:07:49] where the only legal access,

[6:07:51] and if you make Shirley emergency access,

[6:07:53] will be to Valley Way.

[6:07:56] are not owned by the city,

[6:07:59] not owned by the condo corp.

[6:08:02] to an easement agreement

[6:08:06] that gives you the right to use it.

[6:08:08] And you know how agreements go.

[6:08:11] get deleted from title.

[6:08:14] So, and I'm sure

[6:08:15] addressing those questions-

[6:08:18] - In-camera.

[6:08:19] land would be financial.

[6:08:22] - Yes. That's the only reason.

[6:08:25] - Thank you.

[6:08:27] - Councilor Patel.

[6:08:30] to Mr. Vacca. I think.

[6:08:33] the property gets sold

[6:08:36] and the easement agreement

[6:08:39] gets denied, declined, or gets canceled,

[6:08:43] then Shirley Avenue becomes

[6:08:44] the primary access to that development.

[6:08:47] Is that true?

[6:08:49] become primary access.

[6:08:52] When the approval makes an emergency.

[6:08:53] - That's the only access would there be.

[6:08:55] No. In the future.

[6:08:58] - It will,

[6:08:59] our staff is saying

[6:09:01] Shirley Avenue access open.

[6:09:05] open, an easement in the future,

[6:09:08] when the property gets sold

[6:09:10] and that agreement gets canceled,

[6:09:13] then Shirley Avenue becomes

[6:09:15] the only access to the development.

[6:09:17] - Yes. Yeah, that's right.

[6:09:19] it, you can get a mortgage

[6:09:22] that will never go away.

[6:09:26] It's a public road.

[6:09:27] Whereas relying on easement lands

[6:09:30] as your only means of legal access

[6:09:32] is not going to get you anywhere

[6:09:33] for financing and for selling units.

[6:09:36] - So having an easement, we're not really

[6:09:40] answering all the concerns we have

[6:09:42] about traffic going through Shirley.

[6:09:43] So you kind of just answered the question.

[6:09:46] If the property gets sold,

[6:09:47] becomes a primary access.

[6:09:50] - I'm not saying if it gets sold-

[6:09:51] - it automatically,

[6:09:53] try and challenge the easement.

[6:09:56] will have to happen, yes.

[6:10:00] Probably very slight.

[6:10:02] But when you go to a bank

[6:10:04] and say, "Well yeah, you have an easement,

[6:10:06] it'll never go away.

[6:10:10] But if it does, we've lent money to you

[6:10:14] longer has legal access."

[6:10:16] putting helicopter pads,

[6:10:19] access to that house legally.

[6:10:22] - Thank you.

[6:10:25] - Councilor Dabrowski.

[6:10:26] it might be to staff.

[6:10:28] So to Councilor Patel's point, if we left,

[6:10:32] access open only on Shirley

[6:10:36] and we left the easement the way it is

[6:10:38] as the main focal point of access

[6:10:40] if one day down the road

[6:10:43] the easement was removed,

[6:10:45] could we reverse that emergency access

[6:10:47] to open it up to Shirley?

[6:10:48] - Mm-hmm.

[6:10:50] Thank you, your worship.

[6:10:54] Yeah, that would be up to council.

[6:10:55] You'd have to bring it back from,

[6:10:56] - Thanks.

[6:11:01] - Okay. If there's no further questions,

[6:11:03] so what we're going to do folks,

[6:11:04] in our committee room.

[6:11:07] be in there for 15 minutes.

[6:11:10] If you have to go to the washroom,

[6:11:11] it's a good chance, smoke break,

[6:11:13] and we'll resume right after

[6:11:16] we get our legal questions answered.

[6:11:17] - Call to vote on that.

[6:11:18] folks, Councilor Strange.

[6:11:22] Seconded by Councilor Lococo.

[6:11:25] we're going in-camera.

[6:11:28] Thank you. Thank you for that, Bill.

[6:52:51] - [Clerk] Three.

[6:52:54] - Well everyone, welcome back.

[6:52:55] We just concluded going in-camera

[6:52:57] to get legal advice from our solicitor

[6:53:00] once again in open session.

[6:53:04] So we are prepared here for council.

[6:53:08] Any questions that you have at this point?

[6:53:09] Councilor Lococo.

[6:53:11] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[6:53:12] One question that came from a resident,

[6:53:14] on page five of the agent's proposal,

[6:53:20] sale price of $399,000,

[6:53:24] the affordability rate.

[6:53:27] Is that just showing us

[6:53:28] would be in Niagara Falls?

[6:53:31] That's not what they're selling them for.

[6:53:33] what I'm getting out of that?

[6:53:36] - Thank you very much,

[6:53:39] you to Councilor Lococo.

[6:53:42] The affordability rates in the chart

[6:53:44] are what the city has set

[6:53:46] in terms of its housing impact assessment

[6:53:49] requirements for applications.

[6:53:51] - But it's not the value of the homes.

[6:53:54] it was the value of the homes,

[6:53:56] that you're selling it for $399,000.

[6:53:57] That's not it.

[6:53:59] It's $399,000, that's what the value is

[6:54:01] criteria is the $567,574.

[6:54:07] - Thank you very much.

[6:54:10] - Okay. Any other questions of council?

[6:54:13] - Yes, Councilor Patel.

[6:54:16] - Through you, Mr. Mayor,

[6:54:17] there was one concern about the fencing

[6:54:19] from one of the residents.

[6:54:22] eight feet tall fence.

[6:54:27] two and a half meters,

[6:54:29] board wood fence, yes.

[6:54:32] through the site plan process.

[6:54:34] - They'll build a privacy fence there?

[6:54:35] - Thank you.

[6:54:37] further questions of council,

[6:54:42] the public meeting

[6:54:43] with respect to the proposed official plan

[6:54:45] amendment is now concluded.

[6:54:48] I'll go to Councilor Lococo.

[6:54:51] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[6:54:52] I propose the recommendations

[6:54:55] that are on the proposal with an addition.

[6:54:59] must secure permanent access

[6:55:03] to a public road being Valley Way

[6:55:05] to support the development

[6:55:06] as per the applicant's traffic study

[6:55:08] and that access to Shirley Avenue

[6:55:10] be used as an emergency access only.

[6:55:13] second by Councilor Dabrowski.

[6:55:16] Do we have any discussion to the motion?

[6:55:19] Okay. Seeing none, we'll call the vote.

[6:55:21] All those in favor? Okay.

[6:55:23] And that's approved unanimously.

[6:55:24] appreciate your time today.

[6:55:27] understands what happened?

[6:55:30] Okay, great. Thank you.

[6:55:32] Appreciate your patience.

[6:55:40] Is it the same one? Okay.

[6:55:45] the next item on the agenda.

[6:55:49] is now being convened

[6:55:50] to consider a proposed amendment

[6:55:52] Plan and Zoning By-law

[6:55:54] to permit the construction

[6:55:55] apartment dwelling

[6:55:58] with 57 units at 6104 Garner Road.

[6:56:03] Notice was given by first class mail

[6:56:05] Planning Act on May 22nd, 2026,

[6:56:08] the property in question.

[6:56:11] In accordance with Bill 185,

[6:56:14] or a specified person,

[6:56:16] owner of any land

[6:56:19] amendment and by-law will apply

[6:56:22] at a public meeting

[6:56:24] or written submissions to city council

[6:56:26] the official plan amendment

[6:56:28] and/or passage of the by-law

[6:56:30] may appeal the official plan amendment

[6:56:32] Ontario Land Tribunal.

[6:56:35] no longer permitted.

[6:56:38] - Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

[6:56:39] I'm now going to call on Chris Roome,

[6:56:41] to explain the purpose

[6:56:43] and reason for the proposed amendments.

[6:56:46] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[6:56:47] council and staff,

[6:56:50] and any area residents.

[6:56:52] Thank you for joining the public meeting

[6:56:53] for the official Plan and Zoning By-law

[6:56:54] file number AM-2025-033

[6:56:59] for the property at 6104 Garner Road.

[6:57:02] submitted by Maria Nguyen

[6:57:05] official Plan and Zoning By-law

[6:57:08] rezone the subject lands

[6:57:10] to facilitate the construction

[6:57:11] of a six-story residential apartment

[6:57:14] containing 57 residential dwelling units.

[6:57:19] the east side of Garner Road,

[6:57:21] are surrounded by commercial

[6:57:24] and residential uses to the north,

[6:57:26] dwellings to the east and south,

[6:57:28] and agricultural lands to the west,

[6:57:30] which are the location

[6:57:32] West secondary plan area.

[6:57:37] designated residential,

[6:57:39] apartments along arterial roads

[6:57:42] 75 to 100 units per hectare.

[6:57:46] This application proposes a density

[6:57:47] of 150 units per hectare,

[6:57:48] official plan amendment.

[6:57:51] development holding zone,

[6:57:53] accommodate future development

[6:57:55] zoning by-law amendment.

[6:57:59] new site-specific R5E zone

[6:58:02] to permit an apartment dwelling

[6:58:03] with site-specific provisions.

[6:58:05] Staff at this time are also recommending

[6:58:07] the inclusion of a holding provision

[6:58:08] servicing report

[6:58:10] satisfaction of city staff.

[6:58:13] Should a new FSR be submitted

[6:58:15] coming back to council,

[6:58:17] which has addressed staff's comments,

[6:58:18] from the amending by-law.

[6:58:24] proposed site layout.

[6:58:27] the north side of the site,

[6:58:29] allowing for parking on the south side

[6:58:31] and into the rear yard,

[6:58:32] Garner Road and Angie Drive,

[6:58:35] the front and the rear yard,

[6:58:37] private ensuite balconies.

[6:58:41] The requested site-specific provisions

[6:58:43] depth of six meters,

[6:58:45] center line of Garner Road,

[6:58:50] a rear yard depth of 8.74 meters,

[6:58:52] width of three meters,

[6:58:55] 1.14 parking spaces per unit,

[6:58:58] a maneuvering aisle width of six meters,

[6:59:00] a minimum landscaped open space of 33.2%,

[6:59:04] and a canopy projection of 3.02 meters.

[6:59:09] depicts the renderings

[6:59:12] elevations of the building.

[6:59:14] the architectural treatments

[6:59:17] the building materials,

[6:59:19] break up the building mass.

[6:59:22] a clear relationship

[6:59:25] and the building itself

[6:59:27] distinct sense of place

[6:59:29] through its orientation and detailing.

[6:59:36] hosted by the applicant

[6:59:38] and their agent on April 2nd, 2026.

[6:59:40] open house was circulated

[6:59:42] within a 120-meter radius

[6:59:46] of the subject lands on March 19th, 2026.

[6:59:49] attended the open house

[6:59:52] and concerns were raised

[6:59:54] the Shapton Crescent area,

[6:59:58] light trespass, and sidewalk extensions,

[7:00:00] the following response.

[7:00:03] With regards to drainage,

[7:00:04] responsibility of the applicant

[7:00:06] to address the existing drainage issues,

[7:00:09] staff are aware of this issue

[7:00:10] and have noted that the sanitary sewers

[7:00:12] the Angie Drive subdivision

[7:00:15] are still under developer maintenance.

[7:00:18] from these drainage concerns

[7:00:20] the existing conditions.

[7:00:23] Stormwater from the area will be conveyed

[7:00:25] management facility

[7:00:27] property, which is expected

[7:00:29] for this development.

[7:00:32] With regards to light trespass,

[7:00:33] a photometric plan will be required

[7:00:35] with the site plan control application.

[7:00:37] there is zero light trespass

[7:00:39] at the property lines.

[7:00:40] sidewalk extensions,

[7:00:42] a 1.5-meter sidewalk is proposed

[7:00:45] along Garner Road abutting the site.

[7:00:47] at the site plan stage

[7:00:48] of the applicant to install.

[7:00:52] has already been extended

[7:00:55] towards Garner Road.

[7:00:59] The proposed development conforms

[7:01:01] and city policies

[7:01:02] as it is transit-supportive,

[7:01:04] of a complete community,

[7:01:06] and will assist the city

[7:01:06] in meeting its intensification targets.

[7:01:08] urban land consumption,

[7:01:11] efficiently use underutilized land,

[7:01:13] existing municipal services

[7:01:14] traffic impacts expected.

[7:01:18] multiple housing dwelling

[7:01:21] contribute to the diversification

[7:01:24] of housing supply within the urban area

[7:01:26] as prescribed by the 2024 PPS

[7:01:28] and regional and city official plans.

[7:01:33] As such, staff recommends

[7:01:37] official plan amendment

[7:01:38] to re-designate the lands

[7:01:41] to permit apartment dwellings

[7:01:42] with a density of 150 units per hectare

[7:01:46] a development holding zone

[7:01:48] to permit the construction

[7:01:51] of the six-story apartment building.

[7:01:53] And that council authorize the inclusion

[7:01:56] in the amending by-law

[7:01:58] to require the submission

[7:01:59] of a revised functional servicing report

[7:02:01] to the satisfaction of city staff.

[7:02:03] the amending by-law

[7:02:05] to require the execution

[7:02:08] within three years

[7:02:09] of the amending by-law coming into effect.

[7:02:12] presentation for this application.

[7:02:14] Questions of council?

[7:02:16] Councilor Lococo.

[7:02:18] Through the mayor to Mr. Roome.

[7:02:22] the industrial BVGlazing.

[7:02:25] We've had this discussion before.

[7:02:28] This report and the last report said

[7:02:30] that BVGlazing is a class 2 industrial

[7:02:34] said it was a class 3.

[7:02:39] So my concern, the comment on the report

[7:02:42] says it's not expected to infringe

[7:02:44] permits or nearby businesses,

[7:02:47] but we know from the past,

[7:02:50] when there's a complaint,

[7:02:51] has to deal with it.

[7:02:54] And then that onus is on the business.

[7:02:57] Do you have any comments?

[7:02:59] this class 2 designation?

[7:03:02] mayor to the councilor.

[7:03:04] Land Use Compatibility Study

[7:03:06] designated it as a class 2.

[7:03:09] And further there was, if you're familiar

[7:03:11] the north of the property,

[7:03:13] the same designation as well.

[7:03:16] on those two studies.

[7:03:19] provide a study this time

[7:03:22] or did we rely on the last study?

[7:03:24] provided a study this time

[7:03:26] - Okay.

[7:03:27] So this study says class 2 again?

[7:03:29] Again, I'll put it out there,

[7:03:31] like we need to have a better system.

[7:03:32] I don't think it's fair or accurate

[7:03:35] developer's consultant

[7:03:37] on an industrial business

[7:03:41] they know what they're doing,

[7:03:44] how much noise they make,

[7:03:46] they're a different class.

[7:03:48] that we can deal with,

[7:03:51] closer to industrial,

[7:03:53] we have these competing interests.

[7:03:55] yes, we want residential,

[7:03:58] but when the two of them are colliding,

[7:04:00] we end up with issues.

[7:04:01] So I hope we don't get any issues.

[7:04:04] - Maybe we'll go to our planner.

[7:04:05] I mean, do we get an independent peer?

[7:04:08] have their own motives

[7:04:10] for the different classification.

[7:04:13] case? How do we decide?

[7:04:16] - Clue me in.

[7:04:17] - So usually we evaluate their study work,

[7:04:20] we assess whether we agree with the fact

[7:04:22] it was a class 2 facility.

[7:04:26] We do vet it a little bit.

[7:04:28] to a peer review situation.

[7:04:32] In this case, we haven't,

[7:04:34] at this point in time.

[7:04:36] So we haven't gone to a peer review.

[7:04:38] required, we could do that.

[7:04:41] We've done it in the past.

[7:04:43] something we automatically do.

[7:04:46] It's something if we've raised concerns,

[7:04:48] adding up in their reports

[7:04:50] or not making sense,

[7:04:51] beyond what we can do.

[7:04:55] - Okay. Thank you.

[7:04:56] I did send the report to the owner

[7:04:59] and they didn't get back to me.

[7:05:01] I guess that says they're not concerned,

[7:05:02] so we'll just leave it at that.

[7:05:04] - Thank you.

[7:05:05] council for Mr. Roome?

[7:05:08] at this point. Thank you.

[7:05:14] Members of the public are advised

[7:05:15] oral or written submission

[7:05:17] at this public meeting

[7:05:18] could result in the Ontario Land Tribunal

[7:05:20] dismissing any referral that it receives.

[7:05:22] anyone other than the applicant

[7:05:25] the proposed amendments.

[7:05:28] anybody registered? No.

[7:05:30] other than the applicant

[7:05:32] who wishes to address council?

[7:05:35] now hear from the applicant

[7:05:38] or his or her representative.

[7:05:46] Mayor, members of council.

[7:05:48] My name is Ethan Laman.

[7:05:49] Upper Canada Consultants.

[7:05:52] I do have a presentation prepared,

[7:05:54] but I think in the interest of time,

[7:05:55] I'll forego the presentation

[7:05:56] answer any questions.

[7:05:58] - Okay. Sounds good.

[7:05:59] of council for Mr. Laman?

[7:06:02] - Laman.

[7:06:03] - Same thing. good enough.

[7:06:06] - Okay. I think we're good.

[7:06:08] answered. Thank you very much.

[7:06:12] Where are we here? Here we are.

[7:06:13] All right.

[7:06:14] to the proposed official plan

[7:06:16] amendment is now concluded.

[7:06:19] Councilor Dabrowski.

[7:06:21] without any recommendation.

[7:06:23] - Okay. Seconded by Councilor Baldinelli.

[7:06:26] motion? Seeing none.

[7:06:28] All those in favor?

[7:06:29] Okay. And that's approved unanimously.

[7:06:31] Thank you gentlemen. Thank you.

[7:06:34] Okay. Back at you.

[7:06:38] Thank you, Kira.

[7:06:39] You don't have to go. You can stay.

[7:06:41] I actually kind of prefer you.

[7:06:43] - You're less noisy.

[7:06:47] - No chip bag.

[7:06:49] - No chip bags crunching.

[7:06:51] - That too.

[7:06:54] No flatulence, you know.

[7:06:56] (councilors laugh)

[7:07:00] - Okay. She let him get away with that.

[7:07:02] - He smelt it and dealt it.

[7:07:05] - Oh, don't worry. I'll pay for that.

[7:07:07] Yes, so, Mr. Clerk, so we've got some,

[7:07:11] do we need motions for deferral

[7:07:12] on a couple of the issues on the agenda?

[7:07:15] - Yes. So 9.1, 9.2 are a couple of matters

[7:07:20] that, just like last meeting,

[7:07:22] Kerrio was curious about

[7:07:27] and in his absence,

[7:07:29] hearing from this council,

[7:07:31] entertain a motion for deferral.

[7:07:34] by Councilor Dabrowski.

[7:07:36] - And 9.5 as well.

[7:07:39] the other one, right?

[7:07:41] - Yep. We can do 'em all in once.

[7:07:42] - Okay. So 9.1, 9.2, 9.5.

[7:07:46] Motion by Councilor Dabrowski,

[7:07:47] seconded by Councilor Strange.

[7:07:49] we'll call the vote.

[7:07:51] All those in favor?

[7:07:52] Okay. And that's unanimous.

[7:07:54] So we will move on to 9.3. So-

[7:07:58] - I'll move the fee waivers, your worship.

[7:08:00] - Okay, motion by Councilor Pietrangelo,

[7:08:01] to move the fee waivers.

[7:08:04] Any discussion to that? Councilor Lococo?

[7:08:09] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[7:08:11] You know, I look at these fee waivers,

[7:08:14] we need to come up with a better system

[7:08:16] different categories.

[7:08:19] fees, some that are labor,

[7:08:23] and then some that are rental amounts.

[7:08:25] And we've already exceeded our budget.

[7:08:32] Like they're all things

[7:08:35] that are coming back to the community.

[7:08:36] things for the community.

[7:08:38] Some are very small, some are larger.

[7:08:40] challenge with this process

[7:08:42] time, it's coming in August.

[7:08:45] We're already over budget.

[7:08:49] And I know we've talked

[7:08:50] about doing something different before,

[7:08:52] but I just have a challenge with this

[7:08:56] and I'm not even going to get

[7:08:59] we're going to approve them all.

[7:09:03] They're just very different.

[7:09:05] And I think we should have different ways

[7:09:06] of approaching them

[7:09:08] money out of the city's pocket.

[7:09:11] It might be some labor cost, permit cost.

[7:09:15] Yes, there can be some labor,

[7:09:16] but like for example, the convention sign,

[7:09:19] it is city property.

[7:09:20] is the cost of a permit?

[7:09:25] So, you know, I really think we need

[7:09:26] to do something different

[7:09:27] like it's a free-for-all.

[7:09:29] Everybody's asking the city for money

[7:09:31] and they're all good causes, and...

[7:09:33] - Well, the other one is,

[7:09:34] some of them are opportunity costs.

[7:09:36] firefighters, I mean,

[7:09:40] you know, using the ball diamonds,

[7:09:41] you know, I mean I know it's hard

[7:09:43] to monetize and quantify some of these,

[7:09:46] an accounting practice

[7:09:48] more than anything on a lot of them.

[7:09:50] the value of what they were.

[7:09:53] actually costing the city.

[7:09:57] we rent it to somebody else?

[7:10:00] Are we losing that opportunity?

[7:10:01] If it's a permit, how much staff time

[7:10:04] actually goes into that permit?

[7:10:05] Convention Centre at $6,574,

[7:10:11] $6,574 worth of labor?

[7:10:15] That's where I'm getting at.

[7:10:16] won't be up as high

[7:10:19] budget if the real costs,

[7:10:22] that's what I'm trying to get at.

[7:10:23] GM of planning here

[7:10:25] and see if, well, you can answer this.

[7:10:26] (councilors chuckle)

[7:10:29] there's fee cost studies

[7:10:32] and there's usually cost.

[7:10:33] when you're renting,

[7:10:36] just because it's a rental

[7:10:38] doesn't mean that there's not cleanup,

[7:10:39] janitorial costs, garbage.

[7:10:40] When we host a baseball tournament,

[7:10:42] out there doing that.

[7:10:44] Permit fee for a sign,

[7:10:46] we have engineers reviewing that.

[7:10:47] We have our people reviewing that.

[7:10:49] think it was two years ago

[7:10:52] showed what is our cost

[7:10:55] to process all those things.

[7:10:56] So those are true costs.

[7:11:00] And you know, like I'll just be blunt,

[7:11:05] in the five years I've been here,

[7:11:06] down one of these things.

[7:11:08] system would be better.

[7:11:11] We are just being very clear with,

[7:11:13] this revenue each year

[7:11:18] for these things.

[7:11:20] I'm happy for the next council term

[7:11:22] if there was a suggestion,

[7:11:24] but like I said, at the end of the day,

[7:11:26] of these turned down.

[7:11:28] So I'm not sure any system

[7:11:30] would result in anything different.

[7:11:32] - Okay.

[7:11:33] brainstorming session on it

[7:11:35] know where to go with it.

[7:11:39] I don't know what the answer is,

[7:11:40] you're looking at them.

[7:11:43] And now that we're the third,

[7:11:44] what is, so this is the third time, March?

[7:11:47] No, this is the second time. June.

[7:11:49] There's one more coming

[7:11:50] and we're going to be over budget again.

[7:11:53] realistic on our budget?

[7:11:56] - Okay. Yeah, well that's the other thing.

[7:11:58] the budgeting part, you know?

[7:12:00] I've got Councilor Patel, then Dabrowski.

[7:12:04] - That's okay.

[7:12:05] we talk about the budget

[7:12:07] for this fee waiver applications,

[7:12:09] a major chunk went into the YWCA's

[7:12:13] building permit applications, I think.

[7:12:15] And that's a one-time occurring cost.

[7:12:17] So next year it will not be there.

[7:12:19] happy to support that.

[7:12:21] coming from the reserves,

[7:12:25] put everything together

[7:12:27] giving away per year.

[7:12:30] budget is not an issue for me

[7:12:33] of these organizations

[7:12:34] are doing a great job

[7:12:36] and if we can support them in some way,

[7:12:39] I'm really happy to support them.

[7:12:41] that. Councilor Dabrowski.

[7:12:44] - Yeah, I share the same sentiment.

[7:12:46] I'm wondering if looking at the expenses,

[7:12:49] but they're fee waivers,

[7:12:50] so they're not necessarily hard costs.

[7:12:52] that says hard costs?

[7:12:55] a slo-pitch tournament,

[7:12:57] organization's looking for.

[7:13:00] or expense to the city.

[7:13:03] 'Cause the way I look at it,

[7:13:04] especially the Convention Centre sign,

[7:13:05] a rolling billboard of events

[7:13:10] that are taking place in the city.

[7:13:13] revenue generation there.

[7:13:16] that, if that makes sense.

[7:13:19] that Convention Centre sign,

[7:13:22] strictly fees, not hard cost?

[7:13:26] who wants to answer that.

[7:13:28] The assistant GM?

[7:13:30] - Yeah, and I can refer,

[7:13:31] review the plans for that.

[7:13:35] So there's a plan review for all signs.

[7:13:38] So when someone wants to post a sign,

[7:13:40] it has to go to our Building Department.

[7:13:42] They have to review it.

[7:13:44] drawings that we look at.

[7:13:46] that go back, back and forth.

[7:13:50] And that's why the fees are based upon

[7:13:52] does it take to review a sign

[7:13:55] with the same fee.

[7:13:57] So in all these, a road closure,

[7:13:59] it's just a road closure,"

[7:14:01] but Mr. Nickel will say

[7:14:03] that he's got staff out there on overtime,

[7:14:06] the stuff, you know,

[7:14:08] and then picking the stuff up.

[7:14:09] If there's, I'll put it this way,

[7:14:12] all our fees in the city,

[7:14:14] 100% of our cost back.

[7:14:18] In most cases, our fees lose.

[7:14:20] I don't charge enough for hockey,

[7:14:21] for a baseball field.

[7:14:23] I don't charge enough.

[7:14:24] So when I'm putting a fee there,

[7:14:25] that's what would've been paid.

[7:14:27] at that fee to begin with.

[7:14:30] just losing more money.

[7:14:33] - No, no, it's an actual cost.

[7:14:37] Like I get $40,000,

[7:14:40] well actually this year is higher.

[7:14:42] I think it was $67,000

[7:14:44] our parks and fields,

[7:14:47] of thousands of dollars

[7:14:49] to cut the grass and do all that stuff.

[7:14:52] to say it's hypothetical.

[7:14:56] there and maintain stuff.

[7:14:59] to review applications,

[7:15:02] we have staff that have to do that.

[7:15:04] And when someone comes in,

[7:15:06] and I just, like I said, I'd be careful

[7:15:08] because when I put a building permit in,

[7:15:09] and someone's paying it.

[7:15:11] I don't want someone coming and say,

[7:15:12] "Well, it's a hypothetical fee."

[7:15:13] fee. It's a real fee.

[7:15:16] And it's fine, like at the end of the day,

[7:15:18] this is transparent for what it is.

[7:15:23] And if you go over budget,

[7:15:24] to go over budget.

[7:15:27] In certain cases we have to transfer this.

[7:15:29] So for a planning or building fee,

[7:15:32] I have to take it from my levy

[7:15:33] and put it into that reserve

[7:15:34] because I can't just wave that revenue

[7:15:39] because the planning and building

[7:15:40] has to be sustained on its own.

[7:15:41] So the fee has to go over.

[7:15:43] for the Chippewa Arena,

[7:15:45] it's right pocket, left pocket.

[7:15:47] I'm taking it from one reserve

[7:15:48] and moving it over to rec and culture.

[7:15:50] But when it's planning and building,

[7:15:53] it's no different than a water levy.

[7:15:54] the money over there.

[7:15:56] to take it from levy

[7:15:58] to put it over to DCs.

[7:16:00] - Well, I understand that, but I don't,

[7:16:01] again, back to fee waiver

[7:16:02] for the slo-pitch tournament.

[7:16:05] - There's additional costs

[7:16:07] - Yeah.

[7:16:11] - That's right. Yeah.

[7:16:13] we put extra staff on.

[7:16:16] So even that cost is low.

[7:16:18] - So why don't we show the real,

[7:16:19] like why don't we show the true,

[7:16:20] I'm not saying it's not the true number,

[7:16:22] it might make it a lot easier

[7:16:24] to turn down specific.

[7:16:26] out exactly what the cost is.

[7:16:30] - Yeah, like on rec and culture,

[7:16:34] we can put some more to that.

[7:16:36] dollars for a tournament,

[7:16:42] that on salaries for that day.

[7:16:45] I'm not even forgetting about, you know,

[7:16:47] whether I could have rented the field

[7:16:48] to somebody else or whatever.

[7:16:51] It's, I don't want to spend more money

[7:16:55] to tell you what the actual cost is

[7:16:56] money out of it anyways,

[7:16:58] to be quite frank.

[7:16:59] - But we're already over budget

[7:17:01] we're even more over budget.

[7:17:03] - Okay.

[7:17:06] - Any other questions?

[7:17:07] Nieuwesteeg, and Lococo.

[7:17:12] - Actually, according to my math,

[7:17:13] I don't think we're over budget at all

[7:17:14] because if we take out the two anomalies

[7:17:16] to us at that last minute

[7:17:19] wouldn't look like that.

[7:17:22] And the Falls Manor, it really shows

[7:17:25] that we have $17,144 under budget.

[7:17:28] So, 'cause in normal times

[7:17:30] those things wouldn't have been there.

[7:17:31] 'Cause the fee waivers are usually,

[7:17:33] all the other ones that are consistent.

[7:17:35] we're not over budget.

[7:17:37] took those two anomalies.

[7:17:38] is a big concern at all.

[7:17:42] - Thank you, Councilor Lococo.

[7:17:44] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[7:17:45] I have a different perspective on that.

[7:17:48] Maybe take out the YWCA,

[7:17:49] 'cause that was something different,

[7:17:51] but RibStock, technically they should have

[7:17:53] which was now filled out.

[7:17:55] So they are part of that process.

[7:17:57] But I wanted to talk about

[7:17:58] Development Fund Grant.

[7:18:01] So $70,000 every year is given

[7:18:04] to the recreation and culture

[7:18:05] for arts and culture applications.

[7:18:07] And people have to put in the applications

[7:18:09] what these applications are.

[7:18:13] You're putting sort of a business case,

[7:18:15] where's your money coming from?

[7:18:16] I know we asked for budgets,

[7:18:17] didn't even give a budget.

[7:18:20] And I've brought this up before.

[7:18:22] the proper applications

[7:18:24] with the proper information

[7:18:25] and we're giving a lot of money out.

[7:18:27] more requirement on their end

[7:18:32] to fill out the proper paperwork.

[7:18:34] We're giving a lot of money.

[7:18:35] So, you know, if you look at

[7:18:36] Cultural Development Fund,

[7:18:38] there's a whole process that goes,

[7:18:40] there's a committee that looks at it.

[7:18:41] I'm not suggesting a committee,

[7:18:43] application process.

[7:18:45] You're outlining the business plan.

[7:18:48] It's a more fulsome application.

[7:18:50] So I just wanted to look at that as well.

[7:18:53] - Something we can definitely look at.

[7:18:55] - Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[7:18:56] other municipalities

[7:18:58] a no direct staff cost rule

[7:19:03] state that the city

[7:19:05] rental or permit fees.

[7:19:08] Direct costs like staff overtime, set up,

[7:19:11] teardown, security or paid officers

[7:19:13] are completely non-waivable.

[7:19:14] It must be paid by the group.

[7:19:16] And then they have financial disclosure.

[7:19:17] Groups are required

[7:19:18] financial statements

[7:19:20] or the specific event budget.

[7:19:23] If an event is heavily sponsored

[7:19:25] or the group has deep reserves,

[7:19:27] the waiver's scaled back or denied.

[7:19:29] what I was getting at.

[7:19:31] - Yeah.

[7:19:32] like, you know what I mean?

[7:19:35] We're not supplying staff for that

[7:19:37] or clean up or anything like that.

[7:19:38] Like if it is, they have to cover it.

[7:19:41] - Yeah, I agree with you.

[7:19:42] - So what are your...

[7:19:44] - And that's,

[7:19:46] is that what you were meaning?

[7:19:47] - That's what I was referring to.

[7:19:48] I was saying we're listing the fee waiver.

[7:19:51] listing the hard cost

[7:19:54] cleanup and the staffing.

[7:19:56] - It's actually paid by them.

[7:19:57] don't see that number.

[7:19:59] It'd be nice to see both numbers

[7:20:00] to us looking for relief,

[7:20:05] responsible for this much

[7:20:08] and you'd be on the hook for the rest

[7:20:09] with the same sort of proposal

[7:20:12] a lot different as well, so.

[7:20:14] - [Strange] Can we bring something back?

[7:20:16] Actually can staff bring back?

[7:20:18] that part of the motion.

[7:20:19] So Councilor Pietrangelo made it,

[7:20:21] and who seconded it, Mr. Clerk?

[7:20:25] - Oh, Mike did. Okay.

[7:20:26] ask the guy next to you

[7:20:28] if he's willing to add that to it?

[7:20:31] - Okay, great.

[7:20:32] And are you agreeable to your idea?

[7:20:34] - Okay. Good.

[7:20:35] budget time, I think, Paul's.

[7:20:37] - Yeah, that's fine.

[7:20:38] - Okay, perfect.

[7:20:39] - Yeah, of course. Let's ask Mark

[7:20:42] room rental fee for 2026,

[7:20:45] the Pathstone Mental Health,

[7:20:47] funding from our budget.

[7:20:49] So how is this different from that?

[7:20:52] - Say that again.

[7:20:53] - For Pathstone Mental Health,

[7:20:55] there's the room fee waiver here.

[7:20:57] - And we do give them

[7:20:58] some amount from our budget

[7:21:00] when it comes to social services, correct?

[7:21:02] - Who wants to address that one?

[7:21:04] - Yeah, so they've asked for a fee.

[7:21:06] They rent our boardroom, I believe.

[7:21:08] community room too upstairs.

[7:21:10] was an agreement that-

[7:21:13] - they came to council,

[7:21:16] of the location downtown

[7:21:19] to that location and, you know,

[7:21:23] reduction in fees for that.

[7:21:27] occurring every year?

[7:21:30] - Most likely it will.

[7:21:31] to the grant altogether,

[7:21:34] would that make sense?

[7:21:35] to increase that budget,

[7:21:37] remembers correctly,

[7:21:42] that came before council.

[7:21:43] - Right.

[7:21:45] - Because the social services budget,

[7:21:49] that, has been frozen in time.

[7:21:53] Ms. Clark for a decade.

[7:21:55] - At least.

[7:21:57] - At least a decade.

[7:21:58] up, frankly, with this motion

[7:22:03] to look at some other items.

[7:22:04] - Yeah, that'll be good.

[7:22:05] I think that's...

[7:22:07] - Thank you.

[7:22:09] - Okay. Yes, Councilor Pietrangelo.

[7:22:12] - Thanks, your worship.

[7:22:13] Is the motion with the amendment,

[7:22:16] to approve the fee waivers.

[7:22:19] Is the amendment to not allow staff costs

[7:22:22] to be paid by the city?

[7:22:24] Is that the amendment?

[7:22:26] - I've taken that we come back

[7:22:28] and look at a new policy in the new year.

[7:22:30] So I said we would bring that

[7:22:32] through the next budget process

[7:22:34] Strange's concept

[7:22:38] hard costs are not waived.

[7:22:42] That rental costs are eligible for waiver.

[7:22:47] for staff cost for an event.

[7:22:51] But that would be for the next council

[7:22:53] to decide as part of their budget process.

[7:22:55] - Okay, so just so I understand,

[7:22:57] like Women's Place comes down,

[7:22:58] we give 'em to Gale Centre every year.

[7:23:01] there's a rental fee for the ice,

[7:23:04] but I'm sure that that rental fee

[7:23:06] would include staffing costs.

[7:23:07] Would the thought be that they would have

[7:23:09] to pay the staffing costs?

[7:23:11] - I don't know.

[7:23:13] I'd go back and take a look

[7:23:14] municipalities are doing that

[7:23:16] recommendation at budget.

[7:23:18] - 'Cause I just think that

[7:23:19] I would like the city

[7:23:22] help them out anyway.

[7:23:25] - Yeah, and I would say that

[7:23:27] we're very deliberate in the wording

[7:23:29] that we put on these motions

[7:23:30] that we give council the choice to deny,

[7:23:33] to do in part, or to accept.

[7:23:35] council is 0 for 5 years

[7:23:38] on choosing door A or B.

[7:23:41] It's always been door C.

[7:23:44] - All right, okay. Thanks very much.

[7:23:48] (councilors chuckle)

[7:23:49] seconded. Let's call the vote.

[7:23:53] All those in favor?

[7:23:54] Okay. That's unanimous.

[7:23:55] Thank you. Okay, where are we now?

[7:23:59] We just, we're on 9.4?

[7:24:05] Or 3? No, 4.

[7:24:06] Yeah. 9.4, right?

[7:24:08] - Okay.

[7:24:09] So 9.4, schedule a user fee update

[7:24:12] for vow renewal ceremonies.

[7:24:16] Councilor Dabrowski.

[7:24:18] - Yeah, looking at the four options,

[7:24:22] align with current market trends

[7:24:25] and offer our residents a discount.

[7:24:27] So if I had to weigh the four options,

[7:24:29] forward to move option two.

[7:24:34] seconder for the motion?

[7:24:37] Second, Councilor Strange.

[7:24:39] motion, Councilor Lococo.

[7:24:43] - Sorry.

[7:24:45] I wanted to approve the recommendations

[7:24:48] that were there with option one.

[7:24:49] - Well there's already

[7:24:50] - I know that's my discussion.

[7:24:51] what I wanted to approve.

[7:24:54] So I won't approve option two.

[7:24:55] - I liked option one.

[7:24:56] - Okay. Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

[7:24:58] at option one as well

[7:25:01] because in the report, when we look at it,

[7:25:03] it says basically this is a market

[7:25:05] that is very highly price sensitive.

[7:25:08] for regular ceremonies,

[7:25:11] our volume has decreased by 50%.

[7:25:15] So I think that's telling us in itself

[7:25:17] that if we're going to offer this service,

[7:25:19] we got to offer it to the price,

[7:25:20] obviously, price-sensitive,

[7:25:21] that's looking at this.

[7:25:24] - Any other discussion to the motion?

[7:25:27] vote. All those in favor?

[7:25:32] Okay. Opposed?

[7:25:34] Okay, so that passes, four-three.

[7:25:38] Next is nine-

[7:25:41] - That's a pretty good math for you.

[7:25:42] 'cause I have 10 fingers.

[7:25:45] I can do that.

[7:25:47] What? Okay, wait a minute.

[7:25:48] 9.5, we've already deferred. Okay.

[7:25:50] 9.6, 2026-27 insurance renewal program.

[7:25:56] seconded by Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

[7:25:58] - Sure but I have a comment.

[7:26:00] - Yes, but you have a comment. Yep.

[7:26:01] Mayor, to Ms. Punyarthi.

[7:26:03] that it covers directors,

[7:26:07] so the BAOs, the BAOs?

[7:26:11] The BIAs have director's insurance.

[7:26:16] city's insurance policy?

[7:26:23] - Through the chair.

[7:26:24] I have our risk manager, Ms. McQuay here

[7:26:26] and she can answer questions.

[7:26:29] - Sorry, I didn't see her.

[7:26:39] - Through the chair to the councilor?

[7:26:41] under the city's policy.

[7:26:44] director's insurance,

[7:26:47] but you don't need to do this.

[7:26:49] - Director's insurance is different.

[7:26:51] coverage separately.

[7:26:54] - Yes.

[7:26:55] - You're welcome.

[7:26:58] - Okay. All right.

[7:26:59] All those in favor?

[7:27:01] That's approved. Thank you very much.

[7:27:04] with Ontario Utility Locates.

[7:27:10] - With recommendations.

[7:27:11] - Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

[7:27:12] Patel. Councilor Lococo.

[7:27:14] - Quick question.

[7:27:15] Resident asked, what is the,

[7:27:17] it says partial acquisition by HoldCo.

[7:27:19] What is the percentage that that is owned?

[7:27:23] assistant GM of planning.

[7:27:25] - Yeah. We own 33% of the corporation.

[7:27:30] - Okay. Any other questions?

[7:27:32] Seeing none, will call the vote.

[7:27:33] All those in favor?

[7:27:34] That's unanimous. Thank you.

[7:27:36] 9.8, McLeod Road reconstruction.

[7:27:39] approve the budget amendment.

[7:27:41] - Move the recommendation.

[7:27:43] - Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

[7:27:43] Second by Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

[7:27:46] - I just got a quick question.

[7:27:47] - Yes. Councilor Patel.

[7:27:48] Quick.

[7:27:49] - Through you, Mr. Mayor.

[7:27:50] I'm sorry, Mr. Nickel.

[7:27:54] Is this being proactive

[7:27:55] construction is happening

[7:27:57] and we are changing the water,

[7:27:59] meaning is that being proactive?

[7:28:01] it would be proactive.

[7:28:03] There are active developments

[7:28:05] on all edges of this development.

[7:28:07] We are now a little bit further along

[7:28:09] in the development planning,

[7:28:10] so we know the size and type and location

[7:28:12] the upcoming contract

[7:28:14] to go out this year.

[7:28:15] is being reconstructed,

[7:28:17] is it going to be a little cheaper for us

[7:28:19] because it's already happening?

[7:28:21] will be more cost effective

[7:28:24] and it will limit disruptions.

[7:28:26] If we were, you know, the alternative is

[7:28:28] developer at a later date

[7:28:29] or by the city at a later date

[7:28:31] and it's going to disrupt the sidewalks,

[7:28:33] the road, the curb and everything else.

[7:28:34] - Okay, thank you.

[7:28:36] do we have the motion?

[7:28:39] I can't remember now.

[7:28:40] Yes? Okay.

[7:28:41] We will call the vote. All those in favor?

[7:28:43] Okay. That's unanimous.

[7:28:44] Thank you.

[7:28:45] 9.9, PBD-2026-28, Bill 119,

[7:28:51] and Communities Act.

[7:28:55] Two recommendations.

[7:28:56] Yes. Councilor Lococo, are you moving it?

[7:28:58] - I'll move it. And I had one question.

[7:29:00] - Okay. Let me just get a seconder.

[7:29:01] Councilor Patel, second. Okay.

[7:29:03] general question for AMPS.

[7:29:06] fine them through AMPS,

[7:29:11] do we give them notice

[7:29:12] something wrong, stop it,"

[7:29:14] and then fine them?

[7:29:16] Or do we just fine them?

[7:29:17] touch with me the other day

[7:29:19] getting parking tickets anymore.

[7:29:22] sent to them in the mail

[7:29:24] they had a parking ticket.

[7:29:26] through AMPS now too,

[7:29:29] is that correct?

[7:29:30] - So we can go to Mr. Gallagher

[7:29:31] that for that report.

[7:29:35] - I don't believe that to be true.

[7:29:38] I believe that they are being enforced

[7:29:40] and receiving a ticket for it.

[7:29:43] a little bit further

[7:29:45] and confirm for you.

[7:29:46] - Okay, thank you.

[7:29:47] And for this, for all of AMPS,

[7:29:50] do we give them a notice first

[7:29:52] and then the AMPS outside of parking?

[7:29:55] - Through the mayor.

[7:29:56] Traditionally, we will go ahead

[7:29:57] notice to make them aware

[7:29:59] complying with the by-law.

[7:30:02] And then we will go ahead and enforce it,

[7:30:04] unless it's a repeat offender,

[7:30:05] to the AMPS program.

[7:30:07] - Okay. Thank you for that.

[7:30:09] We'll call the vote. All those in favor?

[7:30:12] All those in favor? Yes.

[7:30:13] That's unanimous. Thank you.

[7:30:15] We go to consent agenda.

[7:30:17] - Move consent again.

[7:30:18] - Okay, before we do that,

[7:30:19] lifted before we do that?

[7:30:21] No? Okay.

[7:30:22] Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

[7:30:24] we move the consent agenda.

[7:30:27] All those in favor? Okay.

[7:30:29] And that's approved. Thank you.

[7:30:31] And then we go to communications

[7:30:34] and comments of the city clerk.

[7:30:35] that council approve

[7:30:37] and support 11.1 through 11.5.

[7:30:42] that? Councilor Baldinelli.

[7:30:45] Seconded by Councilor Patel.

[7:30:49] All those in favor? That's approved.

[7:30:51] Let me just quickly read what they are.

[7:30:53] Flag raising request

[7:30:56] Week, November 19th.

[7:30:59] Hepatitis Day, July 28th.

[7:31:03] National Coaches Week,

[7:31:06] September 14th through 20th.

[7:31:09] Flag raising request,

[7:31:10] Independence Day of India, August 15th.

[7:31:14] And proclamation and flag raising

[7:31:15] for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

[7:31:19] That'll be for September.

[7:31:20] comments of city clerk.

[7:31:23] receive 12.1 through 12.6.

[7:31:27] Anyone want anything lifted?

[7:31:29] Yes. Councilor Lococo.

[7:31:30] - 12.5 please.

[7:31:32] - Okay. 12.5.

[7:31:36] the Recreation Committee,

[7:31:41] presence at city events.

[7:31:43] some of the discussion

[7:31:45] Accessibility Committee

[7:31:49] accessibility committee,

[7:31:51] what Shania brought about the Green Team,

[7:31:54] what Councilor Patel talked about,

[7:31:56] be working together.

[7:31:59] So when, when I saw that I thought,

[7:32:01] you know, we should be working together.

[7:32:03] We're all working in silos

[7:32:04] some similar projects.

[7:32:06] So maybe we can do

[7:32:08] Committee be part of things,

[7:32:10] but maybe look at opportunities

[7:32:12] together at different times.

[7:32:15] Maybe not all the time,

[7:32:16] but with some of the same events.

[7:32:19] sense to have a booth.

[7:32:21] at community events,

[7:32:23] - Yeah.

[7:32:24] And the Accessibility Committee

[7:32:26] is having a booth at the Canada Day.

[7:32:28] So there was a whole process

[7:32:29] of what they had to do to get there.

[7:32:30] So maybe we can streamline the process,

[7:32:32] that people can go.

[7:32:35] and maybe refer that to staff,

[7:32:39] committees can integrate

[7:32:41] and have other opportunities.

[7:32:44] got her hand up. Yes.

[7:32:46] it's through the mayor.

[7:32:49] welcome at any event

[7:32:52] and we do encourage committee members

[7:32:54] to attend and volunteer as well.

[7:32:57] open door right now.

[7:32:59] any committee, so that's fine.

[7:33:03] - Okay. Thank you.

[7:33:04] make that referral motion?

[7:33:07] by Councilor Baldinelli

[7:33:10] that we refer 12.5 to staff

[7:33:13] for further input, feedback.

[7:33:18] And then now is there a motion

[7:33:19] for the remainder of the correspondence?

[7:33:22] by Councilor Baldinelli.

[7:33:27] Then that'll be 12.1 through 12.6.

[7:33:31] All those in favor?

[7:33:33] Okay. And that's unanimous.

[7:33:35] ratification of in-camera.

[7:33:41] Mr. Clerk.

[7:33:46] - Yeah. Thanks, your worship.

[7:33:47] Council did meet earlier today

[7:33:49] to go in-camera.

[7:33:52] is that council direct

[7:33:56] that the city enter into a lease

[7:33:58] Volunteer Fire Department

[7:33:59] for a portion of the lands and building

[7:34:01] known as 1120 Sodom Road

[7:34:05] with various terms and conditions,

[7:34:06] including annual rent

[7:34:07] in the amount of $32,343 plus HST.

[7:34:13] the mayor and clerk

[7:34:15] to execute that lease agreement.

[7:34:19] - Okay. A motion for, so we need to...?

[7:34:22] - Motion for ratification.

[7:34:24] Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

[7:34:25] There's no discussion.

[7:34:28] All those in favor?

[7:34:29] Okay. And that's unanimous.

[7:34:31] Then we've got motions for consideration.

[7:34:34] So Councilor Patel, you have one there?

[7:34:38] - Yes.

[7:34:41] - Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[7:34:43] The motion for consideration

[7:34:44] is enhanced washroom facility

[7:34:46] and Naisbitt Parkette,

[7:34:49] Ramp and Naisbitt Parkette

[7:34:52] are among the city's most heavily used

[7:34:53] waterfront recreation areas

[7:34:55] serving residents and visitors

[7:34:57] kayaking, picnicking,

[7:34:59] recreation, and community gatherings.

[7:35:02] And whereas residents have raised concerns

[7:35:04] regarding the availability, accessibility,

[7:35:06] facilities at the site.

[7:35:10] that council direct staff

[7:35:13] enhanced washroom facilities

[7:35:16] and Naisbitt Parkette,

[7:35:19] modular, self-contained,

[7:35:21] washroom solutions,

[7:35:24] staff report back to council

[7:35:27] with options, cost, and recommendations

[7:35:30] on the most appropriate

[7:35:32] solution for the site.

[7:35:36] As I mentioned before, when I was there,

[7:35:38] during the long weekend.

[7:35:40] from lots more people.

[7:35:42] And I know a couple weeks ago

[7:35:43] when we were at the trade show,

[7:35:44] we saw some very inexpensive options

[7:35:47] for the washrooms for the parks.

[7:35:50] knows about some options too,

[7:35:54] staff to come up with a report

[7:35:56] and recommendation to see what we can do.

[7:35:58] - Okay.

[7:36:00] - I will have to get a seconder.

[7:36:02] - Yeah, we've got Councilor Dabrowski

[7:36:03] has agreed to to second that.

[7:36:05] - Let me just send,

[7:36:07] do something here.

[7:36:08] Give me one half a second. Okay.

[7:36:10] going with my computer.

[7:36:12] I can't close that out.

[7:36:17] seconded. All those in favor?

[7:36:22] Thank you for that.

[7:36:24] business, first of all?

[7:36:29] Patel, Councilor Lococo.

[7:36:33] brought to my attention

[7:36:35] a rain barrel program.

[7:36:39] I'm not sure if we ever had them before.

[7:36:40] - We do?

[7:36:42] - We used to. Yep.

[7:36:42] - Oh, I know somebody contacted me

[7:36:44] has a rain barrel program,

[7:36:46] - They copied us. Yeah.

[7:36:48] - Yes.

[7:36:49] - We used to have it. Yes.

[7:36:50] still have it though?

[7:36:53] Mr. Nickel can speak to it.

[7:36:55] We just didn't have a lot of uptake on it.

[7:36:57] the contact I got for this.

[7:36:59] St. Catharines had, we do not.

[7:37:00] why I want to bring it in

[7:37:02] new business to see what we,

[7:37:03] free, there was still a cost.

[7:37:05] People just didn't want to pay for them.

[7:37:07] - I got two.

[7:37:10] - No, you, maybe you can.

[7:37:12] some context to Councilor.

[7:37:15] At a point in the past,

[7:37:16] bit more of a new product

[7:37:19] and people were looking to implement them

[7:37:21] to help offset the cost of watering,

[7:37:23] driving up those costs.

[7:37:29] We did reach, and most cities reached

[7:37:31] what I'll call a saturation point

[7:37:32] a rain barrel for low cost

[7:37:35] kind of got one

[7:37:36] on marketplace and things

[7:37:38] and they were being sold at our expense.

[7:37:40] So what some municipalities have done

[7:37:42] third-party delivery agents

[7:37:45] like rainbarrel.ca

[7:37:46] and they'll bring the program to you

[7:37:48] host it at a city facility.

[7:37:50] - And that's an option.

[7:37:52] Some municipalities will provide a subsidy

[7:37:54] if you submit a receipt.

[7:37:57] Those are some of the various options.

[7:37:59] At this point though,

[7:38:00] paying any city dollars

[7:38:03] to offset those costs

[7:38:04] we have combined sewers

[7:38:07] and we know that we can

[7:38:11] connected downspout.

[7:38:14] to taking a report back

[7:38:17] wants to pass a motion on.

[7:38:20] the calls coming in my office

[7:38:24] eager about rain barrels.

[7:38:28] - Thank you, Mr. Nickel.

[7:38:29] we can have maybe options

[7:38:32] tree giveaway next time.

[7:38:34] don't want to spend money

[7:38:36] when you said rainbarrel.ca,

[7:38:39] we have them come there.

[7:38:40] If people want to buy it there

[7:38:41] giving away the trees,

[7:38:43] then it is environmentally friendly.

[7:38:45] come in just the same time

[7:38:48] and have a counter or table there to them?

[7:38:51] - [Nickel] You refer it to Jeff Karachi

[7:38:52] and then he can bring forward.

[7:38:54] - Okay, perfect. Maybe I can help.

[7:38:56] Kathy can take care of it.

[7:38:59] - We'll take Kathy. Sure.

[7:39:00] - Okay. Thank you.

[7:39:01] uses his for a cold plunge.

[7:39:04] Yeah. He uses it for, yeah. (laughs)

[7:39:05] - For his one leg.

[7:39:08] - Yeah. Yeah.

[7:39:11] Okay, so Councilor Lococo.

[7:39:13] - Just one quick thing.

[7:39:15] the RFP for the Ferris wheel.

[7:39:19] I know that the Let's Talk page went up

[7:39:21] so our residents are giving input.

[7:39:24] on Facebook as well,

[7:39:27] and I've had some messages.

[7:39:30] about the Ferris wheel? (laughs)

[7:39:32] - Not today.

[7:39:33] We've been in council,

[7:39:33] anything if there was any-

[7:39:35] - Yesterday, was there anything?

[7:39:37] haven't gotten any updates.

[7:39:39] They typically wouldn't until it closes.

[7:39:41] - And then-

[7:39:42] ideas back, so I don't know.

[7:39:44] - Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[7:39:45] So yeah, so I haven't heard anything.

[7:39:48] I don't know. I have no updates.

[7:39:49] today was the RFP deadline,

[7:39:52] coming in on July 9th

[7:39:55] are not going to be for nothing.

[7:39:57] the strong deadline.

[7:39:59] time to have some input.

[7:40:02] - Yeah. Yeah.

[7:40:03] So, and again, that's Parks.

[7:40:04] - I know, I understand that.

[7:40:05] they're really relying

[7:40:08] on us to say something.

[7:40:10] - Yeah. Yeah.

[7:40:11] speak in favor of it.

[7:40:13] So anybody, well, one person.

[7:40:18] Yes. Councilor Baldinelli.

[7:40:19] for next meeting on MAT tax,

[7:40:24] actually received anything

[7:40:28] like an update on the STAR system

[7:40:30] and what we currently have.

[7:40:31] Oops, sorry, Mona.

[7:40:32] STAR? Oh, the STAR, yep.

[7:40:33] - The STAR system. And what's going on.

[7:40:36] And geez, now I spilled the water.

[7:40:39] I forgot I was going to say next.

[7:40:41] all over Councilor Patel?

[7:40:44] - I do that often.

[7:40:46] that'll be it for now.

[7:40:50] (Diodati laughs)

[7:40:55] - Sorry about that, Councilor Patel.

[7:40:57] (attendee chatters)

[7:41:00] Yeah. No, you did.

[7:41:01] Any other new business? Okay.

[7:41:03] adjournment. Councilor Nieuwesteeg.

[7:41:06] Seconded by Councilor Dabrowski.

[7:41:07] - Oh, the by-law,

[7:41:08] - Wow!

[7:41:11] - Wow. My apologies.

[7:41:12] - Well, the water threw you off.

[7:41:14] - It threw me off. Yes.

[7:41:16] - Motion by Councilor Pietrangelo.

[7:41:18] second, and third reading.

[7:41:21] Seconded by...

[7:41:22] - I'll second it, but 060 has to come off.

[7:41:25] Commissioner report by-law.

[7:41:28] And we didn't...

[7:41:28] - Yep, yep, yes, absolutely.

[7:41:31] with obviously the removal

[7:41:34] of the Integrity Commissioner by-law.

[7:41:36] All those in favor?

[7:41:38] Okay. Thank you.

[7:41:39] Councilor Dabrowski.

[7:41:41] Second by Councilor Patel.

[7:41:42] All those in favor? We're adjourned.

[7:41:44] Thank you everybody.

City Council - 23 Jun 2026

Transcript