Okay. Good evening, everybody, and welcome to tonight's council meeting.
I'm going to call the meeting to order and ask
the clerk to do a roll. Call Mr. Clerk.
Adopted law. All right. Beginning with Councilor Balashak. Present. Councilor
Burrows. Present. Councilor Sharapeta. President. Councilor Maritius. Here. Councilor Nivevin?
Present. Councilor O'Connor. Present councilor bizarre is online. Present. Deputy
lord marwiens. Present. And I'm here. Thank you. Next item
of business is our focus statement. I will ask councilor
Maritis to read that for us. Councilor. We begin this
meeting by acknowledging that the land in which we gather
is the traditional, highly significant spiritual place of the Anishnabi
and the Hodeno Sony peoples, many of whom continue to
live and work here today. This traditional gathering place is
covered under the Upper Canada treaty and is within the
land protected by the dish with one spoon. Wampalm agreement.
We meet to serve our community. To use our resources
wisely and well to represent all members of our community
fairly, to make decisions that promote the common good as
people for centuries have. Gathered in cities, towns and villages
to create and share wealth and well being. So may
we in Niagara and the lake, with our natural and
historic heritage, our villages and farmlands. Are flowing creeks and
vibrant culture. May we flourish in this town, the place
that we call home. We recognize our responsibility to the
past and future and the rights and needs of both
individuals and community. As trusted public servants. We will focus
on our deliberations and on our efforts here today. May
we act wisely and well. Okay. Thank you, councilor. Let's
ask everybody to rise for the playing of O Canada.
Power home and native. Land. To face. With love. In
all of us. Alive. With flowing what we. See. I.
Do want. To see. From. Wide open. We stand on?
The. Land. Lord.
Okay, next item. Adoption of the agenda clerk. Any updates
to the agenda recorded? We have two changes. One is
a request to add a delegation to the agenda by
Tom Richardson. Sullivan Mahoney re review of special events. And
there is a mover and seconder. For that, it would
require. A two thirds vote. Also a request to withdraw
for a separate vote, recommendation 7.2 of the municipal heritage
committee meeting minutes and that pertains to. 766 four mile
creek road municipal heritage register. Two items, so we'll deal
with the first item. First one is a request for
a delegation. It's moved and seconded, so let's put it
on the floor for discussion. Discussion for members of council
councilor Maritis. Thank you. Through you, Lord Mayor. The chair.
I'm just wondering. The legal. I don't know what I
can say. In public realm, the ramifications. Of. Council. Are
you looking for assistance with some legal advice? So if
you were looking for that, you. Would want to perhaps
ask to go on camera for a discussion about the
item. Yes. So I'll go to the clerk. I think
that would be require mover and secondary. Direction to go
on camera, is that correct? You would need direction to
add that to the existing closed session agenda. Yeah, that's
a good idea. So. We could take this item. And
kind of defer the decision to. The agenda to go
in camera and some input from that in camera. Is
that what you would want to do? Yes. I can
add that. I think what I'm hearing is like, the
councilor would like to. Add this to the in camera
session, and then that would effectively. Defer the decision for
the agenda to be changed until after we rise. Is
that correct? Correct. And then when we come back into
open, we can continue. Can you have a seconder for.
That. Councilor Tropida. Okay? Let's discuss that discussion on this
item, Councilor O'Connor. Thank you to you, Lord Mayor. My
question is. I also on this issue of special Vince.
I would like to have a discussion on the policy
section. That's, I think, appendix two. Or something under the
bylaws because council did not yet approve the policy. Can
I back up? Cancer. So we're actually discussing a motion
to add an item for. In camera do you have
another item? You have another item? Well, I wanted to
know if that would be included or not. If you
want me to do it separately. And then just help
me understand. Are you looking to have that included in
the encamera? Discussion? No. Okay, so that's what we're. Looking
to add it to the agenda. Yes. I would like
to. Come back to you. Right now we're discussing councilor
Marvitis's motion. To go on camera speakers to the motion
to go in camera. Seeing that councilor Waynes. Try again.
Sorry. We're going to discuss that first in camera and
then come out because. We still just helped. The way
that this would happen, and the clerk can correct me,
is this. We would add this. Particular request to the
agenda in camera we would discuss all our items. Agenda
in camera we would rise and then come back and
deal with the adoption of the agenda, Mr. Clerk. I
think that's the way we would do it. Okay. Makes
sense, so. Call the question to go in camera for
that particular item so that item will be added all
in favor. And any opposed, so that's carried so. A
lot of that. Okay, so other items prior to the
other one. Other items? I believe you. Had one. Councilor
O'Connor, you go ahead. Yes. I wanted to through you,
Lord Mayor, ensure that. We had an opportunity somewhere here
to discuss. The finalized policy of the special events because
we did not, as a council, prove it, and I'd
like to have an opportunity to discuss some of the
items in there, so I don't know how to put
that on the agenda. Because I know you don't want
to do it under bylaw. No. So I think you're
asking about an item that's. Part of the minutes from
committee of the whole. If I'm not mistaken. Right. Which
ones will those be? Clerk. Those would be. 7.3, I
believe. I believe so. Arguably ahead of me. Yeah. So
basically, councilor. Yeah. That item is an item that's in
the minutes from committee of the whole. I know. That
our rules ask that you bring it up ahead of
time. Has that item been requested to be left there?
Mr. Clerk, she's certainly been in that. Conversation or request
about it. So we'll make sure we do that. So
when we come to that item. We'll lift that particular
minute and then it can be discussed. At that time.
Okay. Thank you, Councilor Burrows. Another item, council? Yes, well,
that one and one. Other. I had put in a
request in time. For it to be added to today's
agenda, both on those same minutes. One. On the heritage
committee and one on events, and I believe that's what
we have here. So let's. Consider that. So those will
be items that we'll add to the agenda. And so.
That would be those two items. So, Mr. Clerk, we
just want to clarify that and we'll make sure we're
going to move her in second or for those two
items, so. Then we'll vote on that. So that's done.
So actually, what we will be doing is removing item
11.1 from the committee, the whole planning in general minutes
for a separate discussion as well as. Item 7.3, which
is out of 16. Point. Sorry. I'm trying to do
this all for memory out of. 16. Out of 16.1
to be withdrawn and voted on separately as well. We
don't. Actually have to have a mover on that because
it is part of the procedure. The clerk tells me
that we're good to go. Councilor Burrows, is that comfortable
with that? Thank you very much. Okay. Any other items
for the agenda? If not the next item that we'll
be doing. Is. Well, declarations of conflict of interest or
any declarations of conflict of interest. Seeing none. Next item
is our discussion to go and close. So we added
the item. So Mr. Clerk, can I get a mover
and seconder for the motion? Councilor burrows and councilor. Bell.
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. So just moved by councilor Burrows,
seconded by councilor Balashak, that council convene. In a closed
session at 05:13 p.m. to consider matters that qualify under
the Municipal act. Section 239, 2d labor relations. Or employee
negotiations, including communications necessary for that purpose, specifically regarding the
2025 compensation review and matters related to litigation or potential
litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals affecting the municipality or
local board. Okay. Thank you for that. And it's moved
and seconded. Any further discussion? All in favor? And any
opposed that's carried. So at this point, we'll ask you
to clear the chambers and we'll go on camera and
we will let you know when we arise. Back and
open. Thank you very much for your understanding.
We're back in open session and. We do have some
motions to deal with. Can we get a mover and
seconder for the motions? Councilor Nizan. Councilor. Balasuk and Mr.
Clerk to the first item. First one is moved by
councilor Niven, seconded by councilor Balashuk, that. The proceedings reconvene
in open session at 06:52 p.m. and that council approved
the allocation of funding for the compensation changes through the
funds identified with an allocation of $283,128 to be transferred
to the tax stabili. Stabilization reserve from the 2025 budget,
funded from WSIB rebates and surplus and unspent operating initiatives
that council direct staff to develop a total compensation policy
and performance based compensation plan for. The nonunion employee bargaining
group staff to return to council with a recommended policy
and plan. For implementation in 2027 to support consistent employee
development, accountability, and organizational effectiveness and that council direct staff
to implement the recommendations resulting from the 2025 market review.
Consultation for the total amount of. $557,825 that is fully
funded by reallocations within the approved 2026. Budget and recommendation
number one. Okay, thank you. Any discussion? I call question.
All in favor? Any opposed? Seeing none. Next item. Next
item is moved by Councilor O'Connor and seconded by Council
Bros. The agenda. Be amended to allow an agenda delegation
from Tom Richardson, Sullivan, Mahoney re review of special events,
and this would require a two thirds approval. So the
first vote is two thirds to set. Aside our bylaw.
And then the next one would be to change the.
It's actually within our. So just for a clarification, it's
all just one vote, so I'd. Be required two thirds
majority. And so the motion is that we. Add. The
delegate to our agenda. So, any questions? Just before we
call that one? Any questions, councilor? Weeds? Not questions, but
a comment. And the one concern I always want to
have. All of our residents have the ability to speak.
So I'm low to ever not allow somebody to vote
to come to speak, and I'll allow Mr. Richardson come
to speak. The concern I have is Mr. Richardson. Is
arguably the best municipal lawyer in the process, so let's
not keep. The comments to not personal. This delegate that
wants to come before us and thank you for. Is
well familiar with the rules of what's happening, and so.
The concern I always have is last minute changes to
agendas. There was two weeks because of Roma. Last week
there was two weeks between the one meeting and. This
meeting. Where agenda delegations could have come forward and information
could have come forward. And I got emails late last
night and today. I was prepared for the last meeting,
and the delegate had the opportunity at the last meeting
to delegate and for whatever reason, did not. I'm going
to vote to allow him to speak. But the concern
I have is somebody with a vast amount of experience
and knowledge and expertise. And municipal law. It concerns me
that I found out about it today. Thank you, Councilor
Burrows. Recorded vote, please. Again. I recorded votes requested. Councilor
O'Connor. Yes. Thank you. In my opinion, because we do
not approve the policy for special events permits. It should
have come back as a discussion item or report on
the agenda, which would have given any delegate an opportunity
to redelegate based on the final report. And this is
why I'm putting this forward. So, councilor, I would actually
disagree with you. The report was a report that was
presented to the committee. Of the hall two weeks ago,
debate would happen. Presentations were made public, meetings were had
committee made. A decision. Yes. Committee made a decision. No.
Mr. C. O. Can you please confirm there was a
report with committee decision. I can have the clerk read
what the recommendation was. That was approved by committee. I
think the salient partner Council direct staff to finalize the
proposed special events policy and bylaw, including completion of the
list of community sponsored events and to bring forward final
versions of the policy bylaw. And permit fees for approval
at the subsequent council meeting. Correct. Okay, so just clarifying
your statement. Go ahead, councilor. To bring forward the policy
for approval. And in order to approve it, we need
to have a discussion because it had to be finalized.
First. So it wasn't the original policy. It was to
finalize policy, which we haven't. Had a chance to discuss
yet. Okay, well, thank you for your comments. We did
discuss. The committee, but I appreciate your remarks on that
point. Next speaker. Any other comments, councilor? No. Councilor. You've
already spoken. Any others on this one? Record. A vote
was requested. So we'll get the clerk to do the
vote. Mr. Clinton. Would you like me to reread the
motion? Sure. The agenda be amended to allow an agenda
delegation from Tom Richardson, Sullivan, Mahoney re review. Of special
events, beginning with councilor Burrows. Yes. Councilor Balashak. No, Councilor
Sharapata. No, Councilor Maritius. No, Councilor Niven? No, Councilor O'.
Connor? Yes. Councilor Vizari? Yes. Deputy lord marine? Yes. And
the Lord mayor. No motion fails. Okay, so, Mr. Clerk,
that leaves us with the balance of the agenda to
be adopted. Yes, we have a mover and secondary already.
Let me get back there and see. We do not.
Okay, I need a mover and secondary for a balance
of agenda, councilor. Niven councilor tropoda into questions. Councilor O'Connor,
I just want to. Make sure that I get to
discuss the special events policy lifted from the minutes. Thank
you. Thank you for confirming. There are questions on the
agenda. Seeing question councilor Maritis. Did 15.2. We amended the
agenda to separate. 15 point. Yes, we made that. Okay.
Thank you. Just wanted to confirm. Call the question. All
in favor? Any opposed? That's carried. The motion is adopted.
The agenda is adopted. Pertinent. Making sure that would bring
us to page five. Council on committee of the whole
minutes. Seven point. One to 7.8. Can I remove her
and second her to put these on the floor? And
we'll do the council drop it up. Seconded by councilor
Niven and. I believe. I'll let you read it out.
And I think we had the one separate, so go.
Ahead. Yes. So. I've made provision to allow item 11.1
from the committee of the whole planning. In general, to
be voted on separately. So the motion would read that
the minutes of following meetings be approved. Special council meeting
minutes January 15, 2026 special council minutes closed session January
15, 2026. To remain private and confidential. Committee of the
whole planning and general minutes. January 13, save and accept
item 11.1 to be voted on separately. Committee of the
whole planning in general. Minutes closed session January 13, 2026
to remain private and confidential. Council workshop meeting minutes, January
13, 2026 council minutes, December 9, 2025 counci. Council workshop
meeting December 9, 2025 council minutes closed session December 9,
2025 to remain private and confidential. And speakers is councilor
Burrows correct. Thank you, Lord Mayor. And further to my
request this morning. With the clerk. Out of the committee.
The whole item 7.3. I had also requested that 6.2
Heritage district plan CDS 26 six. Be lifted as well.
I think we have that. Listed. Under the heritage committee
meeting minutes of January 14. When those committee minutes come
forward, Come forward in the agenda. Councilor Burrows, when we
discuss the MHC minutes. That's where those minutes are.
Thank you, Lord Marin. That's not what my direction was,
however. I guess we're going to vote on 7.3 separately
anyway. So I can. On item 11.1. In the minutes
of 7.3. Correct. Thanks. Okay, so basically, now we have
a motion for the balance of items except for 11.1.
Second. I thought we did. Councilor Nivin and councilor Tropoda.
Thank you. Other questions. On the balance, all in favor?
And any opposed. Those are carried and then to save
and accept item 11.1. Wish to speak to that councilor
Connor. Thank you. Through you. Lord Mayor, there are some
things that. I still am not clear in my mind
with regards to. The special events permit. I think one
of the most important things is. That we have hid
off a whole section of special events permits that no
longer apply because the land use zoning or site specific
zoning apply. I guess I am concerned in part with
what are we going to do and how are we
going to deal with them. For instance. I know that
this is being put forth so that we can enforce
the special permits. What kind of enforcement powers does this
give us now that we didn't have before? The question.
Through to Director Plato, Chief, is that correct? Thank you
for the question through the Lord mayor. Just to clarify,
we're asking what the new bylaw enforcement powers within the
new bylaw. Provider. So that just for clarity. That's correct,
chief. The new bylaw in itself actually provides us. With
the ability. To. There's fees, there's amps, pieces related to
it, so somebody has to come. In actually apply if
they're not applying properly through the bylaw, we have the
ability to deny at that point if the event continues,
or our amp provisions letting us actually to enforce in
that capacity if they're not complying with the way they
said they're going to do it. Timeline is extended, not
potentially within what we've actually said. They can do. So
where the current policies right now don't permit us to
really pursue. It in that capacity. Right now, it's just
a policy that we have to pursue. Okay, so Amps
does not apply now and no other enforcement. Tool can
now be used. So. If this gets asked, then we'll
be able to use. Okay. Thank you. Okay, good. Now.
What about? For the events that are under the site
specific zoning. Do we have any tools to enforce those?
Now or is that something that needs to come forward
later, or how is that being done? Thank you for
the question. Would that be to the planning director? No.
The newly minted planning through the chair. Thank you. I'd
like to redirect. To director Plato. Thank you through the
Lord mayor. Anything that is currently within zoning that would
be permitted all of our regular bylaws apply at this
point. So that is how the enforcement of those happen.
And then even just actually on last week's, agenda. There
were a couple additions to property standards and noise and
lighting and of other couple enhancements that we've made that
have actually increased that ability to be able to apply.
Two special events that would. Well, I guess I wouldn't
technically be called a special event. Just things are permitted
within zoning to be happening within property. So, yes, we
have the ability to enforce within the current bylaws that
we have at that point. Okay. Next question deals with.
I asked staff. About all of the various. Regulations. And.
Does one take precedence or the other? Or how are
they going? To be enforced, such as building fire safety
or any other town regulations. And I was told that.
They would all be enforced. But then. I read somewhere
on line 54. Says the provision which establishes the higher
standards shall prevail. So, do we have a hierarchy? Of
these standards for regulations or bylaws, or are they all.
Applied equally. Thank you for the question, Mr. Cao. Thank
you. I'm going to redirect it. I'm just waiting to
see. Whether director Plato. Or deputy clerk. We're working to
get the best source of information for you. Yeah, we're
good. Okay, so director Plato can speak to this. Again,
thank you for the question through Lord Mayor. So the
provisions on the way, that would come. Through is depending
on again. What the. Mainly relating to safety is kind
of the angle that I would be taking on it.
It's the building code and or fire code. Both had
a provision, building code and fire. Code aren't 100% in
synced all the time, so whichever one then prevailed or.
Had, the strongest clause that we could apply would be
the one that prevailed in a certain situation. I don't
have an exact example for you, but. If there was
one weaker than the other, we would obviously go with
the stronger at that point. Sorry. So as clarification, you
wouldn't necessarily go with all of the ones that they
are not in compliance with. It would be the strongest
one, in your opinion. Like, for instance, noise and fire.
Would both of them be, would you? Apply. Whatever enforcement
amps or whatever, for both or just one. No. In
that situation, if we are. Comparing noise versus a fire
complaint. Both are going to apply in the similar situation.
It'd be the example of there are similar requirements for
a tent within the fire code. As there are within
the building code. The building code requirements are actually a
little bit more stringent. Than those required from the fire
code. So those from the building code would be required
as they are a little bit more stringent. Therefore, those
are the ones we would go with, not. Just necessarily.
The clauses from the fire code. Is those kind of
situations, not noise versus light versus fire safety. All of
those are important at the same time. But if there's
ever clauses that are similar and or one from an
act or provincial or our own bylaws that would overrule
the most stringent one would apply at that point. Okay.
My next question. I'm getting a little confused over the
numbers of people that events and those that are. At
special events versus just regular events. Could someone sort of
review. The numbers. And how they're applied or assessed. Thank
you for your questions for your staff, Mr. SEO. I
think deputy clerk can speak to the numbers specifically and
what that. Thank you. Through the chair. So, again, site
specific zoning those events are going to be regulated by.
The site specific zoning. But for our special events is
what we have is we have both the definition of
special events. Where it meets any of the following criteria,
which is expected to include over 200 people over the
course of the event. Will occur in whole or in
part on public property or will. Occur in whole or
in part on private property where there is no site
specific zoning. Meaning if you're having an event, over 200
people. You're going to trigger a special event permit unless.
You have site specific zoning, which is why we have
is not entirely on private property and explicitly allowed by
site specific zoning. And then we also have the clause
where if you're under 200 people, but you're fully on
public property. That's where we look at. Are you less
than 50 people. It's 24 people having a picnic in
a park. You don't. Qualify as a special event. If
you're 250 people in a park, you're going to qualify
as a special. Event or if you're 150 people. That's
why we have that clause in there. Because we wanted
to make sure we could capture between 51 and 200
people, because. We do have smaller special events that take
place in public that don't necessarily hit over that 200
person threshold. But we also had ones under our current
policy. Where because it was so vague. We were requiring
them to get a special event permit, and they really
didn't need to. So if the councilor is speaking to
the tiers of special events that also. Has provisions for
people. So a tier one special event. Is less than
500 people. With no road closures and less than one
day in duration, a tier two special event is going
to be 500 plus people are expected. Or a road
closure. Or less than three consecutive days. And not a
tier three event. The tier three event. Are typically going
to be the ones that are taking place on Queen
street. They're the bigger ones. 1000 plus people. Closure restricted
access to Queen Street, Queens, Royal Park, Simcoe park, three.
Or more consecutive days or a special event series which
are two or more non consecutive days which is, the
festival we just had was two consecutive days, but over.
Two consecutive weekends. Yes, and I think this may be
my last question, so thank you for bearing with me
and. It has to deal with. Guidelines on numbers of
events or numbers of people. Like, for instance, I know,
and not only in special events, but also in site
specific zoning as well. I know that the staff has
provided information on those properties that currently have sites specific
zoning and how many events are allowed, and so we're
looking at upwards of 25. Annually of these special events.
Are there any guidelines? That is our maximum. Or can
they apply for more, or will we be. Anticipating staff
to come in the future with guidelines on how to
implement. The bylaw or policies. Thank you for that. Should
we go back to the deputy clerk? Let's start there.
It may be more of a planning through the chair.
I will have to tag in director alderman at some
point. We don't have a restriction from the town on
the number of special events. We don't. Have that. There
can only be 25 special events on Queen street in
a year or. There can only be. 100 special events
in the park. Those are evaluated on a case by
case basis as the applications come in, and then we
do give priority to community sponsored events, annual events, community
partner events. So, for instance, If we have an application,
come in at, say, the same time as the candlelight
stroll and. They're going to conflict with each other, the
candlelight stroll is going to take precedence. We're going to
reach out to the applicant of whatever event has been
submitted and tell them. We're not able to permit this
event and give them some options. You can switch your
days, you can switch your location. Or. We're going to
have to deny your event because. We do have one
that's already taking precedence. For the number of events on
site specific. Areas. I'm going to pass it over to
director Ultimate. Thank you. Through the chair. So we do
have some provisions in the zoning bylaw that's. Applicable to
the urban area that relates to estate wineries. It does
say that a maximum of 24 events would be permitted
each year. That is only found within the urban bylaw
itself. I would suggest that as part of. Our winery
policy review that we will start to undertake this year,
that we could loop in what qualifies as an appropriate
number of events as part of that review itself, to
make sure that we're considering our current permissions for wineries
and then any future applications that we would be getting
for site specific zoning that would include outdoor. Events on
wineries. Okay. Thank you for those answers. It's helped a
lot. And again, I just want to. Reiterate that, I
guess. My concern about the policy and bylaw is more.
With not addressing things that were hid off as not
being under the special events. So thank you. Very much.
Okay, just other questions on that segment. Council Burrows. Thank
you, Lord Mayor. And just a question. I have a
question on the bylaw. But would you rather me wait
till then or do it now? It's matter of the
minute. Maybe through you, Lord. Maybe through you, Lord Mayor
to our Cao. You could explain the process. If I
just read the bylaw, it appears that the clerk is
the one that approves. Events over 200. But my understanding.
Not on the bylaw is that there's a bigger procedure
than that. Maybe the CAO. Could outline that. No. Thank
you for the question through the staff. Thank you. Through
the Lord mayor. So essentially, when. An application comes in
and is processed and received through the clerk's department. It's
distributed throughout. The different operating areas of the town to
gather input. On the application. Specific to, so. We would
see reviews by the planning department specific to, specifically to
do with zoning the fire department. Would review it. We
would have our public works and infrastructure department as well
go through from a roads perspective. Or parks and recreation
as well away in if there's impacts. So it's distributed
throughout comments or received as part of the review process.
And then the review process then takes into consideration those
and that helps inform. Whether the approval is to proceed
or not. And then typically. If it is not straightforward,
it comes to the senior leadership team. For further evaluation
and for us to weigh in on some of the
impacts. If there's any ambiguity through that process. Okay. Thank
you. And as a follow up, I heard earlier, That
we wouldn't be having. More than 1200 event thing per
day. Did I hear that correctly? Verification through back to
the staff. Sure I can start. But essentially that's part
of the process. So staff evaluate the number of events,
the location, of the events that are occurring and the
impacts. So. If it's. As the deputy clerk was speaking
to. Sometimes events requests come in. And for events that
are in close proximity that perhaps have a high number
of attendees and typically we would discourage that from occurring
to avoid kind of overloading areas. Yes. And having. The
peripheral issues with parking and some of those others, but
there's no set number. We could have five if staff
decided they were spread out enough. Yes, essentially. But I'll
just defer to staff. My understanding is at this point,
it's part of the evaluation process. But. Sure if the
deputy cleric has anything to add to that. Through the
chair. It's unlikely to have five events at the same
time. If. They have all properly applied for a special
event permit. Now, that being said, We may have an
event happening in Queenston and an event happening in the
old town and. An event happening at Virgil Sports Park.
And a private event with a special event, permanent. Permit
happening at the same time. We do try to avoid
a large number of events occurring in the same area
at the same time. But the decision maker. Is staff
on this case. Is there a part on the decision?
No. So, essentially. It's staff take kind of a critical
analysis of the number of events, the impact to the
community, the timing of those events. So, I mean, a
good example would be Canada Day or. Some of those
right throughout the community. We may have. A more significant
number of events going on, but it's typically at the
senior leadership level. It's a review to determine what the
impact would be across the broader community so that we
don't inadvertently approve multiple events that create. Issues. Thank you
for that. And my final thing, I think I confused
it. I use the number. 200, but if it was
170, so. They don't need a special event permit, isn't
that correct? What's dependent on some of the other criteria.
So, as the deputy cleric had mentioned, it's going to
depend on the location, is it? Private property. Is it
public property? Assuming private. I'll let the deputy clerk and
speak to the specifics. Through the chair. Let me just
flip to that section. So. If. You're under
200 people and you're entirely on private property. But. You're
still not. So any of it is expected to include
over 200 people. Is in whole or in part on
private property where temporary site specific zoning or site plan
exemptions are required. That is not contingent on the 200
people. It's any of the three criteria. So if your
event. Is on private property and you don't have site
specific zoning, and you're not. A garage sale, yard sale,
similar occasional use. Like a protest or on provincial or
federal land, you would require a special event permit so
it's not just the number of people. I guess I'm
more confused than ever. Thank you, Mr. Lord. It's pretty
clear, actually. Okay, councilor tropida. Thank you. And through the
Lord Mayor, my understanding that this is correct, that this
is a more robust policy than what we had in
the past. Or we didn't have one, but. What I
liked is the fact that it's based on impact on
the community, and I hope that the community can see
that. This study, which is the eight month long study
with lots of engagement. Was done. I think a very
thorough process. But the end result is the policy is
based on the impact that the event has on the
community, and I think that's something that the community will
be very pleased with. Am I correct in assuming that.
That is fact. Yeah. That's exactly the intent, is, and
I would agree. Over eight months of work has gone
into this. A considerable amount of staff time. So we're
very happy with where we've landed. And you are correct.
Currently, we do not have a bylaw and we do
not have anything enforceable. As far as the special events
process currently. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Maritis. Thank you.
Through you, Lord Mayor. Back to what, councilor Burrows? Was
getting at. I'm just going to simplify this. So if
there's a winery. That doesn't have site specific zoning for
an event, and they only have 80 people at an
event, it doesn't meet the criteria. So it's against the
special events, am I correct? Madam deputy clerk. Through the
chair. For that. It will occur in whole or
in part on private property where temporary, site specific zoning
or site plan exemptions are required. That would still require.
A special event permit. However, the intention with the site
specific zoning. For businesses and things of that nature is
they should be one offs. If you're coming. To us
once a week, twice a week. Once a month and
applying for the same types of special event permits at
that point. We are going to direct you to planning
because you require site specific zoning. A one off event.
Say may be that you're celebrating your centennial and you'd
like to have a party and invite. The community in
and you are expected to have a significant number of
people, but you don't. Have site specific zoning. That would
be an event that would be classified as special because
you're not going to be doing that on a consistent
basis. I just want to say that I think this
finally, we have a policy in place because we didn't
have anything prior, and I think it covers pretty much
every concern that I've had for the last three years
since being on council and that we've heard from. Residents,
et cetera. So thank you. Okay, we have a motion.
Duly moved. A second. It's been lifted properly in the
minutes. I'm going to call the question. All those. Mr.
Clerk, do you want to read it out? So the
motion is exactly as it's written in the minutes. And
if it passes, then we immediately go to the two
bylaws that relate to it. Okay. All in favor? And
any opposed. That motion is carried. And so the next
item is, I just need to move around. Seconder to
put the bylaws on the floor. Councilor Marias, Councilor Niven.
Mr. Clerk. Those two bylaws moved by Councilor Mariti, seconded
by councilor Niven. That leave be given to introduce bylaw
number 2026. Five. The novel special event bylaw and bylaw
number 53. 34 d, 26 amps non. Non parking bylaw,
special events and the same be considered right at a
first, second and third. Time and passed this 27th day
of January, 2026. Any discussion on mobiles. Council Burrows. Thank
you, Lord Mayor. Could we just pull. The two special
event ones, the amps and the special events. 19. Seven.
That's exactly. What we're doing. You got it. Thank you.
Thank you. Okay, I'll call the question. All in favor?
And any opposed. That's carried. Thank you. Okay, back. To.
Next committee of the Whole and council meeting dates, Mr.
Clerk. The next committee of the whole is a committee
hall of planning February 3, 2026. The committee of the
whole general meeting. February 10, 2026, the special Council meeting
for the final draft official plan February 17, 2026, and
a council meeting of February 24, 2026. Thank you very
much. And the next item is the Lord Mayor's report.
So since our meeting in 2025 in December. Happy new
year. And December 10, I was pleased to be joined
by members of Amnesty International here at town hall. We
raised a flag. To recognize a human rights day. In
support of. For rights campaign. Members of the community were
here, you might recall, that addressed Mr. Lies letter writing.
Campaign and volunteers at the community center are available doing
that. So congratulations to everybody who tries to raise that
profile. Of that particular issue in addition to human rights
in general. So thank you for the Niagara Lake group
for helping us raise the profile the next day. We
had an open house here at town hall. We opened
the town hall for residents to come in and have
a meeting with the mayor. We had. I can't remember
exactly how many, but about a ten or eleven groups
of people came in, I was pleased to have conversations
with. Those groups of individuals system with connecting with appropriate
staff for further follow up, and it was well received
and people, I think, appreciated the opportunity to come into
the office that same day. I got to drive a
tractor. And thank you to the deputy lord mayor and
his wife. For really outfitting a really wonderful tractor for
myself and my spouse, Tammy, to drive through the streets.
And what a beautiful event that was. It seems like
so long ago, but it was a wonderful event to
see. All the participants. I know the organizers of a
huge success. You raised a great amount of money. In
support of the Terry Fox foundation. So thank you to
you and Dorothy for that and all. The participants. And
I understand you had the largest number of tractors submitted
already, and next year you're looking to break that, so
good for you. But what a great event to see
our community lined up. All across. The community of Virgil.
Street to street Chakra block full of people enjoying themselves.
It was a pretty cold night. Cold this night. Pretty
cold night. So well done. What a lot of fun.
It was just a pleasure to participate and one of
my favorite things to do. On the 12th. The next
day we were celebrating a birthday. The Niagara Lake Museum
130th birthday. Anniversary. It was my honor to attend with
many of you as well. To support and celebrate. With
the council. We provided a plaque to commemorative block to
the museum. And we also got to thank Sarah Kaufman
for all her work to get us there. And I
know we missed Sarah already. I know she's doing a
great job. City of Fort Coburn at their museum. So
good for her. And we'll be watching. Her for good
things happening there. But congratulations to the board and all
the volunteers at the museum. For the wonderful work that
they do. And councilor and Ivan, thank you. Is on
that representative. On that board as well. On the 13th.
That was the Christmas parade, another favorite day of the
year. And the privilege of attending alongside members of council.
And participating in the parade in many different ways. All
of us participated in different ways. It's. Great. It's wonderful.
What a turnout that was. What a beautiful day. Cool,
but sunny. We have the best Christmas parade in southern
Ontario, if you don't mind me saying that. Think it's
safe to say, and the turnout was exceptional, and I
just want to thank. The Christmas Parade Committee. All the
folks that work very hard on that, and we know
who they are, so I won't. Embarrass them by mentioning
their name here, but we're so very lucky to have
the hard work and dedication of those individuals that just
make that seem to come. Off, like, easy, like, it's
just. We just happen naturally. But there's a lot of
work that goes behind that. And I just want to
thank. Everybody for making that happen. Such an exceptional event.
On the 14th, I was invited to attend. A menorah
lighting in Simpical park hosted by Chibada Niagara. That was
a very cold evening. I was joined by the Niagara
Regional Police chief and deputy chief, as well as over
30. Residents. It was a beautiful ceremony and. I was
very privileged to light the first candle. And it was
a wonderful event with some singing and dancing, and I
think my dancing is maybe improving a little bit, but
they're wonderful. It was very friendly and really appreciate the
community. Inviting us to that. On the 15 December. I
attended what they called a roundtable. The Minister of Tourism,
Mr. Cho. Minister Cho and announcement. By the premier that
day as well in Niagara Falls. I was pleased to
participate in the roundtable. Deputy Lord Mayor attended with me,
is there? We continue to bring our issues forward in
front of members of cabinet to the minister of Tourism,
Culture and gaming. That was at table Rock. And following.
That roundtable, which is at the, actually, that was at
the power plant, but following that at the table rock.
We had announcement where the premier was highlighting. The province's
vision. For creating Nagar region as a leading destination. In
tourism, not only in Ontario but in North America and
probably the world and some of the key economic growth
objectives that the province has where we fit. Very importantly,
into those efforts. And appreciated being asked to participate in
that. On the same day I was Bizet. I was
pleased to be invited to the 809. Newark Squadron, Royal
canadian air cadets annual mass dinner. Been attending for quite
some time, and this is. A great organization, a great
event. Obviously, they're hosted at the rural Canadian Legion. Thank
you to the Royal Canadian Legion for bringing the cadets
kind of into their property and allowing them to use
their property. What a waterfall. Dinner. They do if you
ever attended a mess dinner. If? You haven't come join
us next year, because I'll tell you, having a messed
dinner with young cadets. It's just a fun thing to
watch. There's a little bit of ribbing goes on at
a mass dinner. And good time had by all. And
encourage you to look out for that in the future.
So congratulations to the air squadron for doing that. On
the next day. I was invited to the Shaw Festival.
Mr. Jennings, this year. Thank you. They received a reader's
choice award. And so. That's a best live theater in
the 2025 Readers Choice Awards. So congratulations to the SHA
little bladed on that. But we give our best and
congratulations again to. What a wonderful organization. We're so blessed
and lucky to have that organization in our town, the
Shaw Festival theater. Into January. Of course, the 1 January
was a day of levees, and we had many of
them, and that's what makes Niagara, like, so special. We
had the first one at the Royal Canadian. Legion branch,
where they have a ceremony for their new members. So
they invite the new members to come forward and introduce
them to the rest of the members. And I believe
deputy lord may have became a member of the legion
this year. So, on behalf of the membership there. We
welcome you and great to see you there. Encourage anybody
else who's. Looking for a membership club to join. Belgian
is a good place to be, councilor Burrows. Was there
as well. And we had levy there speeches from our
MP and MPP. As well as the legion's leadership. And
of course, my sophomore got to bring some greetings. On
behalf of all of us and did a great job
they do and. That was the next levee. The same
day, of course, was held. At the Navy hall. Friends
of Fort George and Parks, Canada do amazing job. It's
something. That celebrates our heritage by having a great levy
to invite residents in to the Navy hall on a
very cold day. But packed was a packed event. People
love that place and lots of fun. Got to bring
greetings again. And welcome residents to the new year. And
joined by Parks Canada staff. Again the MPP and MP
and myself. And then we get to fire cannon at
the Americans. And that's always fun. Don't take it too
seriously, because there's nothing. In the cannon, but that's just
letting them know we're here, and that was. Executed very
well again. The canon. Farming creek. So, all done. Four
pound gun, I believe, if I'm not mistaken. Quite bang
it down the pointed downwards. We didn't want to lob
one too close. Right council. Apparently it would make it
across the river, I'm told. 1000 Canada geese that were
right in front. Yeah, just a few geese lost. Yeah.
Okay, never mind. Okay, so, January 6, crime stoppers, flag
raising. I was pleased to host crime stoppers. They are
usually our first flag raising of the year. Congratulations to
the group in Niagara. That helps. Raise awareness for the
importance of crime stoppers, as we all know. It's an
anonymous service where residents can contact and feel comfortable in
giving information to the police and remaining anonymous. Sometimes that's
really important. And so great for crime Stoppers as an
organization to provide that service through our volunteers and their
partners and to partner with law enforcement for our community
safety needs. So you can find as if a resident
can find that on their website. At Crimestoppers. If you
google that crime stoppers nagger, you'll find that and I
don't have the URL here. January Twelveth was the visit
to Crossroads public school, grade five class. We were really
pleased to be invited to meet with the grade five
students and. Do a session and talk about the importance
of municipal government and the role the town plays. In
supporting our community. I tell you? 50 students were there,
and many of you members of council were there, and
I really appreciated us. All being there. Thank you to
the staff for preparing, I think, a very enlightening curriculum.
That the students were very engaged in. They came prepared
with their questions. And some of them were pretty tough
ones, pretty tough questions. And that's good, I think. We're
in good hands. In the future, but a very engaged
group, and I applaud the teachers. At Crossroads Public school
here in Virgil for encouraging their students to learn. About
the importance of civic participation. And learning. What the town
does for them and how that works with the federal
government, the provincial government in the region, and it was
just an excellent. Afternoon we were late morning. We were
with them and really appreciate the schools for engaging us
in that. And just to let everybody know, we usually
then follow up with an invitation to bring them. The
town hall, and that's something that. We'll do soon in
the future. In fact, we had scheduled a January 15
for the St. David's public school students to visit us
here, but that was a snow day. If I'm not
mistaken and so they got to go to boggin and
so we'll. Schedule that again. So I'm looking forward to
rescheduling that and inviting the St. David's. Public school here
to run a mock council meeting. They pick an issue,
they debate it. They discuss it. They elect council members
and a lord mayor, and it's a lot of fun
I get. To be the clerk for the day. And
so I learned from our clerk, and we have a
great session, and the students also get to go visit
around town hall and find out what. Some of her
work of our employees do. What happens in certain departments,
they get to go the operations center and see people
working on equipment. And so I think it's a really
great way for young people to see. What kind of
jobs they might think about in the future, and it's
very. Quite a few. Number of them told me that
they're very interested in running for office. So there might
be some competition for assault. And special announcements. I have
a couple here, and you may have some as well,
but just a couple from myself. On February the 7th,
I'm hosting a fundraising dinner with friends of Fort George.
You may know I've done this now for the last
few years. We're. Raising funds for hiring summer students. In
fort, in parks, Canada and at the Queensland Heights monuments.
There are still some tickets available. I'm almost sold out.
But if you go to friends of Fort George, Ca,
you can. Get your ticket. If you haven't, I know
some of you can't make it. So. Hey, I understand.
That's the way it is. But, yeah, we'd love to
see you there. Love to fill the house and raise
a significant amount of money to hire some more students.
For their programming on the 25 February. I'm going to
be at the Tim Hortons bowl for kids sake. Municipal
challenge supporting. Big brothers and big sisters. I saw many
of you have signed up to come and bowl with.
Us. So thank you, because my bowling is not very
good, even though I've done this. For a few years.
I still haven't got really good at bowling. And if
you'd like to donate to our team. Just contact Christy
in my office if you want to do that. I
know some of you have. Done that. So thank you
kindly for that and looking forward to that day. It
is a lot of fun. And I look forward to
that on the 28th, which is the end of February.
Pardon? Me. And the coldest night of the year. Walks
will be held across the region. As mayor, I'm going
to participate. If we haven't already sent it out to
you, you're welcome to participate with me. It'd be on
the 28 February. And we look forward to supporting all
those organizations at Coldest night of the year. It's www.
Cno y.org. they do amazing things, members of our community.
Are volunteering and working agencies that are helping people deal
with housing and homelessness issues. Which is challenging for everybody
right now, even the town of Niagara Lake. And so
just a little way to give support and help our
community. So love it if you can join us. My
last item that I like to do. I just want
to congratulate Ms. Alderman for her selection and promotion to
director of planning and building. And grow services. Congratulations, director.
It's a thrill to have you here to work with
you. Congratulations. Thank you for that. With that, I'm going
to pass on to members announcements and look for members
announcements. We'll go in order here, Councilor Valesick. Thank you.
And through. You just wanted to go back to the
Santa Claus parade? It is my favorite committee that I
do get to sit on. With deputy board mayor Weens,
but a big thank you goes out to Darka Jensen,
who? Is the backbone of Santa Claus parade and has
been for ever from what I've been. Able to gather.
We have Kevin Turcott, staff member, who helps with stakes
and that sort of stuff. He's a huge help, but
Paul Mace, who's also been involved, and Pat Deach for
years as well. Who helps with the books and the
finances and that sort of thing. But a tebbit. Sorry,
pat Tebbitt. I know. Where is Mrs. Beach? And then
big thank you to John Strucker. It is his last
year fundraising, selling the buttons. I think he's been doing
it for ten years now. So. He runs a great
team of almost ten people. It is his last year.
He will be helping his successor next year, but just
a big thank you to John strucker for all that
he's done for the Santa Claus for it. Over the
years. Councilor thank you so much for that. I appreciate
that. Councilor Weens, I love the fact that councilor Balasuka
goes by names of people 30 years ago. Minds of
the community. It's awesome. Last week myself. Councilor Nevin and
councilor Madridis, along with CAO ruler director Krupash and director
alderman attended the Roma Ruler Rural Ontario Municipalities association for
the meetings, and we did meet with the town put
out a statement, but we did meet. With McGregor's office.
In regards to heritage, we met with Minister Cho. In
regards to tourism. We met with municipal housing and Affairs
Minister Flack. We met. Minister bailey. And Thompson from rural
affairs and also with minister Fideli. From economic development. We
had only applied for those five because we wanted to
do a quality job. Of advancing. What the town of
Ny Lake needs and wants moving forward along with we
had many offline. Commentaries with ministers that spoke to us
as we were in the area. And we also cited
on some. There was some very meaningful. Planetary meetings that
were, that were very helpful to listen. And. What was
also came about is the town of Narlake. One award
for rural partnerships with the with the township of Minto,
because we share a greater with them and so it's.
An incredible savings of staff time and staff economics money
because we share one grader between the two of us.
So we're going to come back with a more meaningful.
Report on what it was, but it was very helpful
and always is, to develop those relationships with the municipality.
With the province that's making our decisions so that we
can have these conversations. And secondly, during the last snowstorm,
I had the opportunity. To ride in a snowplow. And
although it made me feel like an eight year old
kid again, being on the truck and watching that. I
had the luxury of being with Rob Reed, who took
me around the old town and. What I was stunned
by, as I do have an AZ class driver's license
and can drive truck. But there's more to driving these
than just having a license. I watched a man navigating
roads, navigating a plow the wing, and also having to
do the standing and worry about in a two wheel
drive vehicle, worrying about going back. And forth and knowing
he's in a snowstorm, so. He doesn't even see the
edges of the road. It was amazing to watch how
good he was. All the while waving at all the
people that he saw on the road, and he knew.
Everybody that was. But what's more importantly that people don't
realize is he can only drive for 12 hours. So,
Casey, over. In operations. He's trying to figure out when
the last he has 12 hours from the time the
last snow flake flies to the time he has to
have all of our streets. Covered at least once. So
you only have those drivers and we only have certain
drivers there we don't have. Dedicated drivers. They're the road
screw that goes there. So he's got to decide. When
to start these people and how often to drive and
how much sand to use. And that it is a
very complex thing. All the while, there'd be an ambassadors
at one point in time. He's also got a phone
call about whether the arena was open from local residents
because he's a local. Guy lives right around the corner.
What happens is. And these are the ambassadors of our
town, the front line people that are out there working
and nothing to take away from. Our directors are doing
a wonderful job, but these guys are out there. At
four in the morning. Five in the morning, eight in
the morning. Whatever it is they're. Out there and doing
that. And our equipment is. We have great equipment, but
it is dated because it's not cheap. And these guys
treat it like it's their own. I very much appreciate
that, Councilor Burrows. I'm not going to be quite as
lengthy. As my friend here, but it's also to thank
and congratulate the winter cruise. Out here. This is an
amazing winter we're dealing with. And I know in my
area. The roads are done as soon as they can
be, and even the sidewalks. And this year they're doing
a super job. So I think they deserve a lot
of credit. And some hard times. But look, I've been
in some other communities that don't. Look anywhere near as
well as ours do, so I think they deserve a
lot of credit and. A big thank you here. I
appreciate you saying that. And I know last week before
I went, I was away. I dropped off a little
something for this cruise in there and we'll continue to
do little things we can. And Mr. CEO thank you.
I will pass that along to our staff. And I
just like to mention as well. Some of the equipment
that's out there right now. Is a direct result of
recent. Capital approvals by this council as well, so they
are appreciative of the investment. In the equipment. And I
know some comments were made about our new sidewalk snowblower,
which was getting significant use, right, because of the nature
of what we faced. So that is one of the
newest pieces of equipment. I will pass on your comments
to staff. But as well, I think I can speak
on behalf of staff and say that they're appreciative of
the investment in the tools. And equipment to do their
jobs well. Councilor dropping. And I'll add to that the
side. They must love that new piece. Of equipment because
they're getting to small areas within the community within the
first 24 hours. So they love that and they're doing
a wonderful job. I would just ask residents to be
kind to our snowplow staff because too many people are
parked on. The street, and then those streets don't get
plowed. And I would hope that our friends in the
media might pick that up because it has been an
issue this year. I appreciate you saying that? And no
doubt, when the snow starts falling, it's a good idea
to get your car off the road if you can,
because your street will be well serviced. If that's nice.
And just one quick announcement. The long awaited grocery store
in the village called food land. Is going to be
opening this Thursday. The 29th. At 07:00 a.m. But to
the public. It is open at 08:00 a.m. So we
didn't line it hour. And the general manager, or I
should say the franchisee. Is so excited and somebody that
is a local Niagara person and really excited to be
able to be part of the community. Those are not
fantastic. Thank you for mentioning that. Look forward to that.
And they've also already been very busy in our community,
sponsoring events and attending different things, so good on them
and we look forward to that new business opening. Any
others seeing that. Okay, Councilor Connor. Most of everything has
been said, but I just want people to know I
attended the ice wine. Festival. And it was enjoyed by
everyone who was there. I thought it was fantastic. Thank
you. No, thank you, and I apologize. I missed that.
What? Another great ice wine festival it was, right? And
lots of fun. And congratulations to the organizers. And, yes,
we'll leave that. So thank you, everybody. Next item. 14.
I believe we go to a recommendation. We have a
report. Regional planning service agreement. Can I get a mover
and a second, or. Councilor burrows. Councilor. Tropoda. Discussion, Councilor
Burrows. Thank you, Lord Marin. Just the section dealing with
waste. Management, and obviously we're trying to deal with. Producers
responsibility and how that's going to affect our business community.
What. Is the status of our report, and are we
dealing? I know we're doing Queen street. But are we
doing the other commercial areas in town? Thank you for
your question, Mr. CEO. Who could we direct that to
director Freebourne? Can give you a status update. Thank you
for the question to the Lord Mayor. We're putting on
the final touches of our report and we'll be coming
forward in February. Commute. A whole. February committee of the
hall. A report. Do you want a glimpse of it?
So it's going to include. All the commercial parts of
town. That's all I don't want. Did you want. To
speak to it a little bit. No, that's all. Just
that part. Okay, we're. Good, then. Thank you. Thank you,
councilor O'Connor. To you. Lord Mayor, if I understand this
correctly, the staff are looking for some direction on which
way to go in negotiating. This new agreement. Am I
correct in that? Mr. CEO. That's correct. Director alderman is
prepared to introduce the report, provide a bit of context.
If that's helpful before we get it. Okay, perfect. Thank
you. All right. Thank you. And through the chair. This
report is seeking direction from council to allow planning staff
to engage in discussions with Niagara region with respect to
the current planning service agreement. This agreement delineates the region's
review function of our current planning applications as a result
of provincial changes to planning processes. Planning responsibilities were removed
from Niagara region on March 31, 2025. The terms of
the agreement currently utilize regional staff for the review of
matters related to natural environment land use compatibility, former landfill
sites screening to address water protection and urban design. The
report outlines the terms. Of the agreement to allow for
its extension, amendment or termination. Staff are interested in engaging
in discussions with the region about the terms of the
agreement and in order for us to negotiate the terms.
And inform future decisions about its use or amending or
updating the terms we require. Direction from council. We are
not seeking approval from council to enter. Into a new
agreement. At this point in time, we are just looking
for support to enter into. Good faith negotiations about the
terms of the agreement and to explore possible alternative approaches
to addressing these planning matters. Thank you, director. Madam Director.
Councilor. Thank you to you, Lord Mayor. It's my understanding
that we've been building up some more expertise in the
urban design area through. Our new panel. And also in
the environmental areas, to some recent hires. So if I
am reading that correctly, I think that perhaps. Staff should
negotiate in that spirit. And try, if they feel that
we can start doing those functions here with the staff
that we have. That I think that they should go
in that direction, so I'm just giving my opinion. That's
good feedback, and I think that is the intention. So
nothing inconsistent there. I have councilor Weens, Tropida Nibbin. Thank
you. So absent of us doing anything that naturally ends
on January 24, 2027, correct? Through to Miss Alderman. Through
the chair. Thank you for the question. The current planning
service agreement would expire 90 days following the next regular
municipal election, being January 24 2027. Yes. Okay, thank you.
And the other thing is, just following up what, councilor?
O'Connor was saying. So I think this council has done
a wonderful job of bringing on planners and heritage planners
and urban design. So some of this could be narrowed
down. To just the things we need. Maybe landfill or
whatever. Is that my understanding? Through the chair. Yes, that
is correct. Any direction that council wishes to provide this
evening to allow? Us to enter into those negotiations is
most appreciated. And so sometimes the region. Does. Not third
party. Peer review. Would we be able to do that?
Peer review from internally here? Now that. We have. The
planners downstairs. Thus, for lack of better words, avoid the
middleman. Through the chair. Yes, certainly. We would look to
create rosters for peer reviews of certain studies. So within
the next year, while we have this current service agreement
in place, we could utilize that. Time to create a
roster that would allow us to utilize consultants for a
third party peer reviews. Do you look to other municipalities
to see if they have some of the offerings that
the region has to see. If that's either more affordable
or. Easier to use. Through the chair. Yes, we do
connect with other municipalities. There are some municipalities that do
not currently have service agreements, and if we are looking
to remove some of these features from our agreement with
the region. I would be more than happy to chat
with them and see how they're making do with their
processes. Thank you. So, Mr. Chair. So what I understand
is. They're just looking for direction to start exploring of
how we're moving forward. From a broad spectre, and then
they're going to narrow it over. The next several months.
Thank you. Council Tropida. Thank you. I just have one
question. Do we find the regional consultation helpful? Necessary. And
helps us to improve our planning results based. On the
agreement today. I'll let the staff answer that. I have
an opinion, but I'll let staff. Answer that. Through the
chair. Thank you for the question. We do have a
strong working relationship with the region. What we really want
to focus on is being able to streamline our processes
and ensure some transparency. So we do think that there
could be opportunities to change how we are currently addressing
a few of these matters, and that could be through
building some staff capacity to review these things. In house
or creating rosters to allow us to utilize consultants which
could have a bit of a faster turnaround. As an
example, maybe some different staff complementer qualifications. Then I would
leave it up to the experts to make those kind
of decisions, and I would be open minded to what
you suggest in the future. Thank you. Thank you. And
councilor Nibbon. Thank you, Lord Merritt. My question is more
about any possible associated costs in any staffing capacity. That
we may have to take on. So I assume the
associated cost would be passed down through. The individual applications.
So that would more or less be a break even.
Instead of going through the region is going through the
town. But do you foresee. A tipping point from a
staffing capacity, or how do you predict that saying, okay,
now we're becoming possibly overwhelmed. With jobs that were at
the region. And now being seen through the town. I'm
just curious, looking ahead. Thank you for the question to
the director. Madam director. Through the chair. Thank you for
the question. There are a couple of items that are
on this. List that we currently utilize the region for
that town staff could undertake. We do have some staff
that have some training related to noise studies that touches
on land use compatibility, and then we are also working
to start the urban design review panel for some other
matters. That are on this list, we would need qualified
professionals to provide that service. So that would include the
natural environment review, as well as screening to address water
protection. So that's not something that we could necessarily build
capacity with our current team. That would need to be
the introduction of new staff complement if we wanted to
go down that road. Otherwise, we do have opportunities to
Utili. Utilize consultants and third party peer reviewers for these
types of matters. Okay, seeing no other speakers, I'll call
the question. All in favor? And any opposed. That's unanimous.
Okay. Information reports, item 15.1. That's the financial indicators. Can
I get a mover and secondary. Councilor Burrows, councilor tropida
and questions or. Comments, Councilor Burrows. Thank you, Lord Marin.
That's a terrific report. I think. Staff are to be
congratulated, and I think if we can take some of
this information. Forward as we go through budgets that. We
appear to be in pretty low risk. In every category.
So it's just a positive. And that's the province telling
us that. So when we compare to the other 440
municipalities, I think we're probably doing very well. Comments. Councilor
niven, councilor o'connor. Thank you, lord mayor. So it's a
great report and it's great to see as councilor Burrows.
Pointed out the amount of low risk. So I guess
my question is, how does this then guide us forward.
Where do we go with this report? Do we look
at more long term planning when we get to the
budget or larger ticket items for long term planning. So
I'm just curious what our next? That's a good question.
We'll go through to Director Fibonacci. Thank you for the
question. So this information is simply for this report? Simply
for information? No action is required. Once we get into
budget, we'll look to address longer term capital requirements. If
there were any indicators on this list that were probably
above low risk we'd want to be taking? Action or
doing something differently, but otherwise, this is saying that we're
low risk in many of these categories and. Remain sustainable
and flexible, at least within the short term. So really,
no action to take other than we'll consider some of
these items when it comes budget time, particularly around debt
or policy setting. Thank you. And I also had council
tropodock sorry. Yes, and thank you. I think the report
is great, but. It does also say that. We should
not be interpreting this in isolation because. We just had
an asset management report which showed we had a $13
million funding gap, so. It does say that any other
studies that you have should be included. In looking at
our risk, the future. If you could find out municipality.
It doesn't have a funding gap. Any different than any
others, but I thought, let's make. Points better than all
the rest. Well said, councilor Con. Thank you to you,
Lord Mayor. No, it's right. No. Problem. There's one sentence
in here that sticks out with me, and I think
it's worth repeating, and I think it's worth people to
know about it, says the town continues to generate an
annual operating surplus, supporting reserve contributions and long term finance
stability. I know it has to be also seen in
light with the other reports. But this is one good
news statement that I thought was worth repeating. Thank you.
No, I thought. So. Very well. Thank you for repeating
it. Maybe it'll actually get picked up properly in the
media rather than what we sometimes see. But that's just
my opinion. Okay, we call the question. All in favor?
Any opposed? That's carried. Thank you very much. Next item
is 15.2. That's the 766 four Mile Creek Road Municipal
Heritage Demolition permit. Just going to move her in secondary
to put that on the floor. Council maritis and councilor.
Valley, and I'm going to go to Director Alderman to
preamble us and. Walk us through this one. Thank you.
And through the chair, this information report has been prepared
to advise council of staff's. Recommendation in the decision of
the municipal heritage committee regarding the heritage permit application at
766. 774 and 796 Four mile Creek Road. The property
is currently listed on the municipal register. And any demolition
of buildings. On the property requires approval via heritage permit.
Staff had recommended approval of the demolition of two barn
structures that includes one partially collapsed barn and one large
barn and silo. Given that they do not hold cultural
heritage value or interest. Based on the provisions of Ontario
Regulation 906, the committee recommended the demo. Demolition of the
one partially collapsed barn, but denied the request to demolish
the large barn and silo. The committee directed staff to
evaluate the merits of designating the property as a cultural
heritage landscape. As noted in the report, a cultural heritage
landscape does not offer protection to a heritage structure from
demolition unless the property itself. Is designated or is designated
as part of a conservation district. The conclusion of the
information report provides options for council to consider, including accepting
staff's recommendation to the committee to demolish the buildings as
supported by applicable regulations and provisions in the Ontario Heritage
act, or accepting the recommendation from the munic. Municipal heritage
committee with a request for added clarification regarding designation as
we need to understand whether the committee and council wishes
to pursue designating the property or designating the cultural heritage
landscape. Thank you. And councilor Malcic first. And Councilor Marias
next. Thank you. And through you, just a little background.
As far as the municipal heritage committee meeting, when the
majority of the conversation. Was based around the idea that
a lot of these large barns in Niagara lakes, rural
areas. Are disappearing. And we've seen them over the years.
And are sort of a bit of a landmark. And
of course, the municipal heritage committee would weigh in on
this. The one barn, obviously. Is due for demolition. The
other large barn attached to the structure again. Is more
of the image of the barn and if there was
an opportunity to save it, since then there has been
emails that have come in that have showed the structural
integrity of the barn. Does not look sound, in my
opinion. That was what I think the municipal heritage committee
was looking for some sort of evidence that's. What we
were hoping that staff would be able to bring back,
but some of the images. That the homeowner has sent
in or the property owner has sent in, in my
opinion. It looks like the old timbers. And it does
look. Rather darrellect. I hate to see it go. It's
one of those things that we've seen all of the
old burns in. Niagara and the lake disappear over the
years and this will be another one that's just. My
comment. Okay, Councilor Maritis. Thank you. Through you, Lord Mayor.
I watched the heritage committee meeting and followed. And at
the end of the day, I was expecting this report
to come back from staff. Reiterating that neither buildings have
cultural heritage. I will be supporting. The staff report. To
approve the demolition permits. Only because, like I said, There
is no heritage value on the actual buildings that they're
asking to demolish. While I understand the house itself. Was.
I heard councilor Balashak say he rode his bike by
there as a kid and. I mean, these are memories.
The skyline, et cetera. But we've got a long list
of heritage properties that are designated that we've been meeting
with ministers trying to save, and I think the staff
can spend more time ensuring that we meet those goals.
And so I support the staff report and recommendation. Thank
you, Councilor Burrows. Thank you, Lord Marin. As the other
member on the heritage committee, I. Have a slightly different
opinion. We all. There value driving by that property and.
It's. A cultural. Agricultural image. That all we were trying
to do at the committee level was to see if
that could be. Preserved, obviously. The damage building should be
immediately removed. But. I think what the committee was hoping
is they could get more involved in visiting. And having
an assessment. So that they could be helpful. To the
owner. In trying to save what could be saved or
not. And then be very supportive of demolition if that
was. It's really a pacing out trying to get a
little time. To value. The. Recording of pictures of everything
else it relates to. What was. A very important farm
scene in our community, so. I'm obviously going to be
different than the other voters. Thank you. Okay. Thank you
for that maybe just to the director. My understanding would
be if, as the staff report was suggested, there would
be a documentation of the heritage assets. Can you just
maybe walk us through what the process would be if
council were to accept your report. Through the chair. Thank
you for the question. Yes. So part of the recommendation
was that photography or sorry. Photos be provided prior to
demolition and that the photographs. Sorry. Be provided to the
museum as well as to the town for our records
and that. Any viable material be salvaged from the buildings
are offered to salvage companies to reduce high quality materials
from entering landfill. So we do make efforts to continue
discussions with the owner of the property. To ensure that
the photos are provided and to work with them to
ensure that any materials can be salvaged. Thank you, director.
Councilor Tropida. Councilor reigns. I'm so torn by this one.
And I do understand the staff report and certainly the
one barn is not salvageable. The second one. I hear
from councilor Balasuk that. It is structurally maybe unstable as
well. But that's silo. It's like when you drive by.
That is the cultural heritage. Of the rural area and
that one. I have a hard time with this one,
and I wish that I would like to see whatever.
Can be saved because. Those old barns and the silo
itself. Is really reflective of the great heritage that we
have in our rural area and so much of it
is disappearing. So I'm torn, and I think I'm leaning
towards accepting the MHSC. Okay, councilor reeds. Thank you for
clarity. The house is on the registry, but the buildings
that we're talking about are not, and do not have
heritage value. I just want to clarify just through the
director, madam director, through the. Chair. That is correct. So
we as town council now. Are talking about the owner
to keep that building a building up or a silo
up even. Though. Under municipal heritage rules. It doesn't qualify
under municipal heritage. As a feature. That's what the staff
report suggested. Madam director, do you want to comment? On
it through the chair. Thank you for the opportunity to
clarify. The property is listed on the municipal register. However,
as part of SAS evaluation, And coming to a recommendation
on the request for demolition. We did consider the applicable
criteria under the Ontario Regulation. In order to protect the
building through that regulation, it needs to meet two different
criteria. It only satisfied one and therefore it was deemed
to not have cultural heritage, value or interest. And that
allowed for staff to proceed with a recommendation for its
demolition. Okay. Thank you. So, notwithstanding a couple of the
issues I have, is the committee direct staff to evaluate
the merits of seven. Six. Six merit four Mel Creek
Road to be designated as a cultural heritage landscape. What
are we looking at what that means? That's the committee
recommendation. That's committee recommendation. I just want to know what
that just want to clarify that if we adopt Adam
director, could you explain what that would mean? Thank you.
And through the chair. We could probably think about a
cultural heritage landscape similar to something like a heritage conservation
district in the sense that it applies to land, it
applies to landscape. That could be things like road networks.
Lotting fabric, that type of thing. It's not protecting individual
buildings or structures on properties. It evaluates a swath of
land or an area itself. Almost sounds like. It almost
sounds like what they're asking doesn't meet the criteria. But
can you? Confirm that. Maybe I'm misunderstanding, I guess. Would.
In your opinion, does the committee recommendation match? The policy
that they're looking to subscribe to. Through the chair, so
staff would not recommend pursuing an evaluation of the cultural
heritage landscape within this area. However, if that is council's
desire, then we can take direction and further investigate to
report back. Mr. Mayor, the concern I kind of have,
the real concern I have here is opportunity cost. Because.
We met in Minister McGregor's office in regards to heritage,
and, of course, we're. Coming up to a serious deadline,
a hard deadline, we're being told, which is January 1.
2027. So her decisions have to be made about how
we're going to allocate staff. Time, notwithstanding what my colleague
just said here in regards to wanting to do this.
What buildings are they not going to get to? We
did speak to McGregor's staff in regards. Minister McGregor stuff
in regards to getting help. But what kind of help
we might be getting, like we don't need money. We
need boots on the ground, help to get through 200
homes. We're working hard at it, but if we focus
on this one. Which staff said they wouldn't recommend to
what other ones we're not going to. Get to. So
I'm making a hard decision on this one. I'm going
to stick with the plan that we started. When the
ministry came down three years ago. With the edict of
how we got to get through it, because we got
to get through a lot of work. I also have
concerns. About the monetary value of what we're asking this
resident to do. I like the building too. I live
around the corner from it. Somewhat around the corner. But
we all go past it. I like it, and I
like the look of it, but what? I like. I
don't know if it's up to me to impose those
views. From a monetary value of what this resident is
now going to get to. Those barns are in poor
shape. They've gotten old. They're not heritage that we're being
told. So I'm going to go along with the staff
for those reasons. A, the fact that we don't have
the staff time. Do it. And we got very important
homes. We got to get to and b. They're not
heritage. And see the resident. Is going to have a
large financial impact on this. That concerns me. And the
staff have talked about. Trying to repurpose. And schedule and
try to get pictures of everything. So I'm going to
go along with the staff report. When that time comes.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilor O'Connor. Thank you to you,
Lord Mayor. I don't know very much about. How you
classify or what's the criteria for cultural heritage landscape? Could
the staff elaborate on that for me, please? I thank
you for the question, Madam Director. Through the chair. Thank
you for the question. There is a bit of information
that's included. In the report that provides some background on
cultural heritage landscapes and to implement our investigation into when
we would need to undertake a similar process to the
heritage conservation district. So we would have to consider financial
impact, staff resourcing, historical merit of an area. It would
likely be more of an agricultural theme or rural agricultural
theme that we would investigate as part of a cultural
heritage landscape itself. And we would need to see if
the area itself warrants further evaluation or further recommendations through
the heritage committee. Thank you. Councilor navar. Thank you, lord
mayor. Just, I think, highlight councilor Bellaster's comment from a
committee level. So I appreciate that to help to clarify
my decision, but. I just look at everything that's been
said. So the evaluation really only meets one of the
two Ontario Heritage criteria. The cultural heritage landscape. It really
doesn't prevent the demolition unless it's being paired with the
designation. So again, that would take added time and resources
that really aren't scoped. Out. And even I foresee a
funding risk outside of time. To me, it's just more
just based on the heritage aspect, it doesn't meet. A
lot of the criteria, so. I am also aligned with
the staff. Thank you. So we have a motion to
receive the information request. So. Seeing no other comments. Point
of information, if I may, Mr. Mayor, just a point
of information. So how do we move forward? Because the
MHC has got recommendations and the staff have recommendations. So
we're now going to receive this? Good question. I'm going
to suggest that we're just going to receive this as
information, and then the next order of business is. Our
committee of council minutes. The item has actually been lifted,
so we'll be discuss. Discussing it, and you can make
your decision on, okay? Great. Call the question on the
receiving of the information report. All in favor? And any
opposed. That's carried. And there we go. Committee of council
minutes. We have 16.1 and 16.2. And I'm going to
get a mover and seconder, and then the clerk will
read the motions. Councilor Maritis seconded by Councilor Burrows. And
Mr. Clerk. Have moved by councilor Murdy, seconded by councilor
Burrows, that the following minutes being the Municipal Heritage Committee
meeting minutes January 14, 2026, be approved. Save and accept
item 7.2 to be withdrawn and voted on separately and
committee adjustment minutes, November 20, 2025, to be received. So
clear we're pulling together item out. So we're just dealing
with. To be clear, we're pulling the item 7.2 item
out. We'll be doing the balance of the minutes. So
any discussions to the balance of the minutes? Councilor Burrows.
Yes. On the 16.1 the municipal heritage committee minutes the
issue of insurance. The staff have done a lot of
work trying to clarify. What should be happening from the
insurance companies. But clearly the residents are not getting the
same message from the insurance companies. So I'm just wondering
if it'd be possible. To, I hate to say, get
an expert. I don't know what they are. We're. All
experts, I guess. But. That would meet with residents under
your direction, Lord Mayor. And. Discuss what the answers are.
Because. Clearly. I don't know of any of the residents
that have heard the message from staff. To say, but
that's not the message we're getting from our insurance company,
so. We need some clarity. And I'm happy to bring
forward a notice of motion at the next appropriate. I
was going to say that's where we would be better
suited. I'm just suggesting that that's what I would like
to do. I'll. Leave that with you, then. Council. Thank
you. Back to our. Back to our business, which is
actually just the balance of the minutes, if I could.
All in favor? And any opposed. Okay, that's carried. And
then the next item of business is the item that
we lifted. That's 7.2. So the matter of 766 four
Mile Creek Road and the Municipal Heritage Register. Demolition request.
Sure. And can I get a mover in second or
so we can put this on the agenda. Councilor Balasu,
councilor tropida. Mr. Clerk. Sure. So what I have is
moved by councilor Balashak, seconded by councilor Sharapata. That. Council
approves as presented in the minutes, recommendation 7.2, as follows,
the committee recommends refusal of the request to demolish the
big barn and silo the committee direct staff to evaluate
the merits of 776 Four Mile Creek Road to be
designated as a cultural Heritage landscape. The committee recommends approval
of the request to demolish the bind that is partially
collap. Collapsed. Okay. And, Mr. Clerk, can you just guide
council on this, just so everybody understands? This is. The
committee recommendation. So if you didn't agree with the committee
recommendation, you would want to vote no if you wanted
to support the committee's recommendation. Be yes if the committee's.
Recommendation is defeated, that we would then go back to
a new recommendation. Mr. Clerk, just walk us through. That
is absolutely correct. You would vote on that? If it
is. Upheld as it's written. As in the minutes we
go no further. If it is defeated, then we have
the ability to. Bring the original staff recommendation back. And
it'll be moved, as in the report. So we'll have
some discussion on it. We've already had quite a bit,
but. Do you have any other discussion on the motion
that's in front of us right now? Which is to
adopt the recommendation of the MHC committee. Recorded, votes requested.
Very good. Thank you, councilor. Councilor Tropida. Further discussion. Just
one. Point of clarification. That property is listed or it
is not listed. Let's get that done. Madam director, can
you please help us out through the chair? The property
is listed that's. What I thought. Let's get clarification, though,
on the pieces involved, please. Yeah. Can you please just
clarify? Sure. Through the chair. So the property itself is
listed on the municipal heritage register, but there are no
specific protections in place for any of the buildings or
use of the property through that listing. Thank you, Councilor
Weens. Further question, but I want to clarify. It's on
the registry listed. It's not part four or part five.
Correct. Through the chair? That's correct. What's the criteria to
get on the registry? Okay, Madam director. Through the chair.
Through previous evaluations of the properties we had considered. Many
years ago. Several properties within the town just general evaluations
regarding heritage interest and value with regard to this specific
property. I can look back through our files to get
more information on that. And I'd be happy to follow
up with you. No, that's fine, but just. To clarify,
when the demolition came up, you looked. At the two
barns. The one collapsed and the other one. And the
silo, and it was. Your professional recommendation that there is
no heritage value there. Am I correct? Through the chair?
Yes, that it was heritage staff's evaluation and recommendation. Thank
you. So court of Mood has been requested. So recorded
vote on the matter, Mr. Clerk, beginning with councilor. Burrows.
Yes. Councilor Balashuk. No, Councilor Sharapata. No, councilor. Mabritis? No.
Councilor niven? No. Councilor O'Connor. No. Councilor bizarre, no. Deputy
Lord Marwiens. No. And the Lord mayor. No. So that
is defeated. And now we can receive the new motion
to receive the report. Can I get a mover and
a seconder? To introduce that councilor Maritis, councilor Niven and
Mr. Clerk, if you can. Read that out for us.
Moved by councilor Marvin second. Seconded by Councilor Niven. That
the notice of intent to demolish the two barn or,
sorry, the two barn structures located at 766, 774 and
796 Four Mile Creek Road. Be approved subject to the
following conditions that the property be photo documented prior to
demolition and that the photographs be provided to the Niagara
on the lake mus. Museum and town for their records.
The property at 766 Four Mile Creek Road is retained
as listed property on the municipal heritage registrar and that
any viable material be salvaged from the buildings. Or offered
to salvage companies to reduce high quality materials from entering
the landfill. Any discussion. Call the question. All in favor?
And any opposed. That's carried. Okay. And that brings us
to motions, right? Item 17, correct? That is correct. Okay.
First item is from councilor Visari. Mr. Clerk, if you
don't mind. Do we have a mover and secondary? Moved
by councilor Rosari. Seconded by council ravides. Do you want
me to just. Read the enactment clause. Sure. The enactment
clause is therefore, be it resolved that the council of
the town of Niagara on the lake formally request that
Niagara region place a hold on the St. David's roundabout
project until completion of the forthcoming transportation master plan. Transportation.
Any speakers to this? Councilor Visare. Go ahead. Thank you.
Are you able to hear me? Yes, go ahead. Thank
you. Okay. Thank you. I just wanted to comment. This
motion is not about opposing a roundabout. Or is it
about delaying? Infrastructure for the sake of delay. The region
is currently updating its Transportation Master plan, which will guide
long term transportation decisions across Niagara. Given that this work
is underway, it is reasonable to ensure that any major
investment. In St. David's aligns with that updated plan once
it's finalized. So this motion asks the region to pause
significant construction under the broader planning frame until this broader
planning framework is complete, so decisions are made with the
best and most current information available. So I'm happy to
answer any questions if my motion isn't clear. Okay, thank
you. Deputy Lorraine. Mayor is not here. Councilor Balser. Go
ahead. Thank you. Through you, I guess. It's. A question
for staff. I'm just wondering about the deadlines. When there
is a projected deadline for the completion of the roundabout
or the beginning of the work. On the roundabout. And
is there a projected. Completion date for the transportation master.
The region's transportation master plan. Mr. Co, do we have
any information like that? As it's a regional project. I
don't have the details. Specific to those. So. I'll say
so. I called the director and I asked him. What
his thoughts and advice would be. For doing something like
this. And I wrote down what he said and. He
said the regional master plan, which is what I think
we're referring to, not the. Towns just for clarification. Is
a macro level study. He said to me that in
transportation expertise, And Dr. Jordan might pick up on this,
too. That. That level study. Will not dictate. The level
of service. And suggest. Suggested infrastructure for. A particular piece
of infrastructure. Again, he sits a macro level study, so
it will have actually nothing. To do with that, he
says. A macro level study. Will look at the movement
of goods and corridors. And the movement of active transportation.
And. Will not dictate the type of infrastructure. That would
be placed in that. I just wanted to pass that
along because I think that's a critical piece of information.
That you should have before you do something like this.
Okay, Councilor Maria, thank you. Through you, Lord Mayor. Can
I ask a question? It's council. So I just wanted
to ask councilor Rosari. What the end intent was with
the motion, because the way that I understood it was
that. In our conversations that you wanted to guarantee that.
There are the sidewalks, all the safety for walkability. Was
included. And that the idea was through this master regional
master transportation plan. It would be addressed. And now I'm
thinking, from hearing this information, That maybe it's something else.
So maybe if we could amend. This motion to align
more with what the end goal was. Is it okay
to ask? I'll? Leave her to speak last. It's her
motion, so I'll let others bring questions so she can
take that question away. And if the counselor wants to
address that, she can. If she has expertise to do
that. It's not expertise. What I'm asking is what the
intent is, what the end? Goal is. Councilor Nibbon thank
you, mayor. So I guess just a question from background.
So when the region did their original transportation master plan.
Isn't that the plan that highlighted the roundabout to begin
with. Anybody want to answer that? I have my answer,
but I'm not the staff. Again. I'm not in a
position. To speak on how the region prepared their master
plan. The request for the infrastructure review was requested by
the community and that went to the region before our
time. That answers your question. Actually, that was my next
question. So if safety. Is there a way to maybe
amend the motion also to ask just for an additional
safety review? And community consultation. I know we've done that,
right, but. The councilor Maritis point is the concern and
what we're looking to get out. Of this. To just
really address possibly additional safety concerns. That have come out.
That's what I'm just trying to additionally figure out. Just
suggest if you had an amendment you wanted to make,
you could do that. We could be. Debated and discussed
and added in, if we so choose. Are you complete?
I guess, just to amend possible an amendment to request
additional safety review or community consultation. Do you have a
second? Councilor Maritis. And so we'll just make sure we
get clarification that we're looking for an additional safety review.
Of. Sorry, Lord Mary. I'm just trying to work with
the motion. I'm just trying to pull out based. On.
Your comments, if that's the goal. If there's some feelings
that there may be some safety issues as we go
forward with this. Maybe pull those safety mechanisms out of
the transportation master plan when it comes up. And present
it back. Is that even more confusing for you? Sorry.
Put something in writing and bring it up to us,
and we'll be happy to deal. With it. The clerk
is also saying that if you want to refer it
back to committee and let them talk about it some
more, but that's up to you. Can't do that. Yeah.
Upload. Any other speakers. Before I go back to councilor
bizarre to close this out. So if there's no other
speakers, I'm going to go back to council for. Zora
to close this out, and she can wrap this up,
and we'll go from there, Councilor Vazari. Thank you. Through
you, Lord mayor. I think what you're suggesting almost aligns
with my motion in a way that, looking at St.
David's as a whole and. How? Transportation is moved around
it. We've now decided on a massive piece of infrastructure.
Within St. David's. And I'm suggesting that if we're doing
a transportation master plan for the area. That we pause
that to make sure that we look at what exactly
this plan suggests. So. I'm obviously not an expert on
this. I'm sitting on this committee, but I. Do think
there's some alignment in that, in what this suggestion is?
From town staff or this recommendation, so I don't know
if that helps with the motion. But. That's the motion.
Thank you. Staying as is. Okay, so we've gone around
the table. Let's call the question. Call the question. Point
of order, councilor. Go ahead. Yeah. Just for clarity, Lord
Mayor, so was that, councilor. Niven giving a friendly amendment
and councilor Lazari saying she wasn't going. To take it
well. I don't hear a motion come out of the
counselor. Did we have a motion? I thought I seconded
it. Oh, we're waiting for some wording. Yeah. Sorry. I
appreciate waiting for somebody. I don't have wording for you
because I don't know what you want. To do. I
would need it in writing. Right. Okay. Yeah. I just
wanted to. No worries.
So if this works, you so. Request briefing for additional
safety review or community consultation.
And I'll have a quick read it out and then
we can consider that amendment.
Request additional safety review or community consultation based off the
regional transportation master plan. So that's an amendment. All right,
discussion on the amendment. Councilor Burrows. I'd like to hear.
What? The mover of the motion. It's an amendment. We're
suggesting. As councilor bizarre in agreement. Let her speak to
it when her time goes up. Anybody else want to
speak? Councilor Vizard, do you want to speak to the
amendment? Sorry. Unfortunately, nobody was. People weren't using their mic
for a minute. Can you just. Okay. We'll get it
reread for you. Councilor nevering. Could you just read? It.
Request additional safety review or community consultation based off the
regional transportation master plan. I would suggest that could be
as the final enactment clause. Okay. Council for zuri.
You're last to speak. On the amendment. Thank you. I
guess I don't really understand the amendment. In the sense
of just that, something that's coming back to staff. And
town staff. Can I just get clarity on the amendment?
I think the intention was to request that the region
review that. Okay, Councilor Frazeri, any other questions?
No other questions. Sure. Okay. Yes. The amendment. I'm fine
with you. Okay, we'll. Call the question on the amendment.
All in favor of the amendment. Any opposed? Obviously me.
Carried. Okay, so we have a motion. Are we clear?
It's amended. It says amended. It's moved and seconded. By.
Councilor Bazari and Councilor Maritis any further discussion. Okay. All
in favor? And those opposed. That's carried right click. Okay,
next item. 17.2. Councilor Vazari. Maybe. The kirk can read
this one out for you. Would you like? Just the
enactment clause. Right again. Sure. All right. Move by councilor.
Moved by Councilor Visari. Seconded by Councilor Mabritis. Therefore, be
it resolved. That the Council of the town of Niagara
and the Lake respectfully urges the government of Ontario. Through
the Ministry of Education to incorporate mandatory water safety and
swim to survive training into the elementary school curriculum for
all Ontario students and be it further resolved that a
copy of this resolution. Be forwarded to the Honorable Minister
of Education of Ontario, local members of provincial parliament, the
association of Municipalities of Ontario and all Ontario municipalities with
a request for their endorsement. Thank you. And comments or
questions? Seeing none. All in favor? Any opposed?
Did you get account? Okay. All in favor of this
motion? Any opposed? That's carried. Yes, it's carried.
All right. Council. I didn't expect that. Guy's always getting
a guessing here. Councilor O'Connor has a motion, and Mr.
Clerk if you want to read us or move her
and seconded by and then. It's moved by Councilor O'Connor,
seconded by councilor Burrows and reading. The enactment clause. It's
therefore, be it resolved that the council of the town
of Nagar on the lake endorsed the motion approved by
the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority regarding the consolidation of the
NPCA into a new Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority.
For reasons noted. In the resolution. And. Be it further
resolved that this endorsement before it to the Chief Conservation
executive, Hussein Bethat, and the other organizations noted in the
resolution. Comments, councilor Connor. Okay. Through you, Lord Mayor.
The negative Peninsula Conservation for a held a special meeting
on December 5, 2025, to address the provincial government's amendment
to the Conservation Authorities act through Bill 68. They passed
a motion which is very lengthy and is in this
motion here noting that grave concerns. With this development. And
so I'd like to summarize the main issues for Niagara.
And the lake. First of all, conservation authorities operate on
a watershed basis to prevent flooding, conserve natural areas and
safeguard water quality. After the NPCA government governance restructuring a
few years ago. This was a prior one. We lost
our direct appointed representative on that conservation rate. There is
a Naga region as representation, but. No longer did Nagar
and lake representative. Now the MPCA will be consolidated into
this new Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, which. Was
spanned through Niagara, Hamilton, Holton, Peele, serving 828 municipalities and
nearly 2 million people. Across approximately 4900 km². Niagara. The
region is almost 50% of the land area jurisdiction of
this new conservation authority. But only about 25% of the
population. This change would be risking local representation at the
regional of an Agar region and Nagara Nalitz input and
the delivery of locally focused programs and services. Restructuring at
this scale would erode local decision making. Weaken municipal accountability
and disrupt long standing community partnerships that are central to
delivering. Responsive watershed management. Considering that the provincial transfer payment.
Is only 0.5% of the budget, so that's all the
province gives for. Conservation authority activities. Or that's less than
1%. We, the municipalities, should determine the direction of the
organization. But that's not what's happening. The Roma Rural Ontario
Municipalities associations, they state about this development. The scale. Of
the proposed seven regional conservation authorities, at seven for the
whole of the province, could negatively impact real time emergency
response. Erode local decision making and accountability and underlying conservation
authority's ability to effectively balance watershed management and community growth
plan. Amo or association of Municipalism. Ontario is concerned that
the scale and pace of the proposed changes. Risks increasing
regulatory burden and costs and also eroding responsive local decision
making. I understand the province wants to build things faster,
and they see that. The conservation authorities may be holding
the timelines back. But. This particular. Development. I don't think.
Is going to help them in their long term goal.
This is a background that I and council burls have.
The reason why we propose this. Motion to endorse. Basically
endorse the motion from the Negro Peninsula Conservation Authority. And
if we approve this motion would place us with several
other municipalities. Letting the province know where we stand on
the issue and how important flood protection and water quality
along with the environment is to us. Now I know
we've passed. The official date of informing the environmental registry,
but I think it still is important for us to
stand out up and have our position known to our
residents and to anyone else. Who is. Viewing this particular
situation. And it's basically to urge the province to look
at these issues and think that we think there's a
better way of going about this if they examine it
a little further. And so I'm asking your support for
this motion. Thank you. Okay. Any other comments? Councilor reins.
So thank you, Councilor O'Connor, for bringing this forward. Councilor
Burrows, for second. Me? It, and I think. What it
has done. If there's a silver lining. It's brought to
our attention how important NPCA is and also how important
are getting representation down here in Niagara Lake. Councilor O'Connor
quite rightly said that, I think. We represent 50%. Of.
The land affected, yet we have no real representation, and
that's a concern. And along with this, I think we
should moving forward and councilor O'Connor has committed. To also
working towards. Getting us some representation here in Niagara on
the lake in regards to how we move forward. So
thank you for bringing this very important issue forward. And
we did do some offline conversations at Roma because it's
important. It's. Important that Niagara gets represented in regards to
these issues. If. We're going to be the leader that
we always want to be in that with our commanding
us to be, then we also want the representation there.
So I do support this. And I think it's a
wonderful motion. Thanks. Any other comments for all, call the
question. All in favor? And any opposed. That's unanimous. Okay.
Next up, bylaws. That we have none of this is
a motion, so the bylaws and can I get. A
mover in second or for the bylaws. Councilor Balasuk. Councilor.
Maritis and Mr. Clerk, if you don't mind. Take us
through them. Move by councilor. Balashuk seconded by councilor maritis
that leave be given to introduce bylaw number 41 52.
G 20. Six signing officers. Bylaw number 45 88 d
26. Noise bylaw amendment bylaw number 51. 92 b 26
property standards bylaw amendment bylaw number 2026, two bylaw to
authorize assumption of municipal services. For 16. Four mile Creek
Subdivision 16 on four mile Creek subdivision bylaw number 2026.
Three designation bylaw 1791, concession two. Road bylaw number 20260
zero four. Designation bylaw for 263 Regent street. And then
the council proceedings bylaw number. 2026. For the proceedings of
January 27, 2026, and let the same be considered. Read
a first, second and third time and past this 27th
day of January, 2026. Thank you. All in favor? You
can ask questions. Sorry. I'm supportive of the bylaws. I
guess in the first one. The noise by law. If
you read the body of the bylaw, it says. May
cause or permit sound. Bylaw or vibration at any time
which is likely disturbed a quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort
or convenience of the inhabitants of the town. It's so
broad that I'm just concerned that we pass this bylaw.
We're going to have 150 complaints under this bylaw. It's
not clear enough. Okay to the director. Thank you for
the question through the Lord mayor. With this bylaw amendment.
Is this an amendment so that this clause can have
an amps? Fine applied to it. That clause already exists
within our bylaw. This is not a new clause. To
it. But currently, when any of these incidents happen, staff
have to go out and just have a conversation with
somebody and try to get them to stop where now
we actually have the ability to show up on, apply.
Applying amps, fine. If it does not stop. That is
the intent of clarification, director. Increasing the enforceability of our
current bylaw. Thank you. Here we go. Lord Mayor, I
appreciate that it's an update and the ability to add
it to amps. I get that. That's what they're all
doing. My concern is the generality of the bylaw itself.
Makes a fourth item for new business then, because that
was not actually part of the. So I'll bring them
up next time on all of the bylaws. The wording
is poor. Look forward to it. Perfect. Thank you. Several
opportunities to kick at it. And first we heard it
tonight. Okay. All in favor? Any opposed? That's carried. Thank
you. And a motion to adjourn. Councilor wayne. Councilor burrows.
All in favor? Any opposed? Were adjourned to our next
meeting. Thank you very much, everybody.