1 00:32:22,320 --> 00:32:24,800 So if everyone can get settled in, we'd appreciate it. 2 00:32:25,180 --> 00:32:25,460 Welcome 3 00:34:43,760 --> 00:34:50,300 to the inaugural meeting of the 2022 to 2026 council term. For those of you who 4 00:34:50,300 --> 00:34:55,400 may not know me, my name is Marnie Clecky and I'm the Chief Administrative Officer for 5 00:34:55,400 --> 00:35:00,460 the town of Niagara on the lake. I'd like to officially call this meeting to order 6 00:35:00,840 --> 00:35:06,460 and ask those who are able to stand to please stand as the Parks Canada Fife and Drum 7 00:35:06,460 --> 00:35:07,980 drum corps begins the evening. 8 00:35:08,640 --> 00:35:11,480 As the Fife and Drums Corps makes their way to the front, 9 00:35:11,960 --> 00:35:16,960 I welcome to the stage our 2022 to 2026 council members. 10 00:35:17,540 --> 00:35:19,260 Lord Mayor Gary Zulepa, 11 00:35:20,160 --> 00:35:22,340 Deputy Lord Mayor Irwin Wiens, 12 00:35:23,040 --> 00:35:24,260 Tim Balaschuk, 13 00:35:25,100 --> 00:35:26,300 Gary Burroughs, 14 00:35:27,560 --> 00:35:28,540 Wendy Sharapada, 15 00:35:29,700 --> 00:35:30,980 Maria Mavridis, 16 00:35:31,800 --> 00:35:33,220 Sandra O'Connor, 17 00:35:34,240 --> 00:35:35,060 Nick Ruller, 18 00:35:35,060 --> 00:35:37,400 and Adriana Vizari. 19 00:36:41,080 --> 00:36:44,000 Thank you Fife and Drum for that fantastic performance. 20 00:36:53,680 --> 00:36:56,140 I'd like to take a moment to thank council members, 21 00:36:56,660 --> 00:36:59,320 their family and friends, dignitaries, 22 00:36:59,640 --> 00:37:03,920 retiring counselors, town staff, media personnel, 23 00:37:04,420 --> 00:37:06,900 and all guests who are in attendance this evening 24 00:37:06,900 --> 00:37:09,820 for this very important and memorable event. 25 00:37:10,420 --> 00:37:11,040 Thank you. 26 00:37:12,480 --> 00:37:15,020 Now at this time I'd like to invite Juliet Dunn 27 00:37:15,020 --> 00:37:18,200 to the podium to perform our national anthem, Juliet. 28 00:37:26,070 --> 00:37:34,830 Oh Canada, our home and native land. 29 00:37:35,410 --> 00:37:43,270 True patriot love in all of us command. 30 00:37:43,270 --> 00:37:53,690 Car ton bras s'est porté les payeux, il s'est porté la croix. 31 00:37:53,970 --> 00:38:02,370 Ton histoire est une épopée vieux, des plus brillants espoirs. 32 00:38:03,570 --> 00:38:10,890 God keep our land glorious and free. 33 00:38:10,890 --> 00:38:29,570 O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. 34 00:38:41,510 --> 00:38:43,090 Thank you, Juliet. That was beautiful. 35 00:38:46,060 --> 00:38:50,840 Now at this time, Reverend William Roberts will offer a blessing for the evening. 36 00:38:50,840 --> 00:38:53,000 Reverend, will you please join me at the podium? 37 00:38:58,270 --> 00:38:59,810 Indeed, thank you. It will be an invocation. 38 00:39:00,070 --> 00:39:01,710 We'll have a blessing at the end of the ceremony. 39 00:39:01,830 --> 00:39:04,770 And I might ask you to please be seated for this opening prayer. 40 00:39:10,020 --> 00:39:14,720 So greetings to you, Lord Mayor-Elect, and counselors-Elect, 41 00:39:15,460 --> 00:39:17,080 and special guests and friends. 42 00:39:18,900 --> 00:39:22,200 I'd be remiss also if I didn't acknowledge Andrea Kaiser, 43 00:39:23,180 --> 00:39:24,340 regional counselor-Elect. 44 00:39:24,440 --> 00:39:25,780 You ran a great campaign, Andrea. 45 00:39:30,770 --> 00:39:35,830 Although Paolo and I don't know why the Ontario Municipal Elections Committee don't give us 46 00:39:35,830 --> 00:39:39,450 gold, silver, and bronze for our finish on election night. 47 00:39:40,250 --> 00:39:45,250 But as all of us who were candidates in the recent campaign, we may have encountered 48 00:39:45,250 --> 00:39:51,370 some cynicism and some apathy, but more especially, speaking for myself and I think for all 49 00:39:51,370 --> 00:39:56,470 of us, we came to treasure even more so the many people, places, and things all over 50 00:39:56,470 --> 00:40:02,650 Niagara and the lake. We came to better appreciate in our town and townspeople many special and 51 00:40:02,650 --> 00:40:10,370 sacred values. And as good Canadians I hope we hold to the trinity of civic values of our 52 00:40:10,370 --> 00:40:16,510 belief in peace, order and good government. So for these sacred values let me offer this 53 00:40:16,510 --> 00:40:16,850 prayer. 54 00:40:20,520 --> 00:40:24,180 Throat all of human civilization, courts and councils have met to serve the 55 00:40:24,180 --> 00:40:29,060 common good, and to provide wise judgment in the affairs of women and men. 56 00:40:30,500 --> 00:40:37,200 So may this council, with all the issues, challenges and matters before them, serve with distinction 57 00:40:37,990 --> 00:40:43,580 and applying principles of fairness and collaboration as they deliberate on the directions they 58 00:40:43,580 --> 00:40:47,540 take and the decisions they make on behalf of us all. 59 00:40:48,620 --> 00:40:53,580 And as people for centuries have gathered in cities, towns and villages to create 60 00:40:53,580 --> 00:40:59,620 and share wealth and well-being, some may we enigran the lake with our natural 61 00:40:59,620 --> 00:41:06,220 and historic heritage, our villages and farmlands, our flowing creeks and vibrant 62 00:41:06,220 --> 00:41:12,800 culture, may we with our new mayor and council flourish in this town, this place 63 00:41:12,800 --> 00:41:17,900 we call home, and as leaders in every age have stepped up with vision and 64 00:41:17,900 --> 00:41:23,100 courage to meet the needs of those other than themselves, some may our 65 00:41:23,100 --> 00:41:28,860 newly elected representatives provide the leadership of service, courage and vision. We need to 66 00:41:28,860 --> 00:41:35,680 advance Niagara in the lake in an often uncertain future. And may all that we collectively hold 67 00:41:35,680 --> 00:41:40,640 as sacred trusts in these values of peace, order and good government be manifested in 68 00:41:40,640 --> 00:41:47,860 our newly elected mayor and council for Niagara on the lake. So be it and amen. Amen. 69 00:41:47,860 --> 00:41:48,880 Thank 70 00:41:58,160 --> 00:42:04,460 you Reverend. I'd like to now invite Marie Louise, Indigenous traditional knowledge 71 00:42:04,460 --> 00:42:06,580 helper to provide a welcoming address. 72 00:42:13,150 --> 00:42:21,390 Sego, Scano, greetings. New Oxenota, Marie Louise. I am Marie Louise and I am Irish Scottish 73 00:42:22,090 --> 00:42:28,650 Mohawk of Aquasocene in Ghanawaki. I am here to provide an opening to bring our minds 74 00:42:28,650 --> 00:42:33,430 together and to acknowledge creation. It's in our ways to acknowledge and 75 00:42:33,430 --> 00:42:37,830 greet every day so today we say Nyaue thank you for this day and this 76 00:42:37,830 --> 00:42:41,810 opportunity to come together and we bring our minds together and we look to 77 00:42:41,810 --> 00:42:45,470 our beautiful mother the earth and we acknowledge our mother the earth and all 78 00:42:45,470 --> 00:42:49,010 that she does for us and all that she provides and then we look to the water 79 00:42:49,010 --> 00:42:52,990 as we look to that Niagara River that Oniagra that vein that connects 80 00:42:52,990 --> 00:42:56,990 Lake Ontario and Lake Erie and we give thanks for that water around us 81 00:42:56,990 --> 00:43:01,670 and that water within us. We say thank you. And then we bring our minds and we 82 00:43:01,670 --> 00:43:05,710 acknowledge and we give thanks for all of creation, for the water life, for the 83 00:43:05,710 --> 00:43:09,450 fish, for the salmon that still go up the creek and do their role and 84 00:43:09,450 --> 00:43:13,230 responsibilities. We acknowledge and we give thanks to all the critters and 85 00:43:13,230 --> 00:43:19,390 all the creatures. We acknowledge and we give thanks for the animals, for the 86 00:43:19,390 --> 00:43:23,370 four-legged, for the deer that are here for us and supply all that 87 00:43:24,370 --> 00:43:28,390 and also for the four legates, our pets that have helped us get through these trying times 88 00:43:28,390 --> 00:43:30,330 during these past three years. 89 00:43:30,930 --> 00:43:33,990 And we also like to acknowledge and give thanks for the birds. 90 00:43:34,450 --> 00:43:37,930 The birds, and it's their job to wake us up and give thanks in the morning. 91 00:43:38,510 --> 00:43:42,650 And now it's a different time of season where we don't hear them as much as we did in the spring and the summer, 92 00:43:42,850 --> 00:43:45,630 but they're there, so we acknowledge them when we give thanks. 93 00:43:46,230 --> 00:43:49,850 And then we also look to our gardens. 94 00:43:49,850 --> 00:43:54,770 gardens. You know, we just passed that season for our gardens and our fruits and our vegetables 95 00:43:54,770 --> 00:44:00,750 and we happen to be in the most fruitful part of probably Ontario here in Niagara. So we 96 00:44:00,750 --> 00:44:06,410 want to acknowledge not only our gardens but the workers, the workers that come here 97 00:44:06,410 --> 00:44:10,430 to do this work and to serve our community. I'd like to acknowledge and give thanks to 98 00:44:10,430 --> 00:44:15,410 them. And then we also like to bring our minds together and we acknowledge and we 99 00:44:15,410 --> 00:44:19,950 We give thanks for the trees, for the trees provide our substance, they provide our homes, 100 00:44:20,150 --> 00:44:25,130 they provide our drums, our rattles, and our traditional regalia, so we give thanks for 101 00:44:25,130 --> 00:44:28,350 some of the trees and the medicines that they bring to us. 102 00:44:29,050 --> 00:44:32,830 We also acknowledge and give thanks for all the directions, the North, South, the East 103 00:44:32,830 --> 00:44:37,290 and the West, and within each direction of creation there's also the people in 104 00:44:37,290 --> 00:44:42,430 those directions, the Red Nation, White Nation, Black Nation, and Yellow Nation, so we 105 00:44:42,430 --> 00:44:45,750 acknowledge and give thanks for all those directions and all those peoples and all those 106 00:44:45,750 --> 00:44:46,050 teachings. 107 00:44:47,230 --> 00:44:51,070 And then we look and we look to our brother the sun and the morning our brother the sun 108 00:44:51,070 --> 00:44:56,210 will rise in the east faithfully without the sun there will be no life. 109 00:44:56,690 --> 00:44:59,970 So it's in our ways every morning when we wake up that we give thanks. 110 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:05,640 Thanks. And we acknowledge the son or brother as he travels across the sky and sets for us 111 00:45:05,640 --> 00:45:10,620 in the western door. And when we look at those beautiful sunsets here in Niagara on the lake, 112 00:45:10,740 --> 00:45:15,140 we're extremely blessed with the beautiful sunsets that oversee the water. So we acknowledge 113 00:45:15,140 --> 00:45:21,640 that beauty. Then we look to our moon, our grandmother moon. It's in our teachings that 114 00:45:21,640 --> 00:45:26,120 when our grandmothers go to spirit that they're in the moon and they watch over us. And those 115 00:45:26,120 --> 00:45:32,560 Because the moon also controls the cycle of life, our menstrual, our birth, and all 116 00:45:32,560 --> 00:45:34,500 of creation is through the moon. 117 00:45:34,680 --> 00:45:36,360 So we say thank you to the moon. 118 00:45:37,100 --> 00:45:38,060 Then we look to the stars. 119 00:45:38,340 --> 00:45:42,660 There's a lot of teachings on the stars, and I often think about that northern star that 120 00:45:42,660 --> 00:45:46,760 journeyed our brothers and sisters here to this safe place of freedom right here 121 00:45:46,760 --> 00:45:47,720 where we stand upon. 122 00:45:48,320 --> 00:45:51,820 So we give thanks for the stars and all the teachings that are within those stars. 123 00:45:52,020 --> 00:45:52,760 There's many teachings. 124 00:45:52,760 --> 00:45:55,820 They tell us when to hunt, when to fish, when to plant. 125 00:45:56,220 --> 00:45:57,860 They tell us what direction to go. 126 00:45:58,380 --> 00:45:59,900 So we say thank you for the stars. 127 00:46:00,940 --> 00:46:07,320 And then I look and I think about our spirit guides and our sacred helpers known to us as angels or ancestors. 128 00:46:08,060 --> 00:46:11,900 And I ask them to come with us today to bless and to guide our leadership 129 00:46:11,900 --> 00:46:16,980 so that those ancestors that came before them can help them as well do this work 130 00:46:16,980 --> 00:46:20,240 not only for today, but for our next seven generations. 131 00:46:20,820 --> 00:46:24,200 Because as indigenous people, we don't just think about today. 132 00:46:24,460 --> 00:46:28,560 We think about the next seven generations and how the world is going to look for them. 133 00:46:28,800 --> 00:46:33,920 So I ask our angels and our helpers and our spirit guides to guide and protect this process, 134 00:46:34,300 --> 00:46:37,840 to help our leaders, that they keep that good mind in that good way, 135 00:46:38,040 --> 00:46:42,440 and that we can come together and continue this good work that we're doing. 136 00:46:43,200 --> 00:46:48,020 And then I look to our Creator, that good God, that great spirit, that mystery, so go and diesel. 137 00:46:48,020 --> 00:46:54,400 And I say in Yahweh, thank you to that Creator for all of life and all of creation. 138 00:46:55,200 --> 00:46:58,200 And if there's anything I've forgotten, it was not my intention. 139 00:46:58,760 --> 00:47:03,040 But you have that ability within your good mind and within your heart to give thanks 140 00:47:03,040 --> 00:47:06,920 and to acknowledge creation in the way that you do in your own ways. 141 00:47:07,460 --> 00:47:13,400 So once again, thank you very much for inviting us here as we walk in truth and reconciliation 142 00:47:13,960 --> 00:47:16,420 and we do this work together in our community. 143 00:47:16,420 --> 00:47:21,480 and I also want to just send an extra layer of love and light to all of the 144 00:47:21,480 --> 00:47:29,380 people because many of us are impacted by the the findings of the 215 children 145 00:47:29,380 --> 00:47:34,740 which has raised over 11,000 at this time so this is good work that we're 146 00:47:34,740 --> 00:47:40,060 doing and I want to thank the mayor and Niagara on the lake for inviting me 147 00:47:40,060 --> 00:47:44,180 here so that we continue to do this work together and to honor our true 148 00:47:44,180 --> 00:47:48,880 we'll want them and those treaties that were created right here in this land that we walk 149 00:47:48,880 --> 00:47:55,660 upon. So I encourage you to continue to do this work and to just keep our good minds. 150 00:47:55,800 --> 00:47:57,180 Nyawe, thank you, Chi-Mikwetch. 151 00:48:06,560 --> 00:48:13,220 Thank you, Marie. I would also like to take a moment to begin this ceremony by acknowledging 152 00:48:13,220 --> 00:48:19,400 that the land on which we gather is a traditional, highly significant spiritual place of the 153 00:48:19,400 --> 00:48:24,840 Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. 154 00:48:25,680 --> 00:48:29,540 This traditional gathering place is covered under the Upper Canada Treaty 155 00:48:29,540 --> 00:48:33,960 and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement. 156 00:48:35,080 --> 00:48:40,200 Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, 157 00:48:40,760 --> 00:48:46,000 and acknowledging reminds us that our great standard of living is directly related to the 158 00:48:46,000 --> 00:48:48,620 resources and friendship of indigenous peoples. 159 00:48:49,880 --> 00:48:53,120 We recognize our responsibility to the past and future 160 00:48:53,120 --> 00:48:56,660 and the rights and needs of both individuals and community. 161 00:48:57,480 --> 00:48:58,020 Thank you. 162 00:48:59,060 --> 00:49:01,480 I would now like to call upon Victoria Steele, 163 00:49:01,700 --> 00:49:02,760 our acting town clerk, 164 00:49:03,100 --> 00:49:05,500 to administer the Declaration of Office. 165 00:49:11,720 --> 00:49:13,280 Thank you, and good evening. 166 00:49:13,860 --> 00:49:16,460 I'd like to ask that the Lord Mayor and each counselor 167 00:49:16,460 --> 00:49:18,360 please stand to read the first sentence 168 00:49:18,360 --> 00:49:19,880 of their Declaration of Office 169 00:49:19,880 --> 00:49:24,480 and then altogether members of council will read the remainder of the declaration provided. 170 00:49:27,170 --> 00:49:28,070 Thanks, Victoria. 171 00:49:29,110 --> 00:49:34,690 I, Gary Zalepa, having been elected or appointed to the office of Lord Mayor 172 00:49:34,690 --> 00:49:41,750 in the municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake, do solemnly promise and declare that 173 00:49:41,750 --> 00:49:42,510 Irwin 174 00:49:45,640 --> 00:49:48,920 Wiens, having been elected or appointed to the office of Councillor 175 00:49:48,920 --> 00:49:52,640 in the municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake, do solemnly promise and declare that 176 00:49:52,640 --> 00:49:53,680 I, 177 00:49:56,180 --> 00:50:00,760 Wendy Sharapada, having been elected or appointed to the Office of Counselor in the 178 00:50:00,760 --> 00:50:04,260 Municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake, do solemnly promise and declare that. 179 00:50:09,090 --> 00:50:14,870 I, Nick Ruler, having been elected or appointed to the Office of Counselor in the Municipality 180 00:50:14,870 --> 00:50:17,750 of Niagara-on-the-Lake, do solemnly promise and declare that. 181 00:50:21,520 --> 00:50:27,460 I, Sandra O'Connor, having been elected or appointed to the Office of Counselor 182 00:50:27,460 --> 00:50:29,700 the Municipality of Niagara-On-the-Lake. 183 00:50:30,240 --> 00:50:33,520 Do solemnly promise and declare that. 184 00:50:36,720 --> 00:50:40,720 I, Tim Ballasook, having been elected or appointed to the office of 185 00:50:40,720 --> 00:50:43,060 Councillor in the Municipality of Niagara-On-the-Lake, 186 00:50:43,520 --> 00:50:46,020 do solemnly promise and declare that. 187 00:50:48,630 --> 00:50:52,050 I, Marama Vridas, having been elected or appointed to the 188 00:50:52,050 --> 00:50:55,390 Office of Councillor in the Municipality of Niagara-On-the-Lake, 189 00:50:55,390 --> 00:50:58,330 Do solemnly promise and declare that? 190 00:51:00,400 --> 00:51:07,220 I, Gary Burroughs, having been elected to the Office of Counselor in the Municipality of Niagara and the Lake 191 00:51:07,220 --> 00:51:11,840 to declare solemnly promise and declare that. 192 00:51:13,380 --> 00:51:20,800 I, Adriana Vazari, having been elected or appointed to the Office of Counselor in the Municipality of Niagara and the Lake 193 00:51:20,800 --> 00:51:23,580 do solemnly promise and declare that? 194 00:51:23,580 --> 00:51:31,360 Okay, all together. This is what you've been waiting for. I will truly faithfully and impartially 195 00:51:31,360 --> 00:51:38,440 exercise this office to the best of my knowledge and ability. I have not received and will not 196 00:51:38,440 --> 00:51:45,460 receive any pain and reward or promise or other for the exercise of this office in a bias, 197 00:51:45,740 --> 00:51:52,360 corrupt, or improper manner. I will dispose any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, 198 00:51:52,360 --> 00:51:58,180 in accordance with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, I will be faithful and bear 199 00:51:58,180 --> 00:52:05,340 true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, and I make this solemn promise and declaration 200 00:52:06,280 --> 00:52:11,340 conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that is of the same force and effect 201 00:52:11,340 --> 00:52:12,900 as it made under both. 202 00:52:15,800 --> 00:52:22,000 It is with great pleasure that I announce the 2022 to 2026 town of Niagara Lake Council. 203 00:52:22,000 --> 00:52:23,160 Councilors please. 204 00:52:37,900 --> 00:52:40,860 Lord Mayor and Councillors please be seated and sign the declaration 205 00:52:40,860 --> 00:52:42,140 of office in front of you. 206 00:52:54,200 --> 00:52:57,120 I'd like to now invite Lord Mayor Gary Zulepa 207 00:52:57,120 --> 00:53:01,140 to the podium to accept the town of Niagara on the lake chain of office. 208 00:53:48,340 --> 00:53:52,820 Okay, so first order of business. They need a mover and a seconder from a council 209 00:53:52,820 --> 00:53:57,200 and I have a mover from Councillor Charopita and I know Councillor Burroughs wants to second 210 00:53:57,200 --> 00:54:06,140 that and that's the bylaw number 5460-22. That's a bylaw to appoint Erwin Wiens as Deputy Lord 211 00:54:06,140 --> 00:54:10,440 Mayor and I'll ask the clerk to read the bylaw aloud. Congratulations. 212 00:54:11,460 --> 00:54:12,720 Thank you, Lord Mayor. 213 00:54:22,450 --> 00:54:27,550 To make it official, bylaw number 5460-22, a bylaw to appoint 214 00:54:27,550 --> 00:54:32,830 Erwin Wiens, Deputy Lord Mayor for the Corporation of the Town of Niagara on the Lake for the 215 00:54:32,830 --> 00:54:39,810 Council Term of 2022-2026. We're at a first, second and third time and past this 22nd day 216 00:54:39,810 --> 00:54:41,270 of November 2022. 217 00:54:41,770 --> 00:54:47,930 Great. Thank you, Madam Clerk. And we'll call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed? 218 00:54:48,190 --> 00:54:50,750 Seeing none. Congratulations, Deputy Lord Mayor. 219 00:54:56,550 --> 00:55:00,250 And now we need a resolution to adopt 220 00:55:00,250 --> 00:55:05,450 the committee chairs and vice-chairs for the Committee of the Whole, and I'll ask the clerk 221 00:55:05,450 --> 00:55:07,750 to read the motion allowed. 222 00:55:08,730 --> 00:55:10,770 A mover for the motion. 223 00:55:12,590 --> 00:55:13,430 Councillor Ruehler. 224 00:55:14,210 --> 00:55:15,110 Councillor Mevridas. 225 00:55:15,270 --> 00:55:15,790 Seconded. 226 00:55:16,230 --> 00:55:16,530 Thank you. 227 00:55:16,950 --> 00:55:18,050 Thank you, Lord Mayor. 228 00:55:18,370 --> 00:55:22,350 Whereas the list of chairs to be nominated by the Lord Mayor and approved by Council 229 00:55:22,350 --> 00:55:26,810 to act as the preceding officer at meetings of Committee of the Whole, therefore be 230 00:55:26,810 --> 00:55:30,710 resolve that council approve the list of committee of the whole chairs and vice 231 00:55:30,710 --> 00:55:34,770 chairs as listed in front of you each of the members the first being counselor 232 00:55:34,770 --> 00:55:39,570 Erwin Wiens as chair and counselor Tim Balachuck as vice chair for December 233 00:55:39,570 --> 00:55:45,510 2022 to February 2023 read a first second and third time and past this 22nd 234 00:55:45,510 --> 00:55:49,730 day of November. Thank you madam clerk and we'll call the question all those 235 00:55:49,730 --> 00:55:55,110 in favor that's carried thank you congratulations committee chairs okay 236 00:55:59,560 --> 00:56:01,580 Okay, proceedings by-law, this was always my favorite. 237 00:56:02,080 --> 00:56:05,120 We need a mover and a seconder for the proceedings by-law council. 238 00:56:05,380 --> 00:56:05,880 Can I have a mover? 239 00:56:07,420 --> 00:56:09,700 Councillor Mivridis, seconded Councillor Tirapada. 240 00:56:10,120 --> 00:56:10,920 Thank you very much. 241 00:56:12,160 --> 00:56:17,700 And we have a proceedings by-law 5461, proceedings by-law to conclude the business portion 242 00:56:17,700 --> 00:56:21,100 of our meeting and ask the clerk to read the by-law. 243 00:56:21,500 --> 00:56:22,920 All right, thank you, Lord Mayor. 244 00:56:23,380 --> 00:56:28,660 By-law number 5461-22, a by-law to confirm the proceedings at the council meeting 245 00:56:28,660 --> 00:56:31,020 of the corporation of the town of Niagara on the lake, 246 00:56:31,300 --> 00:56:33,900 held on November 22nd, 2022. 247 00:56:34,260 --> 00:56:36,220 We're at the first, second, and third time 248 00:56:36,220 --> 00:56:38,880 and past this 22nd day of November, 2022. 249 00:56:39,520 --> 00:56:40,540 Thank you, Madam Clerk. 250 00:56:41,180 --> 00:56:43,400 And we'll call the question, all those in favor. 251 00:56:44,220 --> 00:56:44,900 That's carried. 252 00:56:45,140 --> 00:56:45,940 Thank you very much. 253 00:56:46,100 --> 00:56:46,500 Thank you. 254 00:56:51,800 --> 00:56:52,180 Sure. 255 00:56:52,260 --> 00:56:53,260 Make sure that we do things right. 256 00:56:54,040 --> 00:56:55,080 We need the introduction. 257 00:56:55,460 --> 00:56:56,340 Oh, we're right, all right. 258 00:56:56,600 --> 00:56:59,420 So first of all, it's lovely to see 259 00:56:59,420 --> 00:57:01,140 so many familiar friends and faces. 260 00:57:01,140 --> 00:57:06,900 Thank you so much for spending some time with us tonight and as you can see we're pretty 261 00:57:06,900 --> 00:57:11,280 excited to get going and we've got a great group here. 262 00:57:11,480 --> 00:57:17,720 So I wanted to take a few moments to allow Council and myself to introduce some of the 263 00:57:17,720 --> 00:57:21,220 special people that we have here with us tonight. 264 00:57:21,980 --> 00:57:27,080 And I'd like to first acknowledge your elected regional councillor, Councillor Kaiser. 265 00:57:27,080 --> 00:57:28,200 So Councillor, 266 00:57:34,940 --> 00:57:41,520 and really looking forward to working with you and looking forward to many good things ahead. 267 00:57:43,820 --> 00:57:47,740 I'll start with introducing my family, and we've got my family in the front row. 268 00:57:48,640 --> 00:57:52,720 So first of all, my lovely wife is with me, Tammy. 269 00:57:53,580 --> 00:57:59,040 And Tammy is the first person I asked permission to do this. 270 00:58:00,720 --> 00:58:03,700 And I don't think there's any going back on that now. 271 00:58:04,260 --> 00:58:10,440 But I wanted to explain our boys, our two boys, are not able to be with us tonight, 272 00:58:10,600 --> 00:58:16,180 because my oldest is all the way over in Victoria, British Columbia. 273 00:58:17,000 --> 00:58:22,980 And he's made us very proud in being commissioned Royal Canadian Navy officer, 274 00:58:23,480 --> 00:58:25,020 and he's serving in a squimalt. 275 00:58:25,020 --> 00:58:30,000 and he can't be away because there are important things this country is doing, and he's doing 276 00:58:30,000 --> 00:58:40,180 them. And so, right Tony? And so he's watching perhaps with his machine. And our other son, 277 00:58:40,520 --> 00:58:48,720 our youngest, Benjamin, he's away at university and he has a physics exam this evening. And 278 00:58:48,720 --> 00:58:52,920 And you wonder, how did the physics student come from my family? 279 00:58:53,700 --> 00:58:55,220 And that's because of my wife. 280 00:58:56,360 --> 00:58:59,220 And so we're very proud of him as well. 281 00:58:59,640 --> 00:59:04,320 And I know he would like to join us, but he's joining us virtually as well. 282 00:59:04,840 --> 00:59:11,820 And so thank you, Tammy, for everything that you do to get us here and to keep our house 283 00:59:12,760 --> 00:59:13,660 running all the way. 284 00:59:13,780 --> 00:59:15,680 It runs so smoothly as it appears to be, right? 285 00:59:16,520 --> 00:59:23,960 My sister's here, Allison, and her husband Joe and my nephew Peter, and you think, you know, 286 00:59:24,520 --> 00:59:31,500 you can't live close enough to family. They live right across the street from us. So they have 287 00:59:31,500 --> 00:59:38,700 an eye on us. But seriously, we wouldn't be standing here tonight if it wasn't for my sister 288 00:59:38,700 --> 00:59:44,260 and her family and all the hard work to get us here and all the support. So thank you, 289 00:59:44,260 --> 00:59:50,920 Ali, Joe, Peter. Appreciate it. And my cousin's here. Where's my course cousin, Evan? Oh, 290 00:59:50,960 --> 00:59:56,800 there he is, right beside Peter. So we do have the Texas Entourage here from Austin, 291 00:59:56,920 --> 00:59:59,900 Texas. He's probably the newest resident to Niagara on the lake. 292 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:05,140 Like, he's a dual, he's Canadian citizen as well, so he's here tonight, it's great to 293 01:00:05,140 --> 01:00:11,500 have Evan here, and I know we've got his family all across from Florida and mom and dad back 294 01:00:11,500 --> 01:00:16,420 home, and I just saw last week, which was great to see them, and it's nice that you could 295 01:00:16,420 --> 01:00:17,280 be here with us too. 296 01:00:18,020 --> 01:00:25,200 And so, and not the least important, not the last, but mom and dad, and for our otherwise 297 01:00:25,200 --> 01:00:28,080 I want to be here seriously, fit her figuratively. 298 01:00:30,060 --> 01:00:32,620 And so, you know, what can I say? 299 01:00:33,360 --> 01:00:37,640 I really appreciate all your support, all through my life. 300 01:00:38,500 --> 01:00:43,400 I had the great opportunity to work with my dad for a pretty long time. 301 01:00:44,260 --> 01:00:47,460 And I think when you're doing that, I'm taking too much time, 302 01:00:47,740 --> 01:00:52,380 but I think when you do that, you don't really quite appreciate when you're in the moment. 303 01:00:52,980 --> 01:01:00,460 And so, you know, I probably don't tell my dad this, but I really appreciated all that. 304 01:01:00,860 --> 01:01:03,300 And yeah, it was a lot of fun. 305 01:01:03,680 --> 01:01:05,460 And I know we always had our moments. 306 01:01:06,980 --> 01:01:10,820 But anyways, I never really get to say thank you, but thanks, dad. 307 01:01:11,800 --> 01:01:13,460 So make sure you tell your dad that. 308 01:01:14,620 --> 01:01:21,840 And now, I'd like to move and allow council to introduce their family members that they 309 01:01:21,840 --> 01:01:24,700 have here tonight and we'll start maybe at this end of the table. 310 01:01:25,360 --> 01:01:27,280 Councillor O'Connor, go ahead please. 311 01:01:28,880 --> 01:01:30,560 Thank you very much, Lord Mayor. 312 01:01:31,680 --> 01:01:40,160 Tonight I'm very happy to have with me my brother, Carmen Kelly and his family, sister 313 01:01:40,160 --> 01:01:46,700 Minister-in-law Christina and my niece, Sophia, and family member Louise Leyland. 314 01:01:47,640 --> 01:01:57,040 In addition, virtually, I should be having my daughter, Kelly O'Connor, and son-in-law 315 01:01:57,040 --> 01:02:03,140 Christian Medina from Bogota, Colombia, they're watching tonight. 316 01:02:03,360 --> 01:02:07,280 So thanks to all of my family for their support and for being here. 317 01:02:08,760 --> 01:02:14,950 Councillor Ruehler. Thank you. So I'm pleased to introduce my wife, 318 01:02:15,470 --> 01:02:25,030 Lita, and our four children also on my campaign team, Max, Anastasia, Sophia, and Sammy. 319 01:02:28,180 --> 01:02:29,020 Councillor Charopita. 320 01:02:31,300 --> 01:02:33,980 Thank you, Lord Mayor. I'd like to introduce 321 01:02:33,980 --> 01:02:40,180 my nephew and godson, Keaton Charopita, and his long-time lovely girlfriend, partner, 322 01:02:41,340 --> 01:02:43,020 My brother Brian is here. 323 01:02:43,440 --> 01:02:48,400 My brother Tim, my niece Kaylee was supposed to be here 324 01:02:48,400 --> 01:02:49,760 but they were exposed to COVID. 325 01:02:50,120 --> 01:02:52,760 So they're not in the room, unfortunately. 326 01:02:53,060 --> 01:02:54,500 But hopefully they're watching online. 327 01:02:55,540 --> 01:02:59,080 I'd also like to introduce a couple of really close 328 01:02:59,080 --> 01:03:01,640 friends that are often like family and have been 329 01:03:01,640 --> 01:03:02,340 very supportive. 330 01:03:02,580 --> 01:03:05,260 And I'd like to acknowledge Kerry Robinson. 331 01:03:05,980 --> 01:03:08,480 Everyone should know a wonderful 21-year-old who 332 01:03:08,480 --> 01:03:10,160 is well-educated, who knows how to communicate 333 01:03:10,160 --> 01:03:15,080 knows how to put together a great website and social media, even though I didn't take 334 01:03:15,080 --> 01:03:22,280 enough photos. I'd also like to thank Claire Cameron, she's in the room, Benita, Cindy 335 01:03:22,280 --> 01:03:29,500 Lepp, Fab, Diane, and Robin Garrett. I think her husband, Wayne, might be here as well. 336 01:03:29,920 --> 01:03:34,640 Thank you very much for all your kindness, your love and your support through the campaign 337 01:03:34,640 --> 01:03:41,700 and always. Thank you Councillor Wiens. Thank you. I'd like to introduce my wife 338 01:03:41,700 --> 01:03:50,280 first Dorothy. My mom and dad, my brother Al and his wife Lisa, good friend Karen and 339 01:03:50,280 --> 01:03:55,140 daughter Ingrid and my colleague Baraka Allen and in the back is one of my oldest 340 01:03:55,140 --> 01:03:57,800 friends in the world, Perry McFicker. Thank you. 341 01:04:03,080 --> 01:04:06,420 Thank you. I'd like to 342 01:04:06,420 --> 01:04:09,720 introduce my good friend, Jude, who's here. 343 01:04:09,840 --> 01:04:11,800 She's representing the St. David's crowd. 344 01:04:12,500 --> 01:04:15,200 My sister, Alicia, who's here, who supported me 345 01:04:15,590 --> 01:04:18,280 throughout the entire campaign, along with my sister, 346 01:04:18,380 --> 01:04:20,780 Daniela, who is watching virtually, 347 01:04:21,320 --> 01:04:26,320 and my four children, Loretta, Matthew, Antonia, and Gigi. 348 01:04:27,020 --> 01:04:27,900 Stand up, guys. 349 01:04:32,400 --> 01:04:36,400 And to my husband, Corey, you also have to stand up. 350 01:04:36,420 --> 01:04:42,740 up because he kept us all together for the last month and for the next four years. 351 01:04:43,500 --> 01:04:44,420 So thank you. 352 01:04:44,560 --> 01:04:46,700 I love you and I'm so grateful for all of you. 353 01:04:48,180 --> 01:04:49,300 Councillor Hurwitz. 354 01:04:50,760 --> 01:04:51,340 Thank you. 355 01:04:51,820 --> 01:04:53,100 I'm on my own tonight. 356 01:04:53,640 --> 01:04:55,120 All my family are online. 357 01:04:56,000 --> 01:05:03,160 My wife is not well but watching and my Calgary family, my daughter Alex and her family are 358 01:05:03,160 --> 01:05:10,100 watching and my daughter Josie from Oakville and her family are watching so we're an online 359 01:05:10,100 --> 01:05:11,140 family tonight. 360 01:05:11,960 --> 01:05:13,620 Thank you, Councillor. 361 01:05:14,180 --> 01:05:15,280 Councillor Mavridas. 362 01:05:16,940 --> 01:05:17,900 Thank you. 363 01:05:18,360 --> 01:05:22,080 I have my dad and my stepmom here this evening. 364 01:05:22,800 --> 01:05:30,200 My daughter Hope is also here and some amazing supportive friends, Agatha, Richard and 365 01:05:30,200 --> 01:05:30,440 Betty. 366 01:05:31,160 --> 01:05:31,480 Thank you. 367 01:05:31,480 --> 01:05:32,280 Thank you. 368 01:05:32,620 --> 01:05:33,100 Thank you. 369 01:05:33,100 --> 01:05:33,760 Councillor Balasuck. 370 01:05:36,840 --> 01:05:44,140 So of course, my biggest support system in life, Michelle Reynolds, she's a wonderful, 371 01:05:44,300 --> 01:05:48,160 wonderful woman that has done measurable things for me over the years. 372 01:05:48,960 --> 01:05:52,720 15 years, we just spent our anniversary together, together for 22. 373 01:05:57,260 --> 01:06:00,910 We are best friends first, and we have a wonderful time together. 374 01:06:01,670 --> 01:06:04,150 Also joined by my parents, Ron and Pat Balashuk, 375 01:06:04,910 --> 01:06:07,830 dad, lifelong resident, born across the street 376 01:06:07,830 --> 01:06:08,950 from Niagara District High School. 377 01:06:09,990 --> 01:06:12,210 These are the people that really have molded me 378 01:06:12,210 --> 01:06:13,690 to be who I am today. 379 01:06:14,650 --> 01:06:17,110 Also joined by good friends, Brayden and Jolene, 380 01:06:17,890 --> 01:06:18,430 the Coles family. 381 01:06:18,670 --> 01:06:20,430 They are there for me through thick and thin 382 01:06:21,790 --> 01:06:24,170 and someone who sort of came out of the woodwork 383 01:06:24,170 --> 01:06:25,990 at the beginning of this to really support me, 384 01:06:26,570 --> 01:06:31,110 Vita Gully, she's been unbelievable through all of this. 385 01:06:31,290 --> 01:06:33,710 She was really the icing on the cake for this, 386 01:06:33,790 --> 01:06:35,110 and was like, you really should do this. 387 01:06:35,490 --> 01:06:36,930 Municipal politics is for you. 388 01:06:37,630 --> 01:06:42,550 And her husband, yeah, Nino Fasulo, great guy. 389 01:06:42,990 --> 01:06:47,250 These are my boys, Braden Jolene and Vita and Nino. 390 01:06:47,650 --> 01:06:48,270 You guys have been great. 391 01:06:48,530 --> 01:06:52,810 Look forward to many nights talking about municipal politics. 392 01:07:01,440 --> 01:07:07,420 Before I give the stage back to Marnie, to our CAO, I just want to recognize regional 393 01:07:07,420 --> 01:07:09,660 chair Jim Bradley who's in the room. 394 01:07:10,100 --> 01:07:14,280 I just saw Jim in the back of the room and Jim really appreciate you being here in Angrily. 395 01:07:14,420 --> 01:07:14,940 Please stand. 396 01:07:15,420 --> 01:07:16,900 Ladies and gentlemen, Jim Bradley. 397 01:07:27,750 --> 01:07:31,610 Thank you Lord Mayor and Councillors for introducing your lovely families. 398 01:07:32,650 --> 01:07:36,190 I look forward to meeting those I have not yet met this evening but we have the lovely 399 01:07:36,190 --> 01:07:42,370 reception that follows. So on behalf of town staff, I am very eager to begin working with 400 01:07:42,370 --> 01:07:47,450 this new council to achieve our strategic plan and accomplish some great things for the town 401 01:07:47,450 --> 01:07:53,510 of Niagara on the lake throughout this term. Now I have the opportunity to introduce my 402 01:07:53,510 --> 01:07:59,230 family of sorts. I'm going to introduce my work family. And I'm going to make them 403 01:07:59,230 --> 01:08:04,070 stand up as well. I'm looking at them now. So I'd like to introduce you to the 404 01:08:04,070 --> 01:08:06,690 the town's four directors who are present here tonight, 405 01:08:06,990 --> 01:08:09,830 as well as the town clerk who you have already heard from. 406 01:08:10,810 --> 01:08:13,190 These roles are essential to the foundation 407 01:08:13,190 --> 01:08:16,810 of the corporation, and I am so proud of the team we have 408 01:08:16,810 --> 01:08:18,530 at the helm of this organization 409 01:08:18,530 --> 01:08:20,510 to help council achieve their vision. 410 01:08:21,310 --> 01:08:23,010 So with us tonight, we have Rome DiAngelo. 411 01:08:28,420 --> 01:08:31,140 He is our director of operations. 412 01:08:31,820 --> 01:08:35,760 We also have Kyle Freeborn, town treasurer, 413 01:08:38,790 --> 01:08:41,630 And he is our town treasurer and also our director 414 01:08:41,630 --> 01:08:42,690 of corporate services. 415 01:08:43,450 --> 01:08:44,990 We have Kirsten McCauley, 416 01:08:50,330 --> 01:08:52,090 and she is our director of community 417 01:08:52,090 --> 01:08:53,490 and development services. 418 01:08:54,550 --> 01:08:56,350 And we have Jay Plato, 419 01:09:02,860 --> 01:09:04,900 as many of you will know he's our fire chief 420 01:09:04,900 --> 01:09:07,700 and community emergency management coordinator. 421 01:09:08,400 --> 01:09:11,840 And finally, we have Victoria Steele, our acting town clerk. 422 01:09:17,010 --> 01:09:18,990 Thank you all for your hardworking commitment 423 01:09:18,990 --> 01:09:21,170 to providing services each and every day. 424 01:09:21,170 --> 01:09:23,790 I'm sure they're delighted to get to sit back down now. 425 01:09:25,860 --> 01:09:27,980 I'd like to take a moment as well 426 01:09:27,980 --> 01:09:30,540 to recognize our retiring members of council. 427 01:09:31,020 --> 01:09:34,120 These members have given a significant amount of time, 428 01:09:34,700 --> 01:09:37,180 energy and expertise to their various roles 429 01:09:37,180 --> 01:09:39,120 and I appreciate this opportunity 430 01:09:39,760 --> 01:09:41,820 to have worked with them this past term. 431 01:09:42,460 --> 01:09:46,260 So our retiring council members include Norm Arsenal 432 01:09:46,580 --> 01:09:49,720 who served as a counselor from 2018 to 2022. 433 01:09:50,720 --> 01:09:57,720 Alan Bisbeck, who served as a counselor from 2018 to 2022, Claire Cameron, who served as 434 01:09:57,720 --> 01:10:05,460 Deputy Lord Mayor and Counselor from 2018 to 2022, Claire is with us today, and Betty DeSero, 435 01:10:05,720 --> 01:10:12,400 who served as a counselor from 2014 to 2018, and then as the Lord Mayor from 2018 to 2022. 436 01:10:13,020 --> 01:10:16,160 The former Lord Mayor is with us today as well. 437 01:10:16,160 --> 01:10:16,740 And 438 01:10:23,360 --> 01:10:32,360 I would be remiss if I did not mention our former Councillor John Wiens who served as Deputy Lord Mayor and Councillor from 2014 to 2018. 439 01:10:32,900 --> 01:10:42,620 And then again as a Councillor from 2018 to 2022. So thank you to all of our retiring Council members. It was wonderful to work with all of you. 440 01:10:49,210 --> 01:10:55,870 Now it is time for our Lord Mayor, Gary Zalepa, to once again come to the podium for his formal address. 441 01:10:56,470 --> 01:11:02,250 So it is with immense pleasure that I invite you to join us again and give us a few words. 442 01:11:09,570 --> 01:11:11,970 Thank you, thank you, Marnie. Really appreciate that. 443 01:11:12,230 --> 01:11:17,150 And it's my I'm really pleased to be here tonight with everybody. 444 01:11:17,310 --> 01:11:22,070 And again, I already saw so many familiar faces and I see so many recognize so many friends 445 01:11:22,070 --> 01:11:25,950 and I really appreciate everybody's efforts to get us here. 446 01:11:27,710 --> 01:11:35,630 So this evening is the first opportunity for myself and for Council to address the community 447 01:11:35,630 --> 01:11:37,050 and address Council. 448 01:11:38,050 --> 01:11:44,130 And so with my remarks, I'm really hoping to capture what I feel is the appropriate 449 01:11:44,130 --> 01:11:50,930 tone and establish the marker for which we're all going to begin this journey on 450 01:11:50,930 --> 01:11:59,130 is termed together. Staff, council, residents, friends and family. So I took a look at a 451 01:11:59,130 --> 01:12:09,150 bunch of kind of famous inaugural speeches. I'm a bit of a history, I say amateur history 452 01:12:09,150 --> 01:12:14,550 historian. I looked at Prime Minister's speeches, Canadian. I looked at some British ones. 453 01:12:14,550 --> 01:12:22,970 I looked at some from India as well. I looked at U.S. presidents. And I landed on the words 454 01:12:22,970 --> 01:12:31,850 and the address of Thomas Jefferson from 1796. So I'm not going to read his address, but 455 01:12:31,850 --> 01:12:37,770 I'm going to weave in some thoughts that I think are very relevant. And it may seem 456 01:12:37,770 --> 01:12:43,510 historically insensitive. You know, a U.S. president, you know, being that, you know, 457 01:12:43,690 --> 01:12:50,190 we were occupied here in 1812 and we dealt with that. But I think we've kind of gone 458 01:12:50,190 --> 01:12:56,270 past that. And so I'm hoping that there's some great insights from Jefferson and that 459 01:12:56,270 --> 01:13:01,630 I believe are amazingly relevant in how we consider the future of our town. 460 01:13:01,630 --> 01:13:11,890 So, Jefferson declared that we are called to undertake the duties of counsel with sincere 461 01:13:11,890 --> 01:13:15,810 consciousness of the task and the responsibility. 462 01:13:17,070 --> 01:13:21,830 We are a rising community spread over a fruitful land. 463 01:13:21,830 --> 01:13:30,930 And indeed, Niagara and a lake is blessed by our past successes, by our beauty in geography, 464 01:13:31,870 --> 01:13:35,410 and our richness of our heritage and our history. 465 01:13:36,630 --> 01:13:45,790 Jefferson continued, recognizing the hopes of the community we as council are humble 466 01:13:46,370 --> 01:13:49,970 before the magnitude of the undertaking. 467 01:13:51,070 --> 01:13:58,230 We shall find the wisdom, the virtue, and the zeal upon which to rely. 468 01:13:59,470 --> 01:14:00,730 That is my commitment. 469 01:14:01,710 --> 01:14:04,670 It was Jefferson's, and I hope it's all of ours. 470 01:14:06,070 --> 01:14:11,430 I'd like to, I know we did some thanks, but I'd like to bring some thanks to past council members 471 01:14:12,730 --> 01:14:15,670 and those retiring, some of those re-elected. 472 01:14:19,430 --> 01:14:25,250 for their service, entire list dedication, for the betterment of our community. 473 01:14:26,210 --> 01:14:32,550 As we all know, public office is not the easiest, but it's very rewarding, 474 01:14:32,850 --> 01:14:36,170 and we really appreciate all of their efforts. 475 01:14:37,790 --> 01:14:43,530 I'd like to thank all those that volunteered in elections, staff members. 476 01:14:45,510 --> 01:14:53,870 Candidates, all the residents we engaged with, for you voting, that very important franchise 477 01:14:53,870 --> 01:14:59,830 that we have, the local media, appreciate your role in participating. 478 01:15:04,900 --> 01:15:13,240 I want to thank our team. Many are here in the room, and I said I would make a list because 479 01:15:13,240 --> 01:15:21,020 I would be nervous and mess up. Steve Watson, appreciate everything you did. Cindy Laforte, 480 01:15:21,020 --> 01:15:27,580 Holly, you're awesome. Rick, where's Rick Shirk? Rick, see you're in the room somewhere. 481 01:15:27,720 --> 01:15:35,060 There's Rick. Rick Shirk. For the hideaway at Rick's place. My sister, Allison. Ed Plitt, 482 01:15:35,280 --> 01:15:40,780 I don't think he's joining us maybe virtually here. Holly Dowd. Thank you, Holly. Where 483 01:15:40,780 --> 01:15:47,220 are you, Holly? Oh, there you are. Hi. Thanks, Holly. And Tammy, of course. So 484 01:15:47,220 --> 01:15:52,280 So I want to thank, I introduced family, but I also want to thank them because they're so 485 01:15:52,280 --> 01:15:57,860 important all of them and how we conduct ourselves and why we're here today. 486 01:15:58,900 --> 01:16:06,280 But all of the aforementioned, you know, residents, council people, those returning 487 01:16:06,280 --> 01:16:11,960 councillors, the public, all the residents in our community, we all worked for a common 488 01:16:11,960 --> 01:16:18,560 and purpose and a common passion that being this place we live, this place we call home. 489 01:16:19,180 --> 01:16:22,240 It's so important and integral to our lives. 490 01:16:23,100 --> 01:16:28,060 So I just want to talk a little bit about some plans that I have and I'm going to talk 491 01:16:28,060 --> 01:16:28,760 in two steps. 492 01:16:29,320 --> 01:16:32,220 First process and then some more details. 493 01:16:33,240 --> 01:16:38,360 So the past month, it's been my privilege to meet with each of these fine people. 494 01:16:38,360 --> 01:16:47,580 one-on-one, including Councillor Keiser, and all of us discussed how the Mayor's office 495 01:16:49,030 --> 01:16:56,340 could support them each in their role. We discussed what was important and concerning 496 01:16:56,340 --> 01:17:03,820 for them in our community, and we discussed the value and importance of strategic planning 497 01:17:03,820 --> 01:17:12,580 and what our process going forward could look like. From those conversations, I was able 498 01:17:12,580 --> 01:17:21,700 to relay those ideas and thoughts to staff in providing input to what we have begun 499 01:17:21,700 --> 01:17:29,180 as a fairly robust orientation and training program. Counselors are already begun it. 500 01:17:29,180 --> 01:17:35,600 I think we had a really interesting joint orientation session organized by the region 501 01:17:35,600 --> 01:17:44,080 and Chair Bradley of all the councils across Niagara meeting for the first time in an orientation 502 01:17:44,080 --> 01:17:47,100 session and many of our counselors were there. 503 01:17:47,780 --> 01:17:49,440 And so that's just the beginning. 504 01:17:49,660 --> 01:17:56,860 The program is going to continue into January and I think being orientated and updated 505 01:17:56,860 --> 01:18:02,620 and how things how you can function properly is really important. So our 506 01:18:02,620 --> 01:18:08,760 strategic planning program that will begin soon. Council will be forced or 507 01:18:08,760 --> 01:18:14,240 forced. Council will be tasked with focusing. That must have been a 508 01:18:14,240 --> 01:18:15,080 subliminal thought. 509 01:18:17,500 --> 01:18:22,440 Gary, you had my back, right? Will be tasked on focusing 510 01:18:22,440 --> 01:18:33,760 on core strategic items and delivering a value-driven action plan for staff to implement and a report 511 01:18:33,760 --> 01:18:35,920 to council on the progress. 512 01:18:37,160 --> 01:18:44,020 The process is going to include feedback and sessions and public engagement from across 513 01:18:44,510 --> 01:18:45,460 all our villages. 514 01:18:46,700 --> 01:18:55,320 The strategic plan will inform our future committee structure and in the next few weeks, the first 515 01:18:55,320 --> 01:19:02,060 step for our committee process will begin. With call for volunteers, we're going to begin with 516 01:19:02,060 --> 01:19:09,440 the statutory committees and that process will include a skills-based qualification 517 01:19:09,440 --> 01:19:17,720 selection process with council making the final decisions. A new activity that we 518 01:19:17,720 --> 01:19:22,580 will introduce into all this was an idea supported and heard in my one-on-one 519 01:19:22,580 --> 01:19:29,360 meetings with council. That's the creation of a village open forum. These 520 01:19:29,360 --> 01:19:35,640 sessions will be conducted regularly in each of the villages over time and the 521 01:19:35,640 --> 01:19:40,140 Your focus will be on improving communication and transparency. 522 01:19:41,760 --> 01:19:45,660 More listening, less talking might be hard for some of us. 523 01:19:46,840 --> 01:19:47,400 More listening. 524 01:19:48,440 --> 01:19:52,180 So some of the priorities that I'd like to put on the floor. 525 01:19:52,900 --> 01:19:54,220 Economic development. 526 01:19:56,080 --> 01:20:01,940 I plan on working with Council to actively seek employment creation investments for 527 01:20:01,940 --> 01:20:02,420 our town. 528 01:20:02,420 --> 01:20:10,440 jobs for our kids, jobs for our residents. We need to leverage the strength and the 529 01:20:10,440 --> 01:20:15,920 reputation that we have in our agricultural sector, and our strategic 530 01:20:15,920 --> 01:20:21,680 location with strong transportation assets, including Niagara District Airport. 531 01:20:23,100 --> 01:20:31,520 Tourism strategy. We will bring residents, industry, the arts, and the 532 01:20:31,520 --> 01:20:40,900 town together in a process to work together on building the path ahead for our community's 533 01:20:40,900 --> 01:20:41,880 tourism strategy. 534 01:20:43,560 --> 01:20:48,920 Niagara Lake is a world-class destination, and it's also one of the best communities 535 01:20:48,920 --> 01:20:50,200 in the world with which to live. 536 01:20:51,020 --> 01:20:51,600 We all know that. 537 01:20:52,640 --> 01:20:59,940 Service excellence, a priority will be to improving the town's capacity in responding 538 01:20:59,940 --> 01:21:09,420 bonding with resident service requests, planning files, including heritage preservation, environmental 539 01:21:10,900 --> 01:21:19,240 sustainability files, and additionally raising our profile with other governments, governments 540 01:21:19,240 --> 01:21:27,620 in Niagara, at Queens Park, and in Ottawa, making sure that what is important to you 541 01:21:27,620 --> 01:21:30,140 is communicated to these governments. 542 01:21:32,640 --> 01:21:36,360 Another item is improved public amenities and services. 543 01:21:39,090 --> 01:21:44,130 Council will need to ascertain the gaps that we have in services and amenities 544 01:21:44,790 --> 01:21:48,250 and build a plan for future community needs. 545 01:21:48,930 --> 01:21:49,710 And this is essential. 546 01:21:51,170 --> 01:21:54,110 Recreation assets need to be planned for. 547 01:21:54,110 --> 01:22:01,810 more. Capital budgets need to be assigned and allocated. Funding models like development 548 01:22:01,810 --> 01:22:08,330 charges need to strategically be attached to those assets so that we can plan long term 549 01:22:08,330 --> 01:22:14,070 in our community and deliver our future, our children, the kind of amenities they expect 550 01:22:14,070 --> 01:22:15,610 in a world class town. 551 01:22:18,320 --> 01:22:21,840 Better access to health care, public health care services. 552 01:22:21,840 --> 01:22:27,940 services. This is an item that was addressed in the past. We need to continue to move forward 553 01:22:27,940 --> 01:22:34,280 with this and find ways to improve these services to be delivered in our town. Transportation 554 01:22:34,280 --> 01:22:42,000 services. As a region enters into the first year of an amalgamated regional transit organization, 555 01:22:42,980 --> 01:22:50,100 NiagaraLink needs to advocate for increased services, greater linkages for our residents 556 01:22:50,100 --> 01:22:57,120 to transit in and around Niagara on the lake and into linkages around Niagara 557 01:22:57,120 --> 01:23:03,320 region and into the greater Toronto Hamilton area. Housing 558 01:23:03,320 --> 01:23:10,210 attainability. Attainability to housing is dysfunctional. We're truly in a 559 01:23:10,210 --> 01:23:17,610 housing crisis. We can find solutions and public support to adequately address 560 01:23:17,610 --> 01:23:27,730 us. I believe we must provide an opportunity for seniors to age in place, for our youth 561 01:23:28,250 --> 01:23:38,010 and local workforce to acquire dwellings that are actually in our town. Dwellings also for 562 01:23:38,010 --> 01:23:41,270 residents that struggle to meet core housing need. 563 01:23:43,450 --> 01:23:46,550 Housing is a historic problem. But 564 01:23:46,550 --> 01:23:49,270 we have a generational opportunity to deal with it. 565 01:23:50,270 --> 01:23:52,750 So in closing, as the head of council, 566 01:23:53,630 --> 01:23:57,550 I pledge to strengthen and grow the relationships. 567 01:23:58,830 --> 01:24:02,610 Build trust and provide leadership for council. 568 01:24:04,050 --> 01:24:08,050 I pledge to listen and seek positive outcomes. 569 01:24:09,890 --> 01:24:11,970 We all accept that democracy, 570 01:24:12,250 --> 01:24:13,810 I denote some multitude of opinions. 571 01:24:14,290 --> 01:24:15,630 That's a good thing, it's essential. 572 01:24:16,590 --> 01:24:23,570 But democracy also comes with a corresponding covenant, and according to Jefferson, that 573 01:24:23,570 --> 01:24:31,330 those governing must adhere to the principle that being rightful must be reasonable. 574 01:24:32,990 --> 01:24:42,330 So to counsel, it will be my priority to ensure that together we provide our CAO with our 575 01:24:42,330 --> 01:24:51,130 vision, our clear strategic direction. I will support each of you as we build this going 576 01:24:51,130 --> 01:25:04,850 forward. To our staff, CAO, myself and Council will partner with you and give you tasks and 577 01:25:04,850 --> 01:25:11,550 the resources to accomplish it, to deliver on the goal and vision of Council. 578 01:25:13,130 --> 01:25:20,150 We will support you and provide you with a healthy, professional environment to thrive 579 01:25:20,950 --> 01:25:26,170 upon which to build your team and succeed on behalf of our residents. 580 01:25:27,370 --> 01:25:28,510 So to the public, 581 01:25:30,880 --> 01:25:32,620 I'll refer back to Jefferson's words. 582 01:25:32,620 --> 01:25:40,020 words, we commit to listening with the goal of decision making through transparency and 583 01:25:40,020 --> 01:25:45,220 through uniting our community in common efforts for the common good. 584 01:25:47,470 --> 01:25:51,790 Your support is a welcome gift and I thank you for that. 585 01:25:53,150 --> 01:26:02,870 Our promise is to retain your good opinion, conciliate that of others by doing all the 586 01:26:02,870 --> 01:26:07,810 good that is in our power to do and to be instrumental in the happiness and 587 01:26:07,810 --> 01:26:14,010 interest of all our residents. So I look forward to the term ahead with 588 01:26:14,010 --> 01:26:20,150 anticipation. I remain focused on the outcome, ensuring that those taking their 589 01:26:20,150 --> 01:26:27,890 oaths tonight return to you in four years, stating emphatically that they 590 01:26:27,890 --> 01:26:34,750 enjoyed their experience on council, that their opinions made a difference, they 591 01:26:34,750 --> 01:26:40,790 accomplished what they set out to do, and given the choice they would do it again. 592 01:26:41,710 --> 01:26:47,570 So thank you very much. Marnie, thank you. Thank you everybody. And I look forward to having a drink. 593 01:27:15,020 --> 01:27:21,120 Thank you for your very inspiring words Lord Mayor. You will see that I took a copy of your 594 01:27:21,120 --> 01:27:27,840 speech because I believe it is also my to-do list starting now. So thank you 595 01:27:27,840 --> 01:27:33,500 again. It is now time to call Reverend William Roberts back to the podium to 596 01:27:33,500 --> 01:27:36,180 begin the conclusion of the evening with the benediction. 597 01:27:42,020 --> 01:27:44,760 Wow. So thank you 598 01:27:44,760 --> 01:27:51,220 Marnie and such Jeffersonian ambitions Gary, but I must attest at a personal 599 01:27:51,220 --> 01:27:57,720 level, both Gary and Tammy, the devotion that these two have shown in the community 600 01:27:57,720 --> 01:28:02,920 and the church and now as our mayor and the council together. I don't know that we need 601 01:28:02,920 --> 01:28:06,340 to bless you, but I'm going to give you a blessing anyway. Would you please stand? 602 01:28:11,910 --> 01:28:16,510 And for this closing blessing, I want to borrow from the Jewish tradition, because 603 01:28:16,510 --> 01:28:22,310 in the Jewish tradition, they're interested in blessing what they call berachach is both 604 01:28:22,310 --> 01:28:27,690 the way of setting apart for special care and attention, certain people placed in things, 605 01:28:28,210 --> 01:28:36,270 but also acknowledges that we in turn are being blessed by them and by the goodness and the 606 01:28:36,270 --> 01:28:43,150 benefits that they share. So may wisdom, courage and humility abide with Lord Mayor Gary, 607 01:28:52,290 --> 01:28:52,290 with 608 01:28:52,290 --> 01:28:59,810 and Deputy Mayor Irwin, and may goodness and grace be with Marnie, and Victoria, and all 609 01:28:59,810 --> 01:29:05,910 the town directors and staff. And may Council and staff together be blessed with caring hearts 610 01:29:05,910 --> 01:29:10,550 and steadfast wills, and that in the many responsibilities to which they bring their 611 01:29:10,550 --> 01:29:16,150 best selves, they will be for us an example and a blessing to all of us, and to lift 612 01:29:16,150 --> 01:29:24,550 us all up so that together we can all say Amen. Amen. Now we're going to sing for the first 613 01:29:24,550 --> 01:29:30,750 time in my life, I think God Save the King. So let's get ready to sing cheerly. Let's 614 01:29:34,720 --> 01:29:40,300 sing it together. Yes, thank you and congratulations to all of you. Honored to be here today. 615 01:29:41,640 --> 01:29:51,260 God save our gracious King Long live our noble King 616 01:29:51,260 --> 01:29:58,200 God save the King Send him victorious 617 01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:13,020 Happy and glorious. Long to reign over us. God save the king. 618 01:30:28,680 --> 01:30:31,800 Thank you, Reverend, and thank you, Juliet. Lovely. 619 01:30:32,860 --> 01:30:34,580 Okay, please be seated, everyone. 620 01:30:35,160 --> 01:30:35,360 This 621 01:30:38,950 --> 01:30:43,450 is the point where we begin to conclude the 2022 inaugural council meeting. 622 01:30:44,190 --> 01:30:49,250 I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone for joining us tonight, both in person and 623 01:30:49,250 --> 01:30:49,850 online. 624 01:30:50,910 --> 01:30:55,970 A special thanks to those who worked really hard to plan and prepare for tonight's meeting. 625 01:30:56,510 --> 01:31:01,830 I'd like to acknowledge the customer experience and communications team at the town for their 626 01:31:01,830 --> 01:31:03,630 wonderful oversight of this event. 627 01:31:03,830 --> 01:31:05,210 They planned all of the details. 628 01:31:09,510 --> 01:31:10,150 Thank 629 01:31:15,910 --> 01:31:21,070 you to Queens Landing and Vintage Hotels for catering the food we are about to enjoy 630 01:31:21,710 --> 01:31:25,650 and our many local wineries and businesses for donating the beverages. 631 01:31:32,850 --> 01:31:36,450 So now we would like to move into the reception portion of this evening. 632 01:31:36,970 --> 01:31:42,070 The reception will take place next door in the John Darrow Pole immediately following 633 01:31:42,070 --> 01:31:44,170 the Fife and Drum Corps procession. 634 01:31:44,170 --> 01:31:49,970 So, once the Fife and Drum Corps have exited this room, please feel free to exit at your 635 01:31:49,970 --> 01:31:54,550 leisure, and I hope to see all of you at the reception for complimentary hors d'oeuvres 636 01:31:54,550 --> 01:31:55,190 and beverages. 637 01:31:55,870 --> 01:31:59,330 So, thank you very much, and congratulations again to the new council. 638 01:32:03,660 --> 01:32:05,440 Please stand as the procession begins. 639 01:33:31,540 --> 01:33:33,880 I don't have it but I can chat with him and see if he wants to share it with me. 640 01:34:04,020 --> 01:34:05,420 You