Fort Erie public meetings in 2023
16 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council-in-Committee
Council authorized a subdivision agreement with 2655321 Ontario Ltd. for the 726 Gorham Road Subdivision. The body also directed staff to prepare a by-law to adopt the 2023-2026 Corporate Strategic Plan following public feedback. A public meeting was held regarding short-term rental amendments, and the related report was received for information.
- Authorized subdivision agreement with 2655321 Ontario Ltd. for 726 Gorham Road (Carried)
- Authorized staff to prepare a by-law for the 726 Gorham Road Subdivision Agreement (Carried)
- Received Report No. PDS-59-2023 regarding Short-Term Rental (STR) Study recommendations for information (Carried)
- Received Report No. CAO-19-2023 regarding public feedback on the draft 2023-2026 Corporate Strategic Plan (Carried)
- Directed staff to prepare a by-law to adopt the 2023-2026 Corporate Strategic Plan (Carried)
Regular Council
Council approved zoning by-law amendments for properties at 3701 Elm Street and 3303 Dominion Road. The council also authorized a review of the tree harvesting by-law and renamed the Coloured Cemetery to the Curtis Road Cemetery.
- Approved zoning by-law amendment for 3701 Elm Street (Report PDS-57-2023)
- Approved zoning by-law amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision for 3303 Dominion Road (Report PDS-56-2023)
- Approved changing the name of the Coloured Cemetery to the Curtis Road Cemetery
- Authorized review and amendment of By-law No. 60-04 regarding tree destruction and harvesting
- Removed Environmental Conservation Overlay Zone from 97 Drummond Crescent and 400 Kraft Road
- Proclaimed Rail Safety Week (Sept 18-24), Arthritis Awareness Month (Sept), Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (Sept), and National Legion Week (Sept 17-23)
- Received for information report PDS-55-2023 regarding 0-10417 Walden Boulevard
Environmental Advisory Committee
The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) deferred approval for an EC overlay removal at 410 Kraft Road pending a site plan review. The committee also requested more information regarding a woodland feature at 986 Ridge Road North and noted a revised Tree Preservation Plan for 2819 Colony Road.
- Required a site plan reviewed by Niagara Region for 410 Kraft Road prior to EC Overlay approval
- Requested further information from Town Planning Staff for 986 Ridge Road North
- Deferred review of 2819 Colony Road Tree Preservation Plan until finalized by the Region
Council-in-Committee
Council approved a major road and sewer infrastructure contract and adopted a Community Benefits Charge Strategy. The body also approved physician recruitment funding and expanded the Property Standards Committee.
- Approved $4,235,424.04 contract to Alfidome Construction Niagara for Lindbergh Drive and Burbank Terrace improvements
- Adopted the Community Benefits Charge Strategy and established a corresponding Reserve
- Approved $75,000 recruitment incentive and $15,000 grant for Dr. Manpreet Singh from the Community Health and Wellness Reserve
- Increased Property Standards Committee composition to six members
- Approved July 20, 2023 Land Committee Meeting minutes
- Deferred report on Ditch Alteration and Maintenance Policy to October 16, 2023
- Deferred report CAO-18-2023 regarding family practice upgrades to August 28, 2023
Museum and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee
The Committee identified five properties for upcoming heritage inspections by ARA. Members also discussed planning for Heritage Week and the potential designation of 3597 Rebstock Road.
- Selected 111 Bertie Street, 304 Ridge Road, 487 Niagara Boulevard, 45 Princess Street, and 400 Holloway Bay Road for inspection
- Approved July 12, 2023 meeting minutes electronically
- Planned Heritage Week presentations at Centennial and Crystal Ridge libraries
- Requested staff follow up on the 'History Happened Here' program
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the June 27, 2023 meeting. Members discussed ongoing accessibility projects for local parks and businesses and addressed gaps in accessible taxi services.
- Approved June 27, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
Regular Council
Council approved amendments to the 2023-2026 Corporate Strategic Plan to include affordable housing and processed several appointments and resignations for the Fort Erie Public Library Board. Additionally, Council approved heritage and environmental recommendations for several local properties.
- Approved adding 'affordable housing' to the 2023-2026 Corporate Strategic Plan
- Appointed Councillor Christensen to the Fort Erie Public Library Board
- Accepted resignations of Jerry McCutcheon and Councillor Nick Dubanow from the Library Board
- Approved removing EC Overlay Zone for 1453 Point Abino Road South and 2819 Colony Road
- Approved transfer of People's Community Church plaque to the Town's museum
- Approved heritage conditions for 477 Ridge Road consent application
- Authorized Second Amending Subdivision Agreement for Alliston Woods Phase 1
- Required developer to finance peer review for 3303 Dominion Road functional services report
Special Council
Council passed By-law 109-2023 to appoint Gary Murphy as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer. The meeting also included a closed session regarding the Fort Erie Public Library.
- Approved By-law 109-2023 to appoint Gary Murphy as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
- Approved By-law 110-2023 to confirm actions of Council from the July 10, 2023 meeting
- Entered closed session at 7:18 p.m. to discuss Fort Erie Public Library
Council-in-Committee
Council approved a zoning by-law amendment for 0-1215 Lavinia Street and authorized the closure of three road sections. The body also adopted a new Municipal Parking Lot Use & Maintenance Policy and allocated capital project variances.
- Approved zoning by-law amendment for 0-1215 Lavinia Street with a minimum driveway width of 5.8 metres
- Approved Municipal Parking Lot Use & Maintenance Policy
- Directed staff to proceed with road closures for Sherkston Road, Bertie Street, and Bowen Road
- Authorized closure of capital projects and allocation of $234,742 net surplus
- Amended 2023 Capital Budget for Arthur Street Upgrade by $100,000 to reduce Road Refurbishing Reserve funding
- Deferred Proposed Community Benefits Charge public meeting to August 14, 2023
- Approved recommendations from the June 15, 2023, Land Committee meeting
Special Council
Council appointed Dianne Flemming to the Fort Erie Public Library Board and seven members to the Community Health Care Services Committee. Council also directed staff to proceed as directed regarding four separate property and litigation matters.
- Appointed Dianne Flemming to the Fort Erie Public Library Board
- Appointed Susan Fyke, Carol Nagy, Mary Jane Johnson, Dr. D. Henry, Amy Devereaux, Jill Croteau, and John Walpole to the Community Health Care Services Committee
- Directed staff to proceed as directed regarding 4152 Erie Road
- Directed staff to proceed as directed regarding Private Properties in Contravention of Zoning By-law No. 129-90 - Litigation Options
- Directed staff to proceed as directed regarding Potential Acquisition of Riparian Lands
- Directed staff to proceed as directed regarding 310 Ridge Road North
Regular Council
Council approved a zoning amendment and draft plan for an 18-unit townhouse condominium at 272 Ridge Road South, specifically prohibiting short-term rentals and roof-top patios. A proposed zoning amendment for 0-1215 Lavinia Street was deferred to July 10, 2023, while an amendment for 1169 Pettit Road was approved.
- Approved 18-unit townhouse condominium and zoning amendment at 272 Ridge Road South
- Prohibited short-term rentals and roof-top patios at 272 Ridge Road South
- Approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for 1169 Pettit Road
- Deferred zoning amendment for 0-1215 Lavinia Street to July 10, 2023
- Authorized Second Amending Subdivision Agreement for Alliston Woods Phase 1
- Directed staff to initiate housekeeping amendments to Zoning By-law No. 129-90
- Proclaimed July 28, 2023 as 'World Hepatitis Day'
- Accepted resignations from Ridgeway BIA, Property Standards Committee, Crystal Beach BIA, and Public Library Board
Council-in-Committee
Council approved a town-wide Official Plan amendment to implement the More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022. Several consent items were passed, including a subdivision agreement for Harbourtown Village and tax rebates. A zoning amendment for 613 Helena Street was approved with a modified condition regarding sewer construction.
- Approved town-wide Official Plan amendment implementing Bill 109 (Carried)
- Approved 613 Helena Street subdivision for 124 townhouses and 4 semi-detached dwellings (Carried)
- Amended Condition 16 for 613 Helena Street to make developer responsible for water, sanitary, and storm sewers (Carried)
- Approved Terms of Reference for Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (Carried)
- Directed staff to execute Harbourtown Village Subdivision Agreement at 3643 Dominion Road (Carried)
- Accepted land transfers from Niagara Region for watermain use (Carried)
- Approved $20,465.71 in tax cancellations, reductions, or refunds (Carried)
- Endorsed the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (Carried)
Regular Council in Committee
Council approved an amendment to the Town's Official Plan to implement the More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022. Other key actions included approving a subdivision for 128 dwellings on Helena Street and endorsing an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
- Approved Town-wide Official Plan amendment to implement Bill 109 (Carried)
- Approved 613 Helena Street subdivision for 124 townhouses and 4 semi-detached dwellings (Carried)
- Approved updated Terms of Reference for Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (Carried)
- Approved lifting 'Holding' provision and executing Subdivision Agreement for 3643 Dominion Road (Carried)
- Approved $20,465.71 in tax cancellations, reductions, or refunds (Carried)
- Endorsed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (Carried)
- Accepted land transfers from Niagara Region for watermain use (Carried)
- Deferred Municipal Parking Lot Use and Maintenance Policy to July 10, 2023 (Carried)
Special Council
Council held a closed session to discuss land matters and staff reviews. Decisions regarding 4152 Erie Road and the CAO Performance Review were deferred to June 19, 2023, and a motion regarding the Fort Erie Racetrack was deferred to June 26, 2023.
- Deferred item regarding 4152 Erie Road to June 19, 2023
- Deferred CAO Performance Review to June 19, 2023
- Deferred motion on Woodbine’s Race and Stay Program impact on Fort Erie Racetrack to June 26, 2023
- Approved By-law No. 98-2023 to confirm actions of the June 12, 2023 meeting
Special Council
Council passed a resolution requesting that Niagara Health maintain 24/7 operations at the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre. The resolution also calls for provincial and federal assistance with staffing and the creation of a provincially funded health team. The Chief Administrative Officer was directed to develop business plan options by July 24, 2023.
- Approved resolution calling on Niagara Health to reverse hour reductions at Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre (Carried)
- Approved request for provincial government to facilitate a provincially funded health team for Fort Erie (Carried)
- Approved call for provincial and federal governments to address chronic healthcare staffing shortages (Carried)
- Directed CAO to develop options for a health care business plan by July 24, 2023 (Carried)
- Received correspondence from Niagara Health regarding emergency departments (Carried)
- Received correspondence from City of Port Colborne regarding urgent care hour reductions (Carried)
- Passed By-law No. 97-2023 to confirm actions of the Special Council Meeting (Carried)
Regular Council
Council approved the Town of Fort Erie Short-Term Rental Land Use Study and directed staff to begin formal amendments to the Official Plan, Zoning By-law No. 129-90, and the Licensing By-law. Additionally, Council revoked Policy PLA-06 regarding second opinion clauses in planning reports. A proposed subdivision at 613 Helena Street was deferred to a future meeting.
- Approved Short-Term Rental Land Use Study (Report No. PDS-41-2023)
- Directed staff to amend Official Plan and Zoning By-law No. 129-90 to implement short-term rental recommendations
- Directed staff to amend Licensing By-law No. 98-2022 to include new definitions
- Revoked Policy PLA-06 (Council Decisions Contrary to Staff Recommendations)
- Removed requirement for second opinion clauses in Planning staff reports
- Deferred subdivision and zoning amendment for 613 Helena Street to June 12, 2023
- Approved removal of EC Overlay Zone for 2462 Dominion Road, 1 St. George Court, 4966 Brown Road, and 1443 Point Abino Road South
- Accepted resignation of Anna Morlacchetti from Ridgeway Business Improvement Area Board of Management