Niagara Region public meetings in 2021

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a special meeting, primarily to conduct a public hearing on a development charges complaint under the Development Charges Act for a property at 10941 Niagara River Parkway in Niagara Falls. The meeting also includes adoption of a confirming by-law for the session. The agenda is otherwise limited to routine procedural items.

• Public hearing on development charges complaint for 10941 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
• Speaker: Brandon Ferri, representative for the complainant
• Consideration of report CSD 73-2021 on the development charges complaint
• Bill 2021-99, confirming by-law for the December 16, 2021 special session

Council held a public meeting to hear a development charges complaint for 10941 Niagara River Parkway in Niagara Falls. The complainant argued that a demolition credit should apply despite the five-year eligibility period expiring. Council defeated a motion to dismiss the complaint and instead approved a motion granting a refund of $11,471 in development charges, with an amendment to negotiate cost recovery with the City of Niagara Falls being defeated.

• Motion to dismiss development charges complaint defeated (4-19)
• Motion to grant development charges refund of $11,471 carried (17-6)
• Amendment to direct staff to negotiate cost recovery with City of Niagara Falls defeated
• By-law to adopt, ratify and confirm actions of Council (Bill 2021-99) carried

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting electronically to consider and vote on a series of by-laws, including the 2022 operating and capital budgets, a 2022 interim levy, a new schedule of fees and charges, and multiple debenture borrowing by-laws for regional and local municipal capital works. The agenda also includes a delegation on the Official Plan Settlement Area Boundary Review, a motion from Councillor Gale regarding the Integrity Commissioner and Code of Conduct, and several road dedication and expropriation by-laws.

• Adoption of 2022 operating budget and tax levy (Bill 2021-112) and 2022 capital budget (Bill 2021-111)
• 2022 interim levy by-law (Bill 2021-113)
• New fees and charges by-law for 2022 (Bill 2021-114), repealing By-laws 2021-03 and 2021-62
• Debenture borrowing by-laws: $8,994,217 (Niagara Falls), $3,300,000 (Niagara Falls), $8,570,365 (Niagara Falls), $831,661 (Niagara-on-the-Lake), $15,000,000 (Region), $900,000 (West Lincoln), and $28,681,003 for Region capital projects (Bills 2021-104 to 2021-110)
• Delegation on Niagara Official Plan Settlement Area Boundary Review (J. Vanderweyden, Town of Pelham)

Council approved the 2022 levy operating budget, including a total general levy of $422,300,714, a 2.87% increase. The budget includes a $25,871,749 contribution from the Taxpayer Relief Reserve to offset COVID-19 pressures, resulting in no net taxpayer impact from those pressures. A separate motion to use $6 million from the reserve to fund the general levy was approved 17-11, and the balance of the budget motion was approved 28-1.

• Approved 2022 levy operating budget of $422,300,714 (2.87% increase) (28-1)
• Approved $6M from taxpayer relief reserve for 2022 general levy (17-11)
• Approved $25,871,749 from Taxpayer Relief Reserve for COVID-19 pressures
• Referred Integrity Commissioner/Code of Conduct motion to Procedural By-law Review Committee (20-8)
• Adopted 2022 capital and operating budget by-laws (Bill 2021-111, 112)
• Authorized $15M serial debenture for Niagara Region capital work (Bill 2021-108)
• Authorized long-term financing up to $28,681,003 for capital projects (Bill 2021-110)
• Approved 2022 interim levy by-law (Bill 2021-113)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to discuss its workplan, review staff survey results on diversity and inclusion, and set its 2022 meeting dates. A presentation from the City of London on its community diversity strategy is also scheduled. The meeting is open to public viewing by request.

• Presentation by Kinga Koltun, City of London, on Community Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
• Discussion of DEIAC Work Plan (DEIAC-C 7-2021)
• 2022 meeting schedule approval (DEIAC-C 8-2021)
• Review of DEI staff survey results (DEIAC-C 9-2021)
• Minutes from October 26, 2021 meeting

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider court services write-off recommendations for the period ending October 31, 2021, and to set 2022 meeting dates. The board will also receive information items, including a COVID-19 update, a Q3 variance analysis and forecast, and the minutes from the October 21, 2021 meeting.

• Court Services Write-Off Recommendations for period ending October 31, 2021 (JBM-C 13-2021)
• 2022 Joint Board of Management Niagara Courts meeting dates (JBM-C 14-2021)
• Court Services COVID-19 Update (JBM-C 15-2021)
• Q3 Variance Analysis and Forecast to December 31, 2021 (JBM-C 16-2021)
• Meeting minutes from October 21, 2021 (JBM 4-2021)

The Joint Board of Management recommended approval of court services write-offs for delinquent cases and approved the 2022 meeting schedule. Both motions carried unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended approval of delinquent case write-offs per Report JBM-C 13-2021 (carried)
• Approved 2022 meeting dates: Feb 24, Jun 2, Aug 25, Nov 17, Dec 8 (carried)

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to consider two items: setting 2022 meeting dates and adopting the Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizens Liaison Committee Terms of Reference. They will also receive information updates on the every-other-week garbage collection diversion impact, contractor performance, recycling market, proposed administrative penalties under the RRCEA, councillor information requests, and a multi-residential textile diversion program.

• 2022 WMPSC meeting dates (WMPSC-C 40-2021)
• Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizens Liaison Committee Terms of Reference (WMPSC-C 46-2021)
• Every-Other-Week Garbage Collection Diversion Impact – Full Year Analysis (WMPSC-C 41-2021)
• Collection Contractor Performance Report October 2020 to October 2021 (WMPSC-C 42-2021)
• Proposed Administrative Penalties Regulation Under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 (WMPSC-C 47-2021)

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee approved its 2022 meeting dates (Feb 14, Apr 11, Jun 20, Aug 22) and recommended updated Terms of Reference for the Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizens Liaison Committee to the Public Works Committee. It also received several informational reports, including an analysis of every-other-week garbage collection impacts and a contractor performance report. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 2022 meeting dates: Feb 14, Apr 11, Jun 20, Aug 22 (carried)
• Recommended updated Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizens Liaison Committee Terms of Reference to Public Works Committee (carried)
• Received EOW garbage collection diversion impact full-year analysis for information (carried)
• Received collection contractor performance report Oct 2020-Oct 2021 for information (carried)
• Received Q3 recycling centre and market update for information (carried)
• Received proposed administrative penalties regulation info for information (carried)
• Received councillor information requests and multi-residential textile diversion update for information (carried)

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the 2022 Levy Operating Budget and the 2022 Fees and Charges By-law. The agenda also includes information items on the Climate Change Action Program update and 2022 financial disclosure requirements. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.

• 2022 Levy Operating Budget (CSD 74-2021) with appendices on department base budgets, COVID-19 pressures, assessment growth funded costs, and full-time equivalent summaries
• 2022 Fees and Charges By-law (CSD 76-2021) with draft schedule of fees and charges
• Climate Change Action Program Update (CAO 21-2021)
• 2022 Operating Budget Reconciliation and Financial Disclosure under Ontario Regulation 284/09 (CSD 80-2021)

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole approved the 2022 levy operating budget, including a $6 million draw from the taxpayer relief reserve, resulting in a total general levy of $422,300,714, a 2.87% increase. The motion passed 23-7 after an amendment to use reserve funds was carried. The committee also approved the 2022 Schedule of Fees and Charges, effective January 1, 2022.

• Approved 2022 levy operating budget with $422,300,714 general levy, 2.87% increase (23-7)
• Approved $6 million from taxpayer relief reserve to fund 2022 general levy budget
• Approved $239,899,186 for Niagara Regional Departments operations (2.15% increase)
• Approved $3,428,589 for pay-as-you-go capital financing (0.85% increase)
• Approved $1,935,000 for Council priorities (0.48% increase)
• Approved $25,871,749 from Taxpayer Relief Reserve for COVID-19 pressures, net taxpayer impact $0
• Approved 1.32% assessment growth ($5,365,318) to fund costs
• Approved 2022 Schedule of Fees and Charges, effective January 1, 2022

Council Special

This is a special council meeting held electronically due to COVID-19. The agenda includes a closed session for a confidential verbal update regarding personal matters about identifiable individuals, specifically advisory committee member conduct. The only public business is a confirming by-law to ratify the meeting's actions.

• Closed session on advisory committee member conduct under Municipal Act Section 239(2)
• Bill 2021-98, confirming by-law for the special December 9, 2021 session

The special council meeting was largely procedural, with the agenda adopted and a closed session held to discuss confidential matters about identifiable individuals regarding advisory committee member conduct. After reconvening, council received a confidential verbal update and directed staff to proceed as instructed in closed session. A by-law confirming the meeting's actions was passed, and the meeting adjourned.

• Adopted agenda CL 23-2021
• Moved into closed session for confidential matter (personal matters about identifiable individuals)
• Received confidential verbal update on advisory committee member conduct
• Directed staff to proceed as directed in closed session
• Passed Bill 2021-98 to adopt, ratify, and confirm council actions

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider several administrative and financial items, including approval of 2022 interim levy dates and amounts, a request to extend a development charge demolition credit for a brownfield redevelopment in Pelham, and a by-law to repeal the Heritage Tax Rebate. The committee will also receive a Q3 2021 financial update and additional information regarding 135 Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Three closed-session items involve proposed land acquisitions and a confidential provincial funding matter.

• Approval of 2022 interim levy dates and amounts (CSD 75-2021)
• Development charge demolition credit extension request for brownfield redevelopment in Pelham (CSD 72-2021)
• Repealing Heritage Tax Rebate By-law No. 36-2008 (CSD 79-2021)
• Q3 2021 financial update, including COVID-19 costs (CSD 78-2021)
• Closed session: proposed land acquisitions on Regional Road 81, St. Catharines and Reixinger Road, Niagara Falls

The Corporate Services Committee approved a $72,389 rebate for development charges paid on the property at 135 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, after a delegation requested an extension of demolition credit eligibility. The committee also approved extending demolition credit eligibility for a brownfield redevelopment in Pelham to October 17, 2024, and approved the 2022 interim levy dates and amounts. A motion to repeal the heritage tax rebate by-law was defeated, and the Information Management Accountability Policy was referred back to staff for revisions.

• Approved $72,389 development charge rebate for 135 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Extended demolition credit eligibility for brownfield redevelopment at 105 Highway 20 East, Pelham to October 17, 2024
• Approved 2022 interim levy dates and amounts
• Defeated motion to repeal By-law 36-2008 (heritage tax rebate)
• Defeated motion to cease funding all heritage tax rebate programs
• Referred Information Management Accountability Policy to staff for revisions
• Received Q3 2021 financial update for information
• Approved confidential land acquisition recommendations for Regional Road 81 and Reixinger Road

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is reviewing staff recommendations on urban and rural settlement area boundary expansions for the Niagara Official Plan, including a presentation and multiple delegation submissions. The agenda also includes information items on combined sewer overflow funding, business support, and letters from developers and residents regarding the boundary review. No formal decisions are listed for this meeting.

• Official Plan Update: Settlement Area Boundary Review presentation
• Delegations from Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society and a Pelham resident on boundary review
• PDS 41-2021: Urban settlement area boundary review recommendations
• PDS 42-2021: Rural settlement area boundary review recommendations
• Letters from developers and residents regarding boundary review reports

The Planning and Economic Development Committee received two reports on the Niagara Official Plan Settlement Area Boundary Review—one on urban recommendations (PDS 41-2021) and one on rural recommendations (PDS 42-2021)—for information only. No decisions were made on the recommendations. The committee also received several related letters and an email for information, and heard a delegation from a Pelham resident suggesting revisions to the assessment sheet.

• Received PDS 41-2021 (urban boundary recommendations) for information (carried)
• Received PDS 42-2021 (rural boundary recommendations) for information (carried)
• Received PDS-C 56-2021, ED 19-2021, PDS-C 58-2021, PDS-C 59-2021, PDS-C 61-2021, PDS-C 63-2021, PDS-C 64-2021 for information (carried)
• Permitted John Bacher and John Vanderweyden to appear as delegates (carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to receive a presentation on the mental health sector in Niagara and hear a delegation on public health protocols. The committee will consider items including the 2019 Child Care Services revenues and expenses, approval of 2020 audits for Long Term Care and Child Care, and a motion supporting permanent paid sick days. Several reports are for information only, covering bridge housing operations, Ontario Works caseloads, seniors services quality, and housing/homelessness updates.

• Presentation on the Mental Health Sector in Niagara and Niagara Region's Role
• Delegation by Rebecca Hahn on Public Health Protocols and Concerns
• COM 27-2021: Submission of 2019 Child Care Services Schedule of Revenues and Expenses
• COM 28-2021: Approval of 2020 Long Term Care Home and Child Care Services Program Audits
• PHD 14-2021: Collaborative Action to Support the Need for Permanent Paid Sick Days

The Public Health and Social Services Committee approved several reports, including one recommending that the Province of Ontario make the temporary three paid sick days permanent and consult on expanding them. It also approved child care and long-term care audit reports, and received information items on housing and homelessness. A delegation was removed from the agenda due to concerns about inaccuracies.

• Approved recommendations urging Ontario to make paid sick days permanent and consult on expansion (carried)
• Approved 2019 Child Care Services Schedule of Revenues and Expenses (carried)
• Approved 2020 Long Term Care Home and Child Care Services Program Audits (carried)
• Received information items on bridge housing, Ontario Works caseload, seniors services, and housing/homelessness action plan (carried)
• Removed delegation from Rebecca Hahn from agenda (carried)
• Approved confidential report on potential funding for bridge housing project (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider awarding two construction contracts: one for reconstructing Regional Road 1 (Dominion Road) in Fort Erie and another for upgrades to the Port Colborne Water Treatment Plant. The committee will also receive an annual update on water and wastewater quality management systems and discuss the recruitment of a new Commissioner of Public Works.

• Award of Contract No. 2021-T-70 for reconstruction of Regional Road 1 (Dominion Road) from Beachview Avenue to Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie
• Award of Contract 2021-T-14 for Port Colborne Water Treatment Plant upgrades
• Annual Water and Wastewater Quality Management System Update (presentation and report)
• Recruitment of Commissioner of Public Works (report CAO 20-2021)

The Public Works Committee approved two major contracts: $7.2M for reconstruction of Regional Road 1 (Dominion Road) in Fort Erie and $10.0M for upgrades to the Port Colborne Water Treatment Plant. Both motions carried. The committee also received informational updates on water/wastewater quality management and the recruitment of the Commissioner of Public Works, and directed staff to report on intermunicipal transit principles and overpayments to Welland.

• Awarded Contract 2021-T-70 for Dominion Road reconstruction to Rankin Construction Inc. at $7,218,174.45 (carried)
• Awarded Contract 2021-T-14 for Port Colborne WTP upgrades to Romag Contracting Ltd. at $10,028,750 (carried)
• Received annual Water and Wastewater Quality Management System update (carried)
• Received CAO memo on Commissioner of Public Works recruitment (carried)
• Directed staff to report on 2011 Intermunicipal Transit Guiding Principles and Welland overpayments (carried)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider court services write-off recommendations for the period ending October 31, 2021, and to set 2022 meeting dates. The board will also receive information items, including a COVID-19 update, a third-quarter variance analysis and forecast, and the minutes from the October 21, 2021 meeting.

• Court Services Write-Off Recommendations for period ending October 31, 2021 (JBM-C 13-2021)
• 2022 Joint Board of Management Niagara Courts meeting dates (JBM-C 14-2021)
• Court Services COVID-19 Update (JBM-C 15-2021)
• Q3 Variance Analysis and Forecast to December 31, 2021 (JBM-C 16-2021)
• Meeting minutes from October 21, 2021 (JBM 4-2021)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting electronically to consider two main reports: the Niagara Official Plan's Natural Environment System (PDS 8-2021) and the Niagara EMS Primary Hub background and site opportunities (PHD 3-2021). Nine delegations are scheduled to speak on the Natural Environment System, and one late request from Phelps Homes will need committee approval. The meeting is open to the public via live stream only.

• Niagara Official Plan: Natural Environment System report (PDS 8-2021) with revised draft and mapping schedules
• Niagara EMS Primary Hub feasibility study and site selection manual (PHD 3-2021)
• Nine resident delegations on the Natural Environment System, including from St. Catharines, Lincoln, Grimsby, Pelham, and Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Late delegation request from David Samis of Phelps Homes to be considered by committee
• Email submission from Debra Jackson-Jones (Niagara Falls) on the Natural Environment System

The Committee of the Whole received Report PDS 8-2021 and approved its recommendations, directing that policies and mapping for the Natural Environment System (NES) Option 3C be incorporated into the consolidated draft of the new Niagara Official Plan. Staff were also directed to continue consultation on the NES mapping and policies. The motion was carried in a recorded vote of 22 in favour and 0 against.

• Approved incorporating Natural Environment System (NES) Option 3C policies and mapping into the consolidated draft of the new Niagara Official Plan.
• Directed staff to continue consultation on the Natural Environment System mapping and policies as part of the Official Plan process.
• Received Report PHD 3-2021 on the Niagara EMS Primary Hub and directed staff to continue exploring site assessment and partnership opportunities, with an update due by end of Q2 2022.
• Received a delegation from David Samis, President of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce, regarding the proposed Official Plan.

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear a presentation on Health Impact Assessment, consider a report on 2022 meeting dates, and review a draft Accessibility Standard Compliance Policy and Procedure along with related policy and procedure documents. The meeting is open to public viewing by request, but no public access to headquarters due to COVID-19.

• Presentation: Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Overview by Jacqueline Gates, Strategic Projects Coordinator
• Report AAC-C 4-2021: 2022 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Dates
• Consent item AAC-C 5-2021: Draft Accessibility Standard Compliance Policy and Procedure, Draft Accessibility Policy, Draft Accessibility Procedure
• Consent item AAC 4-2021: Minutes from August 24, 2021 meeting

The committee approved its 2022 meeting schedule, setting four Tuesday meetings at 1:30 p.m. It also received a draft accessibility compliance policy for information and deferred discussion of that policy to the February 15, 2022 meeting. Minutes from the August 24, 2021 meeting were received for information.

• Approved 2022 meeting dates: February 15, April 26, June 21, and August 23, all Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.
• Received draft Accessibility Standard Compliance Policy and Procedure for information.
• Deferred discussion of the draft policy to the February 15, 2022 meeting.
• Received minutes from the August 24, 2021 meeting for information.

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee is meeting electronically to hear a presentation on event barns from the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance, consider its 2022 meeting schedule, and receive information items on a Vineland Growers bulk water filling station and a letter about an Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative proposal. The meeting is open to public viewing by request only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• Presentation on Event Barns by Janet Horner, Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance
• 2022 APAC meeting schedule (APAC-C 9-2021)
• Vineland Growers Bulk Water Filling Station (APAC-C 10-2021)
• Letter to Brock University re: OMAFRA-OAFRI proposal on sustainable agriculture (APAC-C 11-2021)
• Irrigation update under other business

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m. because a quorum was not present within 30 minutes of the scheduled start. No official business was transacted. Outstanding agenda items may be brought to a future meeting subject to consultations between the Committee Chair and staff.

• Adjourned the meeting due to lack of quorum
• Noted that outstanding agenda items may be deferred to a future meeting

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a special meeting to consider a report (PW 55-2021) on creating a single consolidated transit commission for the region. The meeting includes delegations from various organizations and individuals, and a large volume of correspondence, mostly letters and emails from residents and groups expressing views on the proposed transit model. The council will decide whether to move forward with the consolidation.

• Report PW 55-2021: Moving Transit Forward in Niagara – Creation of a Consolidated Transit Commission
• Delegations from Niagara College, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Niagara Regional Native Centre, YWCA, Niagara Health, Brock University Students' Union, and others
• Consent item: Addressing Input from the City of Welland – Transit Governance Consultation
• Letter from City of Welland CAO requesting a 'Minor Pause' for increased transparency
• Over 80 items of correspondence from residents and organizations regarding the consolidated transit model

Regional Council approved a by-law to create a consolidated passenger transportation system for Niagara Region, effective January 1, 2023, subject to consent from a majority of local area municipalities and a majority of electors. A motion to defer the decision for three weeks was defeated. The council also received reports and correspondence on the transit plan and passed the by-law.

• Approved Report PW 55-2021 to create a consolidated transit commission, subject to municipal and elector majorities.
• Defeated a motion to defer the transit decision for three weeks.
• Received a report addressing concerns raised by the City of Welland.
• Received minutes from the Niagara Transit Committee meeting of September 29, 2021.
• Received 83 items of correspondence regarding consolidated transit.
• Passed By-law 2021-96 to establish a consolidated passenger transportation system.
• Passed By-law 2021-97 to adopt the proceedings of the meeting.

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is reviewing various agency and service budget submissions for the 2022 fiscal year. Items include proposals for housing, conservation, court services, and police services.

• Niagara Regional Housing 2022 Operating Budget submission
• Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2022 Municipal Levy Apportionment
• Court Services 2022 Budget Report
• Revised 2022 Proposed Operating Budget for Niagara Regional Police Service

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole approved in principle the 2022 operating budgets for Niagara Regional Housing, Niagara Regional Police Services, and Court Services, along with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority's municipal levy, all subject to the final tax levy decision on December 9, 2021. No substantive decisions were made beyond these approvals.

• Approved Niagara Regional Housing 2022 Operating Budget in principle (carried)
• Approved Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2022 municipal levy to Niagara Region (carried)
• Approved Court Services 2022 gross operating budget of $8,067,487 in principle (carried)
• Approved revised Niagara Regional Police Services 2022 Operating Budget in principle (carried)
• Received information on cost per household for policing services (carried)

Women's Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to receive presentations on Niagara's Transportation Master Plan and the Living in Niagara Report. The committee will also consider its 2022 meeting schedule and receive updates on the 16 Days of Activism working group and a Halifax work plan.

• Presentation on Niagara's Transportation Master Plan by Bruce Zvaniga, Interim Commissioner, Public Works
• Presentation on Living in Niagara Report by Mary Wiley, InCommunities 211
• Consideration of 2022 Women's Advisory Committee meeting dates (WAC-C 2-2021)
• Update on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Working Group
• Review of Women's Advisory Committee Work Plan from Halifax (WAC-C 3-2021)

The committee approved four Wednesday meetings for 2022 (Jan 26, Mar 30, May 25, Jul 27) at 4:00 p.m. It also received the October 6, 2021 minutes for information. Presentations were given on the Transportation Master Plan and the Living in Niagara report, and an update was provided on the 16 Days of Activism campaign. No substantive decisions were made beyond the meeting dates.

• Approved 2022 meeting dates: Jan 26, Mar 30, May 25, Jul 27 at 4:00 p.m.
• Received October 6, 2021 minutes for information.

Council

Niagara Regional Council meets electronically to consider a motion endorsing a City of St. Catharines request for a Minister's Zoning Order on lands at 406 Lakeshore Road, and to receive committee reports and adopt 2022 budgets for waste, water, and wastewater. The agenda also includes appointments to the Niagara Regional Housing Board, a delegation from Losani Group about development charge transition agreements, and a declaration of a vacant council seat.

• Motion to endorse Minister's Zoning Order for 406 Lakeshore Road, St. Catharines
• Appointments to Niagara Regional Housing Board of Directors (CL-C 88-2021)
• By-laws to adopt 2022 budgets: waste management (Bill 2021-89), water (Bill 2021-90), wastewater (Bill 2021-91)
• Delegation from Losani Group re: Regional Development Charge Transition Agreements extension
• Declaration of vacant Regional Council seat (CL-C 82-2021)

Council declared the Regional Council seat held by Sandie Bellows (St. Catharines) vacant and asked the city to advise on how to fill it by December 15, 2021. It also approved all committee minutes and recommendations, including the Budget Review Committee and Public Works Committee. A motion to extend a brownfield transition agreement with Losani Homes was referred to the Corporate Services Committee for further staff consultation. Council endorsed a St. Catharines motion requesting a Minister's Zoning Order for 406 Lakeshore Road to protect employment lands.

• Declared the Regional Council seat held by Sandie Bellows vacant, effective immediately.
• Requested the City of St. Catharines advise on its preferred method to fill the vacancy by December 15, 2021.
• Referred the Regional Development Charge Transition Agreements Extension Request (Losani Homes) to the Corporate Services Committee for staff consultation and a report.
• Endorsed the St. Catharines Council motion requesting a Minister's Zoning Order for 406 Lakeshore Road to apply a General Employment 'E2' Zone.
• Approved all committee minutes and recommendations from Audit, Budget Review, Public Works, Public Health, Corporate Services, and Planning & Economic Development.
• Adopted 2022 waste management, water, and wastewater budgets and set requisitions for lower-tier municipalities.
• Passed by-laws for road dedication, traffic regulation changes, and confirmation of council actions.
• Elected community members to the Niagara Regional Housing Board for a two-year term ending October 31, 2023.

Transportation Steering Committee

The Transportation Steering Committee is meeting electronically to receive information and hear a delegation about the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for Regional Road 87 in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines. The agenda includes updates on active transportation and the Greater Niagara Circle Route, plus a presentation on a new cycling map. No items are listed for formal consideration.

• Delegation from Niagara Cycling Clubs Alliance on Regional Road 87 MCEA (TSC-C 13-2021)
• Letter from Niagara Cycling Clubs Alliance re: Notice of Project Completion for Regional Road 87 (TSC-C 7-2021)
• Letter from G. Guthrie, Manager Capital Projects, re: MCEA for Regional Road 87 (TSC-C 12-2021)
• Active Transportation Sub-Committee meeting notes from Aug. 18, 2021 (TSC-C 9-2021)
• Greater Niagara Circle Route meeting notes from May 17, 2021 (TSC-C 10-2021)

The Transportation Steering Committee received for information four items, including letters about the Regional Road 87 environmental assessment and prior meeting minutes. Members heard a delegation from the Niagara Cycling Clubs Alliance expressing concerns about cycling safety on Regional Road 87. Staff provided updates on the new Niagara Cycling Map, the Greater Niagara Circle Route, and the Active Transportation Sub-Committee. No substantive decisions were made; all items were informational.

• Received TSC-C 7-2021 (letter from Niagara Cycling Clubs Alliance on Regional Road 87 EA) for information
• Received TSC-C 12-2021 (staff letter on Regional Road 87 EA) for information
• Received TSC 1-2021 (April 27, 2021 minutes) for information
• Received TSC-C 9-2021 (Active Transportation Steering Committee notes) for information
• Received TSC-C 10-2021 (Greater Niagara Circle Route meeting notes) for information

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting electronically to consider proposed amendments to the Regional Municipality of Niagara's procedural by-law, including changes to rules for delegations and presentations. The committee will also discuss a referral about adopting an in-person and virtual hybrid meeting model. Several information items are on the agenda, including staff responses to councillor requests, community member conduct guidelines, and the City of St. Catharines' procedural by-law.

• Proposed amendments to the Procedural By-law (PBLRC-C 1-2021), including Section 13 on delegations and presentations
• Referral of motion respecting in-person and virtual hybrid meeting model (PBLRC-C 2-2021)
• Staff response to councillor information requests (PBLRC-C 3-2021)
• Community member conduct guidelines (PBLRC-C 4-2021)
• City of St. Catharines Procedural By-law (PBLRC-C 5-2021), added at request of Councillor Edgar

The Procedural By-law Review Committee received two memoranda for information: one on proposed procedural by-law amendments and another on a referral regarding in-person and virtual hybrid meeting models. No substantive decisions were made; all items were received for information only.

• Received PBLRC-C 1-2021, proposed procedural by-law amendments (carried)
• Received PBLRC-C 2-2021, referral on in-person and virtual hybrid meeting model (carried)
• Received consent items PBLRC-C 3-2021, 4-2021, and 5-2021 for information (carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will consider recommendations on converting employment areas under the Niagara Official Plan, with delegations from chambers of commerce, an industrial association, a developer, and a resident. The committee will also receive an update on foreign direct investment and trade. A closed session is scheduled for litigation advice regarding a St. Catharines Official Plan amendment.

• Report PDS 39-2021: Niagara Official Plan Employment Area Conversion Recommendations
• Delegations from Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, South Niagara Chambers of Commerce, Niagara Industrial Association, Timberlee Glen Group, and a St. Catharines resident
• Economic Development Foreign Direct Investment Update (ED 18-2021)
• Closed session: litigation and legal advice on LPAT/OLT appeal re: Local OPA No. 26, City of St. Catharines

The Planning and Economic Development Committee approved a staff recommendation to deny all requests to convert employment areas to other uses, maintaining the employment areas as set out in Report PDS 39-2021. The decision followed delegations from business groups in support and a resident in opposition. The committee also received a confidential report on litigation regarding Local OPA No. 26 and approved its recommendations, and received an economic development update for information.

• Approved staff recommendation to deny all employment area conversion requests (carried)
• Received and approved confidential report PDS 38-2021 on LPAT/OLT appeal regarding Local OPA No. 26 (carried)
• Received economic development foreign direct investment update for information (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a request for funding from McNally House Hospice, an extension of Regional Development Charge Transition Agreements, a budget increase for the NRPS Shooting Range HVAC upgrade, and the implementation of a mandatory lobbyist registry. The committee will also receive a presentation on the 2022 Canada Summer Games and discuss a motion on advanced high-speed internet. A closed session will address litigation and the corporate COVID-19 vaccination policy.

• Request for funding from McNally House Hospice (CSC-C 33-2021)
• Regional Development Charge Transition Agreements extension request (CSD 57-2021)
• NRPS Shooting Range HVAC Upgrade budgetary increase (CSD 69-2021)
• Implementation of a mandatory lobbyist registry (CLK 12-2021)
• Corporate COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Update (CAO 19-2021)

The Corporate Services Committee approved the implementation of a mandatory Lobbyist Registry for Niagara Region, subject to 2022 budget funding, and approved the draft by-law and code of conduct in principle. It also approved a $157,000 budget increase for the NRPS shooting range HVAC upgrade, directed staff to single-source research on development charges to CANCEA, and approved a motion to send a letter to the province requesting a pause of the Advanced High-Speed Internet Program. The committee denied extensions for Brownfield Transition agreements under the Regional Development Charge By-law.

• Approved mandatory Lobbyist Registry implementation, subject to 2022 budget funding (12-1)
• Approved $157,000 budget increase for NRPS shooting range HVAC upgrade, funded from Capital Variance – Levy
• Directed staff to single-source research to CANCEA for 2022 Development Charges Background Study
• Denied extensions for Brownfield Transition agreements under Regional Development Charge By-Law 2017-98 (9-4)
• Approved motion to send letter to province requesting pause of Advanced High-Speed Internet Program
• Received McNally House Hospice funding request for consideration in 2022 budget
• Received Corporate COVID-19 Vaccination Policy update for information
• Moved into closed session for litigation updates; received confidential reports and proceeded as directed

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to receive presentations and consider several staff reports. Items include a housing services presentation, an update on Niagara EMS system pressures, a proposed contract with the Canadian Red Cross for emergency social services, and a long-term care home funding policy update. The committee will also receive information items on public health risk management and a shelter diversion pilot.

• Housing Services presentation by D. Woiceshyn and others
• PHD 11-2021: Niagara EMS System Pressure Update
• COM 25-2021: Emergency Social Services – Canadian Red Cross Contract/Agreement
• COM 26-2021: Long-Term Care Home Funding Policy Update
• COM-C 34-2021: Shelter Diversion Pilot Update (information)

The committee approved a report on Niagara Emergency Medical Services system pressure, directing the Regional Chair to send letters to the Minister of Health and Ministry of Health about offload delays and four additional ambulance dispatch staff, with the motion circulated to AMO, MARCO, Big City Mayors Caucus, and local MPPs. It also approved a three-year Canadian Red Cross agreement for emergency social services (2022-2024) and a $1,360,741 operating budget adjustment funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, adding 112 permanent full-time equivalents. Two information items were received: risk management activities in public health and a shelter diversion pilot update. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved NEMS system pressure report with letters to Minister of Health and Ministry of Health (carried)
• Approved 3-year Canadian Red Cross emergency social services agreement (carried)
• Approved $1,360,741 operating budget adjustment for long-term care (carried)
• Approved 112 new permanent full-time equivalents for long-term care (carried)
• Received risk management activities in public health memo (carried)
• Received shelter diversion pilot update memo (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider amendments to the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program By-law and award a contract for the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 1 secondary treatment upgrades. A delegation from CHAR Technologies Ltd. will present on a biomass pyrolysis project. The committee will also receive information items on waste management, including a curbside waste composition study and landfill updates.

• Award of Contract 2021-T-38 for Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 1 – Secondary Treatment Upgrades
• Amendments to Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program By-law No. 2018-26
• Delegation from CHAR Technologies Ltd. on Thorold Biomass Pyrolysis Project
• Waste Management Planning Steering Committee minutes and reports (curbside waste study, Humberstone Landfill wait time pilot)
• Closed session on GO Station Development Strategy Update (land acquisition/negotiations)

The Public Works Committee approved awarding a $48,559,881 contract for the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 1 upgrades to Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. They also approved amendments to the cycling program by-law to add three new projects, and supported in principle a proposed biomass pyrolysis facility in Thorold with no funding obligation. All decisions were carried unanimously.

• Awarded Contract 2021-T-38 to Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. for $48,559,881 (including 13% HST) for Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 1 upgrades
• Increased contract amounts for Environmental Infrastructure Services Inc. by $335,898 and $578,537 for contract administration and design services, totaling $2,930,749
• Increased gross budget for the wastewater treatment plant project by $2,680,529, funded from Capital Variance Project - Wastewater
• Approved amendments to By-law No. 2018-26 to add three cycling projects (RR71, RR38, RR529) for Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program grant funding
• Supported in principle the Thorold Biomass Pyrolysis Project by CHAR Technologies Ltd. with no funding obligation, and circulated the motion to the City of Thorold
• Received for information the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee minutes and a councillor information request on waste management consultant work

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the 2022 operating budgets and rate requisitions for Waste Management Services and Water and Wastewater Services, as well as the proposed 2022 operating budget for the Niagara Regional Police Service. Presentations will precede each item. The police budget is recommended for approval in principle, subject to the total tax levy decision on December 9, 2021. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.

• 2022 Waste Management Services operating budget and rate requisition (CSD 67-2021)
• 2022 Water and Wastewater operating budget, rate setting, and requisition (CSD 68-2021)
• Niagara Regional Police Service 2022 proposed operating budget (BRC-C 11-2021)
• Assessment growth year-to-date actual and projection (BRC-C 10-2021)
• Councillor information request from October 7, 2021 (BRC-C 12-2021)

The Budget Review Committee approved the 2022 Waste Management Services operating budget with a net increase of $2,246,285 (5.54%) and a gross budget of $69,306,516. It also approved the 2022 Water and Wastewater operating budgets, including a net operating increase of $2,508,401 (2%) plus $3,950,509 (3.15%) for capital financing, and set water and wastewater rates and requisitions. The Niagara Regional Police 2022 operating budget was deferred to November 25, 2021, to allow the Police Services Board to revise it by removing $500,000 as requested.

• Approved 2022 Waste Management net operating budget increase of $2,246,285 (5.54%)
• Approved 2022 Waste Management gross budget of $69,306,516 and net budget of $42,813,049
• Approved 2022 Water & Wastewater net operating base budget increase of $2,508,401 (2%) plus $3,950,509 (3.15%) for capital financing
• Approved 2022 Water Operations gross budget of $48,895,951 and net budget of $48,517,726
• Approved 2022 variable water rate of $0.636 effective January 1, 2022
• Approved 2022 Wastewater Operations gross budget of $86,535,117 and net budget of $83,341,487
• Approved 2022 fixed wastewater requisition based on 100% of net operating budget, including 2020 reconciliation
• Deferred Niagara Regional Police 2022 operating budget to November 25, 2021, for revision removing $500,000

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is reviewing several financial and program audits. Items include a purchasing card follow-up audit, external audit planning, and various community and public health program audits.

• 2022 Audit Committee Schedule
• Purchasing Card Follow-up Audit Final Report
• 2021 External Audit Planning Report
• Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2020 Financial Statements
• 2020/2021 Community Services Program Audits

The Audit Committee received the 2021 External Audit Planning Report from Deloitte for information and approved the 2022 meeting schedule. It also directed staff to implement recommendations from the Purchasing Card Follow-up Audit, and received several audit-related reports for information. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved 2022 Audit Committee meeting schedule (Feb 14, May 16, Jul 25, Aug 29) (carried)
• Directed staff to implement recommendations in Purchasing Card Follow-up Audit (carried)
• Received 2021 External Audit Planning Report for information (carried)
• Received Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2020 Financial Statements for information (carried)
• Received 2020/2021 Community Services, Public Health, and Emergency Services program audits for information (carried)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear presentations on creating a trans-inclusive workplace and the OUTniagara project, and to discuss establishing 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Anti-Racism working groups plus its workplan. The meeting is open to public viewing by request.

• Presentation: Creating a Trans-Inclusive Workspace by Sabrina Hill, The Vittoria Foundation
• Presentation: Informed, Inclusive, Indivisible Project by Kerry Duncan, OUTniagara
• DEIAC-C 6-2021: Establishment of 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Anti-Racism Working Groups
• DEIAC-C 7-2021: Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Workplan
• Minutes of August 24, 2021 for review

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee received a memorandum on establishing working groups and then voted to form two new working groups for the remainder of the 2021-2022 term: one focused on 2SLGBTQQIA+ issues and one on anti-racism. Members were appointed to each group. The committee also received the minutes from its August 24, 2021 meeting, but did not discuss its workplan due to time constraints.

• Received memorandum DEIAC-C 6-2021 on establishing working groups (carried)
• Formed 2SLGBTQQIA+ working group for remainder of 2021-2022 term (carried)
• Appointed Bri Irvine and Emily Spanton to 2SLGBTQQIA+ working group (carried)
• Formed anti-racism working group for remainder of 2021-2022 term (carried)
• Appointed Ather Shabbar, Eldean Ivri, and Emily Spanton to anti-racism working group (carried)
• Received minutes DEIAC 2-2021 from August 24, 2021 meeting (carried)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider the Court Services 2022 Operating Budget, which includes a presentation and a business case for COVID-19 costs. The board will also receive updates on COVID-19, its 2022 membership, and the minutes from the August 19, 2021 meeting.

• Court Services 2022 Operating Budget (JBM-C 10-2021) with presentation and COVID-19 cost business case
• Court Services COVID-19 Update (JBM-C 11-2021)
• Joint Board of Management 2022 Membership (JBM-C 12-2021)
• Meeting minutes from August 19, 2021 (JBM 3-2021)

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts approved the 2022 Court Services gross operating budget of $8,067,487 with net budget revenue of $639,040, a decrease of $41,134 (6.1%) from 2021. The budget will be considered as part of the 2022 operating budget deliberations. The board also received information items on COVID-19 updates, 2022 board membership, and prior meeting minutes, and discussed the Vision Zero program update.

• Approved 2022 Court Services gross operating budget of $8,067,487 and net revenue of $639,040 (carried)
• Received Court Services COVID-19 Update for information (carried)
• Received Joint Board of Management 2022 Membership for information (carried)
• Received minutes of August 19, 2021 meeting for information (carried)

Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force is meeting to consider additional information on residential development charge rates by square foot (area) and to receive an update on stakeholder engagement sessions. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19, with no public access to headquarters.

• RDCPTF-C 9-2021: Additional Information Regarding Residential Development Charge Rates by Square Foot (Area)
• RDCPTF-C 8-2021: Stakeholder Engagement Session Update 2
• Appendix 1 - Definitions Discussed at September 28, 2021 Stakeholder Sessions

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force approved a motion directing staff to single-source research on the correlation between dwelling size and persons per unit to CANCEA, with results to be reported back to Council before any further action on the 2022 development charges background study and by-law update. The task force also received an update on stakeholder engagement sessions for information. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved motion to direct staff to single-source research to CANCEA on dwelling size and persons per unit (carried)
• Received stakeholder engagement session update for information (carried)

Council

The Niagara Region Council is considering a motion to declare a state of emergency regarding mental health, addictions, and homelessness. The agenda also includes discussions on the recruitment of a permanent Medical Officer of Health and various regional infrastructure projects.

• Declaration of an Emergency for Mental Health, Addictions and Homelessness
• Recruitment of Permanent Medical Officer of Health
• Long-term financing of $3,819,045 for a Niagara Region capital project (Bill 2021-83)
• Reconstruction of Regional Road 98/Montrose Road (Bill 2021-84)
• Designation of a Community Safety Zone on Regional Road 20/Lundy's Lane (Bill 2021-86)

Niagara Regional Council approved a new Regional Incentives Policy with sunset clauses for existing programs, after rejecting amendments to alter program timelines. A motion to declare a state of emergency on mental health, homelessness, and addiction was defeated, as it was deemed a reconsideration requiring a two-thirds vote that was not achieved. Council also approved a $4.25M increase to the Canada Games Park construction contract and suspended Councillor Bylsma's remuneration for seven days.

• Approved Regional Incentives Policy with sunset clauses (19-11)
• Defeated motion to declare state of emergency on mental health, homelessness, and addiction
• Approved $4,254,762 increase to Canada Games Park construction contract
• Suspended Councillor Bylsma's remuneration for 7 days (28-1)
• Directed staff to initiate recruitment for permanent Medical Officer of Health
• Referred COVID-19 vaccination policy update to Corporate Services Committee
• Approved by-laws for long-term financing, road reconstruction, and community safety zone

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to receive a delegation from CHAR Technologies Ltd. about a biomass pyrolysis project in Thorold that would convert biomass to renewable natural gas and biocarbon. The committee will also review information items including the 2020-2021 curbside waste composition study results, Waste Reduction Week 2021, a landfill wait time pilot, and updates on waste collection calls and other operations. No items are listed for formal consideration, so the meeting is primarily informational and discussion-focused.

• Delegation: Thorold Biomass Pyrolysis Project - Biomass to Renewable Natural Gas and Biocarbon (CHAR Technologies Ltd.)
• 2020-2021 Curbside Waste Composition Study Results (presentation and report)
• Waste Reduction Week 2021
• Humberstone Landfill Wait Time Pilot
• Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizens Liaison Committee meeting notes from July 7, 2021

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee received several information items, including the 2020-2021 curbside waste composition study results, Waste Reduction Week 2021, and the Humberstone Landfill wait time pilot. No substantive decisions were made; all items were received for information only.

• Received 2020-2021 Curbside Waste Composition Study results (carried)
• Received Waste Reduction Week 2021 memo (carried)
• Received Humberstone Landfill Wait Time Pilot memo (carried)
• Received updates on waste collection calls, councillor requests, container line drum feeder, and landfill liaison meeting notes (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is considering a budget increase for the Canada Summer Games, a proposed disposition of vacant land at 35 King Street in Port Colborne, an award of a Human Resource Information System services agreement, and recommendations from the Women's Advisory Committee. A delegation will address development charges for 135 Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The agenda also includes information items on a small business tax subclass and diversity advisory committees, plus two closed-session items.

• Canada Summer Games budget increase (CSD 55-2021)
• Vacant land at 35 King Street, Port Colborne (CSD 62-2021)
• Award of HRIS Application Support, Maintenance & Development Services Agreement (HR 02-2021)
• Delegation re development charges at 135 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Closed session: Cellmark claim and Niagara Recycling Operations Agreement; 35 King Street land disposition

The Corporate Services Committee approved a $4,254,762 increase to the Canada Games Park construction contract with Aquicon Construction, bringing the total to $107,221,434, and increased the gross budget by $4,131,344 funded from the Capital Variance - Levy Project. The committee also declared vacant land at 35 King Street in Port Colborne surplus and authorized its disposal, and approved a request to consider HRIS technical development hours in the 2022 budget. A delegation request for development charge relief at 135 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake was referred to staff for a report.

• Approved $4,254,762 increase to Canada Games Park construction contract, total $107,221,434 (carried)
• Approved $4,131,344 increase to Canada Games Park gross budget, funded from Capital Variance - Levy Project (carried)
• Declared vacant land at 35 King Street, Port Colborne surplus to Niagara Region needs (carried)
• Authorized disposal of 35 King Street land per Disposal of Land By-law 26-2011 (carried)
• Approved consideration of HRIS technical development hours in 2022 budget, total $426,540 over 3 years (carried)
• Supported application for CanWILL funding to address barriers for women in municipal office (carried)
• Referred development charge relief request for 135 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake to staff for report (carried)
• Received reports on small business tax subclass and diversity advisory committees for information (carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is meeting electronically to consider the Brock District Placemaking Manual, which will be presented before discussion, and to review recommendations from the Agricultural Policy and Action Committee regarding draft agricultural system policies. The agenda also includes several items for information, such as the Brock District Plan 5-Year Monitoring Report, 2021 Public Realm Investment Program funding commitments, and a letter to the Premier about a Comprehensive Marine Strategy.

• Brock District Placemaking Manual (PDS 25-2021) with presentation
• Recommendations from Agricultural Policy and Action Committee, including draft Agricultural System Policies (PDS-C 51-2021)
• Brock District Plan 5-Year Monitoring Report (PDS 26-2021)
• Public Realm Investment Program (PRIP) 2021 Funding Commitments - Second Call (PDS-C 47-2021)
• Letter to Premier Ford re: Comprehensive Marine Strategy (ED-C 1-2021)

The committee endorsed the Brock District Placemaking Manual as a design commitment and approved forwarding a marine strategy request to the province. It also received the Agricultural Policy and Action Committee's recommendations, including a letter on fill regulation and a meeting with Vineland Growers. All motions carried without recorded opposition.

• Endorsed Brock District Placemaking Manual (carried)
• Approved circulating Brock District report to St. Catharines, Thorold, and Brock University (carried)
• Approved sending letter to local municipalities on fill regulation in agricultural areas (carried)
• Directed staff to meet with Vineland Growers on agricultural policies and water station (carried)
• Endorsed St. Catharines motion for provincial Marine Strategy (carried)
• Approved forwarding marine strategy motion to provincial and federal officials (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a hazardous products regulation, authorization to negotiate with producers for the residential blue box program, a community safety zone on Lundy's Lane, and initiating funds for a St. Catharines grade separation environmental assessment. They will also hear delegations on wastewater treatment plant procedures and environmental due diligence for a road extension, and receive information items including waste management steering committee minutes.

• Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) Regulation (PW 44-2021)
• Residential Blue Box Program – Authorization to Negotiate with Producers (PW 48-2021)
• Community Safety Zone on Regional Road 20 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls (PW 49-2021)
• West St. Catharines Grade Separation Environmental Assessment Funds Initiation (PW 46-2021)
• Environmental Due Diligence for Regional Road 57 (Thorold Stone Road) extension, Niagara Falls (PW 45-2021)

The Public Works Committee approved several items, including authorizing staff to continue collecting hazardous waste materials until end of 2022 and to negotiate with producers for funding under the HSP Regulation. It also approved negotiating the transition of the residential Blue Box program to full producer responsibility, and designated a Community Safety Zone on Regional Road 20 (Lundy's Lane) in Niagara Falls. Additionally, the committee initiated $250,000 in funding for the West St. Catharines Grade Separation Environmental Assessment study. A delegation request regarding wastewater treatment plant procedures was referred to staff for a future report.

• Approved staff authorization to continue hazardous waste collection until end of 2022 and negotiate with producers (carried)
• Approved staff authorization to negotiate Blue Box program transition to producer responsibility (carried)
• Approved Community Safety Zone designation on Regional Road 20 (Lundy's Lane) from Kalar Road to Montrose Road (carried)
• Initiated $250,000 from 2019 capital budget for West St. Catharines Grade Separation EA study (carried)
• Referred delegation on wastewater hauler procedures to staff for report (carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will consider a five-year poverty reduction strategy and policy options on waterpipe (hookah) smoking, with presentations preceding both items. The committee will also receive information reports on child care during COVID-19, homelessness plans for winter 2021, seniors services quality, and other updates.

• COM 22-2021: Path Forward to Building a Five Year Poverty Reduction Strategy
• PHD 10-2021: Waterpipe (Hookah) Smoking - Policy Considerations
• COM-C 31-2021: Homelessness Plans for Winter 2021
• COM-C 30-2021: Update on Managing the Licensed Child Care System During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Delegation from Angie Domenegato, City of Niagara Falls, on vaccinations

The committee received and approved a report directing staff to develop a Niagara Region Poverty Reduction Strategy, establish a steering committee with a Regional Councillor as champion, and transition the Niagara Prosperity Initiative administration in-house. It also approved directing staff to consult on a potential regional by-law on waterpipe (hookah) smoking. Consent items were received, including an amendment calling on the Province to engage the federal government on a National Child Care Strategy.

• Approved staff direction to develop a five-year Poverty Reduction Strategy (carried)
• Approved establishing a Poverty Reduction Steering Committee with a Regional Councillor champion (carried)
• Approved transitioning Niagara Prosperity Initiative administration in-house to Community Services (carried)
• Approved staff consultation with local municipalities on a waterpipe smoking by-law (carried)
• Approved consent items including child care, homelessness, and housing reports (carried)
• Approved amendment calling on Province to engage federal government on National Child Care Strategy (carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting electronically to consider a report on regional incentives information and alternatives, including a proposed motion to amend a previous report. Two delegations are scheduled, and an email from a resident about incentive review is included for information.

• Report PDS 37-2021 on Regional Incentives Information and Alternatives
• Delegation by Ray Denk, resident of St. Catharines
• Delegation by Bruce Hall on behalf of Port Dalhousie Harbour Club
• Email from H. Beekhuis regarding incentive review
• Appendix 1: Proposed motion to amend PDS 31-2021

The Committee of the Whole received a report on regional incentives and approved a referred motion to adopt the Niagara Region Incentives Policy with additions, including maintaining current TIG and Smart Growth DC programs in municipal CIP districts until October 1, 2024, and setting a maximum budget for the SNIP program. The motion carried 15-9. Staff were directed to review the programs before October 2024 and explore adding the Niagara Investment in Culture Program.

• Approved Niagara Region Incentives Policy with additions (15-9)
• Maintained TIG and Smart Growth DC programs in municipal CIP districts until Oct 1, 2024
• Set SNIP maximum grant amount to be determined in annual budget
• Directed staff to provide sunset clause policies for approved programs
• Directed staff to review incentive programs and report before Oct 2024
• Directed staff to explore adding Niagara Investment in Culture Program
• Circulated Report PDS 37-2021 to local municipalities
• Permitted Bruce Hall to delegate on regional incentives

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to review the proposed 2022 Capital Budget, including a presentation and detailed staff reports. They will also consider a project budget approval for the reconstruction of Montrose Road (Regional Road 98) in Niagara Falls. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.

• 2022 Capital Budget overview and staff report (CSD 51-2021)
• Project budget approval for reconstruction of Montrose Road between McLeod Rd and Lyons Creek Rd (CSD 64-2021)
• Capital budget appendices include debt information, reserve balances, and 9-year forecast
• Operating impacts of capital projects included in budget review

The Budget Review Committee approved the 2022 Capital Budget of $327,889,304, pending final by-law approval in December. A proposed amendment to increase the capital levy reserve transfer to $8,754,500 (2.16%) was defeated. The committee also approved early initiation of the Montrose Road reconstruction project.

• Approved 2022 Capital Budget of $327,889,304 (21-3)
• Approved $4,053,006 (1.00%) transfer to Capital Levy Reserve (20-4)
• Defeated amendment to increase capital levy transfer to $8,754,500 (2.16%) (9-15)
• Approved $31,532,100 Montrose Road reconstruction project, initiated early
• Authorized amendment to Parsons Inc. engineering agreement for $1,628,309.66

Women's Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear a presentation on the Niagara Official Plan and its Health Impact Assessment, and to receive updates on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The committee will also discuss the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence working group and a grant opportunity from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

• Presentation on Niagara Official Plan and Health Impact Assessment by Planning and Public Health staff
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion updates from program manager Cassie Ogunniyi
• Consent item: HR Best Practices Guidebook on increasing diversity and inclusion in recruitment
• Consent item: Minutes from July 28, 2021 meeting
• Discussion on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence working group

The Women's Advisory Committee received updates on the Niagara Official Plan, Health Impact Assessment, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. The committee voted to recommend that Regional Council support an application for funding from the Canadian Women in Local Leadership (CanWILL) project, which aims to address barriers for women in municipal office. The motion was carried.

• Recommended Regional Council support CanWILL funding application (carried)
• Received HR Best Practices Guidebook for information
• Received July 28, 2021 minutes for information

Linking Niagara Transit Committee

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee is reviewing transit governance results and initiating a triple-majority process. The committee is also discussing a common transit fare technology solution.

• Niagara Transit Governance – Phase 2 Consultation Results and Triple-Majority Initiation
• Common Transit Fare Technology Solution

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee received a report on Phase 2 consultation results and approved recommendations to endorse final financial, governance, and service plan strategies for a consolidated transit system. The committee also recommended that Regional Council direct staff to initiate the formal triple-majority approval process to create a regionally integrated transit system. A separate item on common transit fare technology was received for information only.

• Endorsed final financial, governance, and service plan strategies (carried)
• Recommended Regional Council initiate triple-majority approval process for integrated transit (carried)
• Received common transit fare technology memorandum for information (carried)

Council Special

This special council meeting is primarily to handle the appointment of a Chief Administrative Officer, with the draft employment contract discussed in closed session. The council will consider a by-law to formally appoint the CAO and a confirming by-law to ratify the meeting's actions. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive public items.

• Closed session on CAO recruitment and draft employment contract
• Bill 2021-81: by-law to appoint a Chief Administrative Officer
• Bill 2021-82: confirming by-law for the September 29, 2021 special meeting

Council approved the appointment of Ron Tripp as Chief Administrative Officer for Niagara Region, following a closed session discussion of his draft employment contract. The appointment was confirmed by a recorded vote of 18 in favor and none against, and the corresponding by-law (Bill 2021-81) was passed. A second by-law (Bill 2021-82) to adopt and confirm the actions of the meeting was also passed.

• Appointed Ron Tripp as Chief Administrative Officer (18-0)
• Passed Bill 2021-81 to appoint the Chief Administrative Officer
• Passed Bill 2021-82 to adopt and confirm actions of the meeting

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee is meeting electronically to consider consent items, including draft Agricultural System Policies, a letter from United Way Niagara on community gardens, and responses from federal ministers regarding Niagara's agriculture sector and temporary foreign workers. No items are listed for formal consideration; the agenda consists of information items and an irrigation update.

• Draft Agricultural System Policies (APAC-C 7-2021) for review
• Letter from United Way Niagara on Niagara Community Gardens Position Statement (APAC-C 5-2021)
• Responses from Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and IRCC to Regional Chair Jim Bradley's letter on temporary foreign workers (APAC-C 6-2021)
• Minutes of April 30, 2021 meeting (APAC 2-2021)
• Irrigation update under other business

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee received three items for information and approved a motion with amendments. The committee requested the chair send a letter to local municipalities about regulating fill placement in agricultural areas, and directed staff to meet with Vineland Growers regarding policies and an onsite water station. No substantive decisions were made beyond these actions.

• Received Niagara Community Gardens Position Statement letter (carried)
• Received memo on Agriculture Sector and Temporary Foreign Workers response (carried)
• Received Draft Agricultural System Policies memo (carried)
• Requested chair send letter to local municipalities on fill regulation in agricultural areas (carried)
• Directed staff to meet with Vineland Growers on policies and onsite water station (carried)
• Received April 30, 2021 meeting minutes (carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting electronically to consider several borrowing by-laws for capital projects, road dedication by-laws, and reports from its committees. The agenda also includes motions deferred from a previous meeting, including the recruitment of a permanent Medical Officer of Health and a request to amend the Highway Traffic Act regarding speed limits.

• Borrowing by-laws for Niagara Region, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and West Lincoln (Bills 2021-73 to 2021-76)
• Dedication of land for Regional Road No. 20 in West Lincoln (Bill 2021-77)
• Dedication of land for Regional Road No. 87 (Lakeshore Road West) in St. Catharines (Bill 2021-78)
• Motion to recruit a permanent Medical Officer of Health
• Motion to request review and amendment of Section 128 (Rate of Speed) of the Highway Traffic Act

Council unanimously committed to recognizing September 30, 2021, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by sharing stories of residential school survivors. It also approved updated Land Acknowledgement Statements, supported a motion to reduce statutory speed limits to 40 km/h, and passed several by-laws for long-term financing and road dedications.

• Committed to recognizing Sept 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (26-0)
• Approved updated Land Acknowledgement Statements, shared with local municipalities, NPCA, and NRPS
• Supported motion to request province reduce statutory speed limit to 40 km/h in built-up areas
• Approved by-laws for OILC long-term financing for Region, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, West Lincoln
• Approved by-law to amend authorized long-term financing by $129,187,000 for capital projects
• Dedicated parts of roads in West Lincoln and St. Catharines as Regional Roads
• Received reports on return-to-workplace planning and AMO Conference 2021
• Moved into closed session for solicitor-client privileged matters on development charge collections

Council Special

This is a special meeting of Niagara Region Council held electronically. The main substantive item is a closed session to discuss a confidential verbal update on the Chief Administrative Officer recruitment, specifically the draft employment contract, citing personal matters and solicitor-client privilege. The only public action is a confirming by-law (Bill 2021-71) to ratify the council's actions from the meeting.

• Closed session: Confidential verbal update on Chief Administrative Officer recruitment and draft employment contract
• Bill 2021-71: Confirming by-law for actions of Regional Council at the September 16, 2021 special meeting
• Meeting held by electronic participation only due to COVID-19; Council Chamber closed to public

The special council meeting was largely procedural. Council adopted the agenda, moved into closed session to discuss the Chief Administrative Officer recruitment and draft employment contract, and received a confidential verbal update. Council then directed staff to proceed as instructed in closed session and passed a by-law to confirm the meeting's actions.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (carried)
• Moved into closed session for confidential CAO recruitment and legal advice (carried)
• Received confidential verbal update on CAO recruitment and directed staff to proceed as directed (carried)
• Passed Bill 2021-71 to adopt, ratify, and confirm council actions (carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is meeting electronically to consider recommendations from the Women's Advisory Committee and a climate change motion. They will also receive information on the Economic Development Strategy Update, a Port Colborne quarry official plan amendment, and further policy development for the Niagara Region Official Plan.

• Recommendations from the Women's Advisory Committee on women-owned businesses
• Climate Change Motion (PDS-C 50-2021)
• Economic Development Strategy Update and Economic Base Analysis (ED 17-2021)
• Initiation Report for Port Colborne Quarry Regional Official Plan Amendment 20 (PDS 35-2021)
• Consultation Response and Further Policy Development on Niagara Region Official Plan (PDS 36-2021)

The committee approved a motion declaring a climate emergency and directing staff to review all climate-related initiatives, research best practices, and report back with a program proposal including 2022 budget impacts. It also approved recommendations from the Women's Advisory Committee to use a gender-based lens in business support and complete Gender-based Analysis Plus for economic development surveys. A motion on industrial space opportunities was referred to staff for additional information and a timeline.

• Approved motion to declare a climate emergency and direct staff to review climate initiatives, research best practices, and report with a program proposal and 2022 budget impacts.
• Approved hosting a climate summit by Q2 2022, with provincial and federal governments informed of best practices.
• Approved using a presentation on women-owned/led businesses to inform policies and programs with a gender-based lens.
• Approved completing a Gender-based Analysis Plus process for all economic development surveys where appropriate.
• Received for information the Economic Development Strategy Update and Economic Base Analysis report.
• Received and circulated the Port Colborne Quarry Regional Official Plan Amendment 20 initiation report to specified bodies.
• Received and circulated the consultation response and further policy development report on the Niagara Region Official Plan to local municipalities.
• Referred the motion on industrial space economic development opportunities to staff for additional information and a timeline.

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will consider awarding a tender for the Gilmore Lodge long-term care home redevelopment in Fort Erie, along with related financing. The agenda also includes items on the 2022 meeting schedule, recommendations from advisory boards, a motion on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and a property matter at 745 Crescent Road. Several items are for information only, including a Q2 2021 financial update and a customer service strategy.

• Award of Tender 2021-T-100 for Long Term Care (LTC), Gilmore Lodge, Fort Erie
• 2022 Legislative Schedule of Regular Meetings
• Recommendations from Joint Board of Management (Niagara Courts)
• Recommendations from Regional Development Charges Task Force
• Vacant Land at 745 Crescent Road, Fort Erie

The Corporate Services Committee approved awarding the CCDC-2 Stipulated Price Contract for the Gilmore Lodge Long Term Care Home Redevelopment in Fort Erie to Walsh Canada at a bid price of $80,754,320 (including 13% HST). The committee also approved increasing the gross budget for the project by $18,516,547, funded by a provincial grant, debentures, and development charges. Additionally, the committee approved the 2022 legislative schedule of meetings, endorsed recommendations from the Joint Board of Management regarding Provincial Offences Act reforms, and approved a motion to recognize September 30, 2021, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

• Approved awarding the 2021-T-100 tender for Gilmore Lodge LTC Home Redevelopment to Walsh Canada for $80,754,320 including HST.
• Approved increasing the Gilmore Lodge project budget by $18,516,547, funded by a provincial grant, debentures, and development charges.
• Approved the 2022 Legislative Schedule of Regular Meetings.
• Approved directing the Regional Chair to send a letter to the Attorney General of Ontario regarding Provincial Offences Act reforms.
• Approved continuing to calculate development charges for water/wastewater on an urban-wide basis and for all other services on a uniform region-wide basis.
• Approved a motion committing to recognize September 30, 2021, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
• Approved declaring vacant land at 745 Crescent Road, Fort Erie, surplus and transferring it to Niagara Regional Housing for $1.00.
• Approved recommendations from a confidential report regarding litigation on outstanding development charge collections in Grimsby, with Councillor Gale voting against.

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to hear three resident delegations on mandating COVID-19 vaccinations, receive updates on health equity planning and homelessness data, and consider the sale of Oonuhseh Niagara Native Homes property and approval of the 2020 Public Health General Programs audit. Several informational items are also on the agenda, including an opioid update and a temporary COVID-19 memorial.

• Delegations on mandating COVID-19 vaccinations from residents of Smithville, Thorold, and Niagara Falls
• COM 21-2021: Oonuhseh Niagara Native Homes property sale
• PHD 9-2021: Approval of 2020 Public Health General Programs audit
• CWCD 2021-190: Opioid update memo
• PHD-C 12-2021: Temporary COVID-19 memorial

The committee approved the sale of three Oonuhseh Niagara Native Homes properties, with revenues to be used to increase affordable housing for Indigenous households. It also approved the 2020 Public Health General Program Audit and received several information items, including an opioid update and a COVID-19 memorial. A delegation request from Angie Domenegato was not permitted as it was received after the deadline.

• Approved sale of three Oonuhseh homes, revenues for Indigenous affordable housing
• Approved 2020 Public Health General Program Audit
• Received opioid update memo for information
• Received Dr. Karl Stobbe award memo for information
• Received consent items including housing action plan update and COVID-19 memorial
• Denied delegation request from Angie Domenegato (late submission)

Public Works Committee

This agenda for the Niagara Region Public Works Committee meeting on September 14, 2021 contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics. The document appears to be a system-generated placeholder with no substantive content.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the South Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant budget and property, preceded by a delegation from a Welland resident. The committee will also receive presentations on core housing need and growth management, and on Niagara's Affordable Housing Strategy. A consent item addresses a response to a councillor's information request about a Ministry of Environment investigation.

• South Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant budget and property (Report PW 39-2021)
• Delegation by Peter Inman, resident of Welland, on the wastewater plant
• Presentation on core housing need and growth management by CANCEA
• Presentation on Niagara's Affordable Housing Strategy
• Memorandum on response to MECP investigation (CWCD 2021-191)

The Committee of the Whole received Report PW 39-2021 on the South Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant and approved a recommendation to consider a budget increase for the capital projects as part of the 2022 budget process. A resident, Peter Inman, requested staff review infrastructure needs and potential savings if the new hospital is not built, and to explore partnerships with Niagara Health for upgrading existing hospital sites. The Committee also received a memorandum (CWCD 2021-191) regarding a Ministry of Environment investigation and referred it to the Corporate Services Committee meeting on September 15, 2021. Presentations were made on core housing need and the Affordable Housing Strategy, with a request for total housing supply data from 2019 to present.

• Approved receiving Report PW 39-2021 and approving its recommendation to consider a budget increase for the South Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant capital projects in the 2022 budget process.
• Referred memorandum CWCD 2021-191 (response to a councillor information request re Ministry of Environment investigation) to the Corporate Services Committee meeting on September 15, 2021.
• Received the memorandum CWCD 2021-191 for information (motion carried).
• Heard a delegation from Peter Inman requesting staff review infrastructure requirements and potential cost savings if the new hospital is not built, and to establish partnerships with Niagara Health for upgrading existing hospital sites.
• Received presentations on core housing need and growth management, and on Niagara's Affordable Housing Strategy.
• Councillor Insinna requested information on total housing supply from 2019 to present.

Council Special

This is a special meeting of Niagara Region Council held electronically. The main items are a closed-session update on recruiting a Chief Administrative Officer and a proposed offer of employment, plus receiving Committee of the Whole minutes that include a debate on the Niagara Region Incentives Policy. The meeting also includes a confirming by-law for the session. Most of the substantive discussion is expected to happen in closed session due to personal matters and legal advice exemptions.

• Closed session: update on CAO recruitment and proposed offer of employment (CL-C 69-2021)
• Receive Committee of the Whole minutes COTW 3-2021, including debate on Report PDS 31-2021 Niagara Region Incentives Policy
• Bill 2021-70: confirming by-law for the special council session

Council approved the Niagara Region Incentives Policy with additions, but then referred the motion to a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 7, 2021, for further review. The referral was carried by a tie-breaking vote from the Regional Chair. The policy promotes affordable housing, employment, brownfield remediation, and public realm.

• Approved Niagara Region Incentives Policy with additions (15-8)
• Referred incentives policy motion to Committee of the Whole for October 7, 2021 (11-11, Chair voted yes)
• Approved confidential CAO recruitment update (19-3)
• Received correspondence on incentives policy debate (carried)
• Adopted agenda (carried)
• Moved into closed session for confidential matters (carried)
• Passed by-law to confirm actions of the meeting (carried)

CAO Recruitment Committee

The Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Committee is meeting electronically to handle the recruitment of the region's top administrator. The agenda is largely procedural, with no public presentations, delegations, or items for consideration listed. The main substantive item is a closed-session discussion of a draft employment contract for the CAO, which involves personal matters and legal advice.

• Closed session: confidential presentation on draft CAO employment contract
• Meeting held by electronic participation only due to COVID-19
• No public access to Niagara Region Headquarters; contact Regional Clerk to view or speak
• No items for consideration, consent items, or delegations on the open agenda

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to receive three presentations: on Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) regulation, the residential Blue Box program transition to full producer responsibility, and waste management tipping fees. The agenda also includes several information items, such as updates on alternative waste technologies, a Nespresso capsule pilot, and the Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizens Liaison Committee. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation on Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) Regulation
• Update on Residential Blue Box Program Transition to Full Producer Responsibility
• Waste Management Tipping Fees presentation
• Niagara Road 12 Landfill CLC meeting notes (June 28, 2021)
• Nespresso Coffee Capsule Pilot update

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee received informational presentations on hazardous waste regulation, blue box program transition, and proposed 2022 tipping fees, but took no formal decisions. All consent items and correspondence were received for information only. The next meeting is scheduled for October 18, 2021.

• Received Alternative Waste Management Technologies Update (carried)
• Received Councillor Information Request (carried)
• Received Nespresso Coffee Capsule Pilot (carried)
• Received Citizens Liaison Committee report on Niagara Road 12 Landfill (carried)
• Received Q2 Recycling Centre and Market Update (carried)
• Received Recycling Matters - Curbside Recognition Audits (carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council meets electronically to consider reports and recommendations from its committees, including a proposed province-wide COVID-19 vaccine certificate, the Niagara Official Plan land needs assessment, and a slate of business licensing by-laws. The agenda also includes several items on the review of regional incentive programs, a motion to recruit a permanent Medical Officer of Health, and a motion to request changes to the Highway Traffic Act speed limits.

• Motion to request province-wide COVID-19 vaccine certificate (CHR 5-2021)
• Delegation on Niagara Official Plan Land Needs Assessment and Settlement Area Boundary Review (CL-C 66-2021)
• By-laws to licence taxicabs, TNCs, vehicles for hire, salvage yards, second-hand shops, and tow trucks (Bills 2021-57 to 2021-61)
• Motion to recruit permanent Medical Officer of Health
• Motion to request review and amendment of Section 128 (Rate of Speed) of the Highway Traffic Act

Council directed staff to develop and implement a policy requiring all Regional employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to legal obligations. The policy also applies to Regional Council members attending in-person meetings or conducting business on Regional property. Council also requested the federal and provincial governments to create a province-wide vaccination certificate system. Several agenda items were not considered due to the 11:00 p.m. curfew.

• Directed staff to develop and implement mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all Regional employees (28-2)
• Approved applying vaccination policy to Council members attending in-person meetings (24-6)
• Requested federal and provincial governments to create province-wide vaccine certificate system (27-2)
• Approved Niagara Region Incentives Policy with amendments, maintaining current programs until October 1, 2024
• Approved $13,577,582 capital budget for Welland Multi-Residential Intensification Project (Rapid Housing Initiative)
• Adopted 15 by-laws including licensing for taxis, tow trucks, salvage shops, and traffic regulations
• Received biosolids management program status update
• Defeated amendment to delay vaccination policy for Council review at September 16 special meeting (12-18)

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to receive presentations on Canada Summer Games volunteer recruitment and the Region Headquarters customer service desk renovation's accessibility features. The committee will also review a draft Accessibility Standard Compliance Policy and Procedure, and the minutes from its June 1, 2021 meeting. No decisions are listed on the agenda; items are for information or discussion.

• Presentation on Canada Summer Games Community Outreach Volunteer Recruitment
• Presentation on RegionHQ Customer Service Desk and Office Renovation accessibility highlights
• Draft Accessibility Standard Compliance Policy and Procedure (AAC-C 3-2021)
• Minutes of June 1, 2021 meeting (AAC 3-2021)

The Accessibility Advisory Committee received two items for information: the draft Accessibility Standard Compliance Policy and Procedure, and the minutes from the June 1, 2021 meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the only action was a motion to receive these items, which carried. The committee also discussed a request for information on waste collection set-out services, to be followed up at the next meeting.

• Received draft Accessibility Standard Compliance Policy and Procedure (carried)
• Received AAC meeting minutes from June 1, 2021 (carried)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to discuss a community survey on diversity and inclusion, a human resources best practices guidebook for increasing diversity in hiring, and the creation of 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Anti-Racism advisory committees. The committee will also elect a chair and vice chair from the public. The agenda includes a presentation on the Niagara Region overview and approval of prior minutes.

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Survey (DEIAC-C 3-2021)
• Human Resources Best Practices Guidebook on recruitment, hiring, and promotion (DEIAC-C 5-2021)
• 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Anti-Racism Advisory Committees (DEIAC-C 4-2021)
• Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair
• Niagara Region Overview presentation

The committee received information on a community survey and a human resources guidebook, and approved minutes from its June 29 meeting. It also recommended that the Region establish a 2SLGBTQQIA+ Advisory Committee and an Anti-Racism Advisory Committee for the 2022-2026 term, with working groups for the remainder of the current term, and directed staff to develop terms of reference. Emily Spanton was elected Chair and Sabrina Hill Vice Chair for 2021-2022.

• Received DEIAC-C 3-2021, a memorandum on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Survey, for information.
• Received DEIAC-C 4-2021, a presentation on Diversity Related Advisory Committees, and recommended Option A: establishing a 2SLGBTQQIA+ Advisory Committee and an Anti-Racism Advisory Committee for the 2022-2026 term.
• Recommended establishing a 2SLGBTQQIA+ working group and an Anti-Racism working group reporting to the committee for the remainder of the current term.
• Directed staff to develop terms of reference for the two new advisory committees with assistance from the working groups.
• Received DEIAC-C 5-2021, a memorandum on the Human Resources Best Practices Guidebook, for information.
• Received minutes DEIAC 1-2021 from the June 29, 2021 meeting.
• Elected Emily Spanton as Committee Chair for a two-year term (2021-2022).
• Elected Sabrina Hill as Committee Vice Chair for a two-year term (2021-2022).

CAO Recruitment Committee

This agenda contains no substantive items — only boilerplate interface text from the eSCRIBE system. The meeting is a CAO Recruitment Committee session, but no decisions, discussions, or agenda items are listed.

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to receive a Vision Zero update and a report on Bill 177's changes to the Provincial Offences Act related to early resolution. The board will also receive information items including a second-quarter budget variance analysis, a COVID-19 update, and minutes from the April 8, 2021 meeting.

• Vision Zero Update presentation by Beth Brens, Associate Director, Reporting & Analysis
• JBM-C 7-2021: Court Services Report on Bill 177 Stronger Fairer Ontario Act changes to Provincial Offences Act (Early Resolution)
• JBM-C 8-2021: 2nd Quarter Variance Analysis and Forecast to December 31, 2021
• JBM-C 9-2021: Court Services COVID-19 Update
• JBM 2-2021: Meeting Minutes from April 8, 2021

The Joint Board of Management received a report on Bill 177 changes to the Provincial Offences Act and approved a motion recommending that Regional Council direct the Regional Chair to send a letter to the Attorney General of Ontario. The letter would request halting the proclamation of Early Resolution reforms, allowing written resolutions without court appearances, and supporting the rest of the Bill 177 reforms. The board also received three information items: a budget variance report, a COVID-19 update, and prior meeting minutes.

• Approved motion to recommend Regional Council direct the Regional Chair to write to the Attorney General requesting halt of Early Resolution reforms (carried)
• Approved forwarding the resolution to the Attorney General and other municipalities, the Ministry, and AMO (carried)
• Received 2nd Quarter Variance Analysis and Forecast to December 31, 2021 (carried)
• Received Court Services COVID-19 Update (carried)
• Received Joint Board of Management meeting minutes from April 8, 2021 (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider a major review of the business licensing by-law, including draft regulations for taxis, ride-sharing, salvage yards, second-hand shops, and tow trucks, along with fee schedule amendments. The committee will also discuss Rapid Housing Initiative capital funding, a development charge demolition credit extension for a brownfield redevelopment in Grimsby, and recommendations from the Women's Advisory Committee. A closed session will address litigation regarding outstanding development charge collections in Grimsby.

• Business Licensing By-Law Review with draft by-laws for taxi/TNC, vehicle for hire, salvage yards, second-hand shops, and tow trucks
• Draft amendments to 2021 Schedule of Fees and Charges and towing/taxi rate fee tariff
• Rapid Housing Initiative Capital Funding (CSD 52-2021)
• Development charge demolition credit extension request for brownfield redevelopment in Grimsby (CSC-C 21-2021)
• Closed session: litigation re outstanding development charge collections in Grimsby

The committee approved a comprehensive business licensing by-law review, repealing the existing vehicles-for-hire and business licensing by-law and approving new draft by-laws and fee changes. A request by Losani Homes for a 12-month extension to a brownfield transition agreement for development charge demolition credits at 2 Winston Road, Grimsby was defeated in a recorded vote (4-9). The committee also approved a $13.58M capital budget adjustment for the Welland Multi-Residential Intensification Project, contingent on federal funding, and referred Women's Advisory Committee recommendations to the Planning and Economic Development Committee.

• Approved business licensing by-law review, repealing By-law 2018-75 and approving new draft by-laws (carried)
• Approved amendments to 2021 fees and charges schedule for licensing (carried)
• Denied 12-month extension for Losani Homes brownfield transition agreement at 2 Winston Road, Grimsby (4-9)
• Approved $13,577,582 gross capital budget for Welland Multi-Residential Intensification Project, contingent on federal RHI grant (carried)
• Referred Women's Advisory Committee economic development recommendations to Planning and Economic Development Committee (carried)
• Received confidential report on litigation regarding outstanding development charge collections in Grimsby; staff directed to proceed as per closed session (carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will hear a presentation on the Made-in-Niagara Forecast and Land Needs Assessment, then consider a report (PDS 33-2021) on the Niagara Official Plan's Land Needs Assessment and Settlement Area Boundary Review. A delegation from the Niagara Home Builders Association will speak on the same item. The committee will also discuss a regional response to a proposed provincial land use compatibility guideline and receive updates on Official Plan policy development and economic development.

• Presentation: Made-in-Niagara Forecast and Land Needs Assessment
• Report PDS 33-2021: Niagara Official Plan Land Needs Assessment and Settlement Area Boundary Review Update
• Delegation from Niagara Home Builders Association on land needs assessment
• Report PDS 34-2021: Regional Response to Proposed Land Use Compatibility Guideline
• Closed session: proposed disposition of surplus lands at 401A Lakeshore Road and 14 Broadway Avenue, St. Catharines

The committee received and approved recommendations in Report PDS 33-2021, endorsing in principle the Made-in-Niagara Forecast and Revised Land Needs Assessment to advance the Niagara Official Plan and related master plans. It also received a report on the proposed Land Use Compatibility Guideline, directing staff to continue providing comments. A confidential report on surplus land disposition in St. Catharines was approved.

• Endorsed Made-in-Niagara Forecast and Revised Land Needs Assessment (PDS 33-2021)
• Circulated PDS 33-2021 to local municipalities, agencies, and Province
• Received PDS 34-2021 on Land Use Compatibility Guideline for information
• Directed staff to continue comments on provincial Land Use Compatibility Guideline
• Circulated PDS 34-2021 to local planning directors
• Received PDS 32-2021 (Official Plan update) and ED 15-2021 (Economic Development update) for information
• Approved confidential report ED 16-2021 on surplus land disposition in St. Catharines

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including an expansion of the Walker Environmental Group composting facility, approval of single-source purchase orders over $100,000, special procurement rules for such purchases, and inclusion of Port Colborne in the Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand service. The agenda also includes a presentation on revised Niagara Transit governance strategies. All items are under consideration; no decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Expansion of the Walker Environmental Group Composting Facility (PW 37-2021)
• Approval of Public Works single-source purchase orders and change orders exceeding $100,000 (PW 43-2021)
• Special procurement rules for Public Works single-source purchases exceeding $100,000 (PW 47-2021)
• Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand – Port Colborne inclusion (PW 38-2021)
• Presentation: Niagara Transit Governance revised strategies

The Public Works Committee approved a 7-year extension of the agreement with Walker Environmental Group for the composting facility at $107.98 per tonne starting in 2029, and a contract with Miller Waste Systems to redirect up to 2,500 tonnes of organics to Grimsby at $100 per tonne. The committee also approved single-source purchase orders over $100,000, discontinued interim procurement rules, and authorized an on-demand transit pilot in Port Colborne for $898,840. All items were carried unanimously.

• Approved 7-year extension of Walker Environmental Group composting agreement at $107.98/tonne (carried)
• Approved contract with Miller Waste Systems to redirect up to 2,500 tonnes of organics to Grimsby at $100/tonne (carried)
• Approved single-source purchase orders over $100,000 as per Appendix 1 (carried)
• Discontinued interim procurement rules for single-source purchases over $100,000 (carried)
• Directed staff to report quarterly on non-competitive procurements over $100,000 (carried)
• Authorized $898,840 amendment for on-demand transit pilot in Port Colborne (carried)

CAO Recruitment Committee

This agenda for the Niagara Region CAO Recruitment Committee meeting on 2021-08-10 contains only boilerplate interface text and no listed agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics. The meeting appears to be procedural with no substantive business detailed in the provided document.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting electronically to consider two main items: a review of the Niagara Region Incentives Policy (Report PDS 31-2021) and an update on the South Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant budget and property (Report PW 39-2021). Delegations from local BIAs will speak on the incentives policy. The meeting is open for viewing online only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• Niagara Region Incentives Policy review (PDS 31-2021) with delegations from Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls Downtown, and Thorold BIAs
• South Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant budget and property update (PW 39-2021)
• Letter from City of Welland CAO regarding incentives policy comments (COTW-C 4-2021)

The Committee of the Whole approved the Niagara Region Incentives Policy (Report PDS 31-2021) with amendments. The policy was approved with the addition that the SNIP (Smarter Niagara Incentive Program) be maintained, while proposals to also keep the Smart Growth Regional Development Charge Program and the Tax Increment Grant were defeated. Staff were directed to provide sunset clause policies, review the programs before October 2024, and explore including the Niagara Investment in Culture Program. The report will be circulated to local area municipalities.

• Approved Niagara Region Incentives Policy with SNIP program maintained (17-11)
• Defeated amendment to maintain Smart Growth Regional Development Charge Program (13-14)
• Defeated amendment to maintain Tax Increment Grant program (12-15)
• Approved staff to provide sunset clause policies
• Approved staff review and report to Council before October 2024 (25-2)
• Approved staff to explore including Niagara Investment in Culture Program
• Approved circulation of report to local area municipalities (20-7)

Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force is meeting electronically to review a draft policy report and engagement update, and to hear a presentation on the Niagara 2051 update. They will also receive information on development charges grant expenditures under the 2017 by-law. The meeting is open to public viewing by request.

• Draft Policy Report and Engagement Update (RDCPTF-C 6-2021)
• Niagara 2051 Update presentation by Rob Fleming, Senior Tax & Revenue Analyst
• Development Charges Grant Expenditures under 2017 RDC By-law (RDCPTF-C 7-2021)

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force received a draft policy report and approved recommendations to continue calculating development charges for water and wastewater on an urban-wide basis, while adopting a uniform region-wide approach for all other services. The motion was carried. The task force also received a memorandum on development charges grant expenditures under the 2017 by-law for information.

• Approved draft policy report and engagement update (carried)
• Approved continuing urban-wide calculation for water and wastewater development charges (carried)
• Approved uniform region-wide calculation for all other development charges (carried)
• Received memorandum on development charges grant expenditures for information (carried)

Women's Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear presentations on women-owned/led businesses in Niagara and on diversity, equity and inclusion updates. The committee will also receive for information a report on the National Child Care Plan's local impacts and recommendations, plus minutes from its May 26 meeting. Other business includes updates on the 16 Days of Activism working group and the committee's work plan.

• Presentation on Women Owned/Led Businesses in Niagara by Blake Landry, Economic Research & Analysis Manager
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Updates by Cassie Ogunniyi, Program Manager
• COM 15-2021: National Child Care Plan - Local Impacts and Recommendations
• WAC 3-2021: Minutes from May 26, 2021 meeting
• 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Working Group Update

The Women's Advisory Committee received a presentation on COVID-19 impacts on women-owned businesses and recommended that the information be used to inform policies and programs with a gender-based lens. They also recommended that a Gender-based Analysis Plus process be completed for all economic development surveys where appropriate. The committee received updates on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and discussed plans for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

• Recommended presentation on women-owned businesses be used to inform policies with gender-based lens (carried)
• Recommended Gender-based Analysis Plus process for all economic development surveys (carried)
• Received COM 15-2021 on National Child Care Plan for information (carried)
• Received WAC 3-2021 minutes from May 26, 2021 (carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider several by-laws, including borrowing over $46 million in debentures for capital works, a tourism exemption for Home Depot in Niagara Falls, and various traffic changes. The agenda also includes reports on the COVID-19 economic recovery, a water treatment plant upgrade, and the Ombudsman's 'Inside Job' recommendations. The meeting is being held electronically due to COVID-19, with the public able to watch online.

• Debenture by-laws for $30,125,519.07 (lower-tier municipalities) and $15,958,480.93 (Region), consolidated at $46,084,000.00
• Tourism exemption for Home Depot store in Niagara Falls to open on statutory holidays
• Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant dechlorination and waste system upgrade – gross budget increase
• Speed limit reductions on Regional Roads 81, 55, 24, 29, and 3 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, West Lincoln, and Wainfleet
• Third progress report on implementing Ontario Ombudsman 'Inside Job' recommendations

Council approved a $4 million funding request from Hospice Niagara, to be included in the 2022 operating budget and paid in four equal annual installments, with a recorded vote of 24-2. Council also approved a $1.37 million budget increase for the Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant dechlorination project, and referred a transit expansion for Port Colborne to the Public Works Committee for further consultation. Several by-laws were passed, including borrowing of $46 million for capital works and amendments to the procedural by-law for electronic meeting participation.

• Approved $4M Hospice Niagara funding request, included in 2022 budget (24-2)
• Approved $1,371,559 budget increase for Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant dechlorination project
• Referred Port Colborne on-demand transit pilot to Public Works Committee for consultation
• Approved borrowing of $46,084,000 in debentures for capital works
• Passed by-law to permit electronic meeting participation (Bill 2021-44)
• Approved $30,125,519.07 debenture for Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, and Welland capital works
• Approved $15,958,480.93 debenture for Regional capital works
• Received Ombudsman 'Inside Job' implementation progress report and endorsed Municipal Ombudsman terms of reference

CAO Recruitment Committee

This agenda for the Niagara Region CAO Recruitment Committee meeting on 2021-07-20 contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics. The document appears to be a system-generated placeholder with no substantive content.

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is meeting electronically to consider the Northwest Welland Secondary Plan (OPA 29), an official plan amendment from the City of Welland. The committee will also receive informational updates on economic development marketing, the Regional Greening Initiative, and tree planting at Decew Falls Water Treatment Plant.

• Consideration of OPA 29, Northwest Welland Secondary Plan, City of Welland
• Economic Development Marketing Update (ED 14-2021)
• Regional Greening Initiative Update (PDS-C 44-2021)
• Tree Planting at Decew Falls Water Treatment Plant (PDS-C 45-2021)

The Planning and Economic Development Committee approved Local Official Plan Amendment No. 29 to the City of Welland Official Plan, as modified, for the Northwest Welland Secondary Plan. The motion also included notifying parties, issuing a declaration of final approval if no appeals are filed, and circulating the report to Welland, Thorold, and Pelham. The committee also received several information items, including an economic development marketing update and regional greening updates.

• Approved Local Official Plan Amendment No. 29 to the City of Welland Official Plan, as modified (carried)
• Directed staff to notify all parties of Regional Council's decision per Planning Act
• Directed staff to issue declaration of final approval for LOPA 29 after 20 days if no appeals
• Circulated report PDS 29-2021 to City of Welland, City of Thorold, and Town of Pelham
• Received ED 14-2021 Economic Development Marketing Update for information
• Received PDS-C 44-2021 Regional Greening Initiative Update for information
• Received PDS-C 45-2021 Tree Planting at Decew Falls Water Treatment Plant for information

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including a public hearing on closing a portion of Regional Road 1 (Dominion Road) in Fort Erie, a tourism exemption for Home Depot at 7190 Morrison Street in Niagara Falls, a development charge demolition credit extension for a brownfield site in Grimsby, and contracts for architectural services and engineering rosters. The committee will also discuss a deferred motion on Hospice Niagara funding and receive updates on the Niagara-on-the-Lake wastewater treatment plant. Two closed-session items concern litigation and land acquisition.

• Public hearing: Stop Up and Close a Portion of Regional Road 1 (Dominion Road), Fort Erie (CSD 44-2021)
• Tourism exemption under Retail Business Holidays Act for Home Depot, 7190 Morrison Street, Niagara Falls (CLK 8-2021)
• Development charge demolition credit extension for brownfield redevelopment at 362-398 North Service Rd and 2 Winston Rd, Grimsby (CSD 37-2021)
• Architectural services contract for two long-term care homes in St. Catharines and Fort Erie (CSD 45-2021)
• Deferred motion on Hospice Niagara funding request (CSC-C 19-2021)

The Corporate Services Committee approved several recommendations, including awarding a $1,829,206.43 contract to MMMC Inc. for architectural services for two long-term care homes, approving a tourism exemption for Home Depot in Niagara Falls, and supporting a $4 million funding request for Hospice Niagara. A development charge demolition credit extension for a Grimsby brownfield site was approved, while another was denied and related amendments were deferred to the next meeting. The committee also received confidential updates on wastewater treatment plants and approved an EMS lease agreement.

• Awarded $1,829,206.43 contract to MMMC Inc. for architectural services for two long-term care homes (Carried)
• Approved tourism exemption for Home Depot at 7190 Morrison St., Niagara Falls, to open on statutory holidays except Christmas Day (Carried)
• Approved development charge demolition credit extension for 362-398 North Service Rd., Grimsby (Carried)
• Denied development charge demolition credit extension for 2 Winston Rd., Grimsby (Carried)
• Deferred amendments regarding Losani Homes brownfield grant extensions to August 11, 2021 meeting (Carried)
• Supported $4 million funding request for Hospice Niagara, to be included in 2022 budget (Carried)
• Extended engineering roster for water, wastewater, transportation, waste management, and facilities to December 31, 2021 (Carried)
• Approved confidential EMS lease agreement (Carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including expanding Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand service to Port Colborne, approving single-source purchase orders over $100,000, and receiving recommendations from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee. They will also receive a presentation on the Blue Box Program's final producer responsibility regulations. The meeting is open for viewing online only due to COVID-19 precautions.

• NRT OnDemand – Port Colborne Inclusion (PW 38-2021)
• Approval of Public Works Single Source Purchase Order Requests Exceeding $100,000 (PW 41-2021)
• Recommendations from Waste Management Planning Steering Committee meeting of June 28, 2021 (PWC-C 25-2021)
• Blue Box Program – Final Producer Responsibility Regulations (PWC-C 24-2021)
• Public Works Single Source Purchases over $100,000 – Exceptions (PWC-C 23-2021)

The Public Works Committee approved Report PW 38-2021, authorizing the Chief Administrative Officer to execute amendments to the agreement with River North Transit, LLC (Via Mobility) for $898,840 (excluding HST) to include Port Colborne in the Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand pilot. The committee also approved single source purchase orders over $100,000 (PW 41-2021) and directed staff to promote recycling box lids through retail and online outlets instead of offering them directly (PWC-C 25-2021). All items were carried.

• Approved PW 38-2021: authorized CAO to amend agreement with River North Transit, LLC for $898,840 to add Port Colborne to NRT OnDemand pilot.
• Approved PW 38-2021: authorized CAO to execute MOU with City of Port Colborne for on-demand transit deployment.
• Approved PW 38-2021: authorized CAO to execute amendments/extensions to MOU and agreement for service continuity.
• Approved PW 41-2021: approved single source purchase order requests over $100,000 as listed in Appendix 1.
• Approved PWC-C 25-2021: directed staff to promote recycling box lids/covers through retail and online outlets instead of offering them.
• Received for information: Blue Box Program final producer responsibility regulations update (PWC-C 24-2021).
• Received for information: Public Works single source purchases over $100,000 exceptions (PWC-C 23-2021).

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider approval of the 2020-2021 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits. The agenda also includes several information items for review, including updates on the Niagara Prosperity Initiative, Bridge Housing design phase, Niagara Regional Housing annual report, and a new veteran homelessness initiative.

• Approval of 2020-2021 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits (PHD 7-2021)
• Niagara Prosperity Initiative 2021 Update and Awards (COM 19-2021)
• Bridge Housing Design Phase Operations (COM 20-2021)
• Niagara Regional Housing 2020 Annual Report (COM-C 24-2021)
• Niagara Joins Built for Zero Veteran Cohort (COM-C 25-2021)

The committee approved the 2020-2021 audited schedules for four public health programs (Ambulance Communication Services, Community Mental Health, Infant and Child Development Services, and Healthy Babies, Healthy Children) and the annual reconciliation for the Community Mental Health Program. Staff were directed to finalize the statements with the auditor, and the report was forwarded to the Audit Committee. The committee also received four information items, including the Niagara Prosperity Initiative update and the Niagara Regional Housing 2020 Annual Report. No substantive decisions were made on other matters; discussions on COVID-19 memorial and affordable housing were informational only.

• Approved audited schedules for Ambulance Communication Services, Community Mental Health, ICDS, and HBHC programs (carried)
• Approved annual reconciliation return for Community Mental Health Program (carried)
• Directed staff to coordinate with auditor to finalize statements (carried)
• Forwarded Report PHD 7-2021 to Audit Committee for information (carried)
• Received four information items: COM 19-2021, COM 20-2021, COM-C 24-2021, COM-C 25-2021 (carried)

CAO Recruitment Committee

This is a meeting of the CAO Recruitment Committee for Niagara Region, Ontario. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and provides no specific items for decision or discussion.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting electronically to hear presentations on the regional economy and the future of work, and to consider a report on consolidating Niagara's emergency 911 communication services. The meeting is open for viewing online only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• Consolidation of Niagara's Emergency 911 Communication Services (report PHD 8-2021)
• Economic overview presentation by Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC
• Future of Work presentation by Cara Krezek, Brock University

The Committee of the Whole approved a motion directing staff to investigate a consolidated emergency dispatch model for fire, police, and EMS services, with a report due by the end of Q4 2021 and a target operational date of March 31, 2024. The motion also directs staff to request that the City of St. Catharines continue providing dispatch services until the new system is operational, and to seek commitments from Niagara jurisdictions to remain contract customers of St. Catharines Fire Services in the interim. The committee also passed a resolution requesting the Government of Canada to release its plan to ease border restrictions and reopen the Canada-U.S. border.

• Approved motion to investigate consolidated 911 dispatch model, with report due Q4 2021 and operational target of March 31, 2024
• Directed staff to request City of St. Catharines continue dispatch services until consolidated dispatch is operational
• Directed staff to seek commitments from Niagara jurisdictions to remain St. Catharines Fire Services contract customers until March 31, 2024
• Approved resolution requesting federal government release plan to ease border restrictions and reopen Canada-U.S. border
• Amended resolution to also circulate to Premier of Ontario
• Received presentations on the future of work and economic outlook
• Received information on dispatch consolidation update

CAO Recruitment Committee

This is a meeting of the Niagara Region CAO Recruitment Committee. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items for decision or discussion.

CAO Recruitment Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the CAO Recruitment Committee with no substantive agenda items listed. The agenda contains only boilerplate interface text and no decisions, discussions, or attachments are specified.

Linking Niagara Transit Committee

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee received a report on revised governance strategies for Niagara Transit, including financial, board composition, and service standards options, and approved forwarding it to the 12 local area municipalities for additional feedback by August 25, 2021. The motion was carried. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also received two items for information.

• Approved forwarding Report LNTC-C 3-2021 to 12 local municipalities for feedback by August 25, 2021 (carried)
• Received Federal Funding Opportunities for Transit Governance Transition (LNTC-C 4-2021) for information
• Received minutes of June 2, 2021 meeting (LNTC 3-2021) for information

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to select a chair and vice chair from the public, hear an overview presentation, and set its 2021 meeting dates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Election of committee chair and vice chair (must be public members)
• Presentation: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Overview by Program Manager Cassie Ogunniyi
• Item DEIAC-C 1-2021: 2021 committee meeting dates
• Discussion of community diversity, equity and inclusion survey
• Next meeting scheduled for August 24, 2021

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee deferred the selection of its Chair and Vice-Chair for a two-year term (2021-2022) until its August 24, 2021 meeting. Councillor Ip was appointed as Interim Chair until that selection is completed. The committee also approved its 2021 meeting dates (August 24, October 26, December 14) and selected four members to help develop a community survey on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Deferred Chair and Vice-Chair selection to August 24, 2021 meeting
• Appointed Councillor Ip as Interim Chair until formal selection
• Approved 2021 meeting dates: August 24, October 26, December 14
• Received the committee's Terms of Reference for information
• Selected L. Hay, E. Ivri, A. Shabbar, and E. Spanton to assist with community survey development

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to hear presentations on the 2021-2022 waste management operating budget and the final producer responsibility regulation for the residential blue box program. The committee will also consider a report on blue box lids and covers, and receive several information items including landfill reports and meeting minutes.

• Presentation on Waste Management Services Operating Budget 2021-2022
• Presentation on Residential Blue Box Program Final Producer Responsibility Regulation
• WMPSC-C 23-2021: Blue Box Lids and Covers
• WMPSC-C 22-2021: OWMA State of Waste in Ontario Landfill Report
• WMPSC-C 25-2021: Humberstone Landfill Public Liaison Committee meeting notes May 5, 2021

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee received a report on Blue Box Lids and Covers and approved a recommendation to direct staff to continue promoting the availability of recycling box lids and covers through public retail and on-line outlets, instead of offering them directly. The committee also received several informational items, including updates on hazardous waste regulations and landfill committee notes, and heard presentations on the 2021-2022 waste management budget and the Blue Box program's producer responsibility regulation.

• Approved recommendation to direct staff to promote recycling box lids and covers through retail and online outlets, in place of offering them.
• Received report WMPSC-C 23-2021 on Blue Box Lids and Covers.
• Received for information: Councillor Information Request (WMPSC-C 21-2021).
• Received for information: Ontario Waste Management Association State of Waste in Ontario - Landfill Report (WMPSC-C 22-2021).
• Received for information: Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) Regulation (WMPSC-C 24-2021).
• Received for information: Humberstone Landfill Public Liaison Committee meeting notes - May 5, 2021 (WMPSC-C 25-2021).
• Received for information: Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Minutes - April 19, 2021 (WMPSC 2-2021).

Council

Niagara Region Council appointed Michael L. Maynard of ADR Chambers Inc. as Interim Integrity Commissioner, repealed the previous appointment by-law, and directed staff to start a Request for Proposal process for a new commissioner. Council also adopted Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan 2021-2025, approved a $200,000 grant to St. Catharines for a trail extension and $50,000 for wayfinding, and supported participation in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

• Appointed Michael L. Maynard as Interim Integrity Commissioner and repealed By-law 2017-61.
• Adopted Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan 2021-2025.
• Approved $200,000 from the GNCR Reserve for a Welland Canal Parkway Trail extension grant to St. Catharines.
• Approved $50,000 from the GNCR Reserve for wayfinding initiatives.
• Approved participation in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, including flying a campaign flag.
• Approved the 2022 budget timetable and directed its circulation to agencies, boards, and commissions.
• Approved the 2021 recipient of the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of Year Award (name in confidential appendix).
• Suspended procedural rules for the Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Committee to allow direct submissions.

CAO Recruitment Committee

The Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Committee is meeting electronically to receive an update on recruitment activity from a search firm. The committee will also enter closed session to discuss confidential matters, including a long list of candidates and proposed interview questions. No public items for consideration or consent are listed.

• Update on CAO recruitment activity by Kartik Kumar, Legacy Executive Search Partners
• Closed session: long list summary of candidates for recommendation
• Closed session: proposed candidate interview questions

T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award Committee

The T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award Committee is meeting electronically to review the results of the 2021 nominations evaluation matrix and will discuss the award in closed session due to personal matters about identifiable individuals. The meeting is open to public viewing by request, but no public access to headquarters is allowed due to COVID-19.

• Review of 2021 T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award nominations evaluation matrix (Report TRAHAC-C 1-2021)
• Closed session to discuss scoring matrix and nomination submissions (Confidential Appendices 1-8)

The committee received Report TRAHAC-C 1-2021 and approved the selected recipient of the 2021 T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year Award, based on the evaluation matrix in Confidential Appendix 1. The recipient's name was not disclosed in the open session minutes. The meeting moved into closed session to discuss the nominations, then reconvened and carried the approval motion.

• Approved the selected recipient of the 2021 T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year Award, based on the evaluation matrix in Confidential Appendix 1
• Moved into closed session to discuss confidential nominations for the award
• Received Report TRAHAC-C 1-2021 regarding the nominations evaluation matrix results

Procurement Advisory Committee

The Procurement Advisory Committee received for information a draft of proposed amendments to the Procurement By-law, along with a work plan update and prior meeting minutes. No formal decisions were made; all items were received as information. Committee members suggested several additions to the by-law, including fairness commissioner communication guidelines and green procurement considerations.

• Received draft Procurement By-law Amendment (PAC-C 4-2021) for information
• Received Procurement Work Plan Update 2020-2021 (PAC-C 3-2021) for information
• Received minutes of March 8, 2021 meeting (PAC 1-2021) for information

Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force is meeting electronically to receive a presentation on the Development Charges Act overview and next steps, and to review consent items including a stakeholder engagement session and training materials on DCA amendments. The meeting is largely informational and procedural.

• Presentation: Development Charges Act Overview and Next Steps by Gary Scandlan of Watson & Associates
• Consent item: Stakeholder Engagement Session scheduled for June 22, 2021
• Consent item: Training Material for Development Charges Act Amendments

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force received a presentation from Watson & Associates on the Development Charges Act, including recent legislative changes and next steps. It also received two information items about a stakeholder engagement session and training materials. No decisions were made; the meeting was informational.

• Received presentation on Development Charges Act Overview and Next Steps (information only)
• Received correspondence RDCPTF-C 4-2021 regarding Stakeholder Engagement Session – June 22, 2021 (carried)
• Received correspondence RDCPTF-C 5-2021 regarding Training Material for Development Charges Act Amendments (carried)

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting electronically to consider the 2022 budget planning and timetable, and a hospital financing strategy. They will also receive updates on budget engagement and a health equity-informed planning project. The meeting is open to the public via live stream only.

• 2022 Budget Planning and Timetable (CSD 40-2021)
• Hospital Financing Strategy (CSD 36-2021)
• Update on Budget Engagement (BRC-C 7-2021)
• Health Equity-Informed Planning Project Update (BRC-C 8-2021)

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole received and approved the 2022 budget planning report, including the budget timetable and its circulation to agencies, boards, and commissions. It also approved the hospital financing strategy, with its operating budget requirement to be considered in the 2022 budget process. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included no presentations or delegations.

• Approved the 2022 budget timetable as outlined in Report CSD 40-2021.
• Approved circulating Report CSD 40-2021 to agencies, boards, and commissions per By-law No. 2017-63.
• Approved the hospital financing strategy as per Report CSD 36-2021.
• Decided that the hospital financing strategy's operating budget requirement will be considered during the 2022 budget process.
• Received for information an update on budget engagement (BRC-C 7-2021).
• Received for information a health equity-informed planning project update (BRC-C 8-2021).

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will consider Regional Official Plan Amendment 19 for 475-635 Canal Bank Street, Welland, and review the draft Niagara Watershed Plan for consultation. The agenda also includes informational items on COVID-19 business impacts, growth and development monitoring, and a closed session on litigation.

• Regional Official Plan Amendment 19, 475-635 Canal Bank Street, Welland (PDS 27-2021)
• Niagara Watershed Plan - Draft for Consultation (PDS 30-2021)
• Niagara COVID-19 Business Impact Survey Part 3 Summary (ED 13-2021)
• 2020 End of Year Growth Report and 5 Year Growth Trend (PDS 23-2021)
• Development Applications Monitoring Report - 2020 Year End (PDS 24-2021)

The committee approved Regional Official Plan Amendment 19 and Local Official Plan Amendment 30 for 475-635 Canal Bank Street, Welland, allowing a draft plan of subdivision. It also initiated public consultation on the draft Niagara Watershed Plan and received several information reports, including the COVID-19 business impact survey and growth report. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Regional Official Plan Amendment 19 and Local Official Plan Amendment 30 for 475-635 Canal Bank Street, Welland (carried)
• Initiated consultation on draft Niagara Watershed Plan (Volumes 1 & 2) with public, stakeholders, municipalities, and Indigenous groups (carried)
• Received Niagara COVID-19 Business Impact Survey Part 3 Summary for information (carried)
• Received 2020 End of Year Growth Report and 5 Year Growth Trend, circulated to municipalities and organizations (carried)
• Received Development Applications Monitoring Report 2020 Year End, Public Realm Investment Program 2021 Funding Commitments, and Niagara Climate Modeling Project Update for information (carried)
• Received confidential report on LPAT/Ontario Lands Tribunal appeal regarding Official Plan Amendment 26 for information (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will consider a first-quarter 2021 financial update, including COVID-19 costs and funding, plus several other items. It will also discuss a development charge demolition credit extension for a brownfield redevelopment in St. Catharines, an award of tender for long-term care work at Linhaven, and an update to the Audit Committee's terms of reference. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19.

• Q1 2021 financial update with COVID-19 cost summaries and funding sources
• Development charge demolition credit extension request for brownfield redevelopment in St. Catharines
• Award of tender 2021-T-5 for Long Term Care at Linhaven, St. Catharines
• Update to Audit Committee Terms of Reference
• Closed session: proposed land acquisition for Niagara Regional Police Services lease agreement

The Corporate Services Committee approved the award of a $100,972,238 contract to Buttcon Limited for the Linhaven Long Term Care Home redevelopment in St. Catharines, funded in part by a $3.65M provincial grant. The committee also approved a $13.6M gross budget increase for COVID-19 expenditures, extended a development charge demolition credit for a brownfield site at 155 Ontario Street, and approved an updated Audit Committee Terms of Reference. All items were carried as moved.

• Approved awarding CCDC-2 contract 2021-T-5 to Buttcon Limited for Linhaven LTC redevelopment at $100,972,238 including HST.
• Approved increasing the Linhaven LTC gross budget by $3,652,420, funded by a provincial grant.
• Approved a gross budget increase of $13,596,268 for COVID-19 expenditures, funded by incremental external revenue.
• Extended the development charge demolition credit eligibility for 155 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, to August 8, 2024.
• Approved the updated Audit Committee Terms of Reference.
• Received for information the 2021 Debenture Issuance debt report and Code of Conduct documents.
• Approved confidential recommendations regarding an NRPS lease agreement and labour relations strategy.

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including extending homelessness services contracts, approving community services program audits, discussing the National Child Care Plan's local impacts, and granting document execution authority for housing programs. They will also receive information reports on the Homelessness Point-in-Time Count, seniors services quality, the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, and Niagara Regional Housing quarterly results.

• Homelessness Services Contract Extensions (COM 13-2021)
• Approval of 2020/2021 Community Services Program Audits (COM 14-2021)
• National Child Care Plan: Local Impacts and Recommendations (COM 15-2021)
• Document Execution Authority for Housing Programs (COM 18-2021)
• Homelessness Point-in-Time Count Report (COM 17-2021)

The Public Health and Social Services Committee approved extending homelessness system contracts worth $8,293,109, plus a $100,000 contingency, and authorized the Commissioner of Community Services to negotiate amendments. It also approved audited financial statements for the Community Support Services and Reaching Home programs, endorsed recommendations on the national child care plan, and authorized staff to execute housing program documents. All items were carried.

• Approved extending homelessness services contracts valued at $8,293,109, with an additional $100,000 contingency.
• Approved the 2020/2021 audited annual reconciliation return for the Community Support Services Program.
• Approved the 2020/2021 audited schedule of Revenue and Expenses for the Reaching Home Program.
• Endorsed recommendations on the national child care plan to be sent to the Ministry of Education.
• Authorized the Regional Chair to send the child care report and recommendations to the Minister of Education and AMO.
• Authorized housing staff to execute documents for the Niagara Renovates, Welcome Home Niagara, Rent Supplement, COCHI, and New Development Housing Allowance programs.
• Received the Homelessness Point-in-Time Count Report for information.
• Received the Seniors Services Quality Improvement Report for information.

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including a cost-sharing commitment for the QEW Glendale (RR89) Diverging Diamond Interchange, approval of single-source purchase orders over $100,000, and contract awards for sewer rehabilitation and landfill operations. The committee will also receive informational updates on transportation, road safety, and a materials recycling facility review.

• Cost sharing commitment for Regional Road 89 (Glendale Avenue) at QEW Interchange
• Approval of single-source purchase orders exceeding $100,000
• Award of Contract 2020-RFP-127 Stamford Interceptor Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Phase II
• Award of 2021-T-64 Humberstone Landfill Operations
• Tip fees at Thorold Residential Recycling & Waste Drop-off Depot

The Public Works Committee approved a $15,521,489.67 cost-sharing commitment with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for the QEW/Glendale Avenue diverging diamond interchange, including a new roundabout and ramp. The budget for the project was increased by $7,095,808, funded by development charges, capital variance, and municipal cost sharing. The committee also approved several other items, including tip fee increases at the Thorold waste depot, a sewer rehabilitation contract, and a landfill operations contract.

• Approved $15,521,489.67 cost-sharing with MTO for QEW/Glendale Avenue DDI, increasing budget by $7,095,808.
• Approved tip fee increases at Thorold waste depot: $120/tonne (2021), $122.50 (2022), $125 (2023).
• Awarded Contract 2020-RFP-127 for Stamford Interceptor Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation to Liqui-Force Services for $7,985,734.30.
• Awarded Contract 2021-T-64 for Humberstone Landfill Operations to Future Waste Systems for $2,529,027.42/year for 7 years.
• Received Niagara Road Safety Annual Report and directed staff to explore cost recovery options.
• Received Transportation Quarterly Update, Complete Street Design Manual, and MRF review chronology for information.

Council Special

This is a special meeting of Niagara Region Council held electronically. The agenda is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being a closed session to discuss recruitment for the Commissioner of Planning and Development Services, citing personal matters under the Municipal Act. The only open-session action is a confirming by-law to ratify the council's actions at this meeting.

• Closed session: recruitment for Commissioner, Planning and Development Services (Confidential CAO 11-2021)
• Bill 2021-36: Confirming By-law for actions at the June 10, 2021 special meeting

Council held a special meeting on June 10, 2021, and moved into closed session to discuss the recruitment of a Commissioner of Planning and Development Services. After reconvening, Council received and approved the recommendation in Confidential Report CAO 11-2021. The meeting also adopted the agenda and passed a by-law to confirm the meeting's actions.

• Adopted agenda CL 12-2021
• Moved into closed session for recruitment discussion (personal matters)
• Approved recommendation in Confidential Report CAO 11-2021 re: Commissioner, Planning and Development Services recruitment
• Passed Bill 2021-36 to adopt, ratify, and confirm Council actions

Linking Niagara Transit Committee

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee is meeting electronically to receive a presentation on the Niagara Transit Governance workplan update from Scott Fraser of the GO Implementation Office. The committee will also review minutes from its April 28, 2021 meeting. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Presentation: Niagara Transit Governance - Workplan Update
• Consent item: LNTC 2-2021 minutes from April 28, 2021

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee met on June 2, 2021, and received the minutes from its April 28, 2021 meeting for information. A presentation on the Niagara Transit Governance 2021 Workplan was given, covering milestones, steering committee activities, and next steps. No substantive decisions were made; the only formal action was receiving the prior minutes.

• Received LNTC 2-2021 minutes from April 28, 2021 (carried)

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to receive three presentations: on Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, the Brock District Placemaking Manual, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Niagara Region. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation on Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
• Presentation on Brock District Placemaking Manual
• Presentation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Niagara Region
• Approval of AAC 2-2021 minutes from March 2, 2021

The Accessibility Advisory Committee received presentations on Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, the Brock District Placemaking Manual, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Niagara Region. The only decision was to appoint Liz Hay as the committee's representative to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The minutes from the March 30, 2021 meeting were received for information.

• Appointed Liz Hay to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (carried)
• Received AAC 2-2021 minutes from March 30, 2021 for information

Women's Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear a presentation on economic recovery planning, discuss the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, and receive updates on child care and diversity, equity and inclusion. The committee will also review minutes from its March 31 meeting. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation on Economic Recovery Planning by Valerie Kuhns, Associate Director, Economic Development
• Discussion of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with Jean Tonogai, Canadian Federation of University Women
• Child Care Update
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update by Cassie Ogunniyi, Program Manager
• Review of WAC 2-2021 minutes from March 31, 2021

The Women's Advisory Committee formed a working group to support the Canadian Federation of University Women's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, with Councillor Huson, Naheed Qureshi, and Isabell Camillo participating. The committee also received an economic recovery presentation, discussed child care priorities, and received a diversity, equity and inclusion update. No formal decisions were made on these latter items.

• Formed working group for 16 Days of Activism campaign (carried)
• Received WAC 2-2021 minutes for information (carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting electronically to consider reports from its committees, hear public delegations on the Regional Official Plan, and vote on motions regarding agricultural irrigation water, withdrawal of a prohibition on outdoor recreation activities, and 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. The agenda also includes several by-laws, including one to allow a Lowe's store to open on holidays. The meeting is largely procedural, with many items being reports and minutes from previous committee meetings.

• Delegations on Regional Official Plan Consolidated Policy Report (8 residents and Niagara Home Builders Association)
• Motion: Niagara's Agriculture Sector and Access to Untreated Water for Irrigation
• Motion: Withdrawal of Prohibition of Outdoor Recreation Activities
• Motion: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
• By-law to permit Lowe's Store at 7959 McLeod Road, Niagara Falls to open on certain holidays

Council approved the Niagara Official Plan Consolidated Policy Report, endorsing Natural Environment System (NES) Options 3B and 3C, after amendments and a recorded vote (21-9). The decision initiates public consultation with feedback due by July 2, 2021, and circulates the report to stakeholders. Council also approved a $111,346 budget amendment to reinstate the free container exchange program, and appointed two regional councillors to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

• Endorsed NES Options 3B and 3C in Official Plan (21-9)
• Approved $111,346 budget amendment for container exchange program
• Appointed Councillors Darte and Ip to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Referred Audit Committee Terms of Reference update to Corporate Services Committee
• Approved 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
• Approved NPCA 2 Billion Trees request for information support
• Endorsed AMO 2021 conference advocacy issues
• Passed by-laws 2021-31 to 2021-35

Council Special

Regional Council approved a gross capital budget adjustment of $77,293,105 (net $100,000) for the Canada Summer Games Park, funded by municipal, provincial, federal, and other sources. Council also received the Strategic Plan mid-term highlights and approved retaining consultants for a workshop to refresh the plan. A letter from a Thorold resident about the Games was received for information.

• Approved $77,293,105 gross capital budget for Canada Summer Games Park (carried)
• Approved retention of management consulting support for Strategic Plan refresh workshop (carried)
• Directed staff to report on performance measures and community dashboard by Sept 15, 2021 (carried)
• Directed staff to report back at year-end on Strategic Plan progress (carried)
• Received correspondence from A. Longo re: Canada Summer Games (carried)
• Passed Bill 2021-30 to confirm actions of the special meeting (carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will hear a joint presentation and multiple delegations on the Regional Official Plan Consolidated Policy Report (PDS 17-2021), then consider the report for adoption. The agenda also includes information items on COVID-19 response and business continuity in planning and economic development, and an economic recovery plan update.

• Regional Official Plan Consolidated Policy Report (PDS 17-2021) with 29 appendices
• Delegations from residents of Welland, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Lincoln, plus Niagara Home Builders Association and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Public Advisory Committee
• Delegation from Tom Richardson (Sullivan Mahoney LLP) on behalf of Fruitbelt Developments and Gorge Holdings Inc. withdrawn
• COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity reports for Planning and Development Services (PDS-C 32-2021) and Economic Development (ED 11-2021)
• Economic Recovery Plan Update 4 (ED 12-2021)

The Planning and Economic Development Committee received the Niagara Official Plan Consolidated Policy Report and approved its recommendations, including endorsing Natural Environment System Option 3B, initiating consultation with feedback due by July 2, 2021, and circulating the report to stakeholders. An amendment to change the endorsement to Option 3C was defeated in a recorded vote (7-8). The committee also received three information items on COVID-19 response and economic recovery.

• Endorsed Natural Environment System Option 3B for the Official Plan (carried)
• Initiated consultation on the Official Plan with feedback due July 2, 2021 (carried)
• Circulated Report PDS 17-2021 and appendices to Province, municipalities, agencies, and stakeholders (carried)
• Defeated amendment to endorse Option 3C instead of 3B (7-8)
• Received COVID-19 response and business continuity reports for information (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a tourism exemption request from Lowe's on McLeod Road in Niagara Falls, an amendment to the Niagara Regional Police Services contract with Merit Contractors Niagara Ltd., community appointments to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and a referred motion on Municipal Act revisions for code violations. The meeting also includes consent items on COVID-19 response, a lobbyist registry, and a police services board response, plus a closed session on litigation matters.

• Tourism exemption application under Retail Business Holidays Act for Lowe's Store, McLeod Road, Niagara Falls
• Amending agreement with Merit Contractors Niagara Ltd. for NRPS 1 District
• Community member appointments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Referred motion on Municipal Act revisions for code of conduct violations
• Closed session on litigation: Carillion Canada Inc. v. RMON re NRPS Headquarters and 2 District

The Corporate Services Committee approved a tourism exemption allowing Lowe's at 7959 McLeod Road, Niagara Falls, to open on all statutory holidays except Christmas Day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. They also approved a $53,221 increase to the NRPS 1 District construction contract, bringing the total to $17,164,510, and directed staff to report on the costs of a mandatory lobbyist registry. A motion was carried to request provincial revisions to the Municipal Act for vacating seats of councillors found guilty of serious misconduct.

• Approved tourism exemption for Lowe's at 7959 McLeod Road to open on statutory holidays except Christmas Day (carried)
• Approved $53,221 increase to NRPS 1 District contract with Merit Contractors, total $17,164,510 (carried)
• Approved community member appointments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (carried)
• Approved motion to request Municipal Act revisions for vacating seats on serious misconduct (carried)
• Approved communications overview report and directed further analysis for a masterplan (carried)
• Directed staff to report on mandatory lobbyist registry costs for 2022 budget (carried, 14-0)
• Directed staff to provide verbal update on former NRP 1 District property at next meeting (carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider a COVID-19 emergency shelter procurement approval and receive the Niagara Emergency Management Program annual report. Several informational items are also on the agenda, including COVID-19 response updates, homelessness services reports, and a housing and homelessness action plan update. A closed session is scheduled for a confidential matter regarding the Associate Medical Officer of Health.

• COM 9-2021: COVID-19 Emergency Shelter Purchase Approval
• PHD 5-2021: Niagara Emergency Management Program Annual Report
• COM 10-2021: Homelessness Services Report 2020
• COM 11-2021: Housing and Homelessness Action Plan Update 2020
• Closed session: labour relations/personal matter re: Associate Medical Officer of Health

The committee approved an increase of $585,000 (excluding HST) to the special circumstance purchase order for COVID-19 emergency shelter rental costs, bringing the total to $1,583,200, plus an additional $250,000 contingency for system adjustments through December 31, 2021. It also approved the appointment of the Municipal Emergency Control Group members as recommended in the annual emergency management report. The committee received several reports for information, including the Homelessness Services 2020 Report and the Housing and Homelessness Action Plan Update, and directed the Regional Chair to send a letter to the federal government outlining criteria for border reopening. No substantive decisions were made on other items.

• Approved $585,000 increase to COVID-19 emergency shelter purchase order, total $1,583,200 (carried)
• Approved $250,000 contingency for shelter system adjustments (carried)
• Approved appointment of Municipal Emergency Control Group members (carried)
• Received Homelessness Services 2020 Report and Action Plan Update for information (carried)
• Received COVID-19 response and other reports for information (carried)
• Directed Regional Chair to send letter to federal government on border reopening criteria (carried)
• Approved confidential report MOH 1-2021 on labour relations (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including an update to the Public Works Policy Manual, approval of single-source purchase orders exceeding $100,000, and a trail extension for the Greater Niagara Circle Route. They will also receive recommendations from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee and information items on COVID-19 response and garbage collection diversion.

• PW 16-2021: Public Works Policy Manual update, including policies on lettering steel water tanks and tours of facilities
• PW 25-2021: Approval of single-source purchase orders and change orders exceeding $100,000
• PW 26-2021: Greater Niagara Circle Route – Welland Canal Parkway Trail Extension
• PWC-C 21-2021: Recommendations from Waste Management Planning Steering Committee (April 19, 2021)
• PWC-C 19-2021: Every-Other-Week garbage collection diversion impact analysis

The Public Works Committee approved a policy manual update, single source purchase orders over $100,000, and a trail extension grant. It also approved updated waste management steering committee terms of reference. All items were carried unanimously.

• Approved Public Works Policy Manual update (carried)
• Approved single source purchase order requests over $100,000 (carried)
• Approved $200,000 grant for Welland Canal Parkway Trail extension (carried)
• Approved $50,000 for GNCR wayfinding initiatives (carried)
• Approved updated Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Terms of Reference (carried)

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee approved the 2020 audited consolidated financial statements, including sinking fund and trust fund statements, and received the audit findings report. Deloitte was reappointed as external auditor for a two-year term. The committee also approved an updated Terms of Reference and directed staff to report on the Niagara-on-the-Lake wastewater treatment plant delay and cost overruns. A report on the wastewater plant's statement of contributions and expenditures was defeated.

• Approved 2020 audited consolidated financial statements (carried)
• Appointed Deloitte as external auditor for two-year term (carried)
• Approved updated Audit Committee Terms of Reference (carried)
• Directed staff to report on Niagara-on-the-Lake wastewater plant delay and cost overruns (carried)
• Defeated receipt of PW 5-2021 on wastewater plant statement of contributions and expenditures

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole received a presentation on the Niagara Official Plan Review, covering growth, housing, natural environment, climate change, and economic competitiveness. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only, with councillors requesting additional information on population projections and jurisdictional matters.

• No formal decisions were made; meeting was informational only

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee endorsed a draft resolution supporting Niagara's agriculture sector's access to untreated water for irrigation, to be sent to Regional Council. The committee also received several information items, including a $10 million provincial investment in an agri-food workplace program. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted mainly of presentations and updates.

• Endorsed draft resolution on Niagara's agriculture sector and access to untreated water for irrigation (carried)
• Received PDS 13-2021 on municipal by-law enforcement appointments for Woodland Conservation By-law
• Received correspondence from Minister Hardeman re: $10M Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program
• Received APAC 1-2021 minutes from February 26, 2021

Council Special

This special council meeting includes closed-session items on litigation and a confidential motion regarding the Acting CAO's compensation, plus open-session items on CAO recruitment and a shared services update. Council will also consider a deferred motion on an Integrity Commissioner investigation and a confirming by-law.

• CAO recruitment: core competencies, position profile, and job advertisement
• Update on exploration of shared services by CAO working group
• Deferred motion re Integrity Commissioner investigation of leak of confidential information
• Closed session: litigation update on former senior administration officials' employment contracts
• Closed session: Acting CAO compensation review

Niagara Region Council approved the Chief Administrative Officer recruitment materials (core competencies, position profile, and job advertisement) and endorsed the CAO Working Group's mandate to explore shared services, approving up to $50,000 for project management support. Council also created a task force to improve confidential information handling and required semi-annual Code of Conduct acknowledgments. A confidential motion regarding Acting CAO compensation was received, with staff directed to proceed as instructed in closed session (19-9).

• Approved CAO recruitment core competencies, position profile, and job advertisement
• Endorsed CAO Working Group mandate to explore shared services
• Approved up to $50,000 regional share for shared services project management
• Created task force to improve confidential information handling
• Required semi-annual Code of Conduct acknowledgments from Council members
• Received confidential motion on Acting CAO compensation, staff directed to proceed (19-9)
• Adopted minutes of CAO Recruitment Committee meeting
• Adopted by-law to confirm actions of the meeting

Linking Niagara Transit Committee

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee is meeting electronically to receive a presentation on the Safe Restart Agreement and to review updates on transit governance and prior minutes. No decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Safe Restart Agreement Overview presentation by Heather Talbot
• Niagara Transit Governance Steering Committee update (LNTC-C 2-2021)
• Approval of March 31, 2021 minutes (LNTC 1-2021)

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee met on April 28, 2021, and received two items for information: a governance steering committee update and the minutes from the previous meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural, with a request for an updated governance timeline to be presented at the next meeting on June 2, 2021.

• Received governance steering committee update (carried)
• Received minutes of March 31, 2021 meeting (carried)

Transportation Steering Committee

The Transportation Steering Committee will elect a chair and vice-chair, and discuss the Greater Niagara Circle Route, including a proposed workplan and a Welland Canal Parkway Trail Extension. It will also receive information items on a 2021 Bicycle Facilities Grant and minutes from previous meetings.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• Presentation on Greater Niagara Circle Route by Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Club
• TSC-C 2-2021: Greater Niagara Circle Route proposed workplan
• TSC-C 5-2021: Welland Canal Parkway Trail Extension (Malcolmson Sunset Link)
• TSC-C 6-2021: 2021 Bicycle Facilities Grant – Regional Bikeways Network Facilities on Municipal Roadways

The Transportation Steering Committee elected Councillor Fertich as Chair and Karrie Porter as Vice-Chair for 2021-2022. It approved the 2021 meeting dates, a work plan for the Greater Niagara Circle Route, and recommended extending the Welland Canal Parkway Trail north of Lakeshore Road with wayfinding initiatives.

• Elected Councillor Fertich as Chair for 2021-2022 (acclaimed)
• Elected Karrie Porter as Vice-Chair for 2021-2022 (8-3 vote)
• Approved 2021 meeting dates: June 22, August 24, November 16
• Approved Greater Niagara Circle Route proposed work plan
• Recommended approval of Welland Canal Parkway Trail extension north of Lakeshore Road
• Recommended approval of wayfinding initiatives on Greater Niagara Circle Route
• Recommended budget amendments for trail and wayfinding initiatives be considered

Council Special

Regional Council dismissed a development charges complaint for 260/270 Hunter Road in Grimsby, voting 22-7 with one abstention. Council also directed the Regional Chair to file a code of conduct complaint against Councillor Bylsma for participating in an April 10 protest, and endorsed a public statement reaffirming commitment to the code. A motion to request provincial revisions to the Municipal Act was referred to the Corporate Services Committee.

• Dismissed development charge complaint for 260/270 Hunter Road, Grimsby (22-7, 1 abstention)
• Directed Regional Chair to submit code of conduct complaint against Councillor Bylsma to Integrity Commissioner (29-1)
• Endorsed formal public statement reaffirming commitment to code of conduct (29-1)
• Referred motion on Municipal Act revisions to Corporate Services Committee (carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council meets electronically to consider committee recommendations, set 2021 tax rates and ratios, and hear delegations on child care during COVID-19 and local journalism support. Council will also consider motions on recycling bin funding and public communications, plus several by-laws including road dedications and a tile drainage loan.

• By-law to set 2021 tax rates for Regional general and special purposes
• By-law to set 2021 tax ratios for prescribed property subclasses
• Motion to reconsider funding for broken or damaged recycling bins
• Delegation on managing licensed child care during COVID-19 pandemic
• By-law to accept road dedication on Regional Road 81 (Main Street East) in Grimsby

Council approved the 2020 year-end financial results, transferring a $37.3 million operating surplus to reserves and other funds. It also reinstated the broken or damaged recycling bin replacement program, which had been cut in the 2021 budget, at an estimated cost of $111,000 funded from the Operational Stabilization Fund. Council endorsed a motion supporting local journalism and directed the Regional Chair to write to the federal government, and directed staff to explore consolidating communications departments. Several committee minutes and by-laws were adopted, and a closed session addressed confidential matters.

• Approved 2020 year-end results and transfers of $37.3M surplus (carried)
• Reinstated broken/damaged recycling bin program, $111K funded from Operational Stabilization Fund (carried)
• Endorsed motion supporting local journalism, with amendment to 'create a level playing field' (carried)
• Directed CAO and Medical Officer of Health to align COVID-19 communications (carried)
• Endorsed Councillor Diana Huson as FCM National Board nominee (carried)
• Adopted by-laws 2021-23 through 2021-28, including 2021 tax rates (carried)
• Received committee minutes from CAO Recruitment, Public Works, Public Health, Corporate Services, and Planning (carried)
• Proceeded as directed in closed session on confidential recycling and litigation matters (carried)

CAO Recruitment Committee

The Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Committee is meeting electronically to review materials for hiring a new CAO, including a recruitment survey summary, draft core competencies, a draft position profile, and a draft job advertisement. No public access is available due to COVID-19; the public can contact the Regional Clerk to view or speak to items. The next meeting date is to be determined.

• Review of CAO Recruitment Survey Summary (CAORC-C 9-2021)
• Draft CAO Core Competencies (CAORC-C 10-2021)
• Draft CAO Position Profile (CAORC-C 11-2021)
• Draft CAO Job Advertisement (CAORC-C 12-2021)

The committee received a survey summary from Legacy Executive Search Partners and approved the draft Chief Administrative Officer Core Competencies, Position Profile, and Job Advertisement, with revisions. These documents will be provided to Regional Council for consideration and approval. The position is expected to be posted from May 3 to June 4, 2021.

• Received CAO Recruitment Survey Summary (CAORC-C 9-2021) for information
• Approved Draft CAO Core Competencies as revised (CAORC-C 10-2021)
• Approved Draft CAO Position Profile as revised (CAORC-C 11-2021)
• Approved Draft CAO Job Advertisement (CAORC-C 12-2021)
• Approved providing Core Competencies, Position Profile, and Job Advertisement to Regional Council

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to receive presentations on the Waste Management Long Term Strategic Plan and 2021 capital projects. The committee will also consider an updated Terms of Reference and receive information items on topics like recycled glass sand, benchmarking, illegal dumping, and contractor performance.

• Presentation on Waste Management Long Term Strategic Plan
• Overview of Waste Management Capital Projects 2021
• Updated Waste Management Planning Steering Committee's Terms of Reference (WMPSC-C 12-2021)
• Recycled Glass Sand Used for Stormwater Management (WMPSC-C 15-2021)
• 2019 Waste Management Benchmarking Report (WMPSC-C 17-2021)

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee approved an updated Terms of Reference (Report WMPSC-C 12-2021) and received several informational reports on waste management topics. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational.

• Approved updated WMPSC Terms of Reference (carried)
• Received recycled glass sand stormwater management report (for information)
• Received 2019 Waste Management Benchmarking Report (for information)
• Received 2021 Illegal Dumping Campaign update (for information)
• Received contractor performance update on curbside collection contracts (for information)
• Received councillor information request response (for information)
• Received February 22, 2021 minutes (for information)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including the acquisition of Eco-Park lands in the Glendale District Plan, funding recommendations for the Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Wet Weather Management Program, and a presentation on proposed pillar statements for the Niagara Official Plan. The agenda also includes informational items on COVID-19 responses, an economic update, and infrastructure reports.

• Acquisition of Eco-Park lands – Glendale District Plan (PDS 22-2021)
• Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Wet Weather Management (WWM) Program – 2021 Funding Recommendations (PDS 19-2021)
• Presentation on proposed pillar statements and directives for the Niagara Official Plan
• Niagara Economic Update (ED 9-2021)
• 2020 Reserve Water and Wastewater Treatment Capacities (PDS 20-2021)

The committee approved $3,252,976 in funding for 34 local municipal projects under the 2021 Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Wet Weather Management Cost Sharing Program, directing staff to prepare agreements. It also approved sending letters to federal and provincial transport ministers regarding Eco-Park land acquisition in the Glendale District Plan. Several reports were received for information, including economic updates and COVID-19 responses.

• Approved $3,252,976 for 34 CSO/WWM projects (carried)
• Approved sending letters to federal/provincial transport ministers on Eco-Park lands (carried)
• Received Niagara Economic Update report (carried)
• Received Students Going Digital report (carried)
• Received COVID-19 response reports from Economic Development and Planning (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider several staff reports, including the 2021 property tax policy, ratios and rates, a tile drainage loan authorization, and options for the 2021-2022 insurance renewal. The committee will also receive a presentation from Niagara Health about the South Niagara Hospital and hear information items on COVID-19 response, development charges, Hospice Niagara funding, and an opioid lawsuit update. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.

• 2021 Property Tax Policy, Ratios and Rates (CSD 23-2021)
• Authorization of Tile Drainage Loan (CSD 18-2021)
• Program Review and Options for 2021-2022 Insurance Renewal (CSD 22-2021)
• Presentation: Niagara Health - Partnering Together for the Future South Niagara Hospital
• Hospice Niagara Request for Funding (CSD 24-2021)

The Corporate Services Committee approved the 2021 property tax ratios and rates, authorized staff to negotiate an insurance renewal with Marsh Canada for 2021-2022, and approved a tile drainage loan levy to the Town of Lincoln. A motion to support a $4 million Hospice Niagara funding request was deferred to the July 14 committee meeting. A motion to support double direct election of three Niagara Falls councillors was defeated 3-11.

• Approved 2021 property tax ratios and sub-class reductions (carried)
• Authorized staff to negotiate insurance renewal with Marsh Canada for Nov 1, 2021 to Nov 1, 2022 (carried)
• Approved tile drainage loan levy to Town of Lincoln (carried)
• Deferred Hospice Niagara $4M funding request to July 14, 2021 (carried)
• Defeated motion to support double direct election of three Niagara Falls councillors (3-11)
• Received COVID-19 response, development charges, and opioid lawsuit updates (carried)

PHSSC

The Niagara Region Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider the Public Health 2021 Annual Service Plan and Budget Submission, and to receive updates on COVID-19 response and business continuity in public health, community services, and long-term care. The committee will also hear delegations on pandemic protocols and managing licensed child care during COVID-19. Several items are for information only, including long-term care redevelopment and a class action lawsuit update.

• Public Health 2021 Annual Service Plan and Budget Submission (PHD 6-2021)
• Long-Term Care Home Redevelopment Project Update: Preliminary Master Plans (COM 8-2021)
• Managing the Licensed Child Care System During the COVID-19 Pandemic (COM 6-2021)
• Update Regarding Class Action Lawsuit Against Opioid Manufacturers and Distributors (PHD-C 5-2021)
• Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program Funding (COM-C 16-2021)

The Public Health & Social Services Committee received and approved the Public Health 2021 Annual Service Plan and Budget Submission, including a $16,552,272 budget adjustment funded by Ministry of Health for COVID-19 extraordinary costs and a total gross ask of $59,026,080 to the Ministry. The committee also received several information reports, including updates on long-term care home redevelopment and COVID-19 response, and permitted two delegates to speak on child care during the pandemic. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $16,552,272 budget adjustment for COVID-19 costs (Carried)
• Approved Public Health 2021 Annual Service Plan and Budget submission with $59,026,080 gross ask (Carried)
• Received Long-Term Care Home Redevelopment Project Update: Preliminary Master Plans (Carried)
• Received consent items including COVID-19 response and child care reports (Carried)
• Permitted Dr. Kate Bezanson and Elisabeth Zimmermann to delegate on child care (Carried)

Public Works Committee

The Niagara Region Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including approval of single-source purchase orders over $100,000, proposed producer responsibility regulations for hazardous products, a wastewater treatment plant expenditure statement, and processing of source-separated organics. The committee will also receive an information update on COVID-19 response and hold a closed session covering litigation, negotiations, and confidential commercial matters. No public attendance is allowed due to COVID-19; the meeting is livestreamed.

• Approval of Public Works single-source purchase order requests exceeding $100,000
• Proposed producer responsibility regulations for hazardous and special products
• Approval of statement of contributions and expenditures for Niagara-on-the-Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Processing of source separated organics
• Closed session: Material Recycling Facility opportunity review, Niagara Recycling Operations Agreement, and Cellmark claim

The Public Works Committee approved several items, including single-source purchase requests, authorization to negotiate with Walker Environmental Group Inc. for expanding the Source Separated Organics processing facility, and the audited statement for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. The committee also received a COVID-19 business continuity update and discussed recycling bin security and road improvements. All votes were carried unanimously.

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider approving the Court Services 2020 Audited Schedule of Revenues, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution. The board will also receive information items including the 2020 year-end report for Provincial Offences Court, a COVID-19 update for court services, and the minutes from the January 28, 2021 meeting. The meeting is closed to the public due to COVID-19 precautions, but viewing or speaking requests can be made to the Regional Clerk's office.

• Approval of Court Services 2020 Audited Schedule of Revenues, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution (JBM-C 6-2021)
• 2020 Year-End Report for Provincial Offences Court (JBM-C 4-2021)
• Court Services COVID-19 Update (JBM-C 5-2021)
• Minutes of January 28, 2021 meeting (JBM 1-2021)

The Joint Board of Management approved the 2020 audited schedule of revenues, expenses, and funds available for distribution for Niagara Region Court Services, directing staff to finalize the statements and forward the report to the Region's Audit Committee and the Ministry of the Attorney General. The board also received for information the 2020 year-end report for Provincial Offences Court, a COVID-19 update, and the minutes from the January 28, 2021 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved the draft audited schedule of revenue, expenses and funds available for distribution for the year ended December 31, 2020, for Court Services
• Directed staff to coordinate with the auditor to finalize the statements as presented
• Forwarded Report JBM-C 6-2021 to the Region's Audit Committee and the Ministry of the Attorney General for information
• Received the 2020 Year-End Report for Provincial Offences Court for information
• Received the Court Services COVID-19 Update for information
• Received the minutes of the January 28, 2021 meeting for information

CAO Recruitment Committee

The Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Committee is meeting electronically to review the CAO recruitment process, including a presentation from an executive search firm. The committee will discuss draft versions of a competency matrix, position profile, and job advertisement for the CAO role. A closed session is scheduled to review confidential reference check information from the search firm. No public delegations are listed, and the next meeting date is to be determined.

• Presentation from Kartik Kumar, Partner, Legacy Executive Search Partners, on CAO recruitment process
• Draft CAO Competency Matrix (CAORC-C 6-2021)
• Draft CAO Position Profile (CAORC-C 7-2021)
• Draft CAO Job Advertisement (CAORC-C 8-2021)
• Closed session on confidential reference check summary (CAORC-C 5-2021)

The committee received a presentation from Legacy Executive Search Partners on the CAO recruitment process and discussed draft competency matrix, position profile, and job advertisement. Members requested a survey of Council and Commissioners to gather feedback on candidate traits and competencies, with results to be reviewed at the next meeting. A confidential reference check summary was received. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Received presentation on CAO recruitment process from Legacy Executive Search Partners.
• Discussed draft CAO competency matrix, position profile, and job advertisement.
• Requested a survey of Council and Commissioners on CAO candidate traits and competencies.
• Directed that the position profile highlight positive regional initiatives (e.g., Glendale District Plan, South Niagara Water Treatment Plant).
• Received confidential summary of external search firm reference check (CAORC-C 5-2021).

Linking Niagara Transit Committee

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee is meeting electronically to select a chair and vice-chair, and to receive a presentation and consultation summary on Niagara Transit Governance (Phase 1), including recommended next steps. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items for decision.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• LNTC-C 1-2021: Niagara Transit Governance – Phase 1 Consultation Results and Recommended Next Steps (presentation and summary)
• Approval of minutes from November 25, 2020 meeting (LNTC 4-2020)

The Linking Niagara Transit Committee held its first meeting of 2021 and elected its leadership. Mat Siscoe was named Chair and Councillor Fertich was named Vice-Chair for the 2021 term, both by acclamation. The committee also received a Phase 1 consultation summary on Niagara Transit Governance for information, and approved the minutes from its November 25, 2020 meeting.

• Elected Mat Siscoe as Committee Chair for the 2021 term
• Elected Councillor Fertich as Committee Vice-Chair for the 2021 term
• Received the Niagara Transit Governance – Detailed Phase 1 Consultation Summary for information
• Received the minutes of the November 25, 2020 meeting for information

Women's Advisory Committee

The Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to receive a presentation from Niagara Region's Children's Services on systems planning and management, and to discuss Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) training and diversity, equity, and inclusion updates. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and routine procedural items.

• Presentation by Darlene Edgar, Director, Children's Services, on systems planning and management
• Discussion of Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) training
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion updates
• Approval of WAC 1-2021 minutes from January 27, 2021

The Women's Advisory Committee recommended that Niagara Region's Human Resources Department consider offering Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) training to staff, committee members, and Councillors, including in future onboarding. The committee also selected Sabrina Hill as its representative on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and received the minutes from the January 27, 2021 meeting for information. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended GBA+ training to Niagara Region's Human Resources Department for staff, committee members, and Councillors, including potential onboarding inclusion (carried).
• Selected Sabrina Hill as the Women's Advisory Committee representative on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (vote: 6-2).
• Received the minutes of the January 27, 2021 meeting for information (carried).

Council Special

This is a special council meeting held electronically. The only substantive item is a closed session to discuss the Acting Chief Administrative Officer's compensation review, followed by a confirming by-law to ratify the meeting's actions. No other decisions or discussions are on the agenda.

• Closed session: Acting Chief Administrative Officer compensation review (Confidential CHR 1-2021)
• Bill 2021-21: Confirming by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm actions of the special meeting

The special council meeting was largely procedural. Council adopted the agenda, moved into closed session to discuss a confidential matter regarding the Acting Chief Administrative Officer's compensation, and received a related confidential report for information. The meeting concluded with the passage of a by-law to confirm the council's actions.

• Adopted the meeting agenda.
• Moved into closed session to discuss a confidential matter regarding the Acting Chief Administrative Officer's compensation review.
• Received confidential report CHR 1-2021 regarding the Acting CAO compensation review for information.
• Passed Bill 2021-21 to adopt, ratify, and confirm the actions of Regional Council at the special meeting.

Council

Niagara Region Council meets electronically on March 25, 2021, to consider committee recommendations, an update on the face covering by-law, and two motions: one seeking changes to the Municipal Act on councillor misconduct, and another supporting local journalism. Council will also hear delegations on the Niagara River Ramsar designation and the face covering by-law, and consider by-laws including an official plan amendment for the Glendale district.

• Update on Niagara Region's Face Covering By-law (CAO 3-2021)
• Motion by Councillor Butters to request revisions to the Municipal Act, 2001 on serious misconduct by councillors
• Motion by Regional Chair Bradley to support local journalism and news media
• Bill 2021-17: adoption of Official Plan Amendment 17 for the Niagara Glendale District Plan
• Delegations on Niagara River Ramsar designation and face covering by-law

Council endorsed the nomination of the Niagara River as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site), adding amendments to recognize and support legal water drawing for farming and to ensure no regional financial commitments or staff time are attributed to Ramsar. The face covering by-law was extended until the Province ends masking requirements. The 2020 year-end results and transfer report was deferred to April 22, 2021.

• Endorsed Niagara River Ramsar Site nomination with amendments (carried)
• Extended Face Covering By-law until Province ends masking requirements (24-4)
• Deferred 2020 Year-End Results and Transfer Report to April 22, 2021 (carried)
• Approved $1,738,275 budget adjustment for Community Paramedicine for Long Term Care program (carried)
• Approved $21,380,195 gross budget adjustment for Niagara Regional Housing integration (carried)
• Referred motion on Municipal Act revisions for serious misconduct to Corporate Services Committee (carried)
• Deferred motion on Support Local Journalism and News Media to April 22, 2021 (carried)
• Passed by-laws including mandatory face coverings amendment (carried)

Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force is meeting to select a chair and vice-chair, hear a presentation on legislative updates and project overview, and consider its meeting schedule and terms of reference. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive decisions on development charge rates or policies.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• Presentation: Regional Development Charges - Updates to Legislation and Project Overview by Gary Scandlan of Watson & Associates
• Consideration of RDCPTF 1-2021: Task Force meeting schedule
• Consent item: Terms of Reference for the Task Force
• Consent item: Key Considerations for Regional Development Charges By-law Update

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force elected Councillor Insinna as Chair and Councillor Foster as Vice-Chair for the 2021-2022 term. The task force approved its meeting schedule for 2021 and 2022, and received its terms of reference and key considerations for the development charges by-law update for information. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Elected Councillor Insinna as Chair of the Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force for the 2021-2022 term.
• Elected Councillor Foster as Vice-Chair of the Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force for the 2021-2022 term.
• Approved the Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force meeting schedule for 2021 and 2022 as per Report RDCPTF 1-2021.
• Received the Task Force Terms of Reference (RDCPTF-C 1-2021) for information.
• Received Key Considerations for Regional Development Charges By-law Update (RDCPTF-C 2-2021) for information.

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning & Economic Development Committee will hold a statutory public meeting on Regional Official Plan Amendment 19 for 475-635 Canal Bank Street in Welland, then consider recommendations on St. Catharines' Local Official Plan Amendment 26 (employment and institutional policies) and Regional Official Plan Amendment 17 (Glendale District Plan). Delegations will speak on these items. The committee will also receive information reports on COVID-19 responses, an online business directory, the Niagara Employment Inventory, and a municipal responsibility agreement for Lakewood Beach Development.

• Statutory public meeting for ROPA 19 at 475-635 Canal Bank Street, Welland
• Recommendation report for ROPA 17 – Glendale District Plan
• Local Official Plan Amendment 26 – Employment and Institutional Related Policy Amendments, City of St. Catharines
• Lakewood Beach Development – Municipal Responsibility Agreement for on-site water & wastewater communal systems
• Referred Niagara River Ramsar Designation endorsement motion

The committee approved Local Official Plan Amendment No. 26 for the City of St. Catharines, which updates employment and institutional policies, and also approved Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 17 for the Glendale District Plan. It endorsed the Niagara River as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. A statutory public meeting was held for a proposed amendment to remove employment designation from lands at 475-635 Canal Bank Street in Welland, with comments received and referred to a final report.

• Approved Local Official Plan Amendment No. 26 for the City of St. Catharines, as modified.
• Approved Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 17 – Glendale District Plan.
• Endorsed the nomination of the Niagara River as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance).
• Received and referred comments from the statutory public meeting on ROPA 19 (475-635 Canal Bank Street, Welland) to the final report.
• Received for information reports on COVID-19 response, employment inventory, and other items.
• Received for information the Online Business Directory and Lakewood Beach Municipal Responsibility Agreement.

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider the 2020 Year-End Results and Transfer Report, which includes financial updates and COVID-19 impacts. The committee will also receive information items on COVID-19 response, municipal insurance costs, the Region's financial condition, and council remuneration for 2020.

• 2020 Year-End Results and Transfer Report (CSD 17-2021) with Q4 2020 financial update and COVID-19 impact summaries
• COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity in Corporate Services (CSC-C 10-2021)
• Motion by Municipality of Charlton and Dack on cost of municipal insurance (CSD 14-2021)
• Review of Niagara Region Financial Condition (CSD 20-2021) with financial indicators and external reviews
• Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Council and Appointees for 2020 (CSC-C 8-2021)

The committee received the 2020 year-end results and approved transferring the $37.3 million operating surplus for levy-supported programs and $4.2 million for rate-supported programs to various reserves, including $6.6 million for the new West Lincoln Hospital. Encumbrances of $16.3 million were received for information. The motion carried.

• Approved 2020 year-end results and transfer report (carried)
• Transferred $37.3M levy-supported surplus to reserves, including $6.6M for West Lincoln Hospital
• Transferred $4.2M rate-supported surplus to water and waste management reserves
• Received $16.3M in encumbrances for 2021 budget deferral

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will consider a review of the Niagara Prosperity Initiative, a request from Niagara Regional Housing to endorse an 'End of Mortgage' position paper, and a motion from Councillor Witteveen supporting Niagara's agriculture sector and temporary foreign workers. A delegation from the Niagara Community Legal Clinic will speak to the motion. The committee will also receive information items on COVID-19 response, housing, seniors services, and opioid work.

• Niagara Prosperity Initiative Review (COM 4-2021)
• Request from Niagara Regional Housing to endorse 'An End of Mortgage' position paper (COM-C 12-2021)
• Motion from Councillor Witteveen respecting Niagara's Agricultural Sector and Temporary Foreign Workers (COM-C 13-2021)
• Delegation from Aidan Johnson, Niagara Community Legal Clinic (COM-C 14-2021)
• COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity updates in Community Services and Public Health

The committee endorsed a motion directing the Regional Chair to advocate to federal and provincial governments for improved protections for temporary foreign workers, including quarantine oversight, increased subsidies, vaccine priority, and internet access. It also endorsed a Niagara Regional Housing position paper on ending mortgages and received a report on the Niagara Prosperity Initiative, directing staff to review it and report back by September 2021.

• Endorsed motion to advocate for temporary foreign worker protections (carried)
• Endorsed 'An End of Mortgage' position paper from Niagara Regional Housing (carried)
• Received Niagara Prosperity Initiative review and directed staff to report by September 2021 (carried)
• Received information items on COVID-19 response, housing, and seniors services (carried)
• Received opioid work update from Medical Officer of Health (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will hear delegations from three companies pitching turbo blower technology for Niagara's wastewater treatment plants, then consider approving single-source purchase orders over $100,000. The committee will also receive information reports on water treatment plant 2020 summaries, transit ridership, and COVID-19 response.

• Delegations from APG-Neuros, Sulzer Pumps Canada, and Turbowin America on turbo blower technology (PW 14-2021)
• Approval of single-source purchase orders and change orders exceeding $100,000 (PW 13-2021)
• Recommendations from Waste Management Planning Steering Committee (PWC-C 13-2021)
• 2020 summary reports for six water treatment plants, including Decew Falls and Niagara Falls
• Transit revenue and ridership report (PW 10-2021)

The Public Works Committee approved single-source purchase orders over $100,000 as listed in Report PW 13-2021, and approved recommendations from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee, including discontinuing the Waste Management Advisory Committee and amending the steering committee's terms of reference. The committee also received several informational reports, including one on turbo blower technology for wastewater treatment plants. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved single-source purchase orders over $100,000 (PW 13-2021)
• Discontinued Waste Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) effective immediately
• Approved continued WMAC chair/delegate on Waste Management Planning Steering Committee (WMPSC) for current term
• Approved formal application process for two citizen members on WMPSC for future terms
• Amended WMPSC terms of reference to max 12 members (Regional Chair, up to 9 councillors, 2 citizens)
• Directed Clerk's Department to complete WMPSC terms of reference update
• Received turbo blower technology report (PW 14-2021) for information

Procurement Advisory Committee

The Procurement Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to select a chair and vice-chair, and to review its 2020-2021 work plan update and responses to councillor information requests. The committee will also consider entering closed session to discuss solicitor-client privileged advice on reporting RFP results.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• 2020-2021 Procurement Work Plan Update (PAC-C 1-2021)
• Responses to November 16, 2020 Councillor Information Requests (PAC-C 2-2021)
• Approval of November 16, 2020 meeting minutes (PAC 2-2020)
• Closed session: solicitor-client privileged advice on reporting RFP results

The Procurement Advisory Committee held an organizational meeting, electing Councillor Whalen as Chair and Councillor Insinna as Vice-Chair for the 2021-2022 term. No substantive procurement decisions were made; the committee only received three information items, including a work plan update and responses to councillor information requests.

• Councillor Whalen elected Chair for 2021-2022 term (acclaimed)
• Councillor Insinna elected Vice-Chair for 2021-2022 term (acclaimed)
• Received 2020-2021 Procurement Work Plan Update for information (carried)
• Received responses to Nov. 16, 2020 councillor information requests for information (carried)
• Received Nov. 16, 2020 meeting minutes for information (carried)

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear a presentation on Community Consultation Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, discuss waste collection set-out services, and review minutes from the previous meeting. The agenda is mostly informational with no major decisions listed.

• Presentation on Community Safety and Well-Being Plan by Michelle Johnston, Project Manager
• Discussion of Set Out Services for Waste Collection with Lucy McGovern, Collection and Diversion Program Manager
• Review of January 19, 2021 meeting minutes

The committee received the January 19, 2021 minutes for information and heard a presentation on the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. No substantive decisions were made; the only action was receiving the prior minutes.

• Received AAC 1-2021 meeting minutes (Carried)

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy & Action Committee will elect a chair and vice-chair, hear a presentation on the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance Action Plan, and review information items including Niagara Region Official Plan draft agricultural system policies and the 2020 Tree and Forest By-law Annual Report. No items are listed for consideration or decision.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• Presentation: Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance Action Plan
• Niagara Region Official Plan Draft Agricultural System Policies (information)
• 2020 Tree and Forest By-law Annual Report (information)
• Irrigation update: letter from Minister Ernie Hardeman

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee held its first meeting of 2021, re-electing Councillor Witteveen as Chair and Bill Schenck as Vice-Chair for the 2021-2022 term. The committee received several informational items, including the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance Action Plan, draft agricultural system policies for the Official Plan, and the 2020 Tree and Forest By-law Annual Report. No substantive decisions were made beyond the leadership selections and receiving reports.

• Re-elected Councillor Witteveen as Committee Chair for 2021-2022 (acclaimed)
• Re-elected Bill Schenck as Committee Vice-Chair for 2021-2022 (acclaimed)
• Received APAC 3-2020 minutes from Nov 27, 2020 (carried)
• Received APAC-C 2-2021 on Official Plan draft agricultural policies (carried)
• Received APAC-C 3-2021 on 2020 Tree and Forest By-law Annual Report (carried)

Council Special

This is a special meeting of Niagara Regional Council held electronically. The agenda is largely procedural, with the main public item being a by-law to confirm the council's actions from the meeting. The substantive business occurs in closed session, where council will discuss confidential investigations into whistleblower complaints in the Water and Wastewater Division and an alleged workplace harassment matter.

• Closed session: Investigation of whistleblowers' complaints relating to the Water and Wastewater Division (CL-C 9-2021)
• Closed session: Investigation of alleged workplace harassment (CL-C 10-2021)
• Bill 2021-11: Confirming by-law for the special meeting of February 25, 2021
• Meeting held by electronic participation only; Council Chamber closed to public due to COVID-19

Regional Council received the Kroll investigation reports into whistleblower complaints about the Water and Wastewater Division and workplace harassment, and released a statement saying the investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by employees or suppliers, though it did identify lapses in process. Council also directed staff to refine the Whistleblower Policy and establish clear procedures for the Corporate Services Committee. A motion to have the Integrity Commissioner investigate a leak of confidential information was deferred until the commissioner attends a future meeting.

• Received confidential reports on whistleblower complaints and workplace harassment investigations (CL-C 9-2021, CL-C 10-2021).
• Released a statement that the Kroll investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing, but identified process lapses and corrective actions.
• Directed staff to refine the Whistleblower Policy and establish procedures for the Corporate Services Committee.
• Deferred a motion to refer a leak of confidential information to the Integrity Commissioner until the commissioner attends a future meeting.
• Adopted the agenda for the special meeting.
• Moved into closed session to receive confidential information about the investigations.
• Passed Bill 2021-11 to confirm the actions of the special meeting.

Council

Niagara Region Council meets electronically to consider a motion from Councillor Sendzik regarding Bill 197, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020. The council will also review recommendations from several committees, including Budget Review, Public Works, and Planning and Economic Development. Several by-laws are scheduled for adoption, including appointments for by-law enforcement and traffic regulations. The meeting includes a closed session for confidential matters, such as a performance appraisal.

• Motion by Councillor Sendzik on Bill 197, COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020
• By-law 2021-13: Speed limit reduction on Regional Road 70 (Thorold Townline Road), Thorold
• By-law 2021-14: Parking prohibition on Regional Road 81 (King Street), Lincoln
• By-law 2021-12: Appoints enforcement officers for the Woodland Conservation By-law
• Closed session item: Acting CAO 2020 performance appraisal

Council adopted a motion acknowledging a significant crisis in chronic homelessness and lack of affordable housing, directing the Regional Chair to send advocacy letters to federal and provincial ministries for additional funding, and directing staff to report on progress and gaps in mental health, addictions, and wellbeing services. The motion was amended to circulate to all AMO members. Council also approved a $2,402,810 capital budget adjustment for the P25 Voice Radio System Expansion, funded through external funding, and referred a motion to endorse the Niagara River as a Ramsar Site to the Planning and Economic Development Committee.

• Adopted motion acknowledging homelessness crisis and directing advocacy for funding
• Approved $2,402,810 capital budget adjustment for P25 radio system expansion
• Referred Ramsar designation endorsement motion to PEDC meeting
• Approved motion calling on province to support wine sector (tax elimination, direct delivery)
• Approved motion urging province to amend Bill 197 to give host municipalities final landfill approval
• Adopted minutes from previous meetings
• Received correspondence and committee reports
• Approved by-laws including speed limit reduction and parking prohibition

CAO Recruitment Committee

The Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Committee is meeting to consider responses from executive search firms for the CAO recruitment process. The agenda includes a consent item with attached procurement documents and a closed session to review confidential appendices. No public presentations or delegations are scheduled.

• Review of Executive Search Firm Responses (CAORC-C 4-2021)
• Closed session for confidential appendices under s. 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001
• Meeting held electronically due to COVID-19

The committee received a staff memorandum on the modified single-source procurement process for an executive search firm, and later received confidential appendices on firm responses, directing staff to proceed as discussed in closed session. No substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Received memorandum CAORC-C 4-2021 on executive search firm procurement process (carried)
• Moved into closed session to review executive search firm responses (carried)
• Received confidential appendices to CAORC-C 4-2021 and directed staff to proceed as per closed session (carried)

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee will elect a chair and vice-chair, hear a presentation on 2021 divisional initiatives, and consider appointing citizen members and setting 2021 meeting dates. It will also receive information items on topics like blue box funding, tipping fees, and illegal dumping.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• Appointment of citizen members to the committee
• 2021 committee meeting dates
• Update on Blue Box funding for 2021
• Waste management tipping fees

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee elected Councillor Ugulini as Chair and Councillor Witteveen as Vice-Chair for 2021-2022. It approved discontinuing the Waste Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) and continuing past WMAC members on the steering committee, with a formal application process for future citizen members. The committee also approved its 2021 meeting dates and received several informational items.

• Councillor Ugulini elected Chair for 2021-2022 (carried)
• Councillor Witteveen elected Vice-Chair for 2021-2022 (carried)
• Discontinued Waste Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) effective immediately (carried)
• Past WMAC Chair and delegate to continue as WMPSC members for remainder of term (carried)
• Formal application process for two citizen members on WMPSC for future terms (carried)
• Amended WMPSC Terms of Reference to include up to 12 members (carried)
• Approved 2021 meeting dates: Apr 19, Jun 28, Aug 30, Oct 18, Dec 13 (carried)
• Received 12 informational items including Blue Box funding and illegal dumping summary (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including an overview of an optional small business tax subclass, the establishment of diversity-related advisory committees, and a special duty billable rate schedule for Niagara Regional Police Services. The committee will also receive information items on COVID-19 response, development charge policy, infrastructure funding, and a lobbyist registry, plus discuss other business like a Hospice Niagara funding request.

• Optional Small Business Tax Subclass Overview (CSD 12-2021)
• Establishment of Diversity Related Advisory Committees (CLK 1-2021)
• Niagara Regional Police Services - Special Duty Billable Rate Schedule (CSC-C 9-2021)
• COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity in Corporate Services (CSC-C 7-2021)
• Considerations for a Lobbyist Registry (CLK 2-2021)

The Corporate Services Committee approved the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee and directed staff to report on anti-racism and 2SLGBTQQIA+ committees. It also approved a motion to develop a mandatory lobbyist registry, with implementation targeted for 2022, and deferred the main lobbyist registry report to May 12, 2021. The committee received several informational items and approved a police services by-law.

• Approved optional small business tax subclass monitoring and circulation to local municipalities
• Approved Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee terms of reference and resident recruitment
• Approved Niagara Regional Police Services Board By-Law No. 388-2020
• Approved motion to develop mandatory lobbyist registry with enforcement for 2022 (10-4)
• Deferred lobbyist registry report to May 12, 2021 for stakeholder consultation (10-4)
• Directed staff to report on litigation matters including costs and insurance
• Received COVID-19 response and business continuity memo for information
• Received development charge calculation and payment policy memo for information

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will consider several staff reports and motions, including a tourism recovery fund budget adjustment, appointments for woodland conservation by-law enforcement, and a motion supporting the wine sector. The agenda also includes informational items on COVID-19 responses, the natural environment work program, South Niagara aquifer options, and the Niagara Official Plan process. A closed session is scheduled to discuss solicitor-client privileged advice on a potential Ramsar designation for the Niagara River.

• Tourism Adaptation and Recovery Fund budget adjustment (ED 4-2021)
• Municipal by-law enforcement appointments for Woodland Conservation By-law (PDS 13-2021)
• Motion from Councillor Sendzik supporting the wine sector (PDS-C 10-2021)
• Review of options for South Niagara Aquifer (PDS 9-2021)
• Closed session: Implications of a Ramsar Designation on the Niagara River (Confidential PDS 2-2021)

The committee approved a $2,000,000 operating budget adjustment (gross, $0 net) for the Niagara Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund, funded by a Fed Dev Ontario grant. It also passed a motion calling on the Province of Ontario to support the wine industry, including eliminating the 6.1% tax on VQA wines and enabling direct delivery to grocery stores. Councillor Witteveen was elected Vice-Chair for 2021-2022. Staff were directed to include groundwater protection policies in the new Regional Official Plan.

• Approved $2M tourism recovery fund budget adjustment, funded by Fed Dev Ontario grant
• Passed motion urging Province to support wine industry (eliminate 6.1% VQA tax, direct delivery to grocery stores)
• Elected Councillor Witteveen as Vice-Chair for 2021-2022 (8-6 vote)
• Directed staff to include groundwater protection policies in new Regional Official Plan
• Appointed Cara Lampman and Daniel Root as By-law Enforcement Officers for Woodland Conservation By-law
• Received South Niagara Aquifer report and circulated to local municipalities and NPCA
• Received natural environment work program report for circulation
• Recommended release of confidential Ramsar designation report subject to Council approval

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider a motion from Councillor Insinna on homelessness, mental health, and addiction, and a proposal to support paid sick days to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Delegations from two residents will address a request to declare a state of emergency on these issues. The committee will also receive updates on COVID-19 responses, long-term care outbreak response, and EMS temporary funding.

• Motion from Councillor Insinna respecting homelessness, mental health, and addiction in Niagara
• Proposal for collaborative action to increase access to paid sick days to prevent COVID-19 transmission
• Delegation by Steven Soos and Wayne Campbell requesting declaration of state of emergency for mental health, homelessness, and addiction
• Update on Social Services Relief Funding Phase 2 holdback fund
• Information items on COVID-19 response, long-term care outbreak response, and EMS temporary funded opportunities

The committee approved a motion acknowledging a crisis in chronic homelessness and affordable housing, directing advocacy letters to federal and provincial ministers for funding, and requesting staff reports on mental health, addictions, and wellbeing. It also endorsed a report on paid sick days and directed sending a letter to provincial leaders supporting legislated paid sick days. All items were carried without recorded opposition.

• Approved motion acknowledging homelessness crisis and directing advocacy letters (carried)
• Approved endorsement of Decent Work and Health Network paid sick days report (carried)
• Directed sending letter to provincial Minister of Health, Labour Minister, and Premier on paid sick days (carried)
• Received COVID-19 response and business continuity reports for information (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Niagara Region Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider two items: approval of single-source purchase orders and change orders exceeding $100,000, and a transit governance study with regional considerations. The committee will also receive information on COVID-19 response in Public Works and appointment of by-law officers for sewer-use enforcement.

• Approval of Public Works single source purchase order requests and purchase change order requests exceeding $100,000 (PW 7-2021)
• Niagara Transit Governance Study – Niagara Region Considerations (PW 9-2021)
• COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity in Public Works (PWC-C 3-2021)
• Appointment of By-law Officers for enforcement of Sewer-use By-law #27-2014 (PWC-C 5-2021)

The Public Works Committee approved two reports: one authorizing single-source purchase orders and change orders over $100,000 as listed in Appendix 1, and another receiving an assessment of impacts from transit consolidation and directing staff to incorporate these into a transition plan for Regional Council. The committee also received information items on COVID-19 response and sewer-use by-law officer appointments.

• Approved single-source purchase orders and change orders over $100,000 (carried)
• Received transit consolidation impact assessment and directed staff to update transition plan (carried)
• Received COVID-19 response and business continuity report for information
• Received appointment of by-law officers for sewer-use enforcement for information

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. Members will also consider a three-year internal audit workplan and review analysis regarding a KPMG report on non-competitive procurement.

• Selection of Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
• 3 Year Internal Audit Workplan
• KPMG Final Audit Report on Non-Competitive Procurement Audit

The committee approved the three-year Internal Audit Workplan and received a report on the KPMG non-competitive procurement audit for information. It also selected its chair and vice-chair for 2021-2022. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved three-year Internal Audit Workplan (carried)
• Received KPMG non-competitive procurement audit analysis for information (carried)
• Elected Tim Rigby as Committee Chair for 2021-2022 term
• Elected Whalen as Committee Vice-Chair for 2021-2022 term

Council Special

This is a special council meeting held electronically due to COVID-19. The main substantive item is a closed session to discuss an investigation of whistleblower complaints about a service provider, involving personal matters about identifiable individuals. The only open-session action is a confirming by-law to ratify the meeting's actions.

• Closed session: investigation of whistleblowers' complaints regarding a service provider
• Bill 2021-10: confirming by-law for the special meeting of January 28, 2021
• Meeting held by electronic participation only; Council Chamber closed to public

The special council meeting was largely procedural, with the main substantive action being the receipt of a confidential report regarding an investigation of whistleblower complaints about a service provider. The council also adopted the agenda and passed a by-law to confirm the meeting's actions. No other decisions were made in open session.

• Adopted agenda CL 2-2021 (carried)
• Moved into closed session to receive confidential information on whistleblower complaints (carried)
• Received confidential report CL-C 8-2021 on whistleblower investigation (carried)
• Passed by-law 2021-10 to adopt, ratify, and confirm council actions (carried)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to elect a committee chair and vice-chair. The board will also receive information updates on court services during COVID-19, a Vision Zero update, and council approval of the 2021 court services budget, plus approve prior meeting minutes. No decisions on substantive items are listed on the agenda beyond the officer elections.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• JBM-C 1-2021: Court Services COVID-19 Update
• JBM-C 2-2021: Vision Zero Update
• JBM-C 3-2021: Council Approval of 2021 Court Services Budget
• JBM 6-2020: Approval of December 17, 2020 meeting minutes

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts elected its 2021 chair and vice-chair by acclamation, with Jack Tosta as Chair and Mark Tardiff as Vice-Chair. The board also received four information items, including a COVID-19 update and the 2021 Court Services budget. No substantive decisions were made beyond the elections and receiving information.

• Elected Jack Tosta as Chair for 2021 (acclaimed)
• Elected Mark Tardiff as Vice-Chair for 2021 (acclaimed)
• Received Court Services COVID-19 Update (JBM-C 1-2021)
• Received Vision Zero Update (JBM-C 2-2021)
• Received Council Approval of 2021 Court Services Budget (JBM-C 3-2021)
• Received December 17, 2020 meeting minutes (JBM 6-2020)

Women's Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee is holding its January 27, 2021 meeting by electronic participation only, with no public access to headquarters due to COVID-19. The agenda is largely procedural, including call to order, disclosures, and approval of the November 25, 2020 minutes. Discussion items include updates on diversity, equity and inclusion work, policy review, GBA+ training, and leadership development. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed.

• Approval of November 25, 2020 meeting minutes
• Update on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work
• Policy Review discussion
• Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) Training update
• Leadership Development discussion

The Women's Advisory Committee met and received prior minutes. Members discussed a planning sheet summary, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion update, and selected Children's Services for policy review. A motion to support sending a letter to the Province requesting powers to remove councillors for serious misconduct was moved but deferred for further discussion.

• Received November 25, 2020 minutes (carried)
• Selected Children's Services as policy review area
• Deferred motion on supporting removal of councillors for misconduct

CAO Recruitment Committee

The Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Committee is meeting electronically to discuss the recruitment process for a new Chief Administrative Officer. The agenda includes background information on the CAO role and a review of options and proposed timelines for procuring an executive search firm. No public access to headquarters is available due to COVID-19; interested viewers must contact the Regional Clerk's office in advance.

• Review of CAO recruitment background information and job description (updated Jan 2020)
• Discussion of executive search firm procurement options and proposed timelines
• Meeting held by electronic participation only due to COVID-19 restrictions

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting electronically to consider several by-laws, including the 2021 operating and capital budgets, a new fees and charges by-law, and an interim levy. Council will also vote on an Official Plan amendment for the urban boundary expansion in northwest Welland, and consider a motion from Councillor Zalepa on shared service delivery. A report on a code of conduct complaint against Councillor Dave Bylsma is also on the agenda.

• By-law to authorize long-term financing: $25,000,000 (1-10 years) and $52,820,651 (1-30 years) for capital projects
• By-law to adopt 2021 capital budget
• By-law to establish fees and charges, repealing By-law 2019-100
• By-law to adopt amendment 18 to the Official Plan for urban boundary expansion in northwest Welland
• Report on Code of Conduct Complaint IC-221-0720 - Councillor Dave Bylsma

Council issued a formal reprimand to Councillor Dave Bylsma for remarks made in a radio interview, as recommended by the Integrity Commissioner, and voted to remove him from all Regional agencies, boards, and commissions for the duration of 2021. The 2021 operating budget of $405,300,614 was approved, along with a $12.6M funding commitment for the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital project. A proposed regional hospital funding contribution policy of up to 21% was defeated.

• Reprimanded Councillor Bylsma for radio interview remarks (26-3)
• Removed Councillor Bylsma from all Regional agencies, boards, commissions for 2021 (20-9)
• Approved 2021 operating budget of $405,300,614
• Approved $12.6M funding commitment for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (20-6)
• Defeated regional hospital funding contribution policy of max 21% (13-14)
• Approved Northwest Welland urban boundary expansion (ROP Amendment 18)
• Directed staff to develop consolidated emergency dispatch model for NG911
• Approved $77.8M in long-term financing for capital projects

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the 2021 Levy Operating Budget, which was deferred from the January 14 meeting. The committee will also receive information on the 2021 Fees and Charges By-law and a revision to the budget document. A closed session is scheduled to discuss a personnel matter regarding the Medical Officer of Health.

• 2021 Levy Operating Budget (CSD 5-2021) with appendices on department base budgets, COVID-19 pressures, assessment growth funded costs, and full-time equivalents
• Councillor information request on 2021 Fees and Charges By-law (BRC-C 5-2021) including new fee analysis
• Councillor information request from January 14, 2021, with revision to CSD 5-2021 (BRC-C 6-2021)
• Closed session: status of Medical Officer of Health staff complement and medical division structure

The Budget Review Committee approved the 2021 net levy operating budget totaling $409,619,835, including $214,402,632 for Regional Departments and $195,217,203 for Agencies, Boards, and Commissions. The budget includes a 1.0% increase for operating expenses and a 1.0% increase for pay-as-you-go capital financing, plus an additional $4,319,211 draw from the Taxpayer Relief Reserve to reduce the net levy increase to 1.8%. A proposed amendment to increase the budget to 3% for hospital funding was defeated, and a motion to remove $300,000 from the Smarter Niagara Incentive Program was also defeated.

• Approved 2021 net levy operating budget of $409,619,835 (carried)
• Approved $208,777,440 for Regional Departments with 1.0% operating and 1.0% capital increases (carried)
• Approved $18,808,401 from Taxpayer Relief Reserve for COVID-19 pressures (carried)
• Approved additional $4,319,211 draw from Taxpayer Relief Reserve to reduce levy to 1.8% (15-14)
• Approved $5,664,748 assessment growth to costs (carried)
• Directed staff to prepare report on establishing a 'Hospital Contribution Reserve' (carried)
• Defeated amendment to increase budget to 3% for hospital funding reserve (8-14)
• Defeated motion to remove $300,000 from Smarter Niagara Incentive Program

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to select a committee chair and vice-chair. Members will also receive a presentation from Jane Arkell, Communications Director for the Canada 2022 Summer Games, and consider the 2021 meeting dates. The committee will also receive information on a draft of bus stop accessibility criteria and guidelines from Transit Systems of Niagara, and the minutes from the September 1, 2020 meeting.

• Election of Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
• Presentation: Canada 2022 Summer Games Update by Jane Arkell
• 2021 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Dates (AAC-C 1-2021)
• Transit Systems of Niagara – Draft of Bus Stop Accessibility Criteria & Guidelines (AAC-C 2-2021)
• Meeting Minutes from September 1, 2020 (AAC 3-2020)

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is considering the 2021 Levy Operating Budget and a new Fees and Charges By-law. The committee will also review the Hospital Funding Contribution Policy and various financial correspondence items.

• 2021 Levy Operating Budget presentation
• 2021 Fees and Charges By-law
• Hospital Funding Contribution Policy
• Homelessness Capital Project - Provincial Social Services Relief Funding
• Associate Medical Officer of Health Recruitment financial implications

The Budget Review Committee approved a funding commitment of $12.6M toward the local contribution for the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital project, along with a policy capping regional hospital funding at 21% of total local contributions. The committee also approved the 2021 Fees and Charges By-law and directed staff to proceed with permanent supportive housing funded from the Taxpayer Relief Reserve. The meeting was procedural in part, with several items received for information only.

• Approved $12.6M funding commitment for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (carried)
• Approved regional funding contribution policy capped at 21% of total local contribution (carried)
• Directed staff to develop comprehensive financing strategy for hospital contributions by 2022 budget (carried)
• Approved 2021 Fees and Charges By-law, effective February 1, 2021 (carried)
• Directed staff to proceed with Option 1 for permanent supportive housing funded from Taxpayer Relief Reserve (carried)
• Received financial disclosure requirements report for information (carried)
• Received Associate Medical Officer of Health recruitment financial implications for information (carried)
• Received levy workshop discussion items for information (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee meets electronically to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to consider several staff reports including approval of 2021 interim property tax levy dates and amounts, a sponsorship revenue update, a Next Generation 911 update, and recommendations from the Niagara Courts joint board. The agenda also includes consent items on COVID-19 business continuity, a funding request letter, and a municipal insurance motion, plus a closed session on litigation and a confidential RFP matter.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• CSD 2-2021: Approval of 2021 Interim Levy Dates and Amounts
• CSD 4-2021: Sponsorship Revenue Update with asset inventory valuation
• CSD 3-2021: Next Generation 911 (NG911) Update
• Closed session: Burgoyne Bridge financial update (litigation) and SWIFT RFP (confidential)

The Corporate Services Committee approved the 2021 interim levy amounts, directed staff to draft a sponsorship policy, and directed continued planning for Next Generation 911 (NG911) and a consolidated emergency dispatch model. It also approved court services write-offs and received several information items. The committee elected Foster as Chair and Whalen as Vice-Chair for 2021-2022.

• Approved 2021 interim levy amounts (carried)
• Directed staff to draft a Sponsorship Policy (carried)
• Directed continued NG911 planning and development of a consolidated emergency dispatch model (carried)
• Approved court services write-offs for delinquent cases (carried)
• Elected Foster as Committee Chair and Whalen as Vice-Chair for 2021-2022 (acclaimed)
• Directed staff to provide external legal costs by case for major lawsuits (carried)
• Received COVID-19 response, funding request, and municipal insurance motion for information (carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will elect a chair and vice-chair, hear a presentation on a new Niagara Region Official Plan, and consider a climate change work program update. The main decision item is Regional Official Plan Amendment 18 and Local Official Plan Amendment 24, a request to expand Welland's urban boundary in the northwest, with a delegation from the City of Welland. The committee will also discuss a tourism adaptation and recovery fund and receive informational updates on COVID-19 responses, the Official Plan's next steps, tree cover estimation, and a recent LPAT decision on Wellandport hamlet policies.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• Regional Official Plan Amendment 18 and Local Official Plan Amendment 24 – Northwest Welland Urban Boundary Expansion Request
• Climate Change Work Program Update (PDS 6-2021)
• Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund (ED 2-2021)
• Niagara Official Plan - Steps and Directions Moving Forward (PDS 4-2021)

The committee approved Regional Official Plan Amendment 18 and Local Official Plan Amendment 24 for the Northwest Welland urban boundary expansion, and endorsed an update to the Climate Change Work Program. A motion to exempt the City of Welland's secondary plan from regional approval was defeated. The committee also authorized funding administration for a tourism recovery fund and directed staff to initiate a local business event.

• Approved Regional Official Plan Amendment 18 – Northwest Welland Urban Area Boundary Expansion
• Approved Local Official Plan Amendment 24 to the City of Welland Official Plan as modified
• Defeated motion to exempt City of Welland OPA #29 from Regional Approval (3-13)
• Endorsed update to Climate Change Work Program for Niagara Official Plan
• Directed staff to initiate research into a greening initiative for Niagara
• Authorized Director of Economic Development to execute funding documentation for Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund
• Received COVID-19 response and business continuity reports for information
• Directed initiation of an online local business event in collaboration with partners

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will elect co-chairs, consider the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative Investment Plan 2021-22, and receive information items on COVID-19 response, a request to declare a state of emergency for mental health/homelessness/addiction, and a report on regional initiatives affecting local public health boards. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.

• Election of committee co-chairs for Public Health and Community Services
• COM 1-2021: Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative Investment Plan 2021-22
• PHD-C 1-2021: COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity in Public Health and Emergency Services
• COM-C 2-2021: Request for Declaration of State of Emergency for Mental Health, Homelessness and Addiction
• CWCD 339-2020: Extra-Legislative Development of Undefined Regional Initiatives

Public Works Committee

The Niagara Region Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to select a chair and vice-chair, hear a presentation on the 'Box it. Bin it. Sort it.' waste campaign, and consider approval of sole/single source purchase orders exceeding $100,000. They will also receive updates on COVID-19 response, a waste drop-off depot, and a transit contract renewal. A closed session will discuss the GO Station development strategy.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• Presentation on 'Box it. Bin it. Sort it.' campaign
• Approval of sole/single source purchase orders over $100,000
• Update on Walker Environmental Group's waste drop-off depot
• Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand contract renewal

The Public Works Committee approved sole/single source purchase orders and change orders exceeding $100,000 as listed in Report PW 3-2021. A motion regarding the purchasing of turbo blowers, including a value for money audit, was referred to staff for a report. The committee also received information items on COVID-19 response, waste management, and transit contract renewal, and elected Rigby as Chair and Fertich as Vice-Chair.

• Approved sole/single source purchase orders and change orders over $100,000 (Report PW 3-2021)
• Referred turbo blower purchasing motion to staff for report (11-7)
• Elected Rigby as Committee Chair for 2021-2022
• Elected Fertich as Committee Vice-Chair for 2021-2022
• Received COVID-19 response and business continuity update
• Received waste management depot and composting facility update
• Received Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand contract renewal update

CAO Recruitment Committee

The Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment Committee is meeting electronically to review orientation documents for the CAO recruitment process and discuss next steps. No decisions or public presentations are on the agenda; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Review of CAO Recruitment Committee Orientation Documents (CAORC-C 1-2021)
• Discussion of next steps led by Franco Meffe, Director, Human Resources
• Next meeting scheduled for January 26, 2021 at 3:30 p.m.