Niagara Region public meetings in 2022

Council

Niagara Regional Council meets to fill a vacant council seat, renew the Esri enterprise software contract, and discuss proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Plan boundary. The agenda also includes numerous appointments to committees, agencies, boards, and commissions, plus several by-laws including transit fee changes and waterpipe smoking enforcement. The meeting is largely procedural, with many items for appointment and adoption.

• Filling of vacant Regional Council seat (CL-C 150-2022)
• Esri Enterprise Agreement contract renewal (CSD 51-2022)
• Proposed amendments to Greenbelt Plan boundary (PDS 27-2022)
• By-law to amend fees and charges for transit (Bill 2022-98)
• Appointments to NPCA, NRPS, and Niagara Parks boards

Council appointed Brian Heit as Regional Councillor for the City of St. Catharines for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term. The body also approved a $1,407,544 software contract renewal and filled numerous appointments for regional boards, commissions, and committees.

• Appointed Brian Heit as Regional Councillor for the City of St. Catharines
• Approved 3-year Esri Enterprise Agreement contract renewal for $1,407,544
• Approved submission of Report PDS 27-2022 regarding Greenbelt Plan Boundary amendments to the Province of Ontario
• Appointed Councillors Chiocchio, Ip, and Steele to the Niagara Regional Police Services Board
• Appointed Councillor Redekop as Chair and Councillor Whalen as Vice Chair of the Budget Review Committee of the Whole
• Appointed Councillor Insinna to the Niagara Parks Commission
• Passed Bill 2022-98 to amend fees and charges for regional services
• Passed Bill 2022-99 to appoint By-law Enforcement Officers for Water Pipe Smoking By-law

Council

This is the inaugural meeting of the Niagara Region Council for the 2022-2026 term. The agenda is largely procedural: it includes the declaration of office for the Regional Chair and councillors, introduction of councillors, the Regional Chair's inaugural address, and a confirming by-law. No substantive policy decisions or discussions are listed.

• Declaration of office by Regional Chair and Regional Councillors
• Introduction of 2022-2026 Regional Councillors
• Declaration of vacant seat
• Confirming by-law (Bill 2022-97) to adopt, ratify and confirm actions of the inaugural meeting

Regional Council held its inaugural meeting to swear in members and appoint leadership. Council declared the seat of Jim Bradley vacant following his appointment as Regional Chair and passed a by-law to confirm the meeting's actions.

• Appointed Councillor Bradley as Regional Chair
• Declared the seat held by Jim Bradley for the City of St. Catharines vacant
• Requested City of St. Catharines advise on filling the vacancy by January 19, 2023
• Defeated motion to defer the vacancy declaration to December 1, 2022 (25-5)
• Approved Bill 2022-97 to ratify actions of the Inaugural meeting

Council

This is the inaugural meeting of the Niagara Region Council following the 2022 municipal election. Council will verify election results, take declarations of office, and appoint a Regional Chair. A memorandum regarding Bill 39, the Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022, is included for consideration.

• Appointment of Regional Chair
• Memorandum regarding Bill 39, The Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022
• Verification of election results and quorum
• Declarations of office by members of Regional Council

During its inaugural meeting, Council suspended its regular procedural rules to appoint a Regional Chair for the 2022-2026 term. Council subsequently appointed Councillor Jim Bradley to the position.

• Suspended procedural rules to permit the appointment of the Regional Chair (27-3)
• Appointed Councillor Jim Bradley as Regional Chair for the 2022-2026 term (27-2)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts will consider the Court Services 2023 Operating Budget, including a presentation and supporting documents. The board will also set its 2023 meeting dates and receive updates on membership, COVID-19, Vision Zero, and third-quarter financials.

• Court Services 2023 Operating Budget (JBM-C 9-2022)
• 2023 Joint Board of Management Meeting Dates (JBM-C 11-2022)
• Joint Board of Management 2023 Membership (JBM-C 7-2022)
• Court Services COVID-19 Update (JBM-C 8-2022)
• Vision Zero Update and Intermunicipal Agreement Amendment 2 (JBM-C 10-2022)

The Joint Board of Management approved the 2023 Court Services gross operating budget and recommended it to the Niagara Region Council. The board also established the meeting schedule for the 2023 calendar year.

• Approved 2023 Court Services gross operating budget of $10,252,444 and net revenue of $87,323
• Approved 2023 meeting dates: February 2, April 13, August 17, October 26, and December 7

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider the Court Services 2023 Operating Budget, which will be preceded by a presentation. The board will also set its 2023 meeting dates and receive informational updates on membership, COVID-19, Vision Zero, and prior meeting minutes. No votes are listed on the agenda; items are for consideration or information.

• Court Services 2023 Operating Budget (JBM-C 9-2022) with presentation and appendices including schedule of expenditures/revenue and Vision Zero budget
• 2023 Joint Board of Management meeting dates (JBM-C 11-2022)
• Joint Board of Management 2023 membership (JBM-C 7-2022)
• Court Services COVID-19 update (JBM-C 8-2022)
• Vision Zero update with Intermunicipal Agreement Amendment 2 (JBM-C 10-2022)

Niagara Transit Commission

The Niagara Transit Commission is meeting to consider three main items: delegating authority to staff, establishing a public advisory committee, and approving participation in the OMERS pension plan. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes, a by-law regulating transit system use, and a special levy item for information.

• NTC 21-2022: Delegation of Authority to Staff
• NTC 22-2022: Public Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
• NTC 23-2022: Approval of OMERS By-Law
• Bill NTC 2-2022: By-law regulating use of transit system
• NTC-C 5-2022: Transit Special Levy

The Commission approved the delegation of purchasing and document authority to staff and passed by-laws regarding system use and employee pensions. The board also established terms of reference for a Public Advisory Committee.

• Approved delegation of authority to staff for purchases, document execution, and payment release (Carried)
• Authorized General Manager to execute routine operational documents for fleet certifications and licensing (Carried)
• Approved the Niagara Transit Commission OMERS By-law for employee pensions (Carried)
• Approved terms of reference for the Public Transit Commission Public Advisory Committee (Carried)
• Directed Regional Clerk’s Office to advertise for Public Advisory Committee members (Carried)
• Passed Bill NTC 2-2022: By-law regulating the use of the Niagara Transit Commission Transit System (Carried)
• Passed Bill NTC 3-2022: By-law authorizing participation in the OMERS Primary Pension Plan (Carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to handle routine business: adopting minutes, receiving correspondence, and considering a budget adjustment for Seniors Services. The agenda includes a report on proposed provincial legislation (Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act) for information only, and a confidential closed session covering litigation and the CAO's performance appraisal. No major decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Receive report on Bill 23 More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (CL-C 145-2022)
• Budget adjustment for Seniors Services (COM 32-2022)
• Adopt minutes from September 22 and 29, 2022 meetings
• Closed session: litigation update on former senior officials' employment contracts
• Closed session: CAO 2022 performance appraisal

Council approved a budget increase for senior services and directed the Regional Chair to send a letter to the province expressing concerns regarding Bill 23. The meeting also included a review of the Chief Administrative Officer's performance appraisal.

• Approved $1,789,965 budget increase for Seniors Services funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care
• Approved request for province to defer passage of Bill 23 until meaningful consultation occurs (26-2)
• Approved sending correspondence to provincial ministers regarding Bill 23 impacts on budget, growth, environment, and the Ontario Land Tribunal (18-10)
• Approved Chief Administrative Officer 2021-2022 Performance Appraisal
• Approved external legal counsel to proceed as directed regarding litigation over former senior administration employment contracts
• Adopted minutes from September 22 and September 29, 2022

Niagara Transit Commission

The Niagara Transit Commission is holding a special meeting to consider its 2023 budget and requisition, with a presentation preceding the item. The commission will also discuss an application for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (Intake 3) and receive information about remaining interim board meetings. The meeting is scheduled for November 1, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in Thorold.

• 2023 Budget and Requisition – Niagara Transit Commission (NTC 20-2022) with presentation
• Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - Intake 3 (NTC 19-2022)
• Niagara Transit Commission Interim Board – Remaining Meetings (NTC-C 3-2022)

The Commission approved a 2023 gross operating budget of $75,975,876 and a net budget of $55,052,950. It also endorsed a funding application for conventional fleet replacement and appointed an Acting Board Chair.

• Approved 2023 gross operating budget of $75,975,876 and net budget of $55,052,950
• Approved additional special levy estimate of $1,931,540 on municipalities
• Authorized General Manager to implement organizational chart for transit service continuity
• Endorsed funding application for Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (Intake 3) for fleet replacement
• Appointed Member Siscoe as Acting Board Chair from November 15 until January 31, 2023 or new Board appointment

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a special meeting with a public hearing to consider a complaint under the Development Charges Act from West End Self-Storage at 66 Commerce Place and 278 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines. The meeting also includes a closed session on a tentative agreement with CUPE Local 1287 and a confirming by-law for the meeting's actions.

• Public hearing on development charges complaint by West End Self-Storage (66 Commerce Place & 278 St. Paul St., St. Catharines)
• Closed session on labour relations: CUPE Local 1287 tentative agreement
• Bill 2022-93: confirming by-law for September 29, 2022 special meeting

Council held a public meeting under the Development Charges Act to hear a complaint from West End Self-Storage regarding property at 66 Commerce Place and 278 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines. The complaint was dismissed on a recorded vote of 24-1. Council then voted 13-11 to charge the property at the industrial rate and make it ineligible for further grant reductions.

• Dismissed development charges complaint for West End Self-Storage (24-1)
• Charged property at 66 Commerce Place and 278 St. Paul Street at industrial rate, ineligible for further grant reductions (13-11)
• Approved confidential report on CUPE Local 1287 tentative agreement (carried)
• Adopted by-law to confirm actions of the special meeting (carried)

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a special meeting with a statutory public meeting under the Development Charges Act to present and gather input on a proposed Transit Development Charges By-law and its background study. After the public meeting, council will consider passing Bill 2022-94 to establish transit development charges, along with a confirming by-law for the meeting's actions.

• Statutory public meeting on proposed Transit Development Charges By-law and background study
• Bill 2022-94: by-law to establish transit development charges for Niagara Region
• Bill 2022-95: confirming by-law for the September 29, 2022 special meeting
• Correspondence from Niagara Falls Canada Hotel Association and Niagara Home Builders' Association on the proposed by-law

Council approved the Transit Development Charges Background Study and passed By-law 2022-94 establishing transit development charges, with a recorded vote of 22 in favor and 1 against. The statutory public meeting under the Development Charges Act was held with no public speakers. A confirming by-law (2022-95) was also passed.

• Approved Transit Development Charges Background Study (22-1)
• Passed By-law 2022-94 to establish transit development charges (22-1)
• Passed By-law 2022-95 to confirm council actions (carried)

Niagara Transit Commission

This is a special meeting of the Niagara Transit Commission. The main item is a presentation on the proposed 2023 budget by the General Manager. No decisions are listed on the agenda; it appears to be a workshop-style discussion.

• Presentation: Niagara Transit Commission Proposed 2023 Budget
• Attachment: NTC Budget Workshop Slides - 2022.09.27.pdf

The commission received a presentation on the proposed 2023 operating and capital budgets, including one-time costs. A closed session was held to discuss confidential employment liability details. The board voted to receive the confidential information and the budget presentation. No final decisions on the budget were made at this meeting.

• Moved into closed session to discuss employment liabilities (carried)
• Received confidential information on one-time employment liability costs (carried)
• Received the proposed 2023 budget presentation (carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider a range of items, including several by-laws authorizing long-term borrowing for capital projects, a $27.4 million financing amendment, and updates on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan. The agenda also includes routine items such as adoption of minutes, correspondence, and committee reports. A closed session is scheduled for a confidential update on CUPE 1287 negotiations.

• Bill 2022-76: Amend capital budget by-laws to authorize $27,400,000 in long-term financing for Niagara Region capital projects
• Bills 2022-77, 78, 79, 90: Authorize borrowing for capital works in Lincoln, Wainfleet, Niagara Falls, and Niagara-on-the-Lake via OILC debentures
• Delegations on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 from six residents and organizations
• Bill 2022-87: Amend Procedural By-law 120-2010
• Bill 2022-88: Establish code of conduct for public members on advisory committees

Council approved the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 (28-1) after hearing delegations. It also approved a $2.68M extension of the Niagara Road 12 Landfill operations contract (27-4) and authorized four automated speed enforcement units on regional roads. A motion to oppose Quebec's Bill 21 was referred to the Budget Review Committee of the Whole.

• Approved Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 (28-1)
• Extended Niagara Road 12 Landfill operations contract with FAY Farms Trucking and Excavation Inc. for up to two years at $2,680,506 (27-4)
• Authorized four automated speed enforcement units on regional roads for 22-month term
• Approved transfer of two sewage pumping stations from City of Niagara Falls to Region
• Awarded Integrity Commissioner contract to ADR Chambers Inc. for term to March 31, 2024 with extension option
• Extended educational period for Lobbyist Registry penalties and sanctions by six months
• Awarded group benefits contracts: Green Shield Canada for health/dental, Sun Life for life/disability insurance
• Referred motion opposing Quebec Bill 21 to Budget Review Committee of the Whole

Council Special

This is a special council meeting with a closed session covering two confidential items: the recruitment of a Commissioner of Public Health/Medical Officer of Health, and an update on litigation concerning former senior administration officials' employment contracts. The only public action is a confirming by-law to ratify the meeting's decisions.

• Closed session: recruitment of Commissioner of Public Health/Medical Officer of Health
• Closed session: litigation update on former senior administration officials' employment contracts
• Bill 2022-92: confirming by-law for the special meeting

Council received a confidential report (CAO 14-2022) regarding the recruitment for Commissioner of Public Health/Medical Officer of Health and directed staff to proceed as instructed in closed session. A confidential verbal update on litigation concerning former senior administration officials' employment contracts was also received. The meeting was largely procedural, with no substantive public decisions beyond adopting the agenda and a by-law confirming the meeting's actions.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (CL 16-2022) as moved by Councillor Gibson and seconded by Councillor Siscoe.
• Moved into closed session to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual (recruitment for Commissioner of Public Health/Medical Officer of Health) and legal advice on litigation concerning former senior administration officials' employment contracts.
• Received confidential report CAO 14-2022 on recruitment for Commissioner of Public Health/Medical Officer of Health and directed staff to proceed as directed in closed session.
• Received a confidential verbal update on legal advice regarding litigation concerning former senior administration officials' employment contracts.
• Passed Bill 2022-92, a by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm the actions of Regional Council at the September 22, 2022 special meeting.

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan for 2023-2027, contract extensions for janitorial services and Microsoft software, a group benefits contract award, and updates to financial policies. The committee will also receive a Q2 2022 financial update and hear delegations on the DEI plan. Closed session items include proposed land acquisitions and a land disposition.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 (Report CAO 12-2022)
• Janitorial Services 2019-RFP-05 Contract Extension (CSD 43-2022)
• Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Contract Renewal 2022 (CSD 47-2022)
• Group Benefits Carrier Marketing – Contract Award (HR 04-2022)
• Closed session: land acquisition at 477 River Road, Welland; RR98 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls; disposition at 401A Lakeshore Road and 14 Broadway Avenue, St. Catharines

The Corporate Services Committee approved the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 (unanimous, 12-0), renewed the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement for 3 years at $4.06M, awarded health/dental benefits to Green Shield Canada and life/disability insurance to Sun Life, extended the janitorial contract with Commercial Cleaning Services for one year at $1.18M, and updated financial policies including transferring $1.03M in surplus to reserves. Three confidential land acquisition/disposition items were also approved.

• Approved Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 (12-0)
• Approved 3-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement renewal for $4.06M plus $203K contingency
• Awarded health/dental benefits contract to Green Shield Canada effective Jan 1, 2023
• Awarded life, critical illness, and disability insurance contract to Sun Life Assurance effective Jan 1, 2023
• Approved one-year extension of janitorial contract with Commercial Cleaning Services for $1.18M
• Approved updated Tangible Capital Assets policy and Reserve/Reserve Fund schedules
• Transferred $313,155 surplus to Niagara Regional Housing reserves and $713,435 to Taxpayer Relief Reserve
• Approved confidential land acquisition at 477 River Road, Welland and RR98 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, and disposition at 401A Lakeshore Road/14 Broadway, St. Catharines

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will consider a front-ending agreement for Regional Trunk Watermain Phase 1 and Streamside SPS upgrades in Smithville, West Lincoln, and a Brownfield Tax Assistance Program grant for 115 Lincoln Street, Welland. Several information items will be presented, including updates on strategic marketing, foreign direct investment, and the Smarter Niagara Incentive Program. The agenda also includes initiation reports for Regional Official Plan amendments at 502 Winston Road, Grimsby, and for the proposed Law Crushed Stone Quarry in Wainfleet.

• Front-ending agreement for Regional Trunk Watermain Phase 1 and Streamside SPS upgrades in Smithville (PDS 24-2022)
• Regional participation in a Brownfield Tax Assistance Program (BTAP) grant at 115 Lincoln Street, Welland (PDS 26-2022)
• Initiation report for Regional Official Plan amendment at 502 Winston Road, Grimsby (PDS 21-2022)
• Initiation report for proposed Law Crushed Stone Quarry Regional Official Plan amendment (PDS 22-2022)
• Appointment of private sewage system inspectors under the Building Code Act (PDS-C 50-2022)

The committee approved a front-ending agreement with Marz Homes (Smithville West Inc.) for the installation of a Phase 1 trunk water main and sewage pumping station upgrades in Smithville, with capital projects approved in principle subject to 2023 budget approval. It also approved regional participation in a brownfield tax assistance grant at 115 Lincoln Street in Welland. Several reports were received for information, including updates on marketing, foreign direct investment, and various planning items.

• Approved front-ending agreement with Marz Homes for watermain and sewage upgrades in Smithville (11-0)
• Approved capital projects W-M-006 ($6.56M, 90% DC funding) and WW-SPS-041 ($1.31M, 80% DC funding) in principle
• Approved regional participation in BTAP grant at 115 Lincoln Street, Welland
• Received Strategic Marketing Update for information
• Received Foreign Direct Investment Update for information
• Received consent items including SNIP update, Ontario Street plan, quarry ROPA initiation, stormwater guidelines, NPCA policy update, and inspector appointments
• Received initiation report for ROPA at 502 Winston Road, Grimsby

Niagara Transit Commission

The Niagara Transit Commission is holding a special meeting on September 13, 2022, with two closed-session items: one on organizational structure (personal matters and labour relations) and one on shared services (commercial/financial information). The only public item is a consent item on amalgamation transition costs and federal/provincial support. The meeting is largely procedural, with most substantive discussion occurring behind closed doors.

• Closed session: Niagara Transit Commission Organizational Structure (Confidential NTC 17-2022)
• Closed session: Niagara Transit Commission Shared Services (Confidential NTC 18-2022)
• Consent item: Amalgamation Transition Costs – Federal/Provincial Support (NTC-C 2-2022)

The Niagara Transit Commission held a special meeting on September 13, 2022, and moved into closed session to discuss confidential matters regarding organizational structure and shared services. Upon reconvening, the board received and approved two confidential reports (NTC 17-2022 and NTC 18-2022), directing staff to proceed as instructed in closed session. The board also received an information memorandum on amalgamation transition costs and federal/provincial support. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Received Confidential Report NTC 17-2022 on organizational structure and directed staff to proceed as directed in closed session (carried)
• Received and approved Confidential Report NTC 18-2022 on shared services (carried)
• Received Memorandum NTC-C 2-2022 on amalgamation transition costs for information (carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will hear an update on the monkeypox outbreak and consider several items related to long-term care homes, homelessness services, and seasonal shelters. Decisions include advancing a long-term care home funding policy, approving agency staffing use for seniors services, and procuring temporary seasonal shelters for winter. The committee will also review audits of eight long-term care homes and receive informational reports on homelessness plans and housing action updates.

• Update on Monkeypox Outbreak by Dr. A. Kasmani
• COM 24-2022: Advancing the Region's Implementation of the Long-Term Care Home Funding Policy
• COM 26-2022: Approval of Seniors Services Usage of Agency Staffing Services
• COM 29-2022: Homelessness Services - Temporary Seasonal Shelter Procurement Approval
• COM 31-2022: Approval of 2021 Long Term Care Home Audits (8 homes listed)

The committee approved several key items: posting 95 permanent full-time equivalents for long-term care homes starting January 2023, contracting up to $3.5M in agency staffing services for LTC homes, increasing a seasonal shelter contract by $120,817, and adjusting homelessness services contracts by $538,050. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved posting 95 permanent FTEs for long-term care homes effective January 1, 2023 (carried)
• Approved up to $3.5M for agency staffing services at LTC homes from Dec 2021 to Mar 2023 (carried)
• Increased temporary seasonal shelter contract with Start Me Up Niagara by $120,817 to $1,988,940 (carried)
• Approved $150,000 contingency for shelter system adjustments through June 30, 2023 (carried)
• Increased homelessness services shelter contracts by $538,050 to $16,711,695 (carried)
• Approved $250,000 contingency for additional homelessness service adjustments (carried)
• Approved 2021 audited annual reports for eight long-term care homes (carried)
• Confirmed Regional Council as governing body for LTC homes under Fixing Long-Term Care Act (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider several infrastructure items, including contract awards for road reconstruction, a landfill operations extension, and the assumption of sewage pumping stations in Niagara Falls. Members will also discuss implementing automated speed enforcement and a road jurisdiction transfer in Welland, plus an asbestos remediation project at the Niagara Falls wastewater plant. Several items are for information only, such as water quality updates and a spill update near the Line 5 landfill.

• PW 20-2022: Niagara Road 12 Landfill Operations Contract Extension
• PW 29-2022: Assumption of certain sewage pumping stations in Niagara Falls
• PW 31-2022: Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) Reconstruction – Amending Agreement
• PW 32-2022: Award of Contract 2022-T-112 for Regional Road 55 (Niagara Stone Road) reconstruction in Niagara-on-the-Lake
• PW 34-2022: Implementation of Automated Speed Enforcement across Niagara Region

The Public Works Committee approved a $10.9 million contract to Rankin Construction Inc. for reconstruction and improvements of Regional Road 55 (Niagara Stone Road) from Four Mile Creek Road to Line 1 Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The committee also approved a $2.68 million extension of the Niagara Road 12 Landfill operations contract with FAY Farms Trucking and Excavation Inc., and authorized the use of four automated speed enforcement units on regional roads. A motion to refer the landfill contract extension to the next term of council was defeated in a recorded vote of 10-5.

• Approved $10,930,970.25 contract to Rankin Construction Inc. for Regional Road 55 (Niagara Stone Road) reconstruction from Four Mile Creek Road to Line 1 Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Approved $2,680,506 extension of Contract 2018-T-01 with FAY Farms Trucking and Excavation Inc. for Niagara Road 12 Landfill operations for up to two one-year extensions
• Defeated motion to refer the landfill contract extension to the next term of council (recorded vote: 10-5)
• Approved transfer of ownership of Garner Southwest and Grassy Brook sewage pumping stations from City of Niagara Falls to the Region
• Approved $736,502 in additional fees to Parsons Inc. for detailed design and contract administration of Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) reconstruction
• Authorized use of four automated speed enforcement units on regional roads in Community Safety Zones on a rotational basis for a 22-month term
• Approved removal of Regional Road 27 (Riverside Drive) from the Region's highway system, transferring jurisdiction to the City of Welland
• Approved $12,374,743 increase to the Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. contract for asbestos remediation at Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant, plus $395,500 increase to Environmental Infrastructure Solutions contract

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee is meeting electronically to consider a motion referred by Regional Council regarding active transportation and migrant workers. The agenda also includes updates on irrigation, soil quality, development charges by-law, and the Agri-Food Action Plan. The meeting is open to public viewing by request only due to COVID-19 precautions.

• Referred Council Motion respecting Active Transportation and Migrant Workers (APAC-C 2-2022)
• Approval of April 29, 2022 meeting minutes (APAC 2-2022)
• Irrigation Update
• Soil Quality Update
• Development Charges By-law Update

The Agricultural Policy & Action Committee received a referral motion from Regional Council regarding active transportation and migrant workers, and voted to support it with an amendment to one of the 'whereas' clauses. The motion calls for policies to improve migrant workers' safe mobility and inclusion in transportation planning. The committee also received updates on irrigation, soil quality, development charges, and the Agri-Food Action Plan.

• Supported motion on active transportation and migrant workers with amendment to whereas clause 4 (carried)
• Received minutes of April 29, 2022 meeting for information (carried)

Niagara Transit Commission

The Niagara Transit Commission is meeting to consider the 2022-2023 General Manager's Work Plan, a motion regarding City of Welland representation, and a proposed head office location. The agenda also includes a budget development roadmap for information and adoption of prior minutes.

• NTC 14-2022: 2022-2023 General Manager's Work Plan
• NTC 15-2022: Motion - City of Welland Representation
• NTC 16-2022: Niagara Transit Commission Head Office Location
• NTC-C 1-2022: Niagara Transit Commission Budget Development Road Map
• Adoption of minutes from August 2, 2022 meeting

The Niagara Transit Commission approved 2012 First Street Louth, St. Catharines as its head office. A motion to add a second Welland representative to the board was defeated. The board endorsed the General Manager's work plan and received a budget road map for information.

• Approved 2012 First Street Louth, St. Catharines as head office (carried)
• Defeated motion to add second Welland representative to board (2-9)
• Defeated motion to defer Welland representation vote until after municipal election (4-7)
• Endorsed General Manager's work plan (carried)
• Received budget development road map for information (carried)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to discuss the proposed Niagara Region Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan for 2023-2027, which will be presented before consideration. The committee will also consider a motion referred by Regional Council regarding Quebec Bill 21, and receive a presentation on the Poverty Reduction Strategy. The agenda includes routine items such as call to order, land acknowledgement, and disclosures of interest.

• Discussion of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027, including full report, executive summary, and framework chart
• Consideration of referred Council motion respecting Province of Quebec Bill 21
• Presentation on the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy by Marc Todd and Rachel Sam
• Approval of minutes from April 26, 2022 meeting

The committee received and approved a motion to endorse the Niagara Region Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027, recommending it to Regional Council for final approval. Members also received a presentation on the Poverty Reduction Strategy and a motion regarding Province of Quebec Bill 21 for information. Three committee members volunteered to delegate in support of the DEI Action Plan at the September 22, 2022 Council meeting.

• Approved motion to endorse the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 and recommend it to Regional Council for approval
• Received presentation on Niagara's Poverty Reduction Strategy for information
• Received correspondence item regarding Province of Quebec Bill 21 for information
• Received minutes of the April 26, 2022 committee meeting for information

Audit Committee

The Niagara Region Audit Committee is meeting to consider the 2022-24 Internal Audit Workplan, with a presentation preceding the item. The committee will also receive for information several audit reports, including the 2022 External Audit Planning Report and various program audits. The meeting is scheduled for August 29, 2022, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

• 2022-24 Internal Audit Workplan (AC-C 6-2022) with presentation
• 2022 External Audit Planning Report (AC-C 5-2022)
• Court Services 2021 Audited Schedule of Revenues, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution (JBM-C 3-2022)
• 2021-2022 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits (PHD 12-2022)
• Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for Canada Summer Games at Substantial Completion (CSD 24-2022)

The committee received and approved the 2022-2024 Audit Workplan (Report AC-C 6-2022) as presented. Several consent items were also received for information, including the 2022 External Audit Planning Report and various program audit approvals. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 2022-2024 Audit Workplan (carried)
• Received 2022 External Audit Planning Report for information
• Received Court Services 2021 Audited Schedule of Revenues, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution for information
• Received 2021-2022 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits for information
• Received 2021-2022 Community Services Program Audits for information
• Received Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for Canada Summer Games at Substantial Completion for information
• Received Draft Audited Statements of Revenues and Expenses for 6388 Hawkins & 7160 Heximer, and 5528 Buchanan Avenue Projects for information

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider a new development charges by-law, transit fee amendments, and several road dedication and expropriation by-laws. The agenda also includes the annual general meeting of the Niagara Regional Housing Corporation, presentations on EMS resources and affordable housing grants, and a motion on hydro electricity supply. Several delegations will speak on the procedural by-law and development charges.

• Bill 2022-71: By-law to establish development charges for Niagara Region
• Bill 2022-63: Amendment to fees and charges by-law for transit fees
• Bill 2022-72/73: Expropriation of lands for Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) in Niagara Falls
• Bill 2022-65/66: Heritage tax rebate programs for Port Colborne and Fort Erie
• Delegations on proposed procedural by-law amendment restricting delegations

Council approved $1,005,466 for three temporary ambulances through 2022 and directed the chair to write the Ontario health minister about offload delays. A new non-profit affordable rental housing development charge grant was approved, with $1 million repurposed from the Niagara Prosperity Initiative surplus for its first year. Council also approved a new Regional Development Charge By-law with exemptions for on-farm accommodations and places of worship, and a deferral program for industrial developments. A motion to amend the Procedural By-law regarding delegations was deferred to September 22, 2022.

• Approved $1,005,466 for two additional 24-hour ambulances and one 12-hour ambulance for remainder of 2022 (carried)
• Approved new non-profit affordable rental housing development charge grant with $1M from NPI surplus (carried)
• Approved new Regional Development Charge By-law with exemptions for on-farm accommodations and places of worship (27-0)
• Approved industrial development charge deferral program for up to three years at 5% interest (27-0)
• Approved industrial use development charge grant program for up to 100% of RDCs (25-2)
• Approved brownfield transition provisions for developments investing over $1M before August 31, 2022 (carried)
• Deferred Bill 2022-64 (Procedural By-law amendments) to September 22, 2022 (carried)
• Approved motion directing chair to send correspondence to hydro companies about service reliability (carried on tie-breaking vote)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to receive information items, including a second-quarter variance analysis and forecast to December 31, 2022, a COVID-19 update for court services, and the minutes from the June 2, 2022 meeting. No decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda; the items are for information only.

• JBM-C 5-2022: 2nd Quarter Variance Analysis and Forecast to December 31, 2022
• JBM-C 5-2022 Appendix 3: 2022 Second Quarter Budgeted Distribution to Area Municipalities
• JBM-C 6-2022: Court Services COVID-19 Update
• JBM 2-2022: Minutes of June 2, 2022 meeting

The Joint Board of Management held a meeting with no substantive decisions. Members received three information items: the 2nd Quarter Variance Analysis and Forecast, a Court Services COVID-19 Update, and the minutes from the June 2, 2022 meeting. All items were received for information and carried. No other business was discussed.

• Received JBM-C 5-2022: 2nd Quarter Variance Analysis and Forecast to December 31, 2022 (carried)
• Received JBM-C 6-2022: Court Services COVID-19 Update (carried)
• Received JBM 2-2022: Minutes of June 2, 2022 meeting (carried)

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to hear presentations on the 2023 operating budget, a user fee analysis, and the residential Blue Box transition. The committee has no items for consideration, but will receive information updates on the federal single-use plastics ban, alternative waste technologies, a diaper waste exemption review, and councillor information requests.

• 2023 Operating Budget and Challenges presentation by Director Catherine Habermebl
• User Fee Analysis presentation by Associate Director Emil Prpic
• Residential Blue Box Transition presentation by Manager Sherri Tait
• Federal Single-Use Plastics Ban information item (WMPSC-C 21-2022)
• Diaper Waste Exemption Review information item (WMPSC-C 23-2022)

The committee received three presentations on the 2023 operating budget strategy and challenges, a user fee analysis including proposed 2023 tipping fees, and the residential blue box transition. No items were considered for decision; all consent items were received for information only. The meeting was procedural with no votes on substantive actions.

• Received 2023 operating budget presentation (no vote)
• Received user fee analysis presentation (no vote)
• Received residential blue box transition presentation (no vote)
• Received consent items for information: Federal Single-Use Plastics Ban, Alternative Waste Management Technologies Update, Diaper Waste Exemption Review, Councillor Information Requests (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a transit development charges background study and by-law introduction, a heritage tax rebate by-law amendment, and referrals related to development charges and brownfield transition provisions. The committee will also hear late delegation requests from businesses about development charge recommendations. A closed session is scheduled to discuss a land acquisition and disposition agreement at 98 St. Paul Street West.

• Transit Development Charges Background Study and By-law introduction (presentation by Watson & Associates)
• Heritage Tax Rebate By-law Amendment (CSD 20-2022)
• Referral of motion on transition provisions for brownfield developments (CSC-C 41-2022)
• Referral of CSC-C 18-2022 on Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force recommendations and proposed amendments
• Closed session: proposed acquisition and disposition of land at 98 St. Paul Street West

The Corporate Services Committee approved several development charge (DC) recommendations, including a deferral program for industrial developments and exemptions for on-farm accommodations and places of worship, but defeated a brownfield DC reduction extension and a demolition credit clause. The committee also approved a heritage tax rebate amendment and the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Approved heritage tax rebate by-law amendment for Fort Erie and Port Colborne (carried)
• Approved transition provision for brownfield developments with over $1M investment (10-0)
• Approved DC exemption for on-farm agricultural accommodations (carried)
• Approved DC exemption for places of worship (carried)
• Defeated demolition credit clause for redevelopment (defeated)
• Defeated extension of Brownfield RDC Reduction Program for large-scale sites (2-7)
• Approved 3-year deferral program for industrial DC payments with 5% interest (carried)
• Approved 2023 legislative schedule of regular meetings (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a policy on excess soils management, awarding a tender for the 2022 Strengthening and Resurfacing Program Part 2, and transferring jurisdiction of a multi-use path along Regional Road 71. The committee will also receive an information update on the Blue Box transition. A closed session is scheduled to discuss potential litigation and legal advice regarding a bid disqualification related to the resurfacing tender.

• Consideration of Excess Soils Management Policy (PW 5-2022)
• Tender award for 2022 Strengthening and Resurfacing Program Part 2, No. 2022-T-92 (PW 26-2022)
• Transfer of jurisdiction for Regional Road 71 (Sir Isaac Brock Way / St. David's Road) multi-use path (PW 30-2022)
• Information update on Blue Box Transition (PWC-C 22-2022)
• Closed session on potential litigation and legal advice re: bid disqualification for PW 26-2022

The Public Works Committee approved the Excess Soils Management Policy and added it to the Corporate Policy Manual. It awarded the 2022 Strengthening and Resurfacing Program Part 2 contract to Walker Construction Ltd. for $7,282,210.58, defeating a motion to defer. It also authorized transferring jurisdiction of parts of the Regional Road 71 multi-use path to the City of Thorold.

• Approved Excess Soils Management Policy (carried)
• Awarded Contract 2022-T-92 to Walker Construction Ltd. for $7,282,210.58 (14-3)
• Defeated motion to defer tender award for e-Bond verification (5-12)
• Authorized transfer of multi-use path jurisdiction along Regional Road 71 to City of Thorold (carried)

Niagara Transit Commission

The Niagara Transit Commission is meeting to consider an interim branding strategy for the transit system and a by-law defining the general manager's roles and responsibilities. The commission will also receive updates on municipal transfer agreements and hold closed-session discussions on the general manager's employment contract and employment matters related to the transfer agreement.

• Interim Branding Strategy (NTC 11-2022)
• By-law 2022-01: Roles and Responsibilities of the General Manager
• Update on Municipal Transfer Agreements (CAO 8-2022)
• Notice of Motion regarding City of Welland representation
• Closed session: General Manager recruitment and employment contract

The Commission approved the interim branding strategy, naming the transit system 'Niagara Region Transit' and directing staff to initiate re-branding and an RFP process for the January 1, 2023 launch. It also received an update on municipal transfer agreements and enacted a by-law defining the General Manager's roles. A confidential report on General Manager recruitment was approved, and a motion on Welland representation was announced for the next meeting.

• Approved interim branding strategy, naming system 'Niagara Region Transit' (carried)
• Directed steering committee to initiate re-branding of existing transit assets for Jan 1, 2023 launch (carried)
• Directed staff to initiate RFP process for re-branding (carried)
• Received CAO 8-2022 update on municipal transfer agreements (carried)
• Received NTC 12-2022 memorandum on General Manager roles and responsibilities (carried)
• Enacted Bill 2022-01, by-law for General Manager roles and responsibilities (carried)
• Approved confidential report NTC 10-2022 on General Manager recruitment and employment contract (carried)

Women's Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear a presentation from Detective Sergeant Ryan McComber of the Niagara Regional Police Service on human trafficking, and to discuss a report on housing barriers for women from the Niagara Community Observatory. The committee will also review minutes from its May 25 meeting and receive updates on its accomplishments and the CanWILL Grant Working Group.

• Presentation on human trafficking by Detective Sergeant Ryan McComber, Niagara Regional Police Service
• Discussion of WAC-C 2-2022: Housing Barriers for Women - Niagara Community Observatory
• Review of Women's Advisory Committee Minutes from May 25, 2022
• Feedback on Women's Advisory Committee Accomplishments
• Updates from CanWILL Grant Working Group

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole will review a presentation regarding the 2023 budget planning process. This includes discussions on budget strategies, historical increases, and the upcoming budget timetable.

• 2023 Budget Planning and Timetable presentation

The Budget Review Committee received a staff report on 2023 budget planning and approved the proposed timetable. They also approved considering incremental transfers of $10.5 million to the Capital Levy Reserve and $6.6 million to Water & Wastewater Capital Reserves for 2023. An amendment to add a 2% overall levy increase overview was defeated.

• Approved 2023 budget timetable (Appendix 1) (carried)
• Approved considering $10.5M transfer to Capital Levy Reserve and $6.6M to Water & Wastewater Capital Reserves for 2023 (carried)
• Defeated amendment to provide overview of 2% overall levy increase (4-18)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider a new development charges by-law, along with several borrowing by-laws and other routine items. The agenda includes delegations from industry and developers on the development charges update, and a motion on active transportation and migrant workers. Most items are for decision, with some correspondence items for receipt only.

• Bill 2022-58: new development charges by-law, repealing By-law 2017-98
• Bills 2022-51 to 2022-53: borrowing of $45,906,000 for capital works
• Bill 2022-50: expropriation of lands at 6811 Reixinger Road, Niagara Falls
• Speed limit reductions on Regional Roads 73, 81, and 116
• Appointment of Deputy Regional Clerk (By-law 2022-62)

Council approved transferring all regional transit assets and agreements to the Niagara Transit Commission, authorizing the CAO to finalize the Municipal Transfer Agreement with St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, and Fort Erie. Council also approved procedural by-law amendments, set NPCA board representation at eight members, and referred several development charge items to committee.

• Approved transfer of regional transit assets to Niagara Transit Commission (carried)
• Approved procedural by-law amendments defining delegations and presentations (carried)
• Approved NPCA board representation at 8 members (6 councillors, 2 public) (carried)
• Referred brownfield DC grandfathering motion to Corporate Services Committee (23-3)
• Referred development charges task force recommendations to Corporate Services Committee (carried)
• Defeated motion to grant brownfield remediation costs per Incentives Policy (10-17)
• Approved borrowing of $45.9M in debentures for capital works (carried)
• Approved staff proceeding on confidential recycling facility disposition (14-7)

Niagara Transit Commission

The Niagara Transit Commission is meeting to consider two items: harmonizing transit fares across the region and standardizing onboard technologies and equipment. The agenda also includes a closed session to discuss personal matters about identifiable individuals, specifically expressions of interest for the General Manager position.

• Harmonization of Transit Fares (NTC 7-2022)
• Onboard Technologies and Equipment Standardization (NTC 8-2022)
• Closed session: Expressions of Interest for General Manager (NTC 9-2022)

The commission approved a harmonized transit fare structure and associated policies, forwarding them to Niagara Region for inclusion in the Regional Fees & Charges By-law effective January 1, 2023. It also endorsed unifying onboard technologies (ITS, cameras, fareboxes) for the new regional transit service and forwarded this to Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Welland for procurement. Staff were directed to report on the Kingston High School Transit Pass Program at the September 6, 2022 meeting. The commission also received a confidential report on the General Manager expressions of interest and proceeded as directed in closed session.

• Approved harmonized transit fare structure and policies (carried)
• Forwarded fare structure to Niagara Region for inclusion in Fees & Charges By-law effective Jan 1, 2023
• Endorsed unifying onboard technologies (ITS, cameras, fareboxes) for regional transit service
• Forwarded technology report to Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Welland for procurement consideration
• Directed staff to report on Kingston High School Transit Pass Program by Sept 6, 2022
• Received confidential report on General Manager expressions of interest and proceeded as directed

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is considering four items: a response to a motion on staff and elected official safety, brownfield remediation exemptions, NPCA board representation, and recommendations from the Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force. The agenda also includes a closed session with confidential land deals and labour negotiations.

• CSD 18-2022: Response to motion on safety and security of staff and elected officials
• CSD 34-2022: Brownfield exemptions with remediation cost example
• CLK 4-2022: NPCA board composition and representation
• CSC-C 18-2022: Recommendations from Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force
• Closed session: Disposition/lease of Niagara Region Material Recycling Facility (2021-RFP-209), 68 Church Street St. Catharines redevelopment, Niagara Regional Housing property acquisition in Niagara Falls, CUPE Local 1757 tentative agreement

The Corporate Services Committee approved a motion setting Niagara Region's representation on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Board at six members, comprising four Regional Councillors and two members of the public. This followed a defeated amendment proposing eight members. The committee also approved staff directives to develop a Council Security Orientation Training program and best practices guidelines for safe interactions with the public, and approved exemptions in the draft Development Charge By-law for on-farm accommodations and places of worship.

• Approved 6-member NPCA board representation (4 councillors, 2 public) (7-4)
• Defeated amendment for 8-member NPCA board representation
• Directed staff to develop Council Security Orientation Training program
• Directed staff to develop best practices guideline for public interactions
• Approved brownfield remediation costs granted per Incentives Policy
• Approved development charge exemptions for on-farm accommodations and places of worship
• Deferred confidential report on Material Recycling Facility disposition to Aug 10
• Approved confidential recommendations on 68 Church Street redevelopment and CUPE tentative agreement

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The committee approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of St. Catharines for the Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Study, authorizing the Regional Chair to sign it. They also received informational updates on economic development, support to local municipalities, and the 2022 Public Realm Investment Program. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included presentations and staff updates.

• Approved MOU with St. Catharines for Ontario Street Corridor Secondary Plan Study (carried)
• Received Economic Development Update Q1 and Q2 (carried)
• Received Support to Local Area Municipalities report (carried)
• Received 2022 Public Realm Investment Program funding commitments (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is considering awarding a contract for the Phase 2 Grimsby watermain replacement (2022-T-42) and reviewing recommendations from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee, including a potential partnership with the DSBN for The Broken Spoke Program and options to add leaf and yard waste to curbside service. The committee will also receive 2021 summary reports from six Niagara water treatment plants and appoint by-law officers to enforce waste management by-laws. Two closed-session items concern land acquisition/disposition related to a GO Station development strategy and the disposal or lease of the Region-owned Material Recycling Facility.

• Award of contract 2022-T-42 Phase 2 Grimsby watermain replacement
• Waste Management Steering Committee recommendations including DSBN partnership for The Broken Spoke Program
• Review of options to add leaf and yard waste to curbside service
• 2021 summary reports for six water treatment plants (Decew Falls, Niagara Falls, Rosehill, Port Colborne, Grimsby, Welland)
• Appointment of by-law officers for Waste Management By-law 2022-32 and Closed Landfill By-law 2022-33

The committee awarded the Phase 2 Grimsby watermain replacement contract to Howlett Development & Construction Services Ltd. for $12,096,739.27. It also approved recommendations from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee and received several information items. A confidential item on the Material Recycling Facility disposition was received on a recorded vote of 16-2.

• Awarded Contract 2022-T-42 Phase 2: Grimsby Watermain Replacement to Howlett Development & Construction Services Ltd. at $12,096,739.27 (carried)
• Approved recommendations from Waste Management Planning Steering Committee meeting of June 20, 2022 (carried)
• Received for information: Niagara Water Treatment Plant 2021 Summary Reports, Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Minutes, and appointment of by-law officers for waste management by-laws (carried)
• Received confidential report on GO Station Development Strategy Update (carried)
• Received confidential item on disposition/lease of Material Recycling Facility and recycling processing services (16-2, carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will consider a budget adjustment for seniors services and a report on how provincial funding shortfalls affect public health and emergency services, potentially increasing pressure on the regional levy. It will also receive updates on the EMS taxi pilot, mental health telemedicine divestment, and monkeypox preparedness. A closed session will discuss a proposed land acquisition by Niagara Regional Housing in Niagara Falls.

• COM 23-2022: Budget adjustment for Senior Services (MLTC funding)
• PHD 13-2022: Impacts of provincial funding shortfall on Public Health and Emergency Services
• PHD 9-2022: Niagara EMS Taxi Services Pilot Project update
• PHD-C 5-2022: Divestment of Niagara Region Mental Health's telemedicine service
• Closed session: Niagara Regional Housing acquisition of property in Niagara Falls

The committee approved an $8,377,020 adjustment to the 2022 operating budget for Seniors Services, fully funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care. It also directed the Regional Chair to write to provincial ministers about funding shortfalls for public health and emergency services, and to circulate the correspondence to various bodies. A confidential item regarding a housing acquisition in Niagara Falls was approved. All other items were received for information.

• Approved $8,377,020 budget adjustment for Seniors Services, funded by MLTC
• Directed Regional Chair to write to provincial ministers re: funding shortfalls
• Approved circulating correspondence to MPs, MPPs, AMO, local municipalities, Ontario Board of Health, alPHa
• Directed Regional Chair to provide editorial article to local media
• Received EMS Taxi Services Pilot Project update for information
• Received telemedicine divestment and monkeypox preparedness updates for information
• Approved confidential housing acquisition in Niagara Falls

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee approved a package of amendments to the Region's Procedural By-law, adding definitions for delegations and presentations, renaming 'Other Business' to 'Announcements', and imposing new deadlines and restrictions on delegations and agenda items. The committee also received a memorandum deferring a separate proposed amendment about 'Announcements' for information only. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved amendments adding definitions for 'Delegation' and 'Presentation' to Section 1.1
• Approved renaming Section 11.1(p) 'Other Business' to 'Announcements'
• Approved new rule preventing agenda items from being added after publication unless urgent and directed by Chair/CAO with Clerk
• Approved amended deadlines for agenda submissions (9:00 a.m. Friday before Council) and addendum submissions (9:00 a.m. day before)
• Approved amended delegation rules including new deadlines, limits on speakers and time, and restrictions on who may appear
• Approved new Section 13.13 barring delegations on litigation, investigations, vendor appeals, and other specified matters
• Approved new Section 13.14 allowing Clerk to refuse delegations with appeal to Committee or Council
• Received memorandum PBLRC-C 12-2022 deferring proposed amendment on 'Announcements' for information

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a statutory public meeting to present and receive input on the proposed 2022 Development Charges By-law and its background study. The meeting includes presentations from the consultant and numerous registered speakers, along with many written submissions, mostly concerning exemptions for places of worship and impacts on businesses. Council will also consider a confirming by-law for the meeting's actions.

• Public meeting on 2022 Development Charges Background Study and By-law
• 19 registered speakers, including Niagara Industrial Association, hotel and church representatives
• 38 written submissions, many on church development charge exemptions
• Submissions from Smithville Landowner's Group and LANDx Developments on brownfield reduction program
• Bill 2022-49, confirming by-law for the special session

Council held a statutory public meeting on the 2022 Development Charges Background Study and By-law, receiving comments from 16 delegations. No final decision was made; all comments were referred to staff for consideration in preparing the final by-law. Staff noted the Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force recommended exemptions for on-farm agricultural accommodations and places of worship, to be considered at the July 13 Corporate Services Committee meeting. The meeting also adopted the agenda and a confirmation by-law.

• Adopted agenda CL 13-2022 (carried)
• Received and referred public comments on Development Charges By-law to staff (carried)
• Received and referred correspondence on Development Charges By-law to staff (carried)
• Passed Bill 2022-49 confirming actions of the special meeting (carried)

Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force is meeting to discuss potential exemptions from development charges, including a request for on-farm accommodations used for agricultural purposes. The meeting includes a presentation from Watson & Associates on development charge exemptions and a delegation from agricultural groups. Items for information cover existing agricultural and places of worship exemptions.

• Presentation on Development Charge Exemptions by Daryl Abbs, Watson & Associates
• Delegation requesting Development Charges Exemption for On-Farm Accommodations Used for Agricultural Purposes (RDCPTF-C 21-2022)
• Referral of motion from Corporate Services Committee meeting on June 15, 2022 regarding on-farm accommodations
• Information item: Agricultural Exemptions (RDCPTF-C 19-2022)
• Information item: Places of Worship Exemption (RDCPTF-C 20-2022)

Niagara Transit Commission

The Niagara Transit Commission meets to elect a board chair and vice chair, and to consider several items including the general manager job description, a procedural by-law, and a KPMG review of shared services. A presentation on the future of transit in Niagara is also scheduled. The meeting includes closed-session items on potential employee negotiations and a proposed organizational structure.

• Election of board chair and vice chair
• Consideration and approval of General Manager job description (NTC 1-2022)
• Niagara Transit Commission procedural by-law and policy considerations (NTC 6-2022)
• KPMG review of shared services and proposed organizational structure (NTC 3-2022)
• Closed session on employee negotiations and KPMG organizational structure

The Niagara Transit Commission held its inaugural meeting, adopting the Region's Procedural By-law and several administrative policies. Walter Sendzik was elected Chair and Wayne Fertich Vice Chair. The Commission approved its 2022 meeting schedule, the General Manager job description, and a shared services report outlining support from the Region and KPMG. It also received confidential reports on the General Manager role and a proposed organizational structure.

• Adopted Niagara Region's Procedural By-law (carried)
• Elected Walter Sendzik as Chair and Wayne Fertich as Vice Chair
• Approved 2022 meeting schedule: Tuesdays at 3 p.m. on July 19, Aug 2, Sept 6, Oct 4, Nov 8, Dec 13 (carried)
• Adopted Region's policies and procedures for NTC operations (carried)
• Approved General Manager job description (carried)
• Approved shared services recommendations: Regional Clerk continues support, HRIS implementation continues, Steering Committee secures insurance/pension/EAP (carried)
• Received confidential report on General Manager role and approved recommendations (carried)
• Received confidential report on KPMG proposed organizational structure for information (carried)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will hear a presentation and consider the Niagara Region Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, including its appendix. The committee will also review its terms of reference and receive the minutes from its April 26, 2022 meeting.

• Presentation and consideration of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan (DEIAC-C 6-2022)
• Review of the DEIAC Terms of Reference
• Approval of minutes from April 26, 2022 meeting

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting on June 28, 2022, was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. because a quorum was not present within 30 minutes of the scheduled start. No official business was transacted; the chair noted that outstanding agenda items may be brought to a future meeting.

• Meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum (no vote)
• Outstanding agenda items deferred to future meeting

Council

Council is reviewing several items including the adoption of the Niagara Official Plan. The agenda also includes motions regarding development charge deferrals, Bill 21, and multiple traffic regulation by-laws.

• Adoption of the Niagara Official Plan (Bill 2022-47)
• Reconsideration of development charge deferral for 7000 Oakwood Drive, Niagara Falls
• Speed limit reduction on Regional Road 24 in the Town of Lincoln
• Parking prohibition on Regional Road 39 in the Town of Lincoln
• Expropriation of lands at NE and SE Regional Road 98, Niagara Falls

Council adopted the new Niagara Official Plan (25-1) and approved related by-laws. A development charges deferral for 683 York Road was denied (1-25), but a revised motion to base charges on current industrial rates and defer payment until occupancy (no later than Aug 31, 2023) was carried. Council also approved a $55,479.88 development charge exemption for Laurie Ewart's Danceworks at 7000 Oakwood Drive, and referred a motion opposing Quebec's Bill 21 to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

• Adopted new Niagara Official Plan (25-1)
• Denied DC deferral for 683 York Rd (1-25)
• Approved revised DC deferral for 683 York Rd (carried)
• Approved $55,479.88 DC exemption for Laurie Ewart's Danceworks (carried)
• Referred motion opposing Quebec Bill 21 to DEI Committee (carried)
• Approved 2021 Corporate Asset Management Plan (17-9)
• Authorized ERP shared services negotiations with St. Catharines (carried)
• Approved public statement on anti-Indigenous racism (carried)

Niagara Transit Commission

This agenda for the Niagara Transit Commission meeting on June 22, 2022, 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.

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to consider two main items: a partnership with the District School Board of Niagara for 'The Broken Spoke' program, and a review of set-out service options including adding leaf and yard waste collection. The committee will also receive information updates on recycling markets, a councillor information request, and outreach to students about curbside recycling and organics containers.

• Partnership with District School Board of Niagara for 'The Broken Spoke' program (WMPSC-C 16-2022)
• Set-Out Service Review and options to add leaf and yard waste collection (WMPSC-C 18-2022)
• Q1 Recycling Centre and Market Update (WMPSC-C 14-2022)
• Councillor Information Request (WMPSC-C 15-2022)
• Curbside Recycling and Organics Containers – Outreach to Students (WMPSC-C 20-2022)

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee voted to recommend maintaining the current set-out collection service level and not expanding it to include leaf and yard waste. It also recommended entering into a Permission to Enter Agreement with the District School Board of Niagara for 'The Broken Spoke' bicycle refurbishing program. Three information items were received, and staff provided updates on the Blue Box program transition.

• Recommended maintaining current set-out collection service, no leaf/yard waste expansion (carried)
• Recommended entering into Permission to Enter Agreement with DSBN for 'The Broken Spoke' program (carried)
• Received Q1 Recycling Centre and Market Update (carried)
• Received Councillor Information Request (carried)
• Received Curbside Recycling and Organics Containers - Outreach to Students (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will consider several reports, including a development charge deferral request for 683 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, the 2021 Corporate Asset Management Plan, a shared services agreement for a financial system, and a lodging houses business licensing by-law. It will also hear delegations on development charge recommendations and discuss restricted acts after nomination day for the municipal election. The agenda includes closed-session items on litigation and land acquisitions.

• Development charges deferral request for 683 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake (CSD 21-2022)
• 2021 Corporate Asset Management Plan (CSD 7-2022)
• Financial Enterprise Resource Planning System Shared Services Agreement (CSD 17-2022)
• Lodging Houses Business Licensing By-law (CSD 29-2022)
• Approval of Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for Canada Summer Games (CSD 24-2022)

The Corporate Services Committee approved the 2021 Corporate Asset Management Plan and authorized staff to negotiate a financial ERP shared services agreement with the City of St. Catharines. It denied a development charges deferral for 683 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and approved several other items, including the Canada Summer Games financial statement and a response to Port Colborne on lodging house licensing. A motion to reinstate a development charges exemption for on-farm accommodations was referred to the Development Charges Task Force.

• Approved 2021 Corporate Asset Management Plan (carried)
• Authorized negotiations with St. Catharines for ERP shared services agreement (carried)
• Denied development charges deferral for 683 York Road (7-5)
• Approved Canada Summer Games statement of revenues and expenditures (carried)
• Directed response to Port Colborne on lodging house licensing (carried)
• Approved draft Development Charges Background Study and By-law for Council consideration (carried)
• Approved criteria for Brownfield prepayment agreements (carried)
• Referred on-farm accommodation exemption motion to Development Charges Task Force (carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The committee is reviewing a recommendation to adopt the Niagara Official Plan. Members will also receive a presentation on the 10 Year Economic Development Strategy.

• Niagara Official Plan: Recommendation for Adoption (PDS 17-2022)
• 10 Year Economic Development Strategy (ED 6-2022)
• Public delegations regarding the Niagara Official Plan in Fort Erie, Port Colborne, and Niagara Falls

The committee approved the 10 Year Economic Development Strategy and adopted the new Niagara Official Plan, which will replace the current plan once approved by the Province. The Official Plan adoption passed with a recorded vote of 12 in favor and none against. Several residents and organizations made delegations requesting changes to urban boundary expansions, but no amendments were made.

• Approved 10 Year Economic Development Strategy (carried)
• Adopted new Niagara Official Plan (12-0)
• Approved by-law to adopt the new Official Plan (12-0)
• Repealed current Official Plan effective upon provincial approval (12-0)
• Declared Planning Act requirements met, no additional public meeting needed (12-0)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider two information items: a councillor's request regarding the 2014 Hauled Sewage Rate Review, and a letter from the St. Davids Ratepayers Association about a proposed roundabout at Regional Road 81 and Regional Road 100 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. No items are listed for consideration, and the meeting includes a closed session on a confidential matter related to the GO Station Development Strategy.

• Councillor Information Request re 2014 Hauled Sewage Rate Review (PW 21-2022)
• Letter from St. Davids Ratepayers Association re proposed roundabout at Regional Road 81 and Regional Road 100
• Closed session: GO Station Development Strategy Update (confidential under Municipal Act s. 239(2)(h) and (i))

The Public Works Committee approved extending 50 km/h speed limits on Regional Road #81 (King Street) in Vineland and Regional Road #73 (Fly Road) near Campden, and directed further analysis of speed limits on other roads. The committee also received two information items and moved into closed session to approve a confidential GO Station Development Strategy update.

• Extended 50 km/h speed limit on Regional Road #81 (King Street) west of Victoria Avenue to Cherry Avenue (carried)
• Extended 50 km/h speed limit on Regional Road #73 (Fly Road) east of Campden beyond the laneway to Bethesda Home (carried)
• Directed continued analysis of speed limits on King Street west in Beamsville with reductions targeted during 2023/2024 construction (carried)
• Directed investigation of speed reductions on Jordan Road south from Jordan Station urban boundary to Fourth Avenue (carried)
• Received Report PW 21-2022 on 2014 Hauled Sewage Rate Review for information (carried)
• Received correspondence from St. Davids Ratepayers Association re: proposed roundabout at Regional Road 81 and 100 (carried)
• Approved confidential GO Station Development Strategy Update (PW 16-2022) (carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to receive a presentation on the Consolidated Housing Master Plan update and to consider several reports, including a renewed call for paid sick leave in Ontario and a proposal to improve indoor air quality to prevent COVID-19. The committee will also review and approve program audits for public health and community services, and adjust the operating budget for the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan. A closed session is scheduled to discuss confidential provincial funding for the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 5.

• Consolidated Housing Master Plan update presentation
• PHD 11-2022: Renewed call for paid sick leave in Ontario
• PHD 10-2022: Improving indoor air quality to prevent COVID-19
• Approval of 2021-2022 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits
• 2022 Operating Budget Adjustment for Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care

The committee approved a $16,020,176 operating budget adjustment for the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan, fully funded by the Ministry of Education. It also endorsed a letter supporting provincial action on the opioid crisis, and approved several audit reports and recommendations on paid sick leave and indoor air quality.

• Approved $16,020,176 operating budget adjustment for child care (carried)
• Endorsed letter to province on opioid crisis response (14-1)
• Approved 2021-2022 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits (carried)
• Approved 2021/2022 Community Services Program Audits (carried)
• Approved recommendations urging province to extend paid sick days (carried)
• Approved recommendations urging improved indoor air quality standards (carried)
• Received consent items for information (carried)
• Approved confidential report on Social Services Relief Fund allocation (carried)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management will review the 2021 audited schedule of revenue, expenses, and funds available for distribution for Court Services. The meeting also includes a COVID-19 update for Court Services and a closed session regarding personnel matters.

• Approval of Court Services 2021 Audited Schedule of Revenue, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution
• Court Services COVID-19 Update
• Confidential verbal update regarding personal/personnel matters

The Joint Board of Management approved the 2021 audited schedule of revenues, expenses, and funds available for distribution for Niagara Region Court Services, and forwarded it to the Region's Audit Committee and the Ministry of the Attorney General. The board also received a COVID-19 update and the previous meeting's minutes for information. A closed session was held for a confidential personnel matter, and the meeting adjourned at 4:03 p.m.

• Approved 2021 audited schedule of revenues, expenses, and funds available for distribution (Carried)
• Forwarded report to Region's Audit Committee and Ministry of the Attorney General (Carried)
• Received Court Services COVID-19 update (Carried)
• Received February 24, 2022 minutes (Carried)
• Moved into closed session for personnel matter (Carried)
• Received confidential verbal update on personnel matter (Carried)

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a special meeting to consider establishing the Niagara Transit Commission as a municipal service board, which would oversee transit operations. The council will vote on a by-law to create the commission and will also discuss the transfer of municipal transit assets to it. A closed session is scheduled to discuss legal advice and personal information related to the transit transfer agreement.

• CSD 19-2022: Moving Transit Forward – establishing Niagara Transit Commission as municipal service board
• Bill 2022-38: by-law to establish the Niagara Transit Commission
• Transfer of municipal transit assets to the Commission
• Closed session: legal advice and personal information on transit transfer agreement
• Bill 2022-39: confirming by-law for May 26, 2022 special meeting

Regional Council approved the establishment of the Niagara Transit Commission (NTC) as a municipal service board, including the passage of By-law 2022-38. The decision authorizes the CAO to negotiate a service level agreement for support services, appoints NTC board members, and directs staff to report back on municipal transfer agreements by July 21, 2022. An amendment to require the CAO to report back to the Corporate Services Committee for approval of the service level agreement was defeated.

• Approved establishment of Niagara Transit Commission as municipal service board (By-law 2022-38)
• Approved CAO authorization to negotiate service level agreement with NTC
• Appointed NTC Board members as per Appendix 2, term until Jan 31, 2023
• Approved application of Regional Code of Conduct to NTC Board
• Appointed Commissioner of Corporate Services/Treasurer as interim signing officer for NTC
• Directed staff to report back on Municipal Transfer Agreements by July 21, 2022
• Defeated amendment requiring CAO to report to Corporate Services Committee for approval of service level agreement

Women's Advisory Committee

The Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically. The main item is a presentation on the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy by Marc Todd and Rachel Krause. The committee will also review its accomplishments and receive updates from the CanWILL Grant Working Group. No delegations or items for discussion are listed.

• Presentation on Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy by Marc Todd and Rachel Krause
• Review of Women's Advisory Committee accomplishments
• Updates from CanWILL Grant Working Group
• Approval of minutes from March 30, 2022 meeting

The committee received a presentation on the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy and updates on the CanWILL 'Seat at the Table' initiative and Children's Services. No formal decisions were made; the only action was receiving the previous meeting's minutes.

• Received WAC 2-2022 minutes from March 30, 2022 (carried)

Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force is meeting to review the 2022 Development Charges Background Study and draft by-law, including updates to transportation and water/wastewater capital programs. They will hear delegations from agricultural groups opposing proposed charges and consider criteria for brownfield prepayment agreements. The meeting is held electronically with no public access to headquarters.

• 2022 Development Charges Background Study and draft By-law (RDCPTF-C 7-2022)
• Delegations from Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, Grape Growers of Ontario, and other farm groups on proposed charges
• Brownfield Prepayment Agreement Criteria (RDCPTF-C 8-2022)
• Transportation Services 2022 DC Study Update
• Water and Wastewater Development Charges Capital Program Summary

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force approved the draft Development Charges Background Study and recommended the draft DC By-law, as amended, for Regional Council consideration on July 21, 2022. The amendment added agricultural use exemptions, including for farm help houses, and was approved unanimously (10-0). The task force also approved criteria for brownfield prepayment agreements, with amendments clarifying remediation and application deadlines.

• Approved draft DC Background Study (10-0)
• Recommended draft DC By-law for Council consideration July 21, 2022 (10-0)
• Added agricultural use exemptions to DC By-law, including farm help houses (10-0)
• Approved brownfield prepayment agreement criteria as amended (carried)

Council

Council approved a motion denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and supporting federal sanctions, allowing councillors to voluntarily add themselves to Russia's sanction list. The motion was carried unanimously (29-0) after a friendly amendment to circulate it to local MPs, MPPs, AMO, and FCM. Council also appointed Mike Britton to fill a vacant regional council seat and approved procedural by-law amendments regarding delegations.

• Approved voluntary Russian sanction request motion (29-0)
• Appointed Mike Britton as Regional Councillor for St. Catharines
• Approved procedural by-law amendments on delegations and agenda deadlines
• Endorsed Councillor Robert Foster for AMO Board of Directors
• Appointed Councillor Huson to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Approved 2022 performance objectives for Chief Administrative Officer
• Passed by-laws including renaming road to Canada Games Way and expropriation at 179 St. Paul Crescent

Audit Committee

The Niagara Region Audit Committee is meeting electronically to consider the 2021 audited consolidated financial statements, including a presentation and a draft audit finding report from Deloitte. The committee will also receive for information the Canada Summer Games revenues and expenditures, Niagara Regional Housing's 2021 draft financial statements, and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority's 2021 financial statements. A closed session is scheduled for a confidential presentation on cybersecurity assessment of technologies and controls.

• 2021 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements (AC-C 1-2022) with Deloitte audit findings and annual surplus reconciliation
• Canada Summer Games Statement of Revenues and Expenditures (CSD 15-2022) for information
• Niagara Regional Housing 2021 Draft Financial Statements (AC-C 2-2022) for information
• Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2021 Financial Statements (AC-C 3-2022) for information
• Closed session: Cybersecurity Assessment of Technologies and Controls by KPMG LLP

The Niagara Region Audit Committee approved the 2021 audited consolidated financial statements, including sinking fund and trust fund statements, and received the audit findings report. It also received for information the Canada Summer Games revenues and expenditures statement, Niagara Regional Housing draft financial statements, and Conservation Authority financial statements. The committee moved into closed session for a cybersecurity assessment and received a confidential presentation on the matter.

• Approved 2021 audited consolidated financial statements (carried)
• Received audit findings report for information (carried)
• Directed staff to coordinate with auditors to finalize statements (carried)
• Received Canada Summer Games revenues and expenditures statement for information (carried)
• Received Niagara Regional Housing 2021 draft financial statements for information (carried)
• Received Conservation Authority 2021 financial statements for information (carried)
• Moved into closed session for cybersecurity assessment (carried)
• Received confidential cybersecurity presentation for information (carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will hear delegations on housing supply and agricultural capacity, and consider a brownfield tax assistance incentive request for a site in Niagara Falls. It will also receive information on the 2022 Niagara Biennial Design Awards and combined sewer overflow funding recommendations. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.

• Delegation on housing supply from Niagara Home Builders Association, Ontario Home Builders' Association, and Smart Prosperity Institute
• Delegation on enhancing municipal capacity to support agriculture led by Brock University's Niagara Community Observatory
• PDS 15-2022: Brownfield Tax Assistance Incentive Funding Request for a site in Niagara Falls
• PDS 13-2022: Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Wet Weather Management Program 2022 funding recommendations
• Closed session: litigation regarding Ontario Lands Tribunal appeal on OPA 26

The Planning and Economic Development Committee approved a $99,092 Regional matching grant for a Brownfield Tax Assistance Program (BTAP) in Niagara Falls, after rejecting an amendment to reduce the amount to $9,875. The committee also received information on the 2022 Niagara Biennial Design Awards and the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) funding recommendations, and directed staff to identify funding for future CSO cost-share programs. A motion to allow two delegates to speak on housing supply was defeated, though one delegate did present.

• Approved $99,092 Regional matching grant for BTAP in Niagara Falls (carried)
• Amendment to reduce BTAP grant to $9,875 defeated (3-12)
• Received 2022 Niagara Biennial Design Awards program information (carried)
• Received CSO Control and Wet Weather Management 2022 funding recommendations (carried)
• Directed staff to identify funding for future CSO Control Cost Share Programs (carried)
• Approved confidential report on Ontario Lands Tribunal appeal regarding OPA 26 (carried)
• Motion to allow Chuck McShane and Bob Schickedanz as delegates on housing supply defeated

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider several administrative policies and reports. Key items include an insurance program review and options for the 2022-2023 renewal, a draft information management accountability policy, a disconnecting from work policy, and recommendations from the Regional Development Charges Task Force. The committee will also hold a closed session to discuss a tentative agreement with CUPE Local 1287.

• Insurance Program Review and Options for 2022-2023 Insurance Renewal (CSD 13-2022)
• Information Management Accountability Policy (CLK 1-2022)
• Disconnecting from Work Policy (HR 2-2022)
• Recommendations from Regional Development Charges Task Force (CSC-C 8-2022)
• Closed session: CUPE Local 1287 tentative agreement

The Corporate Services Committee approved recommendations to negotiate an insurance agreement extension with Marsh Canada for up to two additional one-year terms, and to continue reviewing alternative insurance options. It also approved an Information Management Accountability Policy, a Disconnecting from Work Policy, and several amendments to the draft Regional Development Charge By-law. A confidential labour relations matter regarding CUPE Local 1287 was also approved.

• Authorized staff to negotiate insurance extension with Marsh Canada for up to two years (carried)
• Directed staff to review alternative insurance approaches (carried)
• Approved Information Management Accountability Policy (carried)
• Approved Disconnecting from Work Policy, effective June 1, 2022 (carried)
• Approved amendments to draft Development Charge By-law including demolition extension and conversion credits (carried)
• Approved delegation of authority for prepayment agreements for Brownfield Reduction program (carried)
• Approved confidential report on CUPE Local 1287 tentative agreement (carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, including a proposed street name change for a portion of Regional Road 50 (Merrittville Hwy) in Thorold, updates to the Waste Management System By-law and the Closed Landfill and Repurposed Sites By-law, and amending agreements with Product Care Association and Automotive Materials Services. The committee will also receive information items on provincial wastewater/stormwater funding, Blue Box regulation amendments, and waste management planning minutes. A closed session is scheduled to discuss a confidential matter regarding an alleged workplace harassment investigation.

• Proposed street name change for portion of Regional Road 50 (Merrittville Hwy), City of Thorold (PW 17-2022)
• Waste Management System By-law and Closed Landfill and Repurposed Sites By-law updates (PW 19-2022)
• Product Care Association and Automotive Stewardship amending agreements (PW 22-2022)
• Provincial funding to address wastewater and stormwater issues (PWC-C 11-2022)
• Blue Box Regulation Amendments (PWC-C 16-2022)

The Public Works Committee approved renaming a portion of Regional Road 50 (Merrittville Highway) in Thorold to Canada Games Way, affecting only one property. It also approved updates to waste management and closed landfill by-laws, and authorized agreements with producer responsibility organizations for hazardous waste collection. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved renaming portion of Regional Road 50 to Canada Games Way (carried)
• Approved repealing and replacing Waste Management By-law 2017-56 (carried)
• Approved forwarding set fines schedule for Waste Management By-law to Chief Justice (carried)
• Approved repealing and replacing Closed Landfills and Repurposed Sites By-law 83-2016 (carried)
• Approved forwarding set fines schedule for Closed Landfills By-law to Chief Justice (carried)
• Authorized Commissioner of Public Works to execute amending agreements with Product Care Association and Automotive Material Stewardship (carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health and Social Services Committee approved a by-law to regulate waterpipe smoking in Niagara Region, effective January 1, 2023, subject to consent from a majority of local area municipalities. The committee also approved a $4,345,598 budget adjustment for homelessness services funded by provincial grants, and increased procurement for assertive outreach services by $560,000. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved waterpipe smoking by-law, effective Jan 1, 2023, subject to municipal consent (carried)
• Approved $4,345,598 operating budget adjustment for Social Services Relief Fund Phase 4 (carried)
• Increased assertive outreach procurement by $560,000, totaling $1,391,375, plus $250,000 contingency (carried)
• Approved appointment of Municipal Emergency Control Group members by position (carried)
• Received 10 information items, including housing and homelessness updates (carried)

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee is meeting electronically to hear a presentation on a Development Charge Study and By-law, and to receive several information items including the 2021 Woodland Conservation By-law Annual Report and past meeting minutes. No items are listed for formal consideration, so the meeting is largely informational and procedural.

• Presentation on Development Charge Study and By-law by Blair Hutchings, Senior Tax & Revenue Analyst
• Woodland Conservation By-law Annual Report 2021 (PDS 10-2022)
• Approval of minutes from September 24, 2021, November 26, 2021, and March 4, 2022 meetings
• Updates on irrigation and soil quality

The Agricultural Policy & Action Committee established a Farm Workers Accommodation Working Group for the remainder of the current term of Council, directing staff to develop its terms of reference. The committee also received several reports for information, including the Woodland Conservation By-law Annual Report 2021 and past meeting minutes. No substantive decisions were made on the development charge study or other items, which were only presented or discussed.

• Established Farm Workers Accommodation Working Group (carried)
• Directed staff to develop terms of reference for the working group
• Received Woodland Conservation By-law Annual Report 2021 for information
• Received APAC meeting minutes from 2021 and 2022 for information

Council Special

The Regional Council is conducting a statutory public meeting regarding the Proposed Niagara Official Plan. The session includes presentations and testimony from various residents, organizations, and consultants regarding land use and boundaries.

• Statutory Public Meeting: Proposed Niagara Official Plan
• Discussion of natural environment system mapping at Memorial Drive, Welland
• Discussion of settlement boundary expansions in Smithville and Niagara Falls
• Discussion of property-specific matters at 12880 Ort Road, 12657 Ort Road, and 11370 Beck Road, Niagara Falls
• Discussion regarding 0 Nigh Road, Fort Erie

Niagara Regional Council held a statutory public meeting to receive comments on the Proposed Niagara Official Plan. Council voted to receive all public comments and refer them to staff for consideration in preparing the final plan. The plan was not approved or adopted at this meeting; it remains in draft form for further review.

• Received and referred public comments to staff for final Official Plan preparation (Carried)
• Received Report PDS 14-2022 on Proposed Niagara Official Plan and circulated to local municipalities and NPCA (Carried)
• Received and referred correspondence (Agenda Items 4.3.2 to 4.3.10) to staff for consideration (Carried)
• Adopted Bill 2022-26 to confirm actions of the special meeting (Carried)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee received the Draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2027 as an information item, along with the minutes from the January 25, 2022 meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and informational.

• Received Draft DEI Action Plan 2022-2027 for information (carried)
• Received minutes of January 25, 2022 meeting for information (carried)

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to receive presentations on community housing development projects and a draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan. The committee will also review the draft DEI Action Plan 2022-2027 as a consent item and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Presentation: Niagara Region Housing Services update on community housing development projects
• Presentation: Draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan
• Consent item: Draft Niagara Region DEI Action Plan 2022-2027
• Consent item: Approval of November 30, 2021 minutes

The Accessibility Advisory Committee received for information the draft Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan 2022-2027 and the minutes from its November 30, 2021 meeting. Presentations were given on community housing development projects and the draft DEI action plan. No substantive decisions were made; all items were informational.

• Received draft DEI Action Plan 2022-2027 for information
• Received AAC minutes from November 30, 2021

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting electronically to consider several reports and by-laws. Key items include updates on Niagara EMS system pressures, a budget adjustment for homelessness services, and a by-law to establish a lobbyist registry. The council will also consider road dedication by-laws and routine minutes and correspondence.

• Niagara EMS – System Pressure Update 2 (PHD 5-2022)
• Budget Adjustment – Homelessness Services (COM 11-2022)
• Bill 2022-24: Lobbyist Registry By-law
• Bill 2022-22: Dedication of Block 34, Plan 59M-499, Welland as part of Regional Road No. 29 (Webber Road)
• Bill 2022-23: Dedication of Part of Lot 1, Broken Front Concession, Niagara Falls as part of Regional Road No. 98 (Montrose Road)

Council approved the Public Health 2022 Annual Service Plan and Budget of $59,924,650, including one-time COVID-19 funding requests. It also approved using up to $750,000 from the Taxpayer Relief Reserve for temporary ambulance staffing to address hospital offload delays, and directed the Regional Chair to seek provincial funding for these costs. A $1,342,953 budget adjustment for homelessness services, funded by federal grants, was also approved.

• Approved Public Health 2022 budget of $59,924,650 (carried)
• Approved $750,000 from Taxpayer Relief Reserve for temporary ambulances (carried)
• Directed Regional Chair to request meeting with Minister of Health on offload delays (carried)
• Approved $1,342,953 budget adjustment for homelessness services (carried)
• Endorsed Councillor Huson's FCM National Board nomination (carried)
• Adopted minutes of March 24 and March 31 meetings (carried)
• Passed by-laws 2022-22 to 2022-25 (carried)

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to receive presentations on the Niagara Region Waste App, 2022 waste management capital projects, by-law updates for the waste system and re-purposed sites, and a federal discussion paper on reducing methane from landfills. No items are listed for consideration; the agenda consists of informational presentations and consent items.

• Presentation on Niagara Region Waste App Overview
• Overview of Waste Management Capital Projects 2022
• Waste Management System and Re-purposed Sites - By-law Updates
• ECCC discussion paper on reducing methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfills
• 2020 Waste Management Benchmarking Report (consent item)

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee received informational updates on the Niagara Region Waste App, 2022 capital projects, by-law changes, and a federal methane discussion paper. It directed staff to report on the cost of seasonal yard waste set-out service for the June 20, 2022 meeting. No substantive decisions were made beyond this directive.

• Directed staff to report on cost of seasonal yard waste set-out service (carried)
• Received four consent items for information (carried)

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting electronically to review draft codes of conduct for members and the public, as well as proposed amendments to the procedural by-law. The meeting includes items referred back for further review and correspondence referrals. No final decisions are noted on the agenda; items are listed for consideration.

• Draft Code of Conduct (PBLRC-C 7-2022) with complaint protocol appendix
• Draft Code of Conduct for Members of the Public on Niagara Region Committees (PBLRC-C 8-2022), sent back for further review
• Referral of minute item 5.2 from February 28, 2022 minutes (PBLRC-C 9-2022)
• Referral of correspondence CL-C 11-2022 on Procedural By-law Amendments (PBLRC-C 10-2022)

The Procedural By-law Review Committee approved a new Code of Conduct and Complaint Protocol, a Code of Conduct for members of the public on committees, and a series of amendments to the Procedural By-law governing delegations and agenda deadlines. The committee also deferred a proposed amendment regarding 'Other Business' to its May 30 meeting.

• Approved draft Code of Conduct and Complaint Protocol (carried)
• Approved Code of Conduct for Members of the Public on Niagara Region Committees, effective next term of Council (carried)
• Approved correction to Feb 28 minutes regarding Code of Conduct motion (carried)
• Approved 14 amendments to Procedural By-law, including new definitions, agenda deadlines, and delegation rules (carried)
• Deferred amendment to Section 11.1(p) on 'Other Business' to May 30 meeting (carried)

Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force is meeting to consider policy options for the Regional Development Charge By-law, including a presentation and staff report. The agenda also includes a late delegation request about remediating and redeveloping the former General Motors site in St. Catharines, plus updates on engagement sessions and prior minutes.

• Delegation: Movengo Corporation on remediation/redevelopment of former GM site, St. Catharines (late request)
• Report RDCPTF-C 5-2022: Regional Development Charge By-law Policy Considerations
• Appendix 1: Summary of DC Grants
• Appendix 2: Conversion Credit Comparisons
• Engagement Session Update 3 (RDCPTF-C 4-2022)

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force received and approved five recommendations on development charge by-law policy, including a three-year demolition extension for archaeological sites, conversion credits at previous non-residential rates, amendments to several by-law sections, removal of other sections, and delegation of authority for brownfield prepayment agreements. The task force also heard a delegation from Movengo Corporation requesting continued brownfield development programs for the former GM site in St. Catharines.

• Approved recommendation for three-year demolition extension for archaeological sites
• Approved conversion credits at previous non-residential rates for non-residential change of use
• Approved amendments to draft by-law sections 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 & 18
• Approved removal of draft by-law sections 12, 13, 14 & 17
• Approved delegation of authority to Commissioner of Corporate Services and Director of Legal Services for brownfield prepayment agreements
• Received engagement session update and previous minutes for information

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is holding a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act for Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 23 (ROPA 23), which concerns the Stone Eagle Winery property at the northwest corner of Niven Road and Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The committee will hear presentations from the applicant and registered speakers, and receive a staff report with public and agency comments. The agenda also includes a delegation on urban boundary expansion concerns and several information items, including economic, development, census, and infrastructure updates.

• Statutory public meeting for ROPA 23 – Stone Eagle Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Delegation by Jean Grandoni on urban boundary expansion concerns (Niagara Falls)
• Niagara Economic Update (ED 4-2022)
• 2021 Year End Development Applications Monitoring Report (PDS 4-2022)
• 2021 Census Series: Population and Dwelling Counts (PDS 9-2022)

The committee held a statutory public meeting for proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment 23, which would allow a private sanitary connection outside the urban boundary for the Stone Eagle Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Public comments were received and referred to the final report preparation. No final decision was made on the amendment. Several information reports were received, including the Niagara Economic Update and 2021 Census population counts.

• Received and referred public comments on ROPA 23 (Stone Eagle Winery) to final report preparation (carried)
• Received Report PDS 8-2022 on the statutory public meeting and circulated to Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (carried)
• Received Niagara Economic Update report ED 4-2022 for information (carried)
• Received Economic Development Marketing Update ED 5-2022 for information (carried)
• Received Development Applications Monitoring Report PDS 4-2022 and circulated to local municipalities and agencies (carried)
• Received 2021 Census Population and Dwelling Counts report PDS 9-2022 and circulated (carried)
• Received Woodland Conservation By-law Annual Report, 2021 Reserve Water/Wastewater Treatment Capacities, and 2022 Public Realm Investment Program (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will consider approving the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for the Canada Summer Games and a procedural by-law update to permit electronic meeting participation. It will also receive information reports on the 2021 Regional Development Charges Treasurer's Statement and the 2022 debenture issuance. A closed session is scheduled to discuss litigation or potential litigation regarding an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

• Approval of Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for Canada Summer Games (CSD 15-2022)
• Procedural By-law Update to permit electronic meeting participation (CLK 2-2022)
• Regional Development Charges Treasurer's Statement 2021 (CSD 10-2022)
• Debt Information Report - 2022 Debenture Issuance (CSD 12-2022)
• Closed session: Leave to Intervene in Sudbury v. Ontario (Ministry of Labour) appeal to Supreme Court of Canada

The Corporate Services Committee approved the audited statement of revenues and expenditures for the Canada Summer Games Park Project, directed staff to finalize it with the auditor, and forwarded it to the Audit Committee and the Minister. It also approved amending the Procedural By-law to allow electronic meeting participation, with the by-law to be presented to Council on May 19, 2022. No other substantive decisions were made; other items were received for information or deferred.

• Approved audited statement of revenues and expenditures for Canada Summer Games Park Project (carried)
• Directed staff to finalize statement with auditor (carried)
• Forwarded report to Audit Committee and Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries (carried)
• Approved amending Procedural By-law to permit electronic meeting participation (carried)
• Directed Regional Clerk to present by-law to Council on May 19, 2022 (carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will consider updates on Niagara EMS system pressures, the 2022 Public Health Annual Service Plan and Budget, and a budget adjustment for homelessness services. They will also receive information items on the Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, homelessness services, Niagara Regional Housing, an EMS special response unit, and recruitment of a Medical Officer of Health. A closed session will discuss confidential provincial funding for the Homelessness Prevention Plan.

• Niagara EMS – System Pressure Update 2 (PHD 5-2022)
• Public Health 2022 Annual Service Plan and Budget Submission (PHD 6-2022)
• Budget Adjustment – Homelessness Services (COM 11-2022)
• Housing and Homelessness Action Plan Update 2021 (COM 13-2022)
• Closed session: provincial funding allocation for 2022-2023 Homelessness Prevention Plan

Public Works Committee

The Niagara Region Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider several infrastructure items, including a gross budget increase for the reconstruction of Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) in Niagara Falls, renewal of the Niagara Region Transit OnDemand service, and an inspection report on regional water infrastructure. The committee will also hear a delegation on the Hauled Sewage Program and receive information items on sanitary sewer inspections and COVID-19 funding for transit.

• Gross budget increase for reconstruction of Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) between McLeod Road and Lyons Creek Road, Niagara Falls
• Renewal of Niagara Region Transit OnDemand service
• Inspection of Regional Water Infrastructure report
• Hauled Sewage Program delegation and report
• Closed session on alleged workplace harassment investigation

The Public Works Committee approved a $3,000,000 gross capital budget increase (funded by the Ministry of Transportation) for the reconstruction of Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) in Niagara Falls. It also approved a 16-month extension of the Niagara Region Transit OnDemand service contracts at a total cost of $5,553,538, with an amendment that no further sole sourcing be undertaken. A motion to allow a liquid waste hauler to speak in closed session was defeated. The committee directed staff to consult on reinstating a water loss committee and to report progress by June.

• Approved $3M gross budget increase for Montrose Road reconstruction (carried)
• Approved 16-month NRT OnDemand contract extension at $5,553,538 (carried)
• Amended OnDemand motion to prohibit further sole sourcing (carried)
• Directed staff to consult on reinstating water loss committee (carried)
• Directed staff to provide progress report on water loss by June (carried)
• Defeated motion to allow Steve Watson into closed session (7-10)

Council Special

This is a special council meeting held electronically. The main item is a declaration of a vacant regional council seat, which requires suspending the procedural by-law to consider it at this meeting. The council will also adopt a confirming by-law for actions taken at this special session. The meeting includes a closed session for an Indigenous education and training session.

• Declaration of Vacant Regional Council Seat (CL-C 21-2022)
• Suspension of Procedural By-law subsection 6.3 to consider the vacancy item
• Bill 2022-21: Confirming By-law for the special council session
• Closed session: Indigenous Education and Training Session under s. 239 (3.1) of the Municipal Act

Regional Council declared the seat of George Darte, Regional Councillor for the City of St. Catharines, vacant following his resignation, and requested the City of St. Catharines advise on its preferred method of filling the vacancy by April 29, 2022. The council also received an Indigenous education and training session for information. The meeting was largely procedural, with no other substantive decisions.

• Declared vacant the Regional Council seat held by George Darte (Carried)
• Requested City of St. Catharines advise on filling the vacancy by April 29, 2022 (Carried)
• Received Indigenous Education and Training Session for information (Carried)
• Suspended rules of procedure to consider vacancy declaration (23-2)
• Adopted agenda CL 7-2022 (Carried)
• Passed Bill 2022-21 confirming actions of the special meeting (Carried)

Women's Advisory Committee

The Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to receive a presentation on Niagara Region's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Research Results from the Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Relations. The agenda also includes approval of the January 26, 2022 minutes and an update from the CanWILL Grant Working Group. No items are listed for discussion.

• Presentation: Niagara Region Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Research Results
• Approval of WAC 1-2022 minutes from January 26, 2022
• CanWILL Grant Working Group update

Council Special

This is a special meeting of Niagara Region Council held electronically. The main item is a report (PW 15-2022) on 'Moving Transit Forward – Initial Transition Activities and Next Steps,' which will be preceded by a presentation. Council will also consider a confirming by-law (Bill 2022-12) to ratify actions taken at this meeting. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Report PW 15-2022: Moving Transit Forward – Initial Transition Activities and Next Steps
• Presentation on Moving Transit Forward before consideration
• Bill 2022-12: Confirming By-law for the special meeting of March 24, 2022

Regional Council approved Report PW 15-2022, which requests local municipalities to submit nominations for the transitional Transit Commission Board by April 29, 2022, and dissolves the Linking Niagara Transit Committee effective immediately. An amendment to change the commission's composition to include two representatives from Welland was defeated. The main motion passed with a recorded vote of 30 in favor and none opposed.

• Approved Report PW 15-2022: municipalities to submit Transit Commission Board nominations by April 29, 2022 (30-0)
• Dissolved Linking Niagara Transit Committee effective immediately (30-0)
• Defeated amendment to add two Welland representatives to Transit Commission

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting electronically to consider committee reports, by-laws, and motions. Key items include setting 2022 tax rates and ratios, amending fees for waste management, and traffic changes on Regional Road 70. Council will also consider motions on public health measures, the wine industry, and property tax reimbursements.

• Bill 2022-13: Set and levy 2022 tax rates for Regional general and special purposes
• Bill 2022-14: Set 2022 tax ratios and rate reductions for property subclasses
• Bill 2022-19: Amend fees and charges by-law, including waste management fees
• Bill 2022-15: Speed reduction and all-way stop on Regional Road 70 (Thorold Townline Road) at Concession 6 Road, Thorold
• Motion by Councillor Junkin on communication of local public health measures

Council referred a motion to issue $240 property tax rebates to households with net family income of $160,000 or less to staff for a report, with a recorded vote of 19 in favor and 10 against. Council also referred a motion on local public health measures to staff for a legal opinion, and approved a motion urging the province to support Ontario's wine industry. All committee minutes and by-laws were adopted as presented.

• Referred property tax rebate motion to staff for report (19-10)
• Referred local public health measures motion to staff for legal opinion
• Approved motion urging province to support Ontario's wine industry
• Adopted Audit Committee minutes, including internal audit service delivery model report
• Referred Code of Conduct motion to Procedural By-law Review Committee
• Adopted Public Works, Public Health, Corporate Services, and Planning committee minutes
• Passed by-laws 2022-13 to 2022-20, including 2022 tax rates and traffic regulations

Procurement Advisory Committee

The Procurement Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to consider the 2022/2023 Procurement Work Plan and receive information on social procurement. The agenda also includes approval of the June 21, 2021 meeting minutes. No public access to headquarters is available due to COVID-19; the meeting can be viewed online.

• 2022/2023 Procurement Work Plan (PAC-C 1-2022) with appendices on MBN Canada Data Warehouse and Procurement Dashboard
• Social Procurement information item (PAC-C 2-2022)
• Approval of June 21, 2021 meeting minutes (PAC 2-2021)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is considering preferred urban and rural settlement area boundary recommendations for the Niagara Official Plan, along with related delegations and correspondence. It will also hear an update on the Long Term Economic Development Strategy and review regional transitional incentive timelines. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.

• PDS 6-2022: Preferred Urban Settlement Area Recommendations
• PDS 7-2022: Preferred Rural Settlement Area Recommendations
• PDS 3-2022: Regional Transitional Incentive Timelines
• Delegations on settlement boundaries from builders, planners, and residents
• Stone Eagle Winery Regional Official Plan Amendment Application (PDS 5-2022)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will consider the 2022 Property Tax Policy, Ratios and Rates, review 2021 year-end financial results and transfers, and revisit a waste management fees by-law amendment referred back by Council. It will also discuss a motion on staff and elected official safety and receive information items on council remuneration and 911 dispatch backup location.

• 2022 Property Tax Policy, Ratios and Rates (CSD 8-2022)
• 2021 Year-End Results and Transfer Report (CSD 9-2022)
• Waste Management Amendment to Fees and Charges By-law (CSD 2-2022, referred back)
• Motion on Safety and Security of Staff and Elected Officials (CSC-C 6-2022)
• Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Council and Appointees for 2021 (CSC-C 3-2022)

The Corporate Services Committee approved the 2022 property tax policy, ratios, and rates, including a 15% sub-class reduction for commercial and industrial excess/vacant land. It also approved waste management fee changes effective April 1, 2022, and the 2021 year-end results, transferring surpluses to reserves. A motion to study safety and security for staff and elected officials was carried.

• Approved 2022 property tax ratios and rates (carried)
• Approved waste management fee amendments effective April 1, 2022 (carried)
• Approved 2021 year-end results and transfers, including $11.9M operating surplus to reserves (10-2)
• Directed staff to research safety and security options for staff and elected officials (carried)
• Received report on backup Next Generation 911 dispatch location (carried)
• Received statement of remuneration and expenses for 2021 (carried)

Public Works Committee

The committee defeated a motion to refer a delegation from waste hauler Steve Watson to staff for a report on concerns about health and safety policies, dumping site safety, insurance, fees, and communication. The CAO indicated a future report would address the concerns. The committee also received several information items, including construction updates, transit revenue, and appointments, and discussed various other topics without formal decisions.

• Defeated motion to refer delegation PWC-C 10-2022 on waste hauler concerns to staff
• Received PW 6-2022 Niagara Construction Updates and Detours for information
• Received PW 8-2022 2021 Transit Revenue and Ridership for information
• Received PWC-C 6-2022 Appointment of Risk Management Official and Inspector under Clean Water Act
• Received PWC-C 7-2022 Niagara Specialized Transit Service Agreement Amendment 2022
• Received PWC-C 8-2022 Appointment of By-law Officers for Sewer Use By-law enforcement
• Received PWC-C 9-2022 Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Minutes

PHSSC

The committee approved a $2,743,601 adjustment to the 2022 operating budget for Children's Services, fully funded by Ministry of Education grants. It also received three information reports on child care funding, seniors services quality, and housing/homelessness actions. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included a presentation on human trafficking and requests for future EMS information.

• Approved $2,743,601 budget adjustment for Children's Services, funded by MEDU grants (carried)
• Received COM 8-2022 Child Care and Early Years Workforce Funding and Plan (carried)
• Received COM 9-2022 Seniors Services Quality Improvement Report Oct-Dec 2021 (carried)
• Received COM-C 4-2022 Housing and Homelessness Action Plan activities (carried)

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee met by video conference and received two information items, but made no substantive decisions. Presentations and updates covered the draft Niagara Official Plan, the Niagara Irrigation Project, a video project with the Niagara Federation of Agriculture, soil quality concerns, development charges for seasonal help houses, and an NPCA update. The next meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2022.

• Received correspondence on Vineland Growers Bulk Water Filling Station (carried)
• Received correspondence on OMAFRA OAFRI proposal (carried)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

This agenda for the Niagara Region Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting on 2022-03-01 contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items. No decisions, discussions, or specific agenda topics are listed.

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting electronically to consider two memoranda from the Interim Integrity Commissioner regarding the Code of Conduct, including 2017 draft revisions and a motion related to the Code. The agenda includes items for consideration but no public access to the physical meeting; interested parties must contact the Regional Clerk. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive items being the Code of Conduct discussions.

• Review of 2017 Draft Revisions to the Code of Conduct (PBLRC-C 5-2022)
• Motion regarding the Code of Conduct (PBLRC-C 6-2022)
• Attachments include Code of Conduct, Complaint Protocol, and Accountability Framework By-law

The committee received a memorandum from the Interim Integrity Commissioner on 2017 draft revisions to the Code of Conduct and directed staff to revise the draft as recommended, with the revised version to be considered at the April 11, 2022 meeting. Members also requested specific additions, including a $500 cap on gifts from any one source over 12 months, language on closed-session discussions, and clarification of appendix B. A separate motion regarding the Code of Conduct was received for information, with Councillor Heit declaring a conflict and not participating.

• Received memorandum on 2017 draft Code of Conduct revisions (carried)
• Directed staff to revise draft Code of Conduct per Integrity Commissioner recommendations (carried)
• Requested $500 cap on gifts from any one source over 12 months in section 8
• Requested language on closed-session discussions for informed voting in section 9 and procedural by-law
• Requested clarification of appendix B, article 8(1)(b) and (c) on response information
• Received motion regarding Code of Conduct (carried; Heit declared conflict)

Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force is meeting electronically to discuss development charges, including a residential rate by square foot, the impact of charges on housing affordability, and the timeline for the background study and by-law. The agenda consists of information items with presentations, and no decisions are listed for this meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2022.

• Update on residential development charge rate by square foot (area)
• Report on impact of development charges on housing affordability
• Timeline update for Regional Development Charge Background Study and By-law

The Regional Development Charges Policy Task Force met on February 24, 2022, and received three information reports: one on residential development charge rates by square foot, one on development charges and housing affordability, and one on the background study and by-law timeline. No substantive decisions were made; all items were received for information only. Councillors also raised concerns about road access to Ridgeway and Crystal Beach and requested information on development charge exemptions for conversions of use.

• Received report RDCPTF-C 1-2022 on residential development charge rate by square foot (carried)
• Received report RDCPTF-C 2-2022 on development charges and housing affordability (carried)
• Received report RDCPTF-C 3-2022 on background study and by-law timeline (carried)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management will conduct elections for the position of Board Chair and Vice-Chair. The board will also receive a year-end report for the Provincial Offences Court and a 2022 Court Services budget.

• Election of Board Chair
• Election of Board Vice-Chair
• 2021 Year-End Report for Provincial Offences Court
• 2022 Court Services Budget

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts elected its 2022 chair and vice-chair, with Sherry Hanson as Chair and Nidhi Punyarthi as Vice-Chair, both by acclamation. The board also received two information reports on the 2021 year-end results and the 2022 Court Services budget, and approved the minutes from the December 14, 2021 meeting. No substantive decisions were made beyond the elections and receiving reports.

• Elected Sherry Hanson as Board Chair for 2022 (acclaimed)
• Elected Nidhi Punyarthi as Board Vice-Chair for 2022 (acclaimed)
• Received 2021 Year End Report for Provincial Offences Court (carried)
• Received 2022 Court Services Budget memorandum (carried)
• Received minutes of December 14, 2021 meeting (carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting electronically to consider several items, including a delegation on violence and harassment of politicians, an Integrity Commissioner report on a councillor, and appointments. The council will also vote on by-laws amending waste management fees, dedicating land for regional roads, and appointing sewage system inspectors.

• Bill 2022-06: Amends fees and charges by-law for waste management
• Bill 2022-07: Dedicates part of Blocks 4 and 5, Plan 505, Fort Erie as Regional Road No. 3 (Garrison Road)
• Bill 2022-08: Dedicates part of Township Lot 89, Niagara-on-the-Lake as Regional Road No. 81 (York Road)
• Bill 2022-09: Dedicates part of Lots 8-11, TP Plan 26, West Lincoln as Regional Road No. 9 (York Street)
• Bill 2022-10: Appoints private sewage system inspectors

Council imposed a 30-day suspension of Councillor Bylsma's remuneration and removed him from agencies, boards, and commissions for the remainder of the term, following an Integrity Commissioner investigation. The waste management fees by-law amendment was referred back to the Corporate Services Committee for further review. All other committee recommendations were approved.

• Suspended Councillor Bylsma's remuneration for 30 days (26-0)
• Removed Councillor Bylsma from agencies, boards, and commissions for the remainder of term (19-7)
• Referred waste management fees by-law amendment to Corporate Services Committee
• Appointed Councillor Huson to Procedural By-law Review Committee
• Adopted minutes of January 20 and January 28, 2022 meetings
• Received correspondence on private sewage inspectors and conservation authority resignation
• Approved by-laws for road dedications and sewage inspector appointments

Audit Committee

The Niagara Region Audit Committee is meeting electronically to consider the Internal Audit Service Delivery Model report (CAO 3-2022) and receive information on child care and long-term care audits. The meeting includes a closed session for confidential presentations on cybersecurity and labour relations matters related to the Service Sustainability Review. Most agenda items are for information or discussion, with no public votes scheduled on substantive decisions.

• Internal Audit Service Delivery Model report (CAO 3-2022) with appendices including Sustainability Review Opportunities Analysis
• 2019 Child Care Services Schedule of Revenues and Expenses (COM 27-2021) for information
• 2020 Long-Term Care Home and Child Care Services Program Audits (COM 28-2021) for information
• Closed session: Cybersecurity Assessment of Technologies and Controls by KPMG LLP
• Closed session: KPMG correspondence on Service Sustainability Review and labour relations

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting electronically to receive a presentation on the proposed Escarpment Renewables Anaerobic Digestion Facility and to review several information items, including curbside recycling audits, the 2022 social marketing plan, illegal dumping summary, and a councillor information request. No items are listed for formal consideration or decision.

• Presentation by Escarpment Renewables / Miller Waste Systems on anaerobic digestion facility
• 2021 Curbside Recycling Recognition Audits (WMPSC-C 1-2022)
• 2022 Social Marketing and Education Plan and Overview of 2021 Initiatives (WMPSC-C 4-2022)
• 2021 Illegal Dumping Summary and 2022 Mitigation Measures (WMPSC-C 2-2022)
• Councillor Information Request (WMPSC-C 3-2022)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider amendments to waste management fees and charges, an amendment to the Canada Summer Games construction agreement, and a motion regarding violence and harassment of politicians and public servants. They will also receive updates on the insurance program and a hospice campaign.

• Waste Management Amendment to Fees and Charges By-law (CSD 2-2022)
• Canada Summer Games – Amendment to Construction Agreement (CSD 4-2022)
• Motion – Violence and Harassment of Politicians and Public Servants (CSC-C 4-2022)
• Insurance Program Update for 2021-2022 (CSD 3-2022)
• Closed session: litigation and solicitor-client privilege update on Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland wastewater treatment plants

The Corporate Services Committee approved amendments to waste management fees and charges, effective April 1, 2022, and increased the Canada Games Park construction contract by $565,000 to a total of $107,786,434. It also condemned violence and harassment against politicians and public servants, and approved a confidential update on wastewater treatment plant upgrades, including a $2,000,000 budget increase for the Welland WWTP. The committee received informational reports on the insurance program and a hospice campaign letter.

• Approved waste management fee and charge amendments (7-5)
• Increased Canada Games Park construction contract by $565,000 to $107,786,434
• Increased Canada Games Park gross budget by $1,250,000 funded from sponsorship revenue
• Condemned violence and harassment against politicians, public servants, and health care providers (12-0)
• Approved confidential update on wastewater treatment plants, authorizing staff to proceed as directed
• Increased Welland WWTP Upgrade Phase 1 gross budget by $2,000,000 funded from external bond
• Received insurance program update for information
• Received McNally House Hospice thank-you letter for information

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to hear delegations on COVID-19 early detection and refugee resettlement, and to consider a single-source purchase of Stryker Power Pro XPS stretcher and power load systems. The agenda also includes informational items on Niagara Prosperity Initiative project evaluations and senior services accreditation.

• Delegation on early detection and therapeutics regarding COVID-19
• Delegation on Resettlement Assistance Program and Niagara Refugee Assistance Committee
• Single Source Stryker Power Pro XPS Stretcher & Power Load System (PHD 1-2022)
• Evaluation of 2019 and 2020 Niagara Prosperity Initiative Projects (COM 6-2022)
• Regional Municipality of Niagara Senior Services Accreditation (COM-C 3-2022)

Council Special

This is a special council meeting held electronically. The agenda includes a closed session for a confidential verbal update on litigation concerning former senior administration officials' employment contracts, followed by a confirming by-law. No other substantive business is listed.

• Closed session: confidential verbal update on litigation involving former senior administration officials' employment contracts
• Bill 2022-05: confirming by-law to adopt, ratify, and confirm actions of the special meeting

The special meeting was largely procedural, with council moving into closed session to receive legal advice on litigation concerning former senior administration officials' employment contracts. After reconvening, council received the confidential verbal update and directed staff to proceed as instructed in closed session. The only public action was adopting the agenda and passing a by-law to confirm the meeting's actions.

• Adopted agenda CL 3-2022 (carried)
• Moved into closed session for solicitor-client privileged litigation update (carried)
• Received confidential verbal update on litigation and directed staff to proceed as directed (carried)
• Passed Bill 2022-05 to adopt, ratify, and confirm council actions (carried)

Women's Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to discuss its 2022 work plan and hear a presentation on moving transit forward. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the previous meeting and standard procedural items.

• Presentation on Moving Transit Forward by Scott Fraser, Transportation Lead, GO Implementation Office
• Discussion of WAC-C 1-2022: Women's Advisory Committee 2022 Work Plan
• Consent item: Approval of minutes from November 24, 2021 meeting

The committee approved its 2022 work plan as amended and formed two working groups: one to support sessions increasing diversity of political candidates under the CanWill Grant, and another to review the committee's Terms of Reference and accomplishments. Members also received a presentation on a consolidated transit system for Niagara and discussed membership for a public advisory committee.

• Approved 2022 Work Plan as amended (carried)
• Formed working group for CanWill Grant candidate diversity sessions (carried)
• Formed working group to review Terms of Reference and accomplishments (carried)
• Received November 24, 2021 minutes for information (carried)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to select a committee chair from public members, and to discuss its 2022 work plan and the development of a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Action Plan. The committee will also receive an environmental scan report and minutes from its December 14, 2021 meeting.

• Selection of committee chair (must be a member of the public)
• Discussion of 2022 Work Plan (DEIAC-C 1-2022)
• Discussion of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Action Plan Development (DEIAC-C 2-2022)
• Environmental Scan Report (DEIAC-C 3-2022)
• Minutes from December 14, 2021 meeting

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a motion about the Integrity Commissioner and Code of Conduct referred by Regional Council, a draft Code of Conduct for members of the public on Niagara Region committees, and a draft Code of Conduct prepared by John Mascarin. The committee will also set its 2022 meeting schedule. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• 2022 PBLRC meeting schedule
• Motion respecting Integrity Commissioner and Code of Conduct (referred by Regional Council, Dec 16, 2021)
• Draft Code of Conduct for Members of the Public on Niagara Region Committees
• John Mascarin Draft Code of Conduct with complaint protocol and accountability framework

The Procedural By-law Review Committee approved its 2022 meeting dates (Feb 28, Apr 11, May 30, Jul 4) and received several correspondence items. It directed the Interim Integrity Commissioner to report on the John Mascarin draft code of conduct and to review a Regional Council-referred motion on the Integrity Commissioner and Code of Conduct for the February 28 meeting. No substantive policy decisions were made; actions were procedural and informational.

• Approved 2022 meeting dates: Feb 28, Apr 11, May 30, Jul 4 (carried)
• Received John Mascarin Draft Code of Conduct memo (carried)
• Directed Interim Integrity Commissioner to report on Mascarin code of conduct at Feb 28 meeting (carried)
• Received motion on Integrity Commissioner and Code of Conduct referred from Regional Council (carried, with two members recused)
• Amended motion to provide the referred motion to Interim Integrity Commissioner for review and comment (carried)
• Received Draft Code of Conduct for Members of the Public on Niagara Region Committees (carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council meets electronically to consider committee recommendations, a motion on social procurement, and amendments to its procedural by-law. The agenda includes a delegation on the Niagara Official Plan settlement area boundary review and several by-laws, including one to dedicate part of McLeod Road (Regional Road 49) in Niagara Falls. The meeting is held by electronic participation only due to COVID-19.

• Motion by Councillor Disero on Social Procurement
• By-law to amend Procedural By-law 120-2010 (Bill 2022-03)
• By-law to accept and dedicate part of Lots 4 and 5, Plan No. 4, as part of Regional Road No. 49 (McLeod Road) in Niagara Falls (Bill 2022-02)
• Delegation on Niagara Official Plan Settlement Area Boundary Review
• Closed session item on personal matters about identifiable individuals (advisory committee member conduct)

Council approved a $711,104 increase to the special circumstance purchase order for a temporary seasonal shelter in Niagara Falls and Start Me Up day programming, bringing the total to $1,618,123, and approved a $250,000 contingency. It also approved a $308,000 increase for COVID-19 emergency shelter rental costs, totaling $2,141,200, plus a $500,000 contingency. Procedural by-law amendments were referred to the Procedural By-law Review Committee, and a motion directed staff to explore social procurement opportunities.

• Approved $711,104 increase for temporary seasonal shelter and day programming (carried)
• Approved $250,000 contingency for shelter system adjustments (26-5)
• Approved $308,000 increase for COVID-19 emergency shelter rentals (carried)
• Approved $500,000 contingency for emergency shelter adjustments (26-5)
• Referred procedural by-law amendments to Procedural By-law Review Committee (carried)
• Directed staff to consult on social procurement and report by Q2 2022 (carried)
• Adopted minutes from Dec 16, 2021 and Jan 6, 2022 meetings (carried)
• Passed Bill 2022-02 dedicating part of Lots 4 and 5 in Niagara Falls as Regional Road No. 49 (carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider recommendations from the Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts and to receive information about the location of a backup Next Generation 911 dispatch. The meeting is open to the public via live stream only.

• Recommendations from Joint Board of Management – Niagara Courts (Dec 14, 2021)
• Information item: Location of Backup Next Generation 911 Dispatch

The Corporate Services Committee approved write-offs for delinquent court cases as recommended by the Joint Board of Management, and agreed to cover transportation costs for Fort Erie residents to access urgent care in Port Colborne during the temporary closure of the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre. A report on the backup 911 dispatch location was received and referred to the Police Services Board for more information. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved court fine write-offs for delinquent cases per JBM-C 13-2021
• Approved covering transportation costs for Fort Erie residents to Port Colborne urgent care during closure
• Referred backup 911 dispatch location report to Police Services Board for additional info

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is meeting electronically to hear presentations and public delegations on the Niagara Official Plan, particularly the Settlement Area Boundary Review. The committee will also receive information items on the Uppers Quarry Regional Official Plan Amendment 22, the draft Official Plan for consultation, and economic development updates. No items are listed for formal consideration.

• Public delegations on Niagara Official Plan Settlement Area Boundary Review (multiple speakers)
• Presentation: Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund
• Presentation: Official Plan Update by Dave Heyworth
• Information item: Uppers Quarry Regional Official Plan Amendment 22 (PDS 1-2022)
• Information item: Niagara Official Plan Proposed Draft for Consultation (PDS 2-2022)

The Planning and Economic Development Committee received information reports and heard delegations on the Niagara Official Plan Settlement Area Boundary Review, but made no substantive decisions. All items were received for information, including reports on the Uppers Quarry Official Plan Amendment and the proposed draft Official Plan for consultation.

• Received PDS 1-2022 Uppers Quarry ROPA 22 for information and circulated to City of Niagara Falls, NPCA, and MHBC Planning
• Received PDS 2-2022 Niagara Official Plan Proposed Draft for Consultation and circulated to local area municipalities
• Received ED 2-2022 Economic Development Marketing Update for information
• Received ED 1-2022 Economic Development Quarterly Update and three public letters on Settlement Area Boundary Review for information

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting electronically to consider two items: additional design fees for the Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) reconstruction project in Niagara Falls, and recommendations from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee. The meeting also includes consent items for information, such as the steering committee's minutes. No public attendance is allowed due to COVID-19; the meeting is livestreamed.

• Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) Reconstruction – Additional Design Fees for City of Niagara Falls Scope Change
• Recommendations from Waste Management Planning Steering Committee meeting of December 13, 2021
• Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Minutes December 13, 2021 (consent item)

The Public Works Committee approved additional design fees of $286,342 for Parsons Inc. related to the Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road) reconstruction, amending the engineering agreement. It also approved updated terms of reference for the Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizens Liaison Committee and directed staff to prepare reports on sanitary sewer inspections and water loss detection.

• Approved $286,342 additional design fees for Parsons Inc. for Montrose Road reconstruction (carried)
• Approved updated Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizens Liaison Committee Terms of Reference (carried)
• Directed staff to report on sanitary sewer inspection program and I&I issues (carried)
• Directed staff to report on water loss detection practices and cost projections (carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting electronically to consider items related to homelessness services, including the 2022-23 Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative Investment Plan, temporary seasonal shelter procurement, and COVID-19 emergency shelter procurement approvals. They will also receive information items on a homelessness services review, municipal authority to negotiate with the federal government on the National Childcare Strategy, and updates on the Medical Officer of Health recruitment and extra professional services payout. A delegation from a St. Catharines resident will present on public health protocols and concerns.

• Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative Investment Plan 2022-23 (COM 1-2022)
• Homelessness Services COVID Response - Temporary Seasonal Shelter Procurement Approval (COM 2-2022)
• COVID-19 Emergency Shelter Procurement Approval (COM 5-2022)
• Homelessness Services Review (COM 4-2022) - information item
• Municipal authority to negotiate with Federal Government on National Childcare Strategy (COM-C 1-2022) - information item

The committee approved the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) investment plan for 2022-23, adding directives to urge the province to address funding inadequacies and to raise the matter at the AMO conference. It also approved increases to special circumstance purchase orders for temporary seasonal shelters and COVID-19 emergency shelters, including contingencies. All motions were carried.

• Approved CHPI investment plan for 2022-23 (carried)
• Directed Regional Chair to send letter to Minister of Housing on CHPI funding inadequacies (carried)
• Circulated CHPI motion to local municipalities and MPPs (carried)
• Raised CHPI funding at 2022 AMO conference (carried)
• Increased temporary seasonal shelter purchase order by $711,104 to $1,618,123 (carried)
• Approved $250,000 contingency for temporary seasonal shelter (carried)
• Increased COVID-19 emergency shelter purchase order by $308,000 to $2,141,200 (carried)
• Approved $500,000 contingency for COVID-19 emergency shelters (carried)

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a special meeting to fill the vacant City of St. Catharines Regional Council seat. The agenda includes delegations from two speakers, correspondence from residents, and a closed session for legal advice on the vacancy. Council will also consider a confirming by-law for actions taken at this meeting.

• Filling of vacant City of St. Catharines Regional Council seat (CL-C 1-2022)
• Delegation by Asher Honickman on behalf of Mike Britton
• Delegation by Shawn Knights, St. Catharines resident
• Closed session for legal advice on filling vacancy (CL-C 6-2022)
• Confirming By-law 2022-1 for special meeting actions

Regional Council approved the appointment of St. Catharines Councillor Mathew Siscoe to fill the vacant Regional Council seat for St. Catharines, following a legal opinion that the recommendation was valid. The appointment was made for the remainder of the term until November 14, 2022, and Siscoe was sworn in immediately. Council also released the legal opinion publicly and appointed Siscoe to two committees.

• Approved appointment of Mathew Siscoe to vacant St. Catharines Regional Council seat (23-6)
• Administered Declaration of Office to Mathew Siscoe
• Appointed Siscoe to Public Works and Public Health and Social Services Committees
• Released legal opinion on vacancy publicly
• Received correspondence on vacancy for information
• Adopted agenda as amended
• Moved into closed session for legal advice (22-7)
• Passed by-law to confirm actions of the meeting