Niagara-on-the-Lake public meetings in 2023
27 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Tourism Strategy Committee
The Committee reviewed findings from CBRE Tourism Consulting regarding the visitor economy and market overview. Members discussed short-term and long-term priorities, including transportation, branding, and infrastructure. No formal votes on strategy items were recorded.
- Adopted the agenda as presented
Municipal Heritage Committee
The Municipal Heritage Committee approved several staff recommendations for Council's consideration, including the demolition and salvage plan for the former Parliament Oak School. The committee also recommended a $5,000 pilot project to restore an Ordnance Boundary Stone and transitioned to a hybrid meeting format.
- Approved staff recommendations for demolition, salvage, and commemoration of 325 King Street
- Approved recommendation for Council to delegate a temporary Heritage Easement Agreement for 325 King Street
- Approved staff recommendations for input on a proposed addition at 40 Platoff Street
- Endorsed Phase I list for priority designation under Bill 23
- Approved recommendation for $5,000 budget to restore Ordnance Boundary Stone OBS 32 as a pilot project
- Approved transition to hybrid meetings starting September 2023
Irrigation Committee
The Committee refused a motion to move to a hybrid meeting model. Members received updates on Virgil Pond funding options, Four Mile Creek maintenance legal opinions, and a Canada Infrastructure Bank project charter.
- Refused motion to move committees to hybrid meeting model
- Approved adoption of amended agenda
- Approved previous minutes from July 12, 2023
- Approved CIB update and project charter review process
- Approved cancellation of September 13th meeting
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment approved several minor variance and consent applications, including a short-term rental use and a property severance. One minor variance application for 436 Dorchester Street was refused.
- Approved Legal Non-Conforming Use Application LNCU-01/23 for 17 Field Road for 'cottage rental' short-term use
- Refused Minor Variance Application A-26/23 for 436 Dorchester Street
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-27/23 for 387 Queenston Road
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-28/23 for 175 Lakeshore Road, subject to Niagara Region sewage flow conditions
- Approved Consent Application B-20/23 for 507 Butler Street subject to heritage and parkland conditions
- Approved Consent Application B-21/23 for 135 Queen Street
Irrigation Committee
The Irrigation Committee approved a recommendation to Council that staff apply for Canada Infrastructure Bank grant funding. The funding would be used to offset engineering and capital costs for the irrigation system. Applications must align with the Town's 25 Year Capital Plan.
- Approved recommendation to Council to apply for Canada Infrastructure Bank funding for engineering and capital costs
Heritage Trail Committee
The Committee approved an open house for Phase 2 scheduled for September 21, 2023, and confirmed that interpretive sign copy is approved and funded. Members also discussed the process for welcoming new committee members and the pursuit of parks infrastructure grants.
- Approved Phase 2 Open House for September 21, 2023
- Approved interpretive sign copy and funding
- Approved reverting to original Terms of Reference for welcoming new members
Tourism Strategy Committee
The committee appointed Andrew Niven as Chair and Robin Garrett as Vice-Chair. Members approved amended Terms of Reference to include the President of Tourism NOTL as a non-voting advisory member. The committee also voted to transition to hybrid meetings starting in September.
- Appointed Andrew Niven as Chair (Approved)
- Appointed Robin Garrett as Vice-Chair (Approved)
- Adopted amended Terms of Reference adding Tourism NOTL President as an Advisory Agency (Approved)
- Approved transition to hybrid meetings starting in September, with a provision to revert to virtual if in-person attendance is 1/3 or less for three meetings
Municipal Heritage Committee
The Municipal Heritage Committee reviewed and approved recommendations for Council regarding demolition notices, heritage impact assessments, and landscaping permits. The committee also recommended two heritage grants for property restorations totaling over $4,000 in town funding.
- Recommended Council approval for commemoration requirements at 325 King Street (Approved as amended)
- Recommended Council support for garage relocation and tree preservation at 287 King Street (Approved as amended)
- Recommended Council approval for landscaping alterations at 94 Prideaux Street, prohibiting street-visible artificial turf (Approved)
- Recommended Council approval for porch repairs at 129 Victoria Street and a grant of up to $3,377.25 (Approved)
- Recommended Council approval for repainting at 20 Platoff Street and a grant of up to $900 (Approved)
Council Meeting
Council endorsed the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan and extended its term to 2027. The board also approved bylaws to maintain fire emergency dispatch services through St. Catharines. Additionally, information regarding a proposed memorial at the Niagara Baptist Church Burial Ground was referred to staff.
- Endorsed 2022–2026 Council Strategic Plan and extended term to 2027 (6-2)
- Denied amendment to add 'including seniors' to Strategic Plan Advocacy Pillar (3-5)
- Approved Bylaws 5528-23 and 5529-23 for Fire Services Dispatch Agreements (8-0)
- Referred Rochelle Bush's information on the Niagara Baptist Church Burial Ground memorial to staff (8-0)
- Approved agenda and minutes from June 20, June 27, June 29, July 11, and July 18 (8-0)
- Received Information Package items 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, and 15.4 (7-1)
- Received minutes for Library Board, Irrigation, Committee of Adjustment, and Heritage committees (8-0)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment approved two consent applications and four minor variance requests. One minor variance application for 517 Gate Street was refused due to concerns regarding the proposal's massing.
- Approved Consent Application B-17/23 for 670 King Street
- Approved Consent Application B-19/23 for 727 Warner Road
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-19/23 for 727 Warner Road
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-20/23 for 1361 Line 1 Road
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-21/23 for 14695 Niagara River Parkway
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-22/23 for 319 Mary Street
- Denied Minor Variance Application A-23/23 for 517 Gate Street
Committee of the Whole - General
The Committee approved guidance for the 2024 budget and authorized a contract for catch basin cleaning. Council also approved the 2022 consolidated financial statements and a zoning amendment for 911 Lakeshore Road.
- Approved 2024 operating levy increase not to exceed 6.5% (6-2)
- Approved $162,150 three-year catch basin cleaning contract with GFL Environmental Services Inc.
- Approved 2022 consolidated financial statements and Audit Findings Report (8-0)
- Approved $30,000 for Asset Retirement Obligations accounting consulting services (8-0)
- Approved removal of Holding (H) symbol for 911 Lakeshore Road (6-0)
- Approved transition to hybrid meetings for Municipal Heritage, Urban Design, Irrigation, and Committee of Adjustment (7-1)
- Approved funding of $99,416 2022 operating budget deficit via Contingency Reserve
- Approved Consent Agenda items 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 (8-0)
Irrigation Committee
The Committee approved the replacement of a check valve at the Whirlpool pumping station. Members discussed metering issues and personnel changes within the Town's environmental services. An update on Four Mile Creek maintenance was deferred to the next meeting.
- Approved replacement of check valve at Whirlpool pumping station at an estimated cost of $4,000
- Approved adoption of the amended agenda
- Approved adoption of June 19, 2023 minutes
Municipal Heritage Committee
The Committee approved heritage recommendations for a development at 61 Melville Street and a rear addition at 433 Regent Street. It also provided recommendations for the Cenotaph Restoration Plan and approved a staff-led walking tour regarding ordnance boundary stones.
- Approved recommendations for 61 Melville Street including a plaque, Juliet balconies, window treatments, natural stone skirting, and a waste management plan
- Approved elevation drawings for rear addition at 433 Regent Street
- Deferred 325 King Street (Parliament Oak School) demolition notice to August 2, 2023
- Approved recommendations for Cenotaph Restoration Plan regarding pipes, electronic donations, parging removal, and Asset Management Plan review
- Approved directing staff to set up a walking tour for the restoration of two ordnance boundary stones
Committee of the Whole - Planning
The Committee approved four zoning by-law amendments for properties on Line 6 Road, Niagara Stone Road, Nassau Street, and Tanbark Road. Three information reports regarding public meetings were received. A motion to support the Right-to-Repair movement was defeated.
- Approved ZBA-14-2022 for 823 Line 6 Road (Big Head Estate Winery) (9-0)
- Approved ZBA-05-2023 for 1570 Niagara Stone Road (8-0)
- Approved ZBA-03-2023 for 240 Nassau Street (9-0)
- Approved ZBA-26-2022 for 281 Tanbark Road & Stoneridge Crescent (9-0)
- Received information report CDS-23-126 for 434 Hunter Road (8-0)
- Received information report CDS-23-137 for 1339 Lakeshore Road (9-0)
- Received information report CDS-23-147 for 925 Line 2 Road (9-0)
- Defeated motion to support Right-to-Repair movement (3-5)
Urban Design Committee
The Committee recommended that Staff and Council reject a proposed hotel at 325 King Street due to concerns over massing, height, and parking. Recommendations were also approved for a residential apartment project at 61 Melville Street and design standards for the Temporary Patio Program.
- Recommended rejection of Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments for hotel at 325 King Street (Approved)
- Recommended additional parking (two spots per unit) and tree choice revisions for 61 Melville Street (Approved)
- Recommended commercial mixed-use designation for the first floor of 61 Melville Street (Approved)
- Approved design standards for Temporary Patio Program including warm lighting, prohibition of rough framed timber and black umbrellas, and required planting boxes (Approved)
- Adopted agenda with amendments regarding member communications and patio program (Approved)
- Received May 24, 2023, minutes (Approved)
Council Meeting
Council approved a Discretionary Grant Policy and Procedure with amendments to prohibit funding for paid ticketed events. The body also appointed three members to the Discretionary Grant Committee and deferred a fleet service review report to September.
- Approved Discretionary Grant Policy and Procedure, amended to exclude paid ticketed events and limit funding to new initiatives or items (5-2)
- Approved amendment to grant policy ensuring indexing does not preclude Council from amending the total budget (7-0)
- Appointed Councillors Mavridis, Balasiuk, and Vizzari to the Discretionary Grant Committee
- Deferred Fleet Service Review & Green Fleet Strategy report OPS-23-016 to September (8-0)
- Approved minutes from May 23, June 13, and June 20 as amended (7-1)
- Adopted the meeting agenda as amended (8-0)
Heritage Trail Committee
The committee received updates on the Phase 2 trail design, which includes 2.56km of rehabilitation from East West Line to Line 1. Funding for this phase currently totals $60,400 in grants and $33,500 in fundraising. No formal votes were taken on new business items.
- Approved the agenda
- Approved the May 17, 2023 minutes
Committee of the Whole - General
The Committee approved a debenture for a fire apparatus and a phased plan to replace 30 parking machines in Old Town. Council also directed staff to conduct an updated speed study on East-West Line and request increased police enforcement in that area.
- Approved $820,000 debenture for Fire Apparatus Pumper Truck (9-0)
- Approved phased replacement of 30 of 57 parking machines in Old Town (7-2)
- Approved 2022 Capital Project Closure Report and $1,071,734.55 variance transfer (8-0)
- Approved 2022 Development Charges Reserve Fund Statement (8-0)
- Approved 2022 Building Permit Fees Annual Financial Report (8-0)
- Approved Part Lot Control Exemption and Development Agreement for 241 Johnson Street (8-0)
- Approved updated speed study and police enforcement request for East-West Line (9-0)
- Denied parking machine replacement plan that prioritized credit card payments (2-7)
Special Council Meeting
Council approved the allocation of five licenses to occupy Town-owned land for Caleche services for the 2023 season. The licenses were distributed among three operators for a one-year term.
- Approved allocation of 1 license to 1000220148 Ontario Inc. (Ronda Cave) (8-1)
- Approved allocation of 1 license to Queens Royal Tours with permission to sublet to Meghan Sentineal (8-1)
- Approved allocation of 3 licenses to Laura Sentineal of Sentineal Carriages (8-1)
- Approved delegated authority for staff to execute agreements for the five licenses (8-1)
- Approved Proceedings By-law No. 5518-23 to confirm meeting proceedings (7-0)
Irrigation Committee
The Committee agreed to move toward a hybrid meeting schedule, which will be presented to Council in July. Other items included updates on pump status and water permit renewals, while discussions on future water access were deferred.
- Approved adoption of agenda as amended
- Approved minutes from May 10, 2023
- Agreed to hybrid meeting format (to be presented to Council in July)
- Approved deferring discussion on Future Water Access (Line 7 and Conc 7) to mid-December workshop
- Approved next meeting date for July 12, 2023
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment granted four minor variance applications for properties on Four Mile Creek Road, Gate Street, Tanbark Road, and Westwood Court. Each application was found to meet the four Planning Act tests for minor variance. The committee also approved the May 18, 2023 minutes.
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-09/23 for 1607 Four Mile Creek Road
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-16/23 for 513 Gate Street
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-17/23 for 287 Tanbark Road
- Approved Minor Variance Application A-18/23 for 5 Westwood Court
- Approved May 18, 2023 minutes by unanimous consent
Committee of the Whole - Planning
The Committee approved a consent agenda that forwards several zoning by-law amendments and a part lot control exemption to Council for adoption. The meeting also included public presentations and staff reports regarding development proposals on Nassau Street, Melville Street, and Niagara Stone Road.
- Approved Zoning By-law Amendment for 507 Butler Street (9-0)
- Approved Part Lot Control Exemption for Paxton Lane (9-0)
- Approved Zoning By-law Amendment for 882 Line 1 Road (9-0)
- Approved agenda as amended (9-0)
- Adjourned meeting (9-0)
Special Council Meeting
Council approved the 2023 financial statements and the appointment of the Board of Directors for Niagara-on-the-Lake Energy Inc. The meeting included a presentation on corporate structure, rates, and energy plans. Council also passed Proceedings By-law No. 5517-23.
- Approved minutes of the June 20, 2022 Niagara-on-the-Lake Energy Inc. AGM (9-0)
- Approved 2023 Financial Statements and appointment of auditors for Niagara-on-the-Lake Energy Inc. (9-0)
- Approved appointment of Board of Directors for Niagara-on-the-Lake Energy Inc. (9-0)
- Passed Proceedings By-law No. 5517-23 (9-0)
Municipal Heritage Committee
The Municipal Heritage Committee approved recommendations for Council to endorse and implement a workplan for prioritizing designations of listed properties under Bill 23. The Committee also reviewed a new Municipal Heritage Training Manual.
- Approved recommendation for Council to endorse the workplan for priority designations of properties on the Town’s Heritage Register
- Approved recommendation for Council to direct staff to implement the workplan
- Approved the meeting agenda
Urban Design Committee
The Committee approved sets of design recommendations for a long-term care facility expansion at 15 Elden Street and a proposed subdivision at Tanbark Road and Warner Road. For the subdivision, the Committee explicitly stated it does not support the proposed Zoning By-law Amendments regarding height and setbacks.
- Approved design recommendations for 15 Elden Street expansion, including requests for more shade trees, visitor parking, and increased soft landscaping in gardens
- Approved design recommendations for 170-192 Tanbark Road & Warner Road, including requests to conform to St. Davids Urban Design Guidelines
- Noted lack of support for proposed Zoning By-law Amendments regarding height and setbacks for the Tanbark Road & Warner Road development
- Adopted the meeting agenda
- Received the April 26, 2023, minutes
Council Meeting
Council approved a zoning amendment for 241 Johnson Street and endorsed a $6 million application to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Members also approved citizen appointments for 2022-2026 committees and boards.
- Approved Zoning By-law Amendment for 241 Johnson Street (8-1)
- Endorsed $6M Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund application and 60% matching contribution (8-0)
- Approved citizen appointments for 2022-2026 Committees and Boards (6-2)
- Appointed Councillor Adriana Vizzari to St. Davids Pool Fundraising Committee (6-2)
- Approved minutes from April 19, April 24, April 25, May 4, May 9, and May 16 meetings (7-0)
- Approved agenda as amended (8-0)
- Approved delegation request for Steven Soos to speak at a future meeting (8-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Special Council Meeting
Council approved a motion directing staff to prepare for an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) Hearing concerning applications for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Plan of Subdivision. The direction includes specific requirements for heritage permit implementation and landscape restoration at 200 John Street East and 588 Charlotte Street.
- Approved direction to staff for OLT Hearing preparation regarding 200 John Street East and 588 Charlotte Street (6-1)
- Required restoration of Peony Garden and planting of fruit bearing trees at 200 John Street East as part of OLT preparation (6-1)
- Approved staff to engage in without prejudice discussions with Applicant and SORE regarding access and issue settlement (6-1)
- Confirmed Issues List for inclusion in the OLT Procedural Order (6-1)
- Adopted the meeting agenda (8-0)
- Approved Proceedings By-law No. 5516-23 (7-0)