Niagara Region public meetings in 2023

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the Niagara Transit Commission's revised proposed 2024 operating and capital budget and requisition. The agenda includes delegations from community members and correspondence from residents regarding proposed transit budget cuts. The committee will also receive the transit commission's revised budget requisition as information.

• 2024 Proposed Niagara Transit Commission Budget (BRC-C 35-2023)
• Delegation by Herb Sawatzky, 50by30Niagara
• Delegation by Lindsay Taylor, St. Catharines Downtown Association
• Correspondence from residents S. Waziruddin and R. Taylor regarding transit budget cuts
• Niagara Transit Commission Revised 2024 Budget Requisition (BRC-C 40-2023)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider and likely adopt the 2024 operating, capital, water, wastewater, and transit budgets, along with the associated tax levy and requisitions. The agenda also includes several by-laws, including one to authorize $15,969,937 in long-term financing for capital projects, and a service agreement with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. The meeting will also receive reports from various committees and correspondence items.

• 2024 operating budget and tax levy (Bill 2023-95)
• 2024 capital budget (Bill 2023-94) and $15,969,937 debt authorization (Bill 2023-96)
• 2024 water and wastewater budget requisitions (Bills 2023-87, 2023-88)
• 2024 Niagara Transit Commission budget and requisition (Bill 2023-93)
• 2024 schedule of fees and charges (Bill 2023-90)

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee will review a presentation on the 2023 curbside green bin audit and promotional material pilot. The committee will also discuss recycling collection options for non-eligible sources. Additionally, members will consider the 2024 meeting schedule.

• 2023 Curbside Green Bin Audit and Promotional Material Pilot presentation
• Recycling Collection Options for Non-Eligible Sources presentation
• 2024 Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Meeting Dates

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the 2024 General Levy Operating Budget, including the Niagara Regional Police Service budget, and the 2024 Schedule of Fees and Charges. The committee will hear delegations on the budget and the 2024 World Rowing Championships, and will receive information items on capital budget revisions and budget engagement results. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personal matters about identifiable individuals related to budget mitigation options.

• 2024 General Levy Operating Budget (CSD 54-2023) with departmental base budgets, mitigations, and multi-year forecast
• Revised 2024 Proposed Operating Budget for Niagara Regional Police Service and Police Services Board (BRC-C 33-2023)
• 2024 Schedule of Fees and Charges (CSD 46-2023)
• Delegation on 2024 World Rowing Championships by St. Catharines World Rowing Committee
• 2024 Capital Budget Revised Recommendations (BRC-C 30-2023)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider its 2024 meeting dates and receive updates on its 2024 membership and the Court Services operating budget. The agenda is largely procedural, with no public hearings or major decisions listed.

• 2024 Joint Board of Management meeting dates (JBM-C 12-2023)
• 2024 Joint Board of Management membership (JBM-C 13-2023)
• Court Services 2024 Operating Budget Update (JBM-C 14-2023)
• Minutes from September 18, 2023 meeting

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will receive a presentation and consider the Q3 2023 financial update (CSD 53-2023). It will also receive information on corporate non-competitive procurement activities exceeding $100,000 (CSD 52-2023). A closed session is scheduled to discuss a litigation matter regarding an Ontario Land Tribunal appeal on St. Catharines OPA 36.

• Q3 2023 Financial Update (CSD 53-2023) with presentation
• Corporate non-competitive procurement activities exceeding $100,000 (CSD 52-2023)
• Closed session: litigation regarding Ontario Land Tribunal appeal on St. Catharines OPA 36

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a delegation on a proposed waste hauler procedure, a waste management by-law update, and awarding a detailed design contract for the reconstruction of Regional Road 43 (Bridge Street) in Niagara Falls. The committee will also receive recommendations from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee and information updates on water quality and the Blue Box transition. A budget adjustment for fleet vehicles was removed from the agenda and will be brought to a future meeting.

• Delegation on proposed waste hauler procedure by Tom Richardson, Sullivan Mahoney LLP
• Award of RFP 2023-RFP-136 for detailed design of RR43 Bridge Street reconstruction, Victoria Avenue to Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
• Waste Management By-law update (PW 53-2023)
• Updates to Waste Diversion Containers Policy (PW 54-2023)
• Annual Water Quality Management System report (PW 48-2023)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting to hear presentations on immunization record review and veteran homelessness, and to consider a motion to better support survivors of intimate partner and gender-based violence. Consent items include updates on seniors services, bridge housing, Built for Zero, and an AED registry.

• Motion COM-C 41-2023 to better support survivors of intimate partner and gender-based violence
• Presentation on 2022-2023 Immunization Record Review
• Presentation on Combatting Veteran Homelessness
• Seniors Services Strategic Plan 2024-2027 (COM 40-2023)
• Update on Bridge Housing and Recuperative Care Programs (COM 42-2023)

Audit Committee

The Niagara Region Audit Committee is meeting to receive an update on the 2023-2024 internal audit workplan and to consider setting 2024 meeting dates. The committee will also receive information items, including a follow-up audit on non-competitive procurement and a report on corporate non-competitive procurement activities exceeding $100,000, as well as the approval of the 2022 Child Care Services Program Audit.

• Audit Workplan Update 2023-2024 presentation by Hari Vemuri, Manager, Internal Audit
• AC-C 17-2023: Audit Committee 2024 Meeting Dates
• AC-C 16-2023: Follow-up Audit of Non-Competitive Procurement
• CSD 52-2023: Corporate Non-Competitive Procurement Activities Exceeding $100,000
• COM 38-2023: Approval of the 2022 Child Care Services Program Audit

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy & Action Committee is meeting electronically to consider several items, most notably a draft Agriculture Economic Development Action Plan, which will be presented and discussed. The committee will also receive updates on committee membership, the Alternative Land Use Services program, provincial modifications to the 2022 Niagara Official Plan, and a by-law from the Town of The Blue Mountains regarding abandoned orchards. The meeting is primarily for information and discussion, with no final decisions listed on the agenda.

• Draft Agriculture Economic Development Action Plan (APAC-C 3-2023) with presentation
• Update on Provincial Modifications to 2022 Niagara Official Plan (APAC-C 6-2023)
• Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) update (APAC-C 5-2023)
• Town of The Blue Mountains - Abandoned Orchards By-law (APAC-C 7-2023)
• Committee membership update (APAC-C 4-2023)

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the Niagara Transit Commission's proposed 2024 operating and capital budget, including a requisition. A resident delegation and correspondence from the City of St. Catharines and a resident are also on the agenda. The committee will discuss the transit budget but no final decision is listed on this agenda.

• 2024 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget Submission and Requisition from Niagara Transit Commission (BRC-C 25-2023)
• Delegation by Erik Johnston, resident of Niagara Falls, on the transit budget
• Letter from M. Siscoe, Chair, Niagara Transit Commission, dated November 2, 2023
• Letter from M. Siscoe, Mayor of St. Catharines, dated November 15, 2023, re transit budget
• Email from M. Ellis, dated November 20, 2023, re Niagara Region Transit

Women's Advisory Committee

The Women's Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear a presentation on intimate partner violence as an epidemic in Niagara, and to discuss its 2024 meeting schedule and work plan. The agenda includes only one presentation and discussion items, with no decisions listed for a vote.

• Presentation: Intimate Partner Violence - An Epidemic in Niagara by Nicole Regehr, Executive Director, Gillian's Place
• Discussion: 2024 Women's Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule (WAC-C 2-2023)
• Discussion: Women's Advisory Committee Work Plan, including references to the Niagara Region Seat at the Table Project and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027
• Consent item: Approval of minutes from September 26, 2023 meeting

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee will receive a presentation regarding the Building Portfolio Review Project. This update will be provided by staff from the Construction, Energy & Facilities Management department.

• Presentation: Accessible Facilities - Building Portfolio Review Project Update

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to review and consider approval of several 2024 operating budgets, including the Niagara Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Housing, Court Services, and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. A consolidated general levy operating budget update will also be presented. The committee will vote on recommended motions to approve these budgets in principle, subject to the general levy for Niagara Region.

• 2024 Budget Update - Consolidated General Levy Operating Budget Update
• Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2024 Draft Budgets and Municipal Levies
• Court Services 2024 Proposed Operating Budget
• Proposed Niagara Regional Housing 2024 Operating Budget
• 2024 Proposed Operating Budget - Niagara Regional Police Service and Police Services Board

Council

Council is reviewing several 2024 budget requisitions for water, wastewater, and waste management. The agenda also includes discussions on provincial modifications to the Niagara Official Plan and proposed changes to regional highway regulations.

• Long term closure of St. Paul Street West CNR Bridge (Regional Road 81)
• 2024 Water Budget Requisition
• 2024 Wastewater Budget Requisition
• 2024 Waste Management Budget Requisition
• Proposed 40 km/h speed limits in school zones

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the 2024 water and wastewater operating budget, including rate setting and requisition. They will also consider a presentation on alternatives to reduce the recommended budget. The meeting includes a report on the budget and options for mitigation.

• 2024 Water and Wastewater Operating Budget, Rate Setting and Requisition (CSD 50-2023)
• Alternatives to Reduce the Recommended 2024 Water and Wastewater Operating Budget (BRC-C 16-2023)
• Fixed Water Requisition by Municipality (Appendix 3)
• Fixed Wastewater Requisition by Municipality (Appendix 5)
• Water and Wastewater Staffing Resource Needs (Appendix 7)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will meet to select a Chair and Vice-Chair. Members will also receive presentations regarding committee overviews, codes of conduct, and terms of reference.

• Election of Committee Chair (must be a Regional Councillor)
• Election of Committee Vice-Chair (must be a public member)
• Presentation on Code of Conduct for Public Members
• Presentation on DEI Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
• Consideration of 2024 meeting dates

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the 2024 proposed operating and capital budgets for the Niagara Transit Commission and Waste Management Services, including their requisitions. Presentations will precede each item. The committee will also receive information updates on transit requisition drivers and municipal assessment growth.

• 2024 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget Submission and Requisition - Niagara Transit Commission (BRC-C 14-2023)
• 2024 Budget – Waste Management Services Operating Budget and Requisition (CSD 48-2023)
• Updates to NTC 17-2023, Appendix 3 Municipal Assessment Growth (BRC-C 15-2023)
• Niagara Transit Commission 2024 Requisition Increase Drivers (BRC-C 17-2023)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is considering a Housing-as-a-Priority Lens framework and receiving updates on unbuilt housing supply, investment attraction, and strategic marketing. Delegations will address the 2024 World Rowing Championships, employment in Niagara, and the housing lens. Closed-session items include land acquisition at 68 Church Street, a GO Station development strategy, and a litigation appeal.

• PDS 29-2023 Housing-as-a-Priority Lens with Land Optimization Framework appendix
• PDS 37-2023 Niagara Region Unbuilt Housing Supply Update, to be circulated to local municipalities and home builders association
• Delegation on 2024 World Rowing Championships by co-chairs Walter Sendzik and Bill Schenck
• Closed session: update on 68 Church Street, St. Catharines land acquisition
• Closed session: GO Station Development Strategy Update and Ontario Land Tribunal appeal of Niagara Falls OPA 147

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider one main item: a report on Niagara Region Transit's rural versus urban special levy. The agenda also includes closed-session items on litigation and a proposed land acquisition. Most of the meeting is procedural, with the transit levy being the only public item for decision.

• CSD 44-2023: Niagara Region Transit – Rural versus Urban Special Levy
• Closed session: litigation regarding Regional Development Charge By-law Appeal Matters
• Closed session: proposed land acquisition at SW Regional Road 98, Niagara Falls
• Closed session: further info on active litigation matters

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will consider approval of the 2022 Child Care Services Program Audit and a motion by Cllr. Bateman to include femicide in the Criminal Code and update the hate crime definition to include gender-related violent acts. Several items are for information only, including a school-age child care affordability pilot, a seniors services quality improvement report, and public health standards risk management requirements. Correspondence on the femicide motion from community organizations and residents is also listed.

• Approval of 2022 Child Care Services Program Audit (COM 38-2023)
• Motion to include femicide in Criminal Code and update hate crime definition (COM-C 34-2023)
• School-age Child Care Affordability Pilot (COM 37-2023)
• Seniors Services Quality Improvement Report April-June 2023 (COM 39-2023)
• Acquisition of Temporary Modular Shelter (COM-C 33-2023)

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole will consider the 2024 water and wastewater operating budget, including rate setting and municipal requisitions, preceded by a presentation. It will also discuss a referred motion on 2024 budget mitigation measures and receive additional information on that motion. The meeting is scheduled for November 2, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

• 2024 Water and Wastewater Operating Budget, Rate Setting and Requisition (CSD 50-2023)
• Fixed water requisition by municipality (Appendix 3)
• Fixed wastewater requisition by municipality (Appendix 5)
• Forecasted transfers to capital reserves (Appendix 2)
• Referred Motion - 2024 Budget Mitigation Measures (BRC-C 12-2023)

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting to hear a presentation on Niagara's Housing and Homelessness Action Plan and to consider setting its 2024 meeting dates. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Presentation on Niagara's Housing and Homelessness Action Plan by Jeffrey Sinclair, Homelessness Action Plan Advisor
• Consideration of 2024 Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting dates (AAC-C 4-2023)
• Approval of September 26, 2023 meeting minutes (AAC 2-2023)

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting to consider staff directions on councillor information requests, proposed changes to submission deadlines for council meetings, and a deferred item on delegate material submissions. The agenda also includes a work plan update. No presentations or delegations are scheduled.

• Direction to staff on councillor information requests and other business items (PBLRC-C 9-2023)
• Proposed changes to submission deadlines for council meetings (PBLRC-C 10-2023)
• Deferred item on submission of materials by delegates (PBLRC-C 11-2023)
• Work plan update for October 30, 2023 (PBLRC-C 12-2023)

Niagara Transit Commission

The agenda for the Niagara Transit Commission meeting on October 24, 2023, contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items, reports, or decisions. The document appears to be a placeholder with no substantive content for residents to review.

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting to discuss a pending update to the Waste Management System by-law and to review a diaper waste exemption. The committee will also receive information items on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's baseline waste and recycling report, a councillor information request, and the Blue Box Transition communication strategy. No votes are listed on this agenda; items are for discussion or information.

• Presentation on Waste Management System by-law pending update
• WMPSC-C 29-2023: Diaper Waste Exemption Review
• WMPSC-C 32-2023: AMO's Baseline Waste and Recycling report
• WMPSC-C 31-2023: Blue Box Transition Communication Strategy
• WMPSC-C 28-2023: Councillor Information Request

Council

Niagara Region Council meets to act as the sole member of the Niagara Regional Housing Corporation for its annual general meeting, including confirming financial statements and appointing an auditor. Council will also receive and consider recommendations from several committees (Audit, Public Works, Public Health, Corporate Services, Planning, and Budget Review) and vote on a series of by-laws. Two motions are on the agenda: one regarding the Auditor General's Special Report on Changes to the Greenbelt and another requesting an update on provincial compensation related to Bill 23.

• Annual General Meeting of Niagara Regional Housing Corporation: confirm 2022 audited financial statements, appoint Deloitte as auditor for 2023
• Motion on Auditor General's Special Report on Changes to the Greenbelt (Councillor Bateman)
• Motion on Bill 23 - Request for Update on Provincial Compensation (Councillor Huson)
• By-law 2023-75: Remove portion of Riverside Drive from Regional Road System in Welland
• By-laws 2023-76, 78, 79: Authorize expropriation applications for Wainfleet Oswego Creek Bridge work

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to review the proposed 2024 Capital Budget, including a presentation by the Director of Financial Management and Planning. The agenda includes a detailed report (CSD 43-2023) with appendices covering departmental funding, operating impacts, reserve balances, debt, and a 10-year forecast. No decisions are listed; the meeting is for review and discussion.

• 2024 Capital Budget presentation by Helen Furtado, Director Financial Management & Planning/Deputy Treasurer
• Report CSD 43-2023 on the 2024 Capital Budget
• Appendix 1: 2024 Capital Budget Detail by Department with Funding
• Appendix 5: Debt Information
• Appendix 7: 2024-2033 Capital Budget and 9 Year Forecast

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will consider awarding a contract for Next Generation 9-1-1 services and authorizing a tile drainage loan for Niagara-on-the-Lake. They will also receive presentations on procurement and asset management, and hold a closed session on litigation.

• Award of 2022-RFP-187 – Next Generation 9-1-1 (CSD 47-2023)
• Authorization of Tile Drainage Loan for Niagara-on-the-Lake (CSD 49-2023)
• Presentation: Procurement and Strategic Acquisitions
• Presentation: Asset Management 2023 Update
• Closed session: confidential verbal update on litigation (s. 239(2)(e))

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is holding a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act to hear presentations and receive correspondence about a proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment for the Uppers Quarry in Niagara Falls. The committee will also consider recommendations from its Accessibility Advisory Committee and Agricultural Policy and Action Committee, and receive an information report on shared services opportunities.

• Statutory public meeting for Regional Official Plan Amendment Application No. ROPA-21-0003 (Proposed Uppers Quarry, City of Niagara Falls)
• 15 scheduled speakers on the quarry application
• 15 items of correspondence from residents and organizations regarding the quarry
• Recommendations from Accessibility Advisory Committee (Sept 26, 2023)
• Recommendations from Agricultural Policy and Action Committee (Sept 29, 2023)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider a 10-year water and wastewater financial plan required under O.Reg. 453/07, award a contract for sewer and watermain replacement on Ontario Street, and approve the purchase of a backhoe loader for the Welland Patrol Yard. The agenda also includes a consent item to appoint by-law officers for sewer use enforcement.

• Water and Wastewater Financial Plan for O.Reg. 453/07 (PW 45-2023)
• Award of Contract 2023-T-21 for Ontario Street Sanitary Sewer and Watermain Replacement (PW 39-2023)
• Purchase of a New Backhoe Loader for Welland Patrol Yard (PW 46-2023)
• Appointment of By-law Officers for Enforcement of Sewer Use By-law No. 27-2014 (PWC-C 8-2023)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will hear presentations on food affordability and social assistance discretionary benefits, and consider several items including a workplace violence strategy for NEMS first responders, a contract extension for social assistance employment opportunities, and a resolution supporting basic income for the region. Consent items include temporary emergency shelter operations in St. Catharines and correspondence about Bill 103.

• 2023 Nutritious Food Basket Survey results on food affordability
• Workplace Violence Strategy to mitigate violence against NEMS first responders
• Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities (SAEO) contract extension approval
• Resolution in Support of Basic Income for the Niagara Region
• Temporary Emergency Shelter Operations in St. Catharines (consent item)

Agricultural Policy and Action Committee

The Agricultural Policy and Action Committee is meeting to elect a chair and vice chair, approve its 2023-2024 meeting schedule, and adopt draft terms of reference. It will also receive informational reports on a statutory public meeting for a regional official plan amendment, the 2022 Woodland Conservation By-law annual report, and a Niagara agriculture profile. No decisions on these informational items are listed.

• Election of committee chair and vice chair
• APAC-C 1-2023: 2023-2024 meeting schedule
• APAC-C 2-2023: Draft terms of reference
• PDS 26-2023: Statutory public meeting for Regional Official Plan Amendment (Regional Road Allowance Widths)
• PDS 21-2023: Woodland Conservation By-law annual report 2022

Women's Advisory Committee

The Women's Advisory Committee is meeting to select its chair and vice-chair, with the chair required to be a Regional Councillor and the vice-chair a public member. The agenda also includes orientation presentations on the committee's overview, terms of reference, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, plus a discussion of 2023 meeting dates. No substantive decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Election of Committee Chair (must be a Regional Councillor)
• Election of Committee Vice-Chair (must be a public member)
• Presentation: Advisory Committee Overview
• Presentation: Women's Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Overview
• Item WAC-C 1-2023: 2023 Meeting Dates

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to hear presentations on the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy and the committee's role, and to consider its draft terms of reference and 2023 meeting dates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no votes or decisions listed.

• Presentation on Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy by Lisa Gallant
• Presentation on committee role and regional services by Tammy Dumas
• Draft Terms of Reference (AAC-C 2-2023) for consideration
• 2023 meeting dates (AAC-C 3-2023) for consideration
• Minutes from August 15, 2023 meeting for information

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider several motions and reports, including a motion to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and adopt recommendations from the Renfrew County Inquest. Council will also hear delegations on diversity, equity and inclusion, the Q2 financial update, and development charges at 4389 Beechwood Road, Niagara Falls. The agenda includes numerous by-laws authorizing debentures for local municipalities and appointments to committees.

• Motion to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and adopt Renfrew County Inquest recommendations (Item 13.1)
• Motion on 2024 Budget Mitigation Measures (Item 13.2)
• Motion regarding Auditor General's Special Report on Changes to the Greenbelt (Item 13.3)
• By-laws authorizing debentures: Town of Lincoln ($100,000; $1,833,342.36; $11,162,500), Town of Fort Erie ($3,181,100), Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake ($820,000), City of St. Catharines ($2,210,200), Township of West Lincoln ($2,672,600)
• Appointment of Integrity Commissioner and Acting Deputy Regional Clerks (Bills 2023-67, 2023-69, 2023-72)

Niagara Transit Commission

The agenda for the Niagara Transit Commission meeting on September 19, 2023, is purely procedural, containing only system-generated placeholders and no listed agenda items, reports, or decisions. No substantive business is scheduled for discussion or action.

Audit Committee

The Niagara Region Audit Committee is meeting to discuss internal audit workplan updates, a cash handling procedures audit, and the 2023 external audit planning report. They will also receive information on approved community services and public health program audits. The meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

• Internal Audit - Audit Workplan Update (presentation by Hari Vemuri, Manager, Internal Audit)
• AC-C 15-2023 Cash Handling Audit Report
• AC-C 14-2023 2023 External Audit Planning Report
• COM 23-2023 Approval of 2022/2023 Community Services Program Audits
• PHD 6-2023 Approval of the 2022-2023 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider the Court Services 2024 Operating Budget, which will be preceded by a presentation. The board will also receive the minutes from its August 17, 2023 meeting as a consent item for information. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Court Services 2024 Operating Budget presentation and consideration (JBM-C 11-2023)
• Schedule of Expenditures and Revenue for Court Services 2023 and 2024 (Appendix 1)
• Prosecution of Part III and Part IX Matters Operating Business Case (Appendix 2)
• Alternative Reviewed Schedule of Expenditures and Revenue (Appendix 3)
• Minutes of August 17, 2023 meeting (JBM 4-2023)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is holding a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act to discuss a Regional Official Plan Amendment regarding Regional Road Allowance Widths. The committee will also consider funding for Brownfield Tax Assistance Program grants in Welland and Port Colborne, and receive presentations on the Thorold Multimodal Hub and the Niagara Agriculture Profile.

• Statutory public meeting for Regional Official Plan Amendment (Regional Road Allowance Widths)
• Regional funding for Brownfield Tax Assistance Program grants in Welland (PDS 25-2023)
• Regional funding for a Brownfield Tax Assistance Program grant in Port Colborne (PDS 32-2023)
• Presentation on Niagara Ports: The Thorold Multimodal Hub
• Niagara Agriculture Profile (ED 10-2023) for information

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider a motion on equity, diversity, inclusion and hate, approve the 2024 meeting schedule, and make appointments to advisory committees. It will also receive a Q2 2023 financial update and hear public delegations on the EDI motion. A closed session will discuss litigation and personal matters related to appointments.

• Motion on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Damaging Impacts of Hate and Intolerance (CSC-C 18-2023)
• 2024 Legislative Schedule of Regular Meetings (CLK 8-2023)
• Appointments to Licensing Appeals Committee and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (CLK 9-2023)
• Q2 2023 Financial Update (CSD 39-2023)
• Development charges info for 4389 Beechwood Road, Niagara Falls (CSD 42-2023)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting to consider a housing budget adjustment for 2023-24 and to receive reports on COVID-19 and licensed home child care. A presentation on expanding the Situation Table for community safety is also scheduled.

• Presentation on Niagara's Situation Table Expansion for community safety and well-being
• COM 34-2023: Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) 2023-24 budget adjustment
• PHD-C 4-2023: COVID-19 Evaluation Report
• COM 33-2023: Licensed Home Child Care report with provider list by municipality

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider several staff reports, including a feasibility study for a joint operations centre with the Town of Pelham, a contract award for the Quaker Road sanitary trunk sewer, and the provision of depot collection services for the residential blue box program. The committee will also review terms of reference for a transportation strategy steering committee and make appointments to a landfill liaison committee. A closed session is scheduled for confidential matters, including recycling collection negotiations and personal matters about appointments.

• Feasibility study for joint operations centre with Town of Pelham Public Works Department
• Award of Contract 2023-T-128 for Quaker Road Sanitary Trunk Sewer between Pelham Street and Rice Road
• Provision of depot collection services for residential Blue Box Program
• Terms of Reference for Transportation Strategy Steering Committee
• Appointments to Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizen Liaison Committee

The Public Works Committee approved several infrastructure and waste management contracts, including a major sanitary sewer project. The committee also established a new Transportation Strategy Steering Committee and authorized a feasibility study for a joint operations centre with the Town of Pelham.

• Awarded Quaker Road Sanitary Trunk Sewer contract to Peter’s Excavating Inc. for $12,066,888.63
• Awarded Bridge Street Waste and Recycling Depot operations contract to Waste Innovators Niagara Inc. for $1,129,873 per year
• Approved feasibility study for joint public works operations centre with Town of Pelham at 1495 Victoria Ave
• Approved residential Blue Box depot collection services for Circular Materials Ontario (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2025)
• Endorsed terms of reference for new Transportation Strategy Steering Committee (TSSC)
• Dissolved Transportation Steering Committee, Active Transportation Sub Committee, and Greater Niagara Circle Route Committee
• Approved appointments to the Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizen Liaison Committee
• Approved recommendations regarding recycling collection from non-eligible sources (Confidential PW 37-2023)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive presentations on Niagara Region's Lobbyist Registry and the Affordable Housing Strategy, and to review two information items on housing: an update on the Consolidated Housing Master Plan and an Attainable Housing Workplan. No items are listed for consideration, so the meeting is primarily informational.

• Presentation on Niagara Region's Lobbyist Registry by David Boghosian, Lobbyist Registrar
• Presentation on Niagara's Affordable Housing Strategy by Alexander Morrison, Development Industry and Housing Consultant
• COM 32-2023: Update on the Consolidated Housing Master Plan
• PDS 27-2023: Attainable Housing Workplan from the Strategic Transformation Office

The Committee received reports on the Consolidated Housing Master Plan and the Strategic Transformation Office Attainable Housing Workplan. Members also received presentations on the Lobbyist Registry By-law and the Affordable Housing Strategy.

• Received Report COM 32-2023 regarding Update on the Consolidated Housing Master Plan (Carried)
• Received Report PDS 27-2023 regarding Strategic Transformation Office - Attainable Housing Workplan (Carried)

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting to receive updates on the Waste Management Strategic Plan, provincial organics policy, and landfill liaison committees. The committee will also enter closed session for a verbal update on negotiations for the collection of non-eligible sources and depot service contract. Most agenda items are information-only, with no major decisions listed for open session.

• Waste Management Strategic Plan update (WMPSC-C 26-2023)
• Ontario's Food and Organic Waste Policy Statement update (WMPSC-C 23-2023)
• Humberstone Landfill Public Liaison Committee update (WMPSC-C 24-2023)
• Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizen Liaison Committee update (WMPSC-C 25-2023)
• Closed session: verbal update on collection of non-eligible sources and depot service contract negotiations

The committee meeting was primarily procedural, consisting of receiving several reports and updates for information. No substantive policy changes or budget approvals were decided during the open session.

• Received Councillor Information Request (WMPSC-C 22-2023)
• Received Ontario’s Food and Organic Waste Policy Statement Update (WMPSC-C 23-2023)
• Received Humberstone Landfill Public Liaison Committee Update (WMPSC-C 24-2023)
• Received Niagara Road 12 Landfill Citizen Liaison Committee Update (WMPSC-C 25-2023)
• Received Waste Management Strategic Plan Update (WMPSC-C 26-2023)
• Received letter from Ontario Minister of the Environment regarding Hazardous and Special Products Regulations (WMPSC-C 27-2023)
• Received confidential verbal update on Collection of Non-Eligible Sources and Depot Service Contract

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting to consider options for how to handle other business, announcements, and notices of motion, and to receive a work plan update. The agenda includes one item for consideration and one consent item for information, both with attached reports.

• PBLRC-C 7-2023: Options for Consideration – Other Business/Announcements and Notice of Motion/Motions, with comparison chart of comparator municipalities
• PBLRC-C 8-2023: Work Plan Update for August 28, 2023

The Procedural By-law Review Committee directed staff to provide definitions and provisions for the 'Other Business' agenda item. The committee also updated its 2023 work plan to prioritize two specific items.

• Directed staff to provide options and definitions for 'Other Business' agenda items (Carried)
• Approved 2023 Work Plan Update and changed items 3(f) and 3(g) to high priority (Carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider committee recommendations, including approval of the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 147 (Employment Policies), which has drawn support letters from local businesses. Council will also vote on by-laws to remove flashing 40 km/h speed limits in school zones and designate community safety zones. Several committee reports from Public Works, Public Health, Corporate Services, and Planning are on the agenda for adoption.

• Approval of City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 147 (Employment Policies)
• Bill 2023-55: Removal of flashing 40 km/h speed limits in school zones
• Bill 2023-56: Designation of Community Safety Zones
• Bill 2023-57: Records retention by-law, repealing By-law 63-2023
• Standing committee appointment for Councillor Ganann

Regional Council approved a modified Official Plan Amendment regarding employment policies for the City of Niagara Falls. The council also passed several by-laws related to traffic regulation and record retention. Additionally, Councillor Ganann was appointed to the Corporate Services Committee.

• Approved City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 147 (22-2)
• Appointed Councillor Ganann to the Corporate Services Committee
• Passed Bill 2023-55: Speed limits of 40 km/h in School Zones on Regional Highways
• Passed Bill 2023-56: Designation of Community Safety Zones on Regional Highways
• Passed Bill 2023-57: Classification, retention and destruction of records
• Passed Bill 2023-58: Ratification of Council actions from August 17, 2023
• Approved minutes and recommendations from Procedural By-law Review, Budget Review, Public Works, Public Health and Social Services, and Corporate Services committees

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider one item: a report on the prosecution of Part III and Part IX matters. The board will also receive several information items, including a second-quarter budget variance analysis and forecast, a court services operational update, a Vision Zero automated speed enforcement update, and the minutes from the May 8, 2023 meeting.

• JBM-C 10-2023: Prosecution of Part III and Part IX Matters – August 2023
• JBM-C 7-2023: 2nd Quarter Variance Analysis and Forecast to December 31, 2023
• JBM-C 8-2023: Court Services Operational Update – August 2023
• JBM-C 9-2023: Vision Zero Automated Speed Enforcement Programs Update
• JBM 3-2023: Minutes of May 8, 2023 meeting

The Joint Board of Management directed staff to create a business case for resources needed to support the voluntary transfer of Part III and Part IX Provincial Offences Court Matters from the Province. This case will be considered as part of the 2024 Court Services Budget. The Board also received several operational and financial reports.

• Approved direction for staff to prepare business case for Part III and Part IX Provincial Offences Court Matters (Carried)
• Received 2nd Quarter Variance Analysis and Forecast to December 31, 2023 (Carried)
• Received Court Services Operational Update - August 2023 (Carried)
• Received Vision Zero Automated Speed Enforcement Program Updates (Carried)
• Approved May 8, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Rescheduled September 21, 2023 meeting to September 18, 2023

Niagara Transit Commission

This agenda for the Niagara Transit Commission meeting on August 15, 2023, contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items, reports, or decisions. The document appears to be a system-generated placeholder with no substantive content for residents to review.

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Niagara Region Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to receive overviews, elect a chair and vice-chair, and consider a proposed 2023 meeting schedule. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive policy decisions listed.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• Consideration of 2023 AAC meeting schedule (AAC-C 1-2023)
• Presentation: Advisory Committee Overview
• Presentation: Accessibility Advisory Committee Overview
• Review of Code of Conduct for Public Members on Committees

The committee appointed Councillor Bateman as Chair and Liz Hay as Vice-Chair for the 2023-2024 term. Members received orientations on committee responsibilities and accessibility legislation. The committee requested a proposed 2023 meeting schedule for the next agenda.

• Appointed Councillor Bateman as Chair for the 2023-2024 term
• Appointed Liz Hay as Vice-Chair for the 2023-2024 term
• Received 2023 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Dates for information

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will consider approving the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 147, which updates employment policies. Several delegations are scheduled, including late requests, and the committee will also receive updates on economic development and related correspondence.

• Approval of City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 147 (Employment Policies)
• Delegations from Turkstra Mazza, Thomson Rogers, Gowling WLG, and others
• Late delegation requests from Canada BW Logistics and Sullivan Mahoney
• Economic Development Quarterly Update (ED 9-2023)
• Correspondence regarding OPA 147 from Turkstra Mazza and Thomson Rogers

The Planning and Economic Development Committee approved the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 147 (Employment Policies) as modified. A separate motion to remove 9015 Stanley Avenue from the Employment Area designation was defeated.

• Approved City of Niagara Falls Official Plan Amendment No. 147 as modified (16-0)
• Denied motion to remove 9015 Stanley Avenue from Employment Area designation (2-15)
• Received Economic Development Quarterly Update ED 9-2023 for information
• Received correspondence from Turkstra Mazza Associates and Thomson, Rogers Lawyers for information

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider several administrative items, including a records retention by-law, lobbyist registrar services, a vehicle and equipment use policy, and a request to write off interest payments. They will also hear a delegation from a resident requesting a refund of development charges for a property in Niagara Falls, and discuss a referred motion on municipal code of conduct recommendations. The agenda includes closed-session items on land acquisitions and litigation.

• Delegation: Request for refund on regional portion of development charges – 4389 Beechwood Road, Niagara Falls
• Records Retention By-law and Schedule (CLK 6-2023)
• Lobbyist Registrar Services (CLK 7-2023)
• Vehicle and Equipment Use Policy (HR 2-2023)
• Request for Write-Off of Interest Payment, Town of Lincoln (CAO 11-2023)

The Corporate Services Committee approved a tax interest write-off for the Town of Lincoln and appointed a new Lobbyist Registrar. The committee also updated the Records Retention By-law and the Vehicle and Equipment Use Policy. Additionally, the committee expressed support for updated municipal codes of conduct recommendations from the AMO.

• Approved write-off of $208,692.21 in 2022 tax installment interest for Town of Lincoln (13-0)
• Approved single sourcing of Lobbyist Registrar Services to Boghosian+Allen LLP and appointed David Boghosian as Registrar
• Approved draft Records Retention By-law and repealed By-law 2013-063
• Approved updated Policy C-HR-023 Vehicle and Equipment Use
• Supported AMO recommendations for updated Municipal Codes of Conduct and urged provincial legislation
• Referred request for development charge refund at 4389 Beechwood Road to staff for more information
• Approved land acquisition recommendations for Regional Road 81 in St. Catharines
• Approved land acquisition recommendations for Regional Road 45 in Township of Wainfleet

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is considering several budget adjustments for social assistance, child care, and emergency shelter programs, plus a motion on access to birth control. The agenda also includes informational reports on seniors services and the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, and a closed-session item on a confidential funding matter.

• Budget Adjustment – Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities (COM 24-2023)
• Child Care and Early Years 2023 Operating Budget Adjustment (COM 28-2023)
• Homelessness Contract Adjustments – Emergency Shelter (COM 31-2023)
• Motion respecting Access to Birth Control (PHD-C 3-2023)
• Closed session: Building Safer Communities Fund & Grant Program Pilot (Confidential COM 30-2023)

The committee approved several budget adjustments for social services and child care, all funded through provincial ministries. It also authorized increased funding for emergency shelters and directed the Regional Chair to advocate for provincial coverage of birth control.

• Approved $1,287,250 gross budget adjustment for Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities (Carried)
• Approved $6,232,181 gross budget adjustment for Child Care and Early Years and two new permanent full-time Reporting Analyst positions (Carried)
• Increased Emergency Shelter contracts by $300,000 and approved an additional $300,000 contingency (Carried)
• Directed Regional Chair to send a letter to the Provincial government advocating for birth control coverage for all Ontario residents (Carried)
• Approved recommendations in Confidential Report COM 30-2023 regarding Building Safer Communities Fund & Grant Program Pilot (Carried)
• Requested a future staff report on costs associated with asylum seekers using the Region's shelter system (Carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider three items: an update on the Niagara-on-the-Lake wastewater treatment plant and lagoon decommissioning, including unexploded explosive ordnance remediation; awarding a contract for upgrades to the DeCew Falls Water Treatment Plant in St. Catharines; and adopting a Community Safety Zone Policy and Warrant. No decisions are final until ratified by Regional Council.

• Update on NOTL WWTP and lagoon decommissioning, including unexploded explosive ordnance remediation
• Award of Contract 2023-T-1 for DeCew Falls Water Treatment Plant 3 Upgrades, Contract 2, in St. Catharines
• Community Safety Zone Policy and Warrant, with draft policy and proposed zones

The Public Works Committee approved a major construction contract for water treatment upgrades in St. Catharines and adopted a new Community Safety Zone Policy. The committee also directed staff to seek federal funding for explosive ordinance remediation at a wastewater site in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

• Awarded DeCew Falls WTP Plant 3 Upgrades Contract 2 to Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. for $45,081,350.00
• Increased Associated Engineering Ltd. contract for DeCew Falls WTP administration to $2,101,923.06
• Approved adoption of Community Safety Zone Policy and designated specific safety zones
• Directed staff to request financial aid from the Government of Canada for UXO remediation at NOTL WWTP and Lagoon
• Authorized CAO and Treasurer to execute funding agreements with the Government of Canada for NOTL land remediation

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the 2024 Budget Planning and Timetable (CSD 38-2023), which includes a presentation and several appendices with budget estimates, historical CPI, and reserve forecasts. This is a planning and discussion item, not a final budget approval.

• 2024 Budget Planning and Timetable (CSD 38-2023) with presentation
• Appendix 2: Budget Planning Estimates
• Appendix 3: Historical CPI and Base Budget Increases
• Appendix 4: Estimated 2024 Budget Increases
• Appendix 5: General Tax Levy and Water and Wastewater Capital Reserve Contributions

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole approved the 2024 budget timetable and directed that the planning report be circulated to agencies, boards, and commissions. The committee also requested additional information regarding rent increase legislation, health equity assessments, transit levies, shared services, and police budgeting.

• Approved 2024 budget timetable (Carried)
• Approved circulation of Report CSD 38-2023 to agencies, boards, and commissions (Carried)

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a special meeting to consider the 2023-2026 Council Strategic Priorities, presented by the Chief Administrative Officer. The agenda also includes a confirming by-law to ratify the meeting's actions. No other substantive decisions are listed.

• CAO 10-2023: 2023-2026 Council Strategic Priorities (presentation and report)
• Bill 2023-53: Confirming By-law for the special council meeting

Regional Council approved the 'Growing Better Together: 2023-2026 Council Strategic Priorities' report. An amendment to the 'Prosperous Region' section was proposed but defeated.

• Approved Growing Better Together: 2023-2026 Council Strategic Priorities (Carried)
• Denied amendment to Section 4.1 under Prosperous Region (Defeated)
• Passed Bill 2023-53 to ratify actions of the July 20, 2023 Special meeting (Carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider reports from five committees, including public works, public health, corporate services, and planning. The agenda includes several borrowing by-laws for lower-tier municipalities, two motions from councillors, and correspondence about ending states of emergency. The meeting also includes a closed session for confidential matters.

• Borrowing by-laws for Lincoln, Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, West Lincoln, and Niagara Region (Bills 2023-43 to 2023-49, 2023-54)
• Motion by Councillor Kaiser supporting Ontario's wine industry
• Motion by Councillor Huson supporting AMO municipal code of conduct recommendations
• Correspondence opposing ending states of emergency for mental health, homelessness, and addiction
• Closed session items on litigation, land acquisition, and labour relations

Council approved a motion requesting the Province of Ontario eliminate the 6.1% wine basic tax on VQA wines sold at onsite winery stores. Council also referred a proposal to transition states of emergency for homelessness, mental health, and opioid addictions to states of crisis back to committee for further data.

• Approved request to Province of Ontario to eliminate 6.1% wine basic tax on VQA wines at onsite retail stores
• Approved request for a permanent uncapped VQA wine support program via the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• Referred transition of homelessness, mental health, and opioid addiction states of emergency to 'states of crisis' back to Public Health and Social Services Committee for data
• Approved Open Session minutes CL 9-2023 (June 15, 2023)
• Approved recommendations from Public Works Committee (Minutes PWC 7-2023)
• Approved recommendations from Corporate Services Committee (Minutes CSC 7-2023)
• Approved Open and Closed Session recommendations from Planning and Economic Development Committee (Minutes PEDC 7-2023)
• Received correspondence regarding opposition to ending states of emergency for mental health, homelessness, and addiction

Niagara Transit Commission

This agenda for the Niagara Transit Commission meeting on July 18, 2023, contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics. The document is essentially empty of substantive content.

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting to consider proposed amendments to the Region's procedural by-law (item 5.1) and will receive a work plan update (item 6.1). No presentations or delegations are scheduled. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the proposed by-law amendments.

• Proposed Procedural By-law Amendments (PBLRC-C 5-2023)
• Work Plan Update - July 17, 2023 (PBLRC-C 6-2023)

The Procedural By-law Review Committee approved several amendments to the Procedural By-law, including new definitions and decorum rules for delegations. One item regarding the submission of materials by delegates was deferred to August 28, 2023.

• Approved new definition of 'Delegation'
• Approved Delegation Decorum rules prohibiting disrespectful speech and unparliamentary language
• Approved 5-minute limit for Council members to ask clarification questions of delegations
• Approved 5-minute speaking limit for delegates appearing at Council who already presented at a Standing Committee
• Approved deletion of Section 24.6(c) regarding Appointment of Acting Standing Committee Chairs
• Approved 10:30 p.m. curfew for Committee of the Whole meetings, extendable to 11:00 p.m. by majority vote
• Deferred Item 6 regarding Submission of Materials by Delegates to August 28, 2023
• Received Workplan Update PBLRC-C 6-2023 for information

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will hear a presentation from Northland Power on the Thorold Peaker Bid, consider citizen appointments to sub-committees, and receive information reports on emerging sectors, the Strategic Transformation Office, the Seat at the Table project, the Woodland Conservation By-law annual report, a proposed provincial planning statement, the Eco-Park initiative, and correspondence about a proposed gas plant expansion. The agenda also includes closed-session items on litigation and personal matters.

• Northland Power Thorold Peaker Bid presentation (item 3.1)
• Citizen appointments to Accessibility Advisory, Agricultural Policy and Action, and Women's Advisory Committees (PDS 23-2023)
• Emerging Sectors Research and Analysis covering marine, EV/battery, health care life sciences, sport tourism, aerospace, and film (ED 7-2023)
• Woodland Conservation By-law Annual Report 2022 (PDS 21-2023)
• Closed session: Ontario Land Tribunal appeal of West Lincoln OPA 63 (Confidential PDS 15-2023)

The Planning and Economic Development Committee confirmed citizen appointments for the Accessibility Advisory, Agricultural Policy and Action, and Women’s Advisory committees. The committee also approved recommendations regarding a legal appeal for West Lincoln OPA 63.

• Approved citizen appointments to Accessibility Advisory, Agricultural Policy and Action, and Women’s Advisory committees (Carried)
• Approved recommendations in Confidential Report PDS 15-2023 regarding Ontario Land Tribunal Appeal of West Lincoln OPA 63 (Carried)
• Received report ED 7-2023 on Emerging Sectors Research and Analysis (Carried)
• Received reports PDS 10-2023, PDS 20-2023, PDS 21-2023, PDS 22-2023, PDS-C 30-2023, and PDS-C 31-2023 for information (Carried)

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider routine administrative items and will receive an information report on the Emergency Shelter and Phase 1 Bridge Housing Budget Adjustment, which is being considered by the Public Health and Social Services Committee. The agenda also includes closed-session items on IT security, litigation, and a potential land acquisition for Niagara Regional Housing.

• Emergency Shelter and Phase 1 Bridge Housing Budget Adjustment (COM 26-2023) - for information only
• Closed session: IT Services and Cyber Security (property security)
• Closed session: Quarry Assessment Appeal Update (litigation)
• Closed session: NRH acquisition of property in St. Catharines (land acquisition)

The committee received a report on budget adjustments for emergency shelter and phase 1 bridge housing for information. No other substantive items were decided as the meeting adjourned early due to a loss of quorum during a closed session.

• Received Report COM 26-2023 regarding Emergency Shelter and Phase 1 Bridge Housing Budget Adjustment for information (Carried)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting to consider several items, including approving 2022-2023 program audits, budget adjustments for seniors services and emergency shelter/bridge housing, and recommendations to update the centralized waitlist for community housing. The committee will also receive an update on declarations of emergency for homelessness, mental health, and opioid addictions. Closed session items include confidential matters about an associate medical officer of health and potential land acquisitions for Niagara Regional Housing in St. Catharines.

• Approval of 2022-2023 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits (PHD 6-2023)
• Budget Adjustment – Seniors Services (COM 20-2023)
• Recommendations to update Niagara Region’s Centralized Waitlist for Community Housing (COM 25-2023)
• Emergency Shelter and Phase 1 Bridge Housing Budget Adjustment (COM 26-2023)
• Update on Declarations of Emergency for Homelessness, Mental Health and Opioid Addictions (CAO 9-2023)

The committee voted to transition the declared states of emergency for homelessness, mental health, and opioid addictions to states of crisis. Members also approved several budget adjustments for seniors and housing services and updated the community housing waitlist priority groups.

• Transitioned states of emergency for homelessness, mental health, and opioid addictions to states of crisis (7-4)
• Approved $7,682,725 budget adjustment for Seniors Services funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care
• Approved changes to Housing Services Local Priority Groups for the community housing centralized waitlist
• Approved $6,153,900 gross budget adjustment for Emergency Shelter and Phase 1 Bridge Housing funded by MMAH
• Authorized transfer of $6,903,900 to Niagara Regional Housing for capital projects
• Approved 2022-2023 Public Health and Emergency Services Program Audits
• Approved confidential recommendation regarding Associate Medical Officer of Health labour relations
• Approved confidential acquisition of property in the City of St. Catharines by Niagara Regional Housing

Public Works Committee

The Niagara Region Public Works Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a road jurisdiction transfer, a budget increase for a dam repair, and updates to recycling and hauled sewage policies. One item on hauled sewage was removed from the agenda. The committee will also hear a presentation on the Biosolids Management Master Plan and go into closed session for legal and personnel matters.

• Transfer of Road Jurisdiction for Regional Road 20 (Highway 20) and South Grimsby Road 10, Township of West Lincoln
• Gross Budget Increase for DeCew Water Treatment Plant Lower Reservoir Berm Repair
• Recycling Collection from Non-Eligible Sources and Undesignated Material
• Provision of Curbside Collection on behalf of Producers for Residential Blue Box Program
• Public Member Appointments to Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Committee approved a $2.5 million budget increase for repairs at the DeCew Water Treatment Plant. It also decided to opt out of providing curbside blue box collection on behalf of producers starting January 1, 2024, and approved a road jurisdiction transfer in West Lincoln.

• Approved $2.5M gross budget increase for DeCew Water Treatment Plant Lower Reservoir Berm Repair
• Approved transferring ~3,791 sq m of South Grimsby Road 10 to Township of West Lincoln and ~794 sq m to Niagara Region
• Approved continuing recycling collection at special events until December 31, 2025, pending a processor
• Approved discontinuing collection of non-designated materials under Blue Box Regulation effective January 1, 2024
• Decided not to 'opt in' to provide curbside Blue Box collection on behalf of producers after January 1, 2024
• Approved public member appointments to the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee
• Removed updates to the Hauled Sewage Program Policy from the agenda

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting to receive presentations on the 2024 capital projects and the 2022 Keen on Green waste audit. The committee will also consider several information items, including responses to provincial and federal regulations on methane, plastics, and the Blue Box program, as well as an illegal dumping campaign.

• Presentation: Overview of Waste Management 2024 Capital Projects
• Presentation: Keen on Green 2022 Waste Audit Update
• Information item: Environment and Climate Change Canada's Proposed Methane Regulation
• Information item: Regulatory Framework Paper on Plastics Circular Economy
• Information item: Proposed Amendments to the Blue Box Regulation

The committee received presentations on 2024 waste management capital projects and the 2022 Keen on Green waste audit results. No substantive items were decided or voted upon for action, as there were no items for consideration.

• Received for information: Councillor Information Request (WMPSC-C 16-2023)
• Received for information: Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Proposed Methane Regulation (WMPSC-C 18-2023)
• Received for information: Regulatory Framework Paper and Technical Paper to Advance the Plastics Circular Economy (WMPSC-C 19-2023)
• Received for information: Proposed Amendments to the Blue Box Regulation (WMPSC-C 20-2023)
• Received for information: Illegal Dumping Campaign Videos (WMPSC-C 21-2023)

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting to consider options for speaking length and delegations, as outlined in item PBLRC-C 4-2023. No presentations or delegations are scheduled, and no other items are listed for consideration. The meeting is primarily focused on this single discussion item.

• Discussion of PBLRC-C 4-2023: Delegations and Speaking Length
• Review of Speaking Length Delegations Comparison Chart with comparator municipalities

The Committee received a memorandum regarding speaking lengths and delegations for information. Members requested staff provide proposed language and additional information on delegation limits, decorum, and councillor protections. The Committee also requested a review of the effectiveness of the monthly meeting cycle.

• Received Memorandum PBLRC-C 4-2022 regarding Speaking Length and Delegations (Carried)
• Requested staff provide proposed language for delegation decorum
• Requested proposed language to reduce Regional Council delegation speaking time from 10 to 5 minutes for those who presented at Standing Committee
• Requested proposed language to limit councillor questions to delegates to 5 minutes
• Requested proposed language to limit organizations to one speaker instead of two
• Requested proposed language for delegate material submissions
• Requested consultation with CAO and Senior Staff on the effectiveness of the monthly meeting cycle

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to hear delegations and receive correspondence about a proposed expansion of New Hope Church at 2360 First Street Louth in St. Catharines, which opponents say would expand development on the Niagara Greenbelt. Council will also receive committee reports, consider a Niagara Transit Commission operating budget adjustment, and vote on by-laws including a parking prohibition on Main Street West in Grimsby.

• Delegations on Local Official Plan Amendment for 2360 First Street Louth, St. Catharines (New Hope Church expansion)
• Niagara Transit Commission request for operating budget adjustment (CL-C 37-2023)
• Correspondence from Niagara Federation of Agriculture and others on Greenbelt development
• By-law 2023-41: Parking prohibition on Regional Road 81 (Main Street West) in Grimsby
• Closed session item: Ontario Nurses' Association tentative agreement (labour relations)

Regional Council approved a Local Official Plan Amendment for 2360 First Street Louth in St. Catharines despite opposition from residents and environmental groups. Council also approved an operating budget adjustment for the Niagara Transit Commission and scheduled lobbyist registry training for members.

• Approved Local Official Plan Amendment for 2360 First Street Louth (17-9)
• Approved Niagara Transit Commission operating budget adjustment
• Approved training session for Council on Niagara Region’s Lobbyist Registry
• Adopted Council Minutes CL 8-2023
• Approved recommendations from Public Works Committee Minutes PWC 6-2023
• Approved recommendations from Public Health and Social Services Committee Minutes PHSSC 6-2023
• Approved recommendations from Corporate Services Committee Minutes CSC 6-2023
• Approved recommendations from Planning and Economic Development Committee Minutes PEDC 6-2023 (excluding Item 5.1)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will consider two main items: a local official plan amendment for 2360 First Street Louth in St. Catharines (New Hope Church Niagara) and next steps for the Niagara Irrigation Initiative. Delegations will speak on both items. The committee will also receive information items on support to local municipalities, staff comments on Bill 97 and the proposed Provincial Planning Statement, and correspondence about the official plan amendment.

• Local Official Plan Amendment for 2360 First Street Louth, St. Catharines (New Hope Church Niagara)
• Niagara Irrigation Initiative - Next Steps (Report PDS 19-2023)
• Support to Local Area Municipalities (Report ED 8-2023)
• Staff comments on Bill 97 and proposed site plan regulations (PDS-C 19-2023)
• Staff comments on proposed Provincial Planning Statement (PDS-C 20-2023)

The Planning and Economic Development Committee approved a Local Official Plan Amendment for 2360 First Street Louth in the City of St. Catharines. The committee also received reports on the Niagara Irrigation Initiative and several provincial planning items.

• Approved Local Official Plan Amendment for 2360 First Street Louth, City of St. Catharines
• Defeated motion to deny Local Official Plan Amendment for 2360 First Street Louth (5-8)
• Received Report PDS 19-2023 regarding Niagara Irrigation Initiative – Next Steps
• Received for information Report ED 8-2023 regarding Support to Local Area Municipalities
• Received for information Report PDS-C 19-2023 regarding Bill 97 and proposed Provincial Planning Statement
• Received for information Report PDS-C 20-2023 regarding Staff Comments on Proposed Provincial Planning Statement

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider a report on social procurement (CSD 28-2023) and to receive information on reporting vaccination status data within the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan (CSD 31-2023). Two delegations are scheduled: one on the vaccination data report and one on social procurement. The committee will also enter closed session to discuss a proposed land acquisition for a public health extension in Niagara Falls.

• Social procurement report (CSD 28-2023) with presentation
• Vaccination status data reporting in DEI Action Plan (CSD 31-2023)
• Delegation by Sandor Ligetfalvy on vaccination data reporting
• Delegation by Renee Delaney (Niagara Community Benefits Network) on social procurement
• Closed session: proposed land acquisition for public health extension in Niagara Falls

The Corporate Services Committee approved a land acquisition for a Public Health extension in Niagara Falls. The committee also directed staff to create a working group for a social procurement implementation plan.

• Approved land acquisition for Public Health Extension Term – Niagara Falls (Confidential Report CSD 32-2023)
• Directed staff to create a cross-functional working group to develop a multi-year social procurement implementation plan (Report CSD 28-2023)
• Received Report CSD 31-2023 regarding vaccination status data in the DEI Action Plan for information, with a provision to consider delegate input in future surveys and updates
• Received Provincial Advocacy Plan Debrief (CHR 03-2023) for information

PHSSC

The committee approved a motion to investigate and collect data on mental health crisis responses and 9-1-1 triaging. Other decisions included adding EMS dispatch positions and adjusting the homelessness services budget. The committee also approved two community services program audits.

• Approved motion to investigate mental health crisis response options and report findings in January 2024 (12-0)
• Approved addition of three full-time permanent System Status Controller positions in Niagara EMS Communications
• Approved $2,587,500 gross operating budget adjustment for Homelessness Services
• Approved 2022 audited annual reconciliation return for Community Support Services Program
• Approved 2023 audited schedule of Revenue and Expenses for Reaching Home Program
• Received reports on Housing Services Income Asset Limits and Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care Expansion Plan for information
• Received Homeless Shelter Capacity Review report for information

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider three items: awarding a contract for the reconstruction of Regional Road 42 (Ontario Street) in St. Catharines, approving a gross budget adjustment and contract increase for the reconstruction of Regional Road 98 (Montrose Rd.) in Niagara Falls, and approving a gross budget increase for the Quaker Road Trunk Sewer Replacement with cost-sharing agreements with Welland and Pelham. The committee will also hold a closed session to discuss negotiations for the residential Blue Box program.

• Award of Contract 2023-T-09 for reconstruction of Regional Road 42 (Ontario Street), St. Catharines
• Gross budget adjustment and contract increase for reconstruction of Regional Road 98 (Montrose Rd.)
• Gross budget increase for Quaker Road Trunk Sewer Replacement with cost-sharing agreements with City of Welland and Town of Pelham
• Closed session: negotiations for residential Blue Box program services

The Public Works Committee approved a major road reconstruction contract in St. Catharines and a budget increase for a project in Niagara Falls. It also approved funding adjustments for a sewer replacement project involving Welland and Pelham.

• Awarded Regional Road 42 reconstruction contract to Rankin Construction Inc. for $16,144,790.25 (Carried)
• Approved $1,252,109.27 gross budget adjustment for Regional Road 42 (Carried)
• Approved $2,418,188 gross budget adjustment for Regional Road 98 reconstruction (Carried)
• Increased Regional Road 98 contract for Beam-Rankin Joint Venture Ltd. by $2,685,291.31 to a total of $30,646,491.56 (Carried)
• Approved $3,727,895 gross and $285,896 net budget adjustment for Quaker Road Trunk Sewer Replacement (Carried)
• Received confidential memorandum PWC-C 2-2023 regarding Residential Blue Box Program negotiations (Carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider a request from the Niagara Transit Commission to use capital reserve funds, several by-laws including a tax rate amendment and a road dedication, and reports from multiple committees covering topics like climate change, biosolids management, and mental health. The agenda also includes a motion on a Great Lakes coastal resiliency study and several public correspondence items regarding anti-racism advisory committees.

• Niagara Transit Commission request for use of capital reserve funds (CL-C 16-2023)
• By-law to amend 2023 tax rate by-law (Bill 2023-37)
• By-law to dedicate part of lots 3770 and 3771 in St. Catharines as part of Regional Road No. 48 (Bill 2023-38)
• By-law to authorize a tile drainage loan for the Town of Lincoln (Bill 2023-39)
• Motion on Enhancing Canada's National Adaptation Strategy Through a Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin Coastal Resiliency Study

Regional Council approved the use of capital reserve funds to cover a shortfall for the purchase of 10 diesel buses. Council also appointed Deloitte as the external auditor for an additional one-year term and appointed Kelly Lotimer as Deputy Regional Clerk.

• Approved $765,085 from 2023 NTC Capital Reserve for eight 12M and two 18M diesel buses
• Appointed Deloitte as external auditor for the year ending Dec 31, 2023 and fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (22-5)
• Appointed Kelly Lotimer as Deputy Regional Clerk
• Appointed Councillor Siscoe to the Planning and Economic Development Committee
• Approved recommendations from the Procedural By-law Review Committee (PBLRC 2-2023)
• Approved recommendations from the Public Works Committee (PWC 5-2023)
• Approved recommendations from the Public Health and Social Services Committee (PHSSC 5-2023)
• Approved recommendations from the Corporate Services Committee (CSC 5-2023)

Audit Committee

The Committee approved the 2022 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and authorized a fund transfer for legal claims. Deloitte was appointed as the external auditor for another year, and staff were directed to implement quality control recommendations for Court Services.

• Approved 2022 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements (Carried)
• Approved $1,359,000.00 transfer from Taxpayer Relief Reserve for self-insured legal claims (Carried)
• Appointed Deloitte as external auditor for term ending March 31, 2024 (3-2)
• Directed staff to implement Court Services Quality Control Procedures Audit recommendations (Carried)
• Received Niagara Regional Housing 2022 Draft Financial Statements for information (Carried)
• Received Court Services 2022 Draft Audited Schedule of Revenues, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution for information (Carried)
• Received Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2022 Audited Financial Statements for information (Carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is meeting to consider a climate change update and funding recommendations for the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Wet Weather Management (WWM) Program. The agenda also includes information items on the Niagara economic update, 2022 reserve water and wastewater treatment capacities, 2021 Census highlights, and the 2023 Public Realm Investment Program launch. A closed session is scheduled to discuss a land disposition matter.

• Climate Change Update (Report PDS 17-2023) with presentation and delegation from Herb Sawatzky, 50by30Niagara
• Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Wet Weather Management (WWM) Program – 2023 Funding Recommendations (PDS 12-2023)
• 2022 Reserve Water and Wastewater Treatment Capacities (PDS 13-2023) to be circulated to Ministry and local municipalities
• Niagara Region Highlights from the 2021 Census of Population (PDS 14-2023)
• Closed session: proposed disposition of land at 401A Lakeshore Road and 14 Broadway Avenue, St. Catharines

The Committee approved a corporate greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of net zero by 2050 in principle. It also authorized funding agreements for sewer overflow and wet weather management projects and approved the disposition of land in St. Catharines.

• Approved corporate GHG emissions reduction target of net zero by 2050 in principle
• Approved partnership funding agreements for Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) and Wet Weather Management (WWM) projects
• Approved disposition of land at 401A Lakeshore Road and 14 Broadway Avenue in St. Catharines
• Received Niagara Economic Update, 2022 Reserve Water and Wastewater Treatment Capacities, 2021 Census highlights, and 2023 Public Realm Investment Program Launch for information

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee approved updated Terms of Reference for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the creation of community based action tables. The Committee also authorized a tile drainage loan to be levied to the Town of Lincoln.

• Approved updated Terms of Reference for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Directed staff to facilitate community based action tables to support the DEI Action Plan
• Approved levying the principal and interest costs of a tile drainage debenture to the Town of Lincoln
• Approved the preparation of a by-law for the tile drainage loan for Council consideration

PHSSC

The committee approved budget revisions for Gateway Residential & Community Support Services contracts and increased funding for assertive outreach services. Several reports on housing and senior services were received for information.

• Decreased Housing First contract with Gateway by $136,310.00 to a revised total of $4,586,590.00 (Carried)
• Increased Home for Good contract with Gateway by $187,898.00 to a revised total of $1,419,198.00 (Carried)
• Authorized Commissioner of Community Services to execute Gateway contract amendments (Carried)
• Increased Assertive Outreach purchase orders through Gateway by $315,000.00 for a total of $1,706,375.00 (Carried)
• Approved an additional $150,000.00 contingency for system adjustments (Carried)
• Received Housing Services Report 2022, Seniors Services Quality Improvement Report, and other informational items (Carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider two staff reports: an update to the 2021 Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan and an update on Niagara's Biosolids Management Program. Both items will be preceded by presentations. The committee will also receive minutes from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee as information.

• PW 14-2023: 2021 Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan Update
• PW 19-2023: Niagara Biosolids Management Program Update
• PWC-C 1-2023: Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Minutes from April 24, 2023

The Public Works Committee adopted the executive summary final report for the 2021 Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan Update. The committee also issued directives to staff regarding the Biosolids Master Plan review and future audit reporting.

• Adopted 2021 Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan Update Executive Summary Final Report (Carried)
• Directed staff to include resource efficiency, costs, and asset safeguarding in the Biosolids Master Plan review (Carried)
• Directed staff to provide a report and future audit plan upon completion of the Biosolids Master Plan (Carried)
• Received Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Minutes from April 24, 2023 (Carried)

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically. The agenda lists only routine items: call to order, disclosures, presentations, delegations, and items for consideration, but no specific items are described. Two consent items are listed for information: a Court Services Quality Control Measures Review and the minutes from the April 13, 2023 meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2023.

• Consent item JBM-C 5-2023: Court Services Quality Control Measures Review
• Consent item JBM 2-2023: Minutes of April 13, 2023 meeting
• Meeting held by electronic participation only
• Next meeting: Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.

The board received two items for information. No substantive policy decisions or financial approvals were made during the meeting.

• Received Court Services Quality Control Measures Review (JBM-C 5-2023) for information
• Received April 13, 2023 meeting minutes (JBM 2-2023) for information

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The committee meeting was primarily procedural, focusing on receiving reports for information. No substantive policy decisions or budget approvals were made. Members requested updates on landfill capacity and waste-to-energy technology for future meetings.

• Approved amendment to agenda to add correspondence regarding garbage tag booklets (Carried)
• Received for information: Councillor Information Request (Carried)
• Received for information: 2021 Waste Management Benchmarking Report (Carried)
• Received for information: Earth Week Activities (Carried)
• Received for information: Statement from the Registrar regarding Used Tires Collection System (Carried)
• Received for information: Letter from J. Burdett regarding garbage tag booklets (Carried)
• Received for information: Illegal Dumping Campaign Update (Carried)
• Received for information: Update on Residential Blue Box Program Transition (Carried)

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee is meeting to consider two items: a draft terms of reference for the committee and a 2023 work plan. No consent items are listed. The next meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2023.

• Draft Procedural By-law Review Committee Terms of Reference
• 2023 Work Plan for the committee

The Procedural By-law Review Committee approved its Terms of Reference and the 2023 Work Plan. The Terms of Reference were amended to include the review of Codes of Conduct for Regional Council, Local Boards, and Advisory Committee members.

• Approved Draft Procedural By-law Review Committee Terms of Reference (Carried)
• Amended Section 3 of the Terms of Reference to include meeting procedures and Codes of Conduct (Carried)
• Approved Procedural By-law Review Committee 2023 Work Plan (Carried)
• Amended 2023 Work Plan to change Goal 3(f) priority to 'high' and add Goal 3(h) regarding Closed Session virtual participation

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider several items, including setting the 2023 tax rates and tax ratios, and receiving the Homelessness Prevention Plan Investment Plan for 2023-24. Council will also consider a motion regarding Bill 5, the Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, and receive reports on a sewage spill at the Crystal Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant. The agenda includes adoption of minutes from previous meetings and several by-laws, including appointments of deputy clerks, by-law enforcement officers, and weed inspectors.

• Bill 2023-31: set and levy 2023 tax rates for Regional general and special purposes
• Bill 2023-32: set 2023 tax ratios and tax rate reductions
• CAO 6-2023: Homelessness Prevention Plan Investment Plan 2023-24
• CL-C 11-2023: Sewage spill at Crystal Beach WWTP on December 25, 2022
• Motion on Bill 5 - Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act

Regional Council approved the 2023-24 Homelessness Prevention Plan Investment Plan and the addition of two full-time staff funded by the province. Council also endorsed Councillor Diana Huson for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities National Board of Directors.

• Approved 2023-24 Homelessness Prevention Plan Investment Plan
• Approved two full-time staff positions funded through Provincial HPP dollars
• Endorsed Councillor Diana Huson for FCM National Board of Directors (Ontario)
• Confirmed Region will assume costs for FCM representative attendance
• Appointed Councillor Foster to the Public Health and Social Services Committee
• Received Confidential Report PDS 16-2023 regarding a Welland consent application appeal
• Approved minutes and recommendations from Audit, Public Works, Corporate Services, and PHSSC committees

Council Special

This is a special meeting of Niagara Region Council with a closed session to discuss a confidential report on the recruitment update for the Commissioner of Public Health/Medical Officer of Health. The only public action is a confirming by-law to ratify the council's actions from the meeting.

• Closed session: Confidential CAO 5-2023 - Public Health/Medical Officer of Health recruitment update
• Bill 2023-30: Confirming By-Law (Special) to adopt, ratify and confirm council actions

Council met in a special session to receive a confidential update on the recruitment of the Commissioner of Public Health/Medical Officer of Health. The recommendation within Confidential Report CAO 5-2023 was approved.

• Approved recommendation in Confidential Report CAO 5-2023 regarding Commissioner of Public Health/Medical Officer of Health Recruitment Update
• Passed Bill 2023-30 to ratify actions of the April 20, 2023 special meeting

Joint Board of Management

The Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts is meeting electronically to consider approving the 2022 audited schedule of revenues, expenses, and funds available for distribution for Court Services. The board will also receive for information the 2022 year-end report for the Provincial Offences Court, an update on POA modernization initiatives, and minutes from previous meetings.

• Approval of 2022 Draft Audited Schedule of Revenues, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution (JBM-C 3-2023)
• 2022 Year End Report for Provincial Offences Court (JBM-C 4-2023)
• Update on POA Modernization and Streamlining Initiatives – April 2023 (JBM-C 6-2023)
• Minutes from November 23, 2022 and February 2, 2023 meetings

The Board approved the draft audited Schedule of Revenues, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution for Court Services for the year ended December 31, 2022. Staff were directed to finalize the statements with the auditor and forward the report to the Region’s Audit Committee and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

• Approved 2022 draft audited Schedule of Revenues, Expenses and Funds Available for Distribution (Carried)
• Directed staff to coordinate with auditor to finalize statements (Carried)
• Approved forwarding the financial report to the Region’s Audit Committee and Ministry of the Attorney General (Carried)
• Received 2022 Year End Report for Provincial Offences Court for information (Carried)
• Received update on POA Modernization and Streamlining Initiatives for information (Carried)
• Received minutes from November 23, 2022 and February 2, 2023 meetings for information (Carried)

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will consider approving the Township of West Lincoln Official Plan Amendments No. 62 and No. 63, with a presentation preceding the decision. The agenda also includes informational updates on strategic marketing, investment attraction, housing supply, and development applications, plus a closed session on litigation. Several delegations on the West Lincoln amendments were withdrawn.

• Approval of Township of West Lincoln Official Plan Amendments No. 62 and No. 63 (Report PDS 11-2023)
• Strategic Marketing Update (ED 3-2023)
• Investment Attraction Update (ED 4-2023)
• RPCO Inventory of Unbuilt Housing Supply (PDS 8-2023)
• Development Applications Monitoring Report – 2022 Year End (PDS 9-2023)

The committee approved modified Official Plan Amendments No. 62 and No. 63 for the Township of West Lincoln. Members also approved recommendations regarding an Ontario Land Tribunal appeal for a City of Welland consent application. Several economic development and planning reports were received for information.

• Approved Township of West Lincoln Official Plan Amendment No. 62 as modified
• Approved Township of West Lincoln Official Plan Amendment No. 63 as modified
• Approved recommendations in Confidential Report PDS 16-2023 regarding City of Welland Ontario Lands Tribunal Appeal (8-6)
• Received Strategic Marketing Update Report ED 3-2023
• Received Investment Attraction Update Report ED 4-2023
• Received RPCO Inventory of Unbuilt Housing Supply PDS 8-2023
• Received Development Applications Monitoring Report 2022 PDS 9-2023
• Received correspondence PDS-C 8-2023 regarding Welland Consent Application B005-2023WELL

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will consider the 2023 Property Tax Policy, Ratios and Rates, which sets the regional tax framework. It will also review a janitorial services contract expansion and receive informational updates on insurance renewal, development charges, and officer appointments.

• CSD 22-2023: 2023 Property Tax Policy, Ratios and Rates
• CSD 23-2023: Janitorial Services Contract – Additional Service Locations
• CSD 19-2023: Municipal Insurance Program Renewal Update
• CSD 21-2023: Regional Development Charges Treasurer's Statement 2022
• CSC-C 5-2023 and CSC-C 6-2023: By-law Enforcement Officer and Weed Inspector Appointments

The Corporate Services Committee approved the 2023 property tax policy, ratios, and sub-class reductions. It also authorized an increase to the janitorial services contract to include additional transit and rail locations.

• Approved 2023 Property Tax Policy, Ratios and Rates (Carried)
• Approved adding Niagara Transit Commission and VIA Rail stations (St. Catharines and Niagara Falls) to janitorial contract 2019-RFP-05 (Carried)
• Approved additional cost of $351,569 for janitorial services (Carried)
• Authorized total janitorial contract value increase to $6,043,325 (Carried)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider implementing red light cameras across Niagara Region and to receive a presentation on the hazardous waste program. A consent item on the Garner Road Biosolids Facility forcemain operation is also on the agenda for information.

• PW 11-2023: Implementation of Red Light Cameras (RLC) Across Niagara Region, with appendix listing camera locations
• Presentation on Hazardous Waste Program by Emil Prpic, Associate Director, Waste Disposal Operations & Engineering
• AC-C 7-2023: Garner Road Biosolids Facility Forcemain Operation (consent item for information)

The Committee approved the implementation of red light camera technology at 10 regional intersections for an initial 26-month term. It also directed staff to contact the Minister of Environment regarding hazardous waste program funding. A request for a biosolids program audit was referred back to staff for further reporting.

• Approved red light camera technology at 10 regional intersections (Carried)
• Approved $851,360.83 operating agreement with Trafficpax LLC for red light cameras (Carried)
• Approved operating agreement with Ministry of Transportation Ontario for license plate registration access (Carried)
• Approved partnering agreement with City of Toronto for processing red light infractions (Carried)
• Directed staff to write to the Minister of Environment regarding Household Special Products Extended Producer Responsibility funding (Carried)
• Referred a proposed Value for Money Audit on the biosolids program to staff for a May 9, 2023 report (13-4)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting to consider the 2023 Public Health Annual Service Plan and Budget Submission, the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan, and to receive several information reports on homelessness, child care workforce, long-term care, and housing. Presentations on the 2022-2023 record review and the dental program will also be given, along with a delegation from SaveMyLife.ca.

• Public Health 2023 Annual Service Plan and Budget Submission (PHD 4-2023)
• Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan (PHD 3-2023)
• Homelessness Services Report 2022 (COM 8-2023)
• Housing and Homelessness Action Plan Update 2022 (COM 12-2023)
• One Time Funding from MCCSS for Asylum Seeker Arrivals (COM-C 27-2023)

The Committee approved the 2023 Public Health Annual Service Plan and Budget submission, which includes several one-time funding requests. Additionally, staff were authorized to reallocate funds for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan based on local needs.

• Approved Public Health 2023 Annual Service Plan and Budget for a total gross budget of $54,193,894 (Carried)
• Authorized Public Health staff to reallocate Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan funds between contracted service delivery partners (Carried)
• Received for information reports on homelessness, child care workforce, long-term care, and asylum seeker funding (Carried)

Audit Committee

The Niagara Region Audit Committee is meeting to select a chair and vice-chair and to consider the 2023-2025 Internal Audit Workplan. Several audit-related items are listed for information, including reports on winter storm impacts and program audits. The meeting is largely procedural, with the workplan as the main item for decision.

• 2023-2025 Internal Audit Workplan (AC-C 5-2023)
• Impact of Winter Storm Elliot on Crystal Beach WWTP (AC-C 6-2023)
• Garner Road Biosolids Facility Forcemain report (AC-C 7-2023)
• W-WW Vacuum Truck Replacement report (AC-C 8-2023)
• 2021 Child Care Services Program Audit approval (COM 5-2023)

The committee appointed its leadership for the 2023-2024 term and approved the draft 2023-25 Internal Audit Plan. Members also received several informational reports regarding wastewater infrastructure and program audits.

• Appointed Councillor Whalen as Chair for 2023-2024
• Appointed Councillor Rigby as Vice-Chair for 2023-2024
• Approved the draft 2023-25 Internal Audit Plan
• Received report on Winter Storm Elliot impact on Crystal Beach WWTP for information
• Received report on Garner Road Biosolids Facility Forcemain for information
• Received report on W-WW Vacuum Truck Replacement for information
• Received 2021 Child Care Services Program Audit for information
• Received Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for Canada Summer Games Project for information

Council Special

Niagara Region Council is holding a special meeting to receive a wrap-up report on the 2022 Canada Games and a financial update on Canada Summer Games Park. The agenda includes a presentation by the Canada Summer Games Host Society chair and a Chief Administrative Officer's report with appendices. A confirming by-law will also be adopted to ratify actions from this meeting.

• Presentation: Niagara 2022 Canada Games Wrap Up Report by Doug Hamilton, Chair, Canada Summer Games Host Society
• CAO 3-2023: Canada Summer Games Park – Financial Update
• Bill 2023-24: Confirming by-law for actions at March 23, 2023 special meeting

Regional Council approved a financial update for the Canada Summer Games Park. The decision adjusts the park's capital budget to include $2,630,000 from the Capital Variance – Levy Project.

• Approved adjustment of Canada Games Park capital budget to include $2,630,000 from Capital Variance – Levy Project (Carried)
• Adopted Council Agenda CL 4-2023 (Carried)
• Passed Bill 2023-24 to ratify actions of the March 23, 2023 special meeting (Carried)

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider several items, including a gross budget increase for automated licence plate readers for the police service, next steps for a lobbyist registry, and a motion to invite MPP Sam Oosterhoff to discuss Bill 23. Council will also vote on by-laws for gas tax transit funding, a speed reduction on Jordan Road, long-term financing for capital projects, and the lobbyist registry. Committee reports from audit, public works, public health, corporate services, and planning are also on the agenda.

• Gross budget increase for Automated Licence Plate Reader project for Niagara Regional Police Service
• By-law to authorize long-term financing of $22,752,530 for Niagara Region capital projects
• Motion to invite MPP Sam Oosterhoff to Regional Council regarding Bill 23
• By-law to amend lobbyist registry by-law
• Speed limit reduction and all-way stop implementation on Regional Road 26 (Jordan Road) in Town of Lincoln

Regional Council approved a capital budget increase for the Niagara Regional Police Service's Automated Licence Plate Reader Project. Council also extended the educational period for the Lobbyist Registry By-law and authorized long-term financing for capital projects.

• Approved $1,391,813 gross budget increase for Automated Licence Plate Reader Project (funded by Ministry of Solicitor General grant)
• Extended Lobbyist Registry By-law penalty educational period by one year
• Approved $8,108.00 reimbursement for legal costs to Sullivan Mahoney for Councillor Gale (14-13)
• Approved long-term financing of $22,752,530 for Niagara Region Capital Projects
• Directed Regional Chair to invite MPP Sam Oosterhoff to discuss Bill 23 (20-6)
• Appointed Councillor Morocco to the Niagara Region Emergency Management Program Committee
• Denied request to waive notice for a motion regarding Proposed Uppers Quarry
• Approved Confidential Report CAO 4-2023 regarding labour relations and organizational structure re-alignment

Procedural By-law Review Committee

The committee appointed a Chair and Vice-Chair and approved a meeting schedule for the remainder of 2023. Staff were directed to prepare a draft terms of reference and workplan for the next meeting.

• Appointed Councillor Bateman as Committee Chair
• Appointed Councillor Foster as Committee Vice-Chair
• Approved 2023 meeting schedule for April 24, June 5, July 17, August 28, October 16, and November 27

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider the Region's 2022 year-end financial results and transfers, and to approve the statement of revenues and expenditures for the Canada Summer Games Park project. The agenda also includes a delegation on the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital redevelopment and a report on council remuneration and expenses for 2022.

• 2022 Year End Results and Transfer Report (CSD 20-2023)
• Approval of Statement of Revenues and Expenditures – Canada Summer Games Project (CSD 18-2023)
• Delegation: Update on West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Redevelopment
• Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members of Council and Council Appointees for 2022

The Corporate Services Committee approved the 2022 year-end results, including transfers to cover an operating deficit and allocate a rate-supported surplus. The committee also approved the audited statement of revenues and expenditures for the Canada Summer Games Park Project.

• Approved transfer of $2,250 thousand to reserves to cover 2022 levy-supported operating deficit
• Approved transfer of $1,615 thousand surplus from rate-supported programs to reserves
• Approved $21,202 thousand in encumbrances to be included in the 2023 operating budget
• Approved Capital Variance Project balances to be held in Capital Variance Projects
• Approved draft audited statement of revenues and expenditures for Canada Summer Games Park Project
• Received 2022 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members of Council and Appointees

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee is holding a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act to hear delegations and correspondence about a proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment for the Port Colborne Quarries expansion of Pit 3. The committee will also consider a grant extension for the Niagara Falls 2018 Waterfront Investment Program and receive information on the 2022 Niagara Region Employment Inventory and industrial development in Fort Erie.

• Regional Official Plan Amendment Application – Port Colborne Quarries, Proposed Expansion of Pit 3 (PDS 5-2023)
• Niagara Falls 2018 Waterfront Investment Program Grant Extension (PDS 7-2023)
• 2022 Niagara Region Employment Inventory Results (PDS 6-2023)
• Collaboration to Support Industrial Development in Fort Erie (PDS-C 3-2023)

The Committee approved a grant extension for the City of Niagara Falls’ Millennium Trail Section 5 through December 31, 2024, with the condition that remaining funds be repurposed after that date. The Committee also held a public meeting to receive opposition and correspondence regarding a proposed quarry expansion in Port Colborne.

• Approved extension of 2018 Waterfront Investment Program grant for Millennium Trail Section 5 through Dec 31, 2024, with remaining funds to be repurposed
• Received and referred public comments and correspondence regarding Port Colborne Quarry Pit 3 Expansion to staff for the final report
• Received Report PDS 5-2023 regarding Port Colborne Quarries expansion for information and circulated it to the City of Port Colborne and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
• Received 2022 Niagara Region Employment Inventory Results (Report PDS 6-2023) and circulated to local municipalities and partners
• Received report on collaboration to support industrial development in Fort Erie (PDS-C 3-2023)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee is meeting to consider several items, including the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy, a Homelessness Prevention Plan Investment Plan for 2023-24, a request for temporary funding for asylum seekers in Niagara Falls, and a motion calling on the province to end homelessness. They will also discuss an extension of a health care provider funding initiative and receive an emergency management year-end report.

• Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy presentation and councillor appointment to its steering committee
• Homelessness Prevention Plan Investment Plan 2023-24
• Request for immediate temporary funding for asylum seekers transferred to Niagara Falls
• Extension of Ministry of Health Dedicated Offload Health Care Provider Funding Initiative
• Motion calling on provincial government to end homelessness in Ontario

The committee approved the 2023-24 Homelessness Prevention Plan investment plan and called on the provincial government to commit to ending homelessness. Members also directed the Regional Chair to request nearly $6 million from the province for social assistance for asylum seekers.

• Approved Homelessness Prevention Plan Investment Plan 2023-24
• Appointed Councillors Bateman and Ip to the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy Steering Committee
• Directed Regional Chair to urge the Ministry of Health to reconsider funding for Emergency Department Technicians
• Approved appointment of a Council representative to the Niagara Region Emergency Management Program Committee
• Directed Regional Chair to request $5,959,200 from the province for Ontario Works and client benefits for asylum seekers
• Directed Regional Chair to request financial support from the Federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
• Passed motion (13-0) calling on the Provincial Government to acknowledge and commit to ending homelessness in Ontario

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider several staff reports, including drinking water compliance and quality management endorsement, an update on the Niagara Falls wastewater treatment plant upgrades with green municipal funding, and recommendations from the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee. The agenda also includes an information item on a GO Station development strategy for St. Catharines.

• Drinking Water Compliance and Water Wastewater Quality Management System Endorsement (PW 5-2023)
• Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Upgrades Project – Green Municipal Funding Update (PW 9-2023)
• Recommendations from Waste Management Planning Steering Committee, including hazardous waste program and garbage tag fee communication (PW 15-2023)
• GO Station Development Strategy—St. Catharines Station Precinct (PW 12-2023, information only)

The Public Works Committee approved substituting $7,165,400 of regional debt with FCM funding and grants for wastewater plant upgrades. The committee also endorsed water and wastewater quality management plans and updated terms for an illegal dumping working group.

• Approved Water Quality and Wastewater Quality Management System Operational Plans
• Substituted $7,165,400 of regional debt for Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades with $6,230,730 in FCM debt and $934,670 in FCM grants
• Approved revised Terms of Reference for the Illegal Dumping Working Group
• Received report on GO Station Development Strategy—St. Catharines Station Precinct

Niagara Transit Commission

The Niagara Transit Commission is meeting to elect a board chair and vice chair, adopt prior minutes, and consider a proposed 2023 meeting schedule. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive policy or funding decisions listed.

• Election of board chair and vice chair
• Adoption of minutes from November 8, 2022 meeting
• Proposed 2023 meeting schedule (NTC-C 1-2023)

Waste Management Planning Steering Committee

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee is meeting to select a chair and vice chair, hear presentations on the hazardous waste program and garbage tag fee communication, and consider items on illegal dumping and 2023 meeting dates. Several informational reports are also on the agenda, including recycling audits, producer responsibility updates, and blue box transition decision points.

• Election of committee chair and vice chair
• Presentation: Hazardous Waste Program 2023
• Presentation: Garbage Tag Fee Communication and Outreach
• WMPSC-C 5-2023: Illegal Dumping 2022 Year End Summary and Updates
• WMPSC-C 8-2023: 2023 Waste Management Planning Steering Committee Meeting Dates

The Waste Management Planning Steering Committee appointed its Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2023-2024 term. The committee also approved revised terms of reference for the Illegal Dumping Working Group and set its 2023 meeting schedule.

• Appointed Councillor Ugulini as Committee Chair (2023-2024)
• Appointed Councillor Foster as Committee Vice-Chair (2023-2024)
• Approved revised Illegal Dumping Working Group Terms of Reference
• Approved circulation of Illegal Dumping 2022 Year End Summary to Local Area Municipalities
• Approved 2023 meeting dates: April 24, June 26, August 28, October 23, December 11

Council

Niagara Region Council is meeting to consider and potentially adopt the 2023 operating budget and tax levy, capital budget, and transit budget, along with a new schedule of fees and charges. The agenda also includes reports from several committees covering police, housing, conservation authority, and other departmental budgets, as well as a delegation on emergency declarations for homelessness, mental health, and opioid addiction.

• Adoption of 2023 operating budget and tax levy (Bill 2023-18)
• Adoption of 2023 capital budget (Bill 2023-17)
• Adoption of 2023 Niagara Transit Commission budget and requisition (Bill 2023-16)
• Establishment of 2023 fees and charges schedule (Bill 2023-19)
• Public member appointments to Niagara Police Services Board and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Niagara Transit Commission

This agenda for the Niagara Transit Commission meeting on February 21, 2023, contains only procedural boilerplate with no substantive items listed. No decisions, discussions, or specific agenda items are provided.

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Committee approved the 2023 Consolidated Levy Operating Budget and the 2023 Schedule of Fees and Charges. The budget includes funding for additional land ambulances and COVID-19 pandemic pressures. Several budget reductions were adopted, including cuts to agricultural grants and tax write-offs.

• Approved 2023 general levy of $443,247,090
• Approved $1,590,700 for additional Land Ambulances
• Approved $18,400,555 from Taxpayer Relief Reserve for COVID-19 pressures
• Approved 2023 Schedule of Fees and Charges
• Approved $13.0M from Taxpayer Relief Reserve for Bill 23 DC Rate phase-in
• Approved $1.8M from Taxpayer Relief Reserve for Housing Services DC reserve deficit
• Approved reduction of $3.31M to Agricultural Grant budget
• Approved $1.0M reduction to 2022 tax deferral increase

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will review a proposal for regional funding for Brownfield Tax Assistance Program grants at three specific sites in Welland. The meeting also includes a presentation from the Niagara Industrial Association and information items on climate change projections and design awards.

• Regional Funding for Brownfield Tax Assistance Program Grants at 401 Canal Bank Street, 119 Lincoln Street and 6 Fourth Avenue in Welland
• Presentation by Jordan Sherlock of the Niagara Industrial Association
• Information on Niagara Region Climate Change Projections
• Information on 2022 Niagara Biennial Design Award Winners
• Environmental Initiatives Update

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee is meeting to consider routine administrative items, including a delegation from a resident about human rights code consistency, a report on advisory committees, and recommendations from the Joint Board of Management for Niagara Courts. The agenda also includes several confidential items on litigation, land acquisitions, and housing projects, which will be discussed in closed session.

• Delegation by Sandor Ligetfalvy on resolving inconsistency with Ontario Human Rights Code and January 2022 D.E.I. report
• Report CLK 1-2023 on Niagara Region Advisory Committees
• Recommendations from Joint Board of Management - Niagara Courts (JBM 1-2023)
• Update on Shared Services Initiatives (CAO 2-2023)
• Closed session: litigation summary, land acquisitions for Public Health lease extensions in Thorold and St. Catharines, Canada Games Park litigation, and transitional housing project

The Corporate Services Committee approved the immediate discontinuation of five advisory bodies. The committee also approved the write-off of delinquent court cases and several confidential reports regarding land leases and litigation.

• Discontinued Culture Committee, Economic Development Working Group, Procurement Advisory Committee, Smarter Niagara Steering Committee, and T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Committee
• Approved write-off and removal of delinquent court cases from the ICON system
• Approved recommendations in Confidential Report CSD 9-2023 regarding civil lawsuits against Niagara Region, NRPS, and NRH
• Approved Public Health lease extension in Thorold (Confidential Report CSD 12-2023)
• Approved Public Health lease extension in St. Catharines (Confidential Report CSD 13-2023)
• Approved recommendations regarding MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Limited and Canada Games Park (Confidential Report CSD 17-2023)
• Approved recommendations for Niagara Regional Housing Transitional Housing Project (Confidential Report COM 6-2023)

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee will hear delegations and consider a motion (COM-C 14-2023) to declare emergencies for homelessness, mental health, and opioid addiction. They will also review items on long-term care food purchasing, a child care budget adjustment, and a child care audit. Several information items and correspondence on the emergency motion are on the agenda, plus a closed session on a transitional housing project.

• Motion COM-C 14-2023: Declarations of Emergency for Homelessness, Mental Health and Opioid Addiction
• COM 3-2023: Group Purchasing Services for Long-Term Care Home Food and Related Supplies
• COM 4-2023: Child Care and Early Years 2023 Operating Budget Adjustment
• COM 5-2023: Approval of the 2021 Child Care Services Program Audit
• Closed session: Niagara Regional Housing - Transitional Housing Project (Confidential Report NRH 7-2022)

The committee approved declarations of emergency for homelessness, mental health, and opioid addiction. It also approved a $12.15M budget adjustment for child care and a new food purchasing agent for long-term care homes.

• Approved declarations of emergency for homelessness, mental health, and opioid addiction (9-2)
• Declared homelessness a federal humanitarian crisis (9-2)
• Approved $12,151,521 gross operating budget adjustment for Child Care and Early Years (funded by Ministry of Education)
• Approved Complete Purchasing Services Inc. as single source purchasing agent for LTC home food and supplies (2023-2027)
• Approved 2021 Child Care Services Program draft Schedule of Revenues and Expenses
• Approved receiving correspondence regarding emergency declarations for information

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is meeting to consider three items: a presentation on the residential Blue Box transition, updates to the Hauled Sewage Program Policy, and a gross budget increase from a cost-sharing agreement with the City of Welland for the Dain City Forcemain Replacement. No decisions are listed on the agenda; items are presented for consideration and discussion.

• Presentation on Residential Blue Box Transition by Waste Management Services
• PW 3-2023: Updates to the Hauled Sewage Program Policy
• PW 8-2023: Gross budget increase from cost-sharing agreement with City of Welland for Dain City Forcemain Replacement

The committee approved a gross budget adjustment for a forcemain replacement project funded via a cost-sharing agreement with the City of Welland. A proposed update to the Hauled Sewage Program Policy was referred back to staff for consultation with haulers.

• Approved $1,126,783 gross budget increase for Dain City Forcemain Replacement (Project 20000881)
• Referred Report PW 3-2023 (Hauled Sewage Program Policy updates) to staff for consultation with haulers

Audit Committee

The Niagara Region Audit Committee is meeting to select a chair and vice-chair, hear an internal audit project status update, and consider several items including the 2023 meeting schedule, an internal audit of the eBond procedure, and expense submissions from former Regional Councillor Britton and Regional Councillor Gale under the Regional Council Expense Policy. The committee will also receive for information the approval of the 2021 Long Term Care Home Annual Report Audits.

• Selection of committee chair and vice-chair
• Internal Audit Project Status presentation
• 2023 Audit Committee Schedule (AC-C 1-2023)
• Internal Audit eBond Procedure (AC-C 2-2023)
• Expense submissions under Regional Council Expense Policy for former Councillor Britton and Councillor Gale (AC-C 3-2023, AC-C 4-2023)

The Audit Committee approved a legal cost reimbursement for Regional Councillor Gale and directed staff to implement e-Bond procedure recommendations. The committee also set its 2023 meeting schedule and appointed an acting chair for the session.

• Approved $8,108.00 reimbursement for legal costs to Sullivan Mahoney (Carried)
• Directed staff to implement recommendations in the e-Bond Procedures Audit Report (Carried)
• Set 2023 meeting dates for May 15, September 18, and November 13 (Carried)
• Appointed Councillor Rigby as Committee Chair for the meeting (Carried)
• Deferred selection of permanent Committee Chair and Vice-Chair to the next meeting (Carried)
• Received memorandum regarding expenses for Former Regional Councillor Britton (Carried)
• Received 2021 Long Term Care Home Annual Report Audits for information (Carried)

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider the 2023 Consolidated Levy Operating Budget, the 2023 Schedule of Fees and Charges, and the financial impacts of Bill 23 on Regional Development Charges. Presentations will cover the operating budget and planning impacts of Bill 23. The committee will also receive information items on budget reconciliation and continued regional planning services.

• 2023 Consolidated Levy Operating Budget (CSD 16-2023)
• 2023 Schedule of Fees and Charges (CSD 7-2023)
• Bill 23 Financial Impacts on Regional Development Charges (CSD 14-2023)
• Presentation: 2023 Operating Budget - Consolidated General Levy
• Presentation: Bill 23 Planning Impacts

The Committee deferred decisions on the 2023 Consolidated Levy Operating Budget, the 2023 Schedule of Fees and Charges, and the financial impacts of Bill 23 on development charges to a future meeting. A motion to direct staff to conduct a budget reflection exercise for cost savings was defeated.

• Deferred Report CSD 14-2023 (Bill 23 Financial Impacts on Regional Development Charges) to February 16, 2023
• Deferred Report CSD 16-2023 (2023 Consolidated Levy Operating Budget) to February 16, 2023
• Deferred Report CSD 7-2023 (2023 Schedule of Fees and Charges) to February 16, 2023
• Defeated motion to direct staff to undertake a budget reflection exercise for cost savings
• Received for information Report CSD 15-2023 (2023 Operating Budget Reconciliation and Financial Disclosure)
• Received for information Report BRC-C 9-2023 (Support for Continued Regional Planning Services)

Council Special

This is a special council meeting with a closed session to receive a confidential verbal 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: confidential update on litigation involving former senior administration officials' employment contracts
• Bill 2023-15: confirming by-law to adopt, ratify and confirm actions of Regional Council at the February 9, 2023 special meeting

Regional Council received a confidential verbal update concerning litigation related to employment contracts of former senior administration officials. Council voted to have external legal counsel proceed as directed during a closed session.

• Approved the adoption of the meeting agenda
• Approved moving into closed session to discuss litigation concerning former senior administration officials' employment contracts
• Approved the receipt of a confidential verbal update and directed external legal counsel to proceed as instructed in closed session
• Passed Bill 2023-15 to ratify and confirm the actions of the February 9, 2023 special meeting

Joint Board of Management

The Board appointed Kristine Douglas as Chair and Nidhi Punyarthi as Vice-Chair for 2023. The Board also recommended the approval of delinquent court case write-offs for the period ending December 31, 2022.

• Appointed Kristine Douglas as Board Chair for 2023
• Appointed Nidhi Punyarthi as Board Vice-Chair for 2023
• Recommended to Corporate Services Committee the approval of Court Services write-offs for the period ending December 31, 2022
• Received Court Services Operational Update - February 2023 for information

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is considering four 2023 operating budgets: Niagara Regional Police, Niagara Regional Housing, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, and Court Services. Each item includes a presentation and a recommended motion to approve in principle, except the conservation authority levy which is recommended for approval. The police, housing, and court budgets are subject to the general levy consideration.

• NRPS 2023 Operating Budget approval in principle
• Niagara Regional Housing 2023 Operating Budget approval in principle
• NPCA 2023 Municipal Levy Apportionment approval
• 2023 Court Services Operating Budget approval in principle

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole approved the 2023 operating budgets for the Niagara Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Housing, and Court Services in principle. The committee also approved the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2023 Municipal Levy Apportionment.

• Approved Niagara Regional Police Services 2023 Operating Budget in principle (22-5)
• Defeated amendment to require NRPS use 2022 budget surplus to lower 2023 budget (12-15)
• Approved Niagara Regional Housing 2023 Operating Budget in principle
• Approved Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 2023 Municipal Levy Apportionment
• Defeated amendment to exclude $538,710 for Land Securement fund from Conservation Authority levy
• Approved 2023 Court Services Operating Budget in principle

Council

Regional Council is finalizing the 2023 financial framework by adopting by-laws for the interim tax, waste management, water, wastewater, and transit budgets. The meeting includes the approval of multiple debenture by-laws authorizing borrowing for capital works in Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Town of Lincoln. Council also considers appointments to the SWIFT and Niagara Transit Commission boards and reviews committee recommendations on the 2023 capital budget.

• Bill 2023-01: Adoption of the 2023 interim tax, waste management special upper-tier levy, and transit charge.
• Bill 2023-06: Authorization of $10,678,285.00 in amortizing debentures for Niagara Falls capital works.
• Bill 2023-07: Authorization of $3,100,000.00 in amortizing debentures for a Niagara Falls capital work.
• Bill 2023-12: Adoption of Amendment 1 to the Official Plan for the Stone Eagle Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Bill 2023-05: Stop up and close a portion of Regional Road 20 (Highway 20) in the Township of West Lincoln.

Council adopted several by-laws including the 2023 Waste Management and Water budgets. They also authorized multiple borrowing debentures for capital works in Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Lincoln. Budget recommendations from the Budget Review Committee were deferred to February 23, 2023.

• Approved 2023 Waste Management and Water budgets (Bills 2023-02, 2023-03, 2023-04)
• Authorized $13.7M+ in borrowing debentures for Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Lincoln
• Deferred Budget Review Committee recommendations to February 23, 2023 (15-11)
• Appointed members to the Niagara Transit Commission Board
• Appointed Councillor Foster to the SWIFT Board of Directors
• Directed Regional Chair to request a meeting with the Minister of Health regarding EMS communications funding
• Approved Amendment 1 to the Official Plan for Stone Eagle Winery
• Approved closing a portion of Regional Road 20 in West Lincoln

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider and potentially approve the Niagara Transit Commission's 2023 operating budget, with a presentation and additional information provided. The committee will also receive a council information report as a consent item. The meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

• Approval of Niagara Transit Commission 2023 Operating Budget, subject to by-law approval on January 19, 2023
• Presentation on the 2023 NTC budget
• Additional budget information (CSD 10-2023) including comparisons to NTC 20-2022 and Triple Majority Estimate
• Council Information Requests report (BRC-C 4-2023) with Q3 financial report and PCI/BCI maps

The Committee approved the Niagara Transit Commission 2023 Operating Budget, subject to by-law approval. It also approved the use of the prior year's value assessment for the commission's requisition apportionment.

• Approved Niagara Transit Commission 2023 Operating Budget (Carried)
• Approved use of current value assessment of the year prior to the budget year for NTC requisition apportionment (Carried)
• Received Council Information Requests (Carried)

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to consider two operating budgets: Waste Management Services and Water and Wastewater. Presentations will precede each item, and the committee will review requisitions, rate setting, and multi-year forecasts. No consent items are listed.

• Waste Management 2023 Operating Budget and Requisition (CSD 2-2023)
• Water and Wastewater Operating Budget, Rate Setting and Requisition (CSD 5-2023)
• Proposed 2023 Waste Management Requisition by Municipality
• 2023 Water and Wastewater Fixed Requisition by Municipality
• Forecasted Waste Management Reserve Balances

The Committee approved the 2023 operating budgets and requisitions for Waste Management and Water and Wastewater services. These decisions include specific budget increases, rate settings, and staffing changes for the 2023 fiscal year.

• Approved 2023 Waste Management gross operating budget of $63,451,982 and net budget of $45,167,763
• Approved 5.5% ($2.35 million) increase to 2023 Waste Management net operating budget
• Approved three temporary FTEs for Waste Management Info Line Services (17-13)
• Approved 2023 Water Operations gross operating budget of $51,482,957 and net budget of $51,042,464
• Approved 2023 Wastewater Operations gross operating budget of $95,835,979 and net budget of $92,149,561
• Approved 2023 variable water rate of $0.669 effective January 1, 2023
• Approved $4,219,495 (3.2%) increase for Water & Wastewater net operating base budget
• Approved $6,592,959 (5%) increase for Water & Wastewater capital financing

Planning and Economic Development Committee

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will elect a chair and vice-chair, receive overviews from planning and economic development staff, and consider a recommendation on an official plan amendment for Stone Eagle Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The committee will also receive for information the approval of the Niagara Official Plan.

• Election of committee chair and vice-chair
• Presentation and recommendation on Niagara Official Plan Amendment for Stone Eagle Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Planning and Development Services overview presentation
• Niagara Economic Development overview and economic update presentations
• Information item: Approval of the Niagara Official Plan (PDS 3-2023)

The Planning and Economic Development Committee appointed its leadership for the 2023-2024 term. The committee approved an Official Plan Amendment for Stone Eagle Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake and received a report on the approval of the Niagara Official Plan.

• Appointed Councillor Huson as Committee Chair (2023-2024)
• Appointed Councillor Davies as Committee Vice-Chair (10-6)
• Approved Niagara Official Plan Amendment for Stone Eagle Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Received and circulated Report PDS 3-2023 regarding Approval of the Niagara Official Plan

Corporate Services Committee

The Corporate Services Committee will elect a chair and vice-chair, then consider two items: approving the 2023 interim levy dates and amounts, and a 2022 budget adjustment for Hospice Niagara. A customer service digital strategy update is listed for information only.

• Approval of 2023 Interim Levy Dates and Amounts (CSD 4-2023)
• 2022 Budget Adjustment – Hospice Niagara (CSD 11-2023)
• Customer Service Digital Strategy – Phase 2 (CSD 8-2023, information only)
• Election of Committee Chair and Vice-Chair

The Corporate Services Committee approved a $1 million budget adjustment from the Hospital Contribution Reserve for Hospice Niagara. The committee also approved the 2023 interim levy dates and amounts, including a transit interim charge for Local Area Municipalities.

• Appointed Councillor Foster as Committee Chair (2023-2024)
• Appointed Councillor Whalen as Committee Vice-Chair (2023-2024)
• Approved $1 million budget adjustment from Hospital Contribution Reserve for Hospice Niagara
• Approved funding of remaining $3 million Hospice Niagara commitment based on site milestones
• Approved 2023 interim Regional levy amounts and dates
• Approved transit interim charge on Local Area Municipalities in lieu of an interim special levy for Niagara Transit Commission (NTC)
• Received Customer Service Digital Strategy - Phase 2 report for information

PHSSC

The Public Health & Social Services Committee meets to select its co-chairs, receive presentations on Community Services and an offload delay update from Niagara EMS, and consider two items: a councillor appointment to the Reaching Home Community Advisory Board and Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) Round 3 capital funding. Consent items include Recuperative Care Unit funding for 2023/2024 and a Built for Zero Canada update. The meeting is largely procedural with informational updates and one appointment decision.

• Selection of committee co-chairs for Public Health and Community Services
• Presentation: Community Services Overview by Commissioner Adrienne Jugley
• Offload Delay Update by Interim Chief Richard Ferron, Niagara EMS
• Councillor appointment to Reaching Home Community Advisory Board (COM-C 1-2023)
• Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) Round 3 Capital Funding (COM 1-2023)

The committee approved a funding grant and agreements with PortCares for the Chestnut Park Multi-Residential Intensification Project. The body also appointed new committee co-chairs and members to the Reaching Home Community Advisory Board.

• Approved $9,133,543 grant to PortCares for Chestnut Park project (contingent on federal approval)
• Approved agreement with PortCares for 40 Rent Geared to Income units at a cost of $15,493,456
• Approved $1,750,000 investment in Regional Partnership Housing Program for 12% ownership of development
• Elected Councillor Morocco as Co-Chair aligned to Public Health (7-4)
• Elected Councillor Chiocchio as Co-Chair aligned to Community Services (7-6)
• Appointed Councillors Ip and Witteveen to the Reaching Home Community Advisory Board

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will select a chair and vice-chair, hold a public meeting on stopping up and closing a portion of Regional Road 20 (Highway 20) in West Lincoln, and consider awarding a contract for reconstruction of Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road). Presentations on public works highlights are also scheduled.

• Public participation meeting to stop up and close a portion of Regional Road 20 (Highway 20) in West Lincoln
• Award of Tender 2021-T-269 for reconstruction of Regional Road 98 (Montrose Road)
• Selection of committee chair and vice-chair
• Presentations on public works highlights from GO Implementation, Transportation, Waste Management, and Water/Wastewater services

The Public Works Committee awarded a major road widening and reconstruction contract for Regional Road 98 and associated roads. The committee also approved the closure of a small portion of Regional Road 20 and elected its leadership for the 2023-2024 term.

• Awarded contract 2021-T-269 for reconstruction of Regional Road 98, Regional Road 47, and Biggar Road to Beam-Rankin Joint Venture Ltd for $27,961,200.25
• Approved capital budget adjustment of $6,378,769 gross for Regional Road 98 cost sharing with the City of Niagara Falls
• Approved stopping up and closing approximately 218.53 square metres of Regional Road 20 in the Township of West Lincoln
• Elected Councillor Witteveen as Committee Chair (12-7)
• Appointed Councillor Insinna as Committee Vice-Chair

Budget Review Committee of the Whole

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole is meeting to review the proposed 2023 capital budget, including a proposed amendment from Niagara Regional Housing, and to receive a Q3 2022 financial update and a 2023 levy estimate update. The meeting is for discussion and consideration, not final approval.

• 2023 Capital Budget presentation and report (CSD 1-2023)
• Niagara Regional Housing proposed amendment to 2023 capital budget (BRC-C 1-2023)
• Q3 2022 financial update (CSD 3-2023)
• 2023 levy estimate update as of January 5, 2023 (BRC-C 2-2023)

The Budget Review Committee of the Whole approved the 2023 Capital Budget for regional departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. The committee also approved a revised gross capital budget for Niagara Regional Housing. Final by-law approval is anticipated for February 23, 2023.

• Approved $236,958,991 Capital Budget for Niagara Regional Departments and Agencies, Boards and Commissions (Carried)
• Approved revised Niagara Regional Housing 2023 gross capital budget of $14 million (Carried)
• Considered $10.5 million incremental transfer to Capital Levy Reserve (Carried)
• Considered $6.6 million incremental transfer to Water & Wastewater Capital Reserves (Carried)
• Considered $395,750 for incremental operating costs of capital projects to be funded from Assessment Growth (Carried)
• Received Q3 2022 Financial Update for information (Carried)
• Received 2023 Levy Estimate Update for information (Carried)