The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, March 25, 2025, covering presentations, delegations, motions, By-laws and various items of Town business.
Below is a summary of Council’s decisions and discussions. To view the meeting agenda, including links to reports, presentations, and a video recording, please visit www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes.
Acknowledgements:
Carter Simpson, a local 31-year-old alpine skier, and his family joined Council, where he was congratulated for his remarkable achievements at the 2025 Special Olympics Winter World Games in Turin, Italy.
Closed Session:
Council entered a Closed Session under Section 239(2)(e) of the Municipal Act, litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board specifically regarding 144 and 176 John Street East, 200 John Street, and 588 Charlotte Street.
Presentations & Delegations:
- Council Update and 2025 Budget - Kathy Weiss, Executive Director of Tourism NOTL and NOTL Chamber of Commerce
- Tourism Strategy Committee / Tourism Strategy, Masterplan & Action Plan - Robin Garrett, Robin Garrett Consulting
Lord Mayor’s Report:
Lord Mayor Zalepa provided a report on his recent community involvement, highlighting his participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce Spirit Awards, and the Niagara 8 group discussions. He attended the Pizza with Politicians event at Brock University, participated in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative roundtable, and was present at the Swearing-In Ceremony for Ontario's Executive Council. Additionally, Lord Mayor Zalepa engaged with the Border Mayors Alliance to address concerns over U.S. tariffs.
Decision Highlights:
Procedure By-law Updates (CAO-25-009)
- Council received an update to the Procedure By-law (CAO-24-001) in response to Council direction, including clarifications on Council inquiries, Regional Council updates, delegation presentation time limits, the definition of Deputy Lord Mayor, and matters of jurisdiction. The By-law will be brought forward for Council adoption.
353 Townline Road Draft Plan of Subdivision (26T-18-24-01) (CDS-25-032)
- Council approved a Draft Plan of Subdivision for 353 Townline Road to create nine blocks for future industrial development, environmental protection, stormwater management, and road extension, aligning with local and provincial planning policies and contributing to employment and density targets in the Glendale area.
Unaddressed Parcel - Elden Street (CDS-25-023)
- Council approved applications for an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Vacant Land Condominium to permit the development of eight one-storey townhouses and a four-storey, 24-unit apartment building on unaddressed lands near Elden Street in Virgil.
Encroachment Agreement for 187 Queen Street (OPS-25-006)
- Council approved an encroachment agreement for 187 Queen Street to formally recognize an existing heritage building and porch that extends into the municipal right-of-way.
Grinder Pump Service Update (OPS-25-009)
- Council endorsed a new grinder pump service agreement with Kimbel Donayre Plumbing as an alternative to the recently discontinued warranty program and approved a $100 partial reimbursement for qualifying residents, with Staff to improve correspondence related to grinder pump maintenance and service options.
Licence of Occupancy Agreement with Parks Canada (OPS-25-013)
- Council approved new five-year Licence of Occupancy agreements with Parks Canada for continued use of the Fort George Tour Bus Parking Lot and 34 pay parking spaces at 176 Wellington Street, enabling the Town to maintain parking operations and increase revenue-sharing percentages starting April 1, 2025.
Proclamation for Regional Planning Responsibilities (CDS-25-055)
- Council endorsed the Region’s 2025 planning service fee schedule in preparation for the March 31, 2025, transition of upper-tier planning responsibilities to the Town.
Staff Review – Tourism Strategy (CAO-25-011)
- Council deferred the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tourism Strategy, Masterplan, and Action Plan as amended to the April 29, 2025, Council Meeting.
Update to Council Remuneration By-law (CAO-25-010)
- Council approved an updated Remuneration By-law to reflect current Council and Lord Mayor salaries, align with local municipal practices, and clarify reimbursement policies for mileage, travel, and conference expenses.
Potential Fleet Solution – Enterprise Fleet Management (CS-25-005)
- Council approved transitioning Niagara-on-the-Lake’s light-duty fleet to a leased Corporate Fleet Management Program through Enterprise.
2024 Summary Report of the Town’s Drinking Water Systems (OPS-25-008)
- The 2024 Summary Report confirms that Niagara-on-the-Lake’s drinking water systems, including the Bevan Heights system, operated in full compliance with regulations, received 100% inspection ratings from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and continue to meet high standards for safety, quality, and operational transparency. Read more in the Town’s news release.
Correspondence from Tourism NOTL re. Request for Nomination of a Councillor to the Tourism NOTL Board of Directors
- Council appointed Councillor Balasiuk to Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Board of Directors.
Motions:
Grant Support – Moved by Councillor Cheropita
- Council approved a motion to authorize Staff to identify and submit grant applications that align with municipal priorities without prior Council approval, provided no financial commitment is required, while ensuring Council is informed of any cost-sharing requirements and formally approves final agreements.
Niagara-on-the-Green Parking – Moved by Councillor Mavridis
- Council approved a motion directing Staff to review parking strategies in Niagara-on-the-Green and enhance communication with residents, including providing updates on the Town’s website.
By-laws:
Council approved several By-laws, including rezonings to permit new residential development in Virgil, agricultural and wellness uses on rural properties, and heritage and land use updates. Approval also included updates to Council remuneration, procedures of meetings, an encroachment agreement for 187 Queen Street, and a new fleet management agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Community members are invited to attend in person at Town Hall, located at 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil, or tune in via the Town's livestream. Agendas and minutes are available on the Town's website at www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes.
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Media contact:
Marah Minor, Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com