The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting on the evening of March 24, 2026, covering presentations, by-laws and various items of Town business.
Below is a summary of Council's discussions and decisions. To view the meeting agenda, including links to reports, presentations, and a video recording, please visit www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes.
Delegations
The following topic was delegated on during the March 3, 2026, Committee of the Whole – Planning meeting:
- 46 Paxton Lane
The following topic was delegated on during the March 10, 2026, Committee of the Whole – General meeting:
- Light Pollution By-law
The following topics were delegated on during the March 24, 2026, Council meeting:
- Redevelopment of 176 Wellington Street
- 46 Paxton Lane
Presentations
The following presentation was made during the March 24, 2026, Council meeting:
- Kathy Weiss, Executive Director of Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake – Annual Report
Lord Mayor's Report
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, speaking to his report, highlighted his continued involvement in community initiatives, local events, and regional developments throughout February and March. While unable to attend the Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids’ Sake Municipal Challenge, he acknowledged the Town’s participation in support of youth mentorship programs. He attended the Coldest Night of the Year walk in St. Catharines and showed support for local athletes at a NOTL Wolves U18 hockey game. The Lord Mayor also recognized key regional and economic developments, including the announcement of Air Canada’s Landline service at the Niagara District Airport and his participation in Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake’s “Tourism Talks” events.
Decision Highlights
46 Paxton Lane - The Settlement at St. Davids (Extension) - Modification to an Approved Draft Plan of Subdivision (26T-18-25-02) & Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-25-2025) (CDS-26-020)
- Council approved a Zoning By-law amendment and modified draft plan of subdivision for 46 Paxton Lane to allow a revised 29-unit residential development in The Settlement at St. Davids. An accompanying By-law will be brought forward at a future meeting.
Tawny Ridge Estates Phase 2 Subdivision Agreement (File 26T-18-24-07) and Zoning By-law Amendment (File ZBA-14-2025) (CDS-26-035)
- Council approved the Tawny Ridge Estates Phase 2 Subdivision Agreement and a Zoning By-law amendment to remove the Holding (H) symbol, allowing the St. Davids subdivision north of Chestnut Avenue and south of Warner Road to proceed to final approval, registration, and development.
2026 Water and Wastewater Budget and Rates (CS-26-011)
- Council approved the Town’s 2026 water and wastewater operating and capital budgets, including a 3% increase to water rates and a 10% increase to wastewater rates effective April 1, 2026.
176 Wellington Street – Background and Feasibility Review (CPS-26-002)
- Council approved receiving the preliminary feasibility report for 176 Wellington Street, retaining the property for further planning, and allocating up to $200,000 from the parking reserve to advance detailed design, costing, and analysis to inform a future decision on the redevelopment of the former hospital site.
Royal Oak Community School – Extended Lease Agreement (CPS-26-004)
- Council approved receiving the report and authorizing the execution of a lease extension with Royal Oak Community School at 176 Wellington Street through June 30, 2027, to maintain occupancy while long-term plans for the site are evaluated.
Use of Corporate Resources during an Election Campaign Policy (CS-26-013)
- Council approved receiving the report, adopting the updated Use of Corporate Resources during an Election Campaign Policy, and directing that the policy and accompanying by-law be brought forward for formal adoption.
Advertising, Sponsorship, and Naming Rights Fee Schedule and Valuation Framework (CS-26-014)
- Council approved the Advertising, Sponsorship, and Naming Rights Fee Schedule and Valuation Framework and authorized Staff to implement and administer it to support consistent, market-aligned opportunities for non-tax revenue generation.
Council Composition – Lower-Tier Municipalities within Niagara Region (CAO-26-015)
- Council approved a motion to voluntarily reduce the size of its Council from one Lord Mayor and eight Councillors to one Lord Mayor and six Councillors, effective for the 2026 municipal election. More information is coming soon in a Town news release.
Information Reports:
Council received items for information, including:
- 1743 Four Mile Creek Road and 15 Elden Street Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-27-2025) (CDS-26-030)
- 25-43 Castlereagh Street Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-28-2025) (CDS-26-028)
- 1544-1546 Four Mile Creek Road Official Plan Amendment (OPA-01-2026) (CDS-26-027)
- Complete Application Regulation Changes - ERO Posting 025-0462 (CDS-26-034)
- Governance Review – Working Group Update (CAO-26-012)
- 2025 Summary Report of the Town’s Drinking Water Systems (OPS-26-006)
- By-law Enforcement Metrics 2025 (FES-26-007)
- 2025 Town Departmental Recap and Annual Report Summary (CAO-26-006)
- Governance Review – Working Group Update 2 (CAO-26-014)
- 46 Paxton Lane - The Settlement at St. Davids (Extension) - Modification to an Approved Draft Plan of Subdivision (26T-18-25-02) & Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-25-2025) (CDS-26-051)
Motions:
Temporary Patios on Queen Street – 2026 Season (Public Property Only) - Moved by Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa
- Council deferred permitting temporary patios on Queen Street for the 2026 season within municipally owned parking spaces, subject to design, safety, and accessibility requirements, and directed Staff to finalize standards, agreements, and fees and report back with program details.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2026, 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, Corporate Communications Lead
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com