The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting on the evening of April 28, 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 topics were delegated on during the April 14, 2026, Committee of the Whole – Planning Meeting:
- Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan
- 524 York Road – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment
- 1096 Lakeshore Road – Zoning By-law Amendment
The following topics were delegated on during the April 21, 2026, Committee of the Whole – General Meeting:
- Restructuring Governance in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Region of Niagara
- Value Engineering Workshop for Refurbishing the St. Davids Pool
- 263 Concession 6 Road – Zoning By-law Amendment
Presentations
The following presentation was made during the April 14, 2026, Committee of the Whole – Planning Meeting:
- Final Draft Official Plan
The following presentation was made during the April 28, 2026, Council Meeting:
- Updates from the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Lord Mayor's Report
The Lord Mayor highlighted recent community engagement throughout March and April 2026. Key events included supporting initiatives such as the Start Me Up Niagara Compassion in Action Tour, celebrating accessibility through the StopGap Ramp Program launch, recognizing local milestones such as business openings and community celebrations, and attending regional and cultural events that showcased the strength and diversity of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The report also highlighted participation in broader discussions on sustainability, agriculture, recreation, and regional collaboration, including speaking at a net-zero implementation seminar and attending the Niagara District Airport AGM. Community-focused events such as fundraisers, youth recreation initiatives, and cultural ceremonies further demonstrated strong local engagement. Looking ahead, upcoming events like the Chamber Leadership Luncheon and the annual Strawberry Social were noted.
Proclamations
Students Against Impaired Driving (SAID) Day
- Council approved a proclamation declaring May 14, 2026, as Students Against Impaired Driving (SAID) Day, encouraging residents to support youth leadership and efforts to prevent impaired and distracted driving.
Decision Highlights
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan (CDS-26-040)
- On April 28, 2026, Council defeated the final Draft Official Plan as presented during the Committee of the Whole – Planning Meeting on April 14, 2026.
52 & 56 Shaw's Lane - Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-26-2025) (CDS-26-017)
- Council approved a Zoning By-law Amendment for 52 and 56 Shaw’s Lane to permit the development of three street townhouse units, subject to conditions including a holding provision and required technical approvals.
524 York Road – Official Plan Amendment (OPA-01-2025) and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-01-2025) Applications (PBDS-26-006)
- Council approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for 524 York Road to permit a seven-storey, 227-room hotel and one-storey restaurant, subject to conditions including environmental restoration requirements.
1743 Four Mile Creek Road and 15 Elden Street Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-27-2025) Recommendation Report (PBDS-26-002)
- Council approved a Zoning By-law Amendment for 1743 Four Mile Creek Road and 15 Elden Street to permit a daycare centre within the existing seniors’ residence.
1096 Lakeshore Road – Zoning By-law Amendment Application (ZBA-09-2025) (PBDS-26-005)
- Council approved a Zoning By-law Amendment for 1096 Lakeshore Road to permit an outdoor hospitality area at a winery for events, subject to site-specific regulations and future site plan approval.
Lease Renewal Agreement -176 Wellington Street (CPS-26-006)
- Council approved the execution of a Lease Renewal Agreement with Terry Harford RMT for the Town-owned property at 176 Wellington Street, extending the tenancy to June 30, 2027.
Invasive Species Management Plans (OPS-26-010)
- Council approved the Invasive Species Management Plan and Priority Species Control Plan to guide a coordinated, proactive approach to managing invasive species across the Town.
Encroachment Agreement for 61 Melville Street (OPS-26-011)
- Council approved an encroachment agreement for 61 Melville Street to permit landscaping and related features within the municipal road allowance, and authorized the execution of the agreement.
Fire Code Administrative Monetary Penalties Adoption (CPS-26-003)
- Council approved the inclusion of Ontario Fire Code infractions under the Town’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System to strengthen fire safety enforcement.
Revised Recommendation Report - 263 Concession 6 Road – Zoning By-law Amendment Application (ZBA-18-2024) (PBDS-26-003)
- Council refused a Zoning By-law Amendment for 263 Concession 6 Road to permit agriculture-related uses, including agricultural equipment storage and a farm market, with site-specific definitions to ensure the uses remain supportive of local farm operations.
Pickleball Courts – Update and Next Step (CPS-26-009)
- Council approved reimbursement to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Pickleball Club for sound mitigation costs at the Virgil Sports Park courts and directed staff to review land use permissions for pickleball.
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan Update – Delegation, Motion & Secondary Plans (PBDS-26-032)
- On April 28, 2026, Council approved directing Staff to revise the final Draft Official Plan to incorporate updates to winery policies, remove Secondary Plans from the new Official Plan while maintaining them in the current plan, and bring forward a revised by-law for adoption at a future Council meeting.
Information Reports:
Council received items for information, including:
- Governance Review – Working Group Mandate & Status Update (CAO-26-016)
- Tree Canopy Coverage and Planting Initiatives (OPS-26-009)
- Winter Weather Event Policy (OPS-26-012)
- 2025 Legal Expenditure Disclosure (CS-26-016)
- 2026 Final Tax Rates and Waste Management Levy (CS-26-018)
Motions:
Temporary Patios on Queen Street – 2026 Season (Public Property Only) - Moved by Lord Mayor Zalepa
- Council defeated permitting temporary patios on Queen Street within municipal parking spaces until the Queen Street Secondary Plan is implemented, and directed Staff to finalize design standards, application requirements, agreements, and fees, and report back to Council.
Enhanced School Bus Safety – Moved by Councillor Vizzari
- Council approved endorsing correspondence to the Province supporting enhanced school bus safety measures, including stop-arm camera systems to address illegal passing and improve student safety.
Professional Activity (P.A) Day on Municipal Election Day – School Boards - Moved by Lord Mayor Zalepa
- Council approved requesting the Province to direct all publicly funded school boards to schedule a Professional Activity (P.A.) Day on municipal election day to improve voter access, safety, and efficiency, and to circulate the resolution to relevant stakeholders for support.
Bill 21, Protect Our Food Act 2025 – Moved by Councillor O'Connor
- Council approved supporting Bill 21, Protect Our Food Act, 2025, including the creation of an Ontario Foodbelt and agricultural working group, and directed that this support be shared with the Province and relevant organizations.
Niagara District Airport / Landline Initiative – Moved by Deputy Lord Mayor Wiens
- Council approved allocating $125,000 from the Municipal Accommodations Tax as a revenue guarantee to support the Niagara District Airport / Landline initiative and directed that the Airport Liaison Committee be notified.
Developing a Comprehensive Lifecycle Strategy – Moved by Councillor Mavridis
- Council approved directing staff to develop a comprehensive Lifecycle Strategy, including Aging in Place and Youth strategies, to address demographic trends, housing, services, and community sustainability, and to report back on implementation, partnerships, and engagement opportunities.
Active Transportation Connectivity in St. Davids – Moved by Councillor Vizzari
- Council approved directing Staff to prepare a capital budget request and retain a consultant to complete a feasibility study on improving active transportation connectivity on Paxton Lane in St. Davids.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for May 26, 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