The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting on the evening of January 27, 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.
Presentations
The following presentation took place during the Council Workshop Meeting on January 13, 2026:
- PSD Citywide Inc. - 2024 Asset Management Plan
The following presentation took place during the Committee of the Whole Planning Meeting on January 13, 2026:
- StrategyCorp - Special Events Process Review
Delegations
The following topics were delegated during the Committee of the Whole Planning Meeting on January 13, 2026:
- Opening the Sex Offender Registry List to the Public Nationally
- 176 Wellington Street (Former Hospital Site)
Council Recognition
During the January 13 meeting, Vivienne Atwood, a 10-year-old Niagara-on-the-Lake resident, was recognized at the January 13 meeting for delivering an exceptional performance in her role as Susan Waverly in White Christmas at the Shaw Festival Theatre.
Closed Session
Council entered a Closed meeting to consider matters that qualify under the Municipal Act 2001, Section 239(2)(d), labour relations or employee negotiations, including communications necessary for that purpose, specifically regarding the 2025 Compensation Review.
Lord Mayor's Report
Lord Mayor Zalepa shared several highlights from his report, including that in December 2025 and January 2026, he participated in a wide range of civic, cultural, and community events. Activities included flag raisings recognizing Human Rights Day and Crime Stoppers, community celebrations such as the Tractor Parade, Christmas Parade, Menorah Lighting, and New Year’s Day levees, and milestone events including the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museums’ 130th anniversary and the Shaw Festival Theatre’s recognition as Best Live Theatre. The Lord Mayor also supported local youth and service organizations by attending the Cadet Squadron’s Annual Mess Dinner and engaging with residents through an Open Office at Town Hall.
The Lord Mayor represented the Town at regional and provincial engagements, including a tourism roundtable with Minister Stan Cho and an announcement by Premier Doug Ford focused on economic growth and regional investment. Educational outreach remained a priority, with a visit to Crossroads Public School to promote civic learning and understanding of municipal government.
Decision Highlights
Review of Special Events (CAO-26-001)
- Council approved StrategyCorp’s, the Town’s consultant’s, Final Recommendations for the Review of Special Events, including direction to finalize and adopt a new Special Events Policy, By-law, and Permit Fees, and to proceed with phased implementation through Q1 with full implementation by Q2 to modernize, streamline, and strengthen the Town’s special events framework.
176 Wellington Street (Former Hospital Site) – Recommended Use (CAO-26-002)
- Council approved directing Staff to explore retaining 176 Wellington Street for community-focused use, including returning in Q2 2026 with a detailed feasibility report and business case, establishing a Community Health and Well-being Reserve for any net revenue, and allocating up to $12,000 for conceptual architectural plans.
16 on Four Mile Creek Subdivision – File No. 26T-18-18-05 – Municipal Assumption of Services (CDS-26-002)
- Council approved the municipal assumption of all primary, secondary, and tertiary services within the 16 on Four Mile Creek Subdivision and forwarded the Assumption By-law to Council for approval, confirming the developer has met all requirements under the Subdivision Agreement.
Noise By-law Amendment (FES-26-001)
- Council approved receiving Report FES-26-001 and approved the Noise By-law Amendment to introduce a new administrative monetary penalty that strengthens enforcement of the Town’s general noise prohibition.
Property Standards By-law Amendment (FES-25-023)
- Council approved receiving Report FES-25-023 and approved the Property Standards By-law Amendment to strengthen enforcement, address light pollution, clarify heritage protections, and update associated administrative monetary penalties.
Streetlighting Services (OPS-26-001)
- Council approved the direct assignment of the Town’s streetlighting services to Energy Services Niagara Inc. (Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro), authorized the CAO to execute the service level agreement, and directed Staff to conduct annual reviews to monitor cost savings and service-level improvements.
Regional Planning Service Agreement – Discussion Initiation (CDS-26-021)
- Council approved directing Staff to engage in discussions with the Regional Municipality of Niagara to review, update, or amend the existing Planning Service Agreement, which governs the Region’s review role for matters such as land use compatibility, natural environment policies, water protection screening, and urban design, in advance of the agreement’s expiry following the next municipal election.
Information Reports:
Council received items for information, including:
- Public Meeting – 52 & 56 Shaw’s Lane Zoning By-law Amendment Application (ZBA-26-2025) (CDS-26-003)
- Public Meeting - Old Town Heritage Conservation District Draft Plan (CDS-26-006)
- Updated Enforcement Policy (FES-25-015)
- 2024 Financial Indicators (CS-26-007)
- 766, 774, and 796 Four Mile Creek Road – Municipal Heritage Register Demolition Request (CDS-26-002)
Motions:
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) regarding the consolidation of the NPCA into a new “Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority” – Moved by Councillor O’Connor
- Council approved endorsing the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s resolution opposing the proposed consolidation into a “Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority” and directed that the endorsement be forwarded to the Province, affected municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and other identified stakeholders.
Niagara Region Transportation Master Plan – Moved by Councillor Vizzari
- Council approved formally requesting that Niagara Region place a hold on the proposed St. Davids roundabout project until the updated Transportation Master Plan is completed, to ensure safety considerations and alignment with long-term transportation planning.
Swim-to-Survive – Moved by Councillor Vizzari
- Council approved urging the Government of Ontario to incorporate mandatory water safety and Swim-to-Survive training into the elementary school curriculum and directed that the resolution be shared with the Minister of Education, local MPPs, AMO, and municipalities across Ontario for endorsement.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for February 24, 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