The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting on the evening of May 26, 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 May 5, 2026, Committee of the Whole – Planning Meeting:
- 25-43 Castlereagh Street (Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum) Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-28-2025)
- Planning Priorities and Projects
The following topics were delegated on during the May 12, 2026, Committee of the Whole – General Meeting:
- Start Me Up Niagara
- 535 Niagara Boulevard - Land Parcel Review
Presentations
The following presentation was made during the May 12, 2026, Special Council Meeting:
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Energy Inc.
The following presentation was made during the May 12, 2026, Committee of the Whole – General Meeting:
- St. Michael Catholic Elementary - Presentations on Mental Health
- Tourism NOTL - Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake Financial Statements year ended December 31, 2025
- Corporate Performance Reporting
The following presentation was made during the May 26, 2026, Council Meeting:
- Crossroads Public School, Importance of Canadian Farmers Presentation
- Crossroads Public School Presentation, Heritage Fair Projects
Proclamations
Mountainview LemonAID Day
- Council approved proclaiming June 13, 2026, as “Mountainview LemonAID Day for FACS Niagara” in recognition of the community initiative supporting vulnerable children and youth across Niagara through fundraising efforts for summer camp opportunities.
United Empire Loyalist Week 2026
- Council approved proclaiming June 13–20, 2026, as “United Empire Loyalist Week” in recognition of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Loyalist heritage and the lasting contributions of United Empire Loyalists to the development of Ontario.
Decision Highlights
25-43 Castlereagh Street (Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum) Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-28-2025) (PBDS-26-020)
- Council approved the Zoning By-law Amendment for 25–43 Castlereagh Street to facilitate the expansion of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, supporting additional exhibit, storage, programming, and operational space while preserving the site’s cultural heritage character.
Planning Priorities and Projects (CDS-26-041)
- Council approved the Planning Division’s prioritized 2026 work program, advancing key initiatives focused on housing, heritage conservation, urban design, agricultural policy, and development process improvements to support the Town’s long-term sustainability, growth, and community planning objectives.
Corporate Performance Reporting Framework (OPST-26-004)
- Council approved the adoption of the Town’s Corporate Performance Reporting Framework, establishing a structured approach to measuring and reporting on municipal service performance, accountability, efficiency, and customer experience, while authorizing funding to support baseline data collection and implementation for the first Corporate Performance Report in 2027.
Declaration and Sale of Surplus Lands – 25 and 43 Castlereagh Street (CS-26-017)
- Council approved declaring a small Town-owned parcel at 25 and 43 Castlereagh Street surplus to municipal needs and authorized its sale to the Niagara Historical Society to support the proposed expansion and consolidation of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum lands.
2026 Community and Youth Initiatives Grant Allocations (CS-26-019)
- Council approved the 2026 Community and Youth Initiatives Grant allocations, providing funding to local organizations and programs that support youth development, recreation, arts, heritage, and community engagement, and directed Staff to do a follow-up report for Council (CS-26-024).
Extension of the Niagara Region Courts Inter-Municipal Agreement – Amendment 3 (CS-26-020)
- Council approved Amendment 3 to the Niagara Region Courts Inter-Municipal Agreement, extending the Red Light Camera program through September 2029 while reflecting the provincial termination of Automated Speed Enforcement authority.
Fire and Emergency Services By-law (CPS-26-007)
- Council approved updates to the Fire and Emergency Services By-law to reflect the current structure and operations of the Fire Department, including administrative changes, the addition of the Volunteer Public Education Team, and the removal of outdated and redundant information.
535 Niagara Boulevard - Land Parcel Review (CPS-26-008)
- Council approved the retention of 535 Niagara Boulevard as municipally owned lands.
Establishment of a Capital Project to Enhance Municipal Spaces (OPST-26-002)
- Council approved the establishment of a new capital project funded through surplus balances from completed Community & Protective Services projects to support upgrades and enhancements to customer-facing municipal facilities, including recreation spaces, meeting rooms, and equipment.
Official Plan
- Council approved and adopted the new Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan, establishing a long-term framework to guide responsible growth, land use planning, environmental protection, and community development while aligning with Provincial planning policies and Council’s Strategic Plan priorities. More information can be found in this Town news release.
Community and Youth Initiative Grant Program Follow-up (CS-26-024)
- Council approved retaining the remaining balance in the Town’s general revenues.
Information Reports:
Council received items for information, including:
- Proposed Planning Legislation Changes and ERO Postings (PBDS-26-027)
- Buy Ontario Procurement Directive – Municipal Requirements (CS-26-021)
- Economic Development Action Plan Initiation (PBDS-26-025)
- Heritage Property Tax Relief Program – MHC Updates (PBDS-26-047)
Motions:
Lifeguard Bursary Program Exploration for 2027 – Moved by Councillor Vizzari
- Council approved directing Staff to explore the feasibility of implementing a Lifeguard Bursary Program for the 2027 operating season to support youth development, aquatic staff recruitment, and employment opportunities within municipal recreation services.
Feasibility of CPPS and Chautauqua Neighbourhood Review – Moved by Councillor Cheropita
- Council refused the motion to direct Staff to report back on the feasibility, Staff capacity, and financial implications of advancing the Chataqua neighbourhood review during this term of Council.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for June 23, 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