The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, April 29, 2025, covering proclamations, delegations, motions, 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.
Lord Mayor’s Report:
Lord Mayor Zalepa provided a report on his recent community involvement, highlighting his participation in the State of the Region event, Official Plan Public Information Centres, Bunny Trail Easter Event, Clare’s Harley Davidson 70th anniversary celebration, and the Chorus Niagara fundraiser. He also attended several other community and regional events, including a special announcement by Minister Cho at the Royal George Theatre, NICHE’s Rooted in Growth agriculture event, the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships announcement, two CKTB Round Tables, a celebration for Special Olympics medalist Carter Simpson, the Business & Professional Women of Niagara’s Pink Tea, and the Village Centre 2.0 unveiling. Additionally, the Lord Mayor hosted a Rural Community Open House and participated in ceremonies associated with the National Day of Mourning on April 28.
Delegations:
Several delegations were made regarding the:
- Tourism Strategy
- Urban Design Review Panel
- Temporary Patio Program
Decision Highlights:
Temporary Patio Program
- Council’s decision to end the Temporary Patio Program on December 25, 2025, remains in effect.
Fire & Emergency Services and By-law Division Departmental Plans (FES-25-008)
- Council approved the 2025–2027 Departmental Plans for Fire & Emergency Services and the By-law Division, supporting service improvements, firefighter recruitment, and enhanced enforcement, aligned with Council’s Strategic Plan.
Proposed Inflow and Infiltration Study – St. Davids (OPS-25-011)
- Council approved reallocating wastewater capital funds to conduct an Inflow and Infiltration Study in St. Davids to identify excess flow sources and reduce basement flooding risks.
Turntable Way Dedication as a Public Road Allowance (OPS-25-012)
- Council approved proceeding with the dedication of Turntable Way in the Dock Area as a public road allowance, formalizing its role in the local street network and enabling future infrastructure improvements and service extensions.
1696-1710 Niagara Stone Road Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA-20-2024 (CDS-25-054)
- Council approved a Zoning By-law Amendment for 1696 and 1708–1710 Niagara Stone Road to permit a four-room villa and enable a boundary adjustment that merges a storage building and shed with the Pillitteri Estate Winery, supporting site-specific provisions while maintaining consistency with provincial and local planning policies.
Authorization to Execute Ordnance Boundary Stone Restoration Agreements (CDS-25-067)
- Council approved a By-law authorizing the Director of Community and Development Services to sign restoration agreements with property owners for the Ordnance Boundary Stones, streamlining efforts to restore and protect these culturally significant historical markers located on private property.
MAT Funding Criteria (CS-25-006)
- Council approved the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Committee’s recommended funding criteria, establishing three funding streams for Municipal Accommodation Tax revenues, restricting use to Town-led tourism infrastructure projects in 2025 and 2026, and directing staff to report back on implementation resources and policies by year-end.
Municipal Conflict of Interest Act - Notice of Application and Payment of Legal Costs (CS-25-008)
- Council approved covering legal costs for Members of Council facing Municipal Conflict of Interest Act applications, with the requirement that costs be repaid if a contravention is found, and directed staff to develop a formal policy for handling future claims.
Tourism Strategy (CAO-25-011 & CAO-25-015)
- Council approved the Town’s Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, as amended, and directed Staff to develop an updated Financial Accountability and Services Agreement with the appointed DMO to reflect the new governance structure and the deliverables outlined in the Tourism Strategy and work with the DMO to review, prioritize, and further define timelines, priorities, and budget to ensure alignment with available resources and strategic goals.
Creation of an Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) (CAO-25-013)
- Council approved the creation of an Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) in principle, directed staff to draft its Terms of Reference, and sunset the current Urban Design Committee to enhance design excellence through independent, professional input on development applications.
Information Package:
Council received several Information Reports, including the NOTL Chamber of Commerce / Tourism NOTL’s 2024 financial statements, a proposed lease extension with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for continued operation of a marine navigational aid on Town property, a summary of the Queen Street Commercial Heritage District Business Round Tables, and an update on the extension of Strong Mayor Powers to Niagara-on-the-Lake and what this means for the organization.
Proclamations:
Council recognized National Day of Mourning on April 28, 2025, Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day on May 9, 2025, Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 15, 2025, and United Empire Loyalist Week from June 14 to 21, 2025.
Motions:
Niagara’s International Agricultural Workers (IAW) – Moved by Councillor O'Connor
- Council approved opposing the Niagara Region’s proposed $250 inspection fee for migrant worker housing, recommending the Region cover the cost instead, with notice sent to area municipalities and provincial/federal representatives.
By-laws:
Council approved several By-laws to support land use planning, infrastructure, and property management. This includes rezoning 1710 and 1708 Niagara Stone Road to Rural (A) Site-Specific Zones, one to facilitate a lot merger and boundary adjustment, and the other to permit a four-room villa with defined setbacks and licensing. Council also authorized a lease agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for the continued operation of the Collingwood Street Range Light. Additionally, Turntable Way was formally dedicated as a public road, securing its status for municipal access and future planning.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for May 27, 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