The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, February 25, 2025, covering proclamations, presentations, motions and more.
Below is a summary of Council’s decisions and discussions. To view the meeting agenda, including links to reports, presentations, and a video recording, please visit www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes.
Proclamations:
Council recognized April 2, 2025, as World Autism Day in Canada.
Lord Mayor’s Report:
Lord Mayor Zalepa’s report highlighted several key engagements showcasing the Town’s commitment to community connection and local growth. He visited Brock University’s new institute with President Lesley Rigg, hosted the Live from 1812 Fundraiser at Navy Hall in support of Friends of Fort George, and held Village Open Houses in Virgil, Old Town, and Queenston. He also brought greetings on behalf of the Town at Premier Ford’s campaign stop, sponsored a Family Day Community Skate at the Meridian Credit Union Arena, attended the Keystone Awards at Peller Estates, and participated in the Ontario Fruits and Vegetables Convention.
Delegations:
Tim Jennings, Executive Director/CEO of the Shaw Festival
Requested that the Royal George Theatre be exempt from the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District Study Area. This request was approved by way of a Council motion during the meeting.
Gina Angelakopoulo, Owner of the Epicurean Restaurant
Delegated on the topic of the Patio Program, requesting that Council reconsider the program in its entirety to ensure fairness for all businesses.
Presentations:
Council received the following presentations:
- Update on Tourism Board NOTL Composition and Mandate – Kathy Weiss, Executive Director of Tourism NOTL
- Heritage Designation Priorities – Steve Burke, Manager of Policy and Heritage Planning, and Sumra Zia, Heritage Planner
- Seasonal Patio Program Presentation – Aimee Alderman, Manager of Development Planning
Decision Highlights:
Property Acquisition – Heritage Trail from Line 9 to York Road (OPS-25-003)
Council approved acquiring a section of the Heritage Trail from Line 9 Road to York Road from the Niagara Region, facilitating the completion of the 10 km multi-use pathway connecting Old Town to Queenston and St. Davids.
Update on Animal Care and Control By-law (FES-25-003)
Council approved the adoption of an updated Animal Care and Control By-law, which includes a nuisance clause, a formal muzzle appeal process, and revised fines, replacing the previous By-law 5543-23.
Extension of Licences to Occupy Town Land (LOTLA) for Caleche Business (CAO-25-002)
Council approved extending the existing five Licences to Occupy Town Land for caleche businesses through December 31, 2026, allocating four licences to Sentineal Carriages Inc. and one to Vineyard to Village Horse and Carriage Co., with fees payable annually on April 1.
Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District Study – Revised Study Area By-law (CDS-25-043)
Council approved enacting the Revised Study Area By-law under Section 40.1 of the Ontario Heritage Act, establishing temporary restrictions on property alterations within the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District Study Area for one year with specific exemptions. Council approved an effective date of March 27, 2025, for the Study Area By-law.
2025 Holiday Schedule (CAO-25-004)
Council approved the inclusion of Friday, January 2, 2026, as part of the 2025/26 Holiday Closure Schedule.
Information Packages:
Council received several Information Reports, including a request to lift a one-foot reserve on Oakley Drive to facilitate access for Settler’s Landing Phase 2, concerns from the Municipality of South Huron regarding Bill 23’s restrictions on municipal heritage designations, and an update on the Town’s efforts to designate priority heritage properties and preserve cultural heritage.
Reports also included Council’s input on Seasonal Patio Program fees and policies, 2024 updates from the Fire & Emergency Services Department and the Customer Experience & Communications Team, a mid-term Strategic Plan update, a review of Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library statistics, and a Niagara Region Transportation Master Plan update.
Motions:
Patio Program
Council directed that the Temporary Patio Program end on December 31, 2025, and that Staff discontinue work on the Seasonal Patio Program and report back on the development of a Queen Street Secondary Plan.
Bill 23’s Restrictions on Municipal Heritage Designations
Council endorsed the Municipality of South Huron’s request the Province reconsider the amendment to Subsection 29(1.2) of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Prioritizing Canadian-made Goods and Services under the Procurement Policy
Council resolved to urge provincial and federal governments to counteract proposed U.S. tariffs, to develop a temporary procurement policy favouring Canadian-made goods and services, and to request the removal of barriers preventing municipalities from prioritizing Canadian companies in procurement decisions.
Charitable Exemption for Special Event Applications
Council directed Staff to allow organizations presenting a valid charitable registration number at the time of application to be exempt from the Special Event application fee.
By-laws:
Council approved several By-laws during the meeting, including an amended Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) By-law for Non-Parking Offences, an updated Animal Care and Control By-law, a Dedication By-law to lift block 48 Plan 30M 468 (Oakley Drive), a Condominium Agreement Amendment for Harvest Creek Condominium, and the updated Heritage Conservation District Study Area.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Community members are invited to attend in person at Town Hall (1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil) or tune in via the Town's livestream. Agendas, minutes and meetings will be 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