The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, January 28, 2025, covering proclamations, 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 January 2025 as Crime Stoppers Month to support efforts in creating a safer, stronger community for all. The Town celebrated Crime Stoppers on its social media pages during the flag-raising ceremony at Town Hall on January 10.
Lord Mayor’s Report:
Lord Mayor Zalepa participated in various community events in December 2024 and January 2025, reflecting the Town’s commitment to fostering an engaged and vibrant community, as outlined in the Strategic Plan. His engagements included the 4th Annual Tractor Parade, Bright Nights Winter Festival, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade. He also attended the Candlelight Stroll cheque presentation and the 16th Annual Mess Dinner with the 809 Newark Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
In January, the Lord Mayor attended New Year’s Day celebrations, the Crime Stoppers flag-raising, and the Ice Wine Festival kick-off party. He hosted community open houses in St. Davids and Glendale and represented the Town at the 2025 ROMA Conference.
Decision Highlights
*2203 Niagara Stone Road Draft Plan of Condominium Extension (CDS-25-005)
- Council approved a two-year extension of the draft plan approval of the 2203 Niagara Stone Road Vacant Land Condominium project to November 22, 2026, allowing additional time to meet conditions for final approval of the six-townhouse development.
*Engineering Function and Review Services in Niagara – Memorandum of Understanding (CDS-25-007)
- Council endorsed the "Engineering Function and Review in Niagara" Memorandum of Understanding with the Niagara Region, outlining roles for development reviews ahead of Bill 23's changes.
*Temporary Patio Program Review Update (CDS-25-012)
- Council approved extending the Temporary Patio Program until December 31, 2025. A news release with more details will follow this week.
Motions:
*Deferred Motion and Report CDS-24-182 Glendale Secondary Official Plan Amendment – as Amended at the Meeting of December 3, 2024
- Council approved the Official Plan Amendment for the Glendale Secondary Plan, updated Policy 8.2.3 a), and endorsed supporting studies, including the Glendale Urban Design Guidelines.
- Council approved a resolution requesting the Provincial and Federal Governments to redistribute a portion of the Land Transfer Tax and GST collected on property sales to municipalities. The resolution will be forwarded to key government officials, all Ontario municipalities, and relevant municipal associations for endorsement and advocacy.
Consideration of STR Licenses for Properties Under Agreement of Sale
- Council approved a motion clarifying that the current hold on new Short Term Rental (STR) licenses in Niagara-on-the-Lake does not prevent new property owners with existing STR licenses from renewing them, provided all regulatory requirements are met. Council directed Staff to process these renewal applications and report on the outcomes during the spring review of the STR licensing policy.
- Council approved directing Staff to update Niagara-on-the-Lake's 2019 Private Tree By-law to incorporate more detailed provisions, such as specific heights and distances to structures, and to present the revised draft to Council by the third quarter of 2025.
By-laws:
Council approved several By-laws during the meeting, including extending temporary patio permits to December 31, 2025, and designating By-laws at 18 Wilberforce Avenue and 716 King Street.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for February 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