The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, May 27, 2025, covering 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.
Closed Session:
Council entered a Closed Meeting to receive updates on legal matters under Section 239(2)(e) of the Municipal Act and to discuss CAO recruitment under Section 239(2)(b).
Lord Mayor’s Report:
Lord Mayor Zalepa provided a report on his recent community involvement, including the MMIWG2S+ Teardrop Cairn unveiling with Willowbank School of Restoration, a flag raising with the Niagara Community Foundation, and Tourism Night at the Shaw Festival. He brought greetings at the Lawn Bowling Club opening, attended the General Nelles Branch 124 Honours and Awards Dinner, and toured Pleasant Manor’s new long-term care home, which is currently under construction, with Deputy Lord Mayor Wiens. He attended the Court House opening and NOTL Ambassadors Seasonal Kiosk unveiling, participated in the Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Twist & Toss event, and attended the grand opening of Boats Niagara and the Shaw Festival’s “Anything Goes.” He also joined the Niagara Region’s waste management strategic plan open house and the 809 Newark Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RCAC) Annual Review.
Presentations & Delegations:
Delegations were made regarding public art and Short-Term Rental license limits. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) provided a presentation regarding the QEW-Garden City Skyway Bridge Twinning Project.
Decision Highlights:
Bill 5 – Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 (CDS-25-080)
- Council approved this report and directed Staff to submit comments to the Province regarding Bill 5 – Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, raising concerns about weakened environmental protections, reduced public consultation, and the potential impact on local planning and Indigenous rights.
Niagara Region Fee Subsidy Program (OPS-25-017)
- Council approved an agreement with the Niagara Region to implement a fee subsidy program for municipally-run recreational programs, providing low-income families with improved access to services at no cost to the Town.
Short Term Rental By-law Updates and License Limit (FES-25-007, FES-25-006)
- Council approved updates to the Short Term Rental By-law and as part of efforts to support long-term housing, Council also approved amendments to limit Cottage Rental and Villa licenses to the existing 231 properties, with no new licenses issued to replace those that expire, and directed staff meet with stakeholders to discuss density limits and villa and cottage rental numbers.
Ministry of Transportation (MTO) – Garden City Skyway Bridge Twinning Agreement (OPS-25-001)
- Council approved an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation for the Garden City Skyway Bridge Twinning project, ensuring all related design, construction, and inspection costs are fully covered by the Province, with no financial impact on the Town.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software Procurement (CAO-25-020)
- Council approved the procurement of the MuniPaaS Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution powered by Salesforce through the Ontario Government’s Vendor of Record program and directed staff to finalize an agreement for its implementation.
Voting Methods for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections (CAO-25-021)
- Council approved in-person ballot voting using vote tabulators as the primary method and authorized internet voting as an alternative method for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections, directing staff to prepare the necessary By-law.
Urban Design Review Panel – Draft Terms of Reference (CDS-25-081)
- Council approved the Draft Terms of Reference for the Urban Design Review Panel and directed Staff to initiate the member selection process to provide expert design advice on development applications and municipal projects.
Information Package:
Council received an Information Report regarding the 2025 Final Tax Rates and Waste Management Levy.
Motions:
Public Art – Moved by Councillor Wiens
- Council approved a motion directing staff to amend Sign By-law 4586-12 to define “Art” and “Public Art” and clarify that such works are not to be classified as signs.
By-laws:
Council approved several By-laws, including the 2025 final tax rates and an updated Short Term Rental By-law. Updates were also made to the Administrative Monetary Penalty System to reflect the new Short Term Rental regulations, ensuring continued enforcement. Council approved rezoning for 747 and 795 East and West Line to unify the properties under a Rural (A) Site-Specific Zone, along with updated landscaping and parking requirements for the Vineland Growers Co-operative property. Additionally, Council approved two separate By-laws to deem 209 and 217 Simcoe Street as single lots for development purposes, simplifying future planning under the Planning Act.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for June 24, 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