The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, October 29, 2024, covering proclamations, budget presentations, approvals and more. Below is a summary of Council’s decisions and discussions. To review the meeting agenda, which includes links to all reports, meetings and presentations, please visit https://www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes. A video recording of the meeting has been posted and can be found here.
Acknowledgements:
Garry Doerksen, Facilities Lead Hand, was recognized for his 25 years of service at the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Proclamations:
Council recognized World Planning Day (November 8, 2024) and GivingTuesday (December 3, 2024), celebrating community planning and global generosity. Both dates will be celebrated on the Town’s social media pages by way of Council’s signed proclamations.
Lord Mayor’s Report:
Lord Mayor Zalepa began the meeting with a moment of silence in honour of former Councillor Jack Lowrey, who served from 2006 to 2010. Lowrey revitalized local landmarks, including the Queenston and St. Davids Golf Courses, leaving a lasting legacy in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends as we remember his impactful contributions to our community.
Following this tribute, Lord Mayor Zalepa’s report highlighted his recent community engagements, including observances for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, hosting an international delegation, and supporting local celebrations. Through these activities, the Lord Mayor highlighted the importance of cultural exchange, community outreach, and appreciation for local volunteers.
Presentations:
The following community partners provided updates and 2025 budget presentations:
Recommendation Reports (*Approved through Minutes from the Committee of the Whole – General Meeting on October 22, 2024):
*Memorial Tennis Courts (OPS-24-025)
- Council authorized the Lord Mayor and Town Clerk to execute an agreement between the Town and the NOTL Tennis Club for tennis activities at the Memorial Tennis Courts and Pavilion, located at 370 King Street.
*Encroachment Agreement for 134 Victoria Street (OPS-24-026)
- Council approved an encroachment agreement for 134 Victoria Street to recognize the front porch and steps extending into the municipal right of way and directed staff to prepare the necessary By-law for final approval.
*Encroachment Agreement for 242 Ricardo Street (OPS-24-047)
- Council approved an encroachment agreement for 242 Ricardo Street, recognizing the heritage building's encroachment into the municipal right of way, and directed staff to prepare the necessary By-law for final approval.
*Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Memorandum of Understanding – Agreement for Shared Services (OPS-24-048)
- Council approved the “Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Memorandum of Understanding – Agreement for Services,” authorizing the Lord Mayor and Town Clerk to sign it for municipal services at the Virgil Reservoirs and enabling staff to execute necessary procurement agreements.
*Draft Advisory Committees of Council Policy (CAO-24-044)
- Council approved receiving the draft Advisory Committees of Council Policy, directing staff to gather feedback from all Advisory Committees by year-end and to present a finalized policy for Council's review early next year.
Request for Delegated Authority for Model Home Agreements (CDS-24-171)
- Council approved delegating authority to the Director of Community and Development Services to execute Model Home Agreements with registered property owners, adopting the By-law for this delegation and for the specific agreement for Tawny Ridge Phase 1.
Motions:
Heritage Trail Funding
- Council approved the allocation of $21,000 in remaining Discretionary Grant funds and in-kind support through Town labour to complete Phase 2 of the Heritage Trail, extending it from Line 2 to Line 3 Road.
Closed Session:
Council entered a Closed Session under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act to discuss confidential “personal matters about an identifiable individual,” specifically related to the recruitment of a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This provision allows Council to protect sensitive personnel information, ensuring privacy and confidentiality in handling such matters.
By-laws:
Council approved multiple By-laws, including a rezoning on Niagara River Parkway (Reif Estate Winery), a Cultural Heritage Designation for Corus Farm, two encroachment agreements, delegated authority for model home agreements, and agreements with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tennis Club and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. Additionally, the proceedings of the October 29, 2024, Council meeting were confirmed.
Next Council Meeting:
The next scheduled Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 26, 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 are available on the Town's website at https://www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes.
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Media contact:
Marah Minor, Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com