The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, September 23, 2025, covering 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.
Presentation:
- Nature Mind and Play Club
Closed Session:
Council entered a Closed Meeting to consider matters that qualify under the Municipal Act 2001, Section 239(2)(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; including communications necessary for that purpose specifically regarding Hummel Properties and GEI Sandalwood; and under Section 239(2)(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees; specifically regarding Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) appointment of members.
Lord Mayor's Report:
Lord Mayor Zalepa presented his report, highlighting recent community involvement, including attending the Council of the Federation Gala, meeting with the Tourism NOTL Board of Directors, and presenting a certificate to Inniskillin Winery in recognition of its 50th anniversary. Over the summer, he participated in several local fundraisers and festivals, including the Band in the Barn in support of the NOTL Museum, the Past is Present Heritage Festival, the Regional Summer Swim Meet, and the Kinsmen Club’s Show and Shine Car Show. He also stood alongside provincial and regional leaders for the announcement of a $41 million investment in Niagara’s irrigation infrastructure, celebrated 20 years of the Greenbelt with Niagara Geopark, attended Penner Home Hardware’s 75th Anniversary, and the Moonlight Picnic at the Niagara Pumphouse. September activities included hosting a delegation from Frankenmuth, Michigan, participating in the Paws on the Trail fundraiser, the 9/11 ceremony, the NOTL Hydro Box Beautification Competition, the Terry Fox flag raising and run, the Big Brothers Big Sisters flag raising, the Grape Growers Celebrity Luncheon, and providing a Council update at RLP Niagara. He also joined community members in marking the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Proclamations:
Council recognized September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and October 21, 2025, as the 25th Annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Education Appreciation Day.
Decision Highlights:
MAT Funded Projects (CS-25-020)
- Council directed Staff to include the identified MAT-eligible projects in the draft 2026 Capital Budget for further consideration and explore the issuance of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) or Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure a third-party telecommunications provider to deliver public Wi-Fi in the Heritage District.
2026 Budget Timeline (CS-25-019)
- Council approved the period for Council to make changes to the 2026 proposed budget be shortened on a one-time basis from 30 days to 20 days, that the Lord Mayor’s veto period for Council’s budget changes be shortened on a one-time basis from 10 days to 8 days, and that Council’s veto period for overriding the Lord Mayor’s veto be shortened on a one-time basis from 15 to 8 days.
Policy - Advertising & Sponsorship (CAO-25-019)
- Council approved the establishment of an Advertising & Sponsorship Policy and fee schedule.
Amendment to Liquor Licence and Control Act Permitting Alcoholic Beverages
on Pedal Pubs (CAO-25-037)
- Council directed Staff to maintain the current pedal pub route and advise the Niagara Region that the Town does not wish to permit alcohol service on pedal pubs at this time.
Information Package:
Council received information reports regarding a 2025 Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) conference Recap and Review, Short Term Rental Limits Engagement Strategy, and a Strategic Plan Update for the second quarter of 2025.
Motions:
Telecommunication Facilities Protocol – Moved by Councillor O’Connor
- Council approved a motion directing Staff to review the Town’s Telecommunication Facilities Protocol before the end of the first quarter of 2026, and submit to Council for approval; and subsequent to this update, the 2025 Comprehensive Telecommunications Plan be updated and aligned with the new protocol.
Elect Respect Pledge – Moved by Lord Mayor Zalepa
- Council approved a motion supporting the Elect Respect Pledge, committing to respectful and inclusive democratic engagement, rejecting harassment and personal attacks, and encouraging other elected officials, organizations, and community members to sign and support the campaign.
Endorse the Development of a Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in Niagara Region – Moved by Lord Mayor Zalepa
- Council approved a motion endorsing the development of a Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in the Niagara Region, committing to review and align local measures upon its finalization, and encouraging all Niagara municipalities and relevant stakeholders to support this initiative.
By-laws:
Council approved by-laws to appoint a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer and confirm the proceedings of the Council Meeting.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for October 28, 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