Following the Closed Session Meeting on September 16, 2025, Council decided the following regarding the case of Black (27 Prideaux) v. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake: that the matter be resolved through a settlement in which the Plaintiff, Black (27 Prideaux), accepts an offer of $225,000.00.
Background
On June 13, 2024, Black (27 Prideaux) filed an amended Statement of Claim seeking $750,000 in damages for abuse of process, bad faith, and misuse of municipal power under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The claim arose from matters occurring in August and September 2019, concerning allegations that the former Council failed to notify Mr. Black that his property was added to a Council agenda without providing him with notice, and that he was subsequently denied permission to make a delegation; Council ultimately proceeded with the designation. Council had been misled by one of its members to believe that Mr. Black had been notified of the meeting where his matter had been added to the agenda.
Current Council and Staff ensure fair notice of agenda items, providing opportunities for public participation, seeking legal advice where appropriate, and clearly communicating the reasons for its decisions. These steps reflect their commitment to transparency, accountability, and good-faith governance.
Read the full Statement of Claim