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Council Recap

Proclamations

8.1 Mayor Steele proclaimed May 9, 2025 Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day in Port Colborne.

Presentations

9.1 Niagara Industrial Association (NIA) Executive Director Jordan Sherlock gave a presentation to Council about the NIA.

Delegations

Council heard delegations from Angie Desmarais and Betty Konc about item 17.1 – a provincial healthcare advocacy letter and motion.

Mayor’s Report

The Mayor asked everyone in the city to support local businesses. He recognized the 20-year anniversary of Glam Girl on West Street, as well as the opening of the Butter Tart Shack on Main Street East. He mentioned local businesses being honoured by the Port Colborne Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce. He congratulated McKay Public School for their centennial celebration. He highlighted an upcoming tree giveaway that will see the City give away 500 trees and 100 seed packs on Thursday, April 17. The Mayor also discussed the upcoming visit of the Easter Bunny to Port Colborne via boat on Saturday, April 19 before taking part in a full day of activities at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre. He mentioned that two City staff, Greg Higginbotham and Rachel Tkachuk were recognized last week with 40 under 40 business achievement awards.

Staff Reports

13.3 a. Council approved 2025 property tax rates.

13.3 b. Council approved a Civil Marriage Ceremony policy to establish guidelines, standardize the City of Port Colborne’s performance of civil ceremonies and solidify this as a service offering from the Clerk’s Division.

13.3 c. Council approved a noise variance with modifications for Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores for the period starting from May 1, 2025, to Oct 25, 2025, from noon to 11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and ending at 10:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays for a variety of amplified noise, including noise from a DJ with equipment and live bands being able to amplify music. 

13.3 d. Council approved recommendations from the Heritage Subcommittee regarding which properties on the City of Port Colborne Heritage Register should become designated heritage properties.

13.3 e. Council approved entering into a renewed licence agreement with Sir John Colborne Youth Soccer Club and approved the introduction of a per-registered-player user fee as outlined in the attached licence agreement as amended.

Correspondence Items

13.4 a. Council supported a correspondence item from the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury that requests the provincial government look at ways to implement balanced reforms that protect both small-scale landlords and tenants, ensuring fairness in the rental market.

Items Requiring Separate Discussion

14. 1 Council directed staff to move forward with a request for proposal for a childcare facility at 76 Main Street using a two-stage design-build project model. Stage one will include the design of the facility and stage two will include the construction of the facility (subject to funding). Council also approved $250,000 from the Opportunity Reserve Fund for stage one of the project and directed staff to come back with a recommended funding model for stage two, that also reimburses the Opportunity Reserve Fund for stage one costs, upon updating the development charge background study.

14.2 Council approved municipal drain maintenance billing, as well as the timing of drainage billings for assessed properties. Council also adopted a levy by-law, which will allow staff to bill outstanding maintenance balances on the 2025 final tax bill as previously directed.

Motions

17.1 Council passed a motion that requests the following from the Province of Ontario:

Continue funding for urgent care health services at Niagara Health’s Port Colborne site, without reduction of any funding to Niagara Health for construction and operation of the new South Niagara Hospital; continue funding of diagnostic services, including imaging, with expanded services to support mental health counselling support and addiction services, and other allied health services, including physiotherapy; and put a moratorium on the closure of urgent care centres and the implicit removal of primary care health services from the City of Port Colborne and all small and rural communities in Ontario until Dr. Philpott’s mandate is complete to ensure that all Ontarians are attached to a primary care physician. The motion also requests the resolution be forwarded to Niagara’s local MPPs and circulated to the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, all Ontario municipalities, and other local partners.

Staff Remarks

  • City Clerk Charlotte Madden reminded everyone that applications are open for the new Healthcare Advisory Committee. The deadline to apply to the committee has been extended to April 22, 2025.
  • Director of Public Works Steve Shypowskyj said the West Street Hydro Relocation Project is progressing on time. He thanked the businesses on West Street and residents for their patience during the project.
  • Manager of Recreation and Tourism Greg Zwiep said the marina opening date may need to be pushed back due to ice buildup. The installation of dune fencing will take place at Nickel Beach next week.
  • CAO Bryan Boles discussed going to the Good Roads conference with the Mayor and Councillor Beauregard, where they met with a number of Ministers. He reminded the community that the backyard chickens survey is open until April 14. He said there would likely be a review of the public engagement for the marina and the grain terminal at the next Council meeting. He asked residents to visit the City’s website to learn more about shop local initiatives to support the Niagara Economy.

Councillors’ Remarks

  • Councillor Bodner acknowledged Jason Bodner for his contributions to Bodner’s Market, and Megan Bodner for winning an award from the Port Colborne Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce.
  • Councillor Hoyle asked if a water project on Davis Street was still projected to be completed on time.
  • Councillor Elliott asked about people trespassing on private property near the north side of Clarence Street. He mentioned he will be taking part in a stationary bike ride fundraiser at the YMCA.
  • Councillor Beauregard discussed the Ontario Good Roads Conference, where he joined staff to meet with government ministers. He appreciated what staff and Mayor Steele have done at the conference. He took part in a plenary about advancing transportation in Ontario. He also thanked Manager of Communications Jasmine Peazel-Graham for a booklet she made for a presentation to ministers. He asked if staff could share about what they learned at a water conference.