Back to Search
Proclamations
8.1 Mayor Steele proclaimed May 2026 as Museum Month in Port Colborne.
Presentations
9.1 City Council received a Grant Award presentation.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Steele began by sharing that several upcoming staff reports will focus on strengthening Port Colborne’s future through strategic planning, healthcare advocacy and innovative tools that can help deliver critical infrastructure and services more efficiently, supporting future growth opportunities, economic development, and long-term affordability for taxpayers. He extended thanks to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation for their dedicated efforts in reopening Bridge 21 following a recent vessel incident. He also discussed the recent flag raising at City Hall in honour of Navy Week, recognizing those who served during the Battle of the Atlantic. He highlighted the City’s strong spirit of volunteerism, recognizing residents at recent appreciation events, including milestones for long-serving volunteers and volunteer firefighters, as well as those who participated in Earth Day clean-up efforts. Mayor Steele also encouraged residents to provide input on the City’s new website through an ongoing community survey, which closes May 1. He noted the return of seasonal initiatives, including the Farmers’ Market and annual tree giveaway in support of Port Cares. He reaffirmed Port Colborne’s commitment to community safety through the signing of the Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Human Trafficking. He also shared that short-term rental inspections and licensing continue to progress. Finally, he recognized May as Museum Month, celebrating local heritage and culture, and acknowledged the Port Colborne Garden Club for its ongoing contributions to beautifying the community.
Staff Reports
13.3 a. Council received information regarding the completion of construction work for the Biederman Municipal Drain and approved that the billing of the Biederman Municipal Drain be invoiced in accordance with the Drainage Act.
13.3 b. Council approved a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Port Colborne and Niagara Regional Housing regarding the King Street / Haney Street affordable housing project. Council also approved the transfer of two City-owned properties to Niagara Regional Housing to facilitate the project.
Correspondence Items
13.4 a. Council received the Town of Fort Erie’s response to provincial proposal on regional governance.
13.4 b. Council received the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake's letter to Premier Doug Ford regarding council composition.
13.4 c. Council received correspondence from the Town of Lincoln regarding Extension of the Niagara Regional Courts Inter-Municipal Agreement (Amendment 3)
13.4 d. Council received the Regional Municipality of Waterloo’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
13.4 e. Council received correspondence from the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) regarding comments on the Province’s plan to harmonize Ontario Provincial Standards (OPS).
13.4 f. Council received correspondence from Hon. Robert Flack regarding stormwater fees regulations.
Items Requiring Separate Discussion
14.1 Council received the Community Health and Wellness Action Plan as the City’s draft of the guiding framework for advancing local health and wellness priorities.
14.2 Council received an update on Niagara governance discussions and approved advancing the development of a City-owned Municipal Service Corporation (MSC) that would assume ownership and operation of all water and wastewater infrastructure in Port Colborne.
14.3 Council approved a modified street design for the Stonebridge Village subdivision. Council amended the recommendation to remove the condition of providing private waste collection.
Staff Remarks
City Clerk Charlotte Madden discussed the 2026 Municipal Election Candidate Nomination Period, which opens Friday, May 1 at 9 a.m. Nominations must be filed in person, by appointment at City Hall. Appointments can be booked by contacting the election coordinator, election@portcolborne.ca or 905-228-8120. Nomination packages are available for pickup beginning Wednesday, April 29. She also discussed the Candidate Information Night hosted by the City of Welland on behalf of Niagara Municipalities on Wednesday, April 29, and encouraged individuals considering a run for office to attend. She said the community will be kept up to date regarding any future changes to Council structure and ward boundaries. She also discussed Bill 100 – Better Regional Governance Act, which proposes eliminating the Office of the Regional Councillor, however noted that the Bill has not yet received Royal Assent, and therefore nominations for Regional Councillor will continue to be accepted. She shared that more municipal election information is available at portcolborne.ca/votes
Chief Planner Erik Acs reminded the community of an upcoming open house regarding an application from Elite Developments at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre on Thursday, April 30, as well as a Statutory Public Meeting in Port Colborne Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Manager of Communications Jasmine Peazel-Graham noted the upcoming CKTB Round Table Road Trip will broadcast from Port Colborne Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 5 beginning at 6:20 a.m.
Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Boles thanked staff for great teamwork and presentations.
Councillors’ Remarks
Councillor Aquilina thanked staff for addressing her questions.
Councillor Bagu thanked Public Works for grass cutting in parks and City-owned properties. He inquired about potholes.
Councillor Bruno thanked Public Works for a recent radar detection traffic count. He inquired about apartment demolition permits as they relate to water laterals. He also inquired about the Neff Street wastewater lining.
Councillor Hoyle noted that the Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce has their Coffee Club on Friday, May 1 at Tea on West. He thanked staff for answering his questions.
Councillor Bodner asked about a remaining bridge closure sign for the Clarence Street Bridge, located on Main Street.
Subscribe