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December 9, 2025 - council recap

Presentations

  • Council watched a holiday choir performance presented by students from McKay Public School.
  • Mayor Steele led a presentation of framed Christmas cards to youth artists from Port Colborne elementary schools who had submitted their designs for the City’s Community Christmas Card contest.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Steele discussed Santa Claus’ attendance at the Council meeting as well as the recent Tugboat Santa and Lighted Santa Claus Parade events on Dec. 6. He spoke about the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum’s 49th annual Grand Old Christmas Festival. He invited the public to attend New Year’s Eve celebrations on the afternoon of Dec. 31 at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre. He encouraged residents to participate in the All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive, which runs until Dec. 17. The initiative is collecting new unwrapped toys or books and non-perishable food for Port Cares, new and used clean coats and new mittens for Birchway Niagara, and new and gently used CSA-certified safety boots for Habitat for Humanity. He spoke about the donation of 222 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services from Enbridge Gas Ontario through Safe Community Project Zero. He encouraged community members to purchase discounted tickets to ride aboard the Empire Sandy at the 2026 Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, Presented by GIO Rail. He wished the community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Regional Councillor’s Report

Regional Councillor Vance Badawey wished Council a Merry Christmas. He said Regional Council is working with the province to resolve the current recycling situation that will impact businesses in the new year. He said Regional Council is meeting on Thursday to further discuss its budget. He said he will encourage the Region to pursue a better investment strategy.  

Staff Reports

11.3 a. Council directed the Chief Human Resources Officer to commit the City of Port Colborne to becoming a signatory to the Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Human Trafficking in the Niagara Region and to implement the Code.

11.3 b. Council approved an application for a Tax Increment-Based Grant in the East Waterfront Community Improvement Project Area submitted by Vergel Group for vacant land at 80 Nickel Street.

11.3 c. Council received report 2025-235, Request for Draft Plan of Subdivision Extension- Rosedale Estates Subdivision, for information.

11.3 d. Council authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contribution agreement with the Government of Canada for the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Correspondence Items

11.4 e. Council supported a correspondence item from the City of Welland to stand for justice and protect Canada’s children.

Staff Remarks

  • Director of Development and Government Relations Gary Long wished everyone a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the holidays. He said he is looking forward to working with the Mayor and Council in 2026.
  • Director of Public Works Steve Shypowskyj wished everyone a Merry Christmas. He thanked everyone that attended the water, wastewater and stormwater open house.
  • Chief Planner Erik Acs wished everyone a Merry Christmas. He said Dec. 15 will be the first day Asahi Kasei will be using the new access to their site off of Highway 140.
  • Manager of Communications Jasmine Peazel-Graham wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
  • CAO Bryan Boles thanked the City team for their efforts throughout the year. He thanked the community for their spirit and for participating in many public engagement opportunities. He thanked Council for its support during his first year as CAO.
  • City Clerk Charlotte Madden wished everyone a Happy Holiday Season. She thanked Council, staff and the community for their dedication, collaboration and hard work throughout 2025. She said she looks forward to continuing to work together in 2026.

Councillors’ Remarks

  • Councillor Aquilina said that having the children’s choir and seeing the Christmas card presentation is her favourite Council meeting of the year, followed by distributing the grant cheques. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked staff for all of their hard work.
  • Councillor Bagu thanked Public Works for ensuring that the Eagle Marsh Drain project was completed by the end of November. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and said he is looking forward to celebrating the New Year on the afternoon of Dec. 31 at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre.
  • Councillor Bruno asked about road closures on Barber Drive. He thanked Chief Planner Erik Acs, CAO Bryan Boles and their staff for meeting with local residents to discuss subdivision developments. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas. He said 2025 was an exceptionally busy year and that City staff are exceptional in their work.
  • Councillor Elliott thanked Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services, Public Works and the Building department for helping him in the last few weeks. He said this past year flew by. He encouraged everyone to enjoy their break. He said he has never seen the City this busy. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
  • Councillor Hoyle thanked staff for all they do. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
  • Councillor Bodner wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. He thanked his fellow Councillors for working together. He said it is a pleasure to work with staff during a busy year. He said he is looking forward to the work of Council in the next year.