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Delegations

10.1 Gary Gaverluk spoke on item 13.4 c.

10.2 Barbara Butters spoke on item 13.4 c.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Steele spoke about a joint letter from Niagara Mayors, including Port Colborne, sent to Premier Doug Ford on March 4 which outlined a plan to modernize regional governance by reducing duplication, strengthening efficiency, addressing the number of elected officials, supporting economic growth, and keeping taxes low. He said he also shared a letter outlining the City of Port Colborne’s position with the Province of Ontario: opposition to amalgamation and support for an evidence-based governance review. He emphasized that Port Colborne is a strong and independent community, and highlighted the City’s recent progress, including more than $2 billion in new investment and job creation, accelerated housing approvals, expanded child care spaces, and local initiatives to improve healthcare access. He noted that both letters are available to view on the City’s website at www.portcolborne.ca/governance. Mayor Steele discussed the City’s public engagement process regarding potential changes to municipal governance, inviting residents to share their feedback. Paper surveys are available at City Hall, the Vale Health and Wellness Centre, and the Port Colborne Public Library, and an online survey is available on the City’s website at www.portcolborne.ca/amalgamation. Additionally, in-person open houses were held Thursday, March 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, and Saturday, March 14 from 12 to 4 pm at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre. The City will also gather feedback through discussions with several advisory groups. He invited the community to attend the March 22 Top Hat Ceremony at 8 a.m. at Lock 8 Gateway Park, as well as the annual Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario, which will be held at 1 p.m. at the H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park Boat Ramp.

Staff Reports

13.3 a. Council approved a revised Delegation of Authority By-law, allowing certain municipal Council powers and duties to be delegated to City staff for efficiency, to improve customer service, streamline administrative processes and minimize unnecessary reports.

13.3 b. Council approved an amended policy that oversees the use of corporate resources for election purposes.

13.3 c. Council approved a recommendation regarding an application for a TIG in the Downtown CIPA submitted by 13489116 Canada Inc. for vacant land at 395 Elm Street.

13.3 d. Council received the Auditors’ Audit Strategy for the financial statement year ending December 31.

13.3 e. Council approved declaring 725 King Street as surplus so it could be merged with other adjoining properties for an affordable housing project with Niagara Regional Housing (NRH).

13.3 f. Council received Port Colborne’s 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report.

13.3 g. Council approved the transfer payment agreement with the Province of Ontario and the Minister of Infrastructure for the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund: Intake 2.

13.3 h. Council approved an application for a Brownfield Tax Increment Grant (TIG) with Development Charge Grant under the Comprehensive CIP submitted by Canal Breeze Inc. for 46, 48 & 54 Fraser Street, 302 Welland Street with the Alma & Bell Street road allowances (Canal Breeze Project) in Port Colborne.

Correspondence Items

13.4 a. Council received Port Colborne Mayor William Steele’s letter to Premier Doug Ford regarding the future of municipal governance in Niagara.

13.4 b. Council received a joint letter from the lower-tier municipalities of the Niagara Region to Premier Doug Ford regarding the future of municipal governance in Niagara.

13.4 c. Council received a letter from Regional Chair Bob Gale regarding regional governance in Niagara.

13.4 d. Council received the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake's Niagara Region Transportation Master Plan.

13.4 e. Council received the Township of Wainfleet’s Notice of Public Meeting for its Official Plan review.

13.4 f. Council received a Request for Support: Coordinated Spring Flood Preparedness Communications from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

13.4 g. Council received Niagara Transit’s 2025 Q4 Microtransit and LAM Enhanced Service Requests Policy.

13.4 h. Council received the Township of Papineau-Cameron's resolution related to the Ontario Veterinary College’s expansion of enrollment capacity.

13.4 i. Council received the City of Sarnia’s letter to Premier Doug Ford regarding Mayoral Authority and Municipal Police Budget Sustainability.

13.4 j. Council received the Township of Casey’s resolution regarding OMERS Bill 68

13.4 k. Council received the Municipality of St. Charles’ letter of support regarding Strengthening Self-Defence Protections and Addressing Rising Home Invasions in Ontario.

Items Requiring Separate Discussion

14.1 Council received a Healthcare Analysis Report prepared by KPMG.

Staff Remarks

Fire Chief Stan Double announced Port Colborne’s updated status as a Next Generation 911 (NG911) community, an upgrade to emergency communications. He also noted that the Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services will be transitioning to its digital platform at the end of the month.

Director of Public Works Steve Shypowskyj warned of a rain advisory that could lead to localized flooding, and said staff will continue to monitor the situation. He noted a delay in the construction start date for the new licensed child care facility at 76 Main Street West.

Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Boles thanked staff for their teamwork over the past two weeks.

Councillors’ Remarks

Councillor Aquilina thanked staff for their recent efforts.

Councillor Bagu said he has received resident inquiries regarding walker accessibility on paths. He said many residents have emailed him to let him know they do not support amalgamation.

Councillor Bruno thanked the Public Works department for responding to his questions quickly.

Councillor Danch thanked the Public Works department for addressing his concerns.

Councillor Hoyle thanked staff for addressing his concerns.

Councillor Bodner asked about flooding and ice concerns in drain ends.

Motions

Port Colborne City Council supported a motion to reduce the size of City Council and update the City’s ward boundaries ahead of the 2026 municipal election. If authorized by the Province, Port Colborne voters would elect six City Councillors and a Mayor, instead of the current eight councillors and a mayor. Under the proposed structure, the City would be divided into three wards, each represented by two councillors. If authorized by the Province, the ward structure and council size would take effect at the start of the next term of Council.