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Council Recap

Delegations

8.1 Council heard from Barbara Butters on behalf of the Port Colborne Health Coalition regarding the submission of a petition related to the Port Colborne Hospital and its Urgent Care Centre.

8.2 Council heard from Angie Desmarais about a request for a healthcare committee.

Mayor’s Report

The Mayor discussed the City receiving 4.3 million in funding from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. He spoke about Asahi Kasei opening its regional office at Niagara College. He spoke about St. James and St. Brendan Anglican Church hosting its annual Mariners’ service, as well as the City’s upcoming Top Hat ceremony on March 22, to mark the opening of the Welland Canal for the season. He mentioned that ribbons are hanging around the community to remember Tyler Crooks, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. The Mayor concluded his remarks by thanking Deputy Mayor Bodner for taking on various engagements during the Mayor’s four-week leave of absence.

Motions Arising from Committees and Boards

11.1 Council approved a motion from the Grant Allocation Advisory Committee to approve $20,304.35 in the first allocation of grants for non-profits in 2025.

Staff Reports

1.23 a. Council approved entering into the Comprehensive Community Improvement Plan East Waterfront Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA) Agreement for the Tax Increment-Based Grant (TIG) with the owner of 131-133 Durham Street.

12.3 b. Council approved entering into the Comprehensive Community Improvement Plan East Waterfront Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA) Tax Increment Grant Agreement with the owner of 71 Nickel Street.

12.3 c. Council was updated on the status of the Oil Mill Creek Municipal Drain Engineer’s Report. Council approved the mailing of notices and scheduling of a second Meeting to Consider following the completion of the revised report by the appointed engineer.

Items Requiring Separate Discussion

13.1 Council approved revised billing for the Young and Hopf-Wagner Municipal Drains and that it be approved and invoiced in accordance with the Drainage Act.

13.2 Council supported a motion from Niagara Region supporting Niagara’s business community and advocating for economic resilience measures.

 Staff Remarks

  • Fire Chief Stan Double thanked Council for its continued support. He said Deputy Chief Mark Middleton is in full swing and is overseeing the newly minted training division that has enhanced what is being delivered to the full-time and volunteer company. He thanked City staff who supported questionnaires related to the critical risk assessment and master fire plan.
  • Acting CAO and Director of Public Works Steve Shypowskyj discussed the hydro relocation project along West Street, which is projected to run until June.
  • Director of Development and Government Relations Gary Long reminded everyone that the surveys about the future of healthcare in Port Colborne are open until April 30. He encouraged residents to complete the surveys and thanked residents who have done so already.

Councillors’ Remarks

  • Councillor Aquilina asked Public Works about flooding on Pinecrest Road and a pylon that was left behind after work was done. She also asked about who is responsible when fill from a private property ends up on a public roadway. She concluded by providing a roundup of activities at the Sherkston Community Centre.
  • Councillor Bagu thanked Public Works for cleaning up the sidewalk on Clarence Street. He also discussed a hydro line that will interfere with a garden at a local school.
  • Councillor Bruno discussed his attendance at the Drinking Water Quality Management Committee (DWQMC) meeting. He asked if a similar presentation could be provided to all of Council and the public on an annual basis.
  • Councillor Elliott asked about a pile of dirt on a property and whether a permit was required to have it there. He praised the DWQMC and asked residents to call City staff if they are having any issues with their water.
  • Councillor Hoyle thanked staff for taking care of all of his requests from residents.
  • Councillor Bodner said he enjoyed his time as Deputy Mayor. He asked that dirt on the road and sidewalk near a private property be cleaned up. He highlighted the Sherkston and Bethel community centres, which are both available to rent. He also asked about the City’s open burning by-law.

The next Port Colborne Council Meeting will be held March 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Council Meeting agendas and livestream videos can be found at www.portcolborne.ca/councilagenda