Email icon Back to Search
Council Recap

Proclamations

6.1 Mayor Steele proclaimed April 28, 2026, as National Day of Mourning in the City of Port Colborne to honour workers injured or killed on the job. The annual observance aims to strengthen commitments to safe workplace conditions for all.

Presentations

7.1 YMCA of Niagara delivered their annual presentation, titled “Igniting Potential Through Partnership.”

7.2 City staff presented an update on the Marina Rate and Dock Project Update.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Steele began by addressing Port Colborne’s next steps regarding potential governance changes in Niagara, emphasizing that forced amalgamation is neither necessary nor beneficial to Port Colborne’s ongoing success. He acknowledged regional challenges warranting careful consideration, including infrastructure funding, water and wastewater costs, and regional roads, stating that a thoughtful review of governance focused on improving coordination, efficiency, and value for taxpayers is appropriate and necessary. He said that public feedback from recent surveys and engagement sessions regarding potential changes to governance will be shared at the next Council meeting. He highlighted Port Colborne’s successful events on March 22: the Top Hat Ceremony, which marked the opening of the Welland Canal shipping season, and the annual Polar Plunge, which raised more than $24,000 in support of Special Olympics Ontario. He recognized Port Colborne staff for winning the United Way Municipal Cup for the third consecutive year, and congratulated Annie Beck, Senior Human Resources Generalist, who was the recipient of the United Way Ambassador of the Year Award for her support of the campaign.

Staff Reports

11.3 a. Council received the 2025 Statement of Council Remuneration and Expenses.

11.3 b. Council approved a Brownfield Tax Increment Grant (TIG) with Development Charge Grant under the Comprehensive CIP submitted by Elevate Living for 547 King Street in Port Colborne.

11.3 c. Council received an update on the work to date on the New Official Plan (“New OP”) and a summary of the Policy Directions Background Report to be used for the creation of the first draft of the City of Port Colborne’s New OP.

11.3 d. Council approved the Bocce Club Loan Agreement between the City of Port Colborne and Port Colborne Bocce Club INC. for the purposes of installing new turf courts in place of existing gravel courts at the club.

Correspondence Items

11.4 a. Council received congratulations from the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) for Port Colborne staff member Brendan Flynn’s recent Association Road Supervisor certification.

11.4 b. Council received Welland City Council’s approved motion requesting consideration of a pilot program or dedicated funding stream to support Welland, local municipalities, and community partners in providing late-night outreach, de-escalation supports, staff safety training, and needle and debris cleanup services impacting local businesses. This addresses growing safety and public health challenges related to homelessness, mental health crises, and substance use.

11.4 c. Council received the Town of Lincoln’s resolution supporting the Regional Motion regarding Governance Review.

11.4 d. Council received the Niagara Region’s approval of 2026 Interim Levy Dates and Amounts

11.4 e. Council received the Regional Municipality of York’s resolution regarding inconsistent recycling services by contractors, including Circular Materials Ontario, urging provincial enforcement of province-wide service standards for Blue Box recycling.

11.4 f. Council received the Township of McNab/Braeside’s resolution supporting a review and modernization of the Heritage Organization Development Grant.

11.4 g. Council received the City of Ottawa’s approved motion endorsing proposed amendments to the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act.

11.4 h. Council received the Town of Whitby’s letter requesting a comprehensive review of the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal Framework.

11.4 i. Council received the Township of Oro-Medonte’s letter to Minister Piccini requesting provincial legislation amendments that will strengthen protections for municipal workers and contractors.

11.4 j. Council received Prince Edward County’s resolution regarding Sustainable Police Services Funding.

Staff Remarks

  • Manager of Recreation and Tourism Greg Zwiep discussed Port Colborne’s Easter activities on Saturday, April 4, with details available at portcolborne.ca/easter. He noted the City's new 5-year agreement with the Port Colborne Minor Baseball Association and an upcoming open practice with the Niagara River Lions at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, with dates to be announced soon.
  • Fire Chief Stan Double thanked staff for a successful Polar Plunge and shared that the same Fire and Emergency Services team later performed a water rescue at Mud Lake.
  • Director of Public Works Steve Shypowskyj noted the start of the City’s street sweeping program and reminded residents to keep their vehicles off the roads. He said the City’s ditching program is also underway.
  • Director of Development and Business Enterprises Gary Long provided an update on the rehabilitation of Wharfs 18-1, 18-2 and 18-3, noting ongoing conversations and communications with the Seaway. He said conversations will continue at upcoming conferences.
  • Manager of Planning Kelly Martel discussed two in-process development applications, and mentioned preparing a memo for Council regarding early collaboration with developers.
  • Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Boles thanked everyone for their recent work regarding potential governance changes in Niagara and said he looks forward to upcoming conferences which will cover topics ranging from transportation and economic development to healthcare.

Councillors’ Remarks

  • Councillor Bodner discussed light discrepancies at the Clarence Street Bridge.
  • Councillor Hoyle thanked staff for assisting him. He mentioned concerns with recent high winds and garbage accumulating in ditches.
  • Councillor Danch addressed removing an old trailer from a property owner, alongside bridge-related traffic impacts and discussions with the Seaway.
  • Councillor Elliott gave a shoutout to Public Works staff who set up the tents for the Top Hat Ceremony. He also discussed bridge traffic in Port Colborne as they relate to emergencies.
  • Councillor Bruno thanked staff for taking care of his concerns. He discussed PC Forge.
  • Councillor Aquilina also discussed bridge traffic and light discrepancies. She said she received an inquiry from a resident regarding new water pipe infrastructure and fire hydrant installations. She congratulated Brendon Flynn for his completion of the Association Road Supervisor certification, and acknowledged another successful Polar Plunge and Top Hat Ceremony.