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Council Meeting Recap May 27, 2025

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Steele spoke about his attendance at the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Annual Conference in Milwaukee, WI, which focused on the future of freshwater resources in Canada and the United States. He highlighted the grand re-opening of the Port Colborne Animal Shelter, which is set for Saturday May 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and recognized Manager of By-Law Services Sherry Hanson’s dedication to the initiative. He noted that the Shelter welcomes donations from the public. He congratulated the Museum Auxiliary and volunteers who run Arabella’s Tea Room for a successful annual Pie Social, which was held on Sunday, May 25. He concluded his remarks by emphasizing the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Enforcement Unit’s mandate to strengthen speeding enforcement throughout the Niagara Region. He noted that speeding concerns can be reported to the Niagara Regional Police Service’s traffic hotline at 289-248-1060, or via email at trafficcomplaints@niagarapolice.ca

Motions Arising from Committees and Boards

11.1 Council referred the motion from the Environmental Advisory Committee back to Public Works staff for further review, to be brought forward at a later date.

Staff Reports

12.3 a. Council received the 2024 Financial Services Department Report.

12.3 b. Council approved entering into the Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Port Colborne Quarries Inc. for the Barber Drive Part 1 parcel of land.

12.3 c. Council deferred a Noise Variance application from Capri Restaurant, located at 250 Pleasant Beach Road, until notice is provided to the neighbours stating the time and dates of the proposed noise variance. The application is to be brought back to the regularly scheduled Council meeting on June 24, 2025. 

12.3 d. Council approved a Zoning By-Law Amendment application for the Concession 1 Part of Lot 12 in Port Colborne, municipally known as 3077 Highway 3.

12.3 e. Council received a report regarding a proposed telecommunications tower at 611 Main Street West and provided comments to the applicant.

12.3 f. Council approved updated regulations for marine contractors at Sugarloaf Marina.

Items Requiring Separate Discussion

13.1 Council approved the City of Port Colborne’s Asset Management Plan (AMP).

13.2 Council approved the method of appointment to make a recommendation to fill the vacancy of the Niagara Regional Councillor in accordance with the Council Vacancy Policy.

Staff Remarks

  • Manager of Strategic Projects Joe Colasurdo provided an update about on the West Street streetlight installations and concrete restoration work, which is expected to be complete in the next three to four weeks. He advised that the Clarence Street watermain project is scheduled for completion in the coming two weeks. He noted that Rankin Construction will begin their road resurfacing program in the first few weeks of July, with resurfacing scheduled to take place on Miller Road, from Forkes Road to Third Concession Road; Forkes Road, from Wilhelm Road to Schihl Road; and Schihl Road, from Forkes Road to Netherby Road.
  • Manager of Recreation and Tourism Greg Zwiep highlighted the Ontario Parasport Games, which will be hosting the Para Hockey Championships at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre this weekend, from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1.
  • Chief Planner Erik Acs advised that a file regarding a potential apartment development at West Side Road will be discussed at the Council Meeting on June 24.
  • Acting CAO Gary Long noted that he will be working with Public Works to address a property standards issue on King Street. He expressed his appreciation to City finance staff for their diligence in planning and initiating the 2026 Annual Budget process. He also thanked the Public Works team for their many successful projects. He discussed the upcoming Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference, which is set for this weekend, and wished City representatives well. He concluded that City staff will be submitting delegation requests this week for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference, which is scheduled for mid-August.
  • City Clerk Charlotte Madden celebrated Legislative Assistant Brenda Heidebrecht’s 25-year anniversary with the corporation.
  • Mayor William Steele said he looks forward to discussing interprovincial trade at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference.

Councillors’ Remarks

  • Councillor Aquilina thanked Public Works staff for their support regarding speeding concerns and regulations. She thanked the Museum for their efforts in making the building more accessible.
  • Councillor Bagu said he is looking forward to the upcoming announcement of the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival concert headliners in June.
  • Councillor Bruno asked about a program list for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference. He asked if there is a way to document properties with frequently overgrown grass and weeds at their boulevards. He asked if residents would be notified about the potential apartment development on West Side Road being brought to Council.
  • Councillor Elliott thanked Public Works staff for keeping businesses and residents informed during road disruptions on West Street and Clarence Street. He thanked Public Works staff for agreeing to attend an upcoming Downtown BIA meeting to answer residents’ questions about infrastructure projects. He asked about Council Meeting addendums being included as email attachments going forward.
  • Councillor Danch thanked staff for addressing his concerns.
  • Councillor Bodner asked if Miller Road will be closed during road resurfacing efforts. He discussed the City’s Ward Boundary Review, and encouraged residents to visit the Ward Boundary Website at www.portcolborne.com/wbr or reach out to City staff with questions or feedback.

    The next Port Colborne Council Meeting will be held June 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

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