Email icon Back to Search
Council Recap

Delegations

8.1 Aaron Butler from NPG Planning Solutions Inc. spoke to Council about item 12.2

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Steele discussed a groundbreaking ceremony in partnership with Niagara Region and the YMCA of Niagara to mark the start of construction for a licensed child care facility at 76 Main Street West. He discussed the Water and Stormwater Master Servicing plan update, and a public information session taking place at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre on Wednesday, Dec. 3. He invited everyone to participate in the All Hands on Deck Holiday Drive. He also invited everyone to see Tugboat Santa and the Lighted Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 6. He discussed the Grand Old Christmas Festival, which takes place Dec. 7. He spoke about welcoming Grade 5 students from McKay public school during their recent visit to City Hall. He discussed attending the 20th annual Highway H20 conference. He highlighted the City of Port Colborne’s participation in the 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence. He spoke about a project from Ontario Hydro to expand electrical capacity in Crowland.    

Staff Reports

11.3 a. Council approved the 2026 Council meeting schedule.

11.3 b. Council referred a Tax Increment-Based Grant application under the East Waterfront Comprehensive Community Improvement Plan for vacant land at 80 Nickel Street back to staff to ensure the agreement is in alignment with the Niagara Region’s program. Council directed staff to bring a report back to Council on December 9, 2025.

Items Requiring Separate Discussion

12.1 Council approved matching a $1-million contribution for the expansion of the L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives, provided the donor funding is received in advance of the commencement of the project. The City contribution will be funded by 30-year debt and the annual repayment amounts will be include in the 2027 capital budget.

12.2 Council approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for the redevelopment of lands on Concession 1. The revised conceptual plan will facilitate redevelopment of the site within the City’s urban boundary as a compact, mixed-use community with a range of housing forms.

Staff Remarks

  • Director of Public Works Steve Shypowskyj said the Lakeshore West bridge project is planned to have asphalt installed this week. He said the Public Works team is looking forward to discussing the Water, Wastewater and Stormwater master plans at the open house on Dec. 3. He discussed temporary lines being removed and the return to normal service in a variety of local water line projects.
  • Director of Development and Government Relations Gary Long said a City-owned building at 725 King Street has been demolished. He said the parcel of land is part of a larger parcel that will be used for an affordable housing development in partnership with Niagara Regional Housing. He said a project manager has been retained and advocacy continues to secure construction financing.
  • Chief Planner Erik Acs said there is a lot of excitement in the community about the recently announced child care development.
  • Director of Museum and Culture Stephanie Powell-Baswick thanked Council for attending the Roselawn Christmas Market. She also discussed the Community Curator Project, which was funded by the federal government and invited members of the community to create an exhibit with objects from the Museum’s archives.
  • CAO Bryan Boles commended the Director of Museum and Culture’s presentation skills. He discussed presenting on the City’s child care partnership with the YMCA at the Parks and Rec Ontario conference. He discussed the possibility of further partnering with school boards to open up local facilities. He discussed a move of some City staff to the first floor of City Hall to make it easier for them to meet with members of the public. He asked Council to share any property standard issues they are aware of. He said a rapid-response team is being put together to process the influx of short-term rental applications.
  • Fire Chief Stand Double advised council that Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services is watching a weather pattern that will bring high winds to the area.

Councillors’ Remarks

  • Councillor Hoyle asked about an increase in local truck traffic on Fares Street due to construction-related detours.
  • Councillor Danch shared a complaint about a new tenant on Neff Street related to garbage accumulation.
  • Councillor Elliott asked about clarification related to reporting property standard issues.
  • Councillor Bruno shared an update from Ward 3’s open house meeting, where 50 people attended. He said the meeting updated attendees on local developments and other projects going on in the city. He asked if there was a place on the City’s website where the status of development projects could be updated.
  • Councillor Aquilina thanked staff for responding to her emails throughout the last several weeks. She shared an update about a stop sign being enhanced on Miller Road. She also discussed attending the Roselawn Christmas Makers Market.