Council Meeting

That the Council agenda dated October 22, 2024, be confirmed, as amended.

That I, Mayor William C. Steele do hereby proclaim October 26th, 2024, to November 11th, 2024 as “Poppy Week” in the City of Port Colborne in honour of the men and women from Port Colborne who gave their lives during the two world wars, the Korean War and the Afghanistan War.

That items 11.1 and 11.3 be approved and the recommendations contained therein be adopted.

That the 2025 Proposed User Fees and Charges, specifically the 2025 Planning fees be

That Council hereby approves the listed consent items on the October 22, 2024, agenda; and That the consent items be approved on the recommendations as contained therein.

That Chief Administrative Office Report 2024-191 be received; and That Council approve the City of Port Colborne Development Charges By- Law prepared by Watson & Associates attached as Appendix A to this report; and That the Director of Development and Government Relations be directed to bring forward a report in no later than 24 months regarding the status of the Development Charges By-law.

That Development and Government Relations Department – Planning Division Report 2024-192 be received; That the Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Appendix A of Planning Division Report 2024-192 be approved; That the City Clerk be directed to issue the Notice of Passing in accordance with the Planning Act; That a Public Meeting be held if a Draft Plan of Condominium or Draft Plan of Subdivision is proposed prior to it being brought forward for Council’s consideration

Whereas there is a humanitarian crisis unfolding on the streets in our cities, large and small, urban and rural, across Ontario. The time for words is over, we need immediate action at all levels of government, starting with the Province of Ontario; and Whereas the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis continues to grow with 3432 drug related deaths in Ontario in 2023 and over 1400 homeless encampments across Ontario communities in 2023; and Whereas the province has provided additional funding and supports, such as the recent investment of $378 million for HART Hubs and approximately 375 beds with wraparound supports, it does not adequately address the growing crisis and the financial and social impact on municipalities and regions across the province; and Whereas municipalities and regions are stepping up and working with community partners to put in place community-specific solutions to address this crisis, but municipalities and regions lack the expertise, capacity, or resources to address these increasingly complex health care and housing issues alone; and Whereas this is primarily a health issue that falls under provincial jurisdiction and municipalities and regions should not be using the property tax base to fund these programs; and Whereas there is no provincial lead focused on this crisis leading to unanswered questions that span over a dozen ministries, and a lack of support to manage the increasing needs of those who are unhoused. Therefore, be it resol

That the following by-law, A By-law of The Corporation of the City of Port Colborne with Respect to Development Charges, be enacted and passed, as presented.

That the following by-laws be enacted and passed, as presented:  A By-law to Amend Zoning By-law 6575/30/18 - 281 Chippawa Road  A By-law to Adopt, Ratify and Confirm the Proceedings of the Council of The Corporation of the City of Port Colborne

That Council do now proceed to meet in Closed Session under:  Section 239(2)(d) of the Municipal Act, 2001, where a closed meeting is held if the subject matter being considered is labour relations or employee negotiations.  Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, where a closed meeting is held if the subject matter being considered is advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.  Section 239 (b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, where a closed meeting is held if the subject matter being considered are personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.

That Council does now rise and reconvene from closed session at 8:54 p.m. with report.