September 10, 2019 City Council Meeting
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Pictured above in order from left to right: Dave Robitaille, Co-Founder, Spark Niagara, Mayor Jim Diodati, Niagara Falls, Dino Miele, Co-Founder, Spark Niagara, and Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ryerson University.
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Niagara Falls-Ryerson Innovation Hub
On September 3, 2019, FedDev Ontario announced an investment of nearly $3 million for the Niagara Falls-Ryerson Innovation Hub (NFRIH), over the next 4 years. Council agreed to match funding by the City during the next 4 year period.
The NFRIH will be a business incubator focused on digital media technologies. Ryerson's successful Digital Media Zone will serve as the model and key resource for designing NFRIH programming and services, while Spark Niagara's existing partnership and company pipelines will help attract and refer clients.
The announcement by FedDev Ontario was one part of $13 million being invested in Niagara to diversify and strengthen the local economy, enhance competitiveness in key sectors, and create jobs of the future.
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Civil marriage ceremonies at City Hall
Last night, City Council approved civil marriage ceremonies to be performed at City Hall by the Clerk, or designated staff. Civil marriage ceremonies require minimal staff resources, and offer a revenue generating customer service improvement.
Currently, there are several other municipalities within the Niagara Region who are now offering this service at fees ranging from $200 to $300; St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, Grimsby, Thorold and Pelham.
More information on when civil marriage ceremonies will be available at Niagara Falls City Hall will be made available in the coming months.
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Free menstrual products to be made available at select City facilities
The City of Niagara Falls will be provided free menstrual products on a four month trial basis at the Gale Centre, MacBain Community Centre and Niagara Falls Public Library (Victoria Avenue) for individuals in need. The goal of the program is to reduce "poverty period", a lack of access to period products due to financial reasons or not having products when needed.
To minimize startup costs for the program, the products will be made available at the facility's front counter, with simple signage installed in the washrooms, informing people where to access the free products.
The program is anticipated to begin in October.
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Sanitary Sewer Network Condition Assessment Program
Kent Schachowskoj, Infrastrusture and Asset Manager, presented the Sanitary Sewer Network Condition Assessment Year 1 Summary to Council last night.
The City initiated the three year program in 2018, with the intent to inspect approximately 150 km, 33%, of the sanitary system (pipes and manholes) per year. The first phase (Year One) of the completed inspections essentially included all City owned sanitary and combined sewers south of Lundy’s Lane.
The program was recommended as a means of ensuring the ongoing sustainability and operability of the City’s wastewater infrastructure, as well as fostering an environment of continuous improvement with respect to the delivery of wastewater collection services.
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2019 Arts & Culture Wall of Fame Inductions
The following 2019 Arts & Culture Wall of Fame Inductees were approved by Council last night:
- Karen Fraser
- Joan Howitson
- McMahon Brothers, Kevin & Michael
- Christina LaRose
Induction into the Wall of Fame is a special acknowledgement recognizing the contributions and achievements of citizens, past and present that reflect the best of Niagara Falls. This year’s Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2019, at the Niagara Falls Public Library on Victoria Avenue.
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Council approved additional applications and reports at the September 10, 2019 meeting, including:
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Recognition, Proclamations & Events
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Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: September
The month of September has been proclaimed Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Although strides in treatment and care have been made, childhood cancer is still the leading disease-related cause of death for Canadian children. In support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Niagara Falls will be illuminated gold, and a gold painted child's bike will be placed outside of City Hall. cancer.ca
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Lymphoma Illumination: September 15, 2019
Tiffany Aello, founder of Team Niagara Lymphoma of Niagara Falls informed Council of the events surrounding the Lymphoma Awareness weekend on September 13-15, 2019. Niagara Falls will be illuminated lime green on Sunday, September 15, 2019 in support of Lymphoma Awareness. facebook.com
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United Way Flag-Raising: September 19, 2019
A flag will be raised on Thursday, September 19 outside of City Hall to kick off the 2019 Campaign for United Way. United Way is a non-profit charitable organization that works to create lasting change for those in need.
unitedwayniagara.org
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Alzheimer Society Coffee Break Campaign: September 20, 2019
Ann Radojcic, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer Society Niagara Foundation presented to Council updated statistics on dementia in the Niagara Region and encourages the community to take part in this year's Coffee Break Campaign being held on Friday, September 20, 2019. alzheimer.ca
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Bow Wow and Chow: September 29, 2019
The Niagara Falls Humane Society will be hosting Bow Wow and Chow, a family friendly festival and adoption event at Greg Frewin Theatre on Sunday, September 29th, from 10am to 4pm. The event will feature music, vendors, entertainment and food. facebook.ca
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Wrongful Conviction Day: October 2, 2019
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 has been proclaimed as Wrongful Conviction Day in the City of Niagara Falls. The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about wrongful conviction and the effects these convictions have on individuals, their families, and the socetiy at large. innocencecanada.com
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CampOut for Cancer: October 19-20, 2019
Pam Isaak, organizer of the CampOut for Cancer event, addressed Council to explain the upcoming fundraiser event, CampOut for Cancer at Firemen's Park, being held on Saturday, October 19th, 2019 (9 AM) until Sunday, October 20th, 2019 (1 PM). This fundraising initiative helps send kids with cancer and their families to Camp Trillium. Learn more at campoutforcancer.com
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Live Stream of Council Meetings
Niagara Falls City Council meetings can be viewed live on the City's Vimeo Channel. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.
Minutes from past Council meetings can also be viewed online, once they have been approved. Find them at niagarafalls.ca/council.
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