February 4, 2025, City Council Meeting
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Recognition of Inspector Chris Gallagher, Niagara Parks Police
Mayor Jim Diodati and Council recognized Inspector Chris Gallagher and his retirement from the Niagara Parks Police.
In his 36 years with the Niagara Parks Police, he has ensured security at countless events, high-profile visits, and many New Year's Eve celebrations.
Congratulations!
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Recognition of Blair McKeil
On behalf of Council, Mayor Diodati recognized Blair McKeil and his wife, Kathy (not in attendance), for their contributions to benefit residents and families of Niagara Falls through investments in the Santa Claus Parade.
Robbie and Ana Bratina were also recognized for their contribution of building an event float for the parade.
Thank you!
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara presentation
Erin Graybiel, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara, shared an update on the organization's impactful mentorship programs in Niagara Falls.
She encourages community members to support The Newly Near Thrift Store, located at 4311 Queen Street, by volunteering or donating clothing in good condition. All proceeds from the store directly fund Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs, which aim to assist children and youth facing adversity.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara's vision is to help all young people reach their full potential. They empower youth to discover and harness their strengths and capabilities by fostering meaningful mentoring relationships.
View the presentation.
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Sidewalk Winter Maintenance
Council adopted a Snow Clearing Bylaw to improve winter-time pedestrian accessibility and mitigate the risks associated with clearing snow and preventing ice on sidewalks cost-effectively. The effective enforcement date will start October 1, 2026, with a public education campaign leading up to this date.
Staff was directed to develop a financial assistance program to mitigate the potential financial hardships of this bylaw on low-income seniors and individuals with physical disabilities who may not otherwise be able to participate in clearing sidewalks in front of their property.
View the report. View the Staff presentation.
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Portage Road Watermain Replacement:
Niagara Parks Commission Cost Sharing
Niagara Parks Commission is advancing the redevelopment of the Toronto Power Generating Station (TPGS), which includes external improvements to the sewage collection and watermain distribution systems.
Council directed Staff to enter a cost-sharing agreement with the Niagara Parks Commission for the replacement/improvement of the Portage Road Watermain from Marineland Parkway to Old McLeod Road allowance. Mayor Jim Diodati and the City Clerk were authorized to execute all necessary agreements.
Council also approved a capital budget amendment of $1,250,000, to be funded by Capital Special Purpose Reserve (CSPR) 73, so that Staff can proceed with initiating this new project.
View the report.
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Construction Fencing
Council approved and enacted the Construction Fencing By-law to regulate the integrity and aesthetics of construction fencing around construction project sites within the city's jurisdiction.
Numerous projects within the City are stagnant, and this by-law will enhance the appearance of these sites for residents and tourists. It will also eliminate complaints from residents and businesses regarding the appearance of construction sites.
The by-law expands on the current obligations of construction project owners under the Building Code Act, the property standards by-law, and construction/development contracts with the City.
View the report.
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Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Project –
Addendum Report to Report PBD-2025-08
At its meeting on January 14, 2025, Council deferred consideration of the Single Room Occupancy Report regarding the Boarding House Interim Control By-law Study update.
The update revisits the Boarding House Interim Control By-law (BHIC) Study undertaken by MHBC Planning and responds to the Housing Strategy's recommendation to finalize this work. Council directed staff to provide the 2019 Boarding House Interim Control By-law Study for the reference of new Council members and the public.
Council received this addendum report for information and adopted the recommendations, including a $70,000 budget amendment to the 2025 budget and authorization to initiate Phase 2 in 2026. During Phase 2, staff are to revisit all options of the Study as well as develop some location criteria to limit the number of SRO operators, ensuring that there is no concentration of SRO’s in any particular area of the City.
View the report. View the presentation.
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- Street Name Change – Schisler Road to Pattison Lane,
Portion of Schisler Road at Montrose Road
- Information Systems staff reviewed street names and found that Schisler Road appears in three separate sections, which could cause confusion during a 9-1-1 Emergency response. The portion closest to the west side of Montrose Road is to be renamed Pattison Lane.
- Mid-Term Requests and Adjustments for Advisory Committees of Council
- Council allowed Staff to begin the application process to fill recent Committee vacancies, allowed some committees to implement a range of members for the remainder of the 2022-2026 Council Term and allowed Staff to open an application process when a committee is below their minimum threshold of members.
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Proclamations, Flag-Raising and Illumination Requests
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Proclamation Request | February 2025
Preventative Health Awareness Month (PHAM)
Council approved a request to proclaim February 2025 as Preventative Health Awareness Month (PHAM), a national movement to empower Canadians to prioritize their health.
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Proclamation Request | February 17-23, 2025
Heritage Week
Council approved a request to proclaim February 17-23, 2025, Heritage Week to recognize Ontario's rich and diverse heritage.
As part of Heritage Week activities, a free Heritage Lecture Series is planned for Saturday, February 22, at the Niagara Falls History Museum (5810 Ferry Street) from 1 pm to 3 pm.
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Flag-Raising Request | February 17, 2025
Kosovo's Independence Day
Council approved a request from the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in Toronto to organize a flag-raising ceremony on or around February 17, 2025, to commemorate Kosovo's Independence Day.
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Flag-Raising & Proclamation Request |
March 3, 2025
Bulgarian Heritage Day
Council approved a request from the Consul General, Republic of Bulgaria, to proclaim Monday, March 3, 2025, as Bulgarian Heritage Day and to arrange a flag-raising ceremony for the same day.
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Flag-Raising & Proclamation Request |
April 25, 2025
Parental Alienation Awareness Day
Niagara Falls City Council proclaimed April 25, 2025, as "Parental Alienation Awareness Day" and will coordinate a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. The goal of this day is to provide support, education, and resources to families affected by alienation by advocating for change in the legal, mental health, and judicial systems to end parental alienation across Canada.
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Flag-Raising & Proclamation Request | May 2025
Polish Heritage Month & Polish Constitution Day
Council approved a request to proclaim May Polish Heritage Month and to proclaim Saturday, May 3rd, Poland's Constitution Day and will hold a flag-raising ceremony for that day.
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Flag-Raising & Proclamation Request | December 2025
Christian Heritage Month
Council approved a request to proclaim December 2025 as Christian Heritage Month and to include a flag-raising ceremony to recognize this initiative.
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Upcoming Proclamations, Flag-Raising and Illuminations
(approved at Previous Council Meetings)
Flag Raising Request | Serbian Statehood Day (February 14, 2025)
Flag Raising Request | Italian Heritage Week (First week of June 2025)
Proclamation Request | Indigenous Survivors Day (June 30, 2025)
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Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 25
The Niagara Falls City Council meeting will be open to the public and held on Tuesday, February 25, at 4:00 pm. For more information, please visit niagarafalls.ca/council.
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