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From the July 24, 2008 Meeting of Regional Council ‘
Best Wishes to the City of Welland
Regional Council congratulated and extended their best wishes to the City of Welland on their 150th Anniversary. On behalf of Council Regional Chair Partington wished the Welland City Council and the citizens of Welland best wishes on this very special occasion.
2009 Budget Guidline
Staff was directed to use as a guideline a rate less than 3.4% before the anticipated real assessment growth of 1.4%, for an actual net increase of less than 2%, for the preparation of 2009Â Budgets.
New! Niagara Region Bursary ProgramÂ
Regional Chair Partington was pleased to announce the creation of the Niagara Region Bursary Program. With an allocation of $50,000, this program will support low-income youth to access post-secondary education. Complete details and application packages will be released on August 5th.
Brand Niagara - Niagara Original
The Niagara Economic Development Corporation in consultation with Cundari SFP presented Regional Council with the results of the Brand Niagara initiative:
Niagara Original - Niagara, Canada. Behind the iconic name discover a destination that is original in every sense. From its uniquely accessible location that is packed with an extraordinary array of natural and man-made wonders within its world-renowned peninsula geography, its abundance comes in every flavour... the adrenalin rush of top casinos, great theatre and star-studded entertainment; the rich glow of an award-winning vintage or culinary experience; the dramatic sweep of its rivers, prosperous agriculture, lakes and escarpment. This is a place of one-of-a-kind discoveries and attractions that have drawn visitors and maverick entrepreneurs from around the globe for centuries and its storied heritage of visionaries, risk-takers and innovators still inspires the region's independent, creative character today. Enticingly close, surprisingly diverse, totally original... Niagara, Canada.
Niagara Receives the 2008 E.A. Danby Award
Ms. Betteanne Cadman, Immediate Past President, Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario presented Niagara Region with the 2008 E.A. Danby Award, an award that recognizes municipalities for outstanding performance improvement through innovative practices for the design, development and implementation of the database known as the Court Administration Management System (CAMS). Mr. James Whitaker from IT Solutions and Ms. Jackie Foley from the Provincial Offences Courts were recognized for their collaborated efforts in designing, developing and implementing the database system known as the Court Administration Management System (CAMS) to manage the 27,000 cases in the Region's delinquent fines portfolio.
Relaunch of the Green Bin Program September 1, 2008
Regional Council received a presentation respecting the relaunching of the Green Bin (organics collection) program on September 1, 2008 in an effort to reach Niagara Region's goal of 65 per cent diversion by 2012. As part of this important initiative, beginning July 16, Green Bins are being delivered, free of charge, to those households in Niagara (excluding Wainfleet and West Lincoln) that do not currently have a Green Bin.
Changes to the Green Bin program will come into effect on September 1, 2008, including the elimination of plastic bags. Plastic bags (including clear, transparent green and orange) will no longer be accepted in the programs. Alternatively, residents can use paper and/or compostable plastic bags (a full list of which can be found on the Region's website - www.regional.niagara.on.ca). Only compostable plastic bags that carry the Biodegradable Product Institute logo will be accepted in the Green Bin program.
Also new in September, is the addition of kitty litter and pet waste as acceptable products in the Green Bin program. For health and safety reasons, kitty litter and pet waste must be wrapped in newspaper or contained in a compostable plastic bag before it is placed in the Green Bin for collection.
Update on the Police Long-Term Accommodations
Mr. Trojan provided Regional Council with an overview of the meeting he had with Chief Southall on July 23, 2008, Mr. Trojan noted that there was good discussion and that they had reached an initial agreement to proceed with the Committee immediately. They discussed some key issues which required some clarification. They also discussed the issue of the outstanding purchase orders and have addressed them with the exception of one related to the retention of the Project Management firm for the Grimsby station, however, given the direction by Council it will be dealt by the Committee as a priority item.
2008 Niagara Economic Development Corporation Activities - Update
Mr. Gedge, Chief Executive Officer, Niagara Economic Development Corporation provided Regional Council with a presentation that highlighted Niagara Economic Development Corporation's activities from January to June and July to December 2008.
Niagara Regional Housing's 2008-2012 Strategic Plan & 2008-2009 Business Plan - Endorsed
Regional Council endorsed Niagara Regional Housing's 2008 - 2012 Strategic Plan "Faces and Places of Affordable Housing" which was developed in consultation with stakeholders in 2007. The 2008 - 2009 Business Plan provides detail on those work priorities that will be undertaken by Niagara Regional Housing in 2008 and 2009.
Conversion of Ontario Street in St. Catharines to Two Way Traffic - Approved
Regional Council approved the Three Lane Option using the Model Urban Design Guidelines for the Conversion of Regional Road 42 (Ontario Street) to Two Way Traffic between Regional Road 81 (St. Paul Street) and King Street in the City of St. Catharines and directed Regional staff to meet with the City of St. Catharines staff to discuss the consideration and/or benefits of continuing the one way traffic flow until such time the two way traffic project is completed.