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Crisis in Manufacturing
Regional Council received a presentation from representatives of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Local 199 respecting the crisis in manufacturing. Regional Council referred their request to staff for a report to endorse and support their resolution. The resolution requested Niagara to adopt a "Buy Canadian" policy for municipal purchases which includes requiring a minimum of 50% Canadian content and domestic final assembly in the purchase of public transit vehicles. It also required the purchase of goods and services with the highest possible level of Canadian content; requiring potential vendors to identify the source of goods and services, and the overall level of Canadian content, as part of the tendering process; reporting annually to Council on the level of Canadian content in municipal purchases; and identifying opportunities to enhance the level of Canadian content in future purchases. It also calls on the federal, provincial and territorial governments to immediately enact "Buy Canadian" legislation applying to direct public purchases, and to grants and other funding provided to municipal governments.
Region Supports Fort Erie's Efforts to Save and
Re-Develop the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Industry in Fort Erie
Regional Council received the presentation from the Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corporation (EDTC) respecting the anatomy of the efforts made by the Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corporation to manage the Fort Erie Race Track issue which began in May of 2005. Regional Council supported the Town of Fort Erie and Fort Erie EDTC's in their application to the Province for funding of this project. In the case of the worst case scenario, combined with the negative economic impact/loss if the track closed and the $300 million project was terminated would be a loss of $1,281,484,570 and 6,887 jobs would be affected.
Niagara College - Building Futures
Regional Council received a presentation from Niagara College respecting their Building Futures Plan that will be a catalyst for Niagara's economic development, growth and transition, which is also aligned with the Region's Plan: Niagara's prosperity depends on the strength of its people and on its capacity to produce and attract skilled graduates - Economic Strategy, Niagara Region. Regional Council directed staff to work with Niagara College to come forward with a recommendation early in 2009 on how to invest in the Building Futures Project similar to the investment that the Region recently made to Brock University and that the funding be related to the P.I.L.s (payment in lieu) received by the Niagara Region.
Regional Council Supports the Existing Standing Committee Structure
Regional Council approved the existing Standing Committee meeting schedule; structure (three (3) committees) and the current Co-Chair positions, with a review of the committee structure and Co-Chair positions in 2010. A change will be made to the agendas for the Integrated Community Planning and Public Works Committee where the committees business is to be separated in "block" for each department; and the Integrated Community Planning Committee, be established as a separate committee with its own Terms of Reference beginning the next term of Council. The updated Terms of Reference were supported and referred to the respecting Standing Committees for approval.
2009 Current and Capital Budget Presentations
Regional Council received the 2009 Corporate and Departmental Current and Capital Budget presentations at their respective Standing Committees during the November 18th and 19th Committee cycle.
National Historic Designation for the First Lock of the First Welland Canal
Regional Council supports the City of St. Catharines in its interest to investigate funding and a national historic designation for the First Lock of the First Welland Canal.
Invest in Ontario Fund
Minister Jim Bradley and M.P.P. Kim Craitor recently held an event in the Regional Headquarters Atrium to present Niagara Region with its funds from the Invest in Ontario Fund. Niagara Region received $20, 156, 951 and Niagara's 12 municipalities collectively received an additional 20 million dollars. These funds can be used to build bridges, roads and other needed improvements. This funding will also assist in creating jobs and getting Niagara's economy moving forward. Investments in infrastructure also provide for a strong foundation so that Niagara can continue to attract and retain investment.
Chairman's and CAO's Holiday Coffee Break
The Regional Chair invited Council members and staff to join himself and Mike Trojan in the Atrium on Tuesday December 16th from 10 am to 11 am for the annual Chairman's and CAO's Holiday Coffee Break.
"Be a Breast Friend" Hair Salon Project
Regional Council received the "Be a Breast Friend" Hair Salon Project's evaluation results, which listed its successes, lessons learned and next steps. The results of the project were shared provincially at the Niagara Public Health Summit Conference and will be shared nationally at the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance Conference in Ottawa.
Official Opening of the South Service Road, Town of Grimsby
Regional Council was advised that the Official Opening of the South Service Road in the Town of Grimsby, will take place on December 5, 2008.
Mark Your 2009 Calendars
Regional Council was advised of the Curling for Kids event that will be taking place on February 7, 2009.