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From the February 28, 2008 Meeting of Regional Council
International Music Festival - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Waterfront Property
Kari Cullen, Consultant, Project Niagara "A premier international music festival" attended Council to provide an update on the progress of this project. It began with a special feature in the New York Times, which listed renowned music festival destinations across the globe and it was realized that there was not one in Canada. That led to discussions between the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO). These discussions considered possible locations across the country and concluded that the Niagara Region, which is one of the most recognized tourism names across the world with the Falls and the existence of other cultural and heritage opportunities, as an ideal location. She commented that the proposed site known as the DND lands in Niagara-on-the-Lake was recognized as having the potential to draw the kinds of guests who might enjoy a summer concert series and were likely more inclined to visit other Niagara-on-the-Lake attractions like the local vineyards and the Shaw Festival. The site is on the lake, on federal property between a Carolinian forest and the landing site of the American forces which started the War of 1812. Ms. Cullen described the vision to create the summer music festival being a destination cultural attraction. Highlights of the event include a 12 week festival with six to seven weeks with NAC and TSO in residence. The festival event would comprise of Classical, Pops, Popular, Dance and Opera, together with music education, fine wine and food and formal gardens. An amphitheatre would hold 1,400 seats under roof and between 7,000-9,000 lawn seating with state-of-the-art acoustics. Initially the event would be summer season only, eventually leading to year round facilities on site. Ms Cullen highlighted the benefits and the challenges facing this project, noting the committee is waiting for the results of the feasibility study commissioned by the TSO, NACO and various other funders. Rough costs have been estimated between $50 to $60 million to complete, with the funding being split three ways: a third from the federal government, third from the provincial government and a third from philanthropic donations. Council passed a motion to support in principle the initiative as proposed by "Project Niagara" a partnership of the National Arts Centre and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Parks Canada to institute a music festival at the site known as the DND lands in Niagara-on-the-Lake and that "Project Niagara" inform Regional Council through the Culture Committee of future developments." Earth Hour: March 29, 2008
Council supported Earth Hour, a global World Wildlife Fund lights-out event on March 29th, 2008.
Residents are encouraged to turn off their lights from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. to raise awareness and support for action on climate change. More information about how to participate in Earth Hour is available at www.earthhour.org.
2008 Water and Wastewater Wholesale Volumetric Rates and Area Municipal Requisitions
Council approved a report establishing the wholesale volumetric rates and requisitions for the recovery of Regional water and wastewater systems costs from the Area Municipalities commencing March 1, 2008. The report reviews the factors and calculations involved in arriving at the recommended 2008 rates. Projected expenditures for the year 2008 water have increased 3.4% over that approved in 2007. To ensure that water reserve levels remain at suitable levels in future years, it is recommended that the volumetric rate increase from $0.512 to $0.554 per cubic meter. Projected expenditures for the year 2008 for wastewater have increased 2.4% over 2007. Since wastewater costs (less debt servicing costs) will be recovered from the area municipalities based on a three year historical average flow, an annual requisition can be calculated in advance. This requisition when converted becomes a volumetric rate of $0.655 per cubic metre an increase from the 2007 rate of $0.613. Report CSD 15-2008/PWA 11-2008 February 20, 2008
YWCA Niagara Region's Women of Distinction Awards
Nominations are being sought for the YWCA Niagara Region's Women of Distinction Awards. The YWCA Women of Distinction nominee is a woman who has distinguished herself by her personal achievements, her community commitment and her contribution to the advancement of women. Rooted in Niagara, her impact may be local, national or international. The deadline for nominations is March 20, 2008 at 4 p.m. Nominations may be submitted by regular mail, courier, fax or hand delivered. For more information, contact the YWCA Niagara Region, 905-988-3528, ext. 237.
Update on Poverty Report A Legacy of Poverty — Addressing Cycles of Poverty and the Impact on Child Health in the Niagara Region
A report providing an update on the poverty report "A Legacy of Poverty? Addressing Cycles of Poverty and the Impact on Child Health in Niagara Region" was received by Council. The report outlines several poverty reduction strategies linked to the recommendations that are already in place and used in other countries and jurisdictions. Staff were authorized to explore the recommended strategies and prepare a detailed report for subsequent consideration by Committee and Council. Report COM 04-2008/PHD 04-2008 February 19, 2008
Reaffirm Spending on the Priorities of the 2007-2011 Regional Council Business Plan
Regional Council reaffirmed its support of the priorities established in the 2007-2011 Regional Council Business Plan, thereby knowingly committing to refraining from spending any further resources - financial or otherwise - on the debate or examination of the composition of Regional Council and of municipal governance in the Niagara Region during the current term of this Council.