The Regional Chair wished everyone a merry Christmas and a safe, warm and happy holiday season. The Regional Chair hopes that everyone will take the time to enjoy the best of the season with family and friends. The Regional Chair is looking forward to seeing everyone after the holidays as we get back to a busy start in what promises to be another great year for Niagara Region.
Regional Council was reminded of the Regional Chair's Levee that will be taking place on January 16, 2010 in the Atrium at Regional Headquarters from 1 to 4 p.m.
Regional Council thanked the talented young voices of the Smithville Christian High School Choir for sharing the festive spirit with Regional Council and their music director, Dawne Warkentin.
Regional Council recognized Councillor Marshall for 25 years of service, Councillor Puttick for 39 years of service, Councillor Saracino for 36 years of service, Councillor Smeaton for 36 years of service and Councillor Zimmerman for 30 years of service. These councillors have over the years made outstanding contributions to the communities they represent and to Niagara as a whole. As all of us know, public service often involves enormous sacrifice, and these individuals have given much of themselves and asked much of their families in order to serve their fellow residents. The recognition they received this evening for their hard work, leadership and dedication is greatly deserved.
The Olympic Torch will arrive and travel through Niagara in the near future and the Regional Chair encouraged everyone to demonstrate their Olympic pride by taking part in the relay as it comes through Niagara. We have a rich Olympic history here in the region and the Regional Chair is confident that our future athletes will continue to make Niagara and Canada proud.
The Regional Chair was pleased to announce that the Region has been selected to host the 2011 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Annual Conference. Our unique location combined with our world-class hospitality and conference facilities and the Region's experience in managing a range of water issues make us an ideal host. The conference is an excellent opportunity to promote Niagara to an international audience. Special thanks to Councillor McMullan for his support of the Region's application.
The Regional Chair advised Regional Council that this would be the final time they would be graced with the presence of our Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Doug Sider. Dr. Sider has served the Region and his fellow residents in a manner and style that is truly unique - and one that has earned him the respect and admiration from those both inside and outside of the organization. Dr. Sider brought a certain warmth and humour to the very important and serious work carried out daily by our Public Health Department. Dr. Sider's commitment and passion for excellence and to the health and well-being of Niagara residents shone through in all he did, and his contribution to the Region, to the Public Health department and to his fellow citizens is greatly appreciated. On behalf of Council, the Regional Chair thanked Dr. Sider for his hard work and dedicated service, and extended best wishes for continued success in his new role with the province of Ontario.
Regional Council approved the 2010 Capital Budget, moving forward our 2010 capital projects, which help stimulate Niagara's economic recovery while addressing the region's ongoing need for infrastructure renewal.
In keeping with the Regional Chair's personal values, one hundred per cent of the funds will be provided to the youth of our community through ProKids and the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara. In attendance to receive the cheque in the amount of $70,000 were JoAnne Turner, Executive Director; Bill Walters, President of the Boys and Girls Club along with some of the children and David Wyllie, Vice President of Financial Development & Communications; June Mergl, Member of the YMCA of Niagara Board of Directors.
The Regional Chair noted the he is looking forward to next year's event which will take place on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Legends on the Niagara and hopes to see you all there.
Regional Council approved the following days and times for all Standing Committee meetings, as per the existing 2010 Meeting Schedule, Committee Week, the Standing Committees will meet on: