Council Highlights for December 17, 2025

Council received a presentation from Leilani Lee-Yates, the CAO of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) that detailed the impacts of Bill 68, which received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025. The Ontario Government has set parameters to establish the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency to provide centralized leadership and oversight of Conservation Authorities in Ontario. In addition, the impacts include the proposed consolidation of Conservation Authorities across Ontario from the current 36 to seven. The NPCA that serves the Pelham area would be consolidated into the proposed Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, along with Credit Valley, Hamilton and Halton Conservation Authorities. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is seeking feedback on proposed boundaries and criteria for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities as part of ERO # 025-1257.

Town of Pelham Council unanimously endorsed the development of official feedback to be submitted to support the NPCA and concerns identified. 

Council received a presentation from Pelham resident, Franklyn Mannella requesting council consider a review of a proposed amendment to Bylaw 89-2000 to enable the creation of a Snow Clearing Exemption Permit (SCEP) for residents who have limited parking options during a snow event to allow for ability to park on the "ODD" numbered side of the street. Council requested Town staff survey and review options that have been implemented in other municipalities that have included exemptions or alternatives for areas with a higher number of residents who constantly utilize on street parking and report back to Council in February of 2026.

Council received report 2025-0243 2025 Summer Chill Series Final Report, for information. Council also designated Pelham Summer Chill Supper Market, to be held on Thursdays between June – September 2026 in Peace Park, as a Municipally Significant Event. With the use of the Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM) from the Government of Ontario, the economic impact of the Pelham Summer Chill Series, based on the visitor spending model, is $900,865 for the 13-week season, with an attendance of 40,047. www.pelham.ca/summerchill

Council received report 2025-0263 “Update to the Blue Box Recycling Collection Program Regarding Non-Eligible Sources (NES),” for information. In June 2021, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) introduced a new Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 391/21: Blue Box) that makes producers fully responsible for collecting and recycling the packaging and paper products they supply to consumers. This includes materials that are currently recycled in the blue and grey boxes. Effective January 1, 2026, recycling collection for non-residential properties which include businesses, institutions, places of worship, and community facilities serviced by Niagara Region will be discontinued. This change will also impact the municipality with seven Town owned sites impacted. The collection from the seven Town owned sites will be completed in 2026 by a contractor and it is anticipated that the costs associated with providing recycling will be absorbed into the 2026 operating budget. www.niagararegion.ca/waste 

Council received report 2025-0265 “Recommendation Report – Housekeeping Zoning By-law Amendment for information,” and Council directed Planning Staff to prepare the necessary By-law for Council’s consideration in accordance with the summary, as amended. The summary included line by line proposed regulation and the rationale for the proposed change. Changes reflect updates to align with the Provincial Planning Statement, reflect current terminology, align with the Building Code and provide additional clarity.

Council received report 2025-0261 “Update on Library Renovation Project Professional Services Fees,” for information and council approved the Detailed Design Assignment of Phase 2 for FAC 05-23 in the amount of $131,642 (plus applicable taxes) to Ward 99 Architects to complete the detailed design for Phase 2 of the project. The report provided Council with a summary of the additional negotiated fees and requested to proceed with the design of Phases 1 and 2, as well as the Contract Administration of Phase 1 of the project. Council approved the additional funding for FAC 05-23 in the amount of $75,642 from the Facilities Reserve. 

Council received report 2025-0212 “Election Sign Bylaw Update,” for information and approved the by-law, in principle, and directed the Clerk to place the by-law on an upcoming Council Agenda for formal consideration and directed staff to prepare and present the accompanying Administrative Penalty By-law amendment.

Council received report 2025-0268 “Town Endorsement of an Initiative to Combat Human Trafficking in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector,” for information and Council endorsed, in principle, the regional Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention as proposed by TOES Niagara and Brock University. The Town of Pelham council also committed to implementing the training components of the Code of Conduct, with People Services arranging a human trafficking awareness session for all staff with additional role-specific training for staff whose duties involve entering private residences or engaging frequently with the public by 2027.