Council Highlights for March 4, 2026

Council Highlights for March 4, 2026

View the full agenda package here.

The Town of Pelham's regular council meeting was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Pelham Municipal Building at 20 Pelham Town Hall. 

School Board Trustees

Council received a presentation from Nancy Beamer the District of Niagara School Board Trustee for Pelham/Thorold. The presentation highlighted the role of trustees within the school boards and advocated for the support for the continuation of the role. 

Pelham Winterfest Final Report

Council received report 2026-0038 “Pelham Winterfest Final Report 2025/2026,” for information and designated Pelham Winterfest 2026 – Outdoor Christmas Market, to be held on Friday, December 4, 2026, from 4:00 – 9:30 p.m. at 20 Pelham Town Square, a Municipally Significant Event.  Council also authorized the following road closures: Pelham Town Square entrance at Pelham Street to 55 meters east of Pelham Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2026. The final report highlighted the activities that took place from the beginning of December until the second week of January. Pelham Winterfest 2025/26 successfully received a $7,500 grant from the Tourism Partnership of Niagara. This funding helped cover the costs of entertainment, materials and supplies, and advertising. It was used to enhance entertainment at the Christmas Market, purchase supplies for the Pelham Winterfest events, strengthen marketing and advertising for Pelham Winterfest, and fund additional activities throughout the event.

User Fees and Charges

Council received report 2026-0007 “Fees and Charges Rationale and Methodology Report,” for information. The report highlighted how the user fees established by council support cost recovery and reduce reliance on the property tax levy. Recent reviews have strengthened alignment between fees and the full cost of service delivery. The recent fee adjustments, particularly within Recreation, Culture and Wellness, are projected to generate approximately $180,000 in additional annual revenue. Cemetery fee restructuring has also improved cost recovery. Certain fees are legislatively prescribed and cannot be adjusted.  The user fee guide is available at www.pelham.ca

2024 Meridian Community Centre Transformer Fire

Council received an update regarding the insurance claim arising from the transformer fire at the Meridian Community Centre that occurred in April of 2024. Town staff advised council that the insurance claims process is now complete and that the Town will receive approximately $331,000 in total recoveries, reflecting full reimbursement of eligible costs.

Leah Letford, Manager of Communications and Government Relations | 905-980-6653 | lletford@pelham.ca