Council Highlights for October 7, 2026

Council Highlights for October 7, 2026

The Town of Pelham's regular council meeting was held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Pelham Municipal Building at 20 Pelham Town Hall. 

Employment Areas and Affordable Housing Study

Council received report 2026-0218 “Project Initiation and Existing Conditions and Needs Assessment Report - Employment Areas and Affordable Housing Study” for information, along with a presentation from Greg Bender, Director, WSP Canada; Will Lamond, Senior Planner, WSP Canada; Chris White, Principal, Parcel Economics; and Ryan Taylor, Associate, Parcel Economics. Once completed, this study will provide the Town with an evidence-based assessment of its existing and future employment land and affordable housing needs and will identify appropriate planning policy directions to support the Town's anticipated growth.

Proposed Building By-Law - Administrative, Procedural and Operational Changes

Council received report 2026-0219 “Building By-law – Final Report,” for information, along with a presentation from Town of Pelham Chief Building Official Andrew McMurtrie. Council then approved in principle the proposed new building by-law, which features proposed changes that are primarily administrative and intended to improve clarity, consistency, and efficiency in the administration of building permits. Once approved, the new building by-law will come into effect on January 1, 2027.

Pilot Program for Dog Waste Diversion Update

Council received report 2026-0205 “Pilot Program for Dog Waste Diversion Update,” for information, and praised staff on the success of this pilot program. These dog waste containers have results in a significant decrease in complaints related to dog waste, and have allowed staff resources to be directed to other project. Based on the success of the program, staff will include provisions in the 2027 Capital Budget for the potential installation of an additional three units at new locations. Residents can learn more about this project at www.pelham.ca/parks.

2026 Pelham Pool Renovation Project Update

Council received memo 2026-0221 “2026 Pelham Pool Renovation Project Update,” for information. Staff reported that the condition of the pool was better than expected at the start of renovations, meaning that these improvements have the possibility to extend the life of the pool beyond the initial 10-year estimate provided to council. The project remains on track and is expected to be completed on time and on budget in advance of the 2027 season.

Letter to the Province - Regional Strong Chair Powers Joint Letter

Mayor Junkin presented a letter signed by eight mayors in Niagara that has been sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, including recommendations for actions that could be beneficial when the new structure of Regional Council begins following the election. The full letter can be read at www.pelham.ca/governancereview.

AMO Conference Thank You From the Ministry of Red Tape Reduction

Deputy Mayor Eckhardt shared a letter sent by the Ministry of Red Tape Reduction, thanking Pelham for attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference and meeting with members of the ministry while there. The ministry shared that they appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from Pelham about processes for routine infrastructure and asset replacement projects, including archaeological assessment requirements and their impacts on housing development.

Regular Council Meeting Scheduled for October 21, 2026

Council received memo 2026-0171 “Regular Council Meeting Scheduled for October 21, 2026,” for information and directed staff to cancel the upcoming Regular Council Meeting scheduled for October 21, 2026. This cancellation will allow staff to focus on the election, taking place on October 26, 2026. The October 21 council meeting cancellation will be posted on the Town’s social media and website to ensure residents are made aware of the change.

Pelham Winter Market Enhancement and Relocation

Council received report 2026-0216 “Proposed Pelham Winter Market Enhancement and Relocation,” for information, and directed staff to move the Pelham Christmas Market to the Meridian Community Centre as a pilot initiative. Council also approved changing the date of the Pelham Christmas Market, which will now be held on Thursday, December 3, 2026. This change will reduce the need for downtown road closures, increase the event's accessibility, and provide an indoor option for inclement weather.

Traffic Calming Report for North Pelham Park

Council passed a motion directing staff to investigate the feasibility of installing speed humps or other appropriate traffic-calming measures near both ends of North Pelham Park. Staff will report back to Council with recommended traffic-calming measures, estimated costs and options for implementation in the new year.

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