Council Highlights for March 5, 2025

View the full agenda package for Council. 

The Town of Pelham regular council meeting was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Pelham municipal building at 20 Pelham Town Hall.

Tree Protection Practices in the Town of Pelham

Council received two delegations regarding Tree Protection Practices in the Town of Pelham—one from Graham Pett, Vice-President of Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat (PATH), and another from resident Mike Jones, both advocating for the adoption of a tree by-law.

Council received report 2025-0057 Tree Protection Practices in the Town of Pelham and directed staff to undertake a combination of Option 1 “Maintain Current Approach - Encourage Voluntary Stewardship and Expand Tree Canopy Initiatives” and Option 2 “Update Town Official Plan Policies and the Niagara Region Woodland Conservation By-law related to Additional Tree Protection” to enhance tree protection practices in the Town.

Green Wall at the Meridian Community Centre

Council received report 2025-0060 Green Wall at the Meridian Community Centre. The recommendation was defeated, and no further action will be taken on this matter.

Administrative Penalty By-law - 2025 Update to Schedule A

Council received memo 2025-0064 – 2025 Administrative Penalty By-law: Update to Schedule A and subsequently approved By-law 12-2025. An executed copy of the by-law, inclusive of the amended penalties, will be available on the Town of Pelham By-law webpage.

Proposed Policy for Repurchase or Transfer of Interment Rights Without Certificate

Council received report 2025-0070 2025 Proposed Policy for Repurchase or Transfer of Interment Rights Without Certificate and approved Policy No. S802-05, Repurchase or Transfer of Interment Rights Without Interment Rights Certificate.

1415 Station Street - Recommendation Report - OPA-ZBA - OP-AM-01-2024 and AM-09-2024                       

Council received report 2025-0049 2025 1415 Station Street - Recommendation Report - OPA-ZBA - OP-AM-01-2024 and AM-09-2024 and directed Planning staff to prepare the necessary Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for Council’s consideration at the next Regular Meeting of Council.

Community Safety Zone Implementation            

Council received report 2025-0068 2025 Community Safety Zone Implementation and approved the adoption of the Community Safety Zone Policy S801-14, and directed staff to prepare the necessary by-laws to allow for the implementation of the Community Safety Zones identified within Appendix A of this report.

Purchase of Two Combination Snow Plows Through Canoe

Council received report 2025-0069 2025 Purchase of Two Combination Snow Plows Through Canoe and approved the acquisition of two combination snowplow/spreader units through the Canoe Procurement Group for a total cost of $721,790.

To address the budget variance of $21,790, Council directed staff to allocate $19,741 from the 2024 Capital Fleet Project (VEH-01-24) budget surplus, with the remaining $2,049 to be covered by the Fleet Reserve.

Options to Fill Vacant Niagara Regional Council Seat for the Balance of the 2022-2026 Term         

Council received report 2025-0067 Options to Fill Vacant Niagara Regional Council Seat for the Balance of the 2022-2026 Term and directed staff to pursue an appointment through a call for applications.

The application will be posted on the Town’s website on Monday, March 10th, 2025, by 12:00 p.m., for a 10-day period. Additional details, including key dates and application requirements, will also be available on the website.

Winter 2025 Road Condition Inspection and Needs Assessment

Council received report 2025-0074 Winter 2025 Road Condition Inspection and Needs Assessment and approved an additional $517,081 in capital funds for Road Rehabilitation on Foss Road. The work will be completed between the CP Rail Tracks and Balfour Street and between Effingham Street and the Town boundary, approximately 350 meters east of Haist Street. To fund the project, Council approved using the underspent Road Rehabilitation budgets: RD-09-23 for $145,764 and RD-07-24 for $282,298, totaling $428,062. An additional budget of $89,019 will be funded from the roads reserve.

Fonthill Lions 80 Years of Service

Council recognized and celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Fonthill Lions Club. The Fonthill Lions Club continues to support local causes, benefiting organizations like Pelham Cares, Wellspring Niagara, and the Welland Hospital Foundation. Council formally honoured the Club’s members, past and present, for their commitment to humanitarian service and expressed anticipation for its continued impact on the community.

Restaurant Patio Exemptions

Council acknowledged its commitment to supporting local businesses, particularly in the restaurant sector, which continues to face economic challenges. Council previously granted special exemptions to waive the requirement for up to six parking spaces, allowing restaurants to operate temporary pop-up parking lot patios as a relief measure during COVID-19 restrictions. These exemptions were applied under the previous Zoning By-law. In light of ongoing challenges, Council directed staff to prepare a report with a planning analysis on the feasibility and implications of continuing these exemptions for restaurant owners and food vending vehicles under Zoning By-law 4481-2022 for the 2025 season.

Video recording and live stream of the meeting can be viewed at www.pelham.ca/live 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Leah Letford, Communications Specialist | 905-980-6653 | lletford@pelham.ca