Local News Briefs

/ by
  • Region Approves 7.29% Budget Hike – After looking line by line for savings, the Niagara Region Budget Committee has approved a 7.29% increase to the 2023 budget. The budget, which is expected to be approved on Thursday by Regional Council, came in higher than normal due to the inflation, pandemic recovery and the added cost of the amalgamated transit which transferred costs from the cities and towns to the region. (CKTB)
  • YMCA Partnership Being Discussed – A partnership proposal between the new owners of the St. Catharines YMCA building and the City of St. Catharines to operate the facility is being discussed. The proposal is expected to be a partnership model where the city can provide recreational programming in the pool, gym and other areas. Atria Development Corp. say they are eager to get the facility back in operation. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • Migrants Relocating To Niagara Falls – The federal government has been relocating more migrants to hotel rooms in Niagara Falls and now there are around 3,000 migrants staying in the tourist district. Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati is calling on the federal government to come up with a plan and provide resources as the city is still recovering from the pandemic and needs to have available hotel rooms for tourists. (CTV News)
  • Fort Erie Approves Budget – The Town of Fort Erie has approved a 0.88% increase to their 2023 budget, resulting in an average increase of $12 to homeowners in property taxes this year. The budget includes $4.5 million for the Pt. Abino Road South Reinstatement of the Shoreline Protection and Road Reconstruction, $2.3 million to revitalize Douglas Park and $2.1 million for road resurfacing. (Giant FM)
  • No Heat Requirements For Hallways – The City of St. Catharines is removing the minimum heat requirement for shared hallways in rental units. Previously the city’s bylaw required common hallways to be kept at 20 degrees celsius but it was difficult to enforce the rule where there was an entrance with doors that opened and closed regularly. However, some councilors worried the removal of the heating requirement will lead to cold hallways for tenants. (St. Catharines Standard)