Due Diligence in Purchasing Fire Station Property

We are one major step closer in the development of a Fire Station to replace Pelham Station #2.

You will remember me writing here in December about the start of the process to rezone the 4.9 acre property at 766 Welland Road for the development of a Fire Station.

The initial design envisioned the northern portion of the site, which is in the “Urban Boundary”, accommodating the ±10,000 square foot Fire Station, most of the parking, and the driveway. It was hoped that the remaining 2.6 acres – which is in the Greenbelt – could accommodate limited parking and emergency access to Centennial Park.

Well, that’s where we ran into problems with the Province’s Greenbelt. You see, the Greenbelt allows for neither the construction of a Fire Station nor for supporting infrastructure (like parking).

So, we reworked the plan and fit all parking inside the “Urban Boundary.”

The result? We officially completed the property’s zoning last week when the “appeal period” – the time during which anyone can appeal the zoning to the Ontario Municipal Board – ended.

Next, all structures and any environmental concerns on the property will be removed. That process should begin this week and be complete by the end of April

I am extremely pleased with this Council’s obvious due diligence before the completion of the property’s purchase. Here’s the process we followed:
‐ received a consultant report clearly stating that Fire Station #2 needed replacing;
‐ established a working committee to deal issues in consultant’s report;
‐ determined firefighting needs for Fire District #2 based on future growth projections;
‐ determined that required improvements could not occur at current site;
‐ developed “site criteria matrix” to help establish best location / property;
‐ invited the public to submit proposals for a new site;
‐ evaluated all sites and established a preferred site;
‐ completed a functional analysis – space requirements and building configuration;
‐ initiated discussions with landowner and performed an environmental assessment of site;
‐ developed business case to apply for funding;
‐ received $2.0 million joint investment by Federal and Provincial governments;
‐ agreed on property purchase conditional upon price, site clean‐up, and appropriate zoning;
‐ rezoned the site, and currently in process of cleaning it up;
‐ issued “request for proposals” for an architect

Next, Council will consider the architect’s RFPs on April 6 and construction should begin in the summer!

I hope you too are pleased with our due diligence in improving our Town together.

Konnecting Kids in Pelham

While I watched a great Pelham team play hockey on the weekend, I reflected not only about the kids that were playing, but about those that couldn’t afford to play.

You see, on Sunday afternoon my son and I cheered for the Pelham Panthers Bantam A/E Team in their second game for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Finals. These talented and hardworking players have stickhandled their way through a succession of playoffs to advance to the Provincial Finals!

They won their Sunday game against the Elmvale Coyotes by three-to-two and currently lead the best three-of-five series by two games.

The game was fast and their play was tremendous. The Panthers showed exceptional skill. Clearly, not only have they worked very hard individually and as a team, but they also have received great coaching this year and in previous years. (Congratulations to the Bantam A/E coaching team: Coach Dino Germano, Trainer Bill Rizzo, Assistant Coach Jason Young, and Manager John Piccolo!)

You could see everyone playing to the best of their ability. The only things that mattered on the ice were their skills, their training, and their cunning. (And, I wish them all the best in their Friday game in Elmvale! Go Panthers Go!)

But, what if you had a similar talent and drive but your parents couldn’t afford for you to play hockey or soccer or the sport you really love? Or, what if you were skilled and passionate about playing piano or dancing and your mom just lost her job? What if your family couldn’t afford that art class that you are desperate to take?

Seeing Pelham’s Bantam Team play reminded me that it’s important to connect kids to the recreational, cultural, or artistic activity of which they dream. And, during these difficult economic times, it’s even more important to ensure that kids in need have the opportunity to use their talents – for art, for sport, for music – to their fullest potential.

That’s why this year’s Mayor’s Gala will be raising funds to support “Konnecting Kids.” A special partnership fund established in 2001 by the Town and Pelham Cares, “Konnecting Kids” allows a Pelham youth whose family has limited financial resources to participate in recreational, cultural, and educational programs.

The Mayor’s Gala will be on Saturday, May 8 at Peninsula Lakes Golf Club. For more information, tickets or to sponsor the event, please call 905-892-2607 ext. 337. Please consider giving Pelham’s youth the chance to reach their goals!

Firefighters Training for You

I recently stopped in at Fire Station #1 in Fonthill during the Fire Fighter’s regular training night. I was impressed yet again with their dedication, commitment, and hard work.

You see, at the Annual “Installation Dinner” for the Executive of the Fonthill Fire Fighter’s Association, President Les Hildebrand invited me to “stop by some time to see what goes on during a training night.” I was pleased to accept his offer last week.

The forty Firefighters were organized into three Companies.

The first Company concentrated on the Rescue Truck. They cleaned it until it sparkled and checked it out from top to bottom. They removed all the tools and supplies, double-checked them, and repackaged them into the vehicle. They ensured that everything was in good working order for the next call and for their “hand-off” to another Company. You see, their Team has been assigned to the Rescue Truck for the last three months; soon a different Company will take over and they will be assigned to another vehicle.

The second Company concentrated on the Pumper Truck. They reviewed the proper technique for pulling out the fire hoses as quickly as possible; within a blink of an eye they backed toward the vehicle, loaded the hose on their shoulder, and advanced in the direction they wanted to go. They worked to ensure that the hose wouldn’t snag or kink thereby reducing the water pressure. Then, after they pulled all the hoses out, they practiced repacking them properly. Later, a member of this Company took the Tanker truck out for a test drive; I was told that it’s one thing driving a fire truck, it’s another thing driving one in an emergency.

The third Company trained in the hall. One firefighter led a discussion on the use of the Arial Truck and on different types of ladders. He displayed pictures of other firefighters using ladders during a training exercise to discuss proper techniques and to point out errors. The Company then developed plans to test the techniques this week at a home in Pelham; they planned to get hands-on by setting-up the Arial Truck and surrounding the home with portable ladders and fire hoses.

I am pleased to have witnessed this snap-shot of their extensive training. On your behalf, I express my deep appreciation for the dedication, commitment, and hard work of each of the more than 100 part-time, professional firefighters in Pelham.

Region & Police Working Together

You will recall that in October I wrote about how the Niagara Region and the Niagara Regional Police are now working together for the benefit of all residents, visitors and taxpayers.

I wrote then about how a joint Police / Regional plan was being developed. The Plan was intended to provide the Police with the appropriate and best facilities that they need for effective and efficient policing. The Plan also needed to allow for better managed financing – more respectful of your Regional property tax investment. Finally, the Plan called for planning issues to be solved and potential partnerships to be solidified.

Well, another step in the Plan began last week as Regional Council and the Niagara Regional Police Board met jointly to discuss sites for the proposed new Police Headquarters and new District HQs for St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.

Cooperation was evident from the meeting’s outset. Members of the Police Board sat among Regional Councillors. The Police Board Chair, Larry Iggulden, sat next to Regional Chair Peter Partington. Chief Wendy Southall sat next to the Region’s Chief Administrative Officer, Mike Trojan. And Police and Regional staff on the Joint Committee offered the same recommendations to both Council and the Police Board.

But, why did we meet “in camera” (which in Latin means “in private”)?

Generally, the Ontario Municipal Act allows for Councillors to meet in camera for three major items: land, legal, and labour. That means, when we discuss the purchase or sale of a specific property, or labour / union matters, or any specific legal matters, we can hold the discussions in private so that the decisions of Council are not jeopardized.

In this specific case, for instance, we discussed the +25 sites across the Region that have the potential to be purchased for new Police facilities. We met “in camera” so that the owners of those properties would not increase their prices.

Like with a home purchase, if you know that someone really, really wants to buy your property, you might be tempted to increase the price or add conditions to the sale. Discussing the matter confidentially helps to protect the tax-payer and to keep specific property prices in check.

It was a lengthy but positive discussion and staff were directed to research additional information over the next couple of months and report back to Council.

Rest assured that I remain committed to securing the best locations that balance Police operational needs, good Planning principles and taxpayer affordability.

Why a 2.6% property tax increase?

At our February 16th Regular Meeting, Council approved the Town’s 2010 Operating Budget.

What does that mean for your pocket book?

Well, the average residential property value for 2010 is expected to be $260,000. If your home and property were assessed at that value, you would be paying an additional $31 or a total of $1,247 on the Pelham portion of your property bill. This accounts for an increase of 2.6% for the average residential property in Pelham.

What are the reasons for this increase?

Well, first there are a number of uncontrollable cost escalations facing the Town’s operations. For example, while insurance premiums were stable last year, this year they will increase by 7%. Similarly, the cost of employee benefits did not increase at all last year; this year the same benefits package will increase by 7%.

In addition, last year Council made staffing changes. We made the fire prevention officer full time, and hired a full-time bylaw officer and an assistant recreation manager. These employees were budgeted to start part way through the year; we now have to annualize their wages. And, effective March 2010, we hired an IT person – to integrate our systems with technology and to help find more efficiencies.

Council also accepted the Treasurer’s suggested decreases in some of the Town’s revenues. For instance, over the last number of years, the Town has consistently over-budgeted on revenues from new developments; the 2010 budget fixes that assumption.

And, you might find it interesting that nearly half (or 1.2%) of the 2.6% increase this year is to take care of unfunded capital expenses from 2004. You see, in 2004 the Town spent 411,230 on fire fighting equipment; but, it wasn’t actually debentured (mortgaged) as was planned. Instead, the debt appeared on subsequent financial statements as to be paid by “future revenue.” Last year, Council decided to deal with the debt, and established a five year repayment plan. As a result, the 2010 operating budget includes an additional $103,000 to deal with this debt. Interestingly, if we didn’t have pay for this unfunded debt, the budget would have increased at the projected rate of inflation for 2010 (or 1.4%).

To put the 2010 increase into perspective, the previous Council increased the Pelham portion of your property taxes by 14.8% in 2004, 16.1% in 2005, and 5.6% in 2006. This Council increased your property taxes by 4.7% in 2007, 4.8% in 2008, 1.8% in 2009, and now 2.6% in 2010.

Rest assured that this Council acts prudently with your money.

If you would like additional information about the 2010 operating budget, please visit the Town’s website at www.pelham.ca.

Sound and Fury

So, there has been a little fury over the draft noise bylaw that Town staff proposed at last week’s General Committee meeting.

You see, the Municipal Act allows for Towns to pass bylaws to prohibit and regulate noise. Most people accept that it is in the public interest to regulate noise and noise levels to preserve, protect, and promote public health, safety, welfare, and peace and quiet.

The existing Noise Bylaw was enacted in September 1981 with a very minor revision (to change the penalty clause) in February 1993. While it is a comprehensive bylaw, I believe it contains two major drawbacks.

First, the bylaw uses a map to delineate between the rules in two areas – residential and agricultural. As you can imagine, the Town has grown considerably in the last 30 years and the map is out-of-date. The map does not include residential growth areas like Timber Creek, Timsdale, Chestnut Ridge, or Martha Court.

And, because it is based on a map, it is not a “living” bylaw. What do I mean? Well, the proposed bylaw does not use a map, but rather relies on properties that are zoned Residential (in any of their forms) in the zoning bylaw. If approved, all residentially zoned properties would need to adhere to rules for the “Residential Area.” If a property’s zoning changes, the rules for that property change.



Second, the existing bylaw makes no allowance for noises produced on commercial or industrial properties. That’s largely because it only has two areas – residential and agricultural. In contrast, the proposed bylaw has two classes – residential and non-residential. The non-residential (termed “all other areas”) includes all other property classes like agricultural, industrial and commercial. As you would expect, noise is tightly restricted in the residentially zoned properties. The proposed bylaw allows more latitude in other areas.

The new bylaw removes some antiquated provisions. For example, the regulation of “snow making equipment” is removed since Lookout hasn’t had a ski run for many years.

In addition, since society is more environmentally conscious now, the proposed bylaw allows a maximum of 30 minutes for commercial vehicle idling in non-residential areas; it would ban such idling in residential areas.

Please note that the bylaw is only a draft. It has not been passed.

In fact, Council is looking for your feedback and input by March 1 to develop an appropriate bylaw. I would encourage you to review the draft at www.pelham.ca and I look forward to your constructive ideas.

"Do Not Enter" Gone For Good

It’s been bugging me for a couple of years. And, maybe you never even noticed it, but subliminally it may have had an effect. If it did, it was the incorrect message for our Town Hall.

What am I talking about? The “Do Not Enter” sign in front of Pelham Town Hall!

You see, last week Charter Commercial Contractors of St. Catharines began work on the addition / renovation to Town Hall. And, last Thursday, Dean Allison, our Member of Parliament, Don Ward, Charter’s President, all of Pelham Council, and I ceremonially broke ground on the 1,200 square foot addition to Pelham Town Hall.

We are extending the life expectancy of our municipal building to ultimately provide better, more efficient service to you and your neighbours.

How?

While the addition will become the Town’s new Council Chambers will also allow for a multi-use meeting space. This flexible, fully-accessible area will be available for community groups to use to the fullest. Since it will be easily adaptable, it could be used for public meetings, open houses, workshops, training sessions, small group discussions, and a multitude of other gatherings.

The renovation will convert the former Chamber into three offices and another meeting room. While we re-organized and renovated most of the rest of Town Hall over the last two years, this final renovation will ultimately create the space for a couple of much-needed and fully-budgeted staff. The first, a Construction Inspector, will oversee Town infrastructure projects and residential developments to ensure they follow all Town guidelines and rules. The second, a Computer IT Specialist, will help bring our computer systems into the 21st Century.

Finally, the addition will allow for the construction of a second floor on top of the Chamber in case it will be required in the future.

The project will cost an estimated $380,000 of which $160,000 is provided through the federal government’s Community Adjustment Fund (CAF). The funding will help provide work for local workers and provide a boost to Niagara’s economy over the period of construction.

But what about the “Do Not Enter” sign?

Well, the addition will extend the building to the North, and will remove the sweeping, curved driveway around the building. You will recall that that driveway was “One Way Only.”

With that driveway gone, we will also remove the “Do Not Enter” sign. Now, the message will be correct for your Town Hall – “Please enter.”

Presentation to Provincial Committee

A couple of weeks ago, I had the honour of being re-elected as the Co-Chair of the Corporate Services Committee at the Region. The committee is one of four “standing committees” (a permanent, legislative committee) and members oversee the Region’s financial management and planning, human resources, information technology, facilities, and legal services.

As a Committee Co-Chair, occasionally I am called on to be the Acting Regional Chair. This Monday, Chairman Partington asked me to represent him and Regional Council at the Province’s Pre-Budget Consultation at the Standing Committee of Finance & Economic Affairs. Travelling across Ontario, this Provincial Committee is seeking input on the Government’s 2010 Budget.

For your information, here are my speaking notes for my submission:


Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Pre-Budget Consultations (Ontario)

Submissions of Regional Municipality of Niagara
Dave Augustyn, Acting Regional Chair & Mayor, Town of Pelham

Introduction
• Self-Introduction – Acting for and bring greetings from Regional Chair Peter Partington
• Also introduce Mike Trojan, the Region’s Chief Administrative Officer
• I am here this morning representing Niagara Region, but also as the Mayor of the Town of Pelham, one of Niagara’s 12 lower tier municipalities. (A little bit about Pelham).
• A warm welcome to Niagara. Understand that you have already heard from my colleague Mayor Ted Salci to welcome you to Niagara Falls earlier this morning.
• I compliment your Committee for traveling – bringing provincial decision-makers closer to the people. Something we strive to do across the Region.
• We are circulating a short slide deck that provides the committee a “Coles Notes” version of my presentation. and of course, I will leave a copy of my notes with the Clerk.

OVERVIEW
• The purpose of our presentation is to give you a Niagara flavor that hopefully will be considered I the preparation of the next provincial budget. Specifically:
o To provide a quick overview on the state of the economy here in Niagara as context
o To stress the importance of predictable and sustainable funding for infrastructure and social programs
o To thank the government for your on-going assistance in this regard, and
o To recommend that the government work harder to control provincial arbitrator decisions – need to limit escalating arbitration awards to Police and Fire services.

State of Economy in Niagara
• While the Niagara area ranks number one in Canada as a tourist destination, I regret to remind you that Niagara ranks number 2 overall in Canada for unemployment. At 10.8%, we rank 2nd only to the City of Windsor at 13.3%.
• Our citizens tend to be older on average, tend to have greater health problems and are worse off economically than the rest of the province on average.

• Between 1997 and 2007 Niagara economy grew 26.3% while the overall Ontario economy grew by 37.8%
• During same period we experienced employment growth of 12.9%, in contrast to the Ontario average of 27.6%
• We have been particularly hard it with the loss of manufacturing Jobs – the closure of John Deer plant in Welland, Dana Corporation in Thorold, Atlas Specialty Steel, Cangro Foods and the downsizing of General Motors to name only a few.
• In general our household incomes are lower and our youth are having to leave Niagara to find good paying jobs.
• Despite our number one rank as a tourist destination, but I can tell you that even tourism is lagging due to the downturn in our economy and in the U.S.A.
o But we hope that will return…………….
• Some realities that show hope and how we need to position ourselves for the future
o Niagara is above the provincial average for producing college graduates – who are workforce ready
o Niagara is strategically located because we are within a truckers daily drive to over 50% of the North American Market, and popularity of Niagara border crossings increasing surpassing that of Sarnia and Windsor combined in 2008.
 This trend supports the need for GTA to Niagara Corridor (or previously known as the Mid Pen Peninsula) to proceed.
o We are a region of entrepreneurs with diverse business growth – in fact we have an above average number of small to medium sized businesses (SME’s)
 Brock Bio-Science Centre is helping to incubate new business
• Niagara is working to create niche markets – see real potential in alternative energy and renewable energy – perhaps we will see Niagara emerge as “Ontario’s cradle of renewable energy”
o Niagara Falls and “Big Becky” are huge successes in renewable energy generation
o Niagara has formed a partnership with the Rankin group to form “Wind Niagara” – a small corporation looking to attract and grow wind power components. Our geographic positioning makes Niagara a perfect location to grow renewable energy businesses.
o The Abitibi Paper Mill is building a $500M Co-Generation system that will make the Thorold Mill totally energy self sufficient producing about 250MW of poser the majority of which will be fed back into the grid.
• Just to name a few examples………….

THANK YOU for Recent Investments in Niagara:
• I need to acknowledge the many examples of provincial assistance we are benefiting from in Niagara. So please accept our thanks for:
o The millions of dollars of investments over the last few years under various infrastructure programs that have resulted in improvements both regionally and within local municipalities as well including major road rehabilitation and expansion projects; water and waste water system improvements and critical bridge repair work;
 The Province alone has invested approx. $62 million in the 12 local municipalities, and another $30 million in Regional projects.
 Together with the municipal and Federal share, this means approx. $281 million of infrastructure improvements.
o Your on-going commitment to the widening of Highway 406, for rehabilitation and expansion works necessary to make the Niagara District Airport more commercially viable;
o For your assistance in making the Niagara Convention and Civic Center a reality that will help bring more investment to this City and the Region
o You have also helped in the creation of the Vineland Research and Innovation Center; Niagara Ambulance Communication Pilot; and
o Uploading -- We need to also thank the government for not to choosing to balance their budget woes through the delay in uploading the cost of social services – with case loads peaking now due to the recent recession the continuation of this upload as planned is critical. We would ask that you continue with negotiated and scheduled uploads.

But, the Need for On-going, Predictable Investments Continues
• Ladies and gentlemen we realize the current state of the economy provincially and the province’s fiscal situation (pushing $25B) deficit and we realize that most of this deficit is because of the significant infrastructure stimulus funding the government has been invested in municipalities to help create local jobs.
• We want to thank you for those investments and your focus on jobs.
• The need for continued and for stable infrastructure funding is critical to better connect Niagara internally and with our trading partners.
• Long term stable infrastructure funding is our largest area of need – [not unlike the rest of the Country]
• Members may not yet be familiar with the survey just released last week through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. This survey of Canadians indicates that 96% of Canadians want the government to maintain or increase spending for local infrastructure.
• Canadians feel that we are lagging behind in infrastructure improvements and see that as a threat to their future prosperity.
• Survey says “do not balance your books by cutting much-needed investments in our community infrastructure”
• In Niagara we estimate our longer term infrastructure needs – to bring our existing infrastructure to optimal state of repair and to grow our system to match our anticipated growth -- to be approximately $1.6 billion dollars for the next 10 years.. Then there are the needs of the 12 lower-tier municipalities.
• In contrast, we estimate that Niagara’s taxpayers can afford to pay for about $1.3 billion over 10 years. This leaves a $300 million funding gap.
• I say “Niagara Taxpayers” because we use an “ability to pay” philosophy – we endeavor to tax well below the average annual increases in household income.
• We agree with the province that infrastructure spending is one the best and quickest ways to stimulate the economy, get people back to work, and increase government revenues.
• When people are working there is less strain on our jointly funded – by Province and by Region -- social programs as well.
• Niagara is also currently debating whether to and how to integrate the existing transit systems in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Welland into a Regional transit system.
• Good transit could better serve students, employees, and those looking for work. It could also better link tourist features and the recently expanded GO Transit to Niagara.
• We know this is a focus of the Provincial Government and that you provide Gas Tax revenues for vehicle replacements. We encourage you to maintain that investment.

Arbitrated Settlements
• I am going to change course now and talk about an issue that is of growing concern not only to Niagara but to many other municipalities across Ontario as well – and that is the desperate need for a clearer direction to Provincial Arbitrators with regard to settlements for Police and Fire services.
• [If you need some history I can give it to you during questions, however] It is becoming financially prohibitive for all municipalities to keep pace with arbitrated settlements.. Our police forces and fire departments play a vital role in our communities and we have to have them – but their arbitrated wages settlements are becoming unsustainable and unaffordable.
• Too often, Arbitrators look to other jurisdictions to guide their settlements. Unfortunately Arbitrators are not considering “ability to pay” of the local area – even Windsor has lost that battle with Police and Fire
• This is creating two tier classes of employees – and we are seeing growing pressure from other employee groups for greater recognition of their work as well
o Public works employees in confined spaces and trenches
o Utility workers (proximity to gas, electricity)
o Nurses, Personal Support Workers in the homes
o Your own correctional workers………….
• It is creating compression issues within municipalities (for example Fire Officers making more than our Finance and Public Works Directors with larger span of control / complexity).
• I tabled a motion that was supported by Regional Council last Thursday night that will asks the Government to require that arbitrators take into account a municipality’s – hence our taxpayer’s -- ability to pay and the health of the local economy.
Conclusion
• In conclusion Mr. Chair – I want to thank you for the opportunity to give you some food for thought as the government prepares for its next budget.
• On behalf of Niagara Regional Council I would like to thank this committee for listening and the government for listening
• It is critical to us to keep infrastructure dollars flowing and we are truly thankful for provincial funding programs.
o Keep the gas tax coming; turn programs like Investing in Ontario, Building Canada, ISF funding, Bus replacement programs and others into long term stable and sustainable funding.
o We are pleased with the outcome of the Provincial Municipal Service Delivery Review results and the uploading of the costs for social services – we need that to continue.
o And finally – please help us to stabilize wages through provincial direction to more strongly consider ability to pay in terms of arbitrated settlements.
Thank you

Seeking to Revitalize Downtown Fenwick

I have some more news regarding the revitalization of Pelham’s Downtowns.

You will recall that in late 2008 the Town applied for funding from the Federal and Provincial government to revitalize both Fonthill’s and Fenwick’s Downtowns. The $7.1 million application envisioned major infrastructure enhancements: water, waste-water, and storm-sewer improvements; burying of hydro cables; road improvements; and proper streetscaping – better parking, brickwork, decorative lampposts, benches and planters.

In early 2009 we heard we were successful in achieving two-thirds funding to revitalize Downtown Fonthill. Those designs are in the final stages and work will be starting this spring. However, the improvements for Fenwick were deemed a second project and ineligible for that funding.

But, in December the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced a second “intake” for the Community Adjustment Fund. To be eligible for funding, the projects must be for community organizations, small-to-medium-sized businesses, or municipalities and completed by March 31, 2011.

While the $128 million fund is available for business to expand production capacity, technology, or access to markets, it also supports the “revitalization and development of downtown core” areas.

Following a Resolution at a Special Council meeting last week, the Town applied for $2.3 million of funding from the Federal Government for the revitalization of Fenwick’s Downtown. The $2.7 million project would provide help “calm” traffic by creating urban design features – like pedestrian crossing treatments or gateways – that work with the road design to slow traffic. The works would help to visually distinguish the downtown core, provide decorative roadway and pedestrian lighting to improve safety, and widen sidewalks to help make it more walkable.

What about the flagpole at the intersection of Maple Street and Canboro Road? People seem to have strong feelings about what to do with the historic structure. Some suggest the status quo. Others envision the flagpole in the middle of a roundabout which could help reduced speeds and enhance the perception of the downtown core.

The Town, via an engineering consultant, has already started formulating the design for Downtown Fenwick. Rest assured you will have a chance to comment as they present design concepts for a revitalized downtown.

If you would like to support the Town’s application, please write to:
Community Adjustment Fund
151 Yonge Street, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON M5C 2W7

and reference the Town of Pelham’s application to Revitalize Downtown Fenwick.

You may also want to encourage our Member of Parliament, Dean Allison, to continue to invest in Pelham. His address is:

Dean Allison
Niagara-West Glanbrook MPP
4994 King Street
Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0
or email at info@deanallison.ca.

"Taking Stock" on Property Taxes

As a New Year begins, many of us like to “take stock” on our personal and professional lives. Many find it a good time to review the last year and to ask, how and what can we improve.

On the professional side, this review got me thinking about one of the major yardsticks for residents of Municipalities – property taxes.

Now, it is too early to talk about the 2010 Operating Budget and its impacts on the 2010 Property Tax Levy; Council will start reviewing the Budget in February.

You will recall that Pelham Council did approve the 2010 Capital Budget on November 30 – the earliest ever. In fact, Staff has already started tendering capital projects in order to get ahead of other municipalities, and to (hopefully) get better pricing.

Property Tax Calculation:
You will recall that I have written here often about property taxes, about how we prudently invest your taxes in the Town, and about how it is calculated.

The amount of property tax you pay to the Town of Pelham, to the Region, and to the Province (for Education) is based on the Market Value Assessment of your property multiplied by each of the tax rates.

Despite your tax rate being set by each entity for their services, the Town collects the tax and distributes it.

Your assessment is solely set by MPAC. The Town and the Region cannot change any element of this assessment process.

From 2004 to 2009:

You will remember that Pelham’s final 2009 property tax increase of 1.8% was the second lowest increase in Niagara Region last year.

But, what about over a longer period of time? Let’s compare this term of Council so far with the last term of Council.

The average increase of property tax on the Pelham portion of your tax bill for the last three years was 3.8%; for the previous three years it was 12.2%. If you “take stock” on the entire tax bill – Pelham, Region, Education – the past three year’s average was 2.1% compared to 5.9%.



Pelham staff has diligently followed this Council’s direction to ensure minimal impact on you and other property tax-payers without decreasing the current level and quality of services. Staff found efficiencies, ways to work smarter, and stayed focused on service to the community.

I am pleased with our record and look forward to 2010 Operating Budget deliberations in February.