“Boom, Bust & Echo” in Pelham and Niagara

Do you remember the book entitled "Boom, Bust & Echo" that was popular in the late 1990s? I pulled it off my shelf last week as Statistics Canada released new population data for all communities, including Pelham, from the 2011 Census.

The book, by David K. Foot and Daniel Stoffman, theorized that demographics – the study of population – explained "about two-thirds of everything." They wrote that demographics describes "which products will be in demand, where job opportunities will occur, what school enrolments will be, when house values will rise or drop, what kinds of food people will buy and what kinds of cars they will drive."

Looking at Canadian demographic data, the book groups the population into "cohorts" and names them. For example, you have likely heard of the most famous and largest of cohorts – the "Baby Boomers" – born from 1947 to 1966.

So I took the Statistics Canada data and compared our population in Pelham with the rest of the Niagara Region (excluding Pelham).  It reveals some interesting facts.

In terms of population distribution, the data clearly identifies the presence of "Baby Boomers" – those 45 to 64 (in 2011) – in Pelham and in the rest of Niagara.  If you are one of them, you made up 33% of Pelham’s population, compared to 30% in the rest of Niagara in 2011.

The next group – the Baby Bust – born from 1967 to 1979 would have been 32 to 44 years old in 2011.  This group made up just more than 13% in Pelham and 15% of the rest of Niagara.

Do you too find these differences between Pelham and the Region fascinating?

The Echo group – the children of the Baby Boomers – is another large cohort with additional differences. If you were between 16 and 31 years old in 2011, you were one of more than 16% in Pelham and 19% in Niagara.

The next group of children – referred to as the "Millennium Kids" and aged from zero to 15 years old in 2011 – formed nearly 17% of the population.

Those of other cohorts include the "Roaring Twenties" (aged from 82 to 91 in 2011 and roughly 4% of the population), the "Depression Babies" (from 72 to 81 in 2011 and approximately 8%), and "World War II Babies" (65 to 71 in 2011 and just over 8%).

Perhaps you, like me, wonder what this means to the future of our Town and our Region.  As your Mayor, I will continue to consider what this demographic reality means in terms of current and future public services and facilities.

I plan to write more about Pelham’s demographics in a future column.

(To see what these numbers looked like from last Census, please check out one of my columns from four years ago.)

Progress with Southern Tier Mayors re: NHS

You will recall that in early May, Dr. Kevin Smith, the Provincially-appointed Supervisor of the Niagara Health System (NHS), presented an Interim Report regarding restructuring of the NHS.

 Several of Dr. Smith’s 23 recommendations dealt with facilities. Dr. Smith recommended that in addition to the new St. Catharines facility currently under construction, the NHS should construct a new general acute care hospital as well as a free standing Urgent Care Centre in “South Niagara” and close the existing facilities in Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Welland, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Dr. Smith estimated that this preferred option would cost $879 million in capital, but would “save” $9.5 million in annual operating expenses (on annual budget of $410 million).

His report also identified that a revitalized status quo – 3 acute care / ER sites (GNGH, St. Catharines, Welland), 3 complex care sites (NOTL, Fort Erie, Port Colborne) and 2 Urgent Care Centres (Fort & Port) – would cost $883 million in capital upgrades and “save” only $2 million in more efficient operations.

The hybrid option – 2 acute care / ER sites (GNGH, St. Catharines), 1 Ambulatory & Urgent Care Centre (Welland) and 2 Complex Care Sites (Fort & Port) – would cost $1,165 million in upgrades and “save” $2.8 million in operations.

Dr. Smith stated that the consolidation in his preferred option leads to a “critical mass of clinical activity”, simplifies physician and staff coverage, and better attracts health-care “learners”.

Finally, he recommended that the “Mayors of the ‘Southern Tier’ with input from the Regional Chair” recommend to him the locations for the new Hospital and the stand-alone Urgent Care Centre in the “South”. He suggested that “population density and access” be the primary considerations in our recommendation. (Please see www.niagarahealth.on.ca/supervisor for your copy of the report.)

This group of Mayors and the Chair has met three times. During our first meeting we agreed upon how we would approach our task. In the second meeting, we spoke directly to Dr. Smith and with the Medical Officer of Health and EMS and GIS staff. Last week, we met to review the work of Regional staff and sought additional information. We will meet again during the week of June 4 – just in time for our June 15 deadline.

While we deliberate, I would like to hear directly from you. What additional criteria do you think should be considered in our Mayoral recommendation? What about the impact on communities, or travel times for visitors, or the impact on allied health professionals? What is the priority or ranking of these criteria?

While I have heard from a handful residents already, I am very interested in hearing your thoughts. Please email me directly at mayordave@pelham.ca. You can also email Dr. Smith directly with your suggestions at nhssupervisor@gmail.com.

Support Now, Support Forever

It's gratifying when people not only get dressed up to have a great time but when they also support local charities now and in perpetuity.

On Saturday, May 26, 2012, community volunteers will host the Fourth Annual Pelham Mayor’s Gala. The "Old Hollywood Glamour" Themed gala will occur at Lookout Point Golf & Country Club. We will have the red carpet, a walk of stars (the generous sponsors), great music, exquisite food, an amazing silent auction, and it will be a time to remember.

 But the fun and festivities will have a purpose. Half of the proceeds will be awarded to community groups – charities, service clubs, or not-for-profits organizations – following an application process.

The Gala will support four local groups:
• In The Orchard: to provide one week of art camp for 15 Pelham youths – aged 12 to 18. Their art will be displayed throughout the Town and participants will be expected to offer a free art’s workshop at an upcoming community event.
• Project Lifesaver Niagara: to purchase equipment and work together with the Niagara Regional Police to aid in the search for lost / wondering people with Alzheimer’s disease, autism or any other special needs requirements;
• 1st North Pelham Sparks, Brownies & Guides: to provide camping equipment to a unit that continues to grow in members;
• Horse Alternative Therapeutic Services (HATS): to continue equine experiences and therapy to Pelham residents with special needs – both physical and emotional;

The other half of the gala proceeds will support the establishment of a "Pelham Community Fund" with the Niagara Community Foundation; this fund will make funding for local charities available in perpetuity.

How will that work, you ask? The Niagara Community Foundation provides a structure to establish the Fund, where professional money managers invest the principal, and where the interest will be available in perpetuity to support local / Pelham charities.

Donations toward the fund’s principle can be given from not only the Mayor’s Gala, but also from anyone in the community. As you update your estate plan, for instance, you may want to donate to the Pelham fund – and your gift will assist the community for years and years to come.

 The community continues to generously support the Mayor’s Gala. Both Darla-Prana Healing & Wellness Centre – a new business in Fonthill – and Enbridge Gas Distribution offered to be Platinum / Title sponsors for this year’s gala! Thank you for your significant generosity! Similarly, Dr. Peter Fritz, Accipiter Radar Technologies, E.S. Fox Ltd. and LaFarge Canada are Gold Sponsors. Silver Sponsors include Emterra Environmental, Walker Industries Holdings Limited, Niagara College, and CIBC. Many thanks to all!

Wanting Your Input About New Hospital

Last Thursday, Dr. Kevin Smith, the Provincially-appointed Supervisor of the Niagara Health System (NHS), presented an Interim Report regarding restructuring of the NHS.

Dr. Smith's 23 recommendations ranged from undertaking a national search to recruit a CEO and a Chief of Staff, to establishing a Patient Advisory Committee to ensure patient-centred care, to re-establishing the Board of Directors with "skills based" members.

Several of his recommendations dealt with facilities. Dr. Smith recommended that in addition to the St. Catharines site currently under construction, the NHS should construct a new general acute care hospital as well as a free standing Urgent Care Centre in "South Niagara" and close the existing facilities in Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Welland, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Dr. Smith estimated that this preferred option would cost $879 million in capital, but would "save" $9.5 million in annual operating expenses (on annual budget of $410 million).

He also showed that a revitalized status quo -- 3 acute care / ER sites (GNGH, St. Catharines, Welland), 3 complex care sites (NOTL, Fort Erie, Port Colborne) and 2 Urgent Care Centres (Fort & Port) -- would cost $883 million in capital upgrades and "save" only $2 million in more efficient operations.

The hybrid option -- 2 acute care / ER sites (GNGH, St. Catharines), 1 Ambulatory & Urgent Care Centre (Welland) and 2 Complex Care Sites (Fort & Port) -- would cost $1,165 million in upgrades and "save" $2.8 million in operations.

Dr. Smith stated that the consolidation in his preferred option leads to a "critical mass of clinical activity", simplifies physician and staff coverage, and better attracts health-care "learners".

 Finally, he recommended that the "Mayors of the 'Southern Tier' with input from the Regional Chair" recommend to him the locations for the new Hospital and the stand-alone Urgent Care Centre in the "South". He suggested that "population density and access" be the primary considerations in our recommendation. (Please see www.niagarahealth.on.ca/supervisor for your copy of the report.)

 While I look forward to working with my Mayoral colleagues, I want to hear directly from you regarding this matter. (I will also seek input from Town Councillors at our May 22 meeting.)

 What additional criteria do you think should be considered in our Mayoral recommendation? Should we include other costs like the impact on the Regional EMS program, costs for new transportation infrastructure, or costs for water and waste water servicing enhancements? What about the impact on communities, or travel times for visitors, or the impact on allied health professionals (specialists, pharmacies)? What is the priority or ranking of these criteria? Are there other considerations?

 I am very interested in hearing your views; please email me directly at mayordave@pelham.ca or leave a message for me at Pelham Town Hall. You can also email Dr. Smith directly with your suggestions at nhssupervisor@gmail.com.

Volunteers Key to Town's Success

Last week was National Volunteer Week in Canada. Here’s a snapshot of just one week of volunteers in action in Pelham. Pelham Cares: Congratulations to the members of Pelham Cares for being awarded a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism in Ontario last Friday! The Hon. Charles Sousa, Minister of Citizenship & Immigration, recognized eleven individuals and seven groups for their “…superlative volunteer contributions to their communities and to the province of Ontario.” As the nominee for Pelham Cares, it was my pleasure and honour to witness the awards during a special ceremony in Toronto. As you know, for nearly 30 years, Pelham Cares has supported Pelham and the surrounding area through a variety of community support services. They provide food and supplies to low-income or single parent families, fund sports leagues for kids and offer a volunteer driver service. Again, congratulations on this Provincial honour! Pelham Art Festival: Last Wednesday, the Pelham Art Festival committee held a special event to thank the many committed and creative volunteers who have arranged and organized the Festival for the last 26 years. Not only do they put together the best Art Festival in Niagara, they have also donated more than $345,000 to the Pelham Public Library! Thank you! Please plan on attending the Festival on May 11, 12 and 13 at the Pelham Arena. Fonthill & District Kinsmen: Thanks to the Kinsmen for organizing the Annual Home Show in the Pelham Arena. The show this year not only highlighted businesses, products, and services that serve Pelham residents, they also raise significant funds for Pelham Cares! Other Groups and Volunteers: During last week, I also had the honour of participating in special appreciation lunches for volunteers with the Woodlands of Sunset and Rapelje Lodge Regional Homes, and with the March of Dimes. Thank you to those volunteers who build gardens, pour coffee, organize events, and visit and pray with residents and clients. In addition, the volunteers with the Fonthill Lions & Lioness organized their Annual Agricultural Night to honour and thank the agricultural community for their importance and impact in Pelham. I was also reminded on this Saturday’s Community Clean-up when I saw volunteers from the Church of Christ in Fenwick picking up garbage along the portion of Welland Road that they have “adopted”. And, some Town-related committees – including the Heritage Committee, the Summerfest Planning Committee, members of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council – met to help move the Town forward in specific areas. And so, thank you to the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers in Pelham; you form the foundation of our vibrant and caring community. Because of your hard work and dedication, your vision for an improved Town is being realized!

New Sound System Makes Council More Accessible

During a recent Council meeting, Town staff pointed out to me a gentleman sitting in the front row who was using a small machine to audio-tape Council’s proceedings. This surprised me since we are fortunate that our local Cogeco Cable company regularly video tapes and broadcasts Council meetings. (In fact, I am always pleased when residents inform me that they regularly watch our Council meetings on Cogeco!)

At least one member of Council saw the gentleman’s action and raised a “point of order.” While the Town Clerk read from our procedural bylaw – which was approved in 2005 and allows for recording of Council meetings with expressed written consent – the gentleman ceased his recording. (That meant that I did not actually have to rule on the matter.)

Because Council recently approved some major audio and video improvements to Pelham’s Council Chamber, our meetings should be totally accessible and available for future reference.

Within the last year, the Town applied for and received an “enabling accessibility grant” from the Federal Government. The grant “…supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility, remove barriers, and enable Canadians with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their communities.”

The grant funded improvements include:
* Microphones at each Councillor’s seat and at the presentation podium;
* Speakers to assist members of the public to better hear the proceedings;
* Video cameras, able to record all meetings – including public meetings, Committee of Adjustment meetings, or special meetings (that Cogeco does not currently tape);
* Media inputs for Cogeco, so that their set-up and take-down time will be dramatically reduced to five minutes.

These improvements will also mean that the Town will be able to “stream” digital recordings from the Town’s website and to offer and maintain a record of all meetings.

I hope that these changes will not only make it easier for folks to hear the proceedings of Council or Committee of Adjustment, but also that it will make Council meetings even more accessible to you and your neighbours.

For example, if there’s an issue you read about in the newspaper and you want to see what the discussion looked like, you should be able to do so from the Town’s website.

I hope that these improvements will help advance one of Council’s Strategic Plan themes – “An Engaged and Integrated Community” – by increasing opportunities for you and your neighbours and friends to interact with Council and I and for Council and I to better interact with you.

You may contact Mayor Dave at mayordave@pelham.ca or read past columns at www.pelhammayordave.blogspot.com.

Regional Reconstruction About to Begin

Have you noticed the signs announcing the imminent reconstruction of Regional Road #20 from Rice Road to Station Street?

Since I wrote about the project a few months ago, you may recall that this is the final phase of the reconstruction and expansion of Regional Road #20 from the 406 to Pelham Street. Because of the length of the stretch of roadway, the complexity of the work, and the costs involved, the Region undertook this work in phases.

The actual final construction area will be from just east of Rice Road to just east of Station Street.

I was pleased to support the inclusion of $3.0 million in the Region’s and $750,000 in the Town’s 2012 capital budgets for this work.

The works will include adding a centre turning lane (where appropriate), installing a couple of new “islands” to help calm traffic and delineate turning sections, realigning the Hurricane Road intersection, and preparing for an intersection leading into the East Fonthill Secondary Plan lands (the +450 acres to the south of Regional Road #20). The Town’s money will fund the installation of a sidewalk on the north side of the road, replacing and upgrading the existing watermain, and replacing or repairing the existing sanitary sewer laterals.

Although this section is shorter than previous phases, it is more complicated because of the more urban setting and the total reconstruction of the intersection at Rice Road. It is also of a higher profile.

Norjohn Contracting and Paving Limited, a division of Walker Industries, won the reconstruction contract.

I understand that staff anticipates the construction to begin the third week of April and could run for a maximum of 110 “working days.” If we continue to get reasonable weather and things go smoothly, the work could be substantially complete by Labour Day; if they run into snags, the contract could run through late September/early October.

To help facilitate traffic, the contractor must maintain two lanes open at all times. They also plan on paving in “echelon” – side by side – to avoid joint problems like those developed in previous phases.

Regional staff assures me that they will be in contact each of the local businesses regarding access issues prior to any actual construction taking place. Further, they will attempt to mitigate all negative impacts on abutting residents and merchants, including noise and dust control.

I am pleased we are moving ahead with this work and continue to improve our community.

Congratulations Pelham Panthers!

What a great weekend of hockey in Pelham!

You see, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Pelham’s Atom teams –both Rep. and AE (alternative entry) – hosted teams from Napanee and Collingwood at the Pelham arena. Pelham’s talented and hardworking players on both Teams have stickhandled their way through a succession of playoffs to advance to the Provincial Finals!

On March 18, the AE team -- sporting a short-handed line-up – lost their first game of the finals in Collingwood. But, with both willpower and skill they won game two in Collingwood on Friday, and game three – to a revved-up hometown crown – o n Saturday.

In game four on Sunday afternoon, the AE team beat the Collingwood Blackhawks and won Ontario Minor Hockey Association finals for their divisions! Congratulations! They played as a team and they won as a team!

I understand that the Team had more than 3,600 minutes of ice time for practices, skills training, and games. What an investment from the Coaches, parents, and players!

The Atom Rep. team also lost their first game on the road and during March break. But, they came back strong on Friday and had a great win in Pelham. Back in Napanee on Saturday, they lost a close game. But, they gained it all back on Sunday with a decisive four-to-two victory in Pelham.

The “first to six points” series is now tied at four points each. One win could mean an overall victory. The Rep. Team plays on this upcoming Friday in Napanee – and I wish them the best of luck! (If needed, game six could be held in Pelham next Sunday at 2:30 PM.)

Each of the games this weekend was fast and the play was tremendous. Each Panther team 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.

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 hard work.

These series did prompt discussion at our March 19 Council meeting. While we waived the fees for use of the Arena’s Community Hall, we also asked staff to work together with Pelham’s sport associations to develop a protocol to make it easier for Teams to promote Pelham’s hospitality when future “Panthers” make it to Provincial championships.

Go Panthers Go!

Enforcement or Trespassing?

There was a little controversy last week after media reported on the “Power of Entry” bylaw proposed during our Committee meeting on March 5, 2012.

You see, Staff brought forward a recommendation that the Town develop a bylaw to make it easier for enforcement staff to determine compliance with various Town bylaws like the accessible parking, animal control, sign, fence, clean yard, noise, and pool bylaws.

It was recommended that for the enforcement of these specific instances and for those specific bylaws, that Town staff be authorized to enter onto private property. It was intended that in some cases the need to provide notice to a property owner would be waived, so that Town staff could investigate and determine if a bylaw infraction occurred.

Amendments to the Ontario Municipal Act in 2006 granted Towns and Cities broader enforcement abilities – such as the authority to set fines for bylaw offences, and an administrative power of entry to determine bylaw compliance. (Please see sections 435 to 438 in the Municipal Act.)

Let’s use a specific example to explain the reason for the staff recommendation. If the bylaw does not specifically use the “new” Municipal Act rules, the Town bylaw enforcement officer might not be able to enforce the accessible parking rules in front of a school, church, the plaza, or other large retail store because they are on private property.

Now, I use this example because those property owners do want the Town to enforce these parking provisions – because it is a service to patrons / the community.

However, several Councillors expressed concern about the proposed bylaw.

Why? Because, what might work for the Accessible Parking bylaw, might not work for the Sign bylaw. Can’t staff wait 24 or 48 hours to give time for a property owner to grant entry so that Staff can inspect or measure a sign?

But, what about the case of the animal control bylaw? Could there be a situation when public safety might be at risk – where a pitbull is loose in an unfenced yard – and Town representatives need authority to enter private property?

Given the feedback I have received and the discussion we had during Committee meeting, I wonder whether there needs to be specific rules for specific situations – instead of the more generic bylaw that was recommended by staff.

I am thankful for the feedback and I am glad that Councillors approved my motion to send the issue back to staff for more work.

April 1, 2012 Update:
There has again been much discussion about this particular issue. Unfortunately, some of it has been erroneous.

The facts are:
- On March 5, staff proposed that Council consider a "power of entry" bylaw that was intended to correct certain deficiencies in and/or streamline the enforcement of some of the Town's bylaws;
- Council received and reviewed staff's report and recommendation and had a discussion;
- During the discussion Councillors asked several questions and informed one another about misgivings that we had with the suggested bylaw. Councillors outlined many of the same concerns that Pelham residents have recently expressed in letters to the editor;
- After a discussion, Council unanimously rejected the proposal by voting to return it to staff.
 
So, in fact, there is no bylaw regarding power of entry on our agenda at this time.

Based on my discussions with staff and the feedback received from people, I am confident that staff will propose a much different approach to bylaw enforcement.

I hope this helps with your understanding of the issue.

April 4, 2012 Update:
Some media have reported on this issue recently. For example, please see:

"Pelham enforcement officers still barred from private property," Welland Tribune.

"Proposed big brother bylaw angers Pelham residents," Toronto Star.

"Pelham bylaw met with outcry," Niagara This Week.

"Maybe" Now, But Answers Soon

So many people have asked me recently about issues that form part of the Recreational Facilities Committee’s mandate.

People ask: “What are you doing with the arena?” “Are you building a twin-pad?” “When are we getting a skateboard park?” “What’s the future of the pool?” “What about an art centre and theatre?” “What’s going on with the Town’s property at Rice Road and Regional Road #20?”

Quite frankly, we are not yet able to answer these questions yet. All we can say now is “Maybe.”

As you know, Council and I have prided ourselves and Staff as being known for action and for improving the Town in so many ways. We have worked diligently to find workable solutions and to build a better future for our community.

That’s why it was agreed at our February 21 Council meeting that the Recreational Facilities Committee will meet as soon as possible in March and restart the work to finalize these recreational issues.

You may recall that Council established a Recreational Facilities Committee in 2008 to review the future of all Town recreational facilities – arena, outdoor pool, sports fields, and parks. The committee assembled all recommendations from the many previous recreational studies and began work to determine the Town's short- and long-term recreational needs.

In July 2009 the Committee tabled an Interim Report. Council received the report and directed staff to hire an architect to develop a functional analysis and to refine the capital and operating costs based on the recommendations.

The architects held a couple of workshop sessions for user-groups in October 2009 and January 2010, and presented a draft report to the Committee in March 2010.

Staff presented another draft report to Committee members in September 2010. Then, when membership on the Committee changed because of the Municipal election, new members were given the draft report in early 2011. The Committee last met in June 2011 and was to have discussed a final report in July / August. However, as a result of the resignation and retirement of two Staff primarily responsible for the work, the process paused.

Now, with the work reactivated, I look forward to the Committee finalizing the report and presenting its recommendations to Council late spring / early summer. Then, the report will be made available publicly so that you and others can provide significant input and assist with decisions.

So, despite being only able to answer “Maybe” now, I hope that Council can make recreational facilities decisions before the end of 2012.