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City names new CAO
Lifelong resident and long-term employee Shelley Chemnitz has been appointed as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of St. Catharines.
The new CAO brings more than two decades of financial, administrative and leadership experience to the City, previously serving as the Commissioner of Corporate Support Services and City Treasurer and fulfilling the role of acting CAO since July following the retirement of former CAO Dan Carnegie.
The role of CAO is a key position at City Hall, serving as the link between City Council and City administration. The CAO oversees the senior management team and is responsible for delivering City Council's long-term strategy and vision.
Mrs. Chemnitz was selected by City Council following an extensive recruitment campaign that attracted candidates from across Canada. Mrs. Chemnitz begins her four-year term as CAO on Nov. 1.
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Protect your home form carbon monoxide
If cooler temperatures have you thinking about firing up the furnace to keep your family warm and cozy, Acting Fire Chief Jeff McCormick advises you to first protect your home from the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs Nov. 1-7 and the acting fire chief said there's no better way for residents to mark the week than by having their fuel-burning appliances, such as gas furnaces and fireplaces, inspected by a certified contractor and ensuring they have working carbon monoxide alarms in all sleeping areas.
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Talk transportation at open house
Residents are encouraged to give their feedback on the current and future transportation needs of St. Catharines at the City's Transportation Master Plan open house.
The open house is set for:
Monday, Nov. 6
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre.
The open house will be a drop-in format where residents will be able to discuss transportation with City staff and the consultants preparing the Transportation Master Plan. No RSVP is required.
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T
he City of St. Catharines remembers
Every year on Nov. 11 Canadians come together for Remembrance Day to reflect and acknowledge the men and women who served or continue to serve their country during times of war, conflict and peace.
During a moment of silence at 11 a.m. Canadians remember and honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for our country.
Everyone is invited to City Hall and the Cenotaph at Memorial Park for Remembrance Day ceremonies on Nov. 11. At 10:15 a.m. veterans will lay wreaths at the City Honour Rolls, the Watson Memorial and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 Cenotaph at City Hall, followed by the Last Post.
Veterans and Legion members will then march through downtown streets to the Cenotaph at Memorial Park for a Remembrance Day service at 11 a.m.
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Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial to be unveiled
After years of research, planning and fundraising, the memorial to honour 137 workers who lost their lives during construction of the Welland Canal will be unveiled on Sunday, Nov 12 at 2 p.m.
The Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial Task Force invites family members and descendants of the fallen workers and the entire Niagara community to be a part of this special commemorative ceremony at the site of the memorial, just north of the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3 in St. Catharines.
The Task Force is still accepting donations to enhance landscaping at the parkette. Donations can be made at
www.stcatharines.ca/donate.
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Stay on the marked trails at Decew Falls
Visitors to Decew Falls are advised to follow the instructions on newly posted signs and stay on the marked trails.
Decew Falls and the nearby Morningstar Mill heritage site are popular destinations for hiking. Newly posted signs in the area warn that the gorge embankment is dangerous. Hikers should not climb or hike down to Decew Falls and are advised to stay on the marked trails. Here are some other tips to visit Decew Falls safely:
- Travel in pairs and let someone know when and where you are going
- Hike during daylight hours; don't hike in darkness
- Bring a cell phone, but be aware reception may be unavailable in some areas
- Wear proper clothing and footwear for hiking
- Pack water and snacks
- Use common sense and avoid unnecessary risks
- Don't hike while under the influence of alcohol
- Call 911 if you are in trouble
Access to Decew Falls is only permitted between dawn and dusk, and camping overnight is prohibited. These regulations are enforced by the Ontario Provincial Police.
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City offers help to clear snowy sidewalks
to those who need it
When the snow starts piling up in the Garden City there's help for residents who need it to clear their City sidewalks next to their properties.
Older adults and residents with disabilities who are unable to shovel snow and ice from their sidewalks can apply for assistance from the City of St. Catharines.
To be eligible for the program applicants must:
- provide a doctor's note stating they are not physically able to shovel their sidewalk themselves
- own and reside at the property they require assistance for
- have no one else living at their home who is able to shovel sidewalks.
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3rd annual Older Adults Forum Nov. 22
St. Catharines older adults are invited to an interactive discussion at the third annual Older Adults Forum
The Older Adult Forum is set for:
Wednesday, Nov. 22
9:30 a.m.
Mayor Walter Sendzik will offer an update about Council's strategic plan and priorities and older adults are welcome to ask questions and share feedback about City programs and services. Following the discussion, residents can meet service providers and agencies with questions about local services for older adults.
All are welcome and there is no cost to attend. It is not necessary to be a member of the City's Older Adult Centres to participate. RSVP to [email protected] or call 905.688.5601 ext. 1540.
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City considering waiving meeting room fees for neighbourhood groups
Are you an emerging neighbourhood group looking for a place to meet? We want to know if you would use a community room at the Russell Avenue Community Centre if room rental fees were waived.
The City is exploring how it can help emerging neighbourhood groups get off the ground and is proposing to waive rental fees for groups who want to use a community room at the Russell Avenue Community Centre for meetings. The City encourages neighbourhood groups to
submit feedback online for the proposed program. The proposed pilot project would launch in January and offer meeting space on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Community groups can apply to use City seats for River Lions games
The City of St. Catharines is offering local community youth groups and charities the chance to cheer on the Niagara River Lions from its seats at the Meridian Centre.
Registered charities, incorporated non-profit organizations and minor not-for-profit sports associations are eligible to apply to use the City's community suite or club seats for select River Lions home games at the Meridian Centre.
Organizations planning to bring children and youth to a River Lions home game at the Meridian Centre can apply for 12 club seat tickets in the Meridian Centre bowl and will receive priority for weekend games. Organizations interested in fundraising can apply for 12 tickets and use of the City's community suite.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of City staff. All applicants will be notified in writing once selections are completed, with successful applicants assigned a game date.
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A report from Mayor Walter Sendzik
On behalf of City Council, I'd like to welcome our new Chief Administrative Officer, Shelley Chemnitz. Mrs. Chemnitz is familiar with the corporation and the community. I firmly believe she has the skills, experience and vision to take us where we want to go as we work towards our vision of being the most dynamic, innovative, sustainable and livable city in North America. Please join me in welcoming Shelley in her new (permanent) role as CAO.
On Monday night Council also approved a motion about the Port Dalhousie piers. The goal is to get moving with a plan and funding from the federal government to repair and reopen the piers. It has been two-and-a-half years since the piers were closed and it is time for the federal government to make a commitment to fund, fix and reopen the piers.
Council is continuing its work on the 2018 draft operating budget. Thank you for your feedback at the open houses and telephone town hall. There is still time to share your comments before the draft budget is finalized in December. Send your comments to
[email protected].
In January, we will have another meeting to decide how to invest the hydro surplus funds.
As always, you can reach me at [email protected] with your ideas and feedback on these issues, and anything else happening in #OurHomeSTC.
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City to discuss taking over Port Dalhousie piers from feds
City Council directed the Mayor and the City's CAO to negotiate the transfer of ownership and responsibility of the Port Dalhousie piers from the federal government to the City.
Council wants regular reports from the Mayor and CAO about the progress of negotiations and to include the Port Dalhousie ward councillors in local meetings, when appropriate, and in all communications with federal agencies or departments.
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More information needed for the allocation of hydro dollars
City Council referred the allocation of St. Catharines Hydro dividends back to City staff for more information about its suggestions on how to use the funds.
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New by-law protects public trees
City Council approved a new by-law protecting trees on City property and on the boundary between City and private property. The by-law also requires trees on private property to be maintained so they do not obstruct the use of City property or pose a danger to people using City property.
Council will now also require residents to obtain permits to injure or remove City trees or trees shared with the City. The permit fee for one tree will be $100 plus $50 for additional trees. The new by-law will come into effect June 1, 2018.
Council referred a request to hire an employee to oversee and enforce the new regulations to the Budget Standing Committee.
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Other news
City to sell part of laneway
City Council closed part of a laneway between Lakeside Drive and Runcorn Street and declared it surplus for the purpose of selling the property to the owners of 102 Broadway Ave.
The City will retain an easement over the lands for storm drainage.
200 Bunting Rd.
City Council amended the City's Zoning By-Law to permit a commercial development at 200 Bunting Rd.
Employment lands study
City Council retained Hemson Consulting Ltd. to complete an Employment Land Needs Assessment for a price not to exceed $80,505.
Community gardens policy
City Council revised a policy relating to community gardens on City land based on feedback from City staff, community groups participating in the program and from other municipalities that have faced similar challenges.
Waived fees for special event
City Council approved a special event funding request from Hotel Dieu Shaver to waive fees for its Tree Lighting Campaign kick-off event Nov. 17 at Market Square.
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More council online
Council Highlights offers informal summaries of some of the recent decisions and business discussed during
St. Catharines City Council meetings. The Office of the City Clerk provides a full recap of decisions and motions in its official minutes, available on the Friday after every
St. Catharines City Council meeting.
City Council meeting agendas and minutes are available online.
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City Council
6:30 p.m., City Hall
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Click here to learn about construction projects happening in the City.
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