Growing Better Together: Council Strategic Priorities 2023-2026
Project status
86 per cent of identified projects supporting the four strategic priorities are in progress
The Council Strategic Priorities create a link between Niagara's population growth and the financial, social, economic and environmental requirements for building a sustainable future.
The priorities outline our vision, mission and guiding principles, and identify the strategic priorities, objectives and key actions staff will focus on to support our community needs, today and into the future.
- Vision: Modern communities growing better together.
- Mission: Niagara Region delivers service excellence through collaborative and innovative leadership.
By using the Council Strategic Priorities as our map and the strategic priorities operational teams as our guides, we can deliver service excellence through collaborative and innovative leadership.
In short, we can grow better together.
Strategic lenses
Every action under the plan is guided by four strategic lenses:
- Diversity, equity, inclusion and Indigenous reconciliation
- Innovation
- Fiscal responsibility
- Sustainability and climate change
We use these lenses when making decisions on projects, programs and services such as:
- Purchasing supplies
- Hiring staff / vendors / contractors
- Interacting with the public
- Planning projects
- Executing services
Priority: Effective Region
To boost efficiency in Regional services.
- Objectives and actions
Objectives
- 1.1 Implement continuous improvement and modernized processes to ensure value-for-money in Regional services and programs
- 1.2 Explore and implement opportunities to improve service delivery outcomes through shared services
- 1.3 Deliver fiscally responsible and sustainable core services
- 1.4 Invest and support a skilled and aligned workforce at Niagara Region
Actions
- Service, effectiveness and accountability reviews
- Data Management Plan
- Transportation sustainability
- Water and wastewater asset sustainability
- Shared Services Strategy
- Annual budget and long-term forecast planning
- Human resource plan
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Q1 2024 updates
Shared Services Strategy
The work on shared services addresses four underlying principles established by the area CAOs:
- Serving the public good
- Increasing efficiency and effectiveness
- Improving customer service
- Coordinating the use of resourcing and staffing
In October 2023, PDS 30-2023 [add link] provided an update on the first phase of activities for shared services, including a building services review, identified opportunities for procurement process, policy governance review and expanding on joint procurement.
In partnership with area CAOs, work has started on the building services review and joint procurement initiatives by outlining workplans, developed in collaboration with subject matter experts. An update on these projects, as well as other shared services work will be provided to the Planning and Economic Development Committee in April 2024.
Human Resource Plan
The launch of the People Plan aims to support employee's health and well-being while also providing opportunities and resources needed for growth.
Activities focused on cultivating top talent and reducing employee turnover have started. These include, recognizing staff who advance diversity, equity and inclusion principles within their work. In 2023, eight staff were given an award in this category.
A corporate learning calendar was promoted and made available to staff, to encourage employees and leaders to advance their skills, along with implementing leadership exploration pathways for non-leaders to understand potential career options. In Q3 / Q4 2024, an engagement survey will gather feedback from all Niagara Region staff and the benefits compensation review will be completed.
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Q2 2024 updates
Asset Management Policy Update
Project type: Council priority for annual budget and long-term forecast planning
Status: CompletedAn asset management policy update was proposed and accepted by the Corporate Services Committee. The purpose of this policy is to guide the development and implementation of the Region's asset management framework, and asset management plans and strategy.
Debt Strategy
Project type: Council priority for annual budget and long-term forecast planning
Status: On trackA presentation was made to Niagara's Local Area Municipalities' Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurers Group supporting education and awareness of our debt program, and an information report was shared with Regional Council and area municipalities in Q2. Next steps include a meeting with the group in the fall to set common goals and approach. The 2025 Budget is to include a financial ask to enhance our debt program to support the forecasted debt requirements.
DeGroote Capstone
Project type: Business plan
Status: CompletedTwenty leaders completed the McMaster DeGroote's Leadership Program and delivered their Capstone presentations. These presentations supported the implementation of the Council Strategic Priorities by exploring how to integrate the guiding principles and strategic lenses.
Employee Engagement Survey
Project type: Council priority for Human Resource Plan
Status: CompletedThe employee engagement survey was launched with a 71 per cent participation rate and a 65 per cent corporate engagement score. The results have been shared departmentally, with a focus on:
- Communication
- Performance and career growth
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Leadership
Hauled Sewage Rate
Project type: Council priority for water and wastewater asset sustainability
Status: On trackStaff completed an analysis on the new hauled sewage rate. A Council report was prepared and circulated to internal partners for consideration by Committee / Council in Q3 2024. Next steps include engagement with haulers.
Incentive Review and Implementation
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackStaff engaged with local area municipalities, development industry personnel and service providers on the incentive review project. Council has received information through an education workshop.
Niagara Open Data Portal
Project type: Business plan
Status: CompletedNiagara Open Data, featuring a new ArcGIS online open data hub, was launched. This website was awarded the BeSpatial 2024 Gold Award for Best Open-Source GIS. As well, staff published the 2023 aerial photographs for all of Niagara.
Niagara Utility Benefit
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackThe Niagara Utility Benefit has streamlined administration and improved access to this critical support for the most vulnerable people. The program had adjudicated over 1,450 applications and approved more than 700 to prevent utility disconnections.
Procurement By-Law Update
Project type: Council priority for service, effectiveness and accountability reviews
Status: On trackThe latest draft of the Modernizing Procurement By-Law, including a social procurement process framework, was shared with the Commissioner Leadership Team and staff for review and comment.
Public Health Strategic Review
Project type: Council priority for service, effectiveness and accountability reviews
Status: On trackStaff completed the assess and forecast phase of the Public Health Strategic Review and shared the preliminary results with the Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. Next steps include completing the design and implementation phases.
Shared Used Model Project
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackThe Shared Use Model project is looking to maximize building utilization throughout the Region's existing administrative space. Corporate Services staff participated in the project's pilot launch. Those results and feedback are now being analyzed.
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Q3 2024 updates
Budget Communication
Project type: Council priority for annual budget and long-term forecast planning
Status: On trackStaff are working on a continuous improvement project related to budget communication. A Power BI tool was built, and it was reviewed by internal and external stakeholders.
Comprehensive Asset Management Plan
Project type: Council priority for annual budget and long-term forecast planning
Status: On trackThe comprehensive asset management plan update is halfway complete. A data gap analysis was completed along with consultation and collaboration with some local area municipalities.
Cybersecurity
Project type: Business plan project
Status: On trackStaff have received education and training on the importance of cybersecurity and protecting the Region's network systems. As well, there are ongoing phishing simulations sent to staff by email to enhance the Region's cyber awareness.
Data Management Platform
Project type: Council priority for data management plan
Status: On trackA 2025 capital budget ask was completed for a new data management platform. This software will be used across the corporation to establish guidelines for data governance and data standards.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Project type: Business plan project
Status: CompletedFor the twelfth consecutive year, Niagara Region has been recognized for meeting the highest principles of government budgeting. Niagara Region received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
Formal Procurement Timeline
Project type: Business plan project
Status: CompletedThe timeline to facilitate the formal procurement process has decreased by approximately twenty per cent. This is an average two to three week reduction in cycle time on a per project basis. This decrease is attributable to divisional supports, operating at full capacity, and the submission of fulsome intake documents.
Human Capital Reporting
Project type: Council priority for human resources
Status: On trackPart one of phase two is complete, with payroll and timekeeping data integrated in the new data warehouse. Power BI reports will continue to be built and evolve to include cost, time and attendance.
Public Health Strategic Review
Project type: Council priority for service, effectiveness and accountability reviews
Status: CompletedThe Public Health Strategic Review results were rolled out to staff and presented to Council. The organizational changes presented will mobilize and capitalize staff's efforts to meet the needs of residents along with aligning with the province's new Public Health standards. Changes will take effect January 2025.
Shared Services
Project type: Council priority for shared services
Status: On trackStaff further refined the shared services inventory, including initiatives between Niagara Region and area municipalities, and now between municipalities. An update on the first phase of shared service initiatives was presented to the Area CAO working group and the Planning and Economic Development Committee.
St. Catharines' People Soft Implementation
Project type: Council priority for shared services
Status: CompletedThe St. Catharines' People Soft implementation is complete. The next step is a sustainment agreement and development of a work plan for phase 2.
Emergency Medical Services Facility Plan
Project type: Council priority for shared services
Status: On trackA first draft of the EMS Master Facility plan is complete. The draft report details a roadmap to achieve an efficient hub and spoke model. Staff will complete a financial comparison of both models over 10-years and include any off-setting efficiencies gained.
Priority: Green and Resilient Region
To protect and nurture an environment-friendly Niagara.
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Objectives and actions
Objectives
- 2.1 Deliver operations and services in alignment with the Region's greenhouse gas emission target and climate change goals
- 2.2 Partner with the local area municipalities and community organizations to advance climate change and resilience in Niagara
- 2.3 Build resiliency into our infrastructure to support growth and prepare for the impacts of climate change
Actions
- Corporate Climate Change Plan
- Green Fleet Plan and Policy
- Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
- Waste Management Plan
- Community Energy Plan
- Climate Adaptation Plan
- South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Water, Wastewater Master Servicing Plan implementation
- Wastewater Biosolids Management Plan
- Greening Strategy
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Q1 2024 updates
Corporate Climate Change Action Plan
The development of the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan is underway due to the successful selection of an external consultant and the creation of the internal cross-division corporate action plan sub-committee.
The plan will provide the Region with short- and long-term strategies to align with meeting the corporate greenhouse gas emission reduction target of net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes actions for:
- Energy reduction at corporate facilities
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Fleet vehicles
- Street lighting
- Policies and initiatives throughout our operations and service delivery
A draft plan is aimed to be completed in Q2 2024, following that will be a presentation to Council in Q3 2024.
Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
The 2019 to 2023 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan has been completed and work is underway to create a new plan for 2024-2028.
Achievements for the 2019-2023 plan include:
- Establishing the Niagara Region Energy Working Group
- Quarterly meetings with client groups to find energy reduction opportunities
- Embedding energy reduction goals and guidelines into service level agreements with Regional departments
- Establishing a LEED Silver minimum standard for new facility construction.
These efforts helped to reduce energy use in corporate and long-term care buildings by 8 per cent combined electricity and natural gas reduction on a per square foot basis since 2018.
The new plan will be developed in parallel with the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan and will help to define the goals for corporate energy and greenhouse gas reduction over the next five years.
Development of a new Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan includes a comprehensive review of the progress made over the last five years (2019-2023). The goal is to have an updated plan, with an evaluation of past achievements and establishment of future targets, submitted to Committee in Q2 of 2024.
From Q2-Q3 2024, staff will be working with consultants to develop a Pathway to Net Zero for eight to 12 corporate buildings, as well as, an in-depth feasibility study for deep carbon cutting measures at the Regional Headquarters. This includes a soil thermal conductivity test to confirm the feasibility of geothermal heating / cooling.
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Q2 2024 updates
Conservation Demand Management Plan
Project type: Council priority for Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
Status: On trackThe Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan was completed, endorsed by the Chief Administrative Officer, and published. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has awarded Niagara Region $200,000 towards the development of a greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy.
Road Resurfacing Program
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackStaff has tendered and awarded the first two major road resurfacing programs and are coordinating with external parties, such as the airport, to extend the economy of scale.
Waste Management Strategic Plan
Project type: Council priority for Waste Management Strategic Plan
Status: On trackThe engagement phase of developing the Waste Management Strategic Plan was completed and the mission, vision and goals of the plan were presented to the Waste Management Planning Steering Committee and the Public Works Committee. Staff was recognized for their continuous engagement efforts by the Municipal Waste Association, with the bronze Social Media and Online Strategy award.
Vulnerability Assessment
Project type: Council priority for Climate Adaptation Plan
Status: On trackStaff identified data indicators for the climate change vulnerability assessment, which will help inform the Climate Adaptation Plan. Next steps include analyzing the indicators, creating visuals and drafting the assessment report.
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Q3 2024 updates
Building Utilization
Project type: Business plan project
Status: On trackStaff developed a building utilization plan to maximize the Region’s office / administrative space with the goal to reduce the Region's overall building footprint. The plan identifies Regional facilities that have opportunities to consolidate service and programs.
Fort Erie Servicing Strategy
Project type: Business plan project
Status: On trackThe Fort Erie Servicing Strategy was initiated, and a kickoff meeting has been completed, along with providing background information for the Regional system.
Transportation Request for Proposals
Project type: Council priority for transportation sustainability
Status: On trackSeveral requests for proposals are in progress or been developed by the Transportation team. Including the Joint Operations Feasibility Study and the Transportation Operations Rationalization Study.
Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan
Project type: Council priority for water and wastewater master servicing implementation
Status: On trackThe water and wastewater capital planning team has produced the methodology and evaluation criteria for the Master Servicing Plan growth projects. A 10-year capital forecast was developed and will be tested in preparation for the 2026 capital budget.
Priority: Equitable Region
To promote affordability with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens.
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Objectives and actions
Objectives
- 3.1: Ensure the region is inclusive, welcoming and free of discrimination
- 3.2: Support growth and development following Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
- 3.3: Improve access to affordable and attainable housing
Actions
- Diversity, equity and inclusion action plan
- Indigenous relations action plan
- Health equity strategic plan
- Poverty reduction strategy
- Community safety and well-being plan
- Growth management and staging of infrastructure strategy
- Vision Zero road safety initiative and Complete Streets guidelines
- Attainable housing strategy
- Housing and homelessness action plan / Built for Zero homelessness plan
- Consolidated housing master plan
- Support for affordable and attainable development
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Q1 2024 updates
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan reaches all Niagara Region staff and community members. It aims to build welcoming and inclusive communities and workplaces, while eliminating barriers.
A new employee recognition category celebrated twenty staff who advanced diversity, equity and inclusion work in the organization or community. A community of practice was established in Niagara with over 100 members. The team also developed a learning curriculum for staff, councillors and volunteers.
The development of a handbook is underway. This resource will help staff incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion into their daily work. It will provide advice in areas such as communication, leadership, and community engagement.
Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
The Community Safety and Well-Being Plan is working to improve responses to 911 calls involving mental health / addictions.
In 2023, staff collected and analyzed data, reviewed identified pain points, and engaged in jurisdictional scans and a literature review to develop recommendations to improve 911 responses. On March 5, 2024, the COM 9-2024 CSWB 911 Action Table: Findings and Recommendations [add link] was put forward for consideration and approved at Committee.
In collaboration with community agencies, the team devised a regionwide plan to expand the situation table model across all of Niagara. Table meetings meet regularly to identify community members who are at risk for crime or victimization and provide support before a crisis event occurs. The planning and implementation of the expansion plan includes 40 participating agencies across 12 sectors in a collective effort to use community resources more effectively.
In October 2023, the first two tables were launched, including Table 1: Port Colborne, Wainfleet, Welland, Pelham, and Table 2: St. Catharines and Thorold.
In January 2024, Table 3: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie and Table 4: Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln launched. The Gun and Gang Prevention Strategy was drafted through the Building Safer Communities Fund.
In September 2023, a call for grant applications was launched to mobilize the strategy and action the areas identified by the community. This resulted in nine agencies being supported in providing youth crime prevention and intervention programming throughout Niagara.
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Q2 2024 updates
Accessibility Multi-Year Plan
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackEngagement for the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan was completed, including in-person sessions, an online survey, a virtual community meeting and feedback from the local municipal advisory committees. Next steps are to finalize the plan, targeting Q4.
Flexible Assertive Community Treatment
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackThe Flexible Assertive Community Treatment team collaborated with community partners to pilot a new intake process system. This system aims to ensure clients are referred to the most appropriate case management service.
Emergency Medical Services Outreach Program
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackThe Emergency Medical Services Street Outreach Community Paramedic Program resumed full operations. A Street Outreach Working Group was also assembled to gather social service and health partners to maximize resources and better coordinate efforts for serving common clients.
Housing Focused Shelter Expansion
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackConstruction was completed on the temporary shelter site in St. Catharines. The search for a potential permanent homeless shelter site in St. Catharines continues. Establishment of a South Niagara site is currently moving through the approval process.
EvokeHealth
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackA self-service portal, EvokeHealth, was implemented in long-term care homes to offer family members timely information about resident's health status and introduces greater efficiencies for the care team.
Indigenous Cultural Training
Project type: Council priority for Indigenous Relations Action Plan
Status: On trackIndigenous history and culture training has been finalized and plans for rollout will begin in Q3.
Niagara Week
Project type: Council priority for growth management and staging of infrastructure strategy
Status: CompletedA business case for the South Niagara Water Treatment Site was created, including letters of support from community partners and local municipalities. During Niagara Week, staff and councillors met with the Premier and various ministers to discuss the need for provincial partnership. Preparations are underway for federal advocacy.
Solar Eclipse
Project type: Business plan
Status: CompletedNiagara Region staff prepared for the solar Eeclipse, which drew a large crowd to Niagara Falls to see this once-in-a-lifetime event. The Emergency Operations Committee effectively safeguarded the health and safety of residents and visitors.
Vision Zero Road Safety Implementation and Complete Streets Guidelines
Project type: Council priority for Vision Zero road safety implementation and Complete Streets guidelines
Status: On trackThe Vision Zero Road Safety Strategic Plan initial outline has been shared with the Commissioner of Public Works. Staff have also integrated the Complete Streets Design Manual into operational services and plan to present the final guidelines to Council in Q3.
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Q3 2024 updates
Affordable and Equitable Access to Niagara Region Transit
Project type: Council priority for Poverty Reduction Strategy
Status: On trackIn partnership with Niagara Region Transit, staff are working on affordable and equitable access to transit services. A report was presented to the Niagara Transit Commission Board and approved for 2026 implementation. As well, in response to residents' needs, Niagara Region Transit has extended their customer service hours to ensure more opportunities to access assistance.
Affordable and Equitable Access to Niagara Region Transit
Project type: Council priority for Attainable Housing Strategy
Status: CompletedThe 'Housing as a Priority and Land Optimization Framework' was adopted and is now being implemented by Niagara Region staff. Next steps are seeking approval of Student Housing Strategy.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan
Project type: Council priority for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan
Status: On trackSeventy per cent of employees have completed the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion fundamentals e-module. Staff are also working on implementing best practices to eliminate barriers in recruitment, hiring and promotion processes.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Project type: Business plan project
Status: CompletedIn recognition of Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, staff and councillors joined members from the Indigenous community to raise the Every Child Matters flag.
Mobile Dental Unit
Project type: Business plan project
Status: On trackThe building of a new mobile dental unit has been initiated. The floor plans have been finalized, equipment is being sourced and staff driver training is almost complete. This will provide the dental health team a way to provide equitable health care to residents in their own community.
Sociodemographic Data Collection
Project type: Council priority for Health Equity Strategic Plan
Status: On trackThe collection of sociodemographic data collection has been implemented by four of six Public Health teams. These pieces of information will be used to further offer inclusive services to Niagara residents.
South Niagara Shelter
Project type: Council priority for Housing and Homelessness Action Plan / Built for Zero Homelessness Plan
Status: On trackThe Niagara Regional Housing Board, along with Regional Council have approved the purchase of a South Niagara Shelter in Welland. This new site will be operated by the Hope Centre. Homeless division staff will support in preparing to launch this new shelter, inclusive of offering a community information session for neighbours of the shelter.
Substance Use Strategy
Project type: Council priority for Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
Status: On trackA Regional Substance Use Strategy is under development. Senior leadership engagement is complete and community groups were established to begin co-developing the strategy. Community engagement was initiated with resident surveys eliciting feedback on community substance use.
Priority: Prosperous Region
To promote economic welfare and a healthy business environment in Niagara.
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Objectives and actions
Objectives
- 4.1 Attract and retain businesses, create jobs and support a skilled workforce in Niagara
- 4.2 Build "Niagara" as a global brand and invest in the growth of its emerging sectors
- 4.3 Invest and enhance access to transit, active transportation and other transportation systems in Niagara
- 4.4 Be an effective and unified voice to advocate with senior governments on behalf of Niagara
Actions
- Economic development strategy
- Labour force development partnerships
- Agri-business strategy
- Signature site strategy
- Core and emerging sector focus
- Expansion of GO Transit
- Transportation Master Plan update
- Niagara Region Transit service support and growth
- Government relations strategy
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Q1 2024 updates
Economic Development Strategy
The Economic Development Strategy outlines the goals and actions that will guide the Niagara Economic Development team to build a strong and sustainable economy for Niagara residents.
A customer relationship management system has been procured and implemented for Niagara Economic Development. By leveraging the Microsoft Dynamics platform, staff can document customer interactions, track progress on open files, respond efficiently, prioritize opportunities and ensure succession.
Niagara Economic Development, in partnership with the Workforce Collective, post-secondary institutions, Niagara Industrial Association and local employment agencies created the 'Workforce Coalition.' This coalition has developed a pilot project to identify and recruit the necessary skills and attract the required labour force in core and emerging sectors.
Government Relations Strategy
Throughout 2023, considerable efforts were made to be proactive in Niagara's government relations approach to ensure Regional priorities were showcased to upper levels of government.
In addition to participating in annual advocacy initiatives, the Region continued to establish positive relationships with local partners and other levels of government, launched unique 'Growing Better Together' branding for the Region's core priorities and was proactive in hosting Niagara-specific advocacy events. These efforts helped bolster the Region's reputation as a municipal leader while demonstrating how Niagara is working to advance areas of mutual interest with the provincial and federal governments.
To build off 2023 successes, pre-budget submissions were completed during provincial and federal consultations to reaffirm advocacy priorities in Q1.
Preparations for Niagara Week taking place in Q2 are underway and efforts to streamline external grant opportunities across the organization is targeted for late Q3 early Q4.
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Q2 2024 updates
EarlyON Service Enhancement Strategy
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackThirteen pilot projects were funded through the EarlyON Service Enhancement Strategy. This strategy aims to increase access to and diversity of services in EarlyON centres, as well as extend programming hours.
Foreign Direct Investment: Asahi Kasei
Project type: Business plan
Status: On trackNiagara celebrated the announcement of a wet battery separator plant in Port Colborne; a $1.56 billion investment in the region's economy. The Workforce Coalition started collaborating with Asahi Kasei and their global human resource team to advocate for electric vehicle training.
Permanent Transit Fund Opportunities
Project type: Council priority for Niagara Region Transit service support and growth
Status: On trackNiagara Region received the 2024 Award for Collaboration within Municipalities for consolidating our transit system. The Government of Canada announced that the Canada Public Transit Fund will provide $3 billion annually to support public transit and active transportation infrastructure across Canada beginning 2026-27.
Niagara Region and Niagara Transit are reviewing the funding opportunity to submit expressions of interests for capital investment.
Signature Site Tool
Project type: Council priority for Signature Site Strategy
Status: On trackThe Signature Sites tool was launched to promote development opportunities. Staff have prepared a report and presentation to be shared with Council in Q3/Q4.
Zero Emissions Vehicle Blueprint
Project type: Council priority for core and emerging sector focus
Status: On trackA zero emissions vehicle blueprint was submitted and approved by FedDev Ontario. The blueprint outlines clear opportunities and strategies for leveraging the electric vehicle industry and establishes a strong foundation for future economic initiatives.
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Q3 2024 updates
Agri-Business Strategy
Project type: Council priority for Agri-Business Strategy
Status: On trackConsultation and feedback with Six Nations and the Federation of Agriculture has been integrated into the Agri-Business Strategy. A new economic development officer was hired; they will lead this work in Q4 2024.
Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care Program
Project type: Business plan project
Status: On trackA new Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care funding formula will be implemented in January 2025. Staff have developed a communication strategy for child care sites and analyzed financial data to determine funding allocations.
Electric Vehicle Roundtable
Project type: Business plan project
Status: On trackStaff participate on the electric vehicle roundtable with Minister Tassi, leveraging fellow municipal partnerships who have electric vehicle investment companies, including Windsor (Stellantis), St. Thomas (Volkswagen) and Kingston (Umicore).
GO Train Service in Niagara
Project type: Council priority for expansion of GO Transit
Status: On trackAn advocacy strategy was developed to help secure two-way, all-day GO Train service in Niagara. The St. Catharines Station site redevelopment commenced and staff prepared a business case to advocate for an increase in GO Train service.
Zero Emissions Vehicle Framework
Project type: Council priority for core and emerging sector focus
Status: CompletedA Zero Emissions Vehicle Framework, outlining how Niagara will transition to zero emission vehicle production, was presented to and accepted by Regional Council.
Budget and financial reports
Learn about the Q2 Financial Update.