PHSSC

That Report PHD 1-2024, dated February 6, 2024, respecting 2024 NEMS Vehicle Strategy, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendations BE APPROVED: 1. That this report regarding Niagara Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) 2024 Vehicle Strategy BE RECEIVED; and 2. That Council APPROVE a one-year Sole Source of 2024 Ambulances and 2023-24 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) to allow NEMS to review and develop new requirements for vehicles to allow for more competition.

That Report COM 3-2024, dated February 6, 2024, respecting Child Care and Early Years 2024 Operating Budget Adjustment, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendations BE APPROVED: 1. That a gross operating budget adjustment in the amount of $8,265,385 gross and $0 net, to be fully funded through the Ministry of Education (MEDU), BE APPROVED to support Niagara’s early years and child care system; and 2. That the Regional Chair BE DIRECTED to submit a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that: i. the one-time transitional grant of $2,225,742 be reinstated to support the additional responsibilities of the service system manager as a result of the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care program; ii. the administrative funding cap be maintained at ten (10) per cent instead of being reduced to five (5) per cent to provide sufficient funding and flexibility to manage the early years and child care system; and iii. the province funds the costs of the directed value for money audits required for municipally operated child care centres above the allocation provided for the early years and child care system, as this is a new additional requirement.

That Report COM 5-2024, dated February 6, 2024, respecting Homelessness Services Negotiated Request for Proposal (NRFP) Award Results - 2023-RFP-154 - Niagara Homelessness Service System – Housing Focused Emergency Shelters, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendations BE APPROVED: 1. That the homelessness contracts to Housing Focused Emergency Shelters successful proponents outlined in Appendix A of report COM 5-2024 BE AWARDED in the amount of $18,170,365 for the period April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2027; 2. That an additional contingency of $500,000 BE APPROVED should system adjustments be necessary during the term of the contracts to adjust the number and/or type of beds offered; and 3. That staff BE AUTHORIZED to execute any required agreements and documentation for service providers of emergency shelter.

That Report COM 6-2024, dated February 6, 2024, respecting Budget Adjustment – Homelessness Services, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendation BE APPROVED: 1. That an operating adjustment, to the previously adopted 2024 Regional Municipality of Niagara (Niagara Region) operating budget, in the amount of $1,255,835 gross and $0 net, to be fully funded through the Reaching Home program of Infrastructure Canada, BE APPROVED.

That Report COM 7-2024, dated February 6, 2024, respecting Budget Adjustment – Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendation BE APPROVED: 1. That an operating adjustment to the previously adopted 2024 Regional Municipality of Niagara (Niagara Region), Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities (SAEO), operating budget in the amount of $1,398,412 gross and $0 net, to be fully funded through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) funding, BE APPROVED.

That Report COM 4-2024, dated February 6, 2024, respecting Senior Services Quality Improvement Report: July – September 2023, BE RECEIVED for information.