Planning and Economic Development Committee

That nominations for the position of Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee for a two-year term (2021-2022), BE CLOSED.

That nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee for a two-year term (2021-2022), BE CLOSED.

That Report PDS 6-2021, dated January 13, 2021, respecting Climate Change Work Program Update, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendations BE APPROVED: 1. That an update to the Climate Change Work Program for the Niagara Official Plan BE ENDORSED; 2. That staff BE DIRECTED to initiate research into a greening initiative for Niagara; and 3. That Council BE INFORMED of the Commissioner’s delegated authority to enter into a contract with the Ontario Climate Consortium to complete climate modeling and projections for Niagara.

That if there are no appeals to the approvals of ROPA No. 18 and LOPA No. 24, that the implementing Secondary Plan, City of Welland OPA #29 BE EXEMPTED from Regional Approval and that the City of Welland re- authorize/re-approve OPA #29. Recorded vote: Yes (3): Campion, Redekop, Sendzik. No: (13): Bradley, Butters, Bylsma, Darte, Fertich, Foster, Heit, Huson, Junkin, Rigby, Ugulini, Witteveen, Zalepa.

That Report ED 2-2021, dated January 13, 2021, respecting Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendation BE APPROVED: 1. That the Director of Economic Development BE AUTHORIZED to execute the necessary documentation to provide funding to successful applicants to the Tourism Adaption and Recovery Fund, granted by Fed Dev Ontario, and to administer the program funds.

That the following items BE RECEIVED for information: ED 1-2021 COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity in Economic Development PDS-C 2-2021 COVID-19 Response and Business Continuity in Planning and Development Services PDS-C 3-2021 Treed Areas Estimation in Niagara Region PDS-C 1-2021 Update on Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) Decision, Regional Official Plan Amendment 3-2013, Hamlet Policies - Settlement of Wellandport/Township of Wainfleet Hamlets Mapping

That Report PDS 4-2021, dated January 13, 2021, respecting Niagara Official Plan – Steps and Directions Moving Forward, BE RECEIVED and BE CIRCULATED to the Local Area Municipalities and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic has created recessionary pressures on communities across Canada and internationally; WHEREAS local businesses have been negatively impacted and employment opportunities in Niagara have significantly declined as a direct result of the pandemic, especially with regard to the tourism, accommodation, and retail trade sectors; WHEREAS local businesses have needed to adapt or diversify their web- based presence to support business activities during the pandemic; WHEREAS research shows that job loss and reduced labour market opportunities can create an economic landscape that can lead to greater self-employment opportunities; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Niagara Region Economic Development Department INITIATE an event in collaboration with local business support organizations and municipal partners to: 1. Provide an online forum to support and promote online business opportunities to local businesses; 2. Promote local grants and other funding available for business and start up opportunities; and 3. Connect existing businesses or new entrants to municipal partners and business support services. Planning and Economic Development Committee Open Session PEDC 1-2021 January 13, 2021 Page 10 The following friendly amendment was accepted by the Committee Vice- Chair, and the mover and seconder of the motion: WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic has created recessionary pressures on communities across Canada and internationally; WHEREAS local businesses hav