The ability to bring one’s own alcohol to Fonthill’s Peace Park and drink it is poised to be passed at the next Pelham Town Council meeting following approval of a pilot project at Wednesday’s gathering.
The catch, however, is that personal alcohol will be barred from the park during the “Summer Chill” series on Thursday nights, as the Town already operates a liquor-licenced event on those days.
Council endorsed staff to pursue the pilot project last fall, but shot down the idea of also including Fenwick’s Centennial Park due to its more youth-and-family-oriented nature.
“We live in a world where it is lawful to consume cannabis in public parks, but it is not lawful to have a glass of wine or a glass of beer during a picnic,” CAO David Cribbs said in November.
On Wednesday, the CAO reiterated that the initiative will allow people who have weddings and other gatherings at Peace Park to enjoy a celebratory beverage. As a pilot project, Cribbs said the impacts will be studied over the course of the summer.
“There will be a report after the fact for your consideration,” he said.
More money for Centennial building
Meanwhile, back at Centennial Park, Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson pointed out at the meeting that the refurbished washroom and concession building – recently renovated at the estimated cost of just under $500,000 – may not meet accessibility standards for people in wheelchairs, because the new concrete pad is substantially raised from the surrounding parking surface.
Public Works Director Jason Marr admitted that “a design issue” emerged in grading, and said that the Town will be adding a separated ramp and railing by the end of the month.
Olson also asked if the new outward-opening bathroom door is a hindrance to the disabled, but Marr said that could be “worked with.”
Odds and ends
Jackie Oblak, the chair of the Town’s new Environmental and Climate Adaptation Advisory Committee made a presentation about the group’s goals, stating its priority will be retaining and conserving green components in Pelham. Oblak was formerly the chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Public Advisory Committee, leaving the role in 2022.
The construction of pedestrian sidewalks is set to be included in the upcoming reconstruction of Effingham Street between Hwy. 20 and Canboro Road in Ridgeville.
Additional meeting details as released by the Town of Pelham:
Lincoln Pelham Public Library (LPPL)
Council received a presentation from Lincoln Pelham Public Library by Julie Andrews, CEO, Amy Guilmette, Director of Customer Experience and Susan DiBattista, Director of Community Engagement. The presentation included highlights of activities that occurred during the past year including the 63 percent increase in visits to the libraries, 21 percent circulation requests and a 37 percent increase in programs. Library programs offered include early literacy, steam, makers space, art, tween/teen, adult and intergenerational programming. The Library of Things has continued to expand to offer unique items available to residents to borrow, including a telescope and Lego sets. The LPPL presented their first strategic plan for 2023-2027 that will guide the decision-making of the board and included the newly established mission and vision. The four pillars include inspiration, inclusivity, resiliency and responsiveness. In 2024, capital fundraising campaigns will take place to support renovations at two of the LPPL branches, including the Fonthill branch in Pelham. www.lppl.ca
FACS Niagara Foundation - LemonAID Day 2024
Council received correspondence from Caroline Polgrabia, President of Family and Children Services Niagara Foundation, regarding the 3rd Annual Mountainview LemonAID Day taking place Saturday, June 8, 2024, around the Niagara Region. The LemonAid Day will take place with 100 pop-up stands across the region. All materials to run the stands will be provided and 100 percent of the proceeds will be directed to support youth in Niagara to experience summer camp. FACS requested support from the municipality to provide awareness of LemonAID Day and encourage local youth, residents and businesses to participate in the event. Additional information and registration details are available online at https://facsniagarafoundation.org/mountainviewlemonaidday/
East Fenwick Secondary Plan
Council received report #2024-0091, East Fenwick Secondary Plan (Official Plan Amendment No. 21) and directed Planning Staff to prepare the by-law for approval of the East Fenwick Secondary Plan. The Fenwick Secondary Plan has been developed over several years by the Town with input from the public and landowners and technical advice from the Town, the Niagara Region and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. The Fenwick Secondary Plan was developed in several phases and includes the area generally bounded by Balfour Street to the west, Welland Road to the south, Cream Street to the east and Memorial Drive to the north. The East Fenwick Secondary Plan is a statutory document that will guide future development in the East Fenwick area. The Secondary Plan balances protection of the natural heritage system with support for the residential growth of Fenwick. https://engagingpelham.ca/east-fenwick-secondary-plan
Park Place West
Council received report #2024-0087 - Recommendation Report – Applications for Revision to Previously Approved Draft Plan of Subdivision & Zoning By-law Amendment – Park Place West, and directed Planning staff to prepare the necessary Zoning By-law amendment for council consideration at the next regular meeting of council. The revision will result in an additional 15 lots for single detached dwellings, a reduction of 1 block for 2 semi-detached dwellings and the addition of 1 block for 6 street townhouse dwellings. This represents an increase of 19 units from the approved draft plan of subdivision. The applicant is requesting smaller lot sizes and frontages for single detached dwellings to reflect changes in the housing market and allow for more affordability. The density of the development provides for the efficient use of land and planned/existing infrastructure that minimizes land consumption and costs of servicing. The lands are designated as Urban Area (Built-Up Area) in the new Niagara Region Official Plan. https://engagingpelham.ca/park-place-west
