Web Stats 
Smithville District Christian High School Community Choir
Regional Council enjoyed the Christmas Carols sung by the Smithville District Christian High School Community Choir, under the direction of Mendelt Hoekstra.
Regional Chair's Golf Tournament Cheque Presentation
Regional Chair Partington was pleased to present the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA of Niagara - Pro Kids Program, two worthy causes that help to invest in Niagara's Youth, which is a valuable investment in Niagara's Future, with cheques from the proceeds of the 2008 Regional Chair's Golf Tournament they each received a cheque in the amount of $50,000.00.
Niagara Region, CUPE Local 1287 Ratify Four Year Collective Agreement
Niagara Region, CUPE Local 1287 agreed on a four-year collective agreement that runs from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2011. This agreement is one of the first municipal settlements where the employer and the union have recognized the economic downturn and established wage rate increases of less than 3% for multi-year contracts. Annual wage adjustments will consist of 3%, retroactive for 2008, 2.5% in 2009, 2.5% in 2010 and 2.75% in 2011.
Celebrating the Holidays with a Profound Spirit of Compassion and Goodwill
Regional Council noted that at this festive time of year we each celebrate the holidays in our own way. For many, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, born more than 2000 years ago, for others it is Hanukah, for Jewish people commemorating a miracle of light. For Muslims, this time of year marks the birth of a divinely inspired messenger. To others this is a time to celebrate Dwali, Kawanza and others. But the meaning of the season does not stop at the door of the church or the synagogue or the mosque. The themes of these celebrations have much in common - one of special foods, gifts for children, generosity to those in need, the gathering of family and friends and a profound spirit of compassion and goodwill which must live in our hearts throughout the year. This is especially true this year when we recognize the economic and social challenges that face us all here in Niagara and around the world.
Niagara Region's 2008 Energy Conservation Initiatives
Regional Council received a report respecting the 2008 Energy Conservation Initiatives. The report outlines the process by which energy management initiatives are to be implemented and how the savings are to be reinvested for the future benefit of the taxpayers.
Impacts of the Current Economic Condition on Niagara's Social Services and Public Health Programs
Regional Council requested that the Commissioner of Community Services and the Medical Officer of Health prepare a report for presentation to the Public Health and Social Services Committee on January 13, 2009, that addresses and re-examines the impacts of the current economic condition on Niagara Region's Social Services and Public Health Programs. This report will include the trends and limits on Reserves and the impacts that will be realized if it is necessary to use the Reserves; which employment sectors are contributing to the increase in intakes; and the impacts on affordable housing.
Niagara 2031 to be Dealt with at Committee of the Whole on January 29, 2009
Regional Council supported the effort to allow Council, the public, stakeholders and local municipalities time to fully review all aspects of Niagara 2031 and referred the matter to a Committee of the Whole meeting tentatively scheduled for Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at 10 a.m. Niagara 2031, Niagara's Growth Management Strategy (GMS) information may be accessed through the Region's website at http://www.niagararegion.ca/government/initiatives/2031/Niagara-2031.aspx
2009 Capital Budget Approved
Regional Council at their meeting of December 11, 2008, approved the 2009 Capital Budget for Regional Departments and Agencies, Boards and Commissions (excluding Police), as presented at the Budget Review Committee of the Whole meeting of the same date, subject to project initiation in accordance with the Capital Management Policy.
2009 Current Budget
The Budget Review Committee of the Whole will continue their deliberations on the 2009 Current Budget on January 15, 2009 at 4 p.m.
Project Niagara Presenting Feasibility Study at Committees January 2009
Regional Council was advised that Project Niagara met recently with Niagara-on-the-Lake Council and provided them with an update on their feasibility study and that they will be presenting to the Integrated Community Planning and Public Works Committee and the Corporate Services Committee in January.
Sustaining and Building Niagara's Economy
As Regional Council approaches their midway point for this term of Council, they acknowledge that Niagara is entering into a period of economic challenges for the Region and speaking on behalf of Council, the Regional Chair assured Niagara's citizens that Regional Council will be working closely with our area municipalities, local businesses as well as senior levels within the provincial and federal government, to sustain and build Niagara's economy.
Setting a Course for the Future of Food in Niagara
Regional Council approved the Local Food Action Plan, which is based on a significant amount of research and input. The intent of the plan is to outline actions that need to be taken to support, enhance, and promote our local food products to ourselves, our neighbours and beyond.