In this edition:
- St. Catharines seeks feedback on Strategic Plan
- Niagara Falls now allows 3 dwelling units on a lot
- Canada moves to reform its international student program
- Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge shows still persistent underlying price pressures
- St. Catharines Council sides with Merritton builder in development charge dispute
- Larry’s Rentall carries iconic legacy into the next generation
- Focus on Technology
St. Catharines seeks feedback on Strategic Plan
City Council wants to hear from residents and businesses on ways to improve and strengthen the City’s Strategic Plan.
Following last year’s municipal election, the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer conducted individual interviews with Councillors to help determine how community needs have changed following the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an opportunity to hear about priorities, concerns, and their vision of what success looks like for the City in the long-term. Staff then recommended Council undertake a Strategic Plan refresh.
As part of the public engagement component, a short survey has been launched on EngageSTC. It was developed out of an Oct. 18 meeting involving Council and the City’s Senior Leadership Team.
Residents and businesses are asked to complete the survey by Nov. 13. Results will then be compiled and presented to Council. It’s anticipated an updated version of the Strategic Plan will be available to the public before the end of the year.
Niagara Falls now allows 3 dwelling units on a lot
Niagara Falls city council is creating new policies to allow for additional dwelling units (ADU) on properties and to conform with new provincial planning changes.
During its Tuesday meeting, council approved amendments to the municipality’s official plan and zoning bylaw to complement Bill 23, which amended the Planning Act to permit three dwelling units on a lot.
In addition, the city will include duplex dwellings as a housing type permitted to have ADUs and allow one ADU on parcels of rural land containing a detached dwelling.
Canada moves to reform its international student program
Starting on Dec. 1, Canadian colleges and universities that are enrolling international students will have to verify each applicant’s acceptance letter directly with immigration officials before a study permit is issued.
The new process is one of the reforms announced Friday for Canada’s international student program, and it comes in the wake of a fraud investigation this year that found education agents had provided some 300 international students from India with doctored admission letters to Canadian colleges.
Also, beginning in the fall semester next year, the Immigration Department will start a “recognized” institution regime to vet colleges and universities based on yet-to-be-revealed criteria so the study permit applications from trusted institutions will be processed quicker.
Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge shows still persistent underlying price pressures
An inflation gauge that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve showed price increases remained elevated in September amid brisk consumer spending and strong economic growth.
September’s month-to-month price increase exceeds a pace consistent with the Fed’s 2% annual inflation target, and it compounds already higher costs for such necessities as rent, food and gas. The Fed is widely expected to keep its key short-term interest rate unchanged when it meets next week. But its policymakers have flagged the risk that stronger growth could keep inflation persistently high and require further rate hikes to quell it.
St. Catharines Council sides with Merritton builder in development charge dispute
St. Catharines city councillors agreed the developer of a Merritton residential building was being asked to pay too much in development charges after a hearing this week.
Silvergate Homes-Merritton Mills Inc. made the development charge complaint over its planned five-storey, 71-unit building at 47 Hastings St., behind the Sobeys plaza on Glendale Avenue.
The company argued the city was charging about $436,700 more than it should.
Larry’s Rentall carries iconic legacy into the next generation
So many rental businesses in Canada that are running smoothly as you read this were started with a dream, a leap of faith and hard work by the present owner’s parents.
The son or daughter learned the business as they grew up, and Dad still comes by the shop even though he’s enjoying a well-earned retirement.
In the case of Larry’s Rentall in St. Catharines, Ont., Larry took the leap in 1994 with his wife Irene by his side. He had one employee (a mechanic/driver) and started with a small amount of used and new equipment. Their son, Trevor, took it over about 20 years later, and Larry still comes by to work on equipment or do other helpful tasks just about every day.
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Focus on Technology
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Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.
