Don Howe
Councillor · Ward 2 · seen 2022-11-21 to 2026-08-10 · served 2022–2026
272substantive motions movedof 227 meetings the minutes record them at
99procedural motions movedcounted separately, and never added to the above
263substantive motions secondedseconding is often a seat convention, not agreement
11meetings recorded absentof 227 they were on the record for
133–58recorded votes, for–againstrecorded votes are rare and a skewed sample
Vote count and office as published by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2022 municipal election results (Open Government Licence – Ontario). Everything else on this page is read from Grimsby’s own minutes.
In their own words, via the Town
Grimsby does not publish a description of this member on its council pages, or this record has not found one.
How they voted, where it was recorded (191) — most recent 40 shown
Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 3–5 · DefeatedResolved that report DCS-26-40, Town of Grimsby Corporate Brand Recommendation, dated August 10, 2026, be received; and 1. That Council approve the proposed Town of Grimsby’s new brand identity, including the logo…
Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 7–1 · CarriedResolved that: 1.Town staff undertake a comprehensive review of Grimsby’s stormwater drainage system and identify and map areas experiencing chronic or recurring flooding, including basement flooding, roadway flooding…
Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 7–1 · CarriedWhereas the Town of Grimsby experienced significant flooding on July 21, July 27/28, and August 2, 2026; and Whereas Council adopted a new Official Plan on July 13, 2026, establishing a growth framework for a population…
Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 8–0 · CarriedResolved that the Council of the Town of Grimsby request that the Province of Ontario review and expand its available disaster assistance programs to better reflect the impacts experienced by residents, businesses…
Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 8–0 · CarriedResolved that Council direct staff to investigate the potential of a rebate and/or grant program for flood assistance, including a backflow program, and include any expenses or reserve transfers required in the 2027…
Council Meeting August 10, 2026
For · 8–0 · CarriedResolved that the Council of the Town of Grimsby affirms its strong opposition to any consideration of extending Livingston Avenue beyond the Grimsby GO Station lands; and 1.
Council Meeting July 13, 2026
For · 7–2 · CarriedResolved that report PA-26-26, Envision Grimsby Official Plan Recommendation Report, dated July 13, 2026 be received; and 1.
Council Meeting July 13, 2026
For · 7–2 · CarriedResolved that leave be given to introduce By-law 26-44 and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed. Yes (7): Mayor Jordan, Councillor Davoli, Councillor Freake, Councillor Howe, Councillor Vardy…
Council Meeting June 15, 2026
For · 6–3 · CarriedResolved that report FIN-26-18, Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), dated June 15, 2026 be received; and 1.
Special Council Meeting June 1, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedResolved that Council direct that the height be no more than 6 storeys in the Downtown Neighbourhood, and 4 storeys on Main Street, and Staff provide details of any implications to this change in the final…
Special Council Meeting June 1, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedResolved that Council direct staff to review the downtown employment areas for building heights; and 1. That Council direct staff to review the PMTSA and downtown innovation and incubation (employment) areas.
Council Meeting May 25, 2026
Against · 2–7 · DefeatedWhereas Section 14.1(1) of the Town of Grimsby Procedural By-law 20-65 provides that a Council or Committee Member participating remotely via electronic means “will have the same rights and responsibilities as if…
Council Meeting May 11, 2026
For · 6–3 · CarriedResolved that Sections 8.5(5)(e) and (f) of the Procedural By-law be waived to permit Kevin Luttjehuizen, Harley Valentine, and Anne Turcic to delegate on the Planning & Development Committee minutes of May 6, 2026.
Council Meeting May 11, 2026
For · 2–7 · DefeatedWhereas through the Ontario Land Tribunal settlement process, the Town accepted a significant planning compromise for 13 Mountain Street and 19 to 21 Elm Street (OLT-22-003541), including an expansion of the development…
Council Meeting May 11, 2026
For · 5–4 · CarriedResolved that the balance of the minutes from the Planning & Development Committee meeting of May 6, 2026 be approved. Yes (5): Councillor Davoli, Councillor Freake, Councillor Howe, Councillor Vardy, and Councillor…
Council Meeting May 11, 2026
For · 6–3 · CarriedResolved that leave be given to introduce By-laws 26-27 and 26-28, and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.
Council Meeting April 27, 2026
For · 7–1 · CarriedResolved that the Planning and Development Committee minutes of April 22, 2026 and By-laws 26-27 and 26-28 be
Council Meeting April 27, 2026
Against · 5–3 · CarriedResolved that Council approve the updated Building Permit Fee Schedule to achieve full cost recovery in accordance with the Building Code Act, and approve User Fee Amendment By-law 26-24 attached as Appendix B.
Council Meeting March 23, 2026
For · 8–1 · CarriedResolved that report CAO-26-04, Niagara Governance Update, dated March 23, 2026 be received; and 1. Whereas the majority of Mayors signed a joint letter stating a commitment to building a governance model that is…
Council Meeting March 23, 2026
Against · 2–7 · DefeatedResolved that Council endorse a reduction in Council size from eight (8) Councillors to six (6) for the 2026 municipal election, and an at-large electoral system if mandated by the Province.
Council Meeting March 23, 2026
For · 7–2 · CarriedResolved that Council endorse a reduction in Council size from eight (8) Councillors to six (6) for the 2026 municipal election and implementing Option 2B or 3 from the 2021 Council Structure and Ward Boundary Review…
Council Meeting March 23, 2026
For · 7–2 · CarriedResolved that the Town Clerk be directed to confirm with the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that without provincial intervention, the above changes cannot take place until the 2030 election;
Council Meeting March 9, 2026
For · 6–2 · CarriedResolved that the Integrity Commissioner's Report IC-35746-1125 be received; and 1. That Councillor Baradziej's remuneration be suspended for a period of 15 days.
Council Meeting March 9, 2026
For · 6–3 · CarriedResolved that the direction provided in Closed Session regarding GO Transit be approved. Yes (6): Mayor Jordan, Councillor Davoli, Councillor Freake, Councillor Howe, Councillor Vardy, and Councillor Baradziej No (3)…
Council Meeting February 9, 2026
For · 4–5 · DefeatedWhereas the Town of Grimsby and Fortis Ontario Inc. are shareholders of Niagara Power Incorporated (NPI) and all are parties to a Unanimous Shareholders’ Agreement (USA) with Grimsby Power Incorporated (GPI);
Special Council Meeting December 3, 2025
For · 8–1 · CarriedResolved that the Shared Fire Services Review – Final Recommendation Report, dated December 3, 2025, be received for information; and 1.
Council Meeting December 1, 2025
For · 4–5 · DefeatedWhereas the Town of Grimsby is a shareholder of Niagara Power Incorporated (NPI) and both are parties to a Unanimous Shareholders’ Agreement (USA) together with Grimsby Power Incorporated (GPI) and Fortis Ontario Inc.;
Special Council Meeting November 24, 2025
For · 4–5 · DefeatedResolved that Project #830010 - Home Based Entrepreneurial Hub Promotion - $25,000 be removed from the Operating Project list.
Council Meeting November 17, 2025
Against · 7–2 · CarriedResolved that the Rules of Procedure be temporarily suspended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds to discuss Councillor Charrois' motion on Greenbelt reimbursement.
Council Meeting November 17, 2025
Against · 3–6 · DefeatedWhereas the Town of Grimsby continues to face significant financial and operational strain due to the Province’s ongoing and frequent changes to planning legislation and municipal responsibilities;
Council Meeting November 17, 2025
For · 6–2 · CarriedResolved that the direction provided in closed session regarding the 38 Morrison Crescent OLT Update be approved.
Council Meeting November 3, 2025
Against · 8–1 · CarriedResolved that report PA-25-38, Grimsby Tourism Strategy, 2026-2031, dated November 3, 2025, be received; and 1. That the Tourism Strategy be endorsed in principle; and 2.
Council Meeting October 20, 2025
For · 6–2 · CarriedResolved that the Rules of Procedure be temporarily suspended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds to discuss Councillor Freake's motion regarding the removal of GPI/NPI reporting to the Finance Committee.
Against · 3–6 · Defeated
Council Meeting October 6, 2025
Against · 5–4 · CarriedWhereas transparency and accountability are foundational to the decision-making of Council, Standing Committees, Advisory Committees, and Task Forces;
Council Meeting September 22, 2025
For · 8–1 · CarriedResolved that report PA-25-33, A26-25, 38 Morrison Crescent – Minor Variance Application Town Representation at the Ontario Land Tribunal, dated September 22, 2025, be received; and 1.
Council Meeting August 11, 2025
For · 7–2 · CarriedResolved that report FIN-25-41, Council Remuneration & Expense Policy Review, dated August 11, 2025 be received; and 1. That the Mayor’s annual base pay be set at $57,589, effective for the new term of Council, and…
Council Meeting August 11, 2025
Against · 6–3 · CarriedResolved that a Healthcare Spending Account of $1,000 per Councillor and for the Mayor be approved effective for the 2027 calendar year.
Council Meeting August 11, 2025
Against · 8–1 · CarriedResolved that the Rules of Procedure be temporarily suspended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds to discuss Councillor DiFlavio's Notice of Motion regarding Niagara Region contribution to the Heritage Property Tax…
Council Meeting August 11, 2025
For · 9–0 · CarriedWhereas Section 365.2 of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits local municipalities to establish tax relief programs for eligible heritage properties;
Meetings the minutes record them as absent from (11)
Corporate Services CommitteeMay 11, 2026
Finance CommitteeOctober 2, 2025
Public Works CommitteeApril 30, 2025
Finance CommitteeApril 24, 2025
Public Works CommitteeSeptember 24, 2024
Council MeetingSeptember 23, 2024
Special Council MeetingJuly 26, 2023
Special Council MeetingJanuary 12, 2023
Special Council MeetingJanuary 9, 2023
Special Council MeetingDecember 15, 2022
Council MeetingDecember 5, 2022
Substantive motions moved (showing the 40 most recent of 272)
Resolved that the agenda for the August 10, 2026 Council meeting be approved.
Council Meeting, August 10, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the Council Endorsement Package from the Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee, dated July 14, 2026 be approved.
Council Meeting, August 10, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that Report DCS-26-39, Emergency Management Program, dated August 10, 2026, be received; and 1. That Council adopt the Emergency Management Program and the Emergency Management Plan pursuant to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9, as amended; 2. That Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the necessary By-law adopting the Emergency Management P
Council Meeting, August 10, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the Staff Memo regarding the Transportation Master Plan be received.
Council Meeting, August 10, 2026 · Carried
Whereas Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 21 to 27, 2026; and Whereas 252 railway crossing incidents occurred in Canada in 2025; resulting in 69 avoidable fatalities and 60 avoidable serious injuries; and Whereas educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dan
Council Meeting, August 10, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the agenda for the June 25, 2026, Finance Committee meeting be approved.
Finance Committee, June 25, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that report DPW-26-12, Parking By-law Amendment Considerations, dated June 24, 2026, be received; and 1. That Parking By-law 16-82 not be amended to permit parking on “inner” or “outer” boulevard areas; and 2. That the Public Works Committee recommend that Council direct staff to provide public education regarding parking regulations through the Town’s website and social media channels.
Public Works Committee, June 24, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that report DCS-26-36, Proposed Filming By-law for the Town of Grimsby, dated June 23, 2026, be received; and 1. That the Community Services Committee recommend Council approve the draft Filming By-law attached to this report as Appendix A.
Community Services Committee, June 23, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the following minutes be received: Grimsby Downtown Business Improvement Area Board - April 8, 2026 Corporate Services Committee - May 11, 2026 Grimsby Downtown Business Improvement Area Board - May 13, 2026
Corporate Services Committee, June 15, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-law 26-40 and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.
Council Meeting, June 15, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the presentation from O2 Planning and Design be received.
Special Council Meeting, June 1, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-law 26-37 and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.
Special Council Meeting, June 1, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the agenda for the May 28, 2026, Finance Committee meeting be approved.
Finance Committee, May 28, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that report FIN 26-17, 2025 Development Charge Reserve Fund Statements, dated May 28, 2026, be received; and 1. That the Treasurer’s Annual Statement of Development Reserve Funds for 2025 be publicly available on the Town’s website and upon request.
Finance Committee, May 28, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the Public Works Committee recommend that Council direct staff to report back regarding neighbourhood traffic safety concerns on Lake Street.
Public Works Committee, May 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that report DCS-26-23, Remembrance Day Road Closure 2026, dated May 26, 2026, be received; and 1. That the Community Services Committee recommend that Council endorse the event related road closure on Main St. West on November 11, 2026, which will be forwarded for approval to the Niagara Region.
Community Services Committee, May 26, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the agenda for the May 25, 2026 Council meeting be approved as amended.
Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the Council Endorsement Package from the Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee, dated May 12, 2026, be approved.
Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
Whereas National Paramedic Services Week was recognized this year from May 17th to May 23rd across Canada and celebrates the caring professional Paramedics in Canada; and Whereas this year's theme for Paramedic Services Week is, "Better Care Starts Here", and recognizes the many ways paramedics use their advanced expertise to care for, protect, and strengthen the communities they serve; and Wherea
Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-laws 26-30 to 26-32 inclusive, and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.
Council Meeting, May 11, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the agenda for the May 7, 2026, Public Works Committee meeting be approved.
Public Works Committee, May 7, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the agenda for the April 27, 2026 Council meeting be approved as amended.
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the delegation from Chuck McShane be received.
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that report BLDG-26-02, Building Permit Fee Review and Update, dated April 27, 2026 be received; and 1. That Council approve an incremental increase of 9.5% beginning on June 1, 2026 and the remaining 9.5% beginning on June 1, 2027, with any new fees being implemented fully in 2026, and that the updated Building Permit Fee Schedule in Appendix B be approved as amended; and 2. That Council
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Defeated
Resolved that report BLDG-26-02, Building Permit Fee Review and Update, dated April 27, 2026 be received; and 1. That Council approve the adoption of the updated Building By-law 26- 25, attached as Appendix C, to reflect current legislative requirements and improve administrative clarity. Yes (6): Mayor Jordan, Councillor Davoli, Councillor Freake, Councillor Howe, Councillor Charrois, and Council
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that Council approve the updated Building Permit Fee Schedule to achieve full cost recovery in accordance with the Building Code Act, and approve User Fee Amendment By-law 26-24 attached as Appendix B. Yes (5): Mayor Jordan, Councillor Freake, Councillor Charrois, Councillor Baradziej, and Councillor DiFlavio No (3): Councillor Davoli, Councillor Howe, and Councillor Vardy
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the delegation from Annette Gibbons be received.
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the following Board minutes be received: Grimsby Public Library Board - March 11, 2026 Committee of Adjustment - March 17, 2026 Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee - April 14, 2026
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the Town memorandum on Bill 98 be received and approved as amended; and 1. That the Town memorandum on MMAH Proposals 26-MMAH-010 and 26-MMAH026 be received and approved as amended; and 2. That staff forward the comments to the Province prior to the end of the commenting deadline, and circulate to MPP Sam Oosterhoff, the Niagara Region, and the Niagara local area municipalities.
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-laws 26-24 to 26-26 inclusive, and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.
Council Meeting, April 27, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the agenda for the April 23, 2026, Finance Committee meeting be approved.
Finance Committee, April 23, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the agenda for the March 26, 2026, Finance Committee meeting be approved.
Finance Committee, March 26, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the following minutes be received: Finance Committee - February 26, 2026 Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee - March 5, 2026
Finance Committee, March 26, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the minutes of the February 25, 2026, Public Works Committee meeting be received.
Public Works Committee, March 25, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-laws 26-16 to 26-19 inclusive, and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.
Council Meeting, March 23, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the following minutes be received: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee - September 18, 2025 Grimsby Downtown BIA - October 8, 2025 Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee - November 13, 2025 Grimsby Downtown BIA - December 10, 2025 Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee - January 8, 2026 Grimsby Downtown BIA - January 14, 2026 Corporate Services Committee - February 2
Corporate Services Committee, March 9, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the delegation from Adèle Hinshelwood be received.
Corporate Services Committee, March 9, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that report TC-26-07, 2026 Election – Restricted Acts By-law, dated March 9, 2026, be received; and 1. That the Corporate Services Committee recommend Council approve the revised Restricted Acts By-Law attached as Appendix A.
Corporate Services Committee, March 9, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that the agenda for the February 26, 2026, Finance Committee meeting be approved as amended.
Finance Committee, February 26, 2026 · Carried
Resolved that report DPW-26-06, Casablanca Boulevard Storm and Watermain Design Award, dated February 26, 2026, be received; and 1. That the Finance Committee recommends Council award design services for the Casablanca Boulevard storm water and watermain to WSP in the amount of $249,873.00 (excluding HST), and that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized the execute the agreement.
Finance Committee, February 26, 2026 · Carried
In the record
216meetings recorded presentthe minutes record presence, not a rate
0conflicts of interest declareda member saying they should not vote on a matter
Ward 2seatCouncillor
1,700votes in 2022Local Councillor
What this does not measure
- Motions moved is not a measure of effectiveness. Who moves a motion is often a seat convention or a committee role, and the member who does the work on a file is frequently not the one who reads it out.
- Nobody is ranked against anybody. These figures are counted against this member's own meetings and are never totalled or compared.
- Absence is not explained. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why. Illness, a declared conflict and a family emergency all appear the same way.
- What was said is not here. This record reads the minutes, which record decisions, not debate.
Something wrong here?
If anything on this page is wrong, say so and it will be corrected and the correction recorded. Everything here is read from Grimsby’s own published documents — where those documents and this page disagree, the documents are right. How this record is made.