Council Meeting

Resolved that the December 18, 2023 Council meeting agenda be approved.

Resolved that the Santa Clause Parade Category Winners presentation be received.

Resolved that the following minutes be approved:  Council - December 4, 2023  Special Council - December 5, 2023  Planning and Development Committee - December 11, 2023  Finance Committee - December 14, 2023.

Resolved that the following minutes be received:  Grimsby Public Library Board - October 18, 2023  Grimsby Public Library Board - November 8, 2023  Committee of Adjustment - November 21, 2023

Whereas connectivity has been a consideration in the Niagara Region for over 30 years; and Whereas the Niagara Escarpment Crossing project has been identified as a potential solution in The Niagara Escarpment Crossing Master Plan to improve connectivity between the North and South regions of West Niagara; and Whereas there are documented safety concerns with the current existing crossings, such as steep slopes, speeding, inconsistent and under- maintained road signage and markings; and Whereas the Town of Grimsby and Town of Lincoln see heavy volume of truck traffic and narrow laneways; and Whereas the Town of Grimsby, The Town of Lincoln and the Township of West Lincoln have collectively advocated for the Niagara Escarpment Crossing project at the 2023 AMO Conference; and Whereas the new, proposed crossing is necessary to the local economy, providing a route to facilitate the movement of goods, people, and growth; and Whereas the Terms of Reference process is not projected to be completed by the Niagara Region until the spring of 2024, with review and approval by the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks projected for the fall of 2024. This is a process that must be completed prior to the commencement of the Environmental Assessment. Therefore be it resolved that Council direct the Mayor and/or the CAO to the necessity of expediting the Terms of Reference development process to the Niagara Region so the Environmental Assessment can be started in a timely manner; an

Resolved that the 2022-2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Progress Report be received.

Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-laws 23-104 to 23-107 inclusive, and that the same be read a first time, considered, and passed.

Resolved that the direction provided in closed session regarding the cost of living negotiation be approved.

Resolved that leave be given to introduce By-law 23-108 and that the same be read a first time, considered and passed.