Pelham councillors scrapped their October 21 meeting, endorsed a rewritten building by-law and moved the annual Christmas market indoors to the Meridian Community Centre during a busy regular meeting on Wednesday, October 7.
Council voted to cancel its upcoming October 21 regular meeting so staff can concentrate on the October 26 municipal election, according to a Town of Pelham council highlights release. The town plans to post the cancellation on its website and social media channels so residents know about the change.
New building by-law on track for January
Council approved in principle a proposed new building by-law, following a presentation from Chief Building Official Andrew McMurtrie. The changes are mainly administrative and are meant to make the permitting process clearer and more consistent. If formally adopted, the by-law would take effect on January 1, 2027.
Councillors also received a presentation from consultants at WSP Canada and Parcel Economics on the launch of the town's Employment Areas and Affordable Housing Study. Once finished, the study will give Pelham an evidence-based picture of its current and future employment land and affordable housing needs, along with planning policy options to support expected growth.
Christmas market moves to Meridian Community Centre
The Pelham Christmas Market will move to the Meridian Community Centre this winter as a pilot, after council directed staff to relocate the event. The market's date will also change, with the event now scheduled for Thursday, December 3. The town says the move will cut down on downtown road closures, improve accessibility and give vendors and visitors an indoor option in bad weather.
Pool project on budget, dog waste pilot a success
Staff reported the Pelham pool renovation remains on track to finish on time and on budget before the 2027 season. They also said the pool's condition turned out better than expected at the start of renovations, which could extend its life beyond the 10-year estimate council was originally given.
A pilot program installing dedicated dog waste containers drew praise from councillors. The containers have led to a significant drop in dog waste complaints and freed up staff time for other projects, and staff will include money in the 2027 capital budget to install three more units at new locations.
Regional governance and traffic calming
Mayor Junkin presented a letter signed by eight Niagara mayors that has been sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The letter offers recommendations the mayors believe could help when the new Regional Council structure takes effect after the election. The full letter is available on the town's website.
Council also passed a motion directing staff to study whether speed humps or other traffic-calming measures are feasible near both ends of North Pelham Park. Staff will report back in the new year with recommended measures, cost estimates and implementation options.
Deputy Mayor Eckhardt, meanwhile, shared a letter from the Ministry of Red Tape Reduction thanking Pelham for discussions at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference, where town representatives raised concerns about archaeological assessment requirements and their impact on housing development.
