COUNCIL DEALS WITH EXPROPRIATION, BEACH ACCESS, PATIO

PORT COLBORNE CITY COUNCIL HEARD ABOUT AN ISSUE THAT IS IMPORTANT TO HAMLET RESIDENTS

City hall was busier than usual for a council meeting held in Port Colborne.

A group of residents wanted to hear about an issue important to their hamlet but did not appear satisfied with the city's actions.

Regional councillor Barbara Butters spoke on behalf of some residents regarding what she called a handshake agreement with Sherkston Shores regarding access to Hamlet residents.

Other issues addressed by council included the approval of patios on West Street and the expropriation of land.

LEGAL OPINION NEEDED

During the regional councillor's report, Butters had "a little departure from the usual."

She spoke about changes the resort of Sherkston Shores had made in terms of access for L0S 1R0 hamlet residents.

Butters explained the history of an informal agreement to allow residents of the hamlet to access and use the park, the beach and some of the amenities.

"This was an offering made back in the day because the hamlet folks experience a great deal of aggravation living beside the park," said Butters. "The reality is there is still huge traffic issues, issues with noise, issues with garbage and littering and that's just name a few."

In 2018, the city came into agreement with the resort to sell the unopened road allowances of Empire Road and Michael Road.

"Part of that agreement also concerned the access," said Butters.

She said, effectively, access is being denied.

"Residents want a solution that is equal and fair," said Butters.

She asked council to direct staff to seek a legal opinion on the agreement and to speak with former staff to learn more.

Scott Luey, the chief administrative officer, said he thinks the best way to proceed for the city would be to get a legal opinion on the first agreement and what it includes.

Luey said it would come before council in an in camera session before coming out in public.

Port Colborne council passed a motion following through on Butters' request to direct staff to obtain legal advice and provide a position in regards to that and contact previous municipal staff for information about the signing.

They also asked Sherkston to allow entrance to the park as it has in the past until this matter is resolved.

PATIO EXTENSION APPROVED ON WEST STREET

Greg Poisson, owner of Canalside Restaurant, requested council grant the restaurant permission to continue operation of the hillside patio on the east side of West Street.

Poisson said the restaurant had used the same spot the past two years. He said they want to add wooden stairs with a railing, which will be removed at the end of the season.

Councillor Angie Desmarais said she had heard of issues from residents, but admitted the feedback was about four to one in support of the patios.

Council approved a motion granting Canalside permission to have the patio for another year.

EXPROPRIATION OF PARTS OF BRIDGE STREET, LOCK STREET AND PARK AVENUE

Council approved the expropriation of a piece of land sold by the city in 1919 located in Lockview Park. The private property bisects city land within the park. The city wishes to join all the parcels of land to one parcel under city ownership.

Economic development officer Bram Cotton said the city is following the appropriate steps.

He said there had been no contact with the owner or any associated folks with this property in about 30 years.

Cotton said approval of the report would be the next step down the path. The next step, he said, would be another public notice.

"There is an expropriation survey that has to be filed within 90 days, which we are prepared to file when it's done," he said.

Cotton said he was told the process, which has already started, would take about 18 months, which would be completed by December.

"I believe by the end of this year or at least early next year, we will be a position that we can move forward."

Council voted to accept the report.