Social Sustainability

The City of Niagara Falls works in partnership with the Niagara Region to ensure residents have access to basic needs such as affordable housing, health and mental health care, education, and social services, ensuring that Niagara Falls is a livable, inclusive and supportive community for all.

Objectives

  • Support the development of healthcare services and facilities in the City. 
  • Enhance community services and facilities.
  • Build partnerships to increase the quality and affordability of housing options.
  • Promote sustainable growth.
  • Address the issue of abandoned and neglected properties.
  • Evaluate and update existing incentive programs to align with current community needs and objectives.
  • Support the City's State of Emergency on mental health, homelessness, and addiction.

Actions

Support the Development of the South Niagara Hospital

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50% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Council approved funding in 2023. 
  • A Memorandum Of Understanding  (MOU) for the transfer of land is in progress. 
  • The project team meets regularly to discuss the development of the property. 
Next Milestone(s)
  • Finalization of Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU).
  • Approval of permits in due course.

Park Street Affordable Housing Development

Park Street<25% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Request For Proposal (RFP) issued to marketplace with closing scheduled for June 11, 2024.
Next Milestone(s)
  • Request For Proposal (RFP)  evaluations and contract negotiations.

Ensure That a Hospice is Built in Niagara Falls

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<25% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Due diligence on a potential site is being taken.
Next Milestone(s)
  • Site selection approval.

Affordable Rental Housing CIP

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25% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Request for Proposal (RFP) underway.
Next Milestone(s)
  • Assigned to New Staff, Request For Proposal Summer 2024.

Housing Incentive Program Review

New homeowners<25% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Report approved by Council in October 2023, authorizing the review.
Next Milestone(s)
  • Completion of the Housing Incentive Program Review. 

Vacant Building By-Law

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50% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Draft of Vacant Building Bylaw out for review; vacant lot building registry out for review.
Next Milestone(s)
  • Final Draft to be circulated in summer, Report and Bylaw to Council October/November 2024.

Diversity & Inclusion Plan

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0% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Development of the Diversity & Inclusion Plan to start in 2025. 
Next Milestone(s)
  • Work on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy will begin in 2025 (Winter/Spring).

Youth Programming

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75% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • The MacBain Community Centre and the Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) offered new programs and opportunities. 
  • Program hours have been increased for registered programs. 
  • Drop-in participant totals have increased. 
Next Milestone(s)
  • Continue to monitor and expand programming. 

Homelessness Response

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On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • The Homelessness Committee, consisting of staff and community resource partners, established bi-weekly meetings to address concerns and provide necessary outreach.
Next Milestone(s)
  • Continued support through a collaborative approach.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Program

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50% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Approval of Official Plan and Zoning Amendments through Report 2023-061 on October 23, 2023.  
Next Milestone(s)
  • Issue Request For Proposal for Backyard House Designs in the summer of 2024.
  • Official Plan Amendment/Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 4 Units as of Right (Housing Accelerator Fund related).

Implement the Short-Term Recreation, Culture & Parks Plan Ten Year Plan Initiatives (2021-2031)

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25% Complete
On Track
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • Completed short-term MacBain Community Centre programming and staffing initiatives.
  • Staff completed various Cultural initiatives.
  • Continuously implemented short to medium-term initiatives. 
Next Milestone(s)
  • Provide an update to Council 2024/25.

Opening of The Exchange, Niagara Falls' New Arts & Culture Hub

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100% Complete
Complete
Key Accomplishment(s)
  • The Exchange opened to the public in February 2024. 
  • Artist Studios reached 100% capacity.
  • Opened Woodshop Studio Memberships. 
  • Farmers' Market launched in May 2024. 
  • The cafe opened to the public. 
Next Milestone(s)
  • Complete.