Council Highlights - December 2, 2019

Council began Monday night with the memory of Art Lafleur.

Art joined the Pelham Fire Department in 1974, and was named District Chief in 1993, shortly before being forced to retire in 1995 due to health issues. The Town of Pelham named a fund after Art Lafleur following his passing in 2001. 

Art’s son, speaking on behalf of the family, told a full room of supporters that his dad was “not only a great citizen, he was a great husband, father, grandfather, and a true friend to all people in the Town of Pelham”. 

In the final year of the memorial golf tournament tin his honour, over $10,000 was raised, and over $75,000 raised over the years. This money helped the fire department purchase equipment not included in the Town budget. 

2019 was the final year of the Art Lafleur Memorial Golf Tournament.

Years of service awards were also highlighted on Dec. 2, as Henry Wutzke (25 years), Steven Racz (25), Terry Beckett (25) and George Popko (31) were recognized for their years of service.

“We appreciate your hours of training and your efforts keeping this community safe,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. 

Regional On-Demand Transit

Robert Salewytsch, Program Manager, Transit Services, Niagara Region, presented to Council the vision for a more connected region via transit service. The presentation comes as a follow up to a similar presentation in October.

Highlighting an on-demand model over a fixed route service, the on-demand model offers a more complete area coverage, dynamically adjusted routing, and vehicle utilization response in real time. The model benefits riders in a multitude of ways, including: unique user profiles, accessible vehicles, multiple booking options (phone, app), same-day service, improved connectivity, consistent pricing, real-time vehicle arrival information, and more. 

The improved service would not cost more than what is allocated in the 2020 budget for transit services. 

View the presentation

MCC Hospitality Committee

Members of the MCC Hospitality Committee presented an update to Council as to what they’ve been up and where they’re headed. 

Patricia Shannon, chair of the committee, outlined the committee’s goals and priorities, including reviewing the current hospitality operations, maximizing the operations at the MCC, recommending new hospitality business opportunities, and advising Council. 

The committee has been hard at work establishing their goals and priorities, reviewing budgets and fees, and working on events for 2020.