High-Level Summary:

The September Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee meeting, chaired by Sarah, was attended by key participants including Counselor De Flavio, Mayor Jordan, and Brian (who joined virtually). The meeting focused on significant community projects, including the Heritage Grimsby Mapping Project and the proposal of a Heritage Property Tax Relief Program.

Important Topics Discussed:

1. Land Acknowledgement:

   • The meeting began with a land acknowledgment recognizing Grimsby's historic ties with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. "Grimsby is situated on treaty land... the regional Municipality of Niagara and Grimsby stand with all Indigenous people past and present in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live."

2. Heritage Grimsby Mapping Project:

   • The committee discussed the creation of both print and digital maps identifying the town's heritage sites in collaboration with local museums and historical societies. Chair Sarah mentioned, "The first phase will be to have a print map that people can take around and see for themselves...following the print map, the hope is to make a digital map." Counselor De Flavio suggested utilizing Google Maps due to its user-friendly features.

3. Grant Application for Mapping Project:

   • A $1,500 mini-grant application to the Niagara Community Foundation was discussed to fund the design of the print map. Sarah noted, "Janet at the Grimsby Museum would apply for the grant on behalf of the town, in partnership with the working group." They concluded that a resolution should be passed to gain Council approval for the grant.

4. Meeting Format Change:

   • To streamline processes, the committee agreed on requiring a mover and a seconder before passing any resolutions. This aims to enhance clarity and proper documentation.

5. Heritage Property Tax Relief Program:

   • Another focal point was the recommendation for a Heritage Property Tax Relief Program. The committee reviewed benchmarking insights from 18 municipalities on their tax relief programs for heritage properties. "We did provide a report that kind of went over the evaluation we did...what kind of percentage they were offering...lessons learned...where there was some flexibility."

Public Comments or Questions Addressed:

• Counselor De Flavio inquired about the visibility of draft maps for committee members to provide input on points of interest.
• Mayor Jordan asked if a resolution was necessary to proceed with the grant application, confirming the committee's consensus to do so.

Opportunities for Public Input:

• The public can provide feedback on the Heritage Grimsby Mapping Project in upcoming committee meetings when draft maps and point-of-interest lists are discussed.
• Residents can also submit feedback through town communication channels or contact committee members directly.

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred:

1. Motion to Approve Agenda:

   • Outcome: Passed
   • Details: Mover: Counselor De Flavio; Seconder: Mayor Jordan

2. Motion to Approve Minutes of August 13, 2024:

   • Outcome: Passed
   • Details: Mover: Counselor De Flavio; Seconder: Mayor Jordan

3. Motion to Apply for Niagara Community Foundation Grant:

   • Outcome: Passed
   • Details: Draft resolution to be finalized and submitted before October 21.

Follow-Up Actions and Next Steps:

• Finalize and submit the grant application for the Heritage Grimsby Mapping Project.
• Implement the new meeting format requiring movers and seconders for resolutions.
• Continue developing the Heritage Property Tax Relief Program based on feedback and benchmarking insights.

Councillors Present:

1. Sarah (Chair)
2. Counselor De Flavio
3. Mayor Jordan
4. Brian (Virtually)