Latest news with #BillSteele
Hamilton Spectator
19-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Co-ordinated approach': Port Colborne, Sherkston Shores enhance security measures
In response to tumultuous events during the 2024 Canada Day weekend at Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores, the City of Port Colborne, in collaboration with resort management and regional authorities, has implemented enhanced safety and security protocols ahead of the busy tourism season. Mayor Bill Steele, in a statement from the city, emphasized their commitment to ensuring a safe environment for both residents and visitors. 'We've taken concrete action to address challenges,' he said. Last Canada Day weekend, the Empire Road resort was overwhelmed by an estimated 30,000 visitors, leading to an influx of calls to Niagara Regional Police. Incidents included reports of armed individuals, assaults and drug-related emergencies, straining police resources. City officials have met with representatives from Sherkston Shores, NRP, Niagara Emergency Medical Services and Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services to address issues related to crowd control, trespassing and traffic congestion. 'Together, we've developed a co-ordinated approach to ensure that issues experienced during the Canada Day long weekend in 2024 are not repeated,' Steele said. The plan includes several changes already in place ahead of the resort's peak season. Among them are new entry protocols that require all private renters to register in advance with identification requested before arrival. Resort owners are also required to preregister any guests. Day passes will not be available, a measure aimed at reducing unmonitored access. Also, perimeter security has been upgraded following a review of fencing and access points. The resort has installed new fencing in key areas to deter trespassing. On-site security has also been expanded. 'Third-party security teams (are) ready to be deployed during long weekends and periods of high activity,' Steele said. The city is also focused on education, reminding families the resort is private property and unregistered visitors, particularly unsupervised teenagers, will not be permitted. 'Parents and guardians should not drop off teens or other individuals unless they are officially registered,' Steele said. Police will continue regular patrols in the area, including RIDE programs to catch impaired drivers. New traffic-calming measures are in place along Empire and Pleasant Beach roads to slow vehicles and improve safety for pedestrians. Steele said he has scheduled a followup meeting for mid-September to review with partners how the changes performed throughout the summer and to identify any further steps needed. 'Our collective efforts demonstrate what's possible when community partners come together with a shared goal,' he said. 'I look forward to a safe, enjoyable and well managed 2025 season at Sherkston Shores.'
CBC
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Battery plant in Port Colborne, Ont., to see 'minimal' impact from Honda investment withdrawal: partner
Social Sharing The company behind a battery plant in Ontario's Niagara Region says it's still planning to start operations in 2027 despite car maker Honda Canada postponing a $15-billion electric vehicle investment in the province. A year ago, Japanese multinational Asahi Kasei Corporation announced it would open a battery separator manufacturing facility in Port Colborne. Separators prevent lithium-ion batteries from short-circuiting and overheating. When it comes to Honda's decision, "we are currently assessing the specific impact, but we expect it to be minimal," said Holli Hughes, a spokesperson for Polypore International, which is owned by Asahi Kasei. "The planned start of operations at the [Port Colborne] plant in 2027 remains unchanged, as we have sales planned for other companies." In May 2024, Mayor Bill Steele said Asahi Kasei was making the biggest investment in that city in a century and that the company chose Port Colborne for reasons including its "welcoming people" and access to rail, water, highways and the Canada-U.S. border. CBC Hamilton asked a Port Colborne spokesperson if the mayor or the city would comment on the Honda announcement Tuesday but did not hear back before publication. Honda still a partner on Port Colborne plant Weeks before Asahi Kasei announced it would set up in Port Colborne, Honda said it would build an EV battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant as part of an effort to produce EVs in the province. Now, Honda Canada is postponing that plan for two years, citing "the recent slowdown of the EV market," company spokesperson Ken Chiu told CBC News in an email statement. "The company will continue to evaluate the timing and project progression as market conditions change." Chiu said the pause would have "no impact" on current employment or production at the Alliston plant. Honda is also a partner on the Niagara separator plant, having announced the partnership with Asahi Kasei in November. The two formed a joint venture with 75 per cent of the investment coming from Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada Corporation and 25 per cent from Honda Canada, according to a news release. Asahi Kasei spokesperson Christian OKeefe said Tuesday that the joint venture "remains in place." At the time the plant was announced, it was unclear how many local workers it might employ, with a provincial government spokesperson telling CBC Hamilton there was no guarantee for Canadian jobs. In a November news release, Asahi Kasei said it had started local hiring, "with more than five employees supporting the project's startup phase." It said the company "is committed to local engagement and economic growth and has begun earthworks using provincial companies and contractors." In an email to CBC Hamilton Tuesday, OKeefe said that the initial phase of the project will create "more than 300 jobs." Although the North American EV market has slowed down, OKeefe said, the company is committed to increasing capacity and creating jobs to meet future demand. "While we can't share exact numbers at this stage, we will continue working with community partners to identify qualified local talent." On Tuesday, Asahi Kasei was scheduled to hold community information sessions at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre in Port Colborne from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. In a public notice, it said locals would meet with company representatives to learn more about the project and career opportunities.
Hamilton Spectator
28-04-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Port Colborne celebrating volunteers with weeklong campaign
Contributions of Port Colborne volunteers are being recognized by the city during National Volunteer Week with a series of social media posts highlighting their commitments to the community. Daily from April 27 to May 3, the city will profile a different volunteer on Port Colborne's Facebook and Instagram pages. The campaign will share stories of residents involved in a range of volunteer efforts, such as helping with Canal Days and the Community Concert Series, or supporting Port Colborne Public Library and the local museum. 'Port Colborne has the best volunteers around, and often that passion is passed on from one generation to the next,' Mayor Bill Steele said in a statement. 'We have overwhelming community support for so many of our annual events, and our volunteers are the hear of all we are able to accomplish.' The city began celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Week in 2019, joining municipalities across the Niagara region. More information on how to volunteer with the city can be found on the city's website , or via email at volunteers@ .
Hamilton Spectator
28-04-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Port Colborne allocates $20K in grants to local organizations
Inclusive hockey training, lighthouse preservation and animal welfare are just a few of the things Port Colborne is investing in by awarding more than $20,000 to five local organizations this spring. The funding comes from the city's community grant program, which began in 2001 using funds from the sale of Port Colborne Hydro to Canadian Niagara Power. Since then, a five-member grant allocation committee has reviewed applications twice annually, distributing funds to local non-profits and volunteer groups based on council-approved criteria. Mayor Bill Steele said this year's first round of funds went to five groups with strong community impact. 'We're proud to present these grants to organizations that are doing meaningful work in Port Colborne,' Steele said during Tuesday's city council meeting. The largest grant, $5,369, went to Port Colborne Girls Hockey Association , which plans to use the funds to provide professional skating and skills training for girls in the under-7 to under-15 age groups. A representative speaking on behalf of association president Erica Hutton said the training goes beyond regular practice. She said the more girls are presented with opportunities and support, they more they stay in sport. Since launching inclusive development programs, the association has seen a 400 per cent increase in membership over the past two seasons. Port Colborne Optimist Club was awarded $4,000 to support two popular community events: the Canada Day celebration at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park and the annual Father's Day fishing derby. Friends of the Port Colborne Lighthouses received $3,600 to install a waterless composting toilet for volunteers and visitors at the historic breakwall lighthouses. The inner lighthouse, built in 1903, and outer lighthouse built in 1928, were both decommissioned in 2010. Since then, the volunteer-led group has run boat tours to preserve and share the history of the sites. 'It's been a community involvement right from the get-go,' said volunteer Scott Wolfe. 'It's an ongoing operation, but this year I'd like to get every one of you out there because this group is really passionate.' Port Colborne Feline Initiative, a volunteer-run charity addressing the needs of feral cats, received $4,335. The funds will support trap, neuter, vaccinate and return services for 10 cats, along with subsidized spay and neuter assistance for 10 more pets through its SNAP program. 'We truly appreciate it,' said group resident Debbie Burden. 'We know that (this grant) will help the needs of these feral animals.' Also, a $3,000 grant was presented to Community Living Port Colborne-Wainfleet. Its grant will help fund life skills programs for youths and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including job-search training and transportation assistance. 'On behalf of Community Living, thank you so very much, this is going to help us out a lot,' Christine Bowers, youth and family support co-ordinator, told councillors. The city's next grant intake deadline is June 30. Steele encouraged groups to apply early. Application forms and eligibility criteria are available on the city's website .
