Regional Municipality of Niagara
Found in southern Ontario between two of North America’s Great Lakes (Ontario and Erie), Niagara Region is a very diverse area. Farming, tourism, and transportation are key industries fuelling the regional economy in Niagara Region. Niagara’s natural features, rich soils and unique climate have contributed to some of the best farmland to be found anywhere and has made Niagara renowned for its award winning wine industry. With many other natural features such as the Niagara Escarpment, miles of parks and beaches, not to mention Niagara Falls itself, it is not surprising that the Niagara region is host to more than 12 million visitors a year. Niagara has proven to be a vital transportation link to businesses in both the United States and Canada because of its location between New York State and major Canadian cities such as Hamilton and Toronto.
Niagara Region is made up of twelve unique and distinct local municipalities. Varying from the larger populated cities of St. Catharines and Niagara Falls with their urban intensive features, to Wainfleet and West Lincoln with a more rural or natural area setting.
The Regional Council is the legislative body of the Niagara Region. The Head of Council is the Regional Chair. The Mayor of each of Niagara's twelve area municipalities is a Regional Councillor. Eighteen other Regional Councillors are directly elected to represent the various municipalities. All Councillors are elected for a three-year term.
The Regional Policy Plan is the primary land use plan for Niagara. The review and approval of development applications is the mechanism by which the Regional Policy Plan and local official plans are implemented. When Planning staff review development inquiries and planning applications, they ensure their conformity with the Regional Policy Plan, Provincial Policy and Regional and Provincial planning interests. Niagara Region has made a commitment to the principles of “Smart Growth” in its planning decisions as a way of developing liveable communities while addressing development pressures.
More information about Regional Municipality of Niagara is available on their website.
http://www.regional.niagara.on.ca |
