Bill Sawchuk

1 week ago | stcatharinesstandard.ca | Bill Sawchuk

The last time the Niagara Regional Police teamed up with community health organizations for a prescription drug drop-off day, they collected 234 kilograms of unused or expired pills and medications — including eight kilograms classified as opioids. “We will take any type of prescription medication that is no longer being used or has expired,” said NRP Insp. Mike Tripp, who heads the opioid enforcement and education unit.

1 week ago | stcatharinesstandard.ca | Bill Sawchuk

Niagara’s opposition MPPs brought the fight for funding of the planned South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant to Queen’s Park. What they got in return was a response from the government that obfuscated the issue. The half-billion-dollar facility is a crucial piece in addressing Niagara’s housing crisis. However, the traditional funding formula for large infrastructure projects — costs are equally divided among local, provincial and federal governments — isn’t in place.

1 week ago | stcatharinesstandard.ca | Bill Sawchuk

With the chair’s tie-breaking vote, Niagara Region councillors approved a $10.6-million contract Thursday to build a standalone Next Generation 911 (NG-911) backup facility on Niagara Regional Police property in Welland. Councillors voted 15-15 on the recommendation from the public works committee to approve the contract with GEN-PRO Construction from Burlington. “I will reluctantly vote yes,” said Region Chair Jim Bradley.

2 weeks ago | stcatharinesstandard.ca | Bill Sawchuk

Staring down the barrel of another significant property tax increase, Niagara regional councillors staged a revolt against the corporate leadership team Thursday, pre-empting control of a staff-directed process with a 3.5 per cent budget guidance to all regional departments. Councillors also approved supplying the same guidance to the Niagara police board and transit commission, which present their budgets to councillors for final approval.

2 weeks ago | wellandtribune.ca | Bill Sawchuk

Staring down the barrel of another significant property tax increase, Niagara Region councillors staged a revolt against the corporate leadership team, pre-empting control of a staff-directed process with a 3.5 per cent budget guidance to all regional departments. Councillors also approved supplying the same guidance to the Niagara police board and transit commission, which present their budgets to councillors for final approval.