2017 NIAGARA REGION Q3 FINANCIAL UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2017

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1 2017 NIAGARA REGION Q3 FINANCIAL UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2017

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3 Table of Contents Page Description Page number Introduction 2 Consolidated Operating Funding Surplus/(Deficit) Review 3 Statement of Operations Water and Wastewater 4 Statement of Operations Waste Management 7 Statement of Operations Levy 10 Departmental Statement of Operations: Governance 12 General Government 14 Corporate Administration 16 Enterprise Resource Management Services 18 Corporate Services 20 Community Services 22 Public Health & Emergency Services 24 Public Works Transportation 26 Planning and Development 28 Economic Development 30 Courts Services 32 Niagara Regional Housing 34 Niagara Regional Police Service 36 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 38 Operating Amendments & Adjustment Summary 40 Reserves Summary 42 Deferred Revenue Summary 44 Reserve Transfer Reconciliations 45 Capital Project Reports: Capital Summary 46 Capital Adjustments 47 Capital Project Closures 48 Capital Project Summary 49 Capital Project Forecast 50 Capital Project Summary 58 Investment Report 59 Investment Detail 60 Debt Report 61 Accounts Receivable Aging Report 63 Explanation of Statement of Operations 64 Blank

4 Introduction On behalf of Niagara Region, we are pleased to provide you with the third quarter financial update. Niagara is a culturally rich and historically significant region that offers its residents a mix of urban and rural living within 12 area municipalities. The Region boasts a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, tourism, agriculture and emerging sectors such as new media, green technology and bioscience. Regional government operations are overseen by Niagara Regional Council which is composed of 30 elected representatives from 12 area municipalities and the Regional Chair. The current Regional Council was elected in October 2014 and the 31 members will serve a four year term to November 30, As of September 30, 2017 Niagara Region is forecasting a year end funding deficit of $4.2 million related to the levy programs, $48 thousand surplus related to Water and Wastewater programs, and a $4.8 million surplus related to the Waste Management Program. Affordability and sustainability are two key elements of Niagara Region s budget strategy. Achieving a balance between providing the programs and services residents have come to rely upon, ensuring they can afford to pay for them and ensuring that we have money to fund future infrastructure and program needs is critical. We would appreciate your feedback at We hope you will find the information provided in this report of interest and welcome any suggestions for its improvement going forward. Helen Chamberlain, Director of Financial Management & Planning, Deputy Treasurer Readers of this third quarter financial update are cautioned that actual operating results may vary from the forecast information presented. Certain assumptions and estimates are required to forecast results. The assumptions and estimates made have been done so with information available at the time of writing this third quarter financial update. 2

5 Consolidated Operating Funding Surplus/(Deficit) Review (in thousands of dollars) Water & Wastewater Water and Wastewater Services has projected a surplus of $48 after approval of the October 5, 2017 budget amendment to increase the budget with a transfer from reserves of $2,229. The deficit for the year is due to unfavourable $1,007 in chemicals due to increased usage and price escalations, $1,505 for repairs and maintenance at NF WWTP and Decew WTP reservoir, lower than budgeted water sales of $504 due to the cooler and wetter than normal weather. These are offset by surplus in compensation due to staff vacancies and administrative expense due to limited staff capacity. It is recommended that the remaining projected funding deficit of $7 for Wastewater be transferred from the wastewater stabilization reserve and the projected funding surplus of $55 for water be transferred to the water stabilization reserve. Forecast Surplus/ (Deficit) inclusive of Indirect Allocations Wastewater surplus explained Amount Surplus/(Deficit) Amendment $(2,181) $2,229 Total Surplus/(Deficit) $48 % of total budget 0.06% % of rate revenue 0.04% Waste Management Waste Management Services projected surplus of $4,780 is due primarily to higher than anticipated recycling market gross revenue for the sale of fibre at $5,601 and extension of the Haldimand contract. Other surplus contributors are the higher Blue Box program industry stewardship funding $385, offset by the higher cost of the purchase of recyclable materials from Waterloo and Haldimand also due to the higher commodity prices. It is recommended that the projected funding surplus of $4,780 for waste management be transferred at year end to the Waste Management Landfill Liability Reserve $2,000 and the balance of $2,780 to the Waste Management Stabilization Reserve Forecast Surplus/ (Deficit) Including Indirect Allocations Waste Management surplus explanation Amount Total Surplus/(Deficit) $4,780 % of total budget 9.94% % of rate revenue 13.70% Levy Regional Departments and General Government forecast a surplus of $2,880 due to higher investment income of $1,200, reversal of Merritton Mills receivable allowance to offset tax increment grants payable of $1,026, Council Strategic Funding of $565, $1,224 compensation due to corporate wide vacancies, Green Shield benefit costs, $1,649 in Community Services primarily due to the stabilization of Ontario Works caseloads. These are offset by the estimated cost of legal and insured claims of $3,621 made against the Region (inclusive of $1,000 Niagara Regional Police Services (NRPS) equipment claim included in the NRPS indirect allocations), higher tax write-offs of $736. A deficit is forecast in Agencies & Boards of $7,107 primarily due to NRPS compensation costs and Court Services lower fine revenue offset with NRH surplus from investment income, utilities, taxes and owned unit rental income. The NRPS has recommended to the Board transfers of $4,600 from reserves to mitigate the NRPS deficit when this transfer is approved at year end. It is recommended that the remaining variance be transferred to the Taxpayer Relief Reserve. Forecast Surplus/ (Deficit) Including Indirect Allocations Levy surplus explained Amount Regional Departments and General Government $2,880 Niagara Regional Police Service $(7,983) Court Services $(301) Niagara Regional Housing $1,177 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority $0 Total Surplus/(Deficit) $(4,227) % of total budget -0.58% % of levy revenue -1.21% 3

6 Water & Wastewater Services - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Object of Expenditure Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $16,367 $15,831 $ % $21,517 $20,991 $ % Administrative $2,195 $1,476 $ % $2,850 $2,320 $ % Operational & Supply $8,698 $9,166 -$468 (5.1%) $12,274 $13,070 -$796 (6.5%) Occupancy & Infrastructure $12,182 $11,924 $ % $16,955 $16,341 $ % Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $3,567 $4,470 -$903 (20.2%) $5,638 $6,548 -$910 (16.1%) Partnership, Rebate, Exemption $12,790 $1,344 $11, % $14,472 $14,492 -$20 (0.1%) Financial Expenditures $0 -$1 $1 (100.0%) $0 $356 -$ % Total Expenses $55,799 $44,209 $11, % $73,706 $74,119 -$413 (0.6%) Taxation -$81,720 -$82,077 $357 (0.4%) -$108,960 -$108,456 -$ % By-Law Charges & Sales -$774 -$1,007 $233 (23.2%) -$1,032 -$1,326 $294 (28.5%) Other Revenue -$3,098 -$1,089 -$2, % -$4,130 -$4,373 $243 (5.9%) Total Revenues -$85,592 -$84,173 -$1, % -$114,122 -$114,156 $34 (0.0%) Total Intercompany Charges $1,507 $1,314 $ % $1,999 $1,806 $ % Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations -$28,286 -$38,649 $10,364 (26.8%) -$38,418 -$38,231 -$ % Transfers From Funds -$10,346 -$1,066 -$9, % -$13,409 -$13,483 $75 (0.6%) Transfers To Funds $30,354 $30,360 -$6 (0.0%) $40,423 $40,423 $0 0.0% Total Transfers $20,009 $29,294 -$9,285 (31.7%) $27,015 $26,940 $75 0.3% Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations -$8,277 -$9,356 $1,079 (58.5%) -$11,403 -$11,291 -$ % Total Indirect Allocations & Debt $9,471 $9,162 $ % $11,403 $11,243 $ % Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations $1,194 -$194 $1,388 (716.1%) $0 -$48 $48 0.0% 4

7 Water & Wastewater Services - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) Water & Wastewater services is operating a year-to-date (YTD) $1,388 favourable variance with a forecasted favourable variance of $48 for year end. The favourable year-end variance reflects the impact of Amendment #4 (CSD ) which provided a budget increase of $2,277. The year-end projection without this would have been an unfavourable variance of $2,229. The following factors have contributed to this surplus. Compensation - The $537 YTD favourable variance and forecasted favourable variance of $525 is mainly due to vacancies throughout all divisions. Recruitment challenges are expected to continue in the fourth quarter, although positions are slowly being filled. Administration - The favourable YTD favourable variance of $719 is due to lack of staff capacity to manage consulting engagements of $327, and unspent funds budgeted for energy efficiency work of $432. The projected year-end favourable variance is expected to decrease to $529 as the energy efficiency funds will be partially used to address the boiler replacements at Welland WWTP and finalization of the Port Dalhousie WWTP energy audit. Operational & Supply - The unfavourable YTD variance of $468 is due to the timing of the biosolids land application resulting in a favourable YTD variance of $496. This however is offset by an unfavourable YTD variance in chemicals of $925. The projected year-end unfavourable variance is expected to increase to $796 comprised of a favourable biosolids amount of $322, offset by an unfavourable variance of $1,007 in chemicals due to increased usage and price escalations. Occupancy & Infrastructure - The favourable YTD variance of $259 is due to unspent repair and maintenance funds for trunk sewers of $206, water mains $187, and grounds $183 as well as electricity costs of $193 and other utilities of $348. These are offset by unfavourable variances in property taxes of $215 due to the timing of those payments, and repair and maintenance for water storage of $627. The forecasted favourable variance is expected to increase to $614, comprised of favourable variances in repair and maintenance for water mains $198, trunk sewers of $191, grounds of $180, and other utilities of $341. The property tax variance will decrease to an unfavourable amount of $19. An unfavourable variance for repairs and maintenance to buildings of $121 is projected, as well as an unfavourable variance for electricity of $124. The previous unfavourable variance of $627 for repair and maintenance water storage has been reduced to a projected unfavourable variance of $26 due to CSD ( Amendment #4) which increased this budget line by $683. Equipment, Vehicles, Technology - The unfavourable YTD variance of $903 is due to repair and maintenance of equipment of $885, mostly due to the failure of 2 digesters at Niagara Falls wastewater treatment plant. The forecasted unfavourable variance is $878 which is comprised of further pressures for repair and maintenance to equipment however is offset partially from CSD ( Amendment #4) which provided an increase of $883 to this budget line. Partnership, Rebate, Exemption - The favourable YTD variance of $11,445 is due to CSO funds committed to local area municipalities but not yet paid of $11,465. The forecast for year-end is an unfavourable variance of $20 since all CSO funding not spent will be encumbered into future year budgets. Taxation - The favourable YTD variance of $357 is due to the way water revenues are budgeted at the same amount each month, although there is significant fluctuation from season to season. Water sales are down from the same period last year due to cooler and wetter weather than normal in the first nine months of the year. The projected year end variance is expected to be unfavourable in the amount of $504 as the trend is expected to continue for the remainder of the year. By-Law Charges & Sales Costs - The favourable YTD and forecasted variances of $233 and $294 are due to increased sewer surcharge revenue of $137 YTD and $181 projected along with higher than budgeted recycling revenue of $125 current and projected, and an increase to hauled sewage revenue of $11 YTD and $29 projected. 5

8 Water & Wastewater Services - Continued Other Revenue - The unfavourable YTD variance of $2,009 is mainly driven by the timing of development charge revenue to fund the CSO program of $2,354 and offset by proceeds from the sale of land attached to the Kent Street Reservoir in Niagara Falls of $280. The proceeds from the land sale are offset below by a transfer to the capital reserve in the same amount. The projected year end variance is favourable in the amount of $243 as the DC revenue is expected to be fully realized by year end. Intercompany - The favourable YTD and forecasted variance of $193 and $193 is primarily due to lower than budgeted costs related to fleet of $181 and $179 projected. Transfers - The unfavourable YTD variance of $9,285 is due to CSO funds previously encumbered from prior years of $6,720, funds transferred from the rate stabilization reserves as per Amendment #4 of $2,277 and funds transferred from operating to fund capital items of $282. The year-end unfavourable variance is expected to decrease to $282 as any unspent CSO funds in 2017 will be re-encumbered into future year budgets and the stabilization funds for the amendment are budgeted to be fully utilized for year-end. Community Impacts & Achievements The Water and Wastewater Operations Divisions treated 58.8 billion liters of water in 2016 through six water treatment plants and 316 km of water mains, as well as 63.4 billion liters of wastewater through eleven plants and one biosolids storage facility, with collection through 123 pump stations and 283 km of forcemains and gravity sewers. The divisions provide input into water and wastewater approvals and master plans, design and construction, laboratory services, utility locates, source water protection, biosolids management, and environmental monitoring and enforcement. Significant programs in 2017 include the finalization of the How We Flow Master Servicing Plan, Security Master Plan, and Maintenance Mobile Solution as well as ongoing refinements to the Port Colborne water loss program, collaboration with the Town of Fort Erie on wet weather flow monitoring, enhanced community involvement and outreach such as the Children s Water Festival and water wagon deployment, and Public Works Week and Open Doors Niagara which included facility tours and events for the public. The 2 major contracts that support the division s biosolids program were successfully renewed in early Tenders are out to begin the EA and design assignments for the temporary outfalls for the Niagara Falls WWTP and pump stations and the temporary intake for the Niagara Falls WTP due to planned 2020/2021 OPG maintenance / closure of the Niagara Falls hydro canal. The Port Colborne elevated tank and Phase 1 of the Welland water treatment plant are now complete and in service. The Tender for the Rosehill WTP upgrades is closed and awarded. A capital deficit presentation was introduced to Council and moving forward a capital infrastructure funding strategy will be developed incorporating the needs from the completed AMP and MS. 6

9 Waste Management Services - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $2,672 $2,504 $ % $3,523 $3,326 $ % Administrative $890 $399 $ % $1,429 $1,028 $ % Operational & Supply $28,441 $28,833 -$392 (1.4%) $38,129 $39,335 -$1,206 (3.2%) Occupancy & Infrastructure $1,043 $990 $53 5.3% $1,323 $1,422 -$99 (7.5%) Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $914 $646 $ % $1,194 $1,027 $ % Partnership, Rebate, Exemption $84 $139 -$55 (39.4%) $166 $299 -$133 (79.8%) Financial Expenditures $0 $75 -$75 (100.0%) $0 $75 -$75 0.0% Total Expenses $34,044 $33,585 $ % $45,764 $46,512 -$748 (1.6%) Taxation -$26,018 -$26,272 $254 (1.0%) -$34,891 -$34,892 $1 (0.0%) By-Law Charges & Sales -$9,753 -$14,623 $4,871 (33.3%) -$12,955 -$17,848 $4,893 (37.8%) Other Revenue -$3,125 -$3,491 $365 (10.5%) -$4,139 -$4,846 $707 (17.1%) Total Revenues -$38,896 -$44,386 $5,490 (12.4%) -$51,985 -$57,587 $5,601 (10.8%) Total Intercompany Charges $89 $130 -$41 (31.4%) $118 $159 -$41 (34.4%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations -$4,764 -$10,671 $5,907 (55.4%) -$6,103 -$10,915 $4,813 (78.9%) Transfers From Funds -$204 -$164 -$ % -$204 -$164 -$ % Transfers To Funds $3,004 $3,004 $0 0.0% $4,005 $4,005 $0 0.0% Total Transfers $2,800 $2,840 -$40 (1.4%) $3,801 $3,841 -$40 (1.1%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations -$1,964 -$7,831 $5,867 (56.8%) -$2,302 -$7,075 $4,773 (79.9%) Total Indirect Allocations & Debt $1,932 $1,868 $64 3.4% $2,302 $2,295 $7 0.3% Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations -$32 -$5,963 $5,931 (99.5%) $0 -$4,780 $4, % 7

10 Waste Management Services - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) Waste Management services is operating a year-to-date surplus of $5,931 with a forecasted surplus of $4,780, due to the following factors: Compensation The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $169 and $197 are primarily due to delays in filling vacant positions. Administration The favourable year-to-date variance of $491 is primarily due to deferral of consulting work of $305 and various administrative expenses until the fourth quarter of The forecasted variance of $402 is primarily due to reduced or deferred consulting expenditures of $185, utilization of existing communication pieces and lower promotional and educational volumes of $155, and reduced Humberstone ECA (Environmental Certificate Approval) submission costs of $30. Operational & Supply The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $392 and $1,206 is primarily due to higher than anticipated commodity prices for the purchase of recyclable materials (i.e. forecasted annual variance for Waterloo contract of $1,076), and the extension of the Haldimand contract, originally budgeted for the first six months only. These unfavourable variances are completely offset by related increases to recycling revenues. Occupancy & Infrastructure The favourable year-to-date variance of $53 is primarily due to lower repairs and maintenance costs. The unfavourable forecasted variance of $99 is primarily due to higher property taxes of $97 from MPAC reassessments for Humberstone and Niagara Road 12 open landfills. Equipment, Vehicles, Technology The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $268 and $167 are primarily due to no major equipment issues at the various sites during the first nine months. Partnership, Rebate, Exemption The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $55 and $133 is primarily due to additional registered charitable organization tonnages received at Humberstone and Niagara Road 12, for which the tipping fees are waived, as well as the net impact of the HST. By-Law Charges & Sales Costs The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $4,870 and $5,601 is primarily due to higher than anticipated market revenues received from the sale of fibres (i.e. forecasted annual variance for Old Newsprint of $914; Old Corrugated Cardboard of $906; and Old Boxboard of $$2,232), as well as increased tipping fee revenues from the additional landfill tonnages received at Bridge Street, Humberstone and Niagara Road 12 landfills of $164. Other Revenue The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $365 and $707 are primarily due to increased Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) funding received for Niagara Region's Blue Box program of $386, Haldimand contract extension and additional Continuous Improvement Fund (CIF) funding. Community Impacts & Achievements Waste Management Services (WMS) is responsible for the operation of various facilities, including landfill sites, HHW depots and the Recycling Centre (a net revenue generator). WMS is also responsible for the delivery of curbside waste, recycling and organics collection and diversion programs, the management of long-term organics processing and disposal contracts, the operations and maintenance contracts at open and closed landfill sites, the recycling processing contract, policy development, capital program delivery and supporting outreach and communications programs. 8

11 Waste Management Services - Continued Project Updates & Accomplishments Recycling Centre Opportunity Review (identification of options considering the potential impact of the new extended producer responsibility legislation): Phase One complete MRF market appraisal of buildings and land complete; Phase Two complete MRF processing lines and systems, rolling stock and equipment state of repair assessment and valuation; Phase Three in progress - MRF business valuation, strategic option evaluation and market analysis. RFP issued for a pilot textile collection program at Multi-Residential buildings. New initiatives: Multi-Residential Pilot Eco-Ambassador and Rethink Your Waste at Your Workplace Programs. Humberstone Landfill Gas Collection & Control System is operational. Bridge Street and Niagara Road 12 Drop-off Depot improvements in progress. Niagara Rd 12 Reuse Depot & Grimsby Benevolent Fund partnership in progress. Winner of three Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Excellence Awards: Gold Award in the 'Landfill Redevelopment' category for its landfill end use site development by exploring options to return closed landfill sites to wooded grassland ecosystems through a variety of naturalization techniques; Gold Award in the 'Special Waste' category for the successful transition from HHW event days to permanent HHW depots; Bronze Award in the 'Recycling Systems' category for Niagara's Recycling Centre improvements, recognizing the need to meet stricter market specifications, and increase operation efficiencies and revenues. 9

12 Levy - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Object of Expenditure Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $268,670 $271,776 -$3,107 (1.1%) $359,503 $365,868 -$6,366 (1.8%) Administrative $23,581 $23,096 $ % $30,674 $32,625 -$1,951 (6.4%) Operational & Supply $24,001 $23,624 $ % $32,191 $32,562 -$371 (1.2%) Occupancy & Infrastructure $21,892 $19,621 $2, % $27,377 $25,746 $1, % Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $9,920 $10,064 -$144 (1.4%) $13,280 $13,484 -$204 (1.5%) Community Assistance $151,172 $137,939 $13, % $199,600 $190,472 $9, % Partnership, Rebate, Exemption $17,414 $12,422 $4, % $20,756 $20,012 $ % Financial Expenditures $39,241 $40,458 -$1,218 (3.0%) $57,224 $54,311 $2, % Total Expenses $555,890 $539,001 $16, % $740,606 $735,081 $5, % Taxation -$249,365 -$249,763 $398 (0.2%) -$348,537 -$348,907 $370 (0.1%) Federal & Provincial Grants -$232,155 -$220,528 -$11, % -$309,717 -$301,239 -$8, % By-Law Charges & Sales -$11,033 -$11,064 $30 (0.3%) -$15,011 -$15,675 $664 (4.4%) Other Revenue -$46,303 -$48,889 $2,586 (5.3%) -$62,648 -$68,619 $5,971 (9.5%) Total Revenues -$538,856 -$530,243 -$8, % -$735,913 -$734,440 -$1, % Total Intercompany Charges -$1,596 -$1,445 -$ % -$2,117 -$1,966 -$ % Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations $15,438 $7,313 $8, % $2,576 -$1,325 $3, % Transfers From Funds -$16,168 -$15,950 -$ % -$19,469 -$18,435 -$1, % Transfers To Funds $28,922 $33,777 -$4,855 (14.4%) $30,720 $37,646 -$6,926 (22.5%) Expense Allocations To Capital -$92 -$87 -$5 5.7% -$122 -$118 -$5 4.1% Total Transfers $12,662 $17,740 -$5,077 (28.6%) $11,129 $19,094 -$7,964 (71.6%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations $28,101 $25,053 $3, % $13,705 $17,769 -$4, % Total Indirect Allocations & Debt -$11,403 -$11,030 -$ % -$13,705 -$13,539 -$ % Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations $16,697 $14,023 $2, % $0 $4,230 -$4, % 10

13 Levy - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) Levy is operating a year-to-date surplus before indirect allocations of $3,048 with a forecasted deficit of $4,064 due to the following factors: Compensation - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $3,107 and $6,375 are a result of NRPS implementation of the new collective agreements and higher than expected number of retirements. This is offset by savings resulting from estimated lower than anticipated usage of health benefits and not filing vacancies or filing vacancies at rates less than budgeted across the corporation. The NRPS have also proposed a mitigation strategy which includes use of strategically set aside transfers to reserves. Administration - The favourable year-to-date variance of $485 is due to timing of corporate initiatives partly due to staff vacancies. The unfavourable forecasted variance of $1,932 relates primarily to the estimated cost of legal and insured claims made against the region. Occupancy & Infrastructure - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variance of $2,271 and $1,631 are due to lower than expected utility and repairs and maintenance expenses. Community Assistance The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $13,233 and $9,129 are primarily due to the stabilization of the Ontario Works (OW) caseload; as well as the timing of children service provider and HCE contract payments. The forecasted variance is partially offset by $5,282 of fully funded children service provider payments relating to a 2017 ministry funding announcement and higher than anticipated parent fee contributions in Children s Services. The favourable variance is offset by the unfavourable variance in Federal & Provincial Grants. Partnership, Rebate, Exemption - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $4,992 and $744 are primarily due to timing differences associated with the economic promotion grant to the city of Welland for the General Electric plant intersection upgrades on highway 140, unspent grants for Waterfront investment Program and the timing of payments on Smarter Niagara Incentive Program grants. Financial Expenditures - The unfavourable year-to-date variance of $1,218 is primarily from the timing of $2,900 debt substitution for the GO Train project, timing of debt billings, sinking fund contribution reclassified to transfers, timing of tax write-offs, investment gains, and a reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts for receivables that are deemed collectible. The favourable forecasted variance of $2,912 is due to the sinking fund transfers, reversals of allowance, investment gains, offset by tax write-offs. Federal & Provincial Grants - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $11,628 and $8,478 are a result of reduced SAEO funding due to reduced payment of benefits, as well as the timing of Children s Services and Homelessness funding. By-Law Charges & Sales Costs - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $30 and $664 are primarily due to higher than estimated parent fee contributions for Children s Services. Other Revenue - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $2,586 and $5,666 are related primarily to the sale of properties for $3,660 so far this year, with net proceeds transferred to the Capital Levy reserve and forecasted sales of Hainer Street properties, net proceeds to be transferred to the Burgoyne Bridge Project per CSD Other items include investment income being higher than budget. Transfers - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $5,077 and $7,964 are the result of sinking fund and property sale variances noted above. 11

14 Governance - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Object of Expenditure Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $1,720 $1,639 $81 4.9% $2,292 $2,218 $75 3.3% Administrative $298 $369 -$71 (19.2%) $370 $475 -$105 (28.3%) Operational & Supply $1 $1 $0 12.2% $1 $1 $0 10.1% Occupancy & Infrastructure $0 $0 $0 (100.0%) $0 $0 $0 0.0% Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $2 $1 $ % $3 $2 $1 30.8% Partnership, Rebate, Exemption $5 $4 $2 41.9% $7 $6 $1 16.1% Total Expenses $2,026 $2,013 $13 0.7% $2,674 $2,702 -$28 (1.1%) By-Law Charges & Sales $0 -$3 $2 (85.1%) -$1 -$3 $2 (425.0%) Other Revenue -$26 -$54 $28 (52.1%) -$34 -$34 $0 (0.2%) Total Revenues -$26 -$56 $30 (53.6%) -$35 -$37 $2 (6.3%) Total Intercompany Charges $6 $2 $ % $7 $4 $3 41.9% Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations $2,006 $1,959 $47 2.4% $2,647 $2,670 -$23 (0.9%) Transfers From Funds -$35 -$35 $0 0.0% -$35 -$35 $0 0.0% Total Transfers -$35 -$35 $0 0.0% -$35 -$35 $0 0.0% Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations $1,970 $1,924 $47 2.4% $2,611 $2,634 -$23 (0.9%) Total Indirect Allocations & Debt $634 $571 $ % $804 $755 $48 6.0% Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations $2,604 $2,495 $ % $3,415 $3,389 $25 0.7% 12

15 Governance - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) Governance is operating a year-to-date surplus before indirect allocations of $47 with a forecasted deficit of $23 before indirect allocations for year end. The following factors have contributed to this forecasted deficit. Compensation - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variance of $81 and $75 is due to vacancies within the Clerks Secretariat & Administration division. Administration - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variance of $71 and $105 is due to higher than anticipated costs for the integrity commissioner and other related external legal fees, increased cellular phone fees and increased travel costs. Community Impacts & Achievements Governance consists of the Members of Council, the Office of the Regional Chair, and the Clerks Secretariat & Administration. Members of Council and the Office of the Regional Chair provide the overall political leadership of the organization. The Clerks Secretariat & Administration supports Regional Council and its Committees enabling effective decision making based on meaningful public engagement in accordance with legislative requirements, including those relating to transparency and accountability in the governing process. Project Updates/Accomplishments Implementation of Regional Council s 2015 to 2018 Business Plan to foster an environment for economic prosperity Provided 2% overall budget guidance to keep taxes low in accordance with the Niagara Region taxpayer affordability guidelines Achieved Unanimous Triple Majority Consent for Niagara Regional Inter-Municipal Transit service Successfully bid to become the host for the 2021 Canada Summer Games Successfully obtained $5.4 million through the provincial Home for Good program that will provide homes for at least 63 residents Approved the submission of a bid to Amazon to become the location for their new second North American headquarters Promoted the Niagara Region at the Association of Municipalities Ontario Conference and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference 13

16 General Government - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Object of Expenditure Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $17 $3 $ % $0 -$432 $ % Administrative $4,508 $6,939 -$2,431 (35.0%) $6,027 $8,474 -$2,446 (40.6%) Operational & Supply $424 $0 $ % $565 $0 $ % Occupancy & Infrastructure $541 $354 $ % $554 $357 $ % Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $0 $1 -$1 (100.0%) $0 $1 -$1 0.0% Partnership, Rebate, Exemption $4,384 $3,102 $1, % $6,353 $6,376 -$23 (0.4%) Financial Expenditures $37,184 $38,807 -$1,623 (4.2%) $54,482 $51,719 $2, % Total Expenses $47,058 $49,206 -$2,147 (4.4%) $67,983 $66,495 $1, % Taxation -$249,365 -$249,763 $398 (0.2%) -$348,537 -$348,907 $370 (0.1%) By-Law Charges & Sales -$60 -$10 -$ % -$80 -$30 -$ % Other Revenue -$10,404 -$12,428 $2,025 (16.3%) -$14,386 -$19,855 $5,469 (38.0%) Total Revenues -$259,828 -$262,202 $2,373 (0.9%) -$363,003 -$368,792 $5,790 (1.6%) Total Intercompany Charges -$81 -$102 $21 (20.5%) -$108 -$133 $25 (22.7%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations -$212,851 -$213,098 $247 (0.1%) -$295,128 -$302,430 $7,301 (2.5%) Transfers From Funds -$6,601 -$6,601 $0 (0.0%) -$8,962 -$8,962 $0 (0.0%) Transfers To Funds $17,228 $22,076 -$4,848 (22.0%) $18,446 $25,366 -$6,920 (37.5%) Total Transfers $10,627 $15,475 -$4,848 (31.3%) $9,485 $16,404 -$6,920 (73.0%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations -$202,224 -$197,623 -$4,601 (31.4%) -$285,644 -$286,026 $382 (75.4%) Total Indirect Allocations & Debt -$46,551 -$50,082 $3,531 (7.1%) -$60,521 -$60,522 $0 (0.0%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations -$248,775 -$247,706 -$1, % -$346,165 -$346,547 $382 (0.1%) 14

17 General Government - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) General Government is operating at a year-to-date deficit before indirect allocations of $4,601 with a forecasted surplus of $382, due to the following factors: Compensation The favourable forecasted variance of $432 is due to actual health and dental claims experienced in the year being less than budgeted. Administration - The unfavourable forecasted variances of $2,446 is driven by the estimated cost of insured and uninsured accrued claims against the Region. Operational & Supply - The favourable forecasted variance of $565 represents the available balance of the Flexibility for Strategic Initiatives approved as a program change for Council direction on Strategic Priorities. Occupancy & Infrastructure - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $187 and $197 are the result of reduced repairs and maintenance on surplus properties. Partnership, Rebate, Exemption - The favourable year-to-date variance of $1,282 is primarily due to timing of payments on Smarter Niagara Incentive Program grants, forecasted to be exhausted by year-end. Financial Expenditures - The unfavourable year-to-date variance of $1,623 is primarily from the timing of $2,900 debt substitution for the GO Train project as approved by CSD and $2,080 in timing of debt billings, sinking fund contribution of $1,510 reclassified to transfers below, $1,400 in timing of tax write-offs, $525 in investment gains, and $555 from reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts for receivables that are deemed collectible. The favourable forecasted variance of $2,763 is due to the $1,510 sinking fund transfers, $1,030 in reversals of allowance, $605 in investment gains, offset by $738 in tax write-offs. Other Revenue - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $2,024 and $5,469 are related primarily to the sale of properties for $3,660 so far this year, with net proceeds transferred to the Capital Levy reserve and forecasted sales of Hainer Street properties, net proceeds to be transferred to the Burgoyne Bridge Project per CSD Other items include investment income being higher than budget. Transfers - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $4,848 and $6,920 are the result of sinking fund and property sale variances noted above. Community Impacts & Achievements The General Government department consists of: Taxation revenue and costs associated with Property Assessment Services which are provided by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) Investment income on investments held with different institutions (see investment report for further details) Economic Incentives and other support: The Region contributes funding to the Niagara health System s new cancer centre as well as grants related to development charges, the Youth Retention Program and the Smarter Niagara Incentive Program. Capital Financing: The Region funds its capital programs through multiple financing sources such as capital levy reserve contributions and debt charges. 15

18 Corporate Administration - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Object of Expenditure Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $1,931 $1,701 $ % $2,620 $2,390 $ % Administrative $903 $295 $ % $1,085 $952 $ % Operational & Supply $1 $0 $ % $2 $1 $1 72.6% Occupancy & Infrastructure $0 $0 $0 (100.0%) $0 $0 $0 0.0% Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $6 $5 $1 21.8% $8 $11 -$3 (41.2%) Partnership, Rebate, Exemption $0 $0 $0 0.0% $0 $0 $ % Total Expenses $2,841 $2,002 $ % $3,715 $3,353 $ % Total Intercompany Charges $7 $6 $1 11.0% $9 $8 $1 7.4% Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations $2,847 $2,008 $ % $3,724 $3,362 $ % Transfers From Funds -$349 -$349 $0 0.0% -$349 -$349 $0 0.0% Total Transfers -$349 -$349 $0 0.0% -$349 -$349 $0 0.0% Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations $2,499 $1,659 $ % $3,375 $3,013 $ % Total Indirect Allocations & Debt -$1,265 -$931 -$ % -$1,743 -$1,699 -$44 2.5% Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations $1,233 $728 $ % $1,632 $1,314 $ % 16

19 Corporate Administration - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) Corporate Administration is operating at a year-to-date surplus before indirect allocations of $840 with a forecasted surplus of $362, due to the following factors: Compensation - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variance of $230 and $230 is due to staffing vacancies in the Internal Control & Organization Performance and Strategic Communications & Public Affairs divisions. Administration - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variance of $607 and $133 is due to timing of consulting expenditures related to value for money audits and the communications strategy review; offset by increased job advertisement and corporate wide functions being funded out of the Chief Administrative Officer s Office Community Impacts & Achievements Corporate Administration includes the Chief Administrative Officer s Office, Internal Control & Organizational Performance and Strategic Communications & Public Affairs whose main focus is the general management/support of the other Regional departments. Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Led government relations activities to advance Council s strategic priorities including project management of GO rail expansion advocacy and Inter-municipal Transit consolidation. Continuous enhancement of the regional website (niagararegion.ca) for compliance with communication standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Conducted review of internal communications practices and procedures. Introduced dedicated resource to enhance and coordinate government relations activities across the organization with other levels of government. Internal Control & Organizational Performance Completed Strategic Plan for ICOP which was presented to Regional Council and to Senior Management teams. Presented and received approval from Audit Committee of 2018 Internal Audit Plan which will engage ICOP team on comprehensive audits of procurement, payroll and other significant processes, programs and business functions in Hosted Project Management Forum for all project managers and support staff across the organization, as well as on-boarded subject matter expert in project management principles. Presented Q3 Performance Dashboard and bi-annual Council Strategic Projects report which raised awareness of corporate performance relative to Council s Strategic Plan. 17

20 Enterprise Resource Management Services - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Object of Expenditure Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $8,269 $8,059 $ % $10,978 $10,794 $ % Administrative $3,041 $3,726 -$685 (18.4%) $3,926 $5,100 -$1,175 (29.9%) Operational & Supply $36 $79 -$42 (53.7%) $48 $102 -$55 (114.9%) Occupancy & Infrastructure $5,156 $4,885 $ % $6,866 $6,495 $ % Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $61 $118 -$57 (48.2%) $82 $143 -$62 (75.5%) Community Assistance $0 $0 $0 0.0% $0 $0 $0 0.0% Financial Expenditures $4 -$199 $202 (101.9%) $5 $2 $3 61.6% Total Expenses $16,567 $16,669 -$102 (0.6%) $21,904 $22,636 -$732 (3.3%) Federal & Provincial Grants -$45 -$21 -$ % -$60 -$62 $2 (3.8%) By-Law Charges & Sales -$180 -$177 -$3 1.8% -$240 -$235 -$5 1.9% Other Revenue -$192 -$309 $117 (37.9%) -$232 -$357 $125 (54.1%) Total Revenues -$417 -$506 $90 (17.7%) -$531 -$654 $123 (23.1%) Total Intercompany Charges $18 -$22 $40 (181.3%) $24 -$18 $ % Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations $16,168 $16,140 $28 0.2% $21,396 $21,964 -$568 (2.7%) Transfers From Funds -$588 -$591 $3 (0.5%) -$726 -$730 $3 (0.4%) Transfers To Funds $17 $24 -$6 (26.6%) $24 $30 -$6 (26.6%) Expense Allocations To Capital -$2 $0 -$2 0.0% -$2 -$1 -$2 75.0% Total Transfers -$572 -$567 -$5 0.9% -$705 -$700 -$5 0.7% Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations $15,596 $15,573 $23 1.1% $20,691 $21,263 -$573 (1.9%) Total Indirect Allocations & Debt -$15,596 -$15,573 -$23 0.2% -$20,691 -$21,263 $573 (2.8%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations $0 $0 $0 0.0% $0 $0 $ % 18

21 Enterprise Resource Management Services - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) Enterprise Resource Management Services is operating a year-to-date surplus before indirect allocations of $23 with a forecasted deficit of $573, due to the following factors: Compensation - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $210 and $185 are due to vacancies in Financial Management and Planning, Procurement and Strategic Acquisitions, and Legal Services. Administration - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $685 and $1,175 are due to a large claim payout and the higher than anticipated forecasted claims payouts. Occupancy & Infrastructure - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $270 and $371 are due to the delay of the build of the Niagara Falls Public Health Facility as well as lower than anticipated electricity, grounds and landscaping costs. Financial Expenditures - The favourable year-to-date of $202 is due to a posting error that is being corrected in the fourth quarter. Other Revenue - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $117 and $125 are due to higher than anticipated occupancy revenue for tenants in our administrative office buildings. Community Impacts & Achievements Financial Management and Planning Niagara Region raised a total of $ million in 1-25 year serial debentures through Capital Markets at an all in-rate of 2.775%. This Capital Markets issuance was a major success for the Region, being the first municipality in history to successfully launch a 25-year serial debenture. Construction, Energy and Facilities Management Achieved Occupancy and Substantial at the new Provincial Offences Court Facility in Welland. 19

22 Corporate Services - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Object of Expenditure Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $9,699 $10,443 -$743 (7.1%) $12,851 $13,960 -$1,110 (8.6%) Administrative $2,426 $2,151 $ % $3,175 $2,985 $ % Operational & Supply $49 $19 $ % $68 $42 $ % Occupancy & Infrastructure $20 $20 $1 4.1% $27 $25 $2 8.1% Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $1,547 $1,832 -$285 (15.6%) $2,182 $2,206 -$24 (1.1%) Partnership, Rebate, Exemption $0 $0 $0 0.0% $0 $0 $0 0.0% Financial Expenditures $48 $0 $48 ( %) $64 $64 $0 0.4% Total Expenses $13,790 $14,464 -$674 (4.7%) $18,367 $19,282 -$916 (5.0%) By-Law Charges & Sales -$3 -$5 $2 (39.9%) -$4 -$6 $2 (49.3%) Other Revenue -$203 -$248 $45 (18.3%) -$271 -$375 $104 (38.6%) Total Revenues -$206 -$253 $47 (18.7%) -$275 -$381 $106 (38.8%) Total Intercompany Charges -$246 -$118 -$ % -$328 -$192 -$ % Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations $13,338 $14,093 -$755 (5.4%) $17,764 $18,709 -$945 (5.3%) Transfers From Funds -$390 -$240 -$ % -$490 -$290 -$ % Total Transfers -$390 -$240 -$ % -$490 -$290 -$ % Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations $12,947 $13,853 -$ % $17,274 $18,419 -$1, % Total Indirect Allocations & Debt -$12,148 -$12,963 $815 (6.3%) -$16,199 -$17,229 $1,030 (6.4%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations $799 $889 -$90 (10.1%) $1,075 $1,190 -$115 (10.7%) 20

23 Corporate Services - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) Corporate Services is operating a year-to-date deficit before indirect allocations of $905 with a forecasted deficit of $1,145 before indirect allocations for year end. The following factors have contributed to this deficit. Compensation - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $743 and $1,110 are due to decisions associated to the previous administration in the termination of employees, higher than anticipated health/dental benefits for retirees, and an increase in employee assistance program costs, partially offset by gapping dollars for vacant positions within the department. Administration - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $275 and $190 are due primarily to the cancelation of the employee engagement survey funded from reserve transfer. Equipment, Vehicles, Technology - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $285 and $24 are due to higher than anticipated costs on computer software support. Intercompany - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $128 and $135 are due to lower usage costs related to Regional photocopiers incurred by Information Technology Solutions. Transfers - The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $150 and $200 are due to cancelation of the employee engagement survey funded from reserve transfer. Community Impacts & Achievements Corporate Records, Print & Mail Services Implementing phase I of the Corporate Information Management strategic plan to enhance the governance of corporate records and information management at the senior level. In process of finalizing our contract for records storage services, in response to the 2016 request for proposal. Implemented a new consent paradigm in Public Health to streamline procedures in an effort to provide greater transparency in process, and fewer barriers to service. Project to review and revise the records retention by-law, Q Q Human Resources Recruitment team successfully filled a number of hard to fill roles, with 91% of the roles filled in less than 120 days. Information Technology Solutions The Niagara Open Data Portal is now publishing over 270 data sets from a variety of community partners and Niagara Region was recognized as the top upper-tier municipality in Canada on Public Sector Digest s 2017 Open City Index. IT in collaboration with NRPS and the Provincial Offenses Courts implemented new technology to streamline the processes related to Highway Traffic Act tickets and reduce the number of errors resulting from manual entry of information. These errors can result in tickets being dismissed resulting in lost revenue. 21

24 Community Services - Statement of Operations (in thousands of dollars) Object of Expenditure Actual vs Actual Amount vs Actual Annual Forecast vs Forecast Amount vs Forecast Compensation $71,484 $72,276 -$792 (1.1%) $96,157 $96,610 -$452 (0.5%) Administrative $1,389 $1,066 $ % $1,811 $1,451 $ % Operational & Supply $5,834 $6,028 -$194 (3.2%) $7,874 $8,080 -$206 (2.6%) Occupancy & Infrastructure $2,802 $2,734 $68 2.5% $3,736 $3,671 $65 1.7% Equipment, Vehicles,Technology $629 $757 -$128 (16.9%) $813 $960 -$147 (18.1%) Community Assistance $121,700 $110,962 $10, % $161,567 $154,864 $6, % Financial Expenditures $0 $11 -$11 (100.0%) $0 $14 -$14 0.0% Total Expenses $203,838 $193,834 $10, % $271,957 $265,649 $6, % Federal & Provincial Grants -$163,371 -$154,457 -$8, % -$218,718 -$213,024 -$5, % By-Law Charges & Sales -$2,229 -$2,722 $493 (18.1%) -$2,972 -$3,710 $738 (24.8%) Other Revenue -$16,721 -$17,104 $383 (2.2%) -$22,295 -$22,670 $375 (1.7%) Total Revenues -$182,321 -$174,283 -$8, % -$243,985 -$239,403 -$4, % Total Intercompany Charges $377 $416 -$39 (9.3%) $503 $567 -$64 (12.7%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Transfers & Indirect Allocations $21,894 $19,966 $1, % $28,475 $26,813 $1, % Transfers From Funds -$59 -$47 -$ % -$79 -$67 -$ % Transfers To Funds $1,742 $1,742 $0 0.0% $2,199 $2,199 $0 0.0% Total Transfers $1,682 $1,695 -$12 (0.7%) $2,120 $2,132 -$12 (0.6%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) Before Indirect Allocations $23,576 $21,661 $1, % $30,595 $28,946 $1, % Total Indirect Allocations & Debt $12,010 $12,354 -$344 (2.8%) $15,430 $16,013 -$583 (3.8%) Net Expenditure (Revenue) After Transfers & Indirect Allocations $35,586 $34,015 $1, % $46,025 $44,958 $1, % 22

25 Community Services - Continued Analysis (in thousands of dollars) Community Services is operating at a year-to-date surplus before indirect allocations of $1,915 with a forecasted surplus of $1,649, due to the following factors: Administration - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $323 and $359 are due to lower than anticipated gross postage and office expenditures in SAEO and gross consulting and other professional expenditures in Homelessness & Community Engagement (HCE). Community Assistance - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $10,737 and $6,703 are primarily due to the stabilization of the Ontario Works (OW) caseload; as well as the timing of children service provider and HCE contract payments. The forecasted variance is partially offset by $5,282 of fully funded children service provider payments relating to a 2017 ministry funding announcement and higher than anticipated parent fee contributions in Childrens Services. Federal & Provincial Grants The unfavourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $8,914 and $5,695 are primarily due to reduced SAEO funding reflective of the reduced expenditures related to the stabilized caseload; as well as the timing of Childrens and HCE funding. The forecasted unfavourable variance is partially offset by an additional funding announcement in Childrens Services. By-Law Charges & Sales - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $493 and $738 are primarily due to higher than estimated parent fee contributions for Children s Services. Other Revenue - The favourable year-to-date and forecasted variances of $383 and $375 are primarily due to higher than anticipated union billings for employees time spent on union business, and accommodation fees within LTC. Community Impacts & Achievements Childrens Services Continue to enable parents to attend work, school or training while providing child care fee subsidy without a waitlist. Worked with school boards and service providers to ensure before and after school programs were located in schools that demonstrated significant need for the service. The Ministry of Education announced new funding in the amount of $6.8 million to expand child care by 460 spaces in Niagara. Senior Services Implementation of the Seniors Services Family Advisory Council across the eight homes to augment the Family Councils representing each individual home. Continued work on the strategic redevelopment of three LTC homes in line with ministry requirements and to better suit the needs of LTC residents and their families The Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network announced a funding increase for LTC resulting in an additional $996 thousand for Homelessness and Community Engagement Awarded 50 contracts to 22 service providers for homelessness programming in the areas of shelter, supportive transitional housing, prevention and outreach. The Ministry of Housing announced new funding for Niagara in the amount of $5.4 million over three years for the Home for Good supportive housing program. Successfully supported vulnerable citizens during the recent closure of one boarding house and two hotels. Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities Tracking less than the projected three per cent caseload increase; bending the curve on the OW caseload. New job starts plan to exceed 2017 targets; 1,238 new job starts captured year to date (2017 target - 1,350) with 919 unique local employers (2017 target 650). Council strategic priority project Bend the Curve, a technology solution to match clients with jobs and training, is scheduled to launch November