2017 Annual Conference
IMLA's 82nd Annual Conference
October 14, 2017 - October 18, 2017
Hilton Hotel and Suites, Niagara Falls/Fallsview
Scotiabank Convention Center
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
News
Conference News
Conference Hotel:
IMLA's 82nd Annual Conference is in the Scotiabank Convention Center in Niagara Falls, Ontario in October 2017! The conference hotel is the Hilton Hotel and Suites, Niagara Falls/Fallsview. Check back regularly for updated information! The IMLA room block is NOW OPEN! To book a room call 1-866-873-9829 and use the group code IMLA or CLICK HERE to book your room online
Click here to view the dollar exchange information.
Niagara Bound Tours
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
905-685-5375
Niagara Bound Tours was established in 2004 by Lezlie Harper. Lezlie started her work career in tourism as a busgirl. Over the years, that interest in tourism never waned. CLICK HERE for more information.
Four tours will be offered on tour days.
- Tour 1: Niagara's Black History Tour (140 (CAD) per guest)
- Tour 2: Niagara Falls Scenic Tour (190 (CAD) per guest)
- Tour 3: Niagara Escarpment Wine Tour (180 (CAD) per guest)
- Tour 4: Niagara on the Lake Winery Tour (180 (CAD) per guest)
If you are interested in any of these tours, contact Niagara Bound Tours as soon as possible at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 905-685-5375 before June 15, 2017.
If there are other destinations that you are interested in, please contact Niagara Bound Tours directly by email or telephone.
Passports:
Passports: AS OF JUNE 1, 2009: U.S. citizens will be required to present one of the following documents for entry into the United States by land or sea from Canada: US Passport Card or US Passport. CLICK HERE to read more.
Phones: Don't get hit with international charges! Plan in advance. Below is some information on intentional plans, but be sure to call your cellular provider for information.
- Verizon Wireless
- International Travel Plan: $2 per day per device (Mexico and Canada are included without a daily fee on plan sizes 12 GB or larger.)
- CLICK HERE for more information.
- AT&T
- AT&T Passport (valid for 30 days)
- $40: Unlimited texting, $1.00 talk per minute, 200MB cellular data, unlimited Wi-Fi access at participating hotspots
- $60: Unlimited texting, $0.50 talk per minute, 300MB cellular data, unlimited Wi-Fi access at participating hotspots
- $120: Unlimited texting, $0.35 talk per minute, 800MB cellular data, unlimited Wi-Fi access at participating hotspots
- AT&T Passport (valid for 30 days)
- Sprint
- Open World (free)
- Unlimited call
- Unlimited text
- 1 GB of high speed data (after that, $30 per GB)
- Open World (free)
- T-Mobile
- Simple Choice Plan
- Unlimited calls
- Unlimited texts
- Simple Choice Plan
Other information:
Schedule
Conference Schedules
2017 Code Enforcement Program
Niagara Falls, Ontario, CanadaScotiabank Convention CenterOctober 14 & 15, 2017
The 82nd Annual Conference includes a special two day Code Enforcement Program, October 14 and 15, which is applicable to not only the city attorney and law department but also your code enforcement officials. Click here to view the tentative schedule.
Click here to register!!
IMLA's ILGL Program
October 14, 2017
Niagara Falls, Ontario, CanadaScotiabank Convention Center
The 82nd Annual Conference includes a special Institute for Local Government Lawyers program on October 14, 2017.
The Institute for Local Government Lawyers (ILGL) is a beginners-level program geared towards attorneys new to local government, as well as seasoned attorneys who need a “refresher” in various general topics of local government law. Presenters are law school professors and/or local government lawyers with a vast amount of experience throughout the United States. The presentations will provide a broad overview on a number of topics of interest to local government attorneys and will be in a classroom-type setting including topics on:
- Municipal Finance
- Parliamentary Procedure
- Sunshine Laws
- Personnel and Employment Law
- Land Use
- Legal Ethics
- Negotiation
CLICK HERE to view the tentative agenda.
Space is limited register early! Click here to register.
Loopstra Nixon LLP Canada Day
Monday, October 16, 2017
AGENDA (tentative):
CHAIR: Paul DeMelo, Kagan Shastri LLP
| 8:45-9:00 | Opening Remarks from Chair |
| 9:00-9:45 |
"Municipality Involvement in Inquests: Balancing Interests and Managing Risks" Speaker: Nada Nicola-Howorth, Lerners LLP |
| 9:45-10:30 | "Recent Amendments to the Municipal Elections Act and a Comparison of Provincial Legislation"
Speaker: Eric Davis, Miller Thompson LLP |
| 10:30-10:45 | Morning Break |
| 10:45-11:30 | "Autonomous Vehicles Are Here: What Municipalities Need to Know"
Speaker: Luciana I. Amaral, Boghosian + Allen LLP |
| 11:30-12:15 | "Accepting Alternative Forms of Security: Options for Municipalities"
Speakers: Dick Longland, The Guarantee Company of North America & Paul Bigioni, City of Pickering |
| 12:15-12:45 | Scholarship Recipient #1 |
| 12:45-1:00 | Morning Open Session |
| 1:00-2:30 | Lunch |
| 2:30-3:15 | "Canadian Anit-Spam Legislation and its Implications for Municipalities"
Speaker: Andrew Sprague, Baker & McKenzie LLP |
| 3:15-4:00 | John Traves - City of Halifax |
| 4:00-4:30 | Scholarship Recipient |
| 4:30-4:45 | Update on recent decisions and legislative changes impacting municipal law (Open Session) |
| 4:45-500 | Closing Remarks & Other Business |
IMLA Events
IMLA Events
Welcome Reception
Table Rock CentreSunday, October 15, 2017
7:00PM - 10:00PMBusses will begin at 6:30PM
A badge is required for entry
Kick off the 82nd Annual Conference in Niagara falls at the Welcome Reception. Enjoy food, drinks and networking!
Also experience the Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara’s Fury attraction!
Journey Behind the Falls:
To stand at the heart of the falls, you’ll first need to descend 150 feet and explore 130-year-old tunnels through the bedrock.
Experience the falls from the observation deck at the foot of the 13-story-tall falls, but don’t forget the viewing portals cut straight through the rock, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down in front of you.
Niagara's Fury Attraction:
Discover the ancient story of Niagara Falls in 4D and re-live the exciting experience in this 360 degree multi-sensory theater.
Water will bubble and spray as you travel down river, while snow falls all around simulating the last Ice Age. The moving platform beneath your feet will help you understand the power of nature as you’re surrounded by stunning visuals of the mighty Niagara River.
Whirlpool Golf CourseSaturday, October 14, 2017
Golf has been arranged for Saturday, October 14th at the Whirlpool Golf Course, right along the Niagara River.This is an award winning golf course designed by Stanley Thompson and we have arranged for a special rate of $55 CDN to play(includes a round of golf and a cart).CLICK HERE for more information on the course. Please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in reserving a spot.
IMLA's 2017 Annual World SeriesTuesday, October 17, 2017
The annual softball game will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at Oakes Park. A bus will pick up the participants at the hotel transport them to Oakes Park Field. At the end of the game, each participant will have the option to return by bus to the Hotel or be dropped off by bus at a local bar, Doc Magilligan's. All participants will receive a free softball jersey and cap. The organizing committee will supply softballs, bats, snacks, and drinks. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at Oakes Park. Each participant is encouraged to bring a glove and a jacket or sweatshirt, and must sign standard waiver forms required by IMLA. This is a free event, but bus seats will be given at a first come, first served basis.
Registration Coming Soon
Niagara Bound Tours
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
905-685-5375
Niagara Bound Tours was established in 2004 by Lezlie Harper. Lezlie started her work career in tourism as a busgirl. Over the years, that interest in tourism never waned. CLICK HERE for more information.
Four tours will be offered on tour days.
- Tour 1: Niagara's Black History Tour (140 (CAD) per guest)
- Tour 2: Niagara Falls Scenic Tour (190 (CAD) per guest)
- Tour 3: Niagara Escarpment Wine Tour (180 (CAD) per guest)
- Tour 4: Niagara on the Lake Winery Tour (180 (CAD) per guest)
If you are interested in any of these tours, please contact Niagara Bound Tours as soon as possible at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 905-685-5375 before June 15, 2017.
If there are other destinations that you are interested in, please contact Niagara Bound Tours directly by email or telephone.
Morning Runs
Join Cindy Yi on a morning run before the IMLA sessions begin! More information and sign-up will be available soon!
Cindy is an Associate in the Municipal, Land Use Planning and Development Law Group at Loopstra Nixon LLP, the largest full-service law firm in west Toronto. She represents a broad cross-section of public and private sector clients on a variety of municipal law matters throughout the province. She is an avid fitness enthusiast, and has run several Tough Mudder races, competed in powerlifting competitions, and enjoys long-distance running. She is also currently training for two marathons this year.
CLICK HERE if you are interested in joining Cindy Yi for a run! Please return the form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Registration
Conference Registration
CLICK HERE to register online!CLICK HERE to download the Conference form. Please email form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
Click here to register for ILGL Program.Click here to register for the Code Enforcement Program.
Sponsors
2017 Annual Conference Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSOR
IMLA has a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities as well as customizable ones. If you are interested, please contact Amanda at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. At IMLA’s Conferences, we generally get anywhere from 600-800 attendees.
Exhibitors
2017 Annual Conference Exhibitors
The exhibit cost for the conference is $2,750 ($1500 for not for profits). This registration includes set up for two representatives. One individual can have admission to all sessions, event materials, social events and all refreshment breaks. At IMLA'sConferences we generally get anywhere from 600-800 attendees.If interested in exhibiting at the 2017 Annual Conference, please e-mail Julie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Hotel/Lodging
Conference Hotel
Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview
6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9, Canada
Tel: 905-354-7887
IMLA has secured a block of sleeping rooms and a special room rate at the Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview, a first class facility, in Ontario, Canada.
In order to secure this block of specially priced sleeping rooms and to keep meeting costs to a minimum, IMLA has entered into a total meeting package and contract with the Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview. If you choose to make your sleeping room reservations outside the IMLA group block, such as through an Internet reservation system or with a discount coupon, we need to advise you that IMLA can suffer significant financial penalties. IMLA can be held financially responsible for the attrition or difference between what was promised in the group block and what was actually utilized.
To allow IMLA to continue to provide a reasonable conference registration fee, we need your help in limiting our financial exposure. Please take advantage of the special room rate and block of sleeping rooms we have negotiated and make your reservation.
The IMLA room block is NOW OPEN! To book a room call 1-866-873-9829 and use the group code IMLA or CLICK HERE to book your room online
CLICK HERE to read the passport and US vistor information
CLICK HERE to read about the hotel amenities
Passports
Passports
PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED: U.S. citizens will be required to present one of the following documents for entry into the United States by land or sea from Canada:
Please Note: Six Month Validity Passport Rule. As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel. Canada now enforces the six month validity rule! CLICK HERE for more information.
1. U.S. Passport Card
- Cost: $55 - Age 16 and older
- $40 - Under age 16
- $30 - For holders of U.S. passport
- Validity: 10 years - Age 16 and older
- 5 years - Under age 16
- Issued by: U.S. Department of State
- Limitations: Not valid for international air travel
CLICK HERE to read more about the passport card.CLICK HERE to view fees and forms.
2. U.S. Passport
- $135 - Age 16 and older
- $105 - Under age 16
- Validity: 10 years - Age 16 and older
- 5 years - Under age 16
- Issued by: U.S. Department of State
Applying for a passport:
- Where to apply: Must apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility (post office, clerk of court, etc.)
- Processing time:
- Routine Service: Approximately 4-6 weeks from the time of application, including mailing time.
- Expedite Service: Approximately 2-3 weeks from the time of application, including mailing time.
Renewing a passport:
- Where to apply: submit application by mail
- CLICK HERE to read exceptions
- $110 - Age 16 and older
CLICK HERE to review the forms and fees.
Passport Photos:
"Bad photos are the #1 reason passport applications get held up during the application process"
CLICK HERE to read photo requirements.
CLICK HERE to read more about passport photos.
Transportation
How to Travel While You're in Canada
Airport to Hotel/Hotel to Airport
Your transportation to and from the airport is on your own, however, IMLA is working with Niagara Airbus and AVIS to provide IMLA members with discounted transportation!
Niagara Airbus: www.niagaraairbus.com (enter code 466 at the beginning of the booking)
- Buffalo Airport (closest to hotel)
- $97.00CAD- Round trip shuttle
- $69.00CAD- One way
- 10% discount on all private exclusive services
- Toronto
- $88.00CAD + hst- Round trip
- $64.00CAD + hst- One way
- 10% discount on all private exclusive services
Reservations can be made online or by calling the reservation line at 905-374-8111. Any questions can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The code (466) is valid for travel from October 7 - 25th, 2017.
CLICK HERE for information on booking online.
AVIS: LINK
Avis Worldwide Discount or AWD number is J867718.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-800-331-1600 (Must give the agent the AWD number)
The AWD code is valid seven days prior to the event and seven days after the event.
More information can be found HERE.
Hotel to Scotiabank Convention Center/Scotiabank Convention Center to Hotel
- Walk: The Scotiabank Convnetion Center is only two blocks away!
- Busses (free): Busses to and from the Scotiabank center will be circulating all day.
Hotel to Welcome Reception/Welcome Reception to Hotel
The Welcome Reception will take place at the brink of the falls!
- Walk: The Welcome Reception is in walking distance of the hotels. Take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery!
- Busses: Busses will be ciriculating. It will be a short trip (~5 minutes) to the location.