ONTARIO — Residents will have a chance to weigh in on proposed changes to the city’s zoning code next month.

City Council announced Wednesday there will be a public hearing at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Ontario Municipal Building, 555 Stumbo Road, on a proposal to update Part 11, Planning and Zoning, Title 5, Zoning Ordinance.

The Planning Commission recommended the update, Council President Eddie Gallo said.

Proposed changes to be available before hearing

The details of the proposed changes became a point of discussion during Wednesday’s meeting.

Residents in attendance asked how they could meaningfully comment at the hearing without knowing which parts of the zoning code the city plans to change.

“The public hearing would be absolutely worthless to me if I didn’t know what the changes were,” Ontario resident Craig Hunt said. “How would I even know what to ask?”

Law Director Andrew Medwid said the information must be available 30 days before the hearing.

Mayor Josh Bradley said they will make the proposed changes available on the city’s website, where residents will also be able to compare the proposed changes with the city’s current zoning code.

The zoning-code review follows Ontario’s comprehensive planning process with Reveille, the company that worked on the city’s five-year plan, Gallo said.

Reveille presented Ontario’s comprehensive plan in 2024 after collecting input from community members and students. The plan focused on community growth and revitalization, connectivity, utilities and infrastructure.

The plan also identified zoning-code updates as one of the city’s next steps.

Ontario moved forward with a formal zoning-code review in 2025.

The Oct. 21 hearing will give residents an opportunity to express their views on the proposed update.

Fall Festival to feature first Duck Regatta

Recreation Director and Ontario Youth Sports Director Kenn Spencer announced the upcoming Fall Festival, including its first-ever Duck Regatta.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Marshall Park.

There will be two races, one for individuals and one for businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Businesses and nonprofits can enter the race by purchasing one duck for $250 or three for $500.

The winning organization will receive a Golden Duck trophy, social media recognition, Fall Festival banner recognition, prominent advertising space, website recognition and a community marketing opportunity.

The race for individuals will have one duck for $5, three for $10 or seven for $20, with the winner receiving a $1,000 cash prize and trophy.

Spencer described the event as a new fundraising effort for Ontario Community Events and encouraged local businesses to participate.

He said they looked at many other fundraising options, including a raffle, but ultimately decided on the Duck Regatta.

“This one felt more like us,” he said.

Spencer said the festival will feature elements from the 1950s and 1960s, including a pie-baking contest — which he encouraged local bakers to enter.

“The whole idea of the fall festival is just nothing flashy, just a good, small town vibe that we’re trying to create,” Spencer said.

The Fall Festival also will feature live music, food trucks, a pumpkin-carving contest, face painting and children’s games.

Councilwoman Rose Feagin thanked Spencer during the meeting for his work organizing community events.

“You’re just so creative,” Feagin said. “You’ve just pulled off some amazing events and I just want you to know that I appreciate you. You deserve your flowers.”

Mayor provides project updates for Ontario

Bradley also provided updates on several city projects during Wednesday’s meeting:

— The demolition project at 3620 Park Avenue West is complete. R&D finished seeding the site Tuesday evening, Bradley said.

— The intersection study for Park Avenue West and Shelby-Ontario Road remains underway and will be completed within this year, he said.

— Bradley also said HomeGoods and Chick-fil-A remain on schedule for this fall.