Doug Ford's plan to turn Niagara into a global tourism powerhouse could have some major effects on Niagara-on-the-Lake, though it's unclear at this time what's in store for the small town neighbouring Niagara Falls.
The StopGap ramps have arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, marking, for some, a turning point in improving the accessibility of heritage district shops for people with mobility issues.
The criminal conviction of Hong Kong publisher and democracy advocate Jimmy Lai under the region's national security law comes as no surprise to the family of the Niagara-on-the-Lake hotelier.
"Transparency, lawful decision-making and respect for the limits of municipal authority protect not only the town, but also the residents who ultimately bear the financial consequences," writes Maria Mavridis.
"In 2025, we have borne witness to a series of assaults on the tapestry of Niagara-on-the-Lake," writes Brian Marshall, writing about the Crysler-Burroughs property, Glencairn Hall, the Royal George Theatre and more.
"For whatever reasons, Niagara-on-the-Lake has a history of delaying important decisions; here’s a chance for council to break that pattern and make Canada’s most beautiful town even better," writes David Israelson.
The free weekend open house ran Dec. 13 and 14 at Fort George National Historic Site, showcasing British-influenced Christmas customs adapted to Upper Canada through traditional music, food, crafts and guided tours by staff.
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has reversed course on its response to a proposed York Road development at the Ontario Land Tribunal, opting to pursue a settlement instead of mediation, after staff shared that a settlement would cost $20,000 less than mediation
Kaufman led visitors through archival rooms normally closed to the public. The spaces contain items ranging from cartons of paper records to a 1949 photograph of the Pillar and Post staff, a pig’s head costume from one of the first Shaw Festival productions and an original War of 1812 British redcoat.
Tina Dirks, who has lived at Radiant Care Pleasant Manor since January, placed a red poinsettia on the table in her room shortly after it arrived. She said the flowers make the season feel more like Christmas.
On Friday, volunteers from across Niagara-on-the-Lake will gather to make and deliver dozens of Christmas stockings to residents in long-term care homes.
"The shuttle bus to Fairview Mall from NOTL was cancelled when COVID hit, but there seems to be no push to resume operations. This makes no sense," writes Helen Kopec.
"While Ontario municipalities struggle to balance the property rights of landowners with broader community interests, Doug Ford continues to exert his full weight on one side of the property development scales," writes Steve McGuinness.
Virgil's long-term care home has wrapped up a $70.5-million redevelopment that has added 119 new beds to the facility. Current residents are expected to move into their new homes next week.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Christmas Parade returned Dec. 13 at near pre-pandemic scale, organizers say, drawing residents and visitors to Old Town as 102 entries moved through the historic core in clear winter weather.
"Some will mourn the final performances of 'A Christmas Carol' at the Royal George for the foreseeable future. Others will mourn the passing of the theatre itself," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"Why is this production so satisfying? Irving Berlin's songs are pure genius. The orchestra sweeps and swirls us along. We unabashedly sing on request," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"The government has plenty of time for photo ops and fundraising tours, but not enough time in the House to seriously address the issues families are worried about every day," writes Wayne Gates.
"The Shaw as we know it is losing touch with new realities," writes Lydia Madonia. "The loyal audience they have enjoyed is slowly fading away and it is not being replaced by a younger audience."
"I challenge each town councillor and employee to make a personal effort to only spend what they actually make, rather than spending money just because they 'want' something," writes Susan Pohorly.
The season includes “Funny Girl,” running April 24 to Oct. 3, with Sara Farb making her Shaw debut as Fanny Brice alongside Qasim Khan as Nick Arnstein. Eda Holmes directs.
Jordan Frost will oversee its engineering, environmental services and roads divisions, focusing on safe, sustainable infrastructure that can support future growth.
When asked to characterize the story of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Sarah Kaufman says it is one of people who step up to make a change for the better: "It can be very inspiring history to learn from."
Christian is a defender who made the Ontario Player Development League, which starts in spring 2026. The league, which runs from under-13 to under-17, bills itself as the province’s highest level of competitive youth soccer.
There was Christmas cheer to spare in Virgil on Thursday night as dozens of illuminated trucks and tractors made their way through the streets in the fifth annual Christmas Tractor Parade.
Crowds are expected in Old Town this weekend as Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Christmas Parade rolls through town. A full slate of holiday events across town runs from Friday through Sunday.
The province’s speed camera ban, which took effect in mid-November, sparked division across Ontario, with some arguing for the cameras' efficacy and others disagreeing.
It may have been a dark and cold night, but thanks to the hundreds of flickering candles, the warmth of the giving season burned bright in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake.
A St. Davids development, which one resident sees as a rare example of “good planning,” drew fresh questions last Tuesday about flooding, sidewalks and construction timing.
As Niagara-on-the-Lake ends the temporary patio program it introduced five years ago, it's now uncertain what will happen with one business’s bid to keep its patio for good.
Many Canadian Christmas tree farmers are facing significant financial pressure after American buyers pulled back due to the ongoing U.S.–Canada trade war.
The Holiday House Tour has raised more than $1.5 million since it began, including $260,000 in ticket sales last year, with $230,000 going directly to charity.
A rezoning proposal at Paxton Lane in St. Davids is drawing pushback from a local resident who says it conflicts with what the Ontario Land Tribunal intended when it approved subdivision plans for the area in 2013.
