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Thursday, October 16, 2025

The Lake Report: Check out our weekly print edition for Niagara-on-the-Lake here.

Boundary change proposed to balance student capacity at St. Davids and Crossroads schools

After a couple of years of growing classroom sizes at St. Davids Public School, and mounting concerns among parents, the District School Board of Niagara is offering a solution that'll bring down the school's population.

Native Centre board silent after allegations of misconduct and intimidation

Former staff and past leaders say programs have been disrupted, employees feel silenced and almost $25,000 in payments were issued to board members this year.

Fears swirl around future of old hospital on Wellington St. if developers buy property

Whether it's through housing or a community facility, Niagara-on-the-Lake residents say they want to see the future of the old hospital on Wellington Street serve the people who live in town.

American Hotel developer ‘waiting for market’ before demolition

The historic waterfront property known as the old American Hotel is one step closer to being torn down to make way for a future condo development.

Arch-i-text: Let’s review the core principles of good design

"These core principles are neglected, ignored or improperly applied by far too many practicing architects and results in poor designs which, if constructed, assault the public's senses with inferior built architecture," writes Brian Marshall.

NOTL raises a glass to Paul Bosc Sr. and legacy the winemaker left behind

Leonard Pennachetti, president of Cave Spring Vineyard and a fellow pioneer in the early years of Ontario’s modern wine, said Paul Bosc Sr.’s work “was truly radical.”

Bottom Line: Can taxpayers win when governments budget?

"The lord mayor and some councillors defend this padding as prudent to redress a perceived infrastructure deficit. But what will these reserves actually be spent on?" writes Steve McGuinness.

Early bird tickets for Rotary Club’s Holiday House Tour on sale now

Early bird tickets are $49 until Nov. 8, when prices will go up to $54. As in previous years, there are limited tickets available and they typically sell out quickly.

Local leaders discuss tariffs, local economy at NOTL luncheon

International trade was on many people's minds during the gathering for the town's main political representatives: "We're acutely impacted as a border community due to tariffs," says the lord mayor.

New home conditionally approved behind Virgil flower shop

A developer hopes to build a single detached house behind June Floral and Garden on Four Mile Creek Road in Virgil.

News

St. Davids stormwater pond exceeds capacity, options under review

Nearly two decades after it was built, Sandalwood Pond in St. Davids is taking on more than it was meant to handle — and the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake says it’s time for an upgrade.

News

Residents criticize size and road safety of St. Davids townhouse proposal

A proposal to build five townhouses on York Road in St. Davids drew some concerns during a planning meeting on Tuesday about the size of the project planned and the proximity of its driveways to a busy intersection.

Local

NOTL fundraiser brings hope to heroes living with trauma

A group of Niagara-on-the-Lake volunteers is fundraising to give two people who’ve served their country and communities something they say can change a life — a loyal dog trained to sense distress before it’s spoken.

Bystanders use garden hose to stop Virgil fire from spreading

Quick action by homeowners and neighbours helped stop a fire in Niagara-on-the-Lake last Friday from spreading to nearby houses.

More than 200 people lace up for first Ramblers Run at Palatine Hills Winery

Families and runners filled the trails at Palatine Hills Estate Winery on Sunday for the first Ramblers Run, a new event organizers hope will become an annual fall tradition in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

NOTL 4 All raises more than $1,000 for Hospice Niagara

The fundraiser brought together hundreds of participants to remember loved ones and help fund end-of-life programs in the region.

Entertainment

Shaw artists and local talent to share the stage Sept. 15

The Autumn in the Air concert, now in its third year, will open its doors at 6 p.m., mixing classical selections with unexpected performances.

Arts review: ‘Blues for an Alabama Sky’ captures Harlem Renaissance dreams, falters in few performance

"Their shared dreams rise and fall, worn down by circumstances caused by a multitude of factors. These include the onset of the Great Depression, economic uncertainty, job losses and racism," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Opinion

The Turner Report: Door-to-door to oblivion

"Urbanites may not get this, but in much of Canada, the post office is Canada. The sole, identifiable, enduring and working link to the federal government. Once that is shuttered, the bond dies," writes Garth Turner.

Growing Together: Now is an ideal time to plant a new tree

The following column was written by the late Joanne Young, garden expert and coach, and was originally published in the Sept. 8, 2022 edition of The Lake Report.

Ross’s Ramblings: Paper road maps have lost their way

"Even in State College on a very busy weekend, our driver didn’t once ask me for directions. It was out of character for me, but I just sat in the back seat with my mouth shut. He would just glance at his GPS screen and implicitly trust the computers," writes Ross Robinson.

Entertainment

Murder most foul haunts Navy Hall for Shaw Guild’s mystery dinner game

The game was afoot at the Navy Hall at the end of the summer for the Shaw Guild's fundraiser, "Murder Mystery at the Hall."

News

New home away from home: Farmer builds three-level residence for seasonal workers

After selling Château des Charmes winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake winemaker Paul-André Bosc is turning his attention to his family’s vineyard — and the people who keep it running.

Local

Wild West of Wine: Council sends Ferox Winery rezoning request back for more input

Ferox is 10.55 acres large, while estate wineries are typically required to have 20 acres. Council said it wants a clearer reasoning for allowing estate-winery permissions on a smaller parcel than usual and wants growers to weigh in before any shift.

Experts, farmers divided over pesticide spray drift risks in NOTL

One expert says studies from Canada, the United States and Europe have found that people living near vineyards and orchards can be exposed to pesticide residues.

400-year tree on Epp Farm celebrated with provincial honour

“This is really a piece of history,” said Vincent Mayne from Tree Trust Ontario. “It’s worth stopping by and just recognizing this tree. Slowly drive along the road and enjoy it.”

News

Village market ends season with plans to triple vendor space next year

The Garrison Village market wrapped up its summer season Saturday, marking its final day in the small parking lot it's occupied for several years before it relocates to a new, larger home next year — in front of the future Clayfield Hotel.

‘We want something meaningful’: Chautauqua residents unsatisfied with latest draft of official plan

The Chautauqua Residents Association says it remains unsatisfied with what it sees as the town’s ongoing lack of commitment to preserving the neighbourhood’s historic character, just days after the release of the second draft of the town’s official plan.

Town sets $436K price tag for Irish Harp’s permanent patio and parking spots ask

The owner of a well-known pub in Niagara-on-the-Lake is asking the town for permission to make its COVID-era patio a permanent fixture.

Niagara-on-the-Lake takes second crack at official plan

The plan identifies Glendale as a “designated growth area development” and a “strategic growth area,” where highrise development may be permitted.

Town hosts open houses on official plan and hospital site redevelopment

Niagara-on-the-Lake is holding two sets of open houses on Oct. 15 and 16 to gather public feedback on two long-standing issues: the town’s new official plan and the future of the former hospital site.

Explore these 13 NOTL destinations during Doors Open on Oct. 18

Local sites will free admission to guests to come inside and hear from knowledgeable guides about the living and built heritage of these places.

Car struck by pellet gun on East and West Line, police investigating

Niagara Regional Police said officers were called to East and West Line between Grantham Townline Road and Concession 6 Road late last week.

Queenston resident urges town to install accessible swing set at Queenston Common

As Niagara-on-the-Lake’s parks and recreation department develops its first master plan, a Queenston resident is calling on council to modernize her local playground — starting with an inclusive swing set.

Niagara-on-the-Lake council endorses human trafficking code of conduct

Niagara-on-the-Lake council has endorsed a motion supporting a regional code of conduct to combat human trafficking, which says that hospitality workers should be trained to recognize the signs of human trafficking, among other recommendations.

Reviving buried history: NOTL celebrates restoration of military boundary stones

What began with one resident’s quiet research project has grown into a town-wide effort to rescue Niagara-on-the-Lake’s forgotten military boundary stones and return them to public view.

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