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Niagara Falls
Thursday, January 16, 2025

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

First of Zalepa’s open houses sparks debate on roundabout

"The people of St. Davids do not want a roundabout," said one resident to the lord mayor during a heated back-and-forth on Thursday evening. Around 50 people were in attendance at the meeting.

Suspects steal almost $1,000 of alcohol from LCBO in Virgil

Police determined three suspects came into the store last Saturday, picked out an array of alcoholic beverages, bypassed the checkout counters and left the store. “I couldn't believe what I saw," says one witness.

Town to look at affordable housing in Glendale

The Glendale secondary plan, approved on Tuesday, will function as a roadmap for the future of the Glendale community, including development.

As NOTL awaits a new patio program, current one will stay in place

The current program only allows patios in the "urban area" of NOTL. No new permits were issued to Queen Street businesses in 2024.

Year in Review: A summer of floods and political anger

The last six months of 2024 in Niagara-on-the-Lake were marked by extreme weather upheaval and a volatile political climate. Kevin MacLean breaks down what made the headlines in the second half of the year.

New year, new connections: Songs, dances and unity at the Native Centre

“We still want people to come in, and we still want them to see each other, see people who they may not have seen in a while, and also enjoy a good meal,” said Sean Vanderklis.

Icebreakers comedy fest returns for 11th year

“It’s a nice little event to break up the winter blues," says executive producer Jeff Paul. Tickets are on sale now for every show except the sold-out Saturday night show.

Opinion: Time to take on Trump and tariffs — not an early election

"With the threat of Trump's tariffs looming over our economy, we need a Team Ontario approach, working together across party lines to stand up to Trump’s tariffs," writes MPP Wayne Gates.

Red Roof brings energy, healing and purpose to start the year off with a good cause

Retreat organizer Natalia Love Angelou says she hopes this event, which raised money for Red Roof, planted the first seed of her larger vision of having her own sacred space for all walks of life.

NOTLers fill house at first fish fry of the year

“It’s a place where you will always see someone you know," said Brent Longmoore, who calls the weekly dinner a staple social outing in NOTL.

News

Clayfield Hyatt hotel planned for the Village, to open in 2026

Developer Adam Hawley says the Clayfield Hotel will function as a franchise, built and owned by the local development company: "It's not going to be owned by Hyatt or anybody else."

News

Year in Review: Development pressures remain NOTL’s biggest issue

With loud public protests, numerous anti-development screeds on social media and many more development decisions facing councillors in the second half their four-year term, vigorous debates will continue in 2025.

Local

The Turner Report: What I learned about winning and losing

"We have made citizens who enter politics into punching bags. They’re not regular people trying to make a difference, helping the common good anymore. Over time they become the enemy, responsible for every failure, annoyance and hardship their constituents endure," writes Garth Turner.

NOTL’s top newsmakers of 2024

NOTL produces a huge amount of news, week in and week out — and we have chosen to highlight some of the top stories and newsmakers of 2024.

Icewine Festival returns to NOTL for its 30th anniversary

If you're looking to inject a little sweetness into the bitter winter cold of January, the upcoming icewine village might be the place for you. This year's festival returns Jan. 18 for two weekends.

Willow Cakes & Pastries to close storefront and take business digital

With last week's announcement came the introduction of Simply Shortbread, an online mail-order business and its sister business, the Willow, dedicated to cakes and custom orders, just without an in-person bakery. 

Entertainment

St. Mark’s to host Christmas concert

The church is hosting a Christmas concert Dec. 22, called "A Christmas Homecoming: A Festive Celebration of Story and Song." The goal is to invoke a feeling of being at home for the holidays.

Arts review: Shaw’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ remains fun time for everyone

"The delight of this production owes much to its buoyant, genuine performances, fine direction, imaginative minimalist staging, creepy sounds and lively puppets," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Opinion

Letter: Tourism needs to be ‘perfectly paired’ with residents’ needs

"Residents of NOTL understand that tourism is a contributing factor to life here and support a shared approach — however, tourism has to be well managed and that depends on the town council," writes Jackie Bonic.

Ross’ Ramblings: Lord mayor’s open house was informative and entertaining

"Standing at the back of the room in the St. Davids Fire Hall, from what I could understand, competing interests seem to be pointing fingers at each other. He said, she said," writes Ross Robinson.

Letter: Thanks for your support in 2025

"On behalf of the General Nelles Branch 124 Royal Canadian Legion, entering into 2025, I would like to reflect on, and with the executive committee, thank the many people that made 2024 a very good year for our branch," writes Allan Howse.

Entertainment

SPONSORED: FirstOntario PAC brings Niagara’s Tragically Hip-loving community together to be a part of Gord’s legacy

Secret Path Week is a national movement that commemorates the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack, and takes place annually from Oct. 17 to 22.

News

Lord mayor to host series of open houses across NOTL

Starting Thursday, Jan. 9, Gary Zalpea will be hosting open houses in each of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s five villages, featuring a brief presentation and time for residents to connect with council members and town staff. 

Local

15-year-old suspect connected to NOTL car break-ins in custody

Niagara Regional Police say they've increased the number of officers and investigators in NOTL as they continue searching for additional suspects connected to the holiday break-ins.

‘It is an immense joy’: $12,300 raised for Kazemi family

Asadullah Kazemi was elated when the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce presented him and his family with a cheque of more than $12,300 of funds raised from this year’s Candlelight Stroll.

Stockings for Seniors returns for fourth year

Christmas is coming for 145 residents at Pleasant Manor and Niagara Long Term Care retirement homes. For the fourth year in a row, Joan King asked Niagara-on-the-Lake residents to put...

News

Grape growers hope to curb the flow of foreign juice into Canada

“It is almost criminal in our minds that these grapes are being dropped on the ground, not purchased, and imports still find their way into our marketplace,” said Debbie Zimmerman, executive director of the Grape Growers of Ontario.

Regional budget means higher taxes for NOTL

There is very little wiggle room for what councillors can do to reduce the budget, but one thing that can be done is reducing discretionary spending, said regional councillor Andrea Kaiser.

Cozying up to local treasures at the Pumphouse’s holiday market

For more than a decade, the Pumphouse has been a key stop for the Holiday House Tour, but this year, the market hopes to shine on its own.

A crafty reunion: Annual sale brings the community together at Toad Hall

For the fifth consecutive year, Godwin and Parks hosted the sale at Parks' 1845 Regency manor home, Toad Hall.

NOTL library is decking the halls with music, food and crafts

Whether it’s singing, baking or crafts, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library is feeling the holiday spirit and looking to share that spirit with its patrons.

Uniting for animal rescue at Reif’s holiday market

Tanya Rice says when she sees a pet in needs, she can't turn her back. A portion of the money she raised from last weekend's holiday market will go toward supporting her animal rescue efforts.

Santa’s sleigh stops at OLiV for a holly jolly photo day

"Santa surprised us," said Yana Peretyatko, who was with her family at the tasting room on Saturday afternoon, taking in the festive spirit.

PHOTO GALLERY: Christmas tractor parade a huge hit once again

The streets of Virgil were filled with rumbling machinery, bright lights, festive music and Christmas cheer on Thursday evening.

Sugar, spice and everything nice at St. Andrew’s Christmas fair

Visitors enjoyed freshly baked scones with homemade jam, paired with tea or coffee, offered in exchange for a goodwill donation.

Flowers for seniors brings holiday cheer from horticultural society

"This is our way of sharing what we love with people who can’t get out and experience Mother Nature."

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