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Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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

Legal challenge alleges town acted illegally in approving Shaw’s Royal George rebuild

Paige Seburn -
Opponents of the project argue that once the century-old theatre in Old Town is demolished, any heritage loss would be permanent — a concern at the centre of the court challenge.

NOTL under microscope as Ontario judge weighs winery events dispute

A Superior Court judge is holding off on giving her decision in a Niagara-on-the-Lake court fight that asks a basic question: if bylaws aren’t enforced, what’s the point of having them?
Paige Seburn -

‘I don’t worry about emotion’: Nearly one year later, businessman adapted to Trump’s tariffs

For some residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake, U.S. tariffs have become a part of daily life, though some are finding ways to adapt.
Daniel Smeenk -

NOTL council to ask region to delay St. Davids roundabout for safety review

Another safety review or community consultation may be coming down the pike on the roundabout planned for St. Davids in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Paige Seburn -

The Turner Report: The mayor, the build and the nasty writer

Garth Turner -
"The election’s this autumn. Betting is among senior members of the rebel NOTL residents rabble that the current monarch, Gary Zalepa, will be buried if he choses to run again," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: The old hospital on Wellington, and why reusing the site makes sense

"The old hospital could become an adaptive reuse example to the world — provided the political will is brave enough to move forward," writes Brian Marshall.
Brian Marshall -

Celebrating Black History Month at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is celebrating Black History Month this year with a bevy of educational events that highlight Black history in Canada, the United States and the world.
Daniel Smeenk -

New research points to key anti-slavery figure in early Niagara-on-the-Lake

Rochelle Bush says new evidence she's uncovered sheds light on a key figure in the world of slavery abolition — a community leader from what's known today as NOTL.
Daniel Smeenk -

What’s on at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum this month for its virtual lecture series

Daniel Smeenk - 0
Participants will learn more about the history of women's roles in espionage in the world wars, the concept of time in the 18th century, how an all-Black militia was formed during the War of 1812 and more.

Icebreakers Comedy Festival returns to Prince of Wales

The Icebreakers Comedy Festival returned to the Royal Cambridge Hotel last weekend, bringing nationally known comics back to a venue residents may have remembered from the festival’s early years.
Read more ...

News

Valentine’s Day drive supports four-legged family members in NOTL

Paige Seburn - 0
This Valentine’s Day, Niagara-on-the-Lake residents are showing a little extra puppy love — filling bowls for pets across the community in support of the Newark Neighbours Food Bank.
Read more ...

News

Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder fights rare disease in NOTL filmmaker’s new documentary

Daniel Smeenk - 0
Matt Finlin's latest documentary, "Matter of Time," will debut on Netflix on Feb. 9, the story of the fight to cure a rare genetic disorder called epidermolysis bullosa.
Read more ...

Local

NOTL council backs Niagara conservation agency’s stance against merging agencies

Merging Niagara's conservation authority with others in southern Ontario could weaken local decision-making on flooding, water quality and environmental protection, some councillors say.

Old-school barns on Four Mile Creek to come down after council approves demolition

Niagara-on-the-Lake council has approved the teardown of two 20th-century barns in the town's rural area, rejecting a recommendation from its municipal heritage committee to keep one of the barns up.

Inside the last days of the Royal George, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s century-old theatre

On Saturday, the front doors opened for the last public entry into the Royal George before the careful work begins of taking apart the little theatre occupying a big place in the town's heart

NOTL musician makes the show in his own way on Hockey Night in Canada

Ryan Gaio, a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, had one of his songs played twice on Hockey Night in Canada this year. The song reflects Gaio’s lifelong loyalty to the Leafs.

Entertainment

History meets hilarity in War of 1812 improv show at Navy Hall

A sold-out improv comedy show set during the War of 1812 brought a different kind of history lesson to Navy Hall in Niagara-on-the-Lake during the Icewine Festival weekend.

NOTL’s youngest rising star shines at the Shaw Festival

Vivienne Atwood's star is rising: the 11-year-old actress from St. Davids made her debut at the Shaw Festival this past holiday season as Susan Waverly in Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."

Opinion

Ross’s Ramblings: When the going got tough, our Legion got going

"Prolonged really freezing temperatures, ice and persistent accumulations of snow had basically shut our town down. But our Fish Fry crew had thawed the haddock, and it just isn’t right to thaw it again," writes Ross Robinson.

Dr. Brown: The science behind ‘that gut feeling’

"It’s common enough when we’re worried or upset for our feelings to be accompanied by an increase in heart rate, perhaps even a skipped or extra beat ... But what if, as some scientists suggest, the opposite happens?" writes Dr. William Brown.

Letter: So, when I stand up for myself and others, I get banned?

"If we truly want a better Niagara-on-the-Lake, we need fewer echo chambers — and more courage to hear the full story," writes Maria Mavridis.

Entertainment

Laughs on tap as Icebreakers Comedy Festival returns to NOTL

A bevy of giggles, goofs and good times will be had by comedy fans at the end of this month, when the 12th annual Icebreakers Comedy Festival returns to Niagara-on-the-Lake from Jan. 29 to 31.

Events

Today

News

‘They have to live in the real world’: Report on heritage homes and insurance issues faced with conditional applause

One Delater Street homeowner says he's pleased to see the town taking interest in the issue but believes governments and regulatory bodies need to approach things differently.

Local

Eager shoppers welcome new Foodland grocery store in Garrison Village

Foodland joins the small roster of grocery stores in Niagara-on-the-Lake, following two Your Independent Grocers locations in Old Town and Virgil.

Survivors urge NOTL council to back public sex offender registry access

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse and a parent of a victim addressed council this month urging the town to back a public sex offender registry.

Niagara College job fair returns to NOTL, including Konzelmann, Vintage Hotels and more

The fair is open to Niagara College students and alumni. It will run Feb. 4 to 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Daniel J. Peterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

News

Joseph’s Estate Wines warms up winter with first annual icewine soiree

Andrew Hawlitzky - 0
Joseph's Estate Wines' first icewine soiree brought a steady flow of visitors indoors during a cold January weekend, offering icewine tastings and comfort food as a warm alternative to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s outdoor winter festivals.
Read more ...

Flooding pressures prompt NOTL to buy $1.88M of St. Davids land

0
The property will be used for future efforts to reduce stormwater flooding in the area, and, depending on future studies, could also have a community use.

NOTL’s new special events bylaw has teeth for bad actors

0
The new special events bylaw and a related amendment set up a formal permit system for special events across NOTL and allow the town to fine organizers.

New planning director says goal to keep working with NOTL’s ‘very engaged’ community

0
As Aimee Alderman steps into her new role, her focus is on informing residents about how provincial rules influence planning decisions and how public input helps shape the outcome.

What’s on the NOTL Library’s reading list for Black History Month this year

From a treatise on the symbolism behind the colour blue, to the story of a young Black girl who dreams of being a baseball star, these are the NOTL library's recommendations for Black History Month.

PHOTO GALLERY: Wild snow storm buries Niagara-on-the-Lake — some still head out for winter fun

The people of Niagara-on-the-Lake will have their hands full at the start of this week as they dig out of a turbulent snow storm on Sunday that buried the Niagara region in up to 20 centimetres of snow.

No screen time for kids 2 years and under, shares expert at talk on children and technology

The dangers of too much screen time are becoming front-of-mind for many parents in Canada — this winter, France and Australia have instituted social media bans. Jackie Van Lankveld says it would be great to see what success these bans have.

‘Les Miserables’ comes to a St. Catharines high school featuring NOTL kids

Some of Niagara-on-the-Lake's young thespians and stagehands are doing their part to make Victor Hugo's classic tale of justice, revolution and love come alive this winter.

‘It’s been a good ride’: NOTLer’s autobiography offers reflections on life’s ups and down

Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Frank Hayes has worn many hats in his life: immigrant, digital security salesman, world traveller — and now, author. His new book, "The Full Cycle," is a memoir of his life and career, with plenty of insights into the working world's intricacies.

Queenston Pottery icewine workshop offers hands-on break from screens

There's a charm to homemade pottery that many of its enthusiasts enjoy. For Melissa Triefstra, the appeal was getting to take home something personal, rather than buying something on Amazon.

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