NDP Wayne Gates was sworn into office on March 17, along with members of Provincial Parliament from across Ontario. He was the top vote-getter at four of NOTL's six polling stations, with some of his biggest support coming from voters at the NOTL community centre.
Often called a "Blood Moon" due to the deep reddish hue the Moon takes on during totality, this celestial event was captured by local photographer Dave Van de Laar — from the unique vantage point of his own driveway.
Fire Chief Jay Plato confirmed 134 tickets issued between 5 a.m. and noon on Feb. 15 were voided and all associated penalties were cancelled. The lord mayor said no bylaw changes are planned, calling the incident a “learning experience” for staff.
The Shaw's executive director Tim Jennings outlined the festival's plans for 2025, including the rebuilding of the Royal George Theatre on Queen Street, set to be done by 2028.
Carter Simpson is bringing home some well-earned bling from the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy, winning two bronze medals in two alpine skiing events on Thursday and Saturday.
Secord helped set the stage for Confederation and establish context for the accomplishments of Canadian women today, says Caroline McCormick: “What she represents is courage and determination, fortitude and perseverance, going the extra mile for what is important.”
With its first stage show of the new year, the production company is also celebrating its 10th anniversary since it opened its door in Niagara-on-the-Lake to aspiring young performing artists.
The upcoming federal election is "vital for the Tories," writes editor emeritus Kevin MacLean, "who hope to gain power, and to the Liberals, who want to revamp and legitimize their party under newly crowned leader Mark Carney."
“Every single day, I get reminded about how good people are,” said Steffanie Bjorgan, who started Red Roof Retreat 25 years ago to service children and young adults with special needs in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“Some kids don't have access to vaccination because of different situations — they may be allergic. But having parents choose not to vaccinate their kids, that’s another story," said one Crossroads parent.
With $120 million worth of fruit being sold out of the agricultural co-op every year, space is getting tight, its bosses say — and they need at least half an acre more in storage.
In the face of rising mistreatment against women, Canadian women should be empowered to use their voices and take action, says Sandra Hardy: “It’s important to use our voice and speak up and not just keep all the things inside you.”
Burns said a long-term, community-driven approach to climate action is crucial. She helped organize an invasive species workshop last month and plans to represent the town at an Earth Day gathering on April 22 at the community centre: "Collaboration is really the key to change."
Niagara-on-the-Lake's Soo-Wiens was recognized for her tireless volunteer work across different organizations across town, including Cornerstone Community Church and the NOTL Lions Club.
The Ontario Land Tribunal has given a developer the green light to move forward with a 41-unit condo development at 223 and 227 Mary St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, after the town decided to settle the developer's challenge — in order to steer clear of the legal costs.
Trade standards need to be aligned, inspections streamlined and rules standardized, to cut red tape, lower costs and improve efficiency and competitiveness, says the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. CEO Mishka Balsom says Niagara-on-the-Lake residents can help: “I think Niagara-on-the-Lake has a wealth of local products and local businesses to support. We consciously can go out and make those choices.”
The project aims to highlight the value of small-town experiences in Canada, offering insights into how senior citizens can rediscover where they reside and rekindle a sense of pride and nostalgia, said one of its producers, a media production student at Toronto Metropolitan University.
“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.
"It’s gone too far. Every act of resistance is justified. Canada cannot be annexed, occupied or held. Americans made a grave error," writes Garth Turner.
"Your choice may be quite different from mine, but please, put the money into the community, not in retail (it always gets there anyway)," writes Robert Moorhead.
"On occasion, satisfying the criteria contained in this category can be straightforward, in cases wherein the facts are already established ... or self-evident — however, far more often a significant amount of research is required," writes Brian Marshall.
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.
With U.S. tariffs now in effect as of this week, uncertainty looms at Dean Sanders' sheet metal business, especially since three of his top five customers export south of the border. “We need a silver lining and there's no silver lining at the moment," he says.
“We live in a wine community — we welcome any additional winery or brewery into the community,” said one person who lives across the street from Harvest Barn, renamed Alitura four years ago.
Local actress Tara Rosling relaunched her NOTL-based Little Green Shop this week — customers can bring containers like mason jars to fill with Canadian-made soaps, cleaners and shampoos to eliminate packaging waste.
Up to 25 per cent of people who have an accidental fall will die within a year of that fall, shared the Falls Intervention Team with the Learn & Live session attendees.
"I would like the outcome of me winning this award to highlight the needs that are in our community," Dorothy Soo-Wiens said. "Every kind gesture that is done makes a bigger impact on your community."
At the behest of the town, Tourism NOTL has put together a board of directors who will supervise Niagara-on-the-Lake’s tourism marketing campaigns. The town will appoint a council member to the board at a future meeting.
The games will be taking place from March 8 to 16, with the events taking place in Turin, Italy. He will compete in three alpine skiing events: Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G.
From Lego tournaments to stuffed-animal sleepovers, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here’s what’s happening around town to help you plan your break.
Property taxes are expected to go up by 7.92 per cent for the average homeowner in NOTL — the final numbers of this year's budget will be presented at a meeting March 18 and rubber-stamped into bylaw.
The Royal George Theatre will be exempt from Queen-Picton Heritage District study restrictions after council approval, which will allow the 110-year-old building to undergo reconstruction after it closes at the end of this year.
Patrolling officers arrested a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old who were sleeping in a minivan in a plaza on York Road and Glendale Avenue. Police say it was stolen from St. Catharines.
With 25 per cent tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Gates told The Lake Report he is focused on advocating for interprovincial trade without barriers.
