Daniel Smeenk, Author at Niagara Now

NOTL nut farmer goes to South Korea for international expo

Linda Grimo’s presentation, “Growing Chestnuts in Canada: Progress Through Perseverance,” focused on the recovery of chestnuts in North America after widespread disease.

Legion issues awards for art and writing to two NOTL schools

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 in Niagara-on-the-Lake presented awards Monday to students at St. Michael Catholic Elementary School and Royal Oak School for artwork and writing created to honour Remembrance Day.

Amalgamation won’t fix Niagara’s problems, Brock professor argues

The public policy expert says he’s doubtful merging Niagara’s cities and towns together will lower costs and make governance more efficient.

NOTL Museum expansion inches forward after community open house

The expansion of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum moved another step closer to reality Monday as the town hosted an open house to gather community input on the proposal.

Proposed five-storey residential building for Virgil faces some backlash

The five-storey residential building, to be located at 1544-1546 Four Mile Creek Rd., would include 31 apartments and rooftop amenity space on the fifth floor.

‘This is existential’: Niagara-on-the-Lake not welcoming amalgamation idea, says mayor

Reactions are pouring in from across Niagara in response to letters sent this week from regional government chair Bob Gale backing the amalgamation of Niagara’s municipalities. “We need all parts of the town coming together. This is existential,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.

Rotary Club gets $3,470 donation from Peller Estates

The Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake is getting a big lift from Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant, to the tune of $3,470, raised through the restaurant’s Holiday House Tour silent auction the previous week.

How hundreds found freedom through the Underground Railroad and a home in Niagara

Within the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake once existed a community of people who escaped a life in captivity and worked to forge a new future for themselves and people like them.

Should survival swim lessons be mandatory for Ontario’s kids? Some say yes, absolutely

Peyton Leigh, a decorated swimmer from Garrison Village who’s been in the water all her life, says that all kids should get a taste of some of the training she has received.

Visit the NOTL Museum for free all of February

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is once again opening its doors to visitors this February, offering free admission from 1 to 5 p.m. until the end of the month.

‘This is such a bonding experience’: Royal Oak School catches Olympic fever

For Brittany Nyenhuis, affectionately known as Mrs. N by her students, the game offered Royak Oak’s pupils a chance to show their patriotism and learn about the role sports play in life and culture.

Have your say on energy use in Niagara-on-the-Lake at upcoming community workshop

Want to have your say on how Niagara-on-the-Lake can be more energy-efficient and reduce greenhouse gases? The town is hosting a workshp at the community centre on Feb. 18, where it’s inviting participants to help develop a community energy and emissions plan.

Noise issues sideline pickleball again at Virgil courts

The sound of pickleball paddles striking whiffle balls likely won’t return to Virgil Sports Park this spring and summer, as the long-standing issue of noise complaints, which led to a prior two-year ban on pickleball at the Virgil courts, persists.

Shaw-owned buildings on Victoria Street torn down, Royal George up next

Demolition began Monday on two side buildings at the Royal George Theatre site, marking the start of the dismantling of the 110-year-old theatre to make way for a new, bigger Royal George.

Family devastated as NOTL hotelier Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison

Jimmy Lai was convicted in December of “conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, and conspiracy to publish seditious articles.”

‘It’s not a job for Debbie’: Personal support worker celebrates 50 years at NOTL care home

Debbie Etherington started working at the long-term care home in 1976, when she was 16 and still in high school. “I loved it right away,” she said. “It was a nice feeling from the get-go.”

Town not looking to create permanent non-residential recycling program

Town staff told council Tuesday that Niagara-on-the-Lake should not take over non-residential recycling. This will leave NOTL businesses in the downtown core looking for private providers for all recyclables by the end of the year.

Niagara College celebrates Black History Month with Black-owned business market

The Winter Pop-Up Market will run Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Applied Health Foyer. The event, which began in 2024, will highlight Black-owned businesses and provide opportunities to meet and connect with Black business owners.

Decision on Irish Harp’s patio in limbo as town looks for more info

The Irish Harp wants to continue using the outdoor patio it opened during the pandemic. Council voted to shut down the temporary patio program last March.

Learn about the ‘hidden history’ of the Underground Railroad at Niagara Parks’ talk this month

Niagara Parks will host public historian Rochelle Bush at McFarland House on Feb. 28 for a talk titled “The Freedom Trail: Slave Catchers, Runaways and Abolitionists.”

‘I don’t worry about emotion’: Nearly one year later, businessman adapting 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. Paul Mace, who owns Luxyclad in St. Catharines, says in spite of the tariffs making everything unpredictable, the business has managed to thrive.

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