Daniel Smeenk, Author at Niagara Now

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Niagara Foundation’s lease on Foghorn House ending this January

The Niagara Foundation’s decades-long stewardship of a historic building in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s waterfront district is coming to an end.

Recycling pickup change frustrates Queen Street merchants

Apart from the extra costs imposed on businesses, one Queen Street merchant said she foresees “seven different trucks coming up and down the street” at different times in the future, which she does not think is a good look on a place meant for tourists.

Too much tablet time? NOTL library talk offers guidance for parents

Jackie van Lankfeld, a member of the Canadian Paediatric Society, will speak to parents about preschoolers and their interactions with smartphones, tablets and other tech devices at an event hosted by the library on Jan. 22.

Inspired by her daughter’s health journey, NOTLer becomes competitive speaker

Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Chrislyn D’Sylva Pires has had an eventful journey as the parent of a daughter with a neuromuscular disability and now hopes to share her story after her daughter found the courage to tell hers.

‘One of the most Canadian things there is’: Niagara College students brave the cold for icewine harvesting

The sun is rising over Niagara College’s teaching winery, where dozens of students are huddled among the vineyards, readying for their first harvest of the year: icewine grapes.

Royal George Theatre tear-down gets thumbs up from NOTL heritage committee

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s municipal heritage committee approved the demolition of the Royal George Theatre, with the tear-down of the 110-year-old theatre expected to start late next month.

Urban speed limit coming down to 40 km/h in NOTL

Mind your meter this winter, NOTL: the speed limit is coming down by 10 kilometres an hour in the town’s urban areas, starting with St. Davids and Queenston this month.

Niagara conservation authority strikes deal with feds over Niagara Shores Park

People visiting Niagara Shores Park can expect some changes to it over the next five years, including a restored habitat, more trees, and what should be a better experience for visitors.

Insurance challenges take centre stage in heritage designation debate

The big takeaway in the town’s latest report is that heritage designation itself does not affect insurance coverage; however, factors related to it could impact whether a property gets coverage.

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.

Embrace the winter chill at the Icewine Festival, back in NOTL this month

The NOTL Icewine Village runs Jan. 17 to 18 and Jan. 24 to 25 on Queen Street. Admission is free, with opportunities to taste wine and enjoy culinary pairings with a variety of icewines.

‘Progress is inevitable’: Ford’s ‘Las Vegas North’ bid draws support mixed with questions in NOTL

From a town council perspective, Coun. Erwin Wiens called the announcement “super exciting” and praised the province for recognizing Niagara as a tourist destination, funding the Shaw Festival and exploring improvements to the Niagara District Airport.

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