Daniel Smeenk, Author at Niagara Now

Order of Canada recipient and NOTLer says authenticity and go-getting key to her success

Mandy Rennehan has won many awards for her entrepreneurial success and outreach work — receiving the Order of Canada, however, feels different, she says.

Province’s new tourism strategy light on new details about NOTL

Doug Ford’s plan to turn Niagara into a global tourism powerhouse could have some major effects on Niagara-on-the-Lake, though it’s unclear at this time what’s in store for the small town neighbouring Niagara Falls.

NOTL Museum celebrates 130th anniversary in style

Kaufman led visitors through archival rooms normally closed to the public. The spaces contain items ranging from cartons of paper records to a 1949 photograph of the Pillar and Post staff, a pig’s head costume from one of the first Shaw Festival productions and an original War of 1812 British redcoat.

NOTL heritage district turns a corner on accessibility with new ramps

The StopGap ramps have arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, marking, for some, a turning point in improving the accessibility of heritage district shops for people with mobility issues.

Horticultural society brings holiday cheer to long-term care residents

Tina Dirks, who has lived at Radiant Care Pleasant Manor since January, placed a red poinsettia on the table in her room shortly after it arrived. She said the flowers make the season feel more like Christmas.

NOTL stocking deliveries coming to long-term care homes this Friday

On Friday, volunteers from across Niagara-on-the-Lake will gather to make and deliver dozens of Christmas stockings to residents in long-term care homes.

Jewish community of NOTL celebrates and reflects during Hanukkah

The town marked the start of Hanukkah with a public celebration in Simcoe Park on Sunday evening beside a large lit menorah.

Virgil mom looking for sponsors for son’s competitive soccer team

Christian is a defender who made the Ontario Player Development League, which starts in spring 2026. The league, which runs from under-13 to under-17, bills itself as the province’s highest level of competitive youth soccer.

‘Tax grab’ or ‘true safety measure’? Speed camera ban divides opinion in NOTL

The province’s speed camera ban, which took effect in mid-November, sparked division across Ontario, with some arguing for the cameras’ efficacy and others disagreeing.

NOTL offers short-term relief for downtown businesses affected by recycling change

Niagara-on-the-Lake will provide short-term relief for businesses affected by the region’s move to privatize non-residential recycling collection.

Irish Harp decision delayed as town wonders what to do about patios

As Niagara-on-the-Lake ends the temporary patio program it introduced five years ago, it’s now uncertain what will happen with one business’s bid to keep its patio for good.

97-year-old NOTLer looks to bring knitted joy

Dora Werenchuk’s work will be on sale outside the Royal LePage office at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. She hopes her creations help keep people warm — in both body and spirit.

NOTLer has been all over the world, but still searching for Ralph Lauren

Rita Brown is preparing to release a book in early 2026 on the ladies’ riding habit, but one challenge remains: securing approval to reprint a photo of a notable Ralph Lauren women’s sportswear piece.

Niagara-on-the-Lake artwork lost at airport finds its way home — with a little help from some friends

A month before Christmas, a lost painting at Toronto Pearson Airport set off an unexpected chain of events involving technology, a well-known artist and a link to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

As NOTL’s outdoor patios shut down, Olde Angel Inn, Irish Harp look to make their patios permanent

As the town bids farewell to the temporary patio program it welcomed five years ago to help restaurants out during the pandemic, two businesses in the heritage district are looking to set up patios they can keep for good: the Olde Angel Inn and the Irish Harp.