Evan Saunders, Author at Niagara Now

Ashley Simpson makes the final trip home

Return of missing woman's ashes brings family some closure With the remains of Ashley Simpson finally brought home, her parents Cindy and John Simpson say they are relieved. “This is what we wanted.

Town wants regional crosswalk near community centre

A pedestrian crosswalk on Niagara Stone Road near the NOTL Community Centre could be in the works if town council gets its way. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s councillors unanimously voted to ask the region to consider adding the

Lincoln County Humane Society takes over animal control in NOTL

The Lincoln County Humane Society is now handling all animal-related needs in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The agency was awarded a joint contract between NOTL and the Town of Grimsby to take over animal services at the end

Thousands of bottles collected in air cadet fundraiser

Niagara-on-the-Lake loves its cadets. And the community demonstrated that again on Saturday, Jan. 8, as mountains of bottles were donated to the 809 Newark Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron’s bottle drive. “We’re raising money for

Alitura ready to reopen after phase one of renovations

Alitura was closed for renovations, but the grocer is poised to reopen on Jan. 10. On Friday, staff could be seen painting counters, sweeping the floor and deep cleaning the vegetable storage bunkers while

Notable NOTLer Harriet Stairs named to Order of Canada

Retired bank executivee honoured for her contributions to workplace equity and volunteering Trailblazing bank executive Harriet Stairs has been named to the Order of Canada by the Governor General. “First of all I was very surprised. Second of

Broadcasting legend Duff Roman appointed to Order of Canada

Niagara-on-the-Lake resident David Mostaway (known to the world as broadcaster “Duff Roman”) has been appointed to the Order of Canada by the Governor General.

Last Dinner before lockdown

Around Niagara-on-the-Lake Tuesday, at places like the Sandtrap Pub and Silks restaurant, crowds of people were out to get their last taste of indoor dining and entertainment for at least three weeks.

Town to spend $60,000 on Rand Estate study

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is planning to spend $60,000 to $70,000 on a character study of the Rand Estate, something advocates say should have been done years ago. The plan to move forward with hiring a

Swinging into lockdown with an impromptu performance before restrictions hit

At least some people got to swing into the latest provincial lockdown with their toes tapping and a belly full of strong spirits. An intimate crowd gathered at Spirit in Niagara on Tuesday night

Expectaccommodation tax to be approved soon: Mayor

Launch date defeated in tie vote but proposal is not dead, councillor says

Growing Pains: Part 4 – Owner-occupied rentals cited as one solution

This is the fourth in a series of in-depth stories about how tourism is changing worldwide and how some destinations are dealing with concerns about overtourism

NOTL gives green light to region-wide transit plan

Integrated regional transit program slated to hit the road Jan. 1, 2023 Niagara-on-the-Lake has endorsed an ambitious new integrated, region-wide transit system. On Monday night, during their final council meeting of the year, councillors

COVID cases at Crossroads and St. Davids close classrooms

Three people at Crossroads Public School and one at St. Davids Public School have been infected with COVID-19, a school board official says. As a result, two classrooms are closed at Crossroads and one

Town staff Give Back and choose charity over paid Christmas dinner

What was supposed to be a gift for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s staff has turned into a new tradition of giving back to the community. “The town puts away a certain amount of

With inclusive playground, no child gets left out at Crossroads

Crossroads Public School is entering a new phase, one where no child ever gets left out of the fun. The Virgil school last Thursday opened its new inclusive playground, one designed so children with accessibility

Reid not sure he wants to stay with town after handling of contract

Canine control contractor Ken Reid may have the opportunity to stay on with the town in some capacity, but he’s not entirely sure that’s what he wants anymore. “Do I want to continue working

Rental operators are now 99% compliant, CAO says

Chief administrator Marnie Cluckie says 99 per cent of short-term rental operators in Niagara-on-the-Lake are now complying with the town’s licensing and bylaw requirements. “We’re doing really well with the short-term rental program,” Cluckie

Growing Pains: Part 3: Benefits of short-term rentals amid worries about their impact

This is the third in a series of in-depth stories about how tourism is changing worldwide and how some destinations are dealing with concerns about overtourism, unprecedented growth in short-term rentals, skyrocketing housing prices

Speed limit to be cut near dangerous Con. 6 intersection

After numerous accidents, traffic lights or a roundabout also are possible Niagara-on-the-Lake council wants to reduce the speed limit on Concession 6 Road between York and Queenston roads to 60 km/h from 80 km/h following a

Ashley Simpson’s remains found, boyfriend charged with murder

More than five years after Niagara-on-the-Lake's Ashley Simpson disappeared in a remote area of British Columbia, her remains have been found and her boyfriend is facing a charge of second-degree murder.

Santa Around the Town delayed until Sunday

Santa Around the Town has been delayed 24 hours until Sunday, Dec. 12 due to inclement weather, town spokesperson Lauren Kruitbosch said in an email to The Lake Report late Friday afternoon. The drive-by alternative to the traditional

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

One highlight of the season in Niagara-on-the-Lake is walking down Queen Street during the holidays and soaking in the spirit of Christmas and winter.

Virgil tractor parade scheduled for Dec. 16

Dorothy Soo-Wiens is organizing a tractor parade in Virgil for Dec. 16 and unbeknownst to her, she was reviving a tradition that hasn’t taken place in NOTL for decades. Wilbert Dick, who was lord

Hundreds of artworks find new homes at Pumphouse sale

More than 250 pieces of art have found new homes thanks to the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre's art sale. “We’ve had an amazing four days because we had the members show on Dec.

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