Richard Harley, Author at Niagara Now

What do a million sunflowers look like? Find out at NOTL farm this weekend

On Saturday and Sunday, Ryan Crawford will open his farm to visitors who want to walk among the flowers, all while raising money for Royal Oak Community School.

Enjoy live music at Band in the Barn, returning July 31

The midsummer fundraiser will feature live music by Gumbo Stew, food from PigOut Niagara, beer and wine from Bella Terra Vineyards, Konzelmann Estate Winery and the Exchange Brewery, a live auction and dancing among the vines.

Chautauqua’s secret to Neighbourhood of Year is no secret: It’s the people

Some might point to its leafy tree canopy, pocket-sized parks, beach access or the famous sunsets at Ryerson Park. But ask the people who live in the neighbourhood and the answer is clear: community.

NOTL Votes 2026: Goettler draws applause with ‘full-time mayor’ pledge

Supporters gathered Saturday afternoon at the Line 6 hobby farm of mayoral candidate Vaughn Goettler and his wife, Lauren, to celebrate and support his candidacy for lord mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Editorial: Congratulations to the Shaw Festival

“More than 40 years later, it is almost hard to imagine the town without the Shaw as we now know it,” writes Richard Harley. “And yet here we are again, acting as if the next step forward is some shocking attack on the town’s soul.”

Editorial: Zalepa boxed himself in on Rand Estate

“The same tired logic keeps being used to make elected officials sound powerless, as if councillors are merely there to nod along while planners, consultants, developers and provincial policy do the real governing,” writes Richard Harley.

Editorial: Zalepa’s re-election message boils down to ‘meh, maybe’ — and that says everything

“Niagara-on-the-Lake deserves a mayor fully invested in protecting this community, preserving its character and respecting the people who live here,” writes Richard Harley.

Board game nights aim to keep seniors’ minds sharp

From chess and cards to cribbage, Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, participants can take part in a whole host of board gaming. The sessions will run Monday and Friday afternoons starting April 17.

Comic Jeff Paul returns home to film first standup special

The Niagara-on-the-Lake native is set to record his first standup comedy special and second album at Navy Hall on April 11, marking what he calls a milestone moment in a career more than a decade in the making.

Opinion: Sky-high proposal and some jerk in Jamaica

“I had a plan: propose to my now-fiancée Alanna (she said yes) in some sort of grand and romantic fashion. Easy, right? Not so much,” writes Richard Harley.

Editorial: Transparency and the role of local media

“The problem with Ruller’s actions is they are baseless, misleading and reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a free press,” writes editor-in-chief Richard Harley.

Parliament Oak developer ignores stop-work order

The Town of NOTL confirmed Tuesday that no permit for the work has been issued and that the developer had yet to comply with the stop-work order.

Editorial: ‘Elect Respect’ starts at the top

“Respect is not earned through motions passed in council chambers — it is earned through conduct, tone and example,” writes Richard Harley.

Royal George rebuild is personal for NOTL’s Jon Taylor

Taylor’s sights are set on transforming the aging Royal George Theatre into an accessible, modern space for performers and audiences alike.

Editorial: Time to embrace change at the Royal George

“A major institution is doing things the right way — listening, adjusting, communicating and making real efforts to include the public in the process. That’s not lip service. That’s leadership,” writes editor-in-chief Richard Harley.

Editorial: Speak out against unregulated vacation rentals on July 22

“Niagara-on-the-Lake is not meant to be a town of lockboxes and absentee landlords. It’s a place to live,” writes editor-in-chief Richard Harley. “And while tourism is part of that identity, it should not come at the expense of neighbourhoods.”

Editorial: Canada Day traditions, sounds and politicians

“This isn’t about nitpicking. It’s about recognizing that Canada Day in NOTL isn’t just a party — it’s a platform. A chance to show the world who we are, and how much we care about this place and this country,” writes editor-in-chief Richard Harley.

Walking for water: Crossroads students march to advocate for clean drinking water for all

Hundreds of students at Crossroads Public School took to the streets on Tuesday, walking around the block with homemade signs to raise awareness about the importance of clean drinking water for all communities.

Editorial: Oosterhoff presence was an insult to Shaw’s values

“We’re thrilled that Shaw is receiving $35 million in funding — arts organizations need and deserve public support. But it was disturbing to see Oosterhoff pretending to stand for Shaw. Because he doesn’t. Not for a second,” writes editor-in-chief Richard Harley.

Editorial: Wild West of Wine series aims to promote fairness

“The goal of this series isn’t to shut down a local business — we don’t want that. What we want is meaningful change that modernizes NOTL’s zoning bylaws and ensures they reflect the realities of 2025,” writes editor-in-chief Richard Harley.

NOTL man loses bid to quash Marotta defamation suit

“To be sued for a Facebook post that commented on an issue of public interest, was up for seven days, was seen by a limited number of people and removed at the request of Solmar’s lawyer is disturbing,” says Stewart Hall, who plans to appeal the ruling.

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