Richard Harley, Author at Niagara Now

Editorial: Big cakes, big gestures, big impacts

It’s Canada Day again. This year we can finally reunite for some of our beloved traditions, like the activities at Fort George and the Rotary Club’s events at Simcoe Park. And, of course,

Virgil Stampede sees ‘record revenue,’ business association donates $1,000 to pickleball club

The Virgil Stampede saw one of its best years ever, says Virgil Business Association president Richard Wall. “Overall, it was a resounding success. Our top line revenue was one of our best ever

Strawberry Festival brings life, tradition back to NOTL

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Strawberry Festival returned on Saturday, after a two-year COVID hiatus. Across the grounds at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, people of all ages were out getting a taste of the season’s first

Butterfly release honours loved ones lost during pandemic

About 250 new residents moved in Saturday afternoon and each one of them represents someone who was deeply loved and lost. They weren’t people, they were indigenous painted lady butterflies, released at the

Editorial: Deja vu: Make patio program permanent

It’s a bit of deja vu, seeing NOTL council extend its patio program for another year — welcome deja vu. The program was established to help businesses with pandemic recovery when indoor dining

Reclaimed from ashes after devastating fire

NOTL woodworker revives business following blaze and his father’s disappearance A lot of people in Mike Werner’s shoes might have thrown in the towel. But he’s not one to give up. The

Sad that one person can affect so many

In reporting on and writing about Niagara-on-the-Lake, we make frequent trips to the town’s many sports parks and recreational facilities. It was a sad sight last week at Centennial Sports Park in Virgil, as kids

Ross’s Ramblings: Pubs, polls, potholes, politicians and flagpoles

Especially during election campaigns, I get more than fed up with hearing continual polling results. Whatever happened to asking questions on the streets or in the Valu-mart (oops, again) or going for a

NOTL farmers market is back with spring goodies

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s popular “Market at The Village” farmers market is back for the season and vendors were out Saturday selling some fresh goodies.

Sports: Players, parents in high spirits as NOTL soccer kicks off new season

It was a day of high spirits for soccer kids and parents, as the Niagara-on-the-Lake Soccer Club kicked off its new season — the first "back-to-normal" season since 2019. Kids were running around the

Editorial: Virgil Stampede was the medicine we needed

The Virgil Stampede was a blast this weekend. All around, kids and parents alike were enjoying time out in the open air and sun. And a bit of rain. It was nice to

Newark Neighbours asks for help finding a new home

Niagara-on-the-Lake's Newark Neighbours has outgrown its location on John Street and is seeking help from people in the community who might have ideas for where the agency can move. The food bank and thrift shop

Spring sale spree in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Pots and plants It was a Saturday for the garage sale history books in Niagara-on-the-Lake last weekend, as easing of pandemic rules allowed several markets to set up all over town and compete for attention.

Parade will mark 100th birthday of iconic NOTL clock tower cenotaph

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s iconic clock tower cenotaph turns 100 on June 4, and the Legion branch 124 and Town of NOTL are planning a celebration fitting for the occasion. Lord Mayor Betty Disero will receive guests in

Eager kids anticipate fun, friends and food at Virgil Stampede

Across Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond, excitement is building among youngsters and teens anxious for the return of the Virgil Stampede. The annual carnival is back for the Victoria Day long weekend for the first time in

Pie’za giving away free pizzas to help Toronto mission

Maurizio and Laryssa Cesta, owners of Pie’za Pizzeria, are raising some dough again for Toronto's St. John the Compassionate Mission. The couple will be giving away free takeout Margherita pizzas for the second year in a row all day on Sunday,

NOTL beach cleanup removes thousands of pieces of litter

Queen's Royal Park is a little bit cleaner today, thanks to a group of environmentalists who made their way to the water's edge Sunday to pick up garbage. The

Vintage Hotels preparing for ‘pent-up demand’

Niagara-on-the-Lake's hotels are hiring and gearing up for what will hopefully be a busy summer, as people resume travelling. Bob Jackson, chief executive officer of Vintage Hotels, says the company is hiring about 300 people

Battle of the Atlantic remembered in NOTL ceremony

It was a day to remember the fallen – and those who still serve in the Canadian navy. The Royal Canadian Naval Association Niagara Region hosted a memorial ceremony for the Battle of the

Editorial: Plenty to be excited about

The Lake Report has had a great week, having been honoured for our hard work with 14 provincial awards at the Ontario community newspaper world's “who’s who” competition of the year. It puts into

A helping hand: Two mothers become fast friends thanks toLake Report story

Teresa Wong and Janice Dodd connect over shared relationship to Hong Kong Editor's note: Sometimes, even in our little town, the stories we write stories have a big impact. Sometimes it's effecting positive

Garage sale for Ukraine raises $3,200

A Ukrainian family coming to seek refuge in Niagara has a bit of a boost, thanks to two Niagara-on-the-Lake residents. Garrison Village residents Brian Carberry and Jan Van Haren held a garage sale on

Garden City Comedy Festival returns for four days in June

Get ready for a busted gut, Niagara — the Garden City Comedy Festival is planning to return in June. After a two-year COVID hiatus, event producer and Niagara comedian David Green said the festival is getting

Balzac’s installs new patio made from 72,000 plastic bags

It's one small step for coffee drinkers, one giant leap for sustainability. Balzac's Coffee Roasters in Niagara-on-the-Lake has installed a new patio and driveway, made with the equivalent of 72,000 plastic bags. The NOTL location is

Spring road cleanup coincides with Earth Day weekend

It was a couple of days after Earth Day, but that didn't stop Niagara-on-the-Lake resident John Bobrel from heading out with a recycling box and a trash grabber in hand to clean up the roadways near

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