Julia Sacco, Author at Niagara Now

Tourism NOTL sets aside $400K for marketing campaigns this year

Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake is projecting that it’ll make up to $2.2 million this year, with big spending planned for marketing campaigns to attract visitors to town.

Bunny Trail aims to raise $15k for nursery school

Run by the school and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Kinsmen, this year’s egg hunt kicks off at the NOTL Community Centre on April 19 at 10 a.m. Funds raised this year will go directly to supporting programs and educational resources at the nursery.

NOTL on the list for provincial expansion of strong mayor powers

Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa confirmed with The Lake Report that he received the official letter around 11 a.m. Wednesday morning. He said he plans to have the town’s chief administrative officer look over the proposal and piece together what it means before sending a memo to town council.

NOTL grape growers are cautiously optimistic for a good harvest

While consistently cold winters benefit the vines, unseasonably warm daytime temperatures in early spring can be harmful, triggering vines to bud prematurely, stated an expert advisory publication from Brock University.

NOTL musicians reunite for Mother’s Day gig at Oast House

Musicians Patrick McManus and Beau Dixon are reuniting for a special Mother’s Day gig at Oast House in Niagara-on-the-Lake on May 11: “”Bring your kids, bring your mom, or bring your kid’s mom,” says McManus.

NOTL VOTES 2025: Andrea Kaiser readies to fight for Canada’s sovereignty

Andrea Kaiser says she wasn’t planning to run in this year’s election, until threats to Canadian sovreignty began to emerge from south of the border, pushing her to take the lead: “For this election, for this moment in time, I feel like it was made for me.”

Willowbank hopes to win $50K in national competition to expand Queenston school

“The success of Willowbank is an indication of interest and commitment to making sure that this place and many other places are around many generations from now,” said the National Trust of Canada’s executive director.

Mental health advocate asks town council to acknowledge crisis

The region itself has been under a state of emergency for two years now, Steven Soos said, urging NOTL to take a stand alongside other municipalities.

PHOTOS: NOTL’s Kaleb Diestch is no treat for IceDogs

Diestch helped the Ottawa 67’s secure a 2-1 win against the Niagara IceDogs last Thursday. Looking ahead, he has big goals: “The (NHL) draft comes out soon and I’m just hoping to see my name come up.”

Tourism master plan deferred, Tim Balasiuk appointed to board

A major concern of consultant Robin Garett’s was the removal of the term “wine country” from the tourism vision statement. Some edits also removed the theme of collaboration from the original strategy, Garrett said.

Kaiser and Baldinelli to run in federal election for the third time

All four major parties in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s riding have announced their candidates for the snap federal election on April 28. Lifelong Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Andrea Kaiser is the face of the Liberal Party for the riding, facing off against incumbent Conservative Tony Baldinelli.

Rotary Club seeks historic homes for Holiday House Tour

Chair of events Nancy Bailey says the historic homes are always enjoyed by guests on the tour: “We just love to showcase homes and we’re proud to do that.”

Senior housing options need to be presented to council, Burroughs says

Key factors for seniors considering a change were easy access to health care, a range of services and amenities, staying in the community and maintaining social relationships.

Draft plan for industrial development in Glendale passes

“This file has significant environmental considerations,” said Coun. Sandra O’Connor, listing her concerns around amphibian habitats, woodland impact, watercourse erosion, negative mitigation, stormwater management and more.

Seniors housing group to talk survey results at library meeting

Cindy Grant of the Seniors Housing Options Group will update residents on the findings from the survey’s group about aging in place at the next Live & Learn session on March 24.

NOTL runner conquers world’s major marathons, earns Six Star medal

The 68-year-old NOTLer’s journey to the Six Star medal started around 1994, when he began his running career.

NOTL residents have new option for grinder pumps

The new company, Kimbel Donayre Plumbing, will provide an alternative for NOTL residents who may be stuck without a grinder pump service.

NDP’s Gates won popular vote in NOTL, provincial election results show

NDP Wayne Gates was sworn into office on March 17, along with members of Provincial Parliament from across Ontario. He was the top vote-getter at four of NOTL’s six polling stations, with some of his biggest support coming from voters at the NOTL community centre.

Laura Secord’s influence still holds true, says her local descendant

Secord helped set the stage for Confederation and establish context for the accomplishments of Canadian women today, says Caroline McCormick: “What she represents is courage and determination, fortitude and perseverance, going the extra mile for what is important.”

A chance to recognize powerful NOTL women

In the face of rising mistreatment against women, Canadian women should be empowered to use their voices and take action, says Sandra Hardy: “It’s important to use our voice and speak up and not just keep all the things inside you.”

Shaw Festival sees $768k surplus in 2024, execs say ‘contained’ expenses, donos helped

The Shaw’s executive director Tim Jennings outlined the festival’s plans for 2025, including the rebuilding of the Royal George Theatre on Queen Street, set to be done by 2028.

Dorothy Soo-Wiens named NOTL’s Citizen of the Year at annual Spirit Awards

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Soo-Wiens was recognized for her tireless volunteer work across different organizations across town, including Cornerstone Community Church and the NOTL Lions Club.

Town settles with developer, tribunal green-lights proposed Mary St. condos

The Ontario Land Tribunal has given a developer the green light to move forward with a 41-unit condo development at 223 and 227 Mary St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, after the town decided to settle the developer’s challenge — in order to steer clear of the legal costs.

Ferox owner wants to open microbrewery at Harvest Barn

“We live in a wine community — we welcome any additional winery or brewery into the community,” said one person who lives across the street from Harvest Barn, renamed Alitura four years ago.

Fall prevention Learn & Live met with big response

Up to 25 per cent of people who have an accidental fall will die within a year of that fall, shared the Falls Intervention Team with the Learn & Live session attendees.

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