Andrew Hawlitzky, Author at Niagara Now

Sunny skies, family traditions and 10,000 eggs: Kids hop to Bunny Trail Easter weekend

“They’ve had decades to perfect this — it shows in the details,” said Geoff Quigley, who attended this weekend’s Bunny Trail with his wife and daughter.

Niagara Lions Club feeds Newark Neighbours with Easter food drive

The Lions Club hosted its annual Easter weekend food drive outside Hendrik’s and Phil’s Independent stores, collecting non-perishables and cash for Newark Neighbours, which supports food-insecure residents.

Animal lovers flock to NOTL fundraiser to support rescue pets

Proceeds from the event will be split evenly between Angel’s Rest Dog Rescue and the Heart and Hope Lost and Found Pets of Niagara.

Complaint against NOTL councillor tossed by integrity commissioner

A Virgil resident alleged Coun. Erwin Wiens violated conflict-of-interest rules through private meetings arranged at the property Wiens’ cousin Rainer Hummel and potential agricultural benefits from the province.

Easter egg fundraiser raises $5,000 for Ukrainian orphans

Local organizer Christyna Prokipchuk hosted 16 people at her Old Town home on April 13 for STEPPE UP for Ukraine to support the “Easter Gifts for the Children of Ukraine” campaign through Help Us Help.

Smooth sailing amid border concerns for Sailing Club’s season opener

Concerns about Canada-U.S. relations were raised during the series, as for most races, the Sailing Club conducts use markers in U.S. waters near Lake Ontario’s entrance, near Old Fort Niagara.

Niagara Community Foundation gave $110K last year to NOTL non-profits

As the foundation approaches its 25th anniversary, its $91.5 million endowment fund continues to support local charities through investment revenue, prioritizing long-term community impact.

Rotary Club helps local Air Cadets soar with $1,000 donation

When it comes to helping young people achieve their full potential, developing their leadership skills is crucial to the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake, says Chris Hatch, its director of community service.

Niagara artist Geoff Farnsworth depicts Canada-U.S. tensions in new exhibition

Political undercurrents found their way into the local art gallery on Sunday, as artist Geoff Farnsworth unveiled his newest abstract paintings at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre while sharing some of his techniques and inspirations.

Clare’s Harley-Davidson celebrates 70 years — and contends with U.S. tariffs

A 25 per cent tariff on imported automobiles, including motorcycles, came into effect on April 3, which owner Randy Clare says has created a great deal of uncertainty in the market.

Kaiser launches Liberal bid for Niagara Falls—NOTL as U.S. tariffs mark ‘attack on our country’

Liberal candidate Andrea Kaiser has thrown her hat into the ring for the title of MP of her riding and used her campaign launch open house last Sunday to speak out against “illegal” U.S. tariffs on Canada and express her trust in Prime Minister Mark Carney.

NOTL figure skating champions preform with pre-junior skaters

The Pre-Junior Challenge and Star Showcase celebrated the work and talent of Ophelia Xie and Samantha Frydryk, giving younger skaters a glimpse of what competition looks like.

Agri-businesses have low hopes for future as U.S.-Canada trade war ramps up: CFIB

The confidence small businesses have in Canadian agriculture took a nosedive in March to the lowest level ever recorded by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business — below the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis lows.

Firefighters skate and educate the public on fire prevention

The new public education team at NOTL Fire & Emergency Services wants to normalize proactive safety concerns and ensure people feel comfortable with their firefighters: “”If people see us during emergencies, it’s already a bad day. We want to meet them here, answer questions and prevent crises,” said Todd Foley.

St. Patrick’s Day crowds flood NOTL pubs and celebrate with music, Guinness and cabbage

Niagara-on-the-Lake embraced the luck of the Irish this week as local hotspots hosted packed St. Patrick’s Day events. The Sandtrap Pub & Grill’s co-owner Paul Dietsch called it “one of the busiest single-day events” of the year.

New website connects farm stands with locals and agri-tourists

A new website and Facebook group looking it make it easier for locals and tourists to find farm stands across Niagara-on-the-Lake is taking off online this spring, as the national “shop local” movement continues to gain momentum.

NOTL Wolves compete in March Break Classic hockey championships

The Wolves had several standout moments during the tournament, including back-to-back shutouts in the U18 semi-finals with a 5-0 victory over the Listowel Cyclones, followed by a 7-0 win against the ThorOld Blackhawks.

NOTL voids 134 snow-clearing tickets after enforcement error

Fire Chief Jay Plato confirmed 134 tickets issued between 5 a.m. and noon on Feb. 15 were voided and all associated penalties were cancelled. The lord mayor said no bylaw changes are planned, calling the incident a “learning experience” for staff.

Crossroads students potentially exposed to measles, region urges parents to vaccinate

“Some kids don’t have access to vaccination because of different situations — they may be allergic. But having parents choose not to vaccinate their kids, that’s another story,” said one Crossroads parent.

NOTL small business offers green, all-Canadian products amid U.S. tariffs

Local actress Tara Rosling relaunched her NOTL-based Little Green Shop this week — customers can bring containers like mason jars to fill with Canadian-made soaps, cleaners and shampoos to eliminate packaging waste.

Virgil housing development removes at least 700 trees

NOTL residents have mixed reactions over the removal of 700 trees to make room for the Konik Estates subdivision.

Go Carter! NOTL athlete heads to Italy for Special Olympics

The games will be taking place from March 8 to 16, with the events taking place in Turin, Italy. He will compete in three alpine skiing events: Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G.

St. Davids Fire Hall nears end of seasonal breakfast series

The breakfast series will likely conclude in either March or April. Despite the seasonal series ending, the association anticipates resuming monthly breakfasts next fall.

Local sourdough stand thrives at the Itty Bitty Farm

After the closure of Ruffino’s Pasta Bar & Grill last September, Ryan Crawford and his family are still keeping things going in Niagara-on-the-Lake with their daily farm stand, selling fresh sourdough bread and vegetables.

Early voters in NOTL criticize Ford’s snap election

Interviews at the NOTL Community Centre indicated voters have mixed opinions about Ford’s framing of the election as a mandate to counter Trump’s tariff threats and hyperlocal concerns around health care, grocery costs and inflation.

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