Tony Baldinelli is urging Niagara-on-the-Lake residents to vote Conservative to protect the region’s wine industry, which he says is at risk because of tax changes by the Liberal government.
One generous donor from Toronto, who has contributed in the past, delivered a whopping 15 bikes from an organization that repairs bikes for public use but had a surplus needing major work. “We were really happy to get as many bikes as we did,” said volunteer Dave Cox.
The rebuild will cost between $75-85 million in total, with exact details still being finalized, the Shaw’s executive director and CEO Tim Jennings told The Lake Report.
The town aims to present a draft official plan to council in June, followed by formal consultations and public engagement over the summer. The next public information session for town residents will be held on April 1 at the community centre.
Whether it be spouses, siblings, children, or friends, helping with meals, personal hygiene, or navigating the healthcare system, with an aging population, better support is more important than ever, says Larissa Zwar: “The care system doesn’t work if there are no informal caregivers.”
The lord mayor said he and other leaders collaborated on a document that will be given to both governments, which outlines the group’s stance on tariffs and the need to strengthen the U.S.-Canada relationship.
The get-together on March 19, run by volunteer Laura Fakla, gave her the chance to get some much-needed bereavement support and create an art piece to honour Murphy.
Ferox’s website states, “We strive to host a variety of events for all our guests at the winery. From live music to dinners to pick-up parties, there is always something happening at Ferox!” It is one of many online posts about what Ferox has to offer at its site on Concession 4 Road.
The free celebration, running from 4 to 7 p.m., offers Niagara-on-the-Lake residents a chance to meet Simpson, congratulate him, get autographs and have a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
While the rules around how estate wineries versus farm wineries can operate are clearly spelled out in bylaws, some wine producers don’t seem to be following them, and the town’s enforcement of those bylaws has been called into question by competing wineries.
Under the new plan, vehicles will be replaced more frequently, every 48 months, rather than the current practice of keeping them for up to 10 years.
Geoff Farnsworth, a St. Catharines-based artist who studied at the Art Students League in New York, has been influenced by past and present painters, abstract expressionism, film and music. The exhibition opens March 26.
Bikes For Farmworkers is running out of bikes — fast. With fewer than 60 left, it urgently needs adult bike donations to help migrant farmworkers get around Niagara-on-the-Lake this spring and summer.
The town’s only high school closed in 2010 after 53 years due to declining enrollment. “Communities of our size should have schools,” said the lord mayor. “Not only that, we’ve grown since that time and we’re continuing to grow.”
The 31-year-old alpine skier is back in NOTL and celebrating his two bronze medal wins at the Special Olympics in Italy. “There’s really no words that can sum it up — seeing your kid compete at an international level,” says his mother, AnnLiz Simpson.
In 2023, 532 businesses in Niagara exported $5.9 billion worth of goods to the U.S. — which makes up 72 per cent of total exports from Niagara businesses.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic charm and scenic views attract film and television productions, but disorganized regulations and permit hurdles drive companies elsewhere, says location scout and production manager Peter Donato.
Carter Simpson is bringing home some well-earned bling from the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy, winning two bronze medals in two alpine skiing events on Thursday and Saturday.
With its first stage show of the new year, the production company is also celebrating its 10th anniversary since it opened its door in Niagara-on-the-Lake to aspiring young performing artists.
“Every single day, I get reminded about how good people are,” said Steffanie Bjorgan, who started Red Roof Retreat 25 years ago to service children and young adults with special needs in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Burns said a long-term, community-driven approach to climate action is crucial. She helped organize an invasive species workshop last month and plans to represent the town at an Earth Day gathering on April 22 at the community centre: “Collaboration is really the key to change.”
Trade standards need to be aligned, inspections streamlined and rules standardized, to cut red tape, lower costs and improve efficiency and competitiveness, says the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. CEO Mishka Balsom says Niagara-on-the-Lake residents can help: “I think Niagara-on-the-Lake has a wealth of local products and local businesses to support. We consciously can go out and make those choices.”
With U.S. tariffs now in effect as of this week, uncertainty looms at Dean Sanders’ sheet metal business, especially since three of his top five customers export south of the border. “We need a silver lining and there’s no silver lining at the moment,” he says.
Seven residents have Influenza A, while two have gastrointestinal issues. No hospitalizations have been reported.
From Lego tournaments to stuffed-animal sleepovers, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here’s what’s happening around town to help you plan your break.
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