
Thousands of cyclists to raise at least $2.5K each for cancer research
For the first time in its 18-year history, part of the Ride to Conquer Cancer will begin and end in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

For the first time in its 18-year history, part of the Ride to Conquer Cancer will begin and end in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The town reaffirmed its wine country identity in a May 30 statement after the change drew backlash — and even attention from Toronto media — but councillors remain split on whether the decision was right and if the town has explained it well enough.

The next phase will involve clearing overgrowth, removing invasive species and hazardous trees and restoring the grounds. About a third of the $1-million goal has already been raised.

The Thunderbird totem pole, carved by Chief Mathias Joe of the Squamish Nation in Vancouver, was commissioned by Davis Lumber in St. Catharines in 1955. The pole was moved to the centre in 1988 after the lumber company closed.

Residents didn’t waste any time Tuesday morning scooping up colourful blooms freshly dug from the Niagara-on-the-Lake’s gardens.

On June 13, NOTL comedian Joe Pillitteri will take the stage for a comedy night in support of Red Roof Retreat, running from will run from 7 to 10 p.m. at Pillitteri Estates Winery.

A spokesperson for the District School Board of Niagara confirmed that St. Davids Public School is experiencing overcrowding and that the school board is looking at the situation. Parents say they want to see concrete action as soon as possible, for the sake of the students, teachers and school staff.

Coinciding with International Trails Day this Saturday, the Town of NOTL and the Upper Canada Heritage Trail committee are hosting a community walk on June 7 at Veterans’ Memorial Park.

After four years of pouring their hearts into the business, Rob Begin and his wife, Danielle Begin, have decided to step away from the restaurant and brewery they built from the ground up. Their final day as owners is Sunday, June 8.

The 15th annual Niagara-on-the-Lake home show and fun fair takes place May 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crossroads Public School. Admission is free.

Silks Country Kitchen turned its 30th anniversary into a party on Monday, serving up free food, drinks and prize draws — while rallying the community to raise more than $1,700 for Red Roof Retreat.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it seems to have started in the kitchen, says the town’s spokesperson. As of now, the exact cause of the kitchen fire is unknown, but investigators aren’t considering it suspicious.

The lemon toss stunt served a dual purpose: Generating buzz for the fourth annual lemonade stand fundraiser for the Family and Children’s Services Niagara Foundation on June 7 and setting an unofficial world record — ahead of a planned world record attempt.

Wayne Gates is reintroducing a motion at Queen’s Park on Wednesday that would create a $1,000 monthly direct payment for Ontario’s unpaid caregivers — people looking after family or friends from home.

To Halley Irwin, the Native Centre’s community engagement director, having a dedicated human resources manager “is a signal of the growth” of the centre and a “sign of the good things” it’s doing, she said.

The gala dinner, a club tradition for more than 25 years, drew a full house to Navy Hall and recognized three Rotarians and two members of the NOTL community who represent the club’s “service above self” principle.

Coun. Maria Mavridis said she respects residents’ issues but felt like the mood shifted during the residents association meeting from exciting unity to “political positioning,” and “pointed criticism of council and a countdown to the next election.”

“It’s an opportunity to come and spend some time and chat with us ambassadors and to find out what’s going on throughout the day,” said ambassador Laura Sadak.

Not only do the restaurant patios let residents enjoy picturesque NOTL in the summertime, said resident Tracey Girolami, but it helps make up for the town’s limited outdoor dining options.

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Joe Pillitteri is back to emcee a night at the seventh annual Garden City Comedy Festival, taking place next weekend in downtown St. Catharines, on May 24.

June Floral & Garden’s bee garden floral arrangement was awarded for its “execptional design and outstanding creativity,” as well as its message about the importance of bees in our ecosystem.

Tests showed the fish die-offs, or fish kills, were not tied to water pollution, said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

“I have not received any formal lawsuit or any further documents from Mr. (Benny) Marotta regarding this matter,” says Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, which other interviewed councillors also said. “Currently, it’s all speculative.”

The Niagara District Airport is preparing for major upgrades and looking at ways to fly more travellers to more places in Canada and North America — but those behind the new master plan say it’s still early and they need public feedback to shape the next 20 years.

The RCMP did not disclose the cause of the witness’ injuries but said that the witness was a Cuban national who endured “superficial injuries as a result of the flight from the scene,” the email states.

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