
‘Just a normal day in Canada’: Polar vortex hits NOTL this week
The weather forecast predicts a harsh polar vortex sweeping into Niagara-on-the-Lake until Wednesday, with temperatures that could dip to -15 C and expected to go lower near the lake.

The weather forecast predicts a harsh polar vortex sweeping into Niagara-on-the-Lake until Wednesday, with temperatures that could dip to -15 C and expected to go lower near the lake.

So far this year, an Arctic blast has brought some ice to the Great Lakes, but coverage remains well below the levels needed to reach historical averages within six weeks. “We’re going to see the lake drop exceptionally low,” says Ron Simkus.

Retreat organizer Natalia Love Angelou says she hopes this event, which raised money for Red Roof, planted the first seed of her larger vision of having her own sacred space for all walks of life.

“We still want people to come in, and we still want them to see each other, see people who they may not have seen in a while, and also enjoy a good meal,” said Sean Vanderklis.

Police determined three suspects came into the store last Saturday, picked out an array of alcoholic beverages, bypassed the checkout counters and left the store. “I couldn’t believe what I saw,” says one witness.

For more than a decade, the Pumphouse has been a key stop for the Holiday House Tour, but this year, the market hopes to shine on its own.

For the fifth consecutive year, Godwin and Parks hosted the sale at Parks’ 1845 Regency manor home, Toad Hall.

Tanya Rice says when she sees a pet in needs, she can’t turn her back. A portion of the money she raised from last weekend’s holiday market will go toward supporting her animal rescue efforts.

“Santa surprised us,” said Yana Peretyatko, who was with her family at the tasting room on Saturday afternoon, taking in the festive spirit.

Visitors enjoyed freshly baked scones with homemade jam, paired with tea or coffee, offered in exchange for a goodwill donation.

Six of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s lavishly decorated homes were part of the weekend-long tour. “There were around 2,300 visitors yesterday, and we’re expecting 2,600 today. It’s a constant steady stream of people,” said one of the volunteers at Royal Manor Inn.

Indigenous cultures and Canadian culinary innovation took centre stage at the Navy Hall on Saturday evening, with diners enjoying a six-course meal that its creators hope will put Canadian cuisine on the global map.

Mother-and-son duo Skylar and Landon Boyd embraced the season of togetherness at the Niagara Regional Native Centre on Saturday, enjoying an afternoon of gifts, photos with Santa Claus and time well spent with their community.

For $15, visitors sampled three house-made preserves — apple onion jam, mango chutney, and cranberry compote — paired with a selection of the winery’s wines, including its signature icewine.

The two-day sale featured over 100 teddy bears from around the world, along with a variety of Christmas decorations, linens, jewelry, clothing, silver and china.

Participants designed three glass ornaments filled with colourful, mulched flowers, learning about colour theory to help them create holiday pieces.

The Queenston Library’s Christmas wreath workshop gave folks the chance to tap into their creative sides to fashion a custom holiday decor piece.

According to Al Howse, president of Branch 124, the craft sale has been a staple of the Legion for over five years, usually raising more than $1,000 annually.

To support the Ronald McDonald House, Revel Realty hosts several fundraisers throughout the year, including a golf tournament and the annual Revel Ball.

The sounds of the season echoed along the Niagara River on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 30, as carolers raised their voices in song at the Living Water Wayside Chapel.

Beautifully wrapped gift baskets, perfect for the holiday season, drew many into Grace United Church’s Christmas Market on Saturday morning.

The fundraiser will continue next Saturday and will also feature a vendor booth at Reif Estate Winery’s Christmas market on Dec. 7 and 8.

“You can really see the history and value in each piece,” said Berndt Meyer, one of several antique dealers at the open house this past weekend.

Though the NOTL Short Mat Club isn’t part of the national association, Ian MacPherson hopes the championships will show the town’s potential to contribute to the national scene.

The tradition’s return comes after a period of transition for the studio. The loss of Eva Mlcak’s husband and business partner, as well as challenges during the pandemic put a pause on things like the open house.

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