The Virgil Stampede, a tradition that has run for more than 56 years, featuring rides, games, food and entertainment while raising money for community projects, will take place this May long weekend on May 17, 18 and 19.
The Village announced the Clayfield Commons, an eight-acre mixed-use project featuring retail, office space, a grocery store, restaurants and a hotel, set to be completed by May 2026.
This year’s celebration marks 37 years of the organization running Canada Day in town, drawing thousands each summer. About 3,000 people enjoyed a slice of cake in 2024.
Owner Jessica Friesen said protecting her staff was a top priority in the sale, so she is proud to have negotiated a deal to ensure all employees kept their jobs, wages and benefits under the new owners.
The new hire will be the go-to person for making sure planning stays current and follows the right guidelines, as per the job description.
The lord mayor says the playground at Centennial Sports Park in Virgil will stay open “as long as its safety can be maintained.” One parent in Virgil, who called the original plans disappointing, said, “We need to make sure we are keeping our kids in mind when making decisions with our town facilities.”
Music Niagara, a non-profit known for bringing diverse music to the community, is teaming up with Community Living Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln, an organization that supports people with developmental disabilities.
The case, which will be heard in the Superior Court the week of April 14, is by Ed Werner and his grape growing company, Brox Company Limited, against Konzelmann Estate Winery and the town.
Advertisements and social media posts show the winery is serving food, hosting events, running a patio and seems to be using off-site grapes — all of which is contrary to the permitted use of the property.
Advance voting starts Friday, April 18 and goes until April 21: Voters can cast their ballots at their assigned polling station on any of those days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The region hasn’t said where the new EarlyON locations will be, nor what organization will serve as the new provider. One NOTL parent said she’s worried the quality of service will decline after the transition: “It won’t be the same standard.”
Tanya Rice is hosting her fifth annual planter and bake sale through her volunteer group, the Community Initiative for Animal Rescue, to raise money for two organizations: Angel’s Rest Dog Rescue and the Heart and the Hope of Lost and Found Pets Niagara.
With a background in law, Celia Taylor says she is passionate about community advocacy and environmentalism. As a candidate, she hopes to contribute to a riding focused on environmental protection, fair access to justice and sustainable development.
Some of the Shaw Festival’s performances will be hosted at the Old Courthouse on Queen Street for the next two to three years, as the Royal George Theatre, currently closed for an $80 million revitalization project, is expected to reopen by 2029.
NOTLers came out to two public information forums on March 27 and April 1 to hear about official plan updates and share where they think the town should focus its attention in policy planning. “I’m concerned about the attitude of the town to urban design in general,” said one resident.
Elected to the District School Board of Niagara in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Shannon Mitchell says her role helped deepen her knowledge of the region’s education issues and community needs.
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.
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