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Sunday, April 20, 2025

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Cause of Glencairn fire deemed ‘suspicious,’ police investigating

Detectives and fire marshals are working to determine what caused the fire and where in the home it started, but due to extensive structural damage, they’re taking precautions as the site is considered unsafe and could collapse. “There's all kinds of hazards right now,” said Jim Kettles from the Office of the Fire Marshal in an interview.

Appeal for Randwood Estate dismissed for good

This decision marks the final ruling, now that Solmar has officially decided not to move forward with the requirements the tribunal proposed in order to allow the development plans to be approved.

Niagara College secures three medals, two gold, at U.S. Open Spirits Championship

The distillery claimed two gold medals — one for its Absinthe in the Specialty Spirits category and another for its Spiced Old Fashioned in the Bottled Cocktails category.

Virgil Stampede to fund $100K in upgrades for Red Roof and Pleasant Manor

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.

PHOTOS: A look at the future Village development, Clayfield Commons

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.

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.

Horticultural society brings spring cheer to long-term care residents

“It’s a little bit of brightness for the residents,” horticultural society member Susan Dodd told The Lake Report. 

The search for NOTL’s new CAO hits a wall

Staff confirmed job offers were extended to three different candidates, all of whom declined "for various personal and professional reasons." Recruitment efforts will continue over the coming months.

O’Connor to fight ‘strong mayor powers’ at next council meeting

Coun. Sandra O’Connor told The Lake Report that strong powers allocated to Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa would jeopardize equal representation among councillors, saying if the powers come into effect, "we no longer have the power the people have given us to represent them."

‘It’s all about the youth’: Native Centre conference tackles Indigenous intergenerational learning

“It’s all about the youth, the next generation,” said Harvey Dreaver, Ojibwe drummer and the three-day conference's guest of honour. "They need to seek the life of culture, our traditional roots, our language, we need to educate ourselves."

$5K grant sweetens NOTL cake parade, Willow’s still on the menu

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.

Gales gas bar and convenience, family business, sold after 58 years

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.

Councillors delay approving potential fire station swap

After a lengthy discussion, instead of approving the move, at a cost of $175,000 (coming from capital reserves), council asked staff to look into the details of the proposal and come back to it with more information. 

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.

Oh Canada! How are NOTLers pushing back against Trump?

It's #elbowsup time in the Great White North: We'd like to know what you are doing here in Niagara-on-the-Lake in response to Trump's threats and actions.

The Lake Report named Ontario’s top community newspaper

The staff of The Lake Report headed home loaded down with armfuls of plaques after winning 19 awards at the Ontario Community Newspapers Association’s annual journalism awards last Friday night.

Derek Seguin brings tariff-free comedy to NOTL

Juno-nominated comedian and Just For Laughs alumni Derek Seguin is making a pitstop in Niagara-on-the-Lake next week as part of his country-wide Life of Leisure comedy tour.

Municipality seeking new policy planner, deadline to apply April 28

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.

‘Relieved and happy’: Town reverses Virgil playground removal, for now

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."

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.

Wild West of Wine: Neighbour, town and winery to face off in court next week

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.

ARTS: Lineup revealed for this summer’s Jackson-Triggs concert series

During these times of swelling national pride, Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate has announced the return of its annual Summer Concert Series and a lineup of returning favourite performers and new artists joining the stage at the Niagara-on-the-Lake winery.

Wild West of Wine: Town aware of Ferox violations, no action taken

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.

Tourism NOTL sets aside $400K for marketing campaigns this year

Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake is projecting that it'll make up to $2.2 million this year, with big spending planned for marketing campaigns to attract visitors to town. 

Restoration underway to transform the Wilderness into Old Town’s urban oasis

The transformation of the Wilderness, a historic property with origins dating back centuries, is a complex endeavour, starting with work on the grounds, almost five acres large.

Bunny Trail aims to raise $15k for nursery school

Run by the school and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Kinsmen, this year’s egg hunt kicks off at the NOTL Community Centre on April 19 at 10 a.m. Funds raised this year will go directly to supporting programs and educational resources at the nursery. 

NOTL, get ready to cast your ballot: How to vote in election day and advance polls

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.

NOTL on the list for provincial expansion of strong mayor powers

Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa confirmed with The Lake Report that he received the official letter around 11 a.m. Wednesday morning. He said he plans to have the town's chief administrative officer look over the proposal and piece together what it means before sending a memo to town council.

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