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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

News

‘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.

Lake Ontario’s low water levels, explained

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.

Year in Review: A summer of floods and political anger

The last six months of 2024 in Niagara-on-the-Lake were marked by extreme weather upheaval and a volatile political climate. Kevin MacLean breaks down what made the headlines in the second half of the year.

Red Roof brings energy, healing and purpose to start the year off with a good cause

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.

New year, new connections: Songs, dances and unity at the Native Centre

“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.

First of Zalepa’s open houses sparks debate on roundabout

"The people of St. Davids do not want a roundabout," said one resident to the lord mayor during a heated back-and-forth on Thursday evening. Around 50 people were in attendance at the meeting.

Suspects steal almost $1,000 of alcohol from LCBO in Virgil

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.

As NOTL awaits a new patio program, current one will stay in place

The current program only allows patios in the "urban area" of NOTL. No new permits were issued to Queen Street businesses in 2024.

NOTLers fill house at first fish fry of the year

“It’s a place where you will always see someone you know," said Brent Longmoore, who calls the weekly dinner a staple social outing in NOTL.

Clayfield Hyatt hotel planned for the Village, to open in 2026

Developer Adam Hawley says the Clayfield Hotel will function as a franchise, built and owned by the local development company: "It's not going to be owned by Hyatt or anybody else."

Year in Review: Development pressures remain NOTL’s biggest issue

With loud public protests, numerous anti-development screeds on social media and many more development decisions facing councillors in the second half their four-year term, vigorous debates will continue in 2025.

The Turner Report: What I learned about winning and losing

"We have made citizens who enter politics into punching bags. They’re not regular people trying to make a difference, helping the common good anymore. Over time they become the enemy, responsible for every failure, annoyance and hardship their constituents endure," writes Garth Turner.

NOTL’s top newsmakers of 2024

NOTL produces a huge amount of news, week in and week out — and we have chosen to highlight some of the top stories and newsmakers of 2024.

Icewine Festival returns to NOTL for its 30th anniversary

If you're looking to inject a little sweetness into the bitter winter cold of January, the upcoming icewine village might be the place for you. This year's festival returns Jan. 18 for two weekends.

Willow Cakes & Pastries to close storefront and take business digital

With last week's announcement came the introduction of Simply Shortbread, an online mail-order business and its sister business, the Willow, dedicated to cakes and custom orders, just without an in-person bakery. 

Lord mayor to host series of open houses across NOTL

Starting Thursday, Jan. 9, Gary Zalpea will be hosting open houses in each of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s five villages, featuring a brief presentation and time for residents to connect with council members and town staff. 

15-year-old suspect connected to NOTL car break-ins in custody

Niagara Regional Police say they've increased the number of officers and investigators in NOTL as they continue searching for additional suspects connected to the holiday break-ins.

St. Mark’s to host Christmas concert

The church is hosting a Christmas concert Dec. 22, called "A Christmas Homecoming: A Festive Celebration of Story and Song." The goal is to invoke a feeling of being at home for the holidays.

‘It is an immense joy’: $12,300 raised for Kazemi family

Asadullah Kazemi was elated when the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce presented him and his family with a cheque of more than $12,300 of funds raised from this year’s Candlelight Stroll.

Stockings for Seniors returns for fourth year

Christmas is coming for 145 residents at Pleasant Manor and Niagara Long Term Care retirement homes. For the fourth year in a row, Joan King...

Grape growers hope to curb the flow of foreign juice into Canada

“It is almost criminal in our minds that these grapes are being dropped on the ground, not purchased, and imports still find their way into our marketplace,” said Debbie Zimmerman, executive director of the Grape Growers of Ontario.

Regional budget means higher taxes for NOTL

There is very little wiggle room for what councillors can do to reduce the budget, but one thing that can be done is reducing discretionary spending, said regional councillor Andrea Kaiser.

Cozying up to local treasures at the Pumphouse’s holiday market

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.

A crafty reunion: Annual sale brings the community together at Toad Hall

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

NOTL library is decking the halls with music, food and crafts

Whether it’s singing, baking or crafts, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library is feeling the holiday spirit and looking to share that spirit with its patrons.

Uniting for animal rescue at Reif’s holiday market

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’s sleigh stops at OLiV for a holly jolly photo day

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

PHOTO GALLERY: Christmas tractor parade a huge hit once again

The streets of Virgil were filled with rumbling machinery, bright lights, festive music and Christmas cheer on Thursday evening.

Sugar, spice and everything nice at St. Andrew’s Christmas fair

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

Flowers for seniors brings holiday cheer from horticultural society

"This is our way of sharing what we love with people who can’t get out and experience Mother Nature."

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