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Wednesday, November 26, 2025

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Royal George Theatre moves ahead, without on-site parking

Niagara-on-the-Lake councillors approved a bylaw Tuesday night to pave the way for the Royal George Theatre’s multi-million-dollar redevelopment, without the need for on-site parking — aside from one cash-in-lieu payment to the town.

NOTL Kinsmen Club throws its support behind museum expansion with $25K dono

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Kinsmen Club is the latest in a group of institutions and government groups to lend its support to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum in its mission to double its space, with a $25,000 donation.

Beer-jolais Nouveau? A new twist on an old tradition

What happens when a winemaker and brewmaster cross paths at the top 40 under 40 awards gala? A brand new idea gets hatched for a beverage never seen before in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Lord mayor withdraws patio motion after staff rule it out of order

After having to withdraw a notice of motion from last week's council meeting on the state of temporary patios, the lord mayor says he hopes council can still find a path forward on the broader issue of patios in NOTL.

Local architecture modeler hopes to create lasting memory of historic NOTL theatre

With the Royal George's not-yet-approved demolition scheduled for early next year, these models may soon serve as lasting reminders of the 110-year-old building's first life.

Niagara Region agrees to waive nearly $1M in charges for Parliament Oak hotel

After a extensive debate among Niagara Region councillors on Thursday night over whether or not to waive nearly $1 million in development charges for the Parliament Oak hotel project in Niagara-on-the-Lake, council voted 14-11 to go ahead with waiving the fee.

Award-winning local photographer releases 2026 NOTL-themed calendar

For the third year, local photographer Dave van de Laar is selling his NOTL-themed annual calendar. It's especially popular with former residents who want a reminder of home, he said.

Speed limit on NOTL’s urban roads going down to 40 km/h

Anyone driving through the local roads of Niagara-on-the-Lake in the next little while will need to mind their meter and slow down by 10 kilometres an hour.

Helping those who help: NOTL fire department prioritizes first responders’ mental health after trauma

By its nature, the profession has highs and lows — when responders are able to help the people they encounter, it’s a good feeling, says Fire Chief Jay Plato. “On the flipside, there are times when you aren’t able to assist. That weighs heavily on the mind afterwards.”

Royal George Theatre rebuild back on stage after council reverses course

After council's latest decision Tuesday night, the multi-million-dollar rebuild of the 110-year-old theatre on Queen Street is moving forward.

Chautauqua neighbours urge town to protect trees, heritage in walking tour with planners

The area is known for its cottage-style homes, abundant park space, shade and strong sense of community. Much of the discussion during the tour was around protecting its trees.

Wild West of Wine: Council ties Ferox and Harvest Barn lots in restricted winery deal

A contentious year for Ferox by Fabian Reis’s zoning application reached a decisive point Tuesday night: the winery has received estate winery status from council.

NOTL’s new parks plan targets better indoor spaces, more access and new activities

Over the next 10 years, Niagara-on-the-Lake has a plan to make its parks and recreation facilities more accessible, more spacious and better equipped for new activities ranging from disc golf to art parks.

Local jam maker cleans up at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Farmer and accomplished jam maker Kim McQuhae of Niagara-on-the-Lake cleaned up again this year at the Royal’s jams and jellies competition in Toronto.

Queenston Pottery invites guests for hands on holiday weekend

For Rick Mlcak, handmade pottery carries the kind of meaning people can feel as soon as they pick it up: "You have a different sense of connection to the piece than if it’s something you just bought."

Bottle drive helps send NOTL Wolves to Kinsmen Cup tournament

A bottle and can drive in Virgil is helping the NOTL Wolves U13 team cover the cost of its only tournament this season and giving families a simple way to support young players.

Holiday tastes across NOTL wineries warm weekend tour groups

The pass gives visitors a way to explore seasonal flavours while sampling from 24 of NOTL’s wineries as they head into the holidays.

NOTL hires John Henricks, former town planner, as temporary replacement for soon-to-be vacant director role

With the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake's current director of community and development services set to depart from her job in one week, the town is bringing in a temporary replacement as it looks to fill her spot.

Proposed tax hike for NOTLers next year up to 2.19% after budget changes

Niagara-on-the-Lake's council made a few changes to the draft of its annual budget for next year, which have brought the potential property tax for 2026 up to 2.19 per cent, compared to the proposed 1.81 per cent from two weeks ago.

Town to provide free parking in the heritage district again

To make the holiday season lighter for residents and visitors stopping in the heritage district in Old Town, the town is waiving the need to pay for parking starting Dec. 1.

Shaw warns delays could derail Royal George rebuild

The letter says the theatre cannot be reduced below its current 38,000-square-foot design without triggering a full redesign the charity cannot afford after spending more than $4 million on engineering and earlier revisions.

All-way stop put in at Line 3 and Concession 1 intersection

An intersection out in the farmlands is getting turned into an all-way stop after town staff shared that it's been the site of multiple collisions over the past couple of years — including five this year alone.

NOTL couple celebrate raising $85K help those living with PTSD

A group of local volunteers has raised more than $85,000 for a program that trains service dogs to help veterans and first responders coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.

No groundwater plan yet for Parliament Oak site, town says, as resident raises flood concerns

A resident says the former Parliament Oak school redevelopment could worsen flooding along the nearby One Mile Creek if construction isn't properly managed.

‘Looking at the past can help inform the future’: NOTL Museum’s Amy Klassen talks museum’s growth over her 25-year tenure

"It's really just a place of community here," says Klassen. "We have an amazing core group of volunteers who become like your second family." She's nominated for a Women in Business Award in the not-for-profit category.

Shaw Festival unveils show lineup and casting for 2026 season

The season includes “Funny Girl,” running April 24 to Oct. 3, with Sara Farb making her Shaw debut as Fanny Brice alongside Qasim Khan as Nick Arnstein. Eda Holmes directs. 

Foreign ministers gather in NOTL for G7; local leaders call for Canada to champion Jimmy Lai’s case

During the press conference for Canada, The Lake Report asked the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, whether foreign ministers will be pressing China about Hong Kong’s national security law and pushing for the release of Jimmy Lai in a unified voice.

‘He’s my hero’: NOTL comes together for Jimmy Lai, hotelier jailed for pro-democracy stances

Tears fell in Simcoe Park on Wednesday as residents, politicians and family members gathered in Niagara-on-the-Lake to demand freedom for Jimmy Lai — the Hong Kong publisher, democracy advocate and local hotelier now imprisoned for his beliefs.

Driver jailed 11 months in crash that killed cyclist, 84

On Wednesday afternoon in St. Catharines Superior Court, Justice Michael Bordin ordered Moore to serve 11 months in custody followed by a 20-month driving ban.

Feds give the NOTL Museum a $2M boost for its expansion plans

Museum CEO and curator Sarah Kaufman became emotional during her remarks, saying the funding was a long time coming and that she was grateful for the support.

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