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.
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.
"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.
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."
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
