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Wednesday, March 25, 2026

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NOTL council votes to cut two seats ahead of 2026 election

The town framed its decision as part of a broader effort to streamline local governance and respond to concerns raised by the province about municipal structures across Niagara.

NOTL pitches 150-space parking lot for old hospital site

The town is studying a project to add 150 parking spaces to the spot, which could bring in up to $1.9 million a year, instead of opening the land to outside ideas — for now.

Court dismisses Royal George challenge, but appeal motions filed

A Divisional Court panel has dismissed a legal challenge against Niagara-on-the-Lake’s handling of the Royal George Theatre project, finding the town’s process was thorough and justified.

Restriction on use of town buildings in election campaigns sparks backlash

The town clarified existing rules that prohibit candidates from using municipal facilities and resources during the campaign period, making it clear that includes events organized by community groups, such as candidate debates.

No decision on Queen St. patios until next month

The lord mayor floated the idea of allowing temporary patios on Queen Street, until the Queen Street secondary plan, which the town is currently working on, is in force and effect.

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.

Council delays decision on Royal George Theatre redesign amid tense debate

Niagara-on-the-Lake town council has delayed a decision on the Shaw Festival’s proposed redesign of the Royal George Theatre to allow more consultation with the theatre company — during a meeting that ended with Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa leaving in frustration.

Farmer gives town deadlines for plan to fix flooding tied to municipal drain

Major flooding hit Michael Watson’s property twice in 2024, damaging hundreds of young peach trees and about 20 to 30 per cent of his greenhouse production area.

Council opts to settle with developer over York Road property

Niagara-on-the-Lake is looking to settle a dispute with a Niagara-based homebuilder after he appealed to allow for specific exceptions to development plans for his property near Queenston.

Veterans honoured at Legion dinner with reflection on service and sacrifice

For Niagara-on-the-Lake's British Army veteran Peter Warrack, remembrance is not only a day on the calendar but a daily duty: "Without our forces and our peacekeepers, we wouldn’t have the life that we live, which is a very privileged one."

Carvers find joy and purpose at Wonders of Wood in NOTL

Carvers from across Ontario gathered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre last weekend for Wonders of Wood, where intricate creations and heartfelt stories revealed how carving continues to inspire creativity, connection and healing across generations.

Tickets on sale for ‘A Christmas Carol,’ the last play at the old Royal George Theatre

The Shaw Festival is performing its swan song for the theatre in the form of Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic.

‘Even though we don’t know them, we know their stories’: NOTL honours veterans, fallen soldiers for Remembrance Day

Niagara-on-the-Lake was the sight of two ceremonies on Nov. 11 held in recognition of those who were on the frontlines of wars across the world.

NOTL man arrested after string of indecent acts and assaults in Niagara region

A Niagara-on-the-Lake man has been arrested in connection with a series of indecent acts and assaults reported in Grimsby, St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake over three days, police say.

‘They’ve gone above and beyond’: McArthur Estate shines for Holiday House Tour

The media were invited to tour the Old Town property last Friday to promote the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Holiday House Tour on Dec. 5 and 6.

Indigenous veterans honoured at Valour and Victory ceremony in Queenston

When it comes to the role that Indigenous peoples had in some of Canada's most significant battles, Crystal Haverstock says many Canadians are only beginning now to grasp the depth of their military service.

World leaders to gather in NOTL for G7 meeting, while family, officials rally for jailed hotelier Jimmy Lai

As world leaders from the Group of Seven nations ready to meet in Niagara-on-the-Lake this week, the family of jailed publisher and hotel owner Jimmy Lai is calling on Canada to help secure his release after more than five years in a Hong Kong prison.

NOTL’s ‘one-stop shop’ for non-profit groups to return on Nov. 19

Hosted by the NOTL Newcomers Association, this event will see participating organizations set up information tables inside the NOTL Community Centre for people to learn about local services.

Homeowners’ insurance troubles prompt pause on heritage listings in NOTL

After two Old Town residents found themselves in a bind with their insurance companies while looking to officially make their homes heritage properties, the town is freezing the designation of their homes.

Food bank visits in NOTL more than doubled past few years: Brock study

The manager of Newark Neighbours, Niagara-on-the-Lake's local food bank, confirms that the numbers are going up. The reasons people are coming are "all over the map," she says.

Municipal director Kirsten McCauley leaving NOTL for new role in Grimsby

The Town of NOTL announced Friday that McCauley's last day in her current role will be Nov. 26. The town hasn't named a replacement.

What’s happening for Remembrance Day in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Two ceremonies are planned for Remembrance Day on Nov. 11: the Royal Canadian Legion’s service at the Queen Street cenotaph, from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., and a second service at the Queenston cenotaph, from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

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