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Niagara-on-the-Lake mayor moves to revive rejected proposal on protected farmland

A proposal for a storage hub on protected farmland that Niagara-on-the-Lake council already killed last month is back from the dead, with the lord mayor using his "strong mayor powers" to revive it.

Worker rescued from hole at Parliament Oak hotel construction site in NOTL

Firefighters and paramedics were on the scene for 45 minutes to rescue the 55-year-old man and provide him medical assistance, one witness says.

SORE says new Rand Estate plan ‘flies in the face’ of Ontario Land Tribunal ruling

Lyle Hall, member of Save Our Rand Estate, says this project proposed for the historic Rand Estate lands in Old Town is "a classic wolf in sheep's clothing."

No new candidates registered in NOTL election, one incumbent plans return

Several big questions continue to hang over the race, including whether the 2022-26 council table will largely stay intact or if NOTL voters will deliver a major political shakeup this year.

Virgil Stampede bets on families: Changing ride lineup helps create calmer atmosphere, organizers say

The Stampede celebrated its 59th year this past weekend, and an organizer says focusing on families and adding more children's rides has eliminated most security problems the carnival had in the past.

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.

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.

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