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Friday, January 2, 2026

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Ringing in chilly new year in NOTL

A small but determined crowd braved the elements and upheld the tradition of welcoming the new year by gathering at Niagara-on-the-Lake's clock tower cenotaph on Wednesday night. With snow falling...

UPDATE: Suspect gets bail in sexual assault case in Niagara-on-the-Lake

An official with the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines told The Lake Report that the suspect, a man in his 30s from Niagara Falls, was granted bail and is due in court next on Jan. 26.

Niagara police seek suspects in sexual assault case in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Detectives are investigating this incident and looking for a white male, mid-30's, approximately 5'11'', with a medium build, who was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black jacket, a blue toque and black boots.

Province’s new tourism strategy light on new details about NOTL

Doug Ford's plan to turn Niagara into a global tourism powerhouse could have some major effects on Niagara-on-the-Lake, though it's unclear at this time what's in store for the small town neighbouring Niagara Falls.

NOTL council chooses settlement instead of tribunal mediation for York Road development

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has reversed course on its response to a proposed York Road development at the Ontario Land Tribunal, opting to pursue a settlement instead of mediation, after staff shared that a settlement would cost $20,000 less than mediation

Town estimated to save $539K with new vehicle lease program

Under the new plan, vehicles will be replaced more frequently, every 48 months, rather than the current practice of keeping them for up to 10 years.

Kaiser and Baldinelli to run in federal election for the third time

All four major parties in Niagara-on-the-Lake's riding have announced their candidates for the snap federal election on April 28. Lifelong Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Andrea Kaiser is the face of the Liberal Party for the riding, facing off against incumbent Conservative Tony Baldinelli.

NOTL man loses bid to quash Marotta defamation suit

"To be sued for a Facebook post that commented on an issue of public interest, was up for seven days, was seen by a limited number of people and removed at the request of Solmar’s lawyer is disturbing," says Stewart Hall, who plans to appeal the ruling.

Rotary Club seeks historic homes for Holiday House Tour

Chair of events Nancy Bailey says the historic homes are always enjoyed by guests on the tour: “We just love to showcase homes and we’re proud to do that.”

Senior housing options need to be presented to council, Burroughs says

Key factors for seniors considering a change were easy access to health care, a range of services and amenities, staying in the community and maintaining social relationships.

Agri-businesses have low hopes for future as U.S.-Canada trade war ramps up: CFIB

The confidence small businesses have in Canadian agriculture took a nosedive in March to the lowest level ever recorded by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business — below the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis lows.

Firefighters skate and educate the public on fire prevention

The new public education team at NOTL Fire & Emergency Services wants to normalize proactive safety concerns and ensure people feel comfortable with their firefighters: ""If people see us during emergencies, it's already a bad day. We want to meet them here, answer questions and prevent crises," said Todd Foley.

Spare a bike, support a farmworker

Bikes For Farmworkers is running out of bikes — fast. With fewer than 60 left, it urgently needs adult bike donations to help migrant farmworkers get around Niagara-on-the-Lake this spring and summer.

NOTL high school comeback may rely on parents, says resident

The town’s only high school closed in 2010 after 53 years due to declining enrollment. “Communities of our size should have schools,” said the lord mayor. “Not only that, we’ve grown since that time and we’re continuing to grow.”

Property tax in NOTL set to rise by $112 in 2025

Property taxes are expected to go up by 7.92 per cent for the average homeowner in NOTL — the final numbers of this year's budget will be presented at a meeting March 18 and rubber-stamped into bylaw.

St. Patrick’s Day crowds flood NOTL pubs and celebrate with music, Guinness and cabbage

Niagara-on-the-Lake embraced the luck of the Irish this week as local hotspots hosted packed St. Patrick’s Day events. The Sandtrap Pub & Grill's co-owner Paul Dietsch called it “one of the busiest single-day events” of the year.

Motion to buy Canadian passed, but on hold until staff report is complete

In 2023, 532 businesses in Niagara exported $5.9 billion worth of goods to the U.S. — which makes up 72 per cent of total exports from Niagara businesses.

Draft plan for industrial development in Glendale passes

"This file has significant environmental considerations,” said Coun. Sandra O’Connor, listing her concerns around amphibian habitats, woodland impact, watercourse erosion, negative mitigation, stormwater management and more. 

Seniors housing group to talk survey results at library meeting

Cindy Grant of the Seniors Housing Options Group will update residents on the findings from the survey's group about aging in place at the next Live & Learn session on March 24.

Momentum behind the scenes: Champions for Niagara film office gain ground

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic charm and scenic views attract film and television productions, but disorganized regulations and permit hurdles drive companies elsewhere, says location scout and production manager Peter Donato.

New website connects farm stands with locals and agri-tourists

A new website and Facebook group looking it make it easier for locals and tourists to find farm stands across Niagara-on-the-Lake is taking off online this spring, as the national "shop local" movement continues to gain momentum.

NOTL runner conquers world’s major marathons, earns Six Star medal

The 68-year-old NOTLer's journey to the Six Star medal started around 1994, when he began his running career.

NOTL residents have new option for grinder pumps

The new company, Kimbel Donayre Plumbing, will provide an alternative for NOTL residents who may be stuck without a grinder pump service. 

NDP’s Gates won popular vote in NOTL, provincial election results show

NDP Wayne Gates was sworn into office on March 17, along with members of Provincial Parliament from across Ontario. He was the top vote-getter at four of NOTL's six polling stations, with some of his biggest support coming from voters at the NOTL community centre.

PHOTO: ‘Blood moon’ lunar eclipse casts mesmerizing glow over NOTL

Often called a "Blood Moon" due to the deep reddish hue the Moon takes on during totality, this celestial event was captured by local photographer Dave Van de Laar — from the unique vantage point of his own driveway.

NOTL’s Carter Simpson celebrates two bronze medal wins at Special Olympics in Italy

Carter Simpson is bringing home some well-earned bling from the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy, winning two bronze medals in two alpine skiing events on Thursday and Saturday.

Celebrating the woman behind Red Roof Retreat

“Every single day, I get reminded about how good people are,” said Steffanie Bjorgan, who started Red Roof Retreat 25 years ago to service children and young adults with special needs in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Laura Secord’s influence still holds true, says her local descendant

Secord helped set the stage for Confederation and establish context for the accomplishments of Canadian women today, says Caroline McCormick: “What she represents is courage and determination, fortitude and perseverance, going the extra mile for what is important.”

NOTL voids 134 snow-clearing tickets after enforcement error

Fire Chief Jay Plato confirmed 134 tickets issued between 5 a.m. and noon on Feb. 15 were voided and all associated penalties were cancelled. The lord mayor said no bylaw changes are planned, calling the incident a “learning experience” for staff.

Crossroads students potentially exposed to measles, region urges parents to vaccinate

“Some kids don't have access to vaccination because of different situations — they may be allergic. But having parents choose not to vaccinate their kids, that’s another story," said one Crossroads parent.

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