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NOTL fires longtime town treasurer, deputy takes over

Council appointed Nick Alaimo as treasurer Tuesday, replacing Kyle Freeborn, who was fired after more than 14 years with the municipality. Alaimo's appointment takes effect immediately.

$9.7M moves Niagara airport expansion closer to takeoff

Commercial flights to and from Niagara-on-the-Lake are one step closer to reality, after the Niagara District Airport secured $9.7 million from the province for the project.

World Cup watch party brings NOTL communities together

World Cup mania reached a fever pitch on Sunday afternoon as soccer fans came out to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre to witness the final match of this year's FIFA World Cup.

NOTL had roughly $2.35M in unspent project funds last year

The money will either return to its original funding source or help pay for related work, including protective equipment for firefighters, guide rail improvements, crack sealing and more.

House once marked for flames now protected as NOTL heritage

More than 60 years after a historical society saved it from destruction, the roughly 230-year-old home known today as Merriwood was among nine designated properties honoured this month.

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.

Vineland Growers co-op expanding storage facilities

With $120 million worth of fruit being sold out of the agricultural co-op every year, space is getting tight, its bosses say — and they need at least half an acre more in storage.

A chance to recognize powerful NOTL women

In the face of rising mistreatment against women, Canadian women should be empowered to use their voices and take action, says Sandra Hardy: “It’s important to use our voice and speak up and not just keep all the things inside you.”

Meet Kassie Burns, the face of climate action in NOTL

Burns said a long-term, community-driven approach to climate action is crucial. She helped organize an invasive species workshop last month and plans to represent the town at an Earth Day gathering on April 22 at the community centre: "Collaboration is really the key to change."

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