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See the human side of the paranormal at Fort George

During spooky season, the Friends of Fort George explore the town’s relationship with fear and death through ghost tours at the historic fort.

Where to enjoy a spook-tacular Halloween in NOTL

Whether you're chasing ghosts, dressing to impress or just in it for the candy, Halloween weekend is here — and Niagara-on-the-Lake has plenty of ways to get into the spirit.

Post-election, Niagara-on-the-Lake residents and councillors brace for change

As the clock struck 8 p.m. and polling stations across Niagara-on-the-Lake began to close, dozens made their way inside the main auditorium of the NOTL Community Centre, to watch their political future take shape.

Gary Burroughs very confident in new team set to lead NOTL

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s new deputy lord mayor says residents have voted to be heard — and the incoming council needs to listen and explain its decisions clearly.

NOTL Votes 2026: Voter turnout 52% in this year’s race, up from last election

The 2026 election saw an uptick in voter turnout compared to the election four years ago. Internet voting, which debuted this year, was a big hit.

Niagara District Airport looks at new terminal, more flights for its future

The Niagara District Airport is preparing for major upgrades and looking at ways to fly more travellers to more places in Canada and North America — but those behind the new master plan say it’s still early and they need public feedback to shape the next 20 years.

Hoverlink from Niagara to Toronto one step closer to anchors aweigh

Through a partnership with PortsToronto, the company has officially secured a docking area in Toronto after more than three years of consultation. However, there is still a two-year minimum before the crafts are actually manufactured, Hoverlink's president told The Lake Report.

Bestselling author Linwood Barclay visiting NOTL to talk about his first supernatural-thriller

Linwood Barclay's latest novel packs surprise, suspense and sheer horror. Toy trains, typically associated with joy and innocence, become sinister instruments of evil. Registration is open now for the talk, happening May 21 at Caroline Cellars.

NOTL RCMP officers catch foreign nationals at border

The RCMP did not disclose the cause of the witness' injuries but said that the witness was a Cuban national who endured “superficial injuries as a result of the flight from the scene,” the email states.

Thwaites farm stand launches season with asparagus and extended hours

The Thwaites family-run farm stand at 1984 Townline Rd. began its summer season this week, offering locally grown asparagus, peaches and other crops daily.

Willowbank honours Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women

Curated by Michele-Elise Burnett, the exhibition made its debut at Willowbank and will travel across Canada next year, with its first stop at Black Creek Village in Toronto.

Councillors review regional transit report, seek feedback on transit costs

Cheropita also raised concerns about the apparent cost imbalance between Niagara-on-the-Lake and other municipalities. The report notes the cost per ride as $5.22 for taxpayers.

‘Wine country’ or ‘food and wine’ — which defines NOTL tourism? New strategy sparks debate

“I believe words matter and for who we are and what our entire economic outlook is built around, there is one overarching industry, and I feel that's wine,” said Coun. Andrew Niven during the meeting on Tuesday.

‘Wine country’ at the heart of a controversy over new tourism vision

The revised vision statement, which was approved by council, reads: "Niagara-on-the-Lake is an extraordinary destination, known for its natural beauty, food and wine, and unrivalled cultural experiences." Three councillors who voted against approving the strategy with the revised vision.

Council approves York Road residential units, sparking school board discussion

Councillors raised concerns about environmental impacts and a lack of feedback from the District School Board of Niagara: "The public school in St. Davids is pretty full and we keep putting more and more subdivisions," Coun. Gary Burroughs said in an interview.

St. Davids Lioness Club rallies community with spring market success

Rainy skies couldn't put a stop to the St. Davids Lioness Club's annual spring market on Saturday, which drew steady crowds despite having to move indoors to avoid the weather.

Letter: Chilling vibes during Carney’s first White House visit

"I don’t think any stalwart protagonist should appear in that theatre ever again," writes Brian Emes of Prime Minister Mark Carney's first public meeting with President Donald Trump on May 6.

Hotel tax will fund $1.32 million reconstruction of Mississagua Street this fall

For the next two years, NOTL residents can expect thousands of dollars in upgrades to the roads and places tourists and locals use every day, including the $1.32 million reconstruction of one of Old Town's main roads, thanks to $1.71 million in funds from the town’s hotel tax.

Virgil speed camera in current rotation, but not issuing tickets — yet

The Niagara Region, responsible for its installation, would not confirm the exact date and time the speed cameras would begin issuing tickets, with transportation officer Scott Fraser saying it would begin “later in May,” running until late August.

Animal rescue group turns one, celebrates with auction

Proceeds will go to Happy Days Sanctuary — a registered charity that helps rescue and protect homeless pets and farm animals in Niagara and nearby areas. The auction will run until May 10, 3 p.m.

Traffic turmoil tests TASC tulip farm’s blooming popularity

Heavy rain flooded the tulip farm's 20-acre grass parking lot, stranding over 50 vehicles in mud and forcing it to close the parking lot completely. Cars sat bumper-to-bumper from Concession 2 to Four Mile Creek Road after the farm closed its waterlogged lot at 2:30 p.m., despite forecasts predicting rain would stop by 11 a.m.

‘It’s still a democratic process’: Council doesn’t reject strong mayor powers

Councillors voted 5-4 against a motion brought forth by Coun. Sandra O’Connor, requesting that the province rescind the powers for NOTL. These powers, which came into effect May 1, give the lord mayor more control over key parts of municipal governance.

Local residents association plans open house for May 14

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the meeting will focus on achieving respectful dialogue, informed engagement with local government, and a commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability.

Region restricts councillors from work-based U.S. travel, Zalepa questions move

NOTL's lord mayor said that as a regional councillor, he would not advocate for this and as lord mayor, he would not implement anything like this: "I don't see it as very consequential at all.”

Yellow Door celebrates 10 years with an all-star performance

"Being seen matters. Belonging matters. Safe spaces and strong mentors matter. That's what Yellow Door creates," said donor Jordie Burton, who spoke about his own experience as a teenager finding joy and purpose in theatre.

Post-election victory, Baldinelli to focus on ‘issues that matter most to the people here’

Throughout the campaign, Baldinelli pushed a platform focused on affordability, public safety and economic development: “I can be that voice and that advocate to bring forward their concerns to Ottawa,” he said. 

Council votes to shut down temporary patios, again

Some business owners presented to council on Tuesday night in favour of keeping the patio program, saying they add vibrancy and life to the community, while others say the program has issues with compliance and enforcement.

NOTL seeks volunteers for committee of adjustment/property standards

The committee of adjustment is a statutory tribunal operating independently from council with authority from Ontario's Planning Act to hold public hearings and make application decisions.

Council approves rules for town’s hotel tax spending

The town will focus on things the committee flagged as immediate priorities — like more public washrooms, better parking, traffic management and improved signage, said Zalepa.

Day of mourning marked with tribute to NOTL fire captain

Yesterday was the national day of mourning in Canada — a time to remember workers who have died, been injured or become ill in the workplace. Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services marked the day by honouring Capt. Michael Vriens in an April 28 Facebook post.

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