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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.

NOTL’s top newsmakers of 2024

NOTL produces a huge amount of news, week in and week out — and we have chosen to highlight some of the top stories and newsmakers of 2024.

Icewine Festival returns to NOTL for its 30th anniversary

If you're looking to inject a little sweetness into the bitter winter cold of January, the upcoming icewine village might be the place for you. This year's festival returns Jan. 18 for two weekends.

Willow Cakes & Pastries to close storefront and take business digital

With last week's announcement came the introduction of Simply Shortbread, an online mail-order business and its sister business, the Willow, dedicated to cakes and custom orders, just without an in-person bakery. 

Lord mayor to host series of open houses across NOTL

Starting Thursday, Jan. 9, Gary Zalpea will be hosting open houses in each of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s five villages, featuring a brief presentation and time for residents to connect with council members and town staff. 

15-year-old suspect connected to NOTL car break-ins in custody

Niagara Regional Police say they've increased the number of officers and investigators in NOTL as they continue searching for additional suspects connected to the holiday break-ins.

St. Mark’s to host Christmas concert

The church is hosting a Christmas concert Dec. 22, called "A Christmas Homecoming: A Festive Celebration of Story and Song." The goal is to invoke a feeling of being at home for the holidays.

‘It is an immense joy’: $12,300 raised for Kazemi family

Asadullah Kazemi was elated when the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce presented him and his family with a cheque of more than $12,300 of funds raised from this year’s Candlelight Stroll.

Stockings for Seniors returns for fourth year

Christmas is coming for 145 residents at Pleasant Manor and Niagara Long Term Care retirement homes. For the fourth year in a row, Joan King...

Grape growers hope to curb the flow of foreign juice into Canada

“It is almost criminal in our minds that these grapes are being dropped on the ground, not purchased, and imports still find their way into our marketplace,” said Debbie Zimmerman, executive director of the Grape Growers of Ontario.

Regional budget means higher taxes for NOTL

There is very little wiggle room for what councillors can do to reduce the budget, but one thing that can be done is reducing discretionary spending, said regional councillor Andrea Kaiser.

Cozying up to local treasures at the Pumphouse’s holiday market

For more than a decade, the Pumphouse has been a key stop for the Holiday House Tour, but this year, the market hopes to shine on its own.

A crafty reunion: Annual sale brings the community together at Toad Hall

For the fifth consecutive year, Godwin and Parks hosted the sale at Parks' 1845 Regency manor home, Toad Hall.

NOTL library is decking the halls with music, food and crafts

Whether it’s singing, baking or crafts, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library is feeling the holiday spirit and looking to share that spirit with its patrons.

Uniting for animal rescue at Reif’s holiday market

Tanya Rice says when she sees a pet in needs, she can't turn her back. A portion of the money she raised from last weekend's holiday market will go toward supporting her animal rescue efforts.

Santa’s sleigh stops at OLiV for a holly jolly photo day

"Santa surprised us," said Yana Peretyatko, who was with her family at the tasting room on Saturday afternoon, taking in the festive spirit.

PHOTO GALLERY: Christmas tractor parade a huge hit once again

The streets of Virgil were filled with rumbling machinery, bright lights, festive music and Christmas cheer on Thursday evening.

Sugar, spice and everything nice at St. Andrew’s Christmas fair

Visitors enjoyed freshly baked scones with homemade jam, paired with tea or coffee, offered in exchange for a goodwill donation.

Flowers for seniors brings holiday cheer from horticultural society

"This is our way of sharing what we love with people who can’t get out and experience Mother Nature."

NOTL town council breaks until new year; no final decision on new budget

The town's budget committee hasn't made a final decision on complete operating costs for 2025 and will continue its work early in the new year.

Community carolling event planned for Friday

The carolling will be accompanied by live music courtesy of musical trio Live at the Library from St. Catharines.

Decked halls and historic walls: Highlights from the Holiday House Tour

Six of Niagara-on-the-Lake's lavishly decorated homes were part of the weekend-long tour. “There were around 2,300 visitors yesterday, and we’re expecting 2,600 today. It's a constant steady stream of people,” said one of the volunteers at Royal Manor Inn.

How Canada’s culinary scene hopes to outshine its cold weather reputation

Indigenous cultures and Canadian culinary innovation took centre stage at the Navy Hall on Saturday evening, with diners enjoying a six-course meal that its creators hope will put Canadian cuisine on the global map.

Native Centre creates joyful holiday memories for families in need

Mother-and-son duo Skylar and Landon Boyd embraced the season of togetherness at the Niagara Regional Native Centre on Saturday, enjoying an afternoon of gifts, photos with Santa Claus and time well spent with their community.

Candlelight Stroll gives Newark Neighbours food bank a boost

Newark Neighbours has been busier than ever this year: There have been 1,578 visits in just the first nine months of this year, compared to 918 visits to the food bank in 2022.

Parliament Oak hotel documents available on town website

In a quest to increase its level of transparency to the public, the town plans to make detailed reports on the ongoing Parliament Oak hotel development available on the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake website.

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