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NOTL Votes 2026: ‘Nobody up there would get my vote’: Sewage-hit resident interrupts St. Davids debate

A St. Davids resident who stopped a Niagara-on-the-Lake all-candidates debate Wednesday to demand action on sewage backing into homes said not one candidate on stage had earned his vote.

Public park next to new development in Glendale may open this spring

Niagara-on-the-Lake unanimously backed a deal Tuesday that would let the developer behind Modero Estates build the development’s public park sooner, rather than wait for the town to take on the project later.

NOTL Votes 2026: Growth can continue without losing town’s character, says Wiens supporter

About 100 people attended Wiens' campaign barbecue in Virgil, where supporters put development and property taxes at the top of their list of priorities for the next council.

NOTL Votes 2026: Mayoral candidates face off at jam-packed debate

Monday night's debate moved through 14 questions on growth, taxes, transparency, tourism, climate change and how the next mayor should lead. The forum also exposed clear differences in how each candidate would approach the job.

Fancy hats and sport of kings: Fundraiser draws huge crowd for Niagara Polo match

Niagara Polo returned to the historic Commons on Saturday, welcoming crowds to watch polo matches with players from the Toronto Polo Club.

NOTLers fill house at first fish fry of the year

“It’s a place where you will always see someone you know," said Brent Longmoore, who calls the weekly dinner a staple social outing in NOTL.

Clayfield Hyatt hotel planned for the Village, to open in 2026

Developer Adam Hawley says the Clayfield Hotel will function as a franchise, built and owned by the local development company: "It's not going to be owned by Hyatt or anybody else."

Year in Review: Development pressures remain NOTL’s biggest issue

With loud public protests, numerous anti-development screeds on social media and many more development decisions facing councillors in the second half their four-year term, vigorous debates will continue in 2025.

The Turner Report: What I learned about winning and losing

"We have made citizens who enter politics into punching bags. They’re not regular people trying to make a difference, helping the common good anymore. Over time they become the enemy, responsible for every failure, annoyance and hardship their constituents endure," writes Garth Turner.

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.

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