Carvers from across Ontario gathered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre last weekend for Wonders of Wood, where intricate creations and heartfelt stories revealed how carving continues to inspire creativity, connection and healing across generations.
Following the Second World War, the federal government gave up part of the Niagara Commons for special housing as a way to honour local veterans returning home.
"On every Nov. 11 since that day, I have shared the evening with a bottle of whisky, those memories and the words that were written down that evening," writes Brian Marshall.
"Within a span of just two to three weeks, the lives and daily realities of many children and families were upended by a decision made without their voices being heard," writes Priya Litt.
"This new budget process is more compressed and accelerated than in prior years. This change was imposed on May 1 when the province conferred strong mayor powers on our town without voter consent," writes Steve McGuinness.
"All models are provisional and, even if based on the best data available, might have to change in the light of new evidence," writes Dr. William Brown.
"Especially in our current world, seemingly so divided and torn over so many issues, it was gratifying to learn that love for the poppy is universal," writes Ross Robinson.
"NOTL is one of the few burgs in the nation allowing (and encouraging) the conversion of residential housing into 'unhosted' short-term rentals," writes Garth Turner.
If funding and airline partnerships fall into place, the goal is to eventually ready the airport for regular commercial flights, connecting Niagara to major Canadian and U.S. cities.
Whether it's places like Butler's Barracks or Queenston Heights, the fact that places like Garrison Village and the Jackson-Triggs Winery used to host military training grounds, or that the Royal George Theatre was built to entertain the troops of Camp Niagara, the legacy of war is everywhere in NOTL.