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Sunday, January 25, 2026

News

No screen time for kids 2 years and under, shares expert at talk on children and technology

Speech pathologist Jackie van Lankveld was at the NOTL Public Library on Thursday to share with local parents the latest insights on the consequences of screen time on preschool-aged kids.

‘Les Miserables’ comes to a St. Catharines high school featuring NOTL kids

Some of Niagara-on-the-Lake's young thespians and stagehands are doing their part to make Victor Hugo's classic tale of justice, revolution and love come alive this winter.

‘It’s been a good ride’: NOTLer’s autobiography offers reflections on life’s ups and down

Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Frank Hayes has worn many hats in his life: immigrant, digital security salesman, world traveller — and now, author.

Queenston Pottery icewine workshop offers hands-on break from screens

There's a charm to homemade pottery that many of its enthusiasts enjoy. For Melissa Triefstra, the appeal was getting to take home something personal, rather than buying something on Amazon.

NOTL’s youngest rising star shines at the Shaw Festival

Vivienne Atwood's star is rising: the 11-year-old actress from St. Davids made her debut at the Shaw Festival this past holiday season as Susan Waverly in Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."

NOTL is $13M behind on infrastructure spending: report

According to the latest report from the town, the funding gap is driven by a combination of aging infrastructure, rising construction costs, lower-than-required reinvestment levels and climate-related impacts.

NOTL presses province on housing, Glendale Eco-Park and funding at ROMA

Niagara-on-the-Lake took its top priorities directly to the province earlier this week, pressing for progress on the proposed Glendale Eco-Park, affordable housing and renewed municipal funding at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference.

Recycling pickup change frustrates Queen Street merchants

Apart from the extra costs imposed on businesses, one Queen Street merchant said she foresees "seven different trucks coming up and down the street" at different times in the future, which she does not think is a good look on a place meant for tourists.

Icewine Festival pours in hundreds for busy weekend on Queen Street

The festival's business development manager said that while she sees icewine as an opportunity for people to buy local and support Canadian businesses, they also welcome all visitors.

NOTL firefighters to get second sets of bunker gear with $82K provincial grant

Firefighters’ bunker gear is designed to protect them in emergencies — but after a fire, that same equipment can carry cancer-causing contaminants, making access to clean backup gear critical.

Fatal two-vehicle crash in NOTL may have been caused by medical episode

One person is dead following a two-vehicle collision in Niagara-on-the-Lake that happened Wednesday morning, police say.

Too much tablet time? NOTL library talk offers guidance for parents

Jackie van Lankfeld, a member of the Canadian Paediatric Society, will speak to parents about preschoolers and their interactions with smartphones, tablets and other tech devices at an event hosted by the library on Jan. 22.

Inspired by her daughter’s health journey, NOTLer becomes competitive speaker

Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Chrislyn D’Sylva Pires has had an eventful journey as the parent of a daughter with a neuromuscular disability and now hopes to share her story after her daughter found the courage to tell hers.

Diggin’ through the crates: U.S. tariffs push Niagara vinyl lovers to NOTL pop-up record show

For Simon Vaughn, a vendor and DJ who lives three blocks from the Legion, the event reflected a hard shift in how he makes sales, directly affected by the ongoing U.S.–Canada trade war.

‘One of the most Canadian things there is’: Niagara College students brave the cold for icewine harvesting

The sun is rising over Niagara College's teaching winery, where dozens of students are huddled among the vineyards, readying for their first harvest of the year: icewine grapes.

Royal George Theatre tear-down gets thumbs up from NOTL heritage committee

Niagara-on-the-Lake's municipal heritage committee approved the demolition of the Royal George Theatre, with the tear-down of the 110-year-old theatre expected to start late next month.

New $500 noise fine approved after enforcement concerns raised

The rule prohibits anyone from making or allowing sound or vibration at any time that is likely to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of people in the community.

Old Town heritage expansion draws concerns over overreach, costs and renovations

Hundreds of Old Town properties could soon face new heritage rules — and residents are raising concerns about renovation costs, overreach and whether too many homes are being swept in.

Urban speed limit coming down to 40 km/h in NOTL

Mind your meter this winter, NOTL: the speed limit is coming down by 10 kilometres an hour in the town's urban areas, starting with St. Davids and Queenston this month.

Town of NOTL turns to longtime planner to take over planning director role

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has tapped a familiar face to lead one of its most consequential departments.

Town lays out updated policy for bylaw enforcement

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has laid out how bylaw complaints and inquiries will be reviewed, investigated and enforced under an updated enforcement policy.

NOTL brings key local priorities to provincial talks, including proposed Glendale Eco-Park

Niagara-on-the-Lake is bringing its top priorities directly to the province this week as council and senior staff meet with provincial ministries at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference.

Niagara conservation authority strikes deal with feds over Niagara Shores Park

People visiting Niagara Shores Park can expect some changes to it over the next five years, including a restored habitat, more trees, and what should be a better experience for visitors.

PHOTO GALLERY: Niagara-on-the-Lake’s big snow day

Southern Ontario was treated to a generous dumping of snow on Thursday, including Niagara-on-the-Lake — today, many are spending the day digging their way out of the major storm and preparing for a weekend of more snow.

Rules for special events in NOTL are ‘overly broad’ with ‘no teeth’ in enforcement, consultants tell council

This new special events policy would reshape how events are approved, monitored and penalized in the town, with a focus on events that draw a large crowd and impact the community in other ways.

$568K culvert replacement at Line 2 Road will continue until this spring

The Townline Road culvert replacement, costing the municipality more than half a million dollars, will keep a section of Line 2 Road closed for roughly four months of construction, which began last Monday.

Year in Review, part 2: Politics and growth dominate, but plenty to celebrate, too

In the second half of 2025, development pressures, the Royal George Theatre rebuild and the Parliament Oak hotel project dominated the headlines in Niagara-on-the-Lake. But there also was plenty to celebrate.

Community Heroes: Making a difference

This year, The Lake Report has chosen to single out some of the individuals who have made it their “job” to selflessly give back to the community.

Insurance challenges take centre stage in heritage designation debate

The big takeaway in the town's latest report is that heritage designation itself does not affect insurance coverage; however, factors related to it could impact whether a property gets coverage.

How NOTL’s Donald Triggs, latest Order of Canada recipient, brought his vision for Canadian wine to life

On March 19, Donald Triggs, 82, will be appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in an Ottawa ceremony. “Let’s face it: receiving the Order of Canada is a highlight of my life,” says Triggs proudly.

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