Councillors pressed Niagara Region chair Bob Gale on the financial case behind the proposal to merge Niagara's municipalities, with one describing it as an “existential threat” to the community of NOTL. “You want to see the end of Niagara-on-the-Lake," said Coun. Erwin Wiens.

The public policy expert says he's doubtful merging Niagara's cities and towns together will lower costs and make governance more efficient.

Konzelmann's president says no outdoor events have been booked, scheduled or planned and none will be hosted or marketed unless the winery gets approval.

Conflicting accounts are re-emerging at the Niagara Regional Native Centre, where current leadership is pushing back against allegations of intimidation and mismanagement.

"Yes, many feel the regional model of governance needs improvement. So, by all means, let’s look at it. But to make an informed decision, we need relevant data and evidence, not simplistic, anecdotal arguments," writes Kevin MacLean.

"We need to have the ability for local voices to make decisions that are best for the character and residents of the town," writes Wayne Gates.

"Quite simply, a bigger organization requires more people, more time and more dollars to produce equivalent results," writes Brian Marshall.

"What was the point of having black maple leaves on the Canadian ice hockey sweaters? Was it Nike’s creative folks dictating to our national Olympic bosses?" writes Ross Robinson.

The Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake is getting a big lift from Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant, to the tune of $3,470, raised through the restaurant’s Holiday House Tour silent auction the previous week.

A lump of clay took shape as a pair of cats at Queenston Pottery as the studio ran a Valentine’s Day sculpting workshop with a morning family session and an evening date-night version with wine and charcuterie.