The Lake Report: Check out our weekly print edition for Niagara-on-the-Lake here.

PHOTO GALLERY: Cake parade packs Simcoe Park for Canada Day despite extreme heat

Andrew Hawlitzky -
Niagara-on-the-Lake's annual Canada Day cake parade rolled into Simcoe Park on Wednesday behind an electric-converted Model T, drawing hundreds of residents, clad in red and white, for a slice of the town's signature cake.

NOTL Votes 2026: Goettler draws applause with ‘full-time mayor’ pledge

Supporters gathered Saturday afternoon at the Line 6 hobby farm of mayoral candidate Vaughn Goettler and his wife, Lauren, to celebrate and support his candidacy for lord mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Richard Harley -

Farmworkers mourn colleague and friend at roadside vigil

Those who knew Sínhue Garcia are grieving the loss of someone they say was a generous and caring person — and whose death has deepened fears about the rural roads farmworkers cycle every day.
Andrew Hawlitzky -

Strewn Winery hotel idea a ‘slippery slope’ to more development on NOTL’s farmland, critics say

Plans to buy Strewn Winery and build a 58-room hotel on the site are being met with skepticism from some who argue the project could open the floodgates to a hotel being built on every winery in town.
Zahraa Hmood -

Editorial: Eustáquio has scored for Canada

Kevin MacLean -
"When Stephen Eustáquio fired the ball into the back of the net last Sunday in the dying moments versus South Africa, the adulation unleashed at outdoor watch parties, in pubs and in TV rooms across the country was heartfelt and possibly life-changing for some future football stars," writes Kevin MacLean.

Fort George turns Canada Day into a walk through history

At Fort George National Historic Site, the holiday was not just red-and-white flags: it was an immersive showcase of Canada's history and a first-time experience for many who've never been to NOTL before.
Paige Seburn -

NOTLers share what makes them proud to be Canadian at Legion party

A variety of reasons to celebrate brought guests to the festivities at the Legion, but one sentiment united the party-goers: "I’m proud to be Canadian."
Maddy Gordon -

Sports: A red-and-white day as golfers celebrate Canada

Decked out in red and white, the men and women of the Niagara-on-the-Lake celebrated Canada’s birth one day early, with some fun and games on Tuesday.
Kevin MacLean -

NOTL Votes 2026: O’Connor says smaller council means more pressure — she’s ready for it

Paige Seburn - 0
Incumbent O'Connor's campaign this year will build on the same themes she says guided her this term: trust in council, open decision-making, balanced growth and more.

Accused in hit-run death of farmworker released on bail

A 22-year-old man was released on bail Monday after a migrant farmworker from Mexico was killed in a hit-and-run while cycling in rural Niagara-on-the-Lake late last Friday night.
Read more ...

News

Immigration cuts will gut Niagara farm labour, migrant workers warn

Andrew Hawlitzky - 0
As the federal government moves forward on plans to continue cutting Canada's immigration levels, migrant farmworkers and their advocates pressed Ottawa for permanent residency at a Virgil rally.
Read more ...

News

St. Davids townhouse plan gets green light after earlier defeat

Paige Seburn - 0
A plan for 18 on-street townhouses in St. Davids that hit a wall over stormwater concerns earlier this month is moving ahead after all.
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Local

NOTL could get faster way to fine illegal land uses

Niagara-on-the-Lake may soon get a faster way to deal with cases of land being used in ways that aren't allowed, including a retail shop opening on farmland where retail is not allowed.

Canada’s World Cup breakthrough raises stakes for NOTL’s youth soccer club

For a sport that's often fought for attention behind hockey, baseball and basketball in Canada, this year's World Cup is giving soccer a boost that's being felt across the country — including by players and their families here at home.

Jazz Crawl hits all the right notes across Niagara-on-the-Lake

From vineyard sunsets to waterfront views, Niagara-on-the-Lake became one big jazz stage last weekend as music lovers travelled from venue to venue as part of the Niagara Jazz Festival's annual Jazz Crawl.

Wild West of Wine: Konzelmann ordered to pay neighbouring farm $41K in legal costs

A NOTL winery will have to pay a neighbouring farmer a little over $41,000 in legal costs after a judge found the farmer's court action was necessary to stop the winery from violating municipal rules.

Entertainment

Arts review: From singalongs to studio spaces, Shaw rethinks the theatre experience

"Survival dictates new directions. 'Beyond the Stage' is expanding our experiences of theatre by allowing us to witness and explore exciting new paths," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

What’s happening in Niagara-on-the-Lake for Canada Day

The celebration of this country's foundation is set for this Wednesday — expect Niagara-on-the-Lake to be awash in a sea of red and white.

Opinion

The Turner Report: The adult in the room

"His colleagues at town hall, says Gary Burroughs, are too easily manipulated into big decisions. Like approving a massive hotel in the middle of a residential 'hood. Or (soon, he reckons) greenlighting a Ritz-Carlton hotel, spa and residences on the former Rand Estate. Together with the Terminal 4 Clayfield edifice in Garrison Village, these developments put NOTL into tourism overdrive," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: We don’t need to eliminate vacation rentals — just manage them

"Bit by bit, the legal underpinning by which a municipality can defensibly justify decisions to preserve its community in the face of a developer’s application are eroded," writes Brian Marshall.

Ross’s Ramblings: Don’t overlook this province on your next cross-country road trip

"Due to its geography and a rather low population count, we don’t tend to think of New Brunswick too often. For many Canadians, it's a necessary part of the road trip between Ontario and Quebec and the other three Atlantic provinces," writes Ross Robinson.

Entertainment

World Cup watch party set for NOTL this July

As soccer fans count down the days until the final match of the tournament, set for July 19, the Town of NOTL is inviting residents and seasonal farmworkers to gather for a community viewing of the championship match.

Events

Today

News

NOTL Votes 2026: Erwin Wiens enters mayoral race with pledge to protect town’s autonomy

Dozens of supporters filled Lakeview Vineyard Equipment Inc. on Lakeshore Road Monday evening as Coun. Erwin Wiens launched his campaign for lord mayor with a warning that Niagara-on-the-Lake has to keep control of its own future.

Local

NOTL man, 22, charged after farmworker on bicycle killed in hit-and-run

A 22-year-old Niagara-on-the-Lake man is facing impaired driving and hit-and-run charges after a cyclist was killed in an overnight collision in town.

New Pumphouse art exhibition explores humanity’s bond with nature

As warm weather draws people outside to reconnect with forests, gardens and shorelines, a new exhibition at the arts centre is celebrating the emotional bond between people and the natural world.

Summer, with a cherry on top: St. Mark’s Cherry Festival returns this Saturday

The season of summer fruits continues this July with St. Mark's Cherry Festival, set for Saturday, July 4, offering up a bounty of fresh cherries and cherry desserts for all.

News

Owners to sell Strewn Winery, possibly making way for new hotel

Zahraa Hmood - 0
Big changes are coming to Strewny Winery: after almost 30 years in business, the small winery is being sold and may become home to a new hotel with 58 rooms.
Read more ...

NOTL Votes 2026: Sandra O’Connor makes re-election bid official

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The Lake Report confirmed online Friday that Coun. Sandra O’Connor has officially filed to run again, after saying last month she was leaning toward another term at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s council table.

NOTL man charged with assault in attack on Garth Turner

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An 80-year-old Niagara-on-the-Lake man has been charged with assault after Turner, was beaten and kicked by a motorist while walking on Centre Street.

With deadline looming, NOTL seeks more time to finish heritage designation

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The Town of NOTL is asking the Ontario government to give it three more years to finish designating as many heritage properties as it can before it's too late.

NOTL Proud: ‘Being gay was never a barrier’: Retired police couple finds peace and belonging

Anna Lamanna and Tracey Peters came looking for a quieter life after decades of public service in demanding and often stressful environments. They found safety, small-town character and a strong sense of community.

NOTL Proud: For Steve McGuinness, acceptance came in ordinary moments

For McGuinness, who is running for NOTL council, and his husband, Gary Guthrie, belonging has looked like nights at the Shaw, wine country dinners and bringing his grandchildren to the Virgil Stampede.

Adieu, Amélie: Château des Charmes winemaker to explore new horizons in France

After 15 years at the helm of award-winning winemaking and innovation at Château des Charmes, Amélie Boury is packing up cherished memories and moving on.

St. Andrew’s Strawberry Fest sells out berries by noon

More than 5,000 residents and visitors returned to Simcoe Street for the annual, one-day, volunteer-run, start-of-summer festival, which supports the 200-year-old church.

Drums at Ryerson Park welcome summer at the lake’s edge

Drums, handpan music and a sunset over Lake Ontario marked Niagara-on-the-Lake's ninth summer solstice celebration on Sunday, after flooding washed out the larger Port Dalhousie event one city over.

Ready, aim, fire: Dads step behind the gun at Fort George for Father’s Day

For some, the idea of igniting a 19th-century-style weapon may be intimidating. But for Baird Tucker, it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” he couldn’t pass up — especially in front of his son.