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Thursday, December 18, 2025

News

Province’s new tourism strategy light on new details about NOTL

Doug Ford's plan to turn Niagara into a global tourism powerhouse could have some major effects on Niagara-on-the-Lake, though it's unclear at this time what's in store for the small town neighbouring Niagara Falls.

NOTL council chooses settlement instead of tribunal mediation for York Road development

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has reversed course on its response to a proposed York Road development at the Ontario Land Tribunal, opting to pursue a settlement instead of mediation, after staff shared that a settlement would cost $20,000 less than mediation

NOTL Museum celebrates 130th anniversary in style

Kaufman led visitors through archival rooms normally closed to the public. The spaces contain items ranging from cartons of paper records to a 1949 photograph of the Pillar and Post staff, a pig’s head costume from one of the first Shaw Festival productions and an original War of 1812 British redcoat.

NOTL heritage district turns a corner on accessibility with new ramps

The StopGap ramps have arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, marking, for some, a turning point in improving the accessibility of heritage district shops for people with mobility issues.

Horticultural society brings holiday cheer to long-term care residents

Tina Dirks, who has lived at Radiant Care Pleasant Manor since January, placed a red poinsettia on the table in her room shortly after it arrived. She said the flowers make the season feel more like Christmas.

Jewish community of NOTL celebrates and reflects during Hanukkah

The town marked the start of Hanukkah with a public celebration in Simcoe Park on Sunday evening beside a large lit menorah.

Letter: Bring back the shuttle bus from NOTL to Fairview Mall

"The shuttle bus to Fairview Mall from NOTL was cancelled when COVID hit, but there seems to be no push to resume operations. This makes no sense," writes Helen Kopec.

The Forum: Can a voters’ revolt end developers’ rule in NOTL?

"While Ontario municipalities struggle to balance the property rights of landowners with broader community interests, Doug Ford continues to exert his full weight on one side of the property development scales," writes Steve McGuinness.

Step back in time to a Regency-era Christmas at Fort George

The free weekend open house ran Dec. 13 and 14 at Fort George National Historic Site, showcasing British-influenced Christmas customs adapted to Upper Canada through traditional music, food, crafts and guided tours by staff.

New 160-bed Pleasant Manor care home ready for move-in this month

Virgil's long-term care home has wrapped up a $70.5-million redevelopment that has added 119 new beds to the facility. Current residents are expected to move into their new homes next week.

Christmas Parade spreads cheer to NOTL with biggest lineup in years

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Christmas Parade returned Dec. 13 at near pre-pandemic scale, organizers say, drawing residents and visitors to Old Town as 102 entries moved through the historic core in clear winter weather.

‘Who’s big enough to stand up to China?’: NOTL relative of Jimmy Lai reacts to his guilty verdict

The criminal conviction of Hong Kong publisher and democracy advocate Jimmy Lai under the region's national security law comes as no surprise to the family of the Niagara-on-the-Lake hotelier.

Niagara-on-the-Lake hires new public works and infrastructure director

Jordan Frost will oversee its engineering, environmental services and roads divisions, focusing on safe, sustainable infrastructure that can support future growth.

‘It’s not our museum. We’re just the stewards’: Sarah Kaufman reflects on 15 years at the NOTL Museum

When asked to characterize the story of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Sarah Kaufman says it is one of people who step up to make a change for the better: "It can be very inspiring history to learn from."

PHOTOS: Chautauqua celebrates the holiday season

Santa Claus was busy Friday night ahead of his annual visit to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade on Saturday.

Virgil mom looking for sponsors for son’s competitive soccer team

Christian is a defender who made the Ontario Player Development League, which starts in spring 2026. The league, which runs from under-13 to under-17, bills itself as the province’s highest level of competitive youth soccer.

PHOTOS: Christmas Tractor Parade lights up downtown Virgil

There was Christmas cheer to spare in Virgil on Thursday night as dozens of illuminated trucks and tractors made their way through the streets in the fifth annual Christmas Tractor Parade.

What’s on in Niagara-on-the-Lake this weekend: Christmas Parade returns

Crowds are expected in Old Town this weekend as Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Christmas Parade rolls through town. A full slate of holiday events across town runs from Friday through Sunday.

‘Tax grab’ or ‘true safety measure’? Speed camera ban divides opinion in NOTL

The province’s speed camera ban, which took effect in mid-November, sparked division across Ontario, with some arguing for the cameras' efficacy and others disagreeing.

PHOTOS: Candlelight Stroll raises NOTL’s spirits — and $14,500 for charity

It may have been a dark and cold night, but thanks to the hundreds of flickering candles, the warmth of the giving season burned bright in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake.

St. Davids townhouse plan called ‘good planning’ as residents flag flooding, sidewalk issues

A St. Davids development, which one resident sees as a rare example of “good planning,” drew fresh questions last Tuesday about flooding, sidewalks and construction timing.

NOTL offers short-term relief for downtown businesses affected by recycling change

Niagara-on-the-Lake will provide short-term relief for businesses affected by the region’s move to privatize non-residential recycling collection.

Irish Harp decision delayed as town wonders what to do about patios

As Niagara-on-the-Lake ends the temporary patio program it introduced five years ago, it's now uncertain what will happen with one business’s bid to keep its patio for good.

Christmas tree shoppers flock to Lions Club’s greener pastures

Many Canadian Christmas tree farmers are facing significant financial pressure after American buyers pulled back due to the ongoing U.S.–Canada trade war.

Rotary Holiday House Tour opens NOTL homes to raise $200,000 for charity

The Holiday House Tour has raised more than $1.5 million since it began, including $260,000 in ticket sales last year, with $230,000 going directly to charity.

Paxton Lane rezoning sparks concern over shift from tribunal-approved conditions

A rezoning proposal at Paxton Lane in St. Davids is drawing pushback from a local resident who says it conflicts with what the Ontario Land Tribunal intended when it approved subdivision plans for the area in 2013.

Town told to protect community space, not commercial growth, at hospital site

A new report shows that its residents favour community-serving uses — and reject commercial ones — for the former hospital site at 176 Wellington St.

97-year-old NOTLer looks to bring knitted joy

Dora Werenchuk's work will be on sale outside the Royal LePage office at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. She hopes her creations help keep people warm — in both body and spirit.

NOTL group steps up after fire kills 31 cats at Fort Erie sanctuary

A Niagara-on-the-Lake animal rescue fundraising group is stepping up this weekend to help Happy Days Animal Sanctuary in Fort Erie pick up the pieces after a devastating fire killed 31 cats and destroyed the main building.

NOTLer has been all over the world, but still searching for Ralph Lauren

Rita Brown is preparing to release a book in early 2026 on the ladies’ riding habit, but one challenge remains: securing approval to reprint a photo of a notable Ralph Lauren women’s sportswear piece.

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