Council voted 9-4 in favour of giving themselves a 32 per cent raise. Pictured: St. Catharines City Council Chambers. Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines.  The contentious debate regarding the rate of pay for St. Catharines city councillors concluded this week. With the notable support of Mayor Mat Siscoe, Council voted 9-4 in favour of […]

Chris Dabrowski was appointed to council to fill a vacancy triggered by Wayne Thomson’s resignation. Pictured: Councillor Chris Dabrowski. Photo Credit: Revel Realty. Niagara Falls officially has its newest city councillor, although it’s a familiar face.  Chris Dabrowski was appointed to fill the vacant seat previously occupied by Wayne Thomson, who retired last month after […]

City council is asking residents for options to help reduce upcoming tax increases. Pictured: Niagara Falls City Council members. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.  The City of Niagara Falls finds itself at a fiscal crossroads. In one regard, there is an increasing demand for quality municipal services. However, the cost of delivering these essentials […]

The changes to councillors’ pay would be implemented following the 2026 municipal election. Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines.  St. Catharines city councillors could soon be in line for a raise. A citizen-review task force is recommending a $9,235 pay hike for the city’s 12 city councillors.  The changes to councillors’ pay would be implemented […]

Niagara-based home builder, designer and construction company won two major awards. Photo Credit: Mountainview Building Group.  Mountainview Building Group, a Niagara-based home builder, designer and construction company, has received the prestigious honours of being recognized as Builder of the Year (Large Volume), and of having the Best Décor Centre, by the Ontario Home Builder Association […]

MPP Sam Oosterhoff made the announcement at Vineland Station late last month. Photo Credit: Niagara Falls Innovation Hub/X.  The Niagara Falls Innovation Hub is getting nearly $98,000 from the province to support its Niagara Innovation Cluster Helping Entrepreneurs Project. Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, who is also the Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, made the […]

The development charges study will be given formal approval at the Oct. 22 meeting of city council. Pictured: Members of Port Colborne City Council. Photo Credit: City of Port Colborne.  The population growth being experienced throughout Niagara is leading the region’s municipalities to pursue ambitious development projects to meet the needs of its residents. Port […]

The new 2024 plan outlines several priorities to help strengthen the local economy. Pictured: St. Catharines City Council. Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines.  St. Catharines city staff have outlined a new five-year economic development and tourism strategy, which will shape the city’s approach to both public policy areas from this year until 2029.  The […]

Canada-wide rents experienced 3.3 per cent year-over-year increase in August. Photo Credit: iStock.  The average one-bedroom rent in St. Catharines was down 2.1 per cent month-over-month to $1,677 in August 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. However, one-bedroom rents are up three per cent year-over-year from August 2023. Meanwhile, a two-bedroom unit in […]

Premier Doug Ford announced Ontario taxpayers will be contributing $4.8 million to support the new facility through Invest Ontario. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford, along with Cabinet members and Jungbunzlauer officials, at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X.  On Sept. 24, Jungbunzlauer, a multinational corporate giant best known for high-quality and sustainable natural ingredients […]

The Prudhommes Landing development site will directly benefit from the funding. Pictured: Rendering of future development site. Photo Credit: NiagaraDev.  Niagara’s growing population has increased the need for affordable housing exponentially. The desperation for this necessity of life is being experienced in both the large and smaller regional municipalities.  In a new initiative to help […]

The proposed budget is nearly six per cent higher than the 2024 budget. Photo Credit: NRT/Facebook.   Niagara Regional Transit’s budget is set to climb, which could drive taxes higher, if Niagara Regional Council doesn’t intervene and demand savings on behalf of taxpayers.  The Niagara Region Transit Commission is chaired by Regional Councillor and St. […]

Niagara Region is moving ahead with the contentious proposal to build a shelter on Ontario Road in Welland. Pictured: Members of Welland City Council. Photo Credit: City of Welland.  As the homelessness crisis continues to exacerbate financial, human and material resources across Niagara, the need for effective solutions has never been greater. In the most […]

Niagara Region’s 2025 Capital Budget comes in at $376 million.  Niagara Regional Council approved a $376-million capital budget for 2025 at a September committee-of-the-whole meeting overseen by Budget Committee Chair Wayne Redekop of Fort Erie. The capital budget deals with long-term infrastructure needs of Niagara Region and is separate from the operating budget, which will […]

The Beck #2 Transformer Station, which houses four of the 26 interties provincewide, underwent comprehensive upgrades. Pictured from left to right: Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, Hydro One President and CEO David Lebeter, Energy and Electrification Minister Stephen Lecce and Niagara West MPP, Associate Minister of Energy and Intensive Industries, Sam Oosterhoff. On Monday, Sept. […]

Council voted on a full three-year extension of three development incentive programs, which was passed by a 14-7 margin.  Niagara Regional Council was sharply divided on whether to extend housing incentive programs, with costs for taxpayers piling up. At a Sept. 5 council meeting as a committee of the whole to deal with the budget, […]

Last month, 488 homes were sold in Niagara Region. That compares to 523 homes in August of 2023. Photo Credit: iStock. The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its August market update on the local housing market, noting that fewer homes were sold last month than during the same month in 2023.  Last month, 488 […]

Wayne Thomson, Niagara Falls city councillor and longest-serving mayor in city history, retires from politics. Pictured: Wayne Thomson. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.  Wayne Thomson, a legendary Niagara Falls city councillor and the longest-serving mayor in Niagara Falls history, is retiring from local politics, it was announced earlier this week. Thomson, who is celebrating […]

The extension initiative has been celebrated in the development community. Pictured: St. Catharines City Hall. Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines.  As Canada seeks to emerge from one of the most economically tumultuous periods in our nation’s history, municipalities have contended with a global pandemic, supply-line challenges, labour shortages and inflation woes. These acute challenges […]

Officers issued 57 tickets for speeding across Niagara Region. Photo Credit: NRPS/X. The Niagara Regional Police Service launched its 24th Annual Back-to-School Traffic Safety and Awareness Day on Sept. 3, with more than 50 additional officers pulled in for duty.   The NRPS has been doing annual awareness days since 2000. Senior officers and officers not […]

A new report recommends slashing the number of Welland councillors in half. Pictured: Welland City Council. Photo Credit: City of Welland.  The City of Welland is the third largest municipality in the Niagara Region. With a population shy of 58,000, it ranks significantly behind the City of Niagara Falls, which has about 95,000 residents, and […]

The new shelter, based in Welland, will house up to 60 homeless adults. Photo Credit: Depositphotos.  Last week, Niagara Regional Council approved $2.8 million to help build a new temporary emergency shelter in Welland. According to the Region, this new site will expand overall adult shelter spaces and also increase services available to those in […]

In response to the CCF’s challenge, Regional Council voted on Aug. 29 to amend the new rules. Photo Credit: The Niagara Independent.  The Canadian Constitution Foundation in recent weeks threatened a constitutional challenge to Niagara Regional Council’s decision to ban signs, flags and props from council meetings following the Gaza protests that erupted during a […]

The CTF says that each Ontarian currently has a share of provincial debt equaling more than $28,000.  As the summer winds down, it is not only schools that will be back in session in the coming weeks. The Ontario legislature is slated to return next month amid growing rumours of a spring 2025 election, one […]

Canada-wide rents experienced a 0.2 per cent month-over-month increase and a rather modest 3.5 per cent year-over-year increase. Photo Credit: iStock.  The average one-bedroom rent in St. Catharines was down 0.9 per cent month-over-month to $1,713 in July 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. One-bedroom rents are also down 1.4 per cent year-over-year […]

Ontario’s future energy needs will be provided through a combination of biomass, natural gas, hydroelectric, nuclear and other renewable sources. Pictured: Ontario Ministers Stephen Lecce and Rob Flack. Photo Credit: Stephen Lecce/X.  On Aug. 28, the Ontario government announced the biggest competitive energy procurement in the history of the province. With a primary objective of […]

Three major infrastructure projects awarded to Rankin Construction. Photo Credit: Rankin Construction. The Niagara Region has come to an agreement with Rankin Construction that will allow for a massive development project to proceed in the western end of St. Catharines. A $34.88-million contract, which was approved during an Aug. 13 meeting of the public works […]

A special award was given to The Citrus Twists stand, which raised $3,829. This was the second year in a row that stand raised the most money. Photo Credit: FACS Niagara.  The fundraising totals are in, and the Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara Foundation raised over $90,000 through its Mountainview Lemonaid Day to help […]

The investment will support Ontario Shipyards Inc. in preparing aspiring trades professionals for lucrative and rewarding careers in the shipbuilding industry. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X.  Wednesday provided another significant moment for Niagara as Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited the city of St. Catharines to announce $10 million in new funding […]

The new tool can be used by a prospective investors and entrepreneurs at niagaracanada.com. Niagara Region has launched a new tool to promote economic development opportunities.  Launched on Aug. 15, “Niagara Signature Sites” is a new, innovative and interactive map that showcases industrial and commercial development opportunities throughout the Niagara region. The tool was rolled […]

The proposed tax hikes were met with significant opposition from members of the council. Pictured: Niagara Falls Council. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.  We may only be emerging from the dog days of summer but preparations are underway for the 2025 budget for the City of Niagara Falls. The overarching opinion of councillors, at […]

Last month, 503 homes were sold in Niagara Region. That compares to 522 homes in July of 2023. Photo Credit: iStock. The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its July market update on the local housing market, noting that fewer homes were sold last month than during the same month in 2023.  Last month, 503 […]

The brand-new university is expecting to receive approximately 1,000 students in the fall semester. Pictured: UNFC main building. Photo Credit: Global University Systems Canada.  The 2024-25 academic campaign is about to begin, and post-secondary institutions across Niagara are readying to welcome new cohorts of students to their campuses. It is a particularly special time for […]

The government says that this move will save vehicle owners more than 900,000 hours every year. Pictured: MPP Donna Skelly and Ministers Todd McCarthy and Prabmeet Sarkaria. Photo Credit: Donna Skelly/X.  Automatic license plate renewal is now in effect for drivers across Ontario. The new process will impact eight million Ontario drivers. Ontario became the […]

Recent innovations have contributed to a rebound in local tourist activity. Photo Credit: Niagara Parks.  As the 2024 season progresses, both domestic and international tourism are continuing to roar back to life across Niagara, as individuals and families take part in the various recreational opportunities the region has to offer.  “This summer is pacing exceptionally […]

Last week, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre visited St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Stevensville and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Pictured: Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Photo Credit: Pierre Poilievre/X.   Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was in Niagara last week, touting his plan to build more homes and tackle housing affordability for Canadians.  Poilievre visited St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Stevensville and […]

The South Niagara Hospital will replace the Greater Niagara General Hospital (GNGH) which has been caring for patients since 1958. Pictured: A rendering of the design of the South Niagara Hospital’s new lobby. Photo Credit: Niagara Health.  One year ago, local and provincial officials gathered in Niagara Falls to mark the groundbreaking of the innovative […]

The new car accident fee is one of 13 new user fees approved by council in late July to try to increase city revenue. Photo Credit: iStock. St. Catharines councillors approved a raft of changes to city fees as part of a regular review of all city fees, which were originally set as part of […]

Between 2019 and 2023 hydromorphone pills seized by police in Niagara Region increased from 291 pills to 4,590. Photo Credit: AIER.  The National Post is reporting that Ontario police departments, including in Niagara Region, have released data showing police seizures of hydromorphone, an opioid with as much potency as heroin, has surged by more than […]

Both Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa and a strong majority of the Town Council are opposed to the development. Pictured: Niagara-on-the-Lake Council. Photo Credit: Niagara-on-the-Lake.  The contentious battle over the proposed construction of a three-storey, 17-unit apartment building on the northwest side of King Street appears to have concluded, with the Ontario Land Tribunal rejecting an […]

Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg thinks that a tax deferral system would provide a better framework for supporting seniors than the tax rebate program for multiple reasons. Pictured: Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.  With the cost of living skyrocketing, taxes going up and a limited availability of support, there is a growing demand […]

The report’s proposed changes to council rules and procedures were overwhelmingly adopted, with only St. Catharines Councillor Haley Bateman and Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin voting against. Pictured: Councillor Haley Bateman. Photo Credit: Niagara Region.  After a clash over the Israel-Gaza conflict and the role Niagara Regional Council should, or should not, play in it, regional […]

Welland Mayor Frank Campion welcomed the news that the Club would remain in its current location over the long term. Pictured: Youngs Sportsplex. Photo Credit: Sport Niagara.  Local sports and recreation enthusiasts are relieved that the Welland Soccer Club will continue to operate at the city’s Youngs Sportsplex. The club has experienced great success in […]

Regional staff are proposing an 8.72 per cent property tax increase for 2025. Pictured: Niagara Regional Council Chair Jim Bradley. Photo Credit: Niagara Region.  Niagara Region residents are staring down an upper-tier property tax increase of 8.72 per cent in 2025 if city staff have their way.  That’s significantly higher than last year’s 7.02 per […]

The federal Liberal government, MP Dean Allison argues, is incapable of delivering on the paramount issues that matter to everyday Canadians, like housing. Pictured: Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser. Photo Credit: Sean Fraser/X. Earlier this week, federal Liberal housing minister Sean Fraser visited Southern Ontario. As he participated in local events, he attempted to defend […]

A Ward 3 by-election will be held on Nov. 4 to replace Councillor Terry Bell, who vacated his seat by missing successive council meetings. Photo Credit: Township of West Lincoln.  West Lincoln Town Council has voted to hold a by-election to fill a vacancy created by the departure of Ward 3 representative Terry Bell, who […]

The plan will result in the creation of two single-detached lots at the front of Daleview Dr., as well as four single-detached homes on Canboro Rd. Pictured: Mayor Marvin Junkin. Photo Credit: Town of Pelham.   The Pelham Town Council has reluctantly given its go-ahead to the construction of a new subdivision on Canboro Road in […]

As a result of the investigation, NRPS announced two arrests on July 17. Both individuals arrested were from Stoney Creek. Photo Credit: X/Niagara Regional Police Service. In April 2024, a 45-year-old man was found dead in the Town of Pelham. As has been the case in so many communities across Ontario and Canada, the deceased […]

Fort Erie is facing an infrastructure gap of $29.2 million. Pictured: Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop. Photo Credit: Town of Fort Erie.  The newly-released asset management plan for the Town of Fort Erie, prepared by GEI Consultants, indicates Fort Erie is facing an infrastructure gap of $29.2 million. An infrastructure gap is the gap between […]

Twenty-eight of the approved convenience stores are in Niagara Falls, five are in Welland, two are in Niagara-on-the-Lake and one is in St. Catharines. Photo Credit: iStock.  As the province-wide LCBO union strike reaches its two-week mark, corner stores across Niagara are preparing to sell alcohol. Provincial rules will now permit corner stores to sell […]

Despite the fact that more than 70 of the 500 other Canadian municipalities that applied were granted extensive federal funding, Niagara Falls was not a recipient. Photo Credit: iStock. In 2023, the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) was introduced through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The program has been providing funds from a […]

Canada-wide rents experienced a 0.8 per cent month-over-month increase and a rather significant 7.0 per cent year-over-year increase. Photo Credit: iStock.  The average one-bedroom rent in St. Catharines was up 2.9 per cent month-over-month to $1,728 in June 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. However, one-bedroom rents are up just 0.9 per cent […]

The Rotary Club of Fonthill is excited to match exchange students with families with whom they can stay. Pictured:  Incoming student Maria from Brazil. Photo Supplied.  It may be the dog-days of summer, but preparations for the 2024-25 school year are already well underway. Here in Niagara, the Rotary Club of Fonthill is excited to […]

Last month, 541 homes were sold in Niagara Region. That compares to 609 homes in June of 2023. Photo Credit: iStock.  The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its June market update on the local housing market, noting that fewer homes were sold last month than during the same month in 2023.  Last month, 541 […]

The In-Demand Skills stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program will now recognize fifty-six occupations (up from twenty-two), allowing more highly-skilled workers to join the workforce in a shorter period of time. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Images.  As Ontario’s public health-care system seeks to grapple with rapidly expanding needs, the demand for qualified industry professionals […]

Thirty per cent of youth between the ages of 15 and 19 tried vaping in 2022, at an age when they’re not allowed to legally purchase any tobacco products. Photo Credit: iStock. Major changes for Niagara Region’s schools are in the works while students are gone for the summer, as plans are underway to install […]

Councillor Mona Patel believes that action must be taken to ensure that grass and weeds are kept under control on both residential and corporately owned properties. Pictured: Councillor Mona Patel. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.  The City of Niagara Falls is a world-renowned tourist destination. The municipality is known for its natural beauty, proximity […]

Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa was among those who voted in favour of the proposal both times. Pictured: Niagara-on-the-Lake council. Photo Credit: City of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  A major new development was approved by Niagara-on-the-Lake councillors despite councillors having recommended the rejection of the same application when meeting as the planning committee just two weeks prior.  When council met […]

If the 25-point swing in Toronto-St. Paul’s were to occur in Ontario in next year’s federal election, the Liberals would be left with no seats in the Niagara area or in Hamilton. Pictured: Liberal MPs Chris Bittle and Vance Badawey. Photo Credit: Vance Badawey/X.  In a stunning upset last week, Conservative candidate Don Stewart won […]

As July begins, the farm is currently employing 6-8 staff members. With peak season just around the corner, however, Howell says that number will soon grow exponentially. Photo Credit: Howells Farms.  Niagara residents and tourists are being afforded a special treat this year. Howells Farm, the beloved destination for Autumn fun in Fonthill, has opened […]

School is out and the dog days of summer are on the horizon. As locals and tourists alike consider which of the various local attractions to visit, there is a new experience available to them. Photo Credit: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, which began serving the public in 1992, has once again […]

The average property tax levied on a home worth $500,000 in Niagara Region is $7,421. That’s nearly $1,000 more than nearby Waterloo and Kitchener. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Images.  Niagara Region residents pay some of the highest property taxes in Canada, according to a new report by Zoocasa. The average property tax rate for a […]

The complex will be located on a 0.25-hectare site west of Allendale Avenue, on the south side of Main Street, and will provide accommodation options for middle-class families. Pictured: Rendering of 20-story development. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls Staff Report.  As the City of Niagara Falls continues to experience rapid population growth, the need […]

St. Catharines is the 26th most expensive city to rent a one-bedroom unit out of the 35 Canadian cities examined. Photo Credit: iStock.  The average one-bedroom rent in St. Catharines was up 0.5 per cent month-over-month to $1,663 in May 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. However, one-bedroom rents are down 0.5 per […]

Welland Chief Engagement Officer Marc MacDonald recently wrote a children’s book, entitled Wonders of Welland, which showcases life in the locale throughout the year.  The City of Welland, like so many municipalities across southern Ontario, is experiencing exponential population growth. This is happening as potential residents identify terrific opportunities for career growth, as well as […]

Recommended changes will be considered by council at a meeting next week, on June 28. Pictured: Regional Chair Jim Bradley. Photo Credit: Niagara Region.  Niagara Region’s Corporate Services Committee is recommending that Niagara Regional Council change its policies to prevent the flying of foreign flags after controversy broke out when an Israeli flag was raised […]

Over 70 arrests have been made over the past three years throughout the country for so-called grandparent scam crimes, including at least one in every Canadian province. Photo Credit: Facebook/Niagara Region Police Service.  The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) is warning local seniors about so-called “Grandparent Scams” after receiving a number of complaints throughout the […]

The Ontario government recently committed $624,788 to improve Seniors Active Living Centres and their programming throughout Niagara. Pictured: Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho. Photo Credit: Raymond Cho/X.  As the benefits of an active lifestyle to overall health and vibrance continue coming into focus, there is a growing need to provide opportunities for senior […]

Aspiring tradespeople will be able to access instruction and mentorship from seasoned professionals. Pictured: Associate Minister of Energy and Niagara West MPP Sam Ooosterhoff. Photo Credit: Sam Oosterhoff/X.  The need for skilled trades has never been greater in the province of Ontario or the Niagara Region. With this reality in mind, the Ontario government has […]

The benchmark price for May was $653,900. That’s up from April, but it’s also nearly $10,000 lower than the $663,800 benchmark price was in May of 2023.  The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its May market update on the local housing market, noting that fewer homes were sold last month than during the same […]

Oosterhoff was appointed as the province’s new associate minister of energy last week. Pictured: Sam Oosterhoff. Photo Credit: Sam Oosterhoff/X.  Last week, Premier Doug Ford tapped Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff as the new Associate Minister of Energy for the province of Ontario. The appointment, which was part of Ford’s most recent cabinet shuffle, took […]

The key demands of CBSA include higher wages, enhanced retirement plans and more opportunities to work remotely. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.  Summer has arrived for border communities across Canada and the United States. Businesses in municipalities such as Niagara Falls and Fort Erie have been looking forward to another opportunity to recover from the pandemic by […]

Oosterhoff becomes the associate minister of energy-intensive industries, reporting to the minister of energy and electrification. Pictured: Sam Oosterhoff. Photo Credit: Sam Oosterhoff/X.  Premier Doug Ford has shuffled his cabinet, with local MPP Sam Oosterhoff joining the ranks of Ford’s inner circle. Oosterhoff has been the Member of Provincial Parliament from Niagara West since 2016. […]

The motion was in support of a policy change being advanced by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Pictured: Welland City Council. Photo Credit: City of Welland.  Welland councillors passed a motion last week calling on the Ford government to update the municipal code of conduct and strengthen enforcement measures.  The motion was in support […]

Council is not in complete agreement about the amount of space needed for parking. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls. For many years, Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls has been home to the Super Putt miniature golf course, a destination that attracted families celebrating birthdays and other occasions, as well as tourists visiting the area […]

Social media use, so says the lawsuit, has altered students’ mental wiring and damaged their ability to learn and fully participate in school. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Images. The District School Board of Niagara has joined with several other Ontario school boards in filing a lawsuit against a handful of social media giants. The lawsuit […]

The event aims to raise awareness and funds for a rare and debilitating condition impacting thousands of families across the country. Photo Credit: Walk to End ALS Ontario. On Saturday, June 1, hundreds of Niagara residents will come together at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre Lock 3 to embark on a five […]

Pearle Hospitality, an Ontario-based hospitality company, is pitching a $200-million plan to develop and restore Toronto Power. Photo Credit: Niagara Parks.  At last week’s Niagara Regional Council meeting, Niagara Parks Chair Bob Gale and CEO David Adames provided an update on the state of Niagara Parks as an organization and the plans it has for […]

This cutting-edge educational institution will create 363 spaces for elementary-aged students and will be located at Kalar and McLeod Road. Pictured: MPP Sam Oosterhoff talking with students on the grounds of the future elementary school. Photo Credit: Sam Oosterhoff/X.  Another major construction project is commencing in Niagara Falls as the government of Ontario has announced […]

Niagara Region received a D grade, only marginally better than the F received by Hamilton, London and Windsor. Pictured: Niagara Region Chair Jim Bradley. Photo Credit: Niagara Region.  A major Canadian think tank gave Niagara Region a D grade when it comes to its 2023 budget process, criticizing the budget’s lack of transparency and lateness. […]

At Diodati’s behest, Niagara Falls City Council will discuss the idea of dynamic parking pricing at its May 28 meeting. Photo Credit: iStock.  Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati is leading a new push to implement dynamic pricing in public parking areas. Diodati says that after hundreds of thousands flocked to Niagara Falls to watch and […]

The skilled trades are coming back into leading focus at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. Photo Credit: Facebook/Niagara Catholic District School Board The need for skilled tradespeople is rapidly growing across the Niagara Region. With this reality in mind, the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB), Niagara College (NC) and the Niagara Home Builders […]

Admission to Touch-A-Truck is free. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.  This week is National Public Works Week across Canada and the United States. It presents a unique opportunity to provide the public with first-hand knowledge of the important role that public works careers play in maintaining essential services and continuously improving quality of life […]

Niagara Region’s Blake Landry is bullish that the economic development and growth of the region could outperform both Ontario and Canada over the next couple of years. Photo Credit: The Niagara Independent.  Earlier this month, Blake Landry, Economic Research and Analysis Manager for the Niagara Region, delivered his forecast for the coming months and years […]

Photo Credit: X/Fordnation   On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited Niagara for a landmark announcement. Asahi Kasei Corporation, a world renowned Japanese chemical company, shared their plans to operate a cutting-edge battery component plant in the City of Port Colborne. The facility will cost $1.6 billion to construct […]

Photo Credit: Facebook/Niagara City Cruises  As families across Canada gear up for the unofficial kick-off to summer this weekend, one of the nation’s most famous tourist attractions is marking a significant milestone. Niagara City Cruises, led by Niagara native businessman Mory Di Maurizio, celebrated 10 years of providing boat tours for Niagara falls visitors on […]

Lakeside community’s economy set for a supercharge. Photo credit: Facebook/City of Port Colborne   In the latest chapter of Canada’s big push to make the country a global-leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, Honda has chosen Port Colborne as the location of its new lithium ion separator plant.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, […]

The first 100 people to attend the inaugural day of operations will receive a Niagara Falls Exchange tote bag. Photo Credit: The Exchange    This Saturday will be a historic day for Niagara Falls as The Exchange, the city’s new cultural hub and home of the Farmer’s Market, opens its doors to the public. The […]

Midwives across the province will now be able to complete more prescriptions and administer new medications, among other changes. Photo Credit: iStock.  The Ontario government is taking more action to reduce patient wait times and ensure that medical care is provided with maximum efficiency. Midwives across the province will now be able to complete more […]

There were 602 sales in Niagara Region last month. That’s up from 560 sales in April of 2023.  The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its April market update on the local housing market, noting that more homes were on the market last month than a year prior. In April, 1,396 residential properties were on […]

The final sale was valued at $35 million and marks the conclusion of an extensive process of consideration that began in the summer of 2021. Photo Credit: City of Welland.  As the city of Welland continues to experience rapid growth, negotiations between the municipality and prospective land developers have been heating up.  The most recent […]

DiMarco ultimately left the meeting partway through, having participated virtually. Pictured: Welland Mayor Frank Campion and Councillor Tony DiMarco. Photo Credit: Niagara Region/City of Welland.  Fireworks were flying at an April 23 council meeting in Welland as Mayor Frank Campion clashed with Councillor Tony DiMarco (Ward 4). This followed a tiff between the two at […]

Rotary seeks to provide practical contributions that will enhance the academic and extracurricular endeavors of students. Pictured: Crossley rowing team members: front, left to right with cheque, Coach Patrick MacNally, Carolyn Mullin, Carole Irwin, Katie Irwin E.L. Crossley’s Secondary School Rowing Program and the FirstOntario Performing Arts imPACt Education Series received special recognition this spring […]

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be utilized to provide direct assistance to children with health challenges and special needs. Pictured: Justin and Courtney De Caire with children Andrew and Connor at Niagara Children’s Centre’s 2024 Help Kids Shine launch event. Photo Supplied On Wednesday May 1st, the Niagara Children’s Centre kicked off its 2024 Help […]

Bob Gale’s term as NPC Chair is scheduled to end on April 10, 2025. Pictured: Incoming NPC Chair Bob Gale. Photo Credit: Niagara Region.  Ontario Premier Doug Ford has appointed local businessman and Niagara Falls Regional Councillor Bob Gale as the next Chairman of the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC). Gale, a lifelong Niagara resident, will […]

While the Integrity Commissioner did not find Councillor Veronica Charrois culpable of harassment, it was his view that she did clearly violate the Code of Conduct for Town Council. Pictured: Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan and Ward 3 Councillor Veronica Charrois. Photo Credit: Town of Grimsby.  A long-standing confrontation between Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan and Councillor […]

Crime in Niagara Region remains a concern for many. Photo Credit: Facebook/NRPS. On Monday, the Niagara Region Police Service put out two news releases dealing with theft: in one case, an ATV was stolen, while in another, a suspect was charged with breaking and entering. The ATV incident occurred on Saturday, April 20. At just […]

Tim Hortons’ smile week will run from April 29 to May 5 this year. Smile Cookies cost $1.50 and proceeds are given to local charities across the country. Photo Credit: Tim Hortons.  Tim Hortons launched its Smile Cookie program back in 1996 as a way of raising funds for charities. It started with raising funds […]

Combined, the Sir Adam Beck dams provide about nine per cent of the province’s electricity, which is the equivalent of powering 1.7 million homes. Pictured: Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith. Photo Credit: Todd Smith/X.  The government of Ontario has announced it is spending $1 billion to extend the lifecycle of the province’s largest hydroelectric dams, […]

Residents are encouraged to consider nominating deserving community members prior to the deadline for this year’s intake on April 30. Pictured: 2023 Paul Harris Fellow Recipients. Left to Right: Michael Jacques, Marcelle Jacques, Paul Snack, Ann Harrison, Zachary Snack, Carol Berkhout. The Fonthill Rotary Club is looking forward to once again honouring the contributions of […]

Given the federal requirement for funds, more municipalities may choose to embrace fourplexes in the months to come. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X.  Premier Doug Ford has been in a recent back-and-forth with the Trudeau government in Ottawa about whether the province should force all municipalities to allow for the construction […]

The Ontario Government hopes that the construction phase of the twinning project will commence in 2026. Photo Credit: Mayor Mat Siscoe/Facebook  Earlier this month, the Ontario government officially requested proposals to proceed with the Garden City Skyway expansion on the Queen Elizabeth Highway. The news has been heralded as a major step forward in the […]

Many of the Trudeau government’s critics suggest that all this announcement will do is lead to Canadians taking on even more debt and does nothing to solve the housing crisis. Pictured: Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez and MP Vance Badawey. Photo Credit: Vance Badawey/X.  Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Rechie Valdez, was in Niagara […]

New Brock University policy brief reveals several municipalities experienced an over-50 per cent increase in food bank usage between 2022 and 2023. Photo credit: Pexels/Julia M Cameron   In a trend that “does not show any signs of slowing down,” Niagara’s food banks are being stretched thin.  According to a new policy brief from Brock […]

The new school provides 1,533 new secondary spaces for local students. It also includes a community theatre and greenhouse. Photo Credit: Sam Oosterhoff/X.  The community of Beamsville received $50.4 million from the provincial government to build the new West Niagara Secondary School. The project is now complete, and the grand opening ceremony was held last […]

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati noted that Regional Chair Jim Bradley’s emergency declaration made tourists nervous about coming to Niagara Falls. Pictured:  Mayor Jim Diodati (left) Niagara Region Chair Jim Bradley (right). Photo Credit: Niagara Regional Municipality.  The number of visitors to Niagara Falls for the eclipse was less than expected, and Niagara Falls Mayor […]

The total solar eclipse, which has been anticipated by celestial enthusiasts for years, attracted approximately one million people to the city of Niagara Falls alone. Photo Credit: Steven Levitt Monday, April 8, 2024, provided much of North America with an astronomical spectacle that will not recur in this century. The total solar eclipse, which has […]

In March, 1,167 residential properties were on the market, compared to 1,046 in 2023. The average sale time was 43 days last month, slightly longer than it was one year ago. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Images.  The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its March market update on the local housing market, noting that more […]

The goal is to have the greatest number of people dressed up as the sun at one time. Photo Credit: CIty of Niagara Falls The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. It will be, in fact, the only time that a complete solar eclipse will be visible in the Greater Toronto […]

Across the province of Ontario, 300,570 government employees were on the sunshine list for 2023, which is an increase of more than 10 per cent from the total in 2022. Pictured: Former Niagara Region Police Chief Bryan MacCulloch. Photo Credit: NRPS.  Ontario’s sunshine list of government employees earning more than $100,000 was released last month […]

Conservative Finance Critic Jasraj Singh Hallan is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to dissolve Parliament call an election, arguing that Canadians should be able to directly weigh-in on Trudeau’s carbon tax plan. Pictured: Conservative Finance Critic Jasraj Singh Hallan and Conservative candidate Fred Davies. Photo Supplied.   On March 27, local residents from various […]

In the weeks since Mulroney’s passing, former MP Kenneth Atkinson has been thinking back to many fond memories from his time serving as a Conservative Member of Parliament. Pictured: Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Photo Credit: Parliament of Canada.  Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s state funeral took place in Montreal on Saturday, March 23, with […]

After significant debate, Councillor Diana Huson’s motion was narrowly defeated in a 14 to 12 vote. Pictured: Regional Councillor Diana Huson. Photo Credit: Diana Huson/X.    Niagara Regional Council is narrowly divided over whether to publicly side with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and against the Ford government over a disagreement about whether subsidies for […]

More money for primary care, increased GO service, and a big boost for local winemakers. Photo credit: LinkedIn/Doug Ford.   Earlier this week, the Ford government released its 2024 budget.  The plan, entitled Building a Better Ontario, represents the provincial government’s attempt to balance fiscal responsibility in uncertain economic times with the need to continue […]

As the young church has gotten up and running, Pastor Liam Wilson says that the leaders and congregants of Harbour have been extremely supportive every step of the way. Photo Credit: Pony Church. With Easter weekend commencing across the country, local churches have once again been holding services and ministering to the community throughout holy […]

The event, which will span the entirety of the afternoon and peak around 3pm ET, will result in pitch black conditions, and will be a once in a lifetime experience. Photo Credit: Wikipedia   On April 8, citizens across North America will be treated to a rare astronomical spectacle as a total solar eclipse takes […]

In February, 1,073 residential properties were on the market, compared to 817 in 2023. The average sale time was 48 days last month, the exact same as it was one year ago. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock Images. The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its February market update on the local housing market, noting that […]

Niagara Region alone needs an additional 81 family doctors to address the system’s shortcomings. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.   As the population of Niagara continues to grow, the need for quality, accessible medical care has never been greater. It is estimated that roughly 30 per cent of residents currently do not have their own family physician, […]

Top-up funding for municipalities through the More Homes Built Faster Fund will amount to $1.2 billion over three years. Pictured: Welland Mayor Frank Campion. Photo Credit: City of Welland.   The city of Welland received $1.72 million through the province of Ontario’s More Homes Built Faster top-up fund for far exceeding its housing targets for […]

If taxpayers think the carbon tax is unaffordable now, things will get a whole lot more expensive unless the carbon tax is frozen or scrapped. Pictured: Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. Photo Credit: Jonathan Wilkinson/X.   In a visit to Thorold earlier this month, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson defended the […]

 The Building Faster Fund is a three year program that began in late-2023. Over this designated period, $1.2 billion will be distributed from the province to designated municipalities to facilitate a resolution to the housing crisis. Pictured: MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Minister Paul Calandra and Mayor Mat Siscoe. Photo Credit: Paul Calandra/X. In recognition of it […]

Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa argued that any additional pay raise should be considered at committee as an earlier part of the budget process, “not on the floor of a committee budget meeting.” Photo Credit: Don Mitchell/Global News.    Councillors in Niagara-on-the-Lake have iced a proposal to give themselves a 4.9 per cent pay raise, which […]

Worth $10,000 each, the scholarships will be awarded to one exceptional student from Niagara College as well as one student from Brock University, to further a research-based experiential learning opportunity in the health sciences sector. Pictured: Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero. Photo Credit: Niagara Health. On Monday, March 11, it was announced that […]

These two appointments mean the Niagara Regional Police Service’s new leadership team is finally in place. All three top roles changed hands this winter. Photo Credit: Facebook/Niagara Regional Police Service. Niagara Region officially has two new Deputy Chiefs of Police. Both men, Superintendents Todd Waselovich and Luigi Greco, have served with the Niagara Regional Police […]

The period for nominations in St. Catharines has not yet closed and there is much speculation about additional big-name candidates joining the race in the coming days. Pictured: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Photo Credit: Pierre Poilievre/X.    As Canadians anticipate a new federal election cycle, the Conservatives are preparing to nominate candidates for the upcoming […]

Niagara Region needs 81 new family doctors in order to fill the region’s shortage. Niagara’s population is also growing and is projected to hit 694,000 by 2051, making the need for more family doctors even more acute. Photo Credit: Chris Young/The Canadian Press.    Experts estimate that there are currently 147,000 residents in the Niagara […]

While his parliamentary accomplishments are prestigious, the earned respect that Mulroney received from his predecessors, peers and successors is, perhaps, his crowning achievement. Pictured: Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Photo Credit: Getty Images.  On Thursday, Feb. 29, Canadians from coast to coast learned that Brian Mulroney had died at the age of 84. Mulroney, who […]

Council endorsed a spending plan that includes $30.6 million in gross operating expenditures and a $17.8 million net levy. Photo Credit: Town of Grimsby.    The Town of Grimsby has passed its budget plan for 2024. Council endorsed a spending plan that includes $30.6 million in gross operating expenditures and a $17.8 million net levy. […]

The exchange program is open to outstanding young people between the ages of 15 and 18. It provides them with a unique opportunity to spend at least three months living and studying in a country that is culturally distinct to their own. It is open to 8,000 successful applicants, annually.  As young people and their […]

Councillor Diana Huson, who proposed the motion, says her goal is to have council better address how to interact with the public and how to best ensure the public can participate in debates at council in the future. Photo Credit: The Niagara Independent. Niagara’s regional council is bringing in the integrity commissioner to review what […]

Once the school has been built, it will provide 608 elementary spaces as well as 49 licensed childcare spaces. The project will be backed by an investment of $28.8 million, including $12.9 million in additional funds. Pictured is Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. Photo Credit: X/Stephen Lecce.   As the municipality of Niagara Falls […]

The average price of a home in Niagara Region increased from $229,800 in 2013 to $629,700 in 2023. That’s an increase of 174 per cent over just a ten-year span. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette.   Zoocasa recently released a report showing that Niagara Region has seen some of the highest increases in the […]

The long-term solution for the industry, Baldinelli argues, is the election of a new Conservative government, led by Pierre Poilievre as Prime Minister. Photo Credit: Tony Baldinelli.    While Parliament is out of session this week, the House did not recess for its mid-winter hiatus before the Auditor General delivered a scathing report, which focused […]

Instead of having non-profits or charities make presentations and jump through a number of hoops just to see if council is willing to waive fees on a case-by-case basis, non-profits and charities will now have certainty about municipal costs before proposing or moving forward with an affordable housing project. Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines.  […]

According to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Niagara is one of the epicentres of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in all of Canada. Its location near the Canada-United States border plays a major role, as does easy accessibility to major highways. Photo Credit: NRPS.  A case of human trafficking made waves in Niagara Falls […]

CARF was reportedly not only pleased by the efficiency and vibrance of Niagara Children’s Centre programs, but also with the tangible impact that these services are having on the lives of clients and their families   The Niagara Children’s Centre has been recognized with a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities […]

Council approved the 2024 operating levy unanimously, with some minor amendments, at the end of the council meeting, which lasted nearly four hours. The budget and its by-laws will see a final vote on Feb. 20. Photo Credit: Town of Grimsby.    The Town of Grimsby has released its budget plan for 2024. Mayor Jeff […]

The renovations, when completed, will include an improved front entrance with automatic doors, enhanced lighting and a more seamlessly usable outdoor walkway. Photo Credit: Fonthill Legion. As the Fonthill Legion, Branch 613, continues to serve local veterans and their families, the need to enhance user accessibility has never been greater. With this objective in mind, […]

The Ontario government has announced that it will be providing the municipalities of Niagara with an additional $280,000 to accomplish the objective of managing abandoned oil and gas wells. Photo Credit: Sam Oosterhoff.     Municipalities across the country are seeking to utilize innovative technologies to realize environmental stewardship. As a result, there is a growing […]

The bridge will cost an estimated $14 million to replace, with costs shared equally between the Region and CN Rail. The divestment would occur after reconstruction is complete. Photo Credit: The Niagara Independent.    Niagara Region’s Public Works Committee met last week to begin to determine the fate of the St. Paul Street West Canadian […]

Cogeco Communications Inc. is purchasing Niagara Regional Broadband Network (NRBN), it was announced on Feb. 5. The deal will see Cogeco expand its footprint in the region, as growing populations and industry accelerate the demand for the fast and reliable delivery of telecommunications services. Photo Credit: Donatello Trisolino via Pexels.    Cogeco Communications Inc. is […]

Ford encouraged Progressive Conservative members to continue to be optimistic and focus on an agenda of optimism in seeking to maintain strong support from Ontario voters as the Tories look ahead to the next general election cycle in 2026. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X.    Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives flocked […]

The City of St. Catharines is launching a brand new state-of-the-art emergency call handling system. The next generation server, called (NG-911), will be the first of its kind to begin servicing residents in Niagara.    The City of St. Catharines is launching a brand new state-of-the-art emergency call-handling system. The next generation server, called (NG-911), […]

The Tax Increment Grant (TIG) Program, which was used to approve the property tax deferral for these two sites, can be used for new housing projects for up to 10 years following the project’s completion. Photo Credit: City of Port Colborne.    The city of Port Colborne will provide tax deferral grants to two new […]

A swearing-in ceremony has not yet been announced, but there will be a formal ceremony. Now that Fordy has been selected as chief, the search begins for a replacement for now-retired Deputy Chief Brett Flynn and a replacement for Fordy in his former role. The Police Services Board expects to select a candidate by the […]

Late last year, Niagara Parks announced two major restoration projects of landmark attractions in the region. The first, it was officially revealed on Nov. 27, is the historic Toronto Power Generating Station located in Niagara Falls. The second, as confirmed on Dec. 13, is the old Miller’s Creek Marina, located in Fort Erie. Photo Credit: […]

The Rotary Club noted that Newton and the UCC-Niagara work with the community to help find employment, get documentation, and make use of translation services for Ukrainian newcomers, as well as support Ukrainian children settling into new schools.   The dawn of 2024 has seen local charities anticipating a busy year. The Fonthill Rotary Club […]

Niagara Region is set to get a new police chief as Bryan MacCulloch prepares to retire after decades of service. He will officially retire on Feb. 1. MacCulloch has been serving as Niagara Region’s chief of police since September 2017. Photo Credit: NRPS.    Niagara Region is set to get a new police chief as […]

At the beginning of the meeting, Councillor Mat Siscoe moved that council remove Councillor Haley Bateman’s motion from the agenda entirely. Council voted to overwhelmingly support Siscoe’s proposal, leading to protests from many of Bateman’s supporters attending the meeting and forcing Regional Council Chair Jim Bradley to call for a recess. Photo Credit: Niagara Regional […]

Morrison shared that Hockey Hardware has all the standard components that would be expected in a quality board game, including dice, various types of cards and the ability to play with numerous players. A single game includes three periods and can be fully completed in less than one hour.    With another hockey regular season […]

The budget reflects the priorities of Mayor Jim Diodati, who is required to formally present a budget plan to council under Ontario’s strong mayor legislation no later than Feb. 1. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls.    Niagara Falls city staff are recommending a 3.5 per cent property tax increase for the 2024 tax year. […]

The government of Ontario recently announced it is collaborating with three Niagara Region manufacturers to secure $65 million in economic investments by those companies. Photo Credit: Vic Fedeli/Twitter.    The government of Ontario recently announced it is collaborating with three Niagara Region manufacturers to secure $65 million in economic investments by those companies. Ontario taxpayers […]

Siscoe says his budget exercised considerable spending restraint because he heard from taxpayers that council needs “to do more with less” and try “new ways of doing things to see if there are savings to be had.” Pictured is St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. Photo Credit: Mat Siscoe/Twitter.   St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe has […]

As municipalities across Niagara continue to experience population growth, more families are accessing pediatric services for children and youth. In order to meet accelerating needs, the Ontario government is dedicating an additional $2.3 million to pediatric health. Pictured include Ontario MPPs Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Nolan Quinn and Sam Oosterhoff.   As municipalities across Niagara continue […]

While Canadian Niagara Hotels began advertising for the event at the beginning of December, it was the sharing of personal stories which point to the life-saving impact of blood donations that dramatically increased interest and support.    It was a significant day in Niagara Falls on Jan. 11, as Canadian Blood Services held their first […]

The Conference Board of Canada expects the St. Catharines-Niagara economy will grow by an estimated 1.5 per cent in 2024, which is roughly on pace with what is anticipated for the overall national economy. Growth is expected to accelerate to 2.5 per cent by 2025, as inflation pressures begin to ease and interest rates begin […]

Home sharing brings together people who may not have the opportunity to pool resources with family members but are still looking to replicate the financial benefits. Photo Credit: Niagara College.    With the Canadian housing crisis continuing to impact millions of residents across southern Ontario, the need to ensure that students have adequate and affordable […]

Homeowners in Niagara are feeling the pinch. Higher rates have led to more houses being put on the market, as some homeowners simply cannot afford to renew. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Evan Buhler.    Like much of Ontario and Canada, the Niagara region is facing a mortgage and debt crisis spurred on by over-borrowing and […]

After more than three years of construction and several delays, the brand-new Niagara Falls Exchange is nearing completion. Photo Credit: DTAH Designs.    After more than three years of construction and several delays, the brand-new Niagara Falls Exchange is nearing completion.  Located on Sylvia Avenue, The Exchange will serve as the city’s new cultural hub. […]

Niagara Region residents won’t be facing a fare increase when using transit in 2024, despite attempts by the Niagara Transit Commission to increase fares. Photo Credit: CPTDB Wiki.   Niagara Region residents won’t be facing a fare increase when using transit in 2024, despite attempts by the Niagara Transit Commission to increase fares.  The Region’s […]

Levees have a long and rich history in Canada. They provide opportunities for local military, appointed and elected officials to engage with their constituents and neighbours. Photo Credit: Niagara-on-the-Lake Local.    With the dawn of another year upon us, Canadians across the country are enjoying the return of more annual traditions. One notable example can […]

Last Updated: Friday, January, 5, 2024, 10:32am Niagara’s regional government is increasing its property tax burden at a faster rate than any other regional council in Ontario. Pictured is Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley. Photo Credit: Niagara Region.   Niagara Regional Council is imposing the highest regional property tax increase in all of Ontario in […]

The Teaching Brewery continues to shine on the local, national, and international stage. Several of the school’s grads now head-up award-winning breweries across the province. Photo credit: Niagara College   In many fields of practice, greatness is not defined by or as a single, spectacular moment. Rather, greatness is defined by consistent, exceptional output over […]

For decades now, Niagara Falls has been considered Canada’s place-to-be when the clock strikes midnight on January 1. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   While revellers will go another year without a marquee outdoor concert along the waterfront in Niagara Falls, there’s still lots to do in the “Times Square of Canada” this New Year’s Eve.  […]

In 2023, Niagara, Canada, saw game-changing developments: the announcement of the University of Niagara Falls Canada promised downtown revitalization, while LocoMobi’s AI production relocation signalled tech sector growth. The groundbreaking for the South Niagara Hospital set the stage for future healthcare advancements, hinting at a transformative landscape ahead. Photo credit: X/Doug Ford   As another […]

Local initiative teams up with country musician Tim Hicks to bring musical gifts to Niagara schools and students this holiday season. Photo Supplied.   Schools and students across Niagara are receiving the gift of music this Christmas season. Marz Homes, The Niagara Conservatory of Music and local artists are partnering to spread holiday cheer for […]

Fonthill Rotary Club’s ongoing dedication to advancing STEM education in the Niagara Region continues as they pledge $1,500 to support the ‘Scientists in School’ program. This generous donation bolsters initiatives aimed at nurturing the curiosity and skills of young minds in science and technology. Photo Supplied   As local communities seek to facilitate careers for […]

The agency is pouring nearly $20 million into reviving the prime waterfront site over the next three years. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   After nearly two decades of fits and starts, speculation, promises, and planning, Miller’s Creek Marina in Fort Erie is finally set for a revival. In a press release on Wednesday, the Niagara […]

Regional councillors express apprehensions over the long-term fiscal strategies and deferrals proposed in Niagara’s 2024 budget planning, citing concerns about their impact and efficacy. With the end of the year fast approaching, Niagara Regional Council is focusing much of its efforts on completing the 2024 budget. The Budget Committee, chaired by Fort Erie Mayor Wayne […]

Mayor Frank Campion expresses satisfaction with the finalized 2024 budget, emphasizing its focus on city services, infrastructure improvements, and affordability following the conclusion of the City of Welland’s budget review process. Photo Credit: Wikipedia    City of Welland councillors recently concluded a review of Mayor Frank Campion’s proposed 2024 budget. The process involved meticulous considerations […]

If you’re not one for making your own holiday treats, check out one of the local establishments below for something sweet this Christmas. Photo credit: Facebook/Pie Guys Bakery   With just under three weeks until Christmas, planning and preparations for the biggest meal of the year are sure to be well underway in most households. […]

Amidst challenges posed by weather vagaries and escalating expenses, Ken Forth sheds light on the resilience of Canadian farmers, as they prepare for a fresh start in 2024. Photo Credit:  F.A.R.M.S. website While the 2023 Canadian growing season has come and gone, farmers and leaders in the agricultural sector are taking stock of the season […]

Gallagher’s Farm Market in Fenwick (pictured) is one of several Niagara tree sellers to check out this year. Photo credit: Facebook/Gallagher’s Farm Market   Choosing a fresh Christmas tree to bring home to decorate is a tradition for many families in Ontario. Artificial trees have become more popular in recent years, however, there are many […]

Heddle Shipyards’ $107 million investment at Port Weller Dry Docks set to create 30 jobs in Niagara; Ontario Government extends $3.4 million support. Photo Credit: Facebook/Sam Oosterhoff   Heddle Shipyards, the biggest ship repair and construction company located on the Great Lakes, has announced a $107 million investment into advancing initiatives at Port Weller Dry […]

Rotary Auction Niagara heralds the Christmas season with online bidding, marking significant changes to the long-standing tradition. Six Rotary Clubs unite for community support as residents donate items for bidding, supporting local service initiatives. Photo: Facebook/Rotary Niagara Auction   Rotary Auction Niagara is heralding the arrival of another Christmas season! People across Niagara’s municipalities have […]

The facility, located at Walker Industries’ site along the border of Niagara Falls and Thorold, will provide enough energy to power close to 9,000 homes. Pictured left to right: Enbridge’s Heidi Bredenholler-Prasad, Mayor of Thorold Terry Ugulini, Ontario Minister of Energy Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Park Andrea Khanjin, Walker President and […]

Niagara College alumni nominated for Ontario Premier’s Award celebrate diverse achievements across industries and communities. Photo Supplied   Niagara College (NC) is celebrating seven alums who have been nominated to receive the prestigious Premier’s Award. “The Premier’s Awards have been honouring outstanding Ontario college graduates since the early ’90s and have elevated many Niagara College […]

Niagara Parks and Pearle Hospitality team up for a $200 million overhaul of Toronto Power Generating Station, aiming to create a world-class visitor experience. Photo Supplied: Niagara Parks   Niagara Parks and Pearle Hospitality have agreed to a transformational private sector investment to restore the Historic Toronto Power Generating Station.  “Niagara Parks is proud to […]

Niagara Regional Transit’s 2024 Budget faces upheaval due to proposed service cuts and fare hikes. Photo: Facebook/Niagara Regional Transit   As 2023 concludes in the coming weeks, plans for 2024 are taking shape on municipal and regional councils. One of the public services that has been drawing a lot of attention is Niagara Regional Transit […]

Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Photo credit: Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre   Christmas markets are happening throughout Niagara over the coming weeks, with vendors looking to share their crafts and art with eager Christmas shoppers. A selection of these holiday markets is provided below. Pelham The Niagara Fresh Market will be hosting its first […]

Annual Celebration of Lights Christmas fundraiser returns, uniting the Niagara community to support healthcare at Niagara Health Foundation. Photo: Facebook/Niagara Health Foundation   The Celebration of Lights Christmas Fundraising Campaign is returning for another season, the Niagara Health Foundation. The event began on Nov 13 and will run through Jan 7, 2024, with the motto […]

Last week, regional councillors approved a 7.95 per cent increase to Niagara’s water and wastewater budget, rejecting several options to save taxpayers’ money.    When times are really tough, many governments find cost savings and choose to cut or keep taxes level for struggling ratepayers.  Niagara’s regional government? Not so. At its Budget Review Committee […]

Speed enforcement camera located on Rice Road in Welland has been vandalized several times. Photo: Facebook    While Welland City Council is divided over the proposed 2024 Budget, another key issue is also being intensely debated: Regional Speed Cameras. So far, four speed cameras have been installed across the Niagara Region as part of its […]

Ann Harrison, former President of Rotary Club Fonthill and Principal of E.L. Crossley Secondary School, talks about reviving the school’s Rotary Interact Club post-pandemic. The club’s ‘Halloween 4 Hunger’ initiative aided Pelham Cares, with more projects in the pipeline. Photo Supplied   After multiple years of pandemic-related disruptions, the Rotary Interact Club at E.L. Crossley […]

Minister Neil Lumsden foresees record breaking turnout as Hamilton hosts spectacular Grey Cup Festival: Over 40 events set to mark historic weekend. Photo Credit: Peter Power/The Canadian Press   Minister Neil Lumsden spoke to The Independent about the big game The Grey Cup has arrived in Hamilton. The physical trophy arrived via Lake Ontario aboard […]

City will hold its annual Santa Claus parade and tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, with the celebrated Winter Festival of Lights starting the same day. Various other parades and festivals being held around the region in the weeks to come. Photo credit: HOCO Entertainment   Christmas festivities are already gearing up across Niagara, with several […]

Matty Matheson opened Rizzo’s House of Parm one year ago. Photo credit: Facebook/Rizzo’s House of Parm   Earlier this month, Air Canada’s enRoute magazine released its 2023 Best New Restaurants ranking, with one Niagara eatery making the top 10.  Coming in at number four on the list was famed Fort Erie chef Matty Matheson’s hometown […]

Hydro One and ACT Foundation celebrate three million students trained in CPR and AED usage. Photo Supplied   On Thursday, Hydro One visited Welland’s Notre Dame College, alongside the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation. The two organisations joined with more of their community partners to celebrate CPR month, as well as three million Ontario students […]

Newly Appointed Welland Chief Administrative Officer Rob Axiak outlines the vision for the city’s growth and priorities following the mayor’s announcement of strategic leadership change. Credit: Facebook/City of Welland   On November 1, 2023, Welland Mayor Frank Campion announced Rob Axiak as the City’s next Chief Administrative Officer.  “As the City enters a critical period […]

King and Victoria Winery’s 2020 Cabernet and Watchful Eye Winery’s 2021 Chardonnay will be served at all of the Legislative Assembly’s formal functions throughout 2024. Pictured are Speaker Ted Arnott and Tracey and Joe Schenck from King and Victoria Winery. Photo credit: Legislative Assembly of Ontario/Nokomis O’Brien via The Grower   MPPs, staff, and guests […]

Photo Credit: Niagara Health   As local health departments across Canada continue to grapple with demand beyond their capacity, the need to develop innovative solutions for the delivery of care is immense. The emergency room is no exception.  Niagara Health recently announced the new Familiar Faces Program, which will seek to address emergency room wait […]

As polarization grows, municipalities weigh citizens’ code of conduct in response to disrespect and threats towards elected officials.   As the levels of polarisation and divisiveness in western societies intensify, the impact is being felt locally. Specifically, representatives of municipal and regional governments are contending with an uptick in aggressive, abusive behaviour when interacting with […]

Niagara Woodmaker honours veterans with wooden lawn poppies for Remembrance Day. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kevin Farris    Another Remembrance Day is almost here. While communities across Canada are donating to the Royal Canadian Legion, as well as preparing for memorial services to honour our soldiers of past and present, a new tradition is gaining traction in […]

One local commemoration this year includes a special visit from Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. Pictured is Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum’s annual poppy display. Photo credit: Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum   Poppy campaigns are underway and local Legions are gearing up in preparation of Remembrance Day. In addition to ceremonies, there are also local fundraisers for Legions and visual […]

Niagara College celebrates major sponsorship and largest fall graduating class, leading to ReuKnighted alumni event. Photo Credit: Niagara College/Facebook   Niagara College continues to grow and prosper.  Look no further than two big announcements made by the college last week – all leading into an alumni event this week.  First it was Simplii Financial sponsoring […]

Ontario Government Invests $3.8 Million in New Gymnasium for Gainsborough Public School in St. Anns. Photo Credit: Facebook/Sam Oosterhoff   On October 26th, the Ontario government announced a $3.8 million investment to build a new school gymnasium for the students of Gainsborough Public School in St. Anns. Sam Oosterhoff, who currently serves as the Member […]

Local, provincial, and federal officials, alongside industry stakeholders, gathered at Hipple Farms in Lincoln on Monday, October 30, to celebrate $8 million in provincial-federal funding. Photo credit: Twitter/Sam Oosterhoff   On Monday, officials from the governments of Ontario and Canada, along with industry stakeholders, gathered at Hipple Farms in Lincoln to announce a joint provincial-federal […]

Vote to ratify agreement set to take place in the coming days. Vital waterway was shut down for a full week. Photo credit: Facebook/City of Port Colborne   Ships are once again traversing the Welland Canal, after the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and Unifor reached a tentative agreement on Sunday.  St. Lawrence Seaway workers […]

Pioneering A.I. Innovator Grant Furlane, plans to revolutionize city living and transportation with LocoMobi world’s cutting-edge technology. Photo Credit: Pexels    Health crises, economic woes and the threat of global conflict seem to be dominating the 2020s. While these challenges are immediate and far-reaching, the opportunities of the future are also immense. Niagara resident Grant […]

No vessels passing through multiple-billion-dollar shipping corridor. Photo credit: Marinas.com    A growing number of ships are marooned at either side of the Welland Canal, as the vital passageway remains closed due to workers walking off the job this weekend. In a press release on Sunday, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) – which […]

This year marks 20 years since the initiative launched. Over the last two decades, Sleep Cheap Charities Reap has raised over $2.4 million for local charities. Photo credit: Niagara Falls Tourism   As the height of the 2023 tourist season comes to a close for the City of Niagara Falls, a significant event is still […]

Proposed building will not only include hotel rooms, but also multiple restaurants, comprehensive lounge/entertainment areas, as well as spas. Pictured is downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Photo credit: Expedia   As Niagara’s tourism economy continues to expand, there is a growing need to build strategic infrastructure, such as restaurants, entertainment venues and hotels. To this end, Van Riesen […]

 It’s become ‘very typical’ for homes to take three or four months to sell.    As another turbulent economic year draws to a close, the local housing market has taken a sharp turn. The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) recently confirmed that the region is now in a “buyer’s market.” Fort Erie real estate agent […]

The Niagara-on-the-Lake garden centre grows 95 per cent of what it sells on site. Photo credit: Facebook/Sunshine Express Garden Centre   As the blustery winds of autumn roll in, garden centres across Niagara are reflecting on the season that has been, and already planning for next year. This is a particularly special year for Sunshine […]

This year marks the sixth year Canada has officially recognized October as ‘Latin American Heritage Month’. Photo credit: Getty Images   According to the Niagara Priority Profiles: Ethno-Racial & Immigration, in 2021 the Niagara Region was home to approximately 7,000 residents who identify as being from Latin American origin. This is 1.49 per cent of […]

From further straining already strained resources to spiking local gas prices, expect the developing Israeli-Palestinian conflict to have a number of tangible effects on the Niagara community. Photo credit: AP   As a devastating week in the battered nation of Israel comes to a close, the ensuing war threatens to wreak great havoc far beyond […]

Travel by candlelight through the dark stone fortifications of Old Fort Erie, home to Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   It’s October and Friday the 13th, which to the superstitious might bode bad luck, while to others is a perfect time to consider which Halloween events to attend this month. Niagara is known […]

Sessions designed to help Niagara’s seniors build digital knowledge, connect socially, address cyber-safety, and more. Photo credit: Senior Planet/AARP   As the world enters the second generation of personal computing and internet-based technology, the need to help elderly citizens utilise these powerful tools is growing. That is why this fall, the Municipality of Niagara Falls […]

Local community clubs and leaders give collective $1,375,000 to new Niagara Falls hospital. Photo credit: Niagara Health   The future of healthcare in Niagara got another major financial boost last week.  On October 6, the Niagara Health Foundation announced that the It’s Our Future fundraising campaign in support of the new South Niagara Hospital received a collective […]

With food insecurity at an all-time high, the Kitchen’s services are more important than ever.    As Thanksgiving arrives and the Christmas season approaches, local charitable organisations are busy providing for the community’s most vulnerable members. Judy Todd currently serves as co-chair for the Niagara Falls Soup Kitchen.  “Our mission is to feed the hungry,” […]

Standing in front of the old Canadian Ohio Brass Company location on Thorold Stone Rd., Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati (third from right) cuts a ceremonial ribbon alongside personnel from HOPA Ports and the BMI Group. Photo credit: City of Niagara Falls   As the largest re-industrialization in North American history takes shape, small-medium […]

Long-time local Conservative MP Dean Allison talks federal government inviting a Ukrainian veteran who fought alongside the Nazi regime to Parliament and the country’s souring relationship with a key trading partner in India. Photo credit: Facebook/Dean Allison   Last weekend marked the conclusion of another odd month in Canada’s Federal Chambers. From India, to Ukraine, […]

Over a dozen local donors have now contributed substantial gifts toward the community’s local share of the project. Artist rendering of the future hospital site. Photo credit: Niagara Health   The local private sector has once again stood up tall for the public good.  Last week, the Niagara Health Foundation announced yet another seven-figure gift […]

Niagara Falls launched the home decorating competition in 2020 in response to pandemic restrictions. Registration for this year’s contest opens Wednesday, October 4. Photo credit: City of Niagara Falls   Halloween season is back, and so is Niagara Falls’ Spooky Awards.  First held in October 2020 as a pandemic-friendly outdoor offering, the Spooky Awards is […]

Forty Creek’s Cherrywood Reserve Whisky won gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Photo credit: CNW Group/Campari Group Canada   Forty Creek Distillery is a multi-award-winning whisky maker located in the town of Grimsby. Bill Ashburn is the Master Blender behind many of the distillery’s innovations, including its limited release Cherrywood Reverse Whisky.  […]

University now accepting applications for winter 2024 term. Photo credit: Pexels/ICSA     As of Wednesday, September 27, the brand-new University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), located on Queen St. in the city’s downtown core, is accepting applications for its inaugural semester starting in January 2024. Cyndi McLeod currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of […]

Niagara is home to a number of iconic pumpkin farms, including Howells Farm in Fonthill (pictured). Photo credit: Howells Farm   Fall is officially here and with the fall season comes pumpkins! Whether the pumpkins are for decor or pie, there are several excellent pick-your-own and pre-picked pumpkin farms in Niagara to visit. Bry-Anne Farms […]

Dwindling membership doesn’t stop one of Canada’s oldest clubs from being there for the community, and planning for the future. Photo credit: Niagara Falls Lions Club   The City of Niagara Falls may have seen a lot of change over the past 100 years, however, there are some things that have remained constant. The Niagara […]

With its name inspired by the famed television show Saved by the Bell, Saved by the Beep encourages residents across Ontario to check their homes’ fire alarms. Photo credit: First Alert via PRNewswire   Communities across Ontario will have the opportunity to update their knowledge of fire prevention and safety over the next couple of […]

Pictured left to right: Bryan Bebas, production control manager at Highland Ridge; Edwin de Jonge, Nick de Jonge, and Fred de Jonge, leadership team at Highland Packers; Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West; and Marinus and Janneke de Jonge and Janet DeVries, leadership team at Highland Packers. Photo credit: Sam Oosterhoff   Highland Packers, a meat processor […]

Career and Co-op Services director chats upcoming school year and bridging the gap between classroom and employment. Photo credit: Niagara College   Career and Co-op Services director chats upcoming school year and bridging the gap between classroom and employment. Photo credit: Niagara College   The 2023-24 school year is well underway at Niagara College. Whether […]

Kent Heritage Farms, Littlefoot Farm, and Silmaril Farm all offer local, free-range/run turkeys for your holiday dinner. Photo credit: Monstera Production   With both Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, it is a good time to start planning where to get your family’s turkey. In Niagara, there are several farms that offer local turkey to […]

Chris Bittle (left) has been named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey (right) given new secretarial role at Transport Canada. Photo credit: Government of Canada   Following what many deemed to be an ineffective cabinet shuffle earlier this summer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook up his […]

Christian Reformed chaplain and chair of Brock’s Faith and Life Centre Zack DeBruyne. Photo credit: Brock University   As students at Brock University settle into the 2023-24 school year, a wide variety of extracurriculars and clubs are starting back up, including faith-based groups and activities. Zack DeBruyne currently serves as the Christian Reformed chaplain and […]

Co-op, Career and Experiential Education director Cara Krezek. Photo credit: Brock University/The Brock News   As post-secondary institutions return to school this month, the Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) department at Brock University is eager to support students in realizing their professional goals. Cara Krezek currently serves as director of CCEE.  “It’s been great […]

The annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival takes place from October 6 to 9. Photo credit: Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival   Just like that, the fall festival season is here in Niagara. From pumpkins and apple cider, to music and crafts, there are so many options to embrace harvest time and support the local community.  Here […]

Located just over the border in Niagara Falls, New York, the 914th Refuelling Wing maintains a close relationship with its Canadian counterparts. Photo credit: Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station   As a turbulent decade continues, the need for democratic allies to collaborate on defence is as important as ever. Oftentimes, local military bases play a […]

With local students returning to class last week, The Niagara Independent caught up with Warren Hoshizaki of the District School Board of Niagara and Camillo Cipriano of the Niagara Catholic District School Board. Photo credit: Pexels/RDNE Stock Project   As September marches on, a new school year is taking shape for students, educators. and administrators […]

Pictured is MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff and Niagara Regional Council Char Jim Bradley. Photo credit: Sam Oosterhoff   The Niagara Region will receive an additional $1.8 million in specialized health-care funding over the next three years, the provincial government announced Thursday, September 7.  The investment, which is part of a broader $51 million […]

 ‘After several seasons of capacity limits and border closures, it’s been a really important opportunity for us to rebound’. Photo credit: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours   As the nights get colder, school returns to session, and the signs of the season turn to football, migrating birds, and pumpkin-spiced lattes, it is a critical time for […]

Plenty of orchards around the peninsula to bring the kids for some family fun. Photo credit: iStock    September is the peak of the pick-your-own apple season in Niagara. Apple orchards are full and ready for those looking to get in the autumn spirit.  According to the Apple Growers of Ontario, the Great Lakes region […]

Event marks decade and a half of fundraising success. ‘Every pedal rotation and every dollar raised holds profound significance.’ Photo credit: Facebook/Big Move Cancer Ride   On Sunday, September 10, more than 500 participants in the annual Big Move Cancer Ride will gather at White Meadows Farm in Pelham.  “For the past 15 years, the […]

Along with students’ families and friends, a ‘small army’ of Brock employees and volunteers helped the university’s 2,700 eager arrivals move in over the weekend. Photo credit: Brock University   Brock University’s St. Catharines campus was abuzz with new and return arrivals over the weekend. In preparation for the start of the fall semester on […]

Information collected from the Majestic Monarchs program will be used to determine the number of monarchs in the area, understand their migration south to Mexico, and provide data that will be considered in the further protection of the species. Photo credit: Britannica   Niagara Parks is hosting a free educational program, Majestic Monarchs: Annual Species […]

First intake set for fall 2024. New program to build off of college’s existing two-year diploma in practical nursing. Photo credit: Niagara College   This time next year, Niagara College will welcome its first cohort of 60 students into its brand-new, stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program.  On Wednesday, the college announced that […]

Typically lauded for its wine, the Niagara Peninsula also produces some of the best hard ciders in the country. Photo credit: Facebook/Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery   As summer comes to a close, fall activities and events are beginning to ramp up around Niagara. One fall festive activity is to partake in a glass of hard […]

Investment will help create 30 new jobs. Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Graydon Smith (third from left) was on hand last Thursday with local officials and representatives from the company to announce the funding. Photo credit: Twitter/Graydon Smith   Last week, the province announced it is investing $1.8 million to help Smithville’s Niagara Pallet […]

This Labour Day weekend be transported to Greece with the sights, sounds, and food of Hellas at the Niagara Greek Festival in St. Catharines. Photo credit: Niagara Greek Festival   The upcoming long weekend is a final chance for families to get out and enjoy the summer before school resumes and warm weather turns to […]

Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop (centre right) joined Mayor of Fort Erie Wayne Redekop (right) and school officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new campus last week. Photo credit: Facebook/Jill Dunlop   As students and educators return to the classroom after Labour Day, many post-secondary applicants will soon have a new and […]

Minister Steve Clark (pictured) said the facilitator will be announced by September 11. Photo credit: Twitter/Steve Clark   After months of waiting, Niagara will soon know who, exactly, will lead a long-anticipated review of the region’s governance system on behalf of the province.  Speaking at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference earlier […]

St. Catharines’ TAG Art Gallery, which closed its doors last fall, has made a sizable donation of historically significant artwork to the museum. Photo credit: City of Niagara Falls/Niagara Falls History Museum   Last week, the City of Niagara Falls announced that the Niagara Falls History Museum has received what it is calling an “unprecedented” donation […]

Funding will help address regional labour shortage. Photo credit: Niagara College   On Monday, the Ontario government announced it has invested $812,775 at Niagara College to boost pre-apprenticeship training for in-demand jobs in the skilled trades. The funding is part of the province’s record investment in nearly 100 free pre-apprenticeship programs around Ontario. “Ontario’s skilled trades […]

Over a dozen philanthropists have now contributed substantial gifts toward the community’s local share of the project. Artist rendering of the future hospital site. Photo credit: Niagara Health   On Thursday, August 17, the Niagara Health Foundation announced the latest benefactor on its growing list of ‘Founding Donors’ supporting the South Niagara hospital project.  Tony […]

Title determined based on online activity via Instagram hashtags and Tripadvisor reviews. Photo credit: Tourism Partnership of Niagara   The magic and majesty of Niagara’s world-famous falls remains unrivaled across the country. According to a new report from BonusFinder, Niagara Falls is Canada’s “most magical” place.  “Situated on the Niagara River, it is known for […]

Pictured left to right: Rick Mauro, Board Chair, Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation; Sister Louise Dillon, Director of Mission and Pastoral Services, Hotel Dieu Shaver; Jim Bradley, Chair, Niagara Region; Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West; Lynne Pay, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel Dieu Shaver; Tracy Geoffroy, Executive Director, Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation; Betty-Lou Souter, Trustee, Hotel Dieu […]

Of the over 68,000 students enrolled in schools across the region, 14 per cent currently hold incomplete immunization records. Photo credit: Blue Cross Blue Shield   With the 2023/24 school year set to start in exactly three weeks, Niagara Region Public Health (Public Health) is reminding parents and caregivers to get up to date on […]

West Lincoln, Lincoln, and Grimsby appear to be signalling that, should the province bring change to Niagara’s governance structure, they hope to stick together. Pictured is West Niagara Agricultural Centre and Fairgrounds, where representatives from the municipalities met on Wednesday. Photo credit: West Niagara Agricultural Centre and Fairgrounds.   In a shared news release earlier […]

Though only very slightly, prices increased for a fifth consecutive month in July.   After tumbling down for the better part of 2022 into early 2023, and then surging in the spring and remaining steady for the past few months, housing prices in Niagara effectively flatlined in July. According to the latest statistics from the […]

Cities of St. Catharines and Thorold sent letters to federal government demanding answers and change. Their pleas, according to the Conservative MP from Niagara Falls (pictured), went unanswered. Photo credit: Tony Baldinelli   In a recent media release, Conservative Party MP for Niagara Falls Tony Baldinelli blasted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and local Liberal members […]

The lion’s share will be dedicated to advancing patient care directly, with portions going toward the Walker Family Cancer Centre (pictured) and the new Niagara Falls hospital. Photo credit: BH Architects   This week, the largest donation in the history of Niagara Health was presented by philanthropists Greg and Diane Slaight. The family committed a […]

The agency’s iconic incline railway cars. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   Niagara Parks is looking to revamp the way in which visitors get around its main tourist hub in Niagara Falls. In a press release Tuesday, Niagara Parks announced that it has officially launched a call for proposals for a new visitor transportation system “that […]

Funds will help send hundreds of local children to camp. President of the event’s title sponsor Mark Basciano (second from right) was on-hand for a reveal party earlier this week, pictured here alongside Thorold mayor Terry Ugulini (right), St. Catharines mayor Mat Siscoe (third from left), and members of the FACS team. Photo credit: Mountainview […]

Chief of Police Bryan MacCulloch and Deputy Chief Brett Flynn set to retire on Feb. 1, 2024. Photo credit: NRPS   Over 73 years of experience: that’s what the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) will lose when both Chief of Police Bryan MacCulloch and Deputy Chief Brett Flynn simultaneously retire on Feb. 1, 2024.  Chair […]

Ted Luciani served on the city’s council from 2000 to 2018. Photo credit: City of Thorold   Former Thorold mayor Ted Luciani has passed away. The municipality announced Luciani’s passing in a press release on Friday, July 28. “On behalf of City Council, staff and residents of the City of Thorold, our heartfelt condolences, thoughts […]

Long-time Toronto educator Richard Bilkszto, pictured here at a May 2023 appearance on TVO’s The Agenda, was a former Town of Lincoln councillor. Photo credit: TVO   Toronto principal and former Town of Lincoln councillor Richard Bilkszto took his own life earlier this month. Bilkszto was an educator for over two decades. He was 60 […]

Pictured centre are Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin, and Hydro One Executive VP Teri French. Photo credit: Hydro One   Hydro One is investing $1.3 million to add a third power line to the Pelham Centre Distribution Station, the organization announced Wednesday.  Teri French currently serves as Executive Vice President, […]

Climate change, equity among priorities set to guide Niagara Region into 2026. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   At its special council meeting last Thursday, July 20, Niagara Regional Council unanimously approved four new strategic priorities that will help guide the municipality’s decision-making over the next four years.  As outlined in “Growing Better Together: Council […]

The school’s Teaching Brewing was recently named Grand National Champion at the 2023 U.S. Open College Beer Championship, nabbing five medals in the process. Photo credit: Niagara College   If you need any more evidence that Niagara College Teaching Brewery is one of the best post-secondary institutes in North America to study the art and […]

Officials take part in a ground-breaking ceremony at the future Siltech site at 1700 Pettit Rd. Pictured left to right are Maple Reinders president Harold Reinders, Siltech project engineer Mark Marynowicz, Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli, Siltech CEO Rick Vrckovnik, Mayor of Fort Erie Wayne […]

On Wednesday, July 19, the Conservative Party leader visited Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, and Thorold, before ending the day at a huge rally featuring some 1,600 supporters in St. Catharines (pictured). Photo credit: Pierre Poilievre   As part of his coast-to-coast Bring It Home campaign tour this summer, Canada’s Leader of the Official Opposition Pierre […]

 Several public officials, including Premier Doug Ford, were on hand for the official ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   On Tuesday, July 18, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was in Niagara to break ground on the region’s new state-of-the-art $3.6 billion hospital: Niagara Health’s South Niagara Site. Ford was joined […]

Pictured left to right are Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Chair and Lincoln Regional Councillor Rob Foster, Mayor of Lincoln Sandra Easton, MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff, and Coastal Science Coordinator for Niagara Coastal Community Collaborative Kiersten McCutcheon. Photo credit: Sam Oosterhoff   The Ontario government is investing $6 million to support 30 multi-year projects […]

Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Port Colborne all offer outdoor walking tours throughout the summer months. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara Falls Museums   Niagara is known for its rich history and landmarks but many of these sites can be overlooked as they now blend into the modern landscape. Fortunately, many local museums offer guided walking tours that […]

Artist rendering of the future Niagara Falls hospital at the corners of Montrose and Biggar roads. Photo credit: Niagara Health   The City of Niagara Falls has officially committed to provide $30 million dollars to the construction of a cutting-edge hospital for residents of South Niagara. Lynn Guerriero currently serves as President and CEO of […]

Splashtown opened for its second season off Nickel Beach two weeks ago. Photo credit: Splashtown   Splashtown Water Parks has reopened for summer fun at Nickel Beach in Port Colborne.  The inflatable water park has slides and an obstacle course just a short swim from the shoreline. The attraction is family friendly — encouraging all […]

Average asking rents in Canada have increased 20 points in two years. St. Catharines saw a month-over-month increase above the national average, yet remains one of more affordable medium- to large-sized cities in Canada.   With increased immigration and rising interest rates putting more and more pressure on investors and landlords, rental prices continue to […]

Website Rentola looked at the 34 largest census metropolitan areas in Canada. Photo credit: City of Welland   The St. Catharines—Niagara census metropolitan area (CMA) is the eighth “safest” metro area in Canada, according to a new study by rental search engine website Rentola. The study ranked Canada’s 34 largest CMAs for “overall security and […]

Pace of price increase slows below one per cent. Average number of days houses on market remains steady at 30.    After tumbling for the better part of 2022 into early 2023, the Niagara real estate market continues its slow and steady climb back up. For the fourth month in a row, home prices across […]

While the Shaw Festival is currently in its 61st season, the organization’s main theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake officially opened its doors 50 years ago on June 28, 1973. Photo credit: Shaw Festival   As the calendar turned to July last weekend, the 2023 season at Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake was already well underway. However, this is […]

Celebrate the hot weather and Niagara’s small business community by visiting one of the locations below. Pictured is Chef and Bub in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The small-batch popsicle maker has another location in Thorold. Photo credit: Facebook/Chef and Bub   Summer is in full swing, and with the hot weather it’s always nice to indulge in a […]

Starting this Wednesday, the urgent care centres in Fort Erie (pictured) and Port Colborne will shift from 24/7 operations to exclusively running from 10:00am to 8:00pm. The change is ultimately the result of a “human resources issue”, not inadequate funding. Photo credit: Google Maps   Following a torrent of backlash from residents, municipal leaders, and […]

To accommodate growth and address existing housing shortage, school adding new living spaces for approximately 1,000 students at its Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. Photo credit: Niagara College   Driven by its uber-successful, innovative programs in the food and beverage, horticultural, and advanced manufacturing industries, over the last decade or so Niagara College has quickly transformed from […]

From fireworks over the Falls, to free concerts, parades, and a variety of food vendors, Niagara communities across the peninsula have a lot on offer this Canada Day. Photo credit: Niagara Falls Tourism   There’s plenty of things going on around the region this Canada Day long weekend. Below is a selection of some of […]

Colleen Slappendel (pictured, centre) opened her Pelham hair salon at the height of the pandemic in October 2020. Despite the inherent challenges in starting a small business, plus the added pressures of recurrent lockdowns and restrictions, she and her business prevailed, and continues to grow. Photo credit: Rooted Hair Studio   2020 was undoubtedly one […]

Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli, Mayor of Fort Erie Wayne Redekop comment on possible tax that would increase costs for Canadians who own property in the U.S. Pictured is the Peace Bridge, which connects Fort Erie, ON and Buffalo, NY. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn   In response to a generational crisis in housing […]

Mike Delano (right) and Christian Gifford (left) were honoured with the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery at a ceremony in Toronto on Thursday, June 22. Pictured in-between Delano and Gifford is NRPS chief Bryan MacCulloch. Photo credit: Twitter/Bryan MacCulloch   At a ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto last week, the Ontario government honoured 21 […]

The award-winning market is set to move from the MacBain Community Centre parking lot (pictured) to the brand-new Niagara Falls Exchange Cultural Hub and Market on Ferry Street later this summer. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market   The 2023 season at the Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market is well-underway. This year, however, is particularly special. […]

The DSBN’s annual budget has increased nearly $100 million since the 2019-20 school year. Photo credit: VNIS Education   Just in time for the start of summer break this week, Niagara’s public and Catholic school boards have approved of their respective 2023-24 budgets.   For the fifth consecutive year, the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) […]

Sixth year in a row the Parks Canada fort, which typically serves as a War of 1812 reenactment site, will play host to World War I commemorations. Photo credit: Fort George National Historic Site   Fort George, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is most renowned for its depiction of daily life during the War of 1812. For one […]

Peller Estates’ Katie Dickieson (pictured) awarded ‘Winemaker of the Year’. Domaine Queylus’ Brooke Husband named Paul Pender Memorial ‘Rising Star’ for 2023. Photo credit: ARTiculation Group/Joseph Chan   Earlier this month, the winners of the 2023 Ontario Wine Awards were announced at a ceremony hosted by Niagara College. Katie Dickieson of Peller Estates was named […]

Left to right: Mayor of Grimsby Jeff Jordan, Mayor of West Lincoln Cheryl Ganann, Mayor of Lincoln Sandra Easton, MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff, McNally House Executive Director Pamela Blackwood, and McNally House President and Board Chair Murray Bain. Photo credit: Sam Oosterhoff   The provincial government is providing funding to help McNally House […]

Put in place Monday in response to the threat, hold and secure order now lifted as of Tuesday morning. All schools back to normal. According to police, threat likely originated from outside of Canada. Photo credit: Google Maps   A hold and secure order at all elementary and secondary schools across the Niagara Catholic District […]

The Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre (pictured) is set to receive $100,000 to implement its solution focused on increasing health literacy, raising awareness about colon-friendly healthy diets, and enhancing accessibility to colorectal cancer screening and primary care. The centre aims to not only educate but also normalize the discussion around colorectal cancer, creating the tagline […]

Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati (centre) and Mayor of St. Catharines Mat Siscoe to be granted increased decision-making capabilities July 1. Photo credit: Twitter/Jim Diodati   The heads of council for Niagara’s two largest cities have been granted ‘strong mayor powers’ by the province. In an announcement Friday morning, Minister of Municipal Affairs and […]

The Conservative MP for Niagara Falls (pictured) also put forward a unanimous consent motion on Monday to immediately return Bernardo back to a maximum-security prison. The Liberals rejected the motion.   Local MP for Niagara Falls Tony Baldinelli has taken concrete steps to guarantee mass murderers like Paul Bernardo are kept in maximum-security for their […]

Several pick-your-own experiences around the region to choose from. Pictured is Fenwick Berry Farm. Photo credit: Fenwick Berry Farm   Strawberry season in Niagara officially kicks off this weekend with the 38th annual Strawberry Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  The festival, which takes place on Saturday, June 17, will be held on the grounds of St. Andrew’s […]

The Pie Guys Bakery and Café (pictured) opened its new production facility at the corner of King and Minto St. six weeks ago, expanding its local footprint and helping fill a commercial vacancy on one of the city’s main thoroughfares. Photo credit: Facebook/Pie Guys   If you’ve driven down King St. in Port Colborne recently […]

Back on May 9, Mayor Mat Siscoe outlined a “laundry list” of issues St. Catharines (pictured) is dealing with in relation to homelessness, drug abuse, and violence. Photo credit: City of St. Catharines   Last month, Mayor of St. Catharines Mat Siscoe painted a bleak picture of a downtown core overrun by hard drug abuse, […]

Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli (pictured, front) set to sponsor and introduce legislation this week that will return serial killer back to maximum-security prison and keep him there for life. Baldinelli and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre announced their plan to reverse the decision to transfer Bernardo at a press conference on Sunday, June 11. […]

Staff installed warning signs in front of four school safety zones earlier this week, officially kicking off the 90-day notice period required by law to allow for automated speed enforcement. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara Region   Municipal staff were out in the field on Wednesday installing “coming soon” signs in anticipation of program launch for Niagara […]

Local MPP Sam Oosterhoff (pictured) sponsored the private members’ motion, which nabbed unanimous, all-party support earlier this week. Photo credit: Sam Oosterhoff   On Monday, June 5, Ontario lawmakers from all parties unanimously passed a private members’ motion from Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff calling for the inclusion of multi-faith chaplaincy work on the province’s […]

Niagara West MP Dean Allison (pictured), who previously served as shadow minister of international development and international trade as well as director at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, said the CCP has “inundated” many of Canada’s largest and most powerful institutions, and most Canadians aren’t even aware of the severity of the […]

Local housing prices rose another 1.3 per cent last month, with number of sales increasing 22 per cent from April to May. Photo credit: AP/Steven Senne   For the third consecutive time, home prices across Niagara ticked up last month.  According to the latest statistics from the Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR), the regional Home […]

Every Wednesday, seniors aged 60 and over get one free admission for every entry purchase at all of Niagara Parks’ attractions and heritage sites. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   Along with National Indigenous History Month, Italian Heritage Month, and a bevy of other month-long observances, June represents Seniors Month in Ontario: “a time to honour […]

On Wednesday, May 31, it was announced that Niagara’s two urgent care centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne would shift from operating 24/7 to exclusively running 10:00am to 10:00pm. Pictured are mayors of Fort Erie and Port Colborne Wayne Redekop (left) and Bill Steele. Photo credit: Niagara Region   Earlier this week, Niagara Health […]

Ambassador families, sponsors, community donors, dignitaries, and staff from Niagara Children’s Centre celebrated the 2023 fundraising campaign with a water illumination at Niagara Falls Wednesday night. Photo credit: Niagara Children’s Centre   Niagara Children’s Centre is celebrating a historic fundraising campaign.   Last month, the St. Catharines-based youth rehabilitation facility raised a record-breaking $325,487 as part […]

The Solicitor General’s office charged the Niagara Falls park with three counts of failure to comply with an order on Tuesday. Photo credit: Facebook/Marineland   On Tuesday, May 30, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General laid charges against Marineland Canada for three counts of allegedly failing to comply with an order related to the care […]

Fort Erie and Port Colborne urgent care centres to switch from remaining open 24 hours a day to operating exclusively from 10:00am to 10:00pm, seven days a week. Photo credit: Google Maps   In the face of “unprecedented challenges relating to health human resources”, Niagara’s regional healthcare provider is set to halve operational hours at […]

E.S. Fox and Aecon revealed a new teaming agreement at the former’s Port Robinson facility on Tuesday, May 30. Pictured from left to right are E.S. Fox VP of Business Development Frank Pepers, Minister of Energy Todd Smith, Ontario Power Generation Chief Supply Officer Karen Fritz, Aecon VP Greg Thede, and E.S. Fox President Spencer […]

Trustees voted 5-2 to uphold a by-law that prevented board members from discussing the policy change at its May 23 meeting. The motion will be reviewed at the board’s June 20 meeting. Photo credit: Twitter/WRDSB   A pair of Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) trustees recently tried to discuss development of a policy that […]

Business Link hosted its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards in Niagara Falls on May 25. Pictured (left) is Fort Erie’s Katie Clarkson of R2G Construction, one of last week’s 40 winners from across Niagara. Photo credit: Business Link Media Group   Last Thursday, May 25, Business Link Media Group hosted its 20th annual 40 […]

Niagara’s regional government finished tied for 20 out of 32 municipalities assessed by the C.D. Howe Institute. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   When it comes to fiscal accountability, the Niagara Region is one of the country’s poorest performing municipalities, new analysis from leading think tank C.D. Howe Institute suggests. In its annual study on […]

Mass retirements and more building projects means there will be tens of thousands of good-paying jobs available over the coming decade and beyond. Photo credit: Niagara College   As the demand for new infrastructure increases, technology advances at an unprecedented rate, and the baby boomers retire in droves, the need for skilled trades people is […]

Deputy Chief of Diagnostic Imaging Dr. Amit Mehta. Photo credit: Niagara Health   As part of its ongoing efforts to improve patient care and outcomes via implementation of an integrated, fully digital information system, Niagara Health has launched a new diagnostic imaging platform.  The software system, called Sectra Enterprise Imaging Solutions, allows healthcare providers in […]

Despite protests and uncertainty surrounding the park’s future, site officials purportedly saw massive year-over-year increase in opening weekend attendance. Photo credit: Marineland   Despite a crowd of “100 or so” protestors outside its park entrance in Niagara Falls on Saturday, Marineland said it had a “successful” opening weekend to kick off the 2023 tourist season.  […]

Alongside local MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Minister Michael Kerzner met with firefighters and law enforcement in Niagara Falls on Tuesday. Photo credit: Twitter/Michael Kerzner   Minister Michael Kerzner, the province’s Solicitor General, met with some of Niagara’s finest on a trip to the region Tuesday.  Hosted by Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Kerzner, whose ministry oversees […]

The premier made the remarks in response to a reporter’s question in St. Catharines on Friday last week. Niagara currently has 126 elected officials for a population of just 485,000. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   In a tandem announcement last week, the Ontario government revealed both that it will dissolve the Region of Peel by […]

High-quality employers know how to attract the best people and keep them feeling fulfilled throughout their tenure, all while driving growth and success for the entire enterprise. Selecting talent and helping ensure job satisfaction are, in large part, the role of an organization’s human resources team. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons   In terms of hiring, […]

Applied Modern System Integration Inc. manufactures modular electrical houses, switchgear, protection and control cabinets, portable substations, and more. The company’s new facility will be located in the Town of Lincoln’s industrial park, pictured here just south of the QEW. Photo credit: Google Maps   St. Catharines-based manufacturer Applied Modern System Integration Inc. (AMSI) is moving […]

In St. Catharines on Friday, Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney, Associate Minister of Transportation Stan Cho, and other government officials announced that starting this weekend there will be three GO train roundtrips to and from Niagara every day of the week year-round. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   Just in time for […]

Letter comes only weeks after province significantly increased annual support and committed $62,314,200 over next three years to help address homelessness in Niagara. Pictured are co-signatories NDP MPP for St. Catharines Jennie Stevens (left) and Ward 4 city councillors Robin McPherson (top right) and Caleb Ratzlaff. Photo credit: Facebook/Jennie Stevens and City of St. Catharines […]

From fireworks in Niagara Falls and Welland to a festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, there’s something for everyone. Several heritage sites and tourist attractions open for the season this weekend as well, including Niagara Parks’ Old Fort Erie (pictured) and Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm in St. Catharines. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   The Victoria Day long weekend […]

Ontario government set to name facilitator who will review whether Niagara Region ‘continues to be relevant’ and if its 12 lower-tier municipalities ‘are mature enough to pursue dissolution.’ Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   It’s official: come Jan. 1, 2025 the Region of Peel will be no more and it’s three constituent communities of Mississauga, […]

Head Distiller David Dickson (left) and Assistant Distiller Ian Bickle hold up the college’s award-winning craft spirits. Photo credit: Niagara College   Niagara College’s School of Wine, Beer and Spirits continues to haul in the hardware for its high-quality, innovative creations in the alcohol sphere.  In its latest impressive showing on the international stage, the […]

Riders not paying their transit fare is a growing issue around Ontario. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons   In an effort to reduce fare evasion across its network, Niagara Region Transit (NRT) is undertaking a regionwide proof-of-payment blitz. Agency officials started checking passengers’ NRT fare cards, student cards, prepaid fares, paper tickets, mobile tickets, and transfers […]

Second year in a row Jordan Station’s Restaurant Pearl Morissette has finished in the top five of Canada’s 100 Best annual restaurant ranking. Only Niagara eatery to make the list. Photo credit: Canada’s 100 Best/Sarah Annand   Local residents looking to try one of the top restaurants in Canada this year don’t have to travel […]

Students, staff, and faculty from Niagara College in front of the newly installed doors at the Welland Museum. The doors mimic the original set that would have secured the building’s entrance in 1923. Photo credit: Niagara College   The elaborate, time-consuming architecture of the past sometimes seems like a lost art in today’s fast paced […]

Commissioner Bruce Zvaniga (pictured, left) set to leave next month. CAO Ron Tripp (right) putting forward former colleague from St. Catharines Dan Carnegie to ‘temporarily’ fill role. Photo credit: Niagara Region   The Region’s current Commissioner of Public Works Bruce Zvaniga is leaving his $216,000-salary post for another municipality.  According to sources familiar with the […]

New facility located at 118 Main Street East in Grimsby. Photo credit: Strive Niagara   Strive Niagara, a local learning support organization for young families, opened the doors to its new Margaret Jarrell Centre last Thursday, May 11. Tracy Belcastro currently serves as Executive Director for Strive Niagara.  “The Margaret Jarrell Centre is one of […]

Program graduates at the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre in St. Catharines. Supplied photo.   Last year, the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre (NFAMC) debuted the Healthcare Navigator Training Program for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs). The program consisted of trained professionals supporting newcomers when they accessed Ontario’s healthcare system and sought to help integrate […]

Encampment in Centennial Gardens off Gale Crescent near downtown St. Catharines. Image from July 2021. Photo credit: Julia McLaren    Downtown St. Catharines has become a hellscape of hard drug use, public defecation, and intercourse in open view, according to the city’s mayor.  Speaking at Niagara Region’s public health and social services committee on Tuesday, […]

Due to excess bacterial pollution, the water quality at Queen’s Royal Beach in Niagara-on-the-Lake (pictured) was designated “impaired” and unsafe for swimming in 1993. Photo credit: NPCA    It turns out that the Canadian side of the Niagara River didn’t need an ultra-stringent environmental designation that subjects local authorities to the whims of international regulators […]

Recent report from Point2 analyzed happiness in communities around Canada. Niagara’s three most populated municipalities all ended up in the bottom fifth of the country’s 100 largest cities. Pictured is St. Catharines, which ranked 87. Photo credit: Flickr/Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing   A new study suggests Niagara’s Big Three municipalities are among some of […]

Currently, six sites, including the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre (pictured), are participating in the October 21 event. This year’s theme centres around Ontario’s culinary and agricultural heritage. Photo credit: Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre   Late last month, the annual Doors Open Ontario campaign began its 2023 season to celebrate the architectural, cultural, and natural heritage […]

Pictured is the International Railroad Bridge that connects Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. Three individuals were caught by U.S. officials on the bridge trying to illegally enter the U.S. last Thursday. According to U.S. Border Patrol, agents have captured 24 non-citizens in the last 60 days trying to enter the country in the […]

April was the first month in over a year in which housing prices rose in every municipality within the Niagara Association of Realtors market area. Photo credit: The Globe and Mail/Matthew Sherwood   Homes in Niagara are once again starting to sell for more, more quickly. After rising for the first time in exactly a […]

It’s the largest gift ever given to the Niagara Health Foundation. Pictured left to right at a celebration event at Two Sisters Vineyards last Thursday are Benny Marotta, Louise Marotta, Simona Marotta, Angela Marotta, Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, Giuseppe Paolicelli, and Chiara Marotta. Photo credit: Niagara Health Foundation   As residents, officials, and stakeholders of every kind […]

Held every other year, the Niagara Home Builders’ Association (NHBA) hosted its 2023 Awards of Excellence gala at Club Roma in St. Catharines on April 14. Pictured is the team at Mountain Building Group. Photo credit: Mountainview   The Niagara Home Builders’ Association (NHBA) held its biannual Awards of Excellence gala in St. Catharines last […]

Events taking place in Port Colborne, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Thorold. For most Canadians, it’s the first royal coronation of their lifetime. Pictured is the Roselawn Mansion in Port Colborne, which will be hosting a celebratory high tea on Sunday, May 7. Photo credit: Facebook/Friends of Roselawn Centre   Spring is a time of […]

The South Niagara Chambers of Commerce is excitedly preparing for the return of its blockbuster networking conference and tradeshow later this month at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre (pictured). New this year is a series of sector specific roundtables. The event, held annually prior to the pandemic, last took place in 2019. Photo credit: Niagara […]

Warren Hoshizaki (pictured, right) spent almost half of his over 40-year career in education leading Niagara’s public school board. Photo credit: Twitter/DSBN   After nearly two decades at the helm of the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN), Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki is calling it a career at the end of this calendar year.   […]

Region selects current associate medical officer of health Dr. Azim Kasmani (pictured) to lead Niagara’s public health efforts moving forward. Photo credit: Niagara Region   After an epic year and a half-long recruitment process, Niagara Region has finally landed a permanent medical officer of health and commissioner of Public Health and Emergency Services. And while […]

Students and faculty no longer have to wear masks in instructional settings on campus. Photo credit: Brock University   In a move that brings it in line with the vast majority of post-secondary institutions across North America, Brock University has finally dropped its on-campus masking mandate.  As of Monday, April 24, Brock students, faculty, and […]

The 68-kilometre infrastructure project, finished in December, brings broadband access to nearly 700 homes and businesses in south Pelham. SWIFT (Southwest Integrated Fibre Technology) is a non-profit municipally-led broadband expansion project created to improve internet connectivity in underserved communities and rural areas across Southwestern Ontario.    Only weeks after the Town of Lincoln secured a […]

The consortium alleges Woodbine has worked to monopolize the horse racing industry in Ontario and believes the Toronto track has intentionally exacerbated tensions with Fort Erie and its partners. Photo credit: Facebook/Fort Erie Race Track   Attempts to resolve a long-standing dispute between Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium (FELRC) and Woodbine Entertainment regarding the shipping […]

The hike is just the latest in a long line of price increases related to waste management in Niagara from recent years. Photo credit: Town of Pelham   In October 2020, Niagara Region started collecting residents’ garbage every other week instead of once a week.   The move to bi-weekly pickup was originally touted as a […]

The town will receive between six to 10 Level 2 charging stations through a program launched in partnership between Aviva and Earth Day Canada.    In a media release earlier this week, insurance provider Aviva Canada announced that the Town of Pelham is one of the first seven communities that will receive Level 2 EV […]

Breakwall damage along the Niagara River in Fort Erie. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   A number of unusually strong storms have wreaked havoc on Niagara Peninsula’s south shore in recent years, including the Christmas-cancelling blizzard that pounded Fort Erie, Port Colborne, and Wainfleet this past December. All that ice, water, and wind has taken its […]

Monitored by a “nurse navigator”, the app allows patients to give and receive real-time feedback on their post-surgical outcomes without the need for an appointment or hospital visit. Photo credit: Facebook/SeamlessMD   Only months after Niagara Health announced its plan to replace all of its paper-based records and outdated electronic processes with a more modern, […]

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNFC) is set to launch its first two programs in data analytics and management in January 2024. Pictured are Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati (front-right), city councillors, and representatives from UNFC (including Cyndi McLeod, front-left) at a community social event hosted by WeinLokal this past Saturday, April 15, […]

Concept illustration of the Niagara Hydrogen Centre. According to Atura, construction of the new facility on the Niagara River will generate an estimated $67 million of GDP, $31 million of labour income, and $4 million of tax revenues at the provincial level, plus tens of millions more over its 30-year operating life. Photo credit: Atura […]

The increased funding from the Ford government amounts to $62,314,200 over three years. Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff (pictured, centre) made the announcement alongside Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati (right) and Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley (front-left) earlier this week. Photo credit: Sam Oosterhoff   The Niagara Region will receive an additional yearly $20,771,400 […]

Canada’s minister responsible for trade and economic development Mary Ng (pictured, left, at Ravine Vineyard) was in town last Thursday to tout the federal government’s recent budget. Photo credit: Twitter/Mary Ng   Mary Ng, federal Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, visited Niagara on Thursday, April 6. Alongside fellow Liberal […]

It will be two decades before Canada sees another total solar eclipse, and no less than 82 years before Ontario experiences the phenomenon again. Multiple reasons, including the lengthy duration of totality on the peninsula, will likely coalesce to attract countless spectators to Niagara. Photo credit: AccuWeather/McKinley Museum   In almost exactly one year’s time, […]

The Parochial Vicar at Niagara Falls’ Our Lady of the Scapular Church shares his thoughts on the holiest time of the year for Christians and provides some practical ways in which the faithful can participate and find peace this weekend. Photo credit: Facebook/Our Lady of the Scapular Church   As Holy Week culminates this weekend […]

The local monthly HPI benchmark price increased more than two percentage points in March, following several months of deceleration in decreases. In January and February, prices effectively flatlined, decreasing a mere 0.4 and 0.25 per cent. Photo credit: Bloomberg/Cole Burston   For the first time in exactly one year, local housing prices in Niagara went […]

 Interior concept illustration of the new Niagara Falls hospital. Photo credit: Niagara Health    Only a few months away from construction start, the South Niagara Hospital project has received yet another major private-sector donation. On Thursday, April 6, the Niagara Health Foundation announced that renowned philanthropist and business mogul Jim Pattison has pledged $5 million […]

The initiative now just needs full council approval. Installation of the new technology is part of Niagara Region’s broader Vision Zero traffic strategy and could come as soon as September. Pictured is a red light camera warning sign in Sudbury. Photo credit: CBC/Jonathan Migneault   After a “wholesome discussion” on the matter Tuesday morning, members […]

Pictured from left to right are Bench Brewing president and founder Matt Giffen, Niagara Cider Company co-founder Rich Houghton, Bench director of brewing and beverage operations Kaitlin Vandenbosch, and Niagara Cider co-founder Matt Dixon. Photo credit: Facebook/Bench Brewing   Two of the region’s most popular (non-wine) adult beverage makers are joining forces.  In a social […]

MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff (left) tours the labs at Niagara College’s Rankin Technology Centre in Welland on Friday, March 31, 2023. MPP Oosterhoff is pictured alongside Mechanical Engineering Technology professor and program coordinator Rick Baldin. Photo credit: Niagara College   The provincial government is investing in critical teaching technology at Niagara’s two postsecondary […]

Last December, Niagara Region’s wastewater facility in Crystal Beach failed, resulting in 30 million litres of raw sewage dumping into Lake Erie. The public was not informed. Regional Council was not informed. Pictured is the Crystal Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant. Photo credit: Google Maps   The Region of Niagara is responsible for treating wastewater prior […]

Photo credit: Brock University    If you want to study the science, practice, and administration of sports in Canada, or indeed the wider world, Niagara’s Brock University is one of the best places to do so. For the third year in a row, Brock finished in the top 100 universities globally for “Sports-Related” subjects – […]

Each year, Niagara growers employ thousands of migrant workers to help fill the significant labour gaps in the local agricultural sector. The Foreign Agricultural Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.) program connects seasonal workers with local producers. Photo credit: F.A.R.M.S.   As spring arrives and the days become longer and the temperatures slowly begin to rise, the […]

Niagara’s Chief of Police Bryan MacCulloch earned over $675,000 in 2022 after receiving an early retirement payout following 35 years of service. Other big earners from the region were Niagara Health head Lynn Guerriero and Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mustafa Hirji. Photo credit: NRPS   Cloaked by the budget it released the day […]

Mayor of Port Colborne Bill Steele (left) presents Captain Michael Rodaway (centre) with the 2023 ceremonial top hat. Captain Rodaway’s ship, the Florence Spirit, was the first downward vessel of the 65th navigation season to pass through the Welland Canal on Wednesday, March 22. Photo credit: Facebook/City of Port Colborne   At its annual top […]

Game Development graduate (2019) Andres Coimbra Castedo worked on Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which won the 2023 Oscar for Animated Feature Film. Photo credit: Niagara College and Netflix   The work of Chippawa’s-own James Cameron was once again on display at the Oscar’s earlier this month, with Avatar: The Way of Water picking up four […]

Niagara’s largest non-governmental supporter of social services raised in excess of $5,000,000 in 2022. Photo credit: United Way Niagara   United Way Niagara has set a new annual fundraising record.  In 2022, the local charity raised an incredible $5,270,000, up 11 per cent from 2021 and its largest yearly sum yet. The organization celebrated the […]

The first cruise of the year set sail last week. The iconic boat tour at the base of the Falls typically holds its inaugural excursion in April or May. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara City Cruises   While Monday was the official first day of spring, Niagara City Cruises welcomed the new season even earlier. Mory DiMaurizio […]

Provincial legislation allows a municipality to appoint an independent Auditor General. The Auditor General is responsible for holding administrators accountable for the quality of stewardship over public funds and for the achievement of value for money in municipal operations. Hamilton has one, Niagara does not. Pictured is the Burgoyne Bridge in St. Catharines – the […]

With all pandemic restrictions at the border now lifted and international travel continuing to increase, the Niagara Parks is expecting a stellar 2023 tourist season – and the organization needs help from the community to make it a success. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   It may only be March but plans for summer 2023 are […]

The near-$300,000 in funding will allow residents with complex medical needs receive appropriate care where they live, instead of at a hospital. Pictured left to right are Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra, Mayor of Grimsby Jeff Jordan, and Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. Photo credit: Twitter/Sam Oosterhoff   Speaking at Deer Park Villa long-term […]

Pelham contributed two festivals to this year’s list. Photo credit: Pelham Summerfest   Last week in Niagara Falls, Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) held its annual conference celebrating the work of organizers and municipalities around the province that hosted a wide range of live entertainment and activities this past year.   Held at the Marriott on […]

Niagara Falls has taken in over 4,300 illegal border crossers since the federal government started transferring people from Quebec to Ontario last June. Having rose well above the initial 87 asked for in the summer, migrants now occupy over 2,000 of the city’s hotel rooms. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons   Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim […]

 John McCall MacBain (pictured) grew up in Niagara Falls. Over the years, his family and foundation have given millions to a variety of projects and initiatives around the city. Photo credit: Niagara Health Foundation   The South Niagara Hospital project has received yet another major donation. On Thursday, March 9, the Niagara Health Foundation revealed that John […]

Current chair of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee, Diana Huson (pictured) was first elected Regional Councillor for Pelham in 2018. Photo credit: Niagara Region   As spring approaches, many initiatives will be picking up speed in Niagara’s regional government. Diana Huson serves as the Regional Councillor for Pelham.  “The first big objective we’ve […]

Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg   For the second month in a row, the month-over-month decrease in local housing prices continued its halt to near zero, as the Housing Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark for the Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) catchment area fell a negligible 0.25 per cent from $629,100 in January to […]

The 2023 budget includes adding approximately $36 million to regional reserves. With families struggling to make mortgage payments and put food on the table, it appears that Regional Council would rather have money in its government bank accounts rather than in the bank accounts of residents and local businesses. Pictured is Niagara Regional Council Chair […]

The funds will help Stanpac purchase new equipment to make more sustainable food packaging, like its new paper-based bulk ice cream container. Photo credit: Facebook/Stanpac   On Monday, government officials were on hand in West Niagara to announce a $5 million investment in local manufacturer Stanpac.  The money, sourced from the FedDev Ontario fund, will […]

This isn’t the first time Democratic representative for New York’s 26th congressional district Brian Higgins has criticized the Trudeau government’s policies. Photo credit: Facebook/Brian Higgins   Few American politicians were as critical of Justin Trudeau’s “draconian” COVID travel policies as Democratic Congressman for Buffalo and Niagara Falls Brian Higgins.  Throughout the pandemic, Higgins, who co-chairs […]

At present, there are thousands of asylum claimants occupying some 2,000 hotel rooms in Niagara Falls. The migrants crossed into Canada from the U.S. via Quebec’s Roxham Road (pictured). Photo credit: Global News   As winter drags on, the migration crisis facing Canadian border communities is intensifying. Niagara is no exception. “Our local service organizations […]

The multibillion-dollar Niagara Falls facility will be one of the single largest design, build, finance, and maintain investments for a new healthcare project in provincial history. Artist rendering of the new hospital’s ‘Oakes Family’ main entrance. Photo credit: Niagara Health   Niagara residents south of St. Catharines are one step closer to finally realizing a […]

As initially proposed back in August 2022, Fort Erie would exit the current riding of Niagara Falls, while the newly formed district of ‘Niagara South’ would become the peninsula’s most populous riding. Photo credit: Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario   Back in August 2022, the three-member Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario proposed a number of […]

The withdrawal ends a yearslong legal saga with developer Benny Marotta. Pictured is the entrance to the Randwood Estate property on John St. East in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Photo credit: Google Maps    After over four years, untold energy and resources, and thousands of tax dollars wasted, it appears an ongoing legal saga between the Town-of-the-Lake and […]

The regionwide transit service launched on Jan. 1, 2023. Carla Stout heads up the commission in charge of making sure the new system runs smoothly. Photo credit: CPTDB Wiki   After several decades of planning, designing, and securing long-term investment, the newly amalgamated Niagara Region Transit system is up and running.  Carla Stout is the […]

  At a time when just about everything costs more and people are already holding on by a thread.   Get ready for your 2023 double-digit property tax bill. As recommended by regional staff last week, and approved by the budget review committee Thursday night, the 2023 property tax bill will be one of the […]

Seat vacated following now-Mayor of Hamilton Andrea Horwath’s re-entry into municipal politics. Veteran police sergeant Pete Wiesner (left), representing the Ontario PCs, takes on NDP candidate and well-known anti-police activist Sarah Jama (right). Photo credit: Ontario PC Party and Facebook/Sarah Jama   The Ontario Government has officially announced the date of the Hamilton Centre provincial […]

Brock University Kinesiology graduate student Carl Alano and his thesis supervisor, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Shawn Beaudette (standing), review video data being used to develop a telehealth screening tool for diagnosing back pain. Photo credit: Brock University    Whether acute or chronic, many adult Canadians have experienced lower back pain at some point in their […]

Wet, cold weather to blame for quanity issue, but quality said to be ‘exceptional’. Low supply should mean increased demand for 2022 vintage in years ahead. Photo credit: VQA Ontario   According to VQA Ontario’s latest Vintage Report, 2022 was a bad year for the province’s grape yields, and thus a bad year for Niagara […]

Niagara College culinary instructor Olaf Mertens accepts an Award of Excellence from Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop on Feb. 6, 2023. Photo credit: Niagara College   Niagara College continues to have an outsized positive impact on the Niagara community and beyond.  Earlier this week, college faculty and staff were presented with Minister’s Awards […]

Members of the collaborative team changing over foam mattresses and stretcher pads to gel alternatives at all five Niagara Health sites. Photo credit: Niagara Health   It may seem like a small change, but it will no doubt make a big difference in the lives of many –if even for a short while.   As announced […]

Prices actually slightly increased in six of the Niagara Association of Realtors’ 10 market areas. Only Fort Erie and Port Colborne/Wainfleet saw sizeable month-over-month reductions in property value. Photo credit: CBC/Francis Ferland   Though Niagara’s housing market finished off 2022 on an overall low-note, statistics from the first month of 2023 may indicate prices have […]

The new facility on Garrison Road will replace the Gilmore Road home and double its capacity to 160 long-term care beds. The three-storey facility will be situated close to Albany Street, providing sight lines to Lake Erie. Photo credit: Niagara Region   A central component of the Niagara regional long-term care system is on the […]

Two-term Niagara Regional Councillor David Barrick served as CAO of the City of Brampton from 2019 until his termination in February 2022. He was accused of contravening municipal policies and procedures. Multiple “independent third party investigations” recently cleared Barrick of any wrongdoing.    Earlier this week, former Deputy Mayor of Port Colborne, two-term Niagara Regional […]

Soberlicious launched in 2021. Currently online-based, the store plans to open a brick-and-mortar shopfront on Dominion Road in Fort Erie for the summer tourist season.   In 2016, the Canadian Cancer Society launched Dry Feb, a fundraiser that challenges Canadians to go alcohol-free during the month of February. The purpose of the 28-day dry-out is two-fold: to […]

The 5.7 per cent bump from 2022 will allow an already-stretched service to hire and retain members, invest in mental health support, and contend with rising costs of operational necessities like fuel. Photo credit: Twitter/Bryan MacCulloch   Despite continued calls to “defund the police” across North America, and the recent efforts of local activist groups, […]

One of the myriad measures that make a quality post-secondary institution is adequate research funding to help students and faculty inquire, innovate, explore and, ultimately, make a difference in the wider world. Pictured lab tech Brock Husak sets up a Fortus 900 3D print machine for an industry partner at Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing […]

Niagara’s lone PC Party MPP – pictured, left, alongside Grimsby mayor Jeff Jordan – talks health care, housing, and Greenbelt. Photo credit: Facebook/Sam Oosterhoff   Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Niagara West, is preparing for a significant year at Queen’s Park. “I believe this will be a big year for this government, […]

In an integrity commissioner application filed earlier this month, a lobbyist for the Niagara tourist attraction listed sale of the park and zoning changes to allow for development as items he intends to talk to the provincial government about. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Tara Walton   What was only rumour for the last few years […]

Last Friday, Niagara Health and local NDP MPP Jeff Burch both posted threads to social media regarding the present and long-term fate of Welland hospital, as well as if proper information about the site has been circulated to date. Photo credit: Google Maps   Niagara Health and NDP MPP for Niagara Centre Jeff Burch appear […]

 According to the most recent monthly report from Rentals.ca, rent went up 10.9 per cent across the country last year. However, in relative terms, St. Catharines maintained the 13th cheapest rent of 35 medium to large-size Canadian cities in December 2022. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick    Hot off a recent study that suggested […]

Located in Fort Erie, Ray Rosettani is a long-time veteran of the real estate industry. Photo credit: Facebook/Ray Rosettani    Canadian real estate has seen rapid changes and sharp turns over the past several years. The pandemic, inflation and broader market instabilities have contributed to price and inventory numbers that many home buyers and sellers […]

Winners will be announced during Home Building Week next month. Mountainview Building Group earned two nominations for the Penthouse Suite at its Port Dalhousie “The Beaches” development (pictured). Photo credit: Quartek Group Earlier this month, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) released its list of finalists for the 2023 National Awards for Housing Excellence. According to […]

In a seemingly desperate attempt to thwart pending provincial legislation aimed at building more homes, at the last Board of Directors meeting of the previous term’s tenure, the NPCA pre-approved a 17 per cent increase to the 2023 budget and tripled some of their permit fees. Pictured is NPCA headquarters at 250 Thorold Rd. in […]

Last Thursday, a St. Catharines court heard how the Niagara Falls girl and her older sister consumed several of their mother’s cannabis-infused edibles, thinking they were candy. Their story of severe sickness is only one of hundreds from across Canada since the legalization of recreational cannabis. Photo credit: CBC   Children across Canada, including here […]

 Over the next few years, the government will allow more procedures to occur in private community facilities. Local Opposition MPPs accused the premier of deliberately underfunding public healthcare in order to privatize Ontario’s system. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford In an effort to eliminate surgical backlogs and reduce wait times, the provincial government announced on Monday […]

Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey (centre-left) and Minister of Official Languages Ginette Petitpas Taylor (centre-right) were in Welland on Tuesday, January 10 to announce the funding. Photo credit: Twitter/Ginette Petitpas Taylor   The Government of Canada is providing Foyer Richelieu Welland, a Francophone long-term care facility in central Niagara, an additional $2.7 million in support to […]

Federal and municipal officials were in town Wednesday for the announcement. Pictured (front) is Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra. Pictured in back from left to right are president and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation Terence Bowles, Mayor of Port Colborne Bill Steele, and Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey. Photo credit: Twitter/Omar Alghabra […]

The team of 16 Goodman School of Business MBA students fended off powerhouse teams from York, McMaster, and a dozen other universities to take home the Queen’s Cup for the first time since the competition started in 1988. Photo credit: Brock University   It’s a time-honoured tradition among Canadian business schools: the annual MBA Games.  […]

A recent report from Point2 indicates Niagara’s most populous municipality is one of the province’s, and country’s, cheapest places to own or rent. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons St. Catharines remains one of the most affordable cities in Canada to maintain housing, according to yet another third-party report.  A recent study by Saskatoon-based online real estate […]

The program will leverage community supports, ensuring individuals receive the appropriate care they need outside of a hospital setting.    It’s been the story of the last few years: hospitals struggling to stay afloat operating at or, more often than not, above capacity.  Emergency departments are overwhelmed, and there simply aren’t enough inpatient beds to […]

When the small lakefront community was previously slammed by a destructive storm on Halloween in 2019, the municipality successfully secured $7.4 million in disaster recovery funding from the Ford government. Photo credit: Facebook/Town of Fort Erie   The true extent of the damage done by the massive blizzard that tore across Niagara’s south coast in […]

The town’s long-time head of council said the storm that ripped across Niagara’s south coast in the days before Christmas – encasing some lakefront homes in solid ice – was the worst weather event the municipality’s seen since 1977. Photo credit: Twitter/Nick Iwanyshyn   When an extratropical cyclone took more than half of North America […]

The local Housing Price Index composite benchmark has dropped an overall 23.5 per cent from peak in March 2022. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Graeme Roy   After making historic gains throughout the latter half of the pandemic, Niagara’s housing market has collapsed back down to early 2021 levels. On Tuesday, the Niagara Association of Realtors […]

TPH Academy currently has campuses across the U.S. from Phoenix to Fort Lauderdale. The company’s new Niagara branch will operate out of Port Colborne’s Vale Health and Wellness Centre (pictured).   One of North America’s top dual athletic-academic sports development programs is coming to Niagara. This spring, U.S.-based TPH Academy is expanding operations in Canada […]

Events take place all across the region during the last three weekends of January. Photo credit: CNW Group/Wine Marketing Association of Ontario   Niagara’s Icewine Festival is back in full force for the first time in three years.  Marketed as the largest icewine festival in the world, the 2023 celebration will take place over three […]

Local pharmacy owner Sean Simpson (pictured, left) said the provincial government’s recent move to provide pharmacists the ability to prescribe medication for 13 common ailments represents a “big change” that will positively impact healthcare in Ontario. Photo credit: Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy    As of January 1, 2023, Ontario pharmacists are now able to prescribe […]

 Despite all Covid restrictions being fully lifted, why did Canada’s top leisure tourism destination have such a humdrum holiday season? Photo credit: Niagara Falls Tourism   Music and Niagara Falls on New Year’s Eve had at one time been synonymous. For many years, the City of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Commission and local tourism […]

Some residents were without power for a full week after a once-in-a-generation blizzard ripped through Niagara’s south coast last Friday and Saturday. Photo credit: Canadian Niagara Power   It’s been a long week without power for many residents of Fort Erie and Port Colborne, but the tireless efforts of hydro crews across the region have […]

Pictured NRPS, OPP, and Niagara Parks Police officers take part in a joint spot check operation in Niagara Falls the night of December 3, 2022. In all, over 2,500 cars in six Niagara communities were stopped across four nights this past month. Only one driver was arrested for registering a Blood Alcohol Concentration above 0.08. […]

Wind gusts topped 120km/h in certain areas. Driving was virtually impossible in Fort Erie and Port Colborne for much of Friday and Saturday. Pictured is a Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) cruiser that slid off the road in Fort Erie, Dec. 24, 2022. Photo credit: Twitter/NRPS   While perhaps not quite as destructive and widespread, […]

After only three years on the job, associate vice-president of advancement and external relations Gord Arbeau is leaving the St. Catharines university to become vice-president of advancement at Niagara College. He’s not the first top administrator in recent years to leave the large research university to take up effectively the same position at an applied […]

Josh Graham of Virgil’s Silversmith Brewing and Ken Woods of Etobicoke’s Black Oak Brewing share a beer. The two craft breweries recently joined forces under ownership of Silversmith. Photo credit: Silversmith   One of Niagara’s most iconic craft breweries is expanding its business. Virgil’s Silversmith Brewing, located in an 1890s church on Niagara Stone Road […]

Santos is the senior pastor at Redeemer Bible Church in Niagara Falls.    This past year has brought with it no shortage of change, much of which has made a weary Canadian population even more uneasy. As 2022 concludes, however, many holiday traditions are returning for the first time since 2019.  Reverend Carl Santos serves […]

Project Plaid raised over $143,000 for youth mental health. This year’s campaign received support from several local organizations, including the Niagara IceDogs, who once again hosted ‘Plaid Night’ to help raise funds. Photo credit: Facebook/Meridian Credit Union   After Shanta Rangaratnam lost her 18-year-old daughter Amelia Durocher to suicide in February 2019, the St. Catharines […]

Inside the Rankin Family Pavilion. Photo credit: Brock University   Located in the Rankin Family Pavilion, Brock LINC is the centre for creativity, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship at Brock University.  Nearing its three-year anniversary since it opened, Brock LINC continues to expand and provide unique opportunities to the Niagara region. This time, to entrepreneurs with […]

Once contract details are finalized over the coming weeks, construction on the over-$1 billion project will begin. Photo credit: Niagara Health    The South Niagara Hospital project officially has a builder.  On Monday, Infrastructure Ontario and Niagara Health named EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare (EDIH) as the preferred proponent to design, build, finance, and maintain the brand-new […]

The industrial hub along the Welland Canal now boasts 400 acres of land and over 1 million square feet of indoor space. Photo credit: HOPA Ports   Just days after one of its tenants received a joint-investment from the provincial and federal governments to the tune of $11.3 million, it was announced the Thorold Multimodal […]

Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant (pictured) was one of four Niagara establishments named to OpenTable’s top 100 list for 2022. Photo credit: Facebook/Vineland Estates Winery    Earlier this month, online restaurant review and reservation website OpenTable released its 2022 list of Canada’s 100 “most beloved” restaurants, based on more than one million ratings.  The website analyzed […]

CHAR Technologies’ first-of-its-kind Thorold facility will convert bark, shavings, and sawdust – largely viewed as waste in the forestry sector – into 10,000 tonnes of biocarbon fuel per year. Pictured from left are CHAR Technologies CEO Andrew White, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Graydon Smith, and MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff, Dec. […]

Lynn Guerriero, president and CEO of Niagara Health, signs a 10-year agreement with healthcare information system technology-provider Oracle Cerner. Photo credit: Niagara Health   If one walks into a Niagara hospital today, he or she may experience a triage nurse fumbling about with paper-based forms or repeating questions one would think, given how many times […]

Premier Doug Ford with E.S. Fox employees announcing the start of early work on Canada’s first grid-scale small modular reactor at the Darlington nuclear site, Dec. 2, 2022. Niagara-based E.S. Fox is building the necessary infrastructure to prepare the site for deployment. Photo credit: OPG   A Niagara-based company is literally laying the groundwork for […]

Though prices have now dropped a consecutive eight months in a row, October and November 2022 both saw decreases markedly tamer than the several months prior. Of note, only 335 housing units changed hands last month. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Evan Buhler   With the Bank of Canada’s quixotic journey to bring inflation back down […]

St. Catharines regional councillor Laura Ip (pictured) is one of three regional representatives who will sit on the seven-member board for the next four years. Photo credit: Niagara Region   At Niagara Regional Council’s December 1 meeting, members selected representatives to serve on a number of local agencies, boards, commissions, and committees for the new […]

Four-term mayor (pictured) eyes ‘grand reopening ceremony’ for North America in Niagara Falls this spring. Photo credit: Facebook/Jim Diodati   Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati is exhilarated to begin his fourth term, following a landslide victory in October’s municipal elections.  “Sometimes I’m almost pinching myself when I think about all the amazing things that are […]

According to the recently released value-for-money audit, when it came to selecting a new entity to run the region’s two casinos a few years back, the OLG chose the casino operator for Niagara that proposed the least amount of capital investment and “brought less economic and financial benefit to the province than if OLG had […]

One the strategy’s stated objectives is to increase both the consumption and production of food grown and prepared in Ontario by 30 per cent over the next 10 years – good news for a region that relies on food production as a major source of jobs and is a large contributor to local GDP. Photo […]

The municipal administrator previously served as CAO for Niagara Region and the Town of Fort Erie. Pictured is Grimsby town hall. Photo credit: Town of Grimsby   The Town of Grimsby and its top bureaucrat have agreed to part ways.  In an announcement Thursday, Grimsby revealed that as of Dec. 5, 2022, Harry Schlange will […]

The new high school (pictured), which was originally supposed to open in September 2022 but was delayed due to the pandemic, will amalgamate and retire Grimsby Secondary School and Beamsville District Secondary School. If all goes to plan, the school could welcome students before the end of the academic year. Photo credit: Twitter/DSBN   Families […]

It was the first time in school history two alumni were presented with the accolade in the same year. Pictured are award winners Murray Brewster and Erica Williams. The pair stand alongside school president Sean Kennedy (centre) at the Colleges Ontario Higher Education Summit awards gala in Toronto, Nov. 28, 2022. Photo credit: Niagara College  […]

Niagara Health made the annual list for the fifth-straight year. DJB was named a Top Employer for the third time in four years. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara Health    A total of eight of Niagara-based workplaces have made this year’s ‘Hamilton-Niagara Top Employers’ list.  Published annually since 2008 by Mediacorp Canada, the competition is organized by […]

Pictured from left to right are trustees Larry Huibers, Doug Joyner, Jim Marino, Paul Turner, Chair Danny Di Lorenzo, Vice-Chair Rhianon Burkholder, student trustees Steffan Zylstra (back) and Charlotte Johnstone, trustee Joe Bruzzese and trustee Natalia Benoit. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara Catholic   Niagara Catholic District School Board held its first inaugural of the 2022-2026 term […]

Executive Director of the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce Dolores Fabiano pointed to widespread labour shortages as the most significant challenge facing local employers at the moment, but said Niagara is especially good at attracting talent and uniquely positioned to succeed moving forward. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent    The pandemic, inflation, labour shortages and […]

The near-$2 million grant will be used to upgrade the police force’s Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara Regional Police Service   The Ontario government is providing the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) $1,956,419 to help combat auto theft in the region.  The NRPS will use the funding to enhance existing Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) […]

Back for the first time since 2019, the Christmas-themed locomotive will travel through neighbouring Steeltown on Tuesday, November 29. Photo credit: CP   The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train has returned for 2022 after a brief two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The train will be in Hamilton on Tuesday, November 29 from 7:30PM to […]

The twice-weekly event offers “students who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC)” free tutoring, tailored resources, and snacks in an exclusive study space. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   As first reported by the Western Standard and True North Centre last week, St. Catharines-based Brock University recently introduced a racially segregated study […]

The funds will be used to address infrastructure renewal needs, such as roofing repairs or window replacements. Pictured is Port Colborne Urgent Care Centre, one of five Niagara Health sites around the region. Niagara Health received $1.3 million in funding for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Photo credit: City of Port Colborne   The province is […]

Reappointed chair to provide “continuity and stability”, Bradley will work hand-in-hand with a provincially selected “facilitator” who will review the municipality’s two-tier governance system. Led by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark (pictured), the province wants to reduce duplication and cut red tape in order to, among other things, address the housing crisis. […]

Grade 3 and 6 DSBN students did particularly well in math, posting double-digit scores above the provincial standard at both levels. Photo credit: Pexels/Pixabay   It’s been a few years since Niagara students took the EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office) test – which was paused following the 2018-2019 academic year due to the pandemic […]

Professor and head brewmaster at Niagara College’s Teaching Brewery Jon Downing stands with the school’s two gold medal-winning creations. The Teaching Brewery was one of three local craft beer producers to take home hardware at last month’s competition, where Beamsville’s Bench Brewing landed on the overall Best-in-Show podium for its plum sour. Photo credit: Niagara […]

The annual Niagara Falls lights show is Canada’s largest outdoor illumination festival. Photo credit: Facebook/Winter Festival of Lights   The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights officially kicked off the 2022 season on Saturday. The elaborate lights show, which runs a full 101 nights until February 20, is celebrating 40 seasons of dazzling displays this […]

Before, on, and after Remembrance Day, there are myriad ways Niagara residents can make a difference in the lives of our country’s finest. Photo credit: Facebook/Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124   Remembrance Day is here again. The annual observance provides a special opportunity for Canadians to honour the sacrifice made by our armed forces, both […]

St. Catharines City Council held its final regular meeting of the 2018-2022 term on Monday. Members narrowly passed a motion to once again display the nativity scene featuring baby Jesus outside of city hall this year, following a two-year hiatus. One of the more vocal opponents of the scene’s reinstitution was outgoing councillor Karrie Porter […]

Since first taking office in 2019, Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli has been a vocal advocate for local winemakers. At a recent committee meeting, Baldinelli asked Minister of International Trade Mary Ng if the Liberal government will continue to share revenue from the government’s newly reimposed excise tax on wine with producers into the future. […]

The local Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark dipped 1.3 per cent between September and October. Photo credit: HouseLogic/Liz Foreman   As the Bank of Canada continues on its campaign to crash the Canadian economy by aggressively raising interest rates in order to bring inflation back down into its arbitrary target range, local housing prices once […]

Last term’s head of council Jim Bradley only confirmed candidate to date, with several hopefuls speculated. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   While all seems quiet on the municipal front, there is currently a lot of noise going on behind-the-scenes amongst newly elected regional councillors.  In less than three weeks, Niagara Regional Council will internally […]

While the current season is now well underway, the club is always accepting new members of every size and skill level. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara Falls Curling Club   After three disrupted seasons, Sean Ford, manager of the Niagara Falls Curling Club, believes brighter days are ahead.  “We have seen a significant uptick in numbers”, said […]

Local developer Rainer Hummel (pictured) launched a lawsuit against the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake after the municipality froze all development across a large swathe of the community for the better part of two years. A lower court judge dismissed Hummel’s suit in 2021. However, in a historic ruling last week, Ontario’s Court of Appeal summarily rejected […]

 Win or lose, Niagara residents appear to be on the hook for sizable sum. Pictured is former Regional Chair Alan Caslin.    The Region of Niagara is suing former Regional Chair Alan Caslin for ‘public malfeasance’ related to the 2016 hiring of Carmen D’Angelo as CAO; a conclusion, to note, not reached by either the […]

On average, only 33.5 per cent of eligible voters showed up to the polls across Niagara’s 12 respective municipalities for this year’s municipal elections, down 8.7 per cent from 2018. As they did four years ago, St. Catharines, Thorold, and Welland led the pack in terms of lowest turnout. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   […]

Most North Americans are familiar with the story of the headless horseman, but few realize its creator and protagonist’s namesake have deep Niagara roots. Pictured is The Headless Horseman Pursuing Ichabod Crane (1858) by 19th-century American painter John Quidor. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Google Art Project    On Monday, people throughout Canada and the United States […]

A rundown of some of the top headlines and key results from around the region. Photo credit: Twitter/Jim Diodati   NIAGARA FALLS – Diodati earns fourth term As expected, incumbent mayor of Canada’s Honeymoon Capital Jim Diodati once again swept into office with relative ease, securing nearly 70 per cent of the vote (his nearest […]

There are a few exceptions, however. Former St. Catharines regional councillor Bruce Timms is spearheading third-party efforts to push for double duty councillors. While Kevin Maves, former DSBN trustee and current regional council candidate in Niagara Falls, has put forward a proposal that would cut politicians in Niagara from 126 down to 66. Photo credit: […]

 Infrastructure Ontario and Niagara Health will evaluate RFP submissions over the coming months and announce a successful proponent in early 2023, with construction expected to start shortly thereafter. Two teams are vying to design, build, finance, and maintain the over-$1 billion project. Photo credit: Niagara Health   Last week, Infrastructure Ontario announced closure of the […]

Lincoln’s Robert Foster (left) and Niagara Falls’ Barbara Greenwood (right) were among a small, select group of regional councillors in the ‘over-$8,000’ club this past term of government. Photo credit: Niagara Region   Over the last term of Regional Council, January 2019 to October 2022, the council predominantly met by videoconference due initially to pandemic […]

Property taxes, service fees, and community improvement programs are all hot topics this election cycle. Pictured is mayoral candidate Mike Britton. Britton is one of three candidates vying to replace outgoing incumbent mayor Walter Sendzik, the other two being Mat Siscoe and Nick Petrucci. Photo credit: Mike Britton    The three candidates for mayor in […]

Bringing a post-secondary institute to the Honeymoon Capital has been a goal of Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati (pictured, centre at podium) for several years. Photo credit: LinkedIn/Jim Diodati   Following over a decade of hard work behind the scenes with multiple stakeholders and several levels of government, Mayor Jim Diodati’s dream of bringing […]

Through the generosity of local private sector donors like the Oakes family, the South Niagara hospital fundraising campaign has secured over $27 million of its $40 million community goal. Pictured right to left are board chair of the Niagara Health Foundation (NHF) Albert Iannantuono, Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati, president of HOCO Harry Oakes, and […]

The two-time Conservative MP previously served as Special Advisor on Tourism Recovery and Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Export Promotion. Pictured are Baldinelli (left) and new Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. Supplied photo.    Earlier this week, Conservative MP for Niagara Falls Tony Baldinelli was named the Official Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Tourism by newly-elected […]

The decision was handed down by an Ontario Justice of the Peace last month and was recently made public. Pictured is the entrance to developer Benny Marotta’s Randwood Estate property on John St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Photo credit: Google Maps   In the ongoing Randwood Estate legal saga being fought on the taxpayers’ dime between the […]

After reaching $825,300 in March 2022, Niagara’s Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark has fell a full 20 points down to $661,900. Photo credit: ABC News   The Bank of Canada’s aggressive interest rate hike campaign and uncertainty around the future state of Canada’s economy continue to cool what was a red-hot housing market across much […]

After the organization allegedly refused to return memorabilia, Fergie Jenkins “had no choice but to commence litigation” against the Fergie Jenkins Foundation, which, along with its accompanying museum, is headquartered in St. Catharines. Pictured is Jenkins at the MLB ‘Field of Dreams’ game, Aug. 11, 2022. Photo credit: Twitter/Chicago Cubs   Legendary Canadian baseball hall-of-famer […]

Are the two Steeles running for Port Colborne mayor related? Yes. Is the Tony Baldinelli running for city council the same Tony Baldinelli who currently serves as MP for Niagara Falls? No. Confused yet? So are we.    Niagara area voters can be forgiven this municipal election if they are a little confused by some […]

 Spencer Bellows-De Wolfe (left), son of late community leader Sandie Bellows, is running for St. Catharines City Council in the 2022 municipal elections. Photo credit: Twitter/Spencer Bellows-De Wolfe   Spencer Bellows-De Wolfe is one of six candidates vying for two city council spots in St. Catharines’ St. Patrick’s Ward this October. A teacher by trade, […]

  Minister of Energy Todd Smith made good use of his time in Niagara on Tuesday, visiting E.S. Fox Ltd. in Niagara Falls, launching the province’s Clean Home Heating Initiative in St. Catharines, speaking to the Women in Nuclear conference, and more. Pictured is Minister Smith (centre) at E.S. Fox’s Niagara Falls facility on Tuesday, […]

Emails seem to indicate that the St. Catharines regional councillor (left) sought and received assistance in filing an unfounded Integrity Commissioner complaint against fellow councillor Bob Gale (right) from Niagara Region CAO Ron Tripp. Photo credit: Niagara Region   Last Thursday, at Niagara Region’s final regular council meeting before Ontario’s municipal elections, councillors reviewed the […]

While it is clear that Mother Nature has gifted Niagara with one of the most spectacular landmarks in the world, one wonders if the custodians of the area have kept pace to provide ancillary product for visitors.    An international luggage storage company, Bounce, which serves tourists in over 1,000 locations in cities around the […]

The long-serving Niagara MP said cost of living and labour shortages currently top of mind for Canada’s Opposition.   Niagara West MP Dean Allison says he and his federal Conservative colleagues are ready to get back to work. “There are a lot of big issues that need addressing this fall”, Allison told The Niagara Independent […]

The Parks is hoping to emulate the wild success of its adaptive reuse of the former Canadian Niagara Power Generating Station last year. Pictured is the interior of the Toronto Power Generating Station. Photo credit: Niagara Parks Commission   Earlier this month, the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) concluded stage two in a three-stage proposal process […]

The median price for a two-bedroom unit in the city stayed just below $2,000 per month in August. Pictured are the Crown Tower Apartments in St. Catharines. Photo credit: Homestead   According to Zumper’s latest Canadian Rent Report, St. Catharines remains middle-of-the-pack in terms of rental affordability in Canada.  Released last Thursday, the monthly report […]

The $50 million donation from businessman and philanthropist L.R. “Red” Wilson, who was born and raised in Port Colborne, will create a unique leadership college at Hamilton’s McMaster University. Photo credit: McMaster University   McMaster University is launching Canada’s most comprehensive leadership college with a $50-million gift from Chancellor Emeritus Lynton “Red” Wilson and the […]

Once again, the region’s HPI composite benchmark fell by more than four points last month. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward   Inflation, interest rate hikes, and uncertainty around the current and future state of Canada’s economy continue to chill what was once a red-hot housing market across much of the country throughout the latter […]

Pierre Poilievre dominated the field of contenders to take the Conservative Party leadership Saturday evening, winning nearly 70 per cent support on the first ballot. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld    The sky is still blue, and so is the Conservative Party of Canada.  After what can only be described as the most lackluster […]

News of Queen Elizabeth II’s death came mid-afternoon eastern time Thursday. Photo credit: Royal Family   On Thursday, September 8 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away age 96 as the longest-reigning British monarch in history.  Across the country, tributes to the Queen of Canada poured in from far and […]

Though nearly 100 tickets and written warnings were issued Tuesday, for the most part, participating officers advised that the majority of motorists were using caution around school zones. Photo credit: Twitter/Niagara Regional Police Service    Local law enforcement was out en masse Tuesday for the Niagara Regional Police Service’s 22nd annual back-to-school safety blitz and […]

Officials made the announcement Friday, Sept. 2, 2022 at the Meridian Community Centre. Pictured from left to right: Councillor Bob Hildebrandt, Councillor Marianne Stewart, Regional Councillor Diana Huson, Councillor John Wink, town treasurer Teresa Quinlin-Murphy, Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, Mayor Marvin Junkin, St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle, Lincoln Pelham Public Library (LPPL) CEO Julie […]

Announced a week before start of the term, Brock University will require all staff and students to wear masks in instructional spaces across campus this fall. The decision was made in consultation with the Brock University Faculty Association, the same organization that supposedly “pressured” administrators back in March to maintain the school’s pandemic protocols after […]

Current regional councillor Gary Zalepa (pictured left) and retired businessman Vaughn Goettler (right) are challenging incumbent Betty Disero this October.    With the municipal election to be held on October 24, three candidates have registered to become Lord Mayor for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The three candidates include incumbent Betty Disero, current regional councillor Gary […]

First scheduled to open in June 2019, and then in April 2020, the newly dubbed ‘OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino’ is now set to host its inaugural shows “later in the fall”. Photo credit: HOCO Entertainment   It’s been a long road, but the 5,000-seat Niagara Falls entertainment centre at the corner of Stanley Avenue […]

The local MP (right, pictured alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau) was roundly criticized for his reckless implication. Bittle has a history of exploiting social media to cast baseless aspersions. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons   About two weeks ago, news broke that the Liberal government had hired a consulting firm to roll out an anti-racism initiative […]

After several delegations spoke in opposition to the procedural by-law amendment at regional council’s August meeting, the matter was referred to next month. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   At Niagara Regional Council’s July meeting, members approved a procedural by-law amendment that would permit Niagara’s top-level bureaucrats, in consultation with the regional chair or a […]

The service was originally introduced at the end of 2019 but was suspended due to the pandemic. Direct rail service on weekends was restored for spring and summer 2022, but was set to expire mid-October. Friday’s announcement extended the direct weekend service year-round. From left to right: Metrolinx president and CEO Phil Verster, Minister of […]

Mandatory use of ArriveCAN is only exacerbating the issue. Steve Richardson, general manager at Rainbow Bridge’s Niagara Duty Free (pictured), revealed the local situation is dire. Photo credit: Duty Free Canada   It has been another tough summer for Duty Free stores across Canada, with ample vaccine supply and loosening restrictions not enough to overcome […]

Fresh-off a competitive second place showing in June’s provincial election as the Ontario PC candidate for Niagara Falls, Bob Gale (pictured, left) is one of the early and obvious front-runners in the 2022 race. Other notable candidates running for one of the city’s three coveted Niagara Regional Council spots are former MPP Kim Craitor (right), […]

The Niagara Falls MPP rose in the legislative assembly last week to blast the Ford government, and by extension Niagara EMS, for allegedly telling an injured resident she would have to wait six-hours for an ambulance. Per the Region, EMS informed medical alert service provider Lifeline of the worst-case scenario, but in the end a […]

Come the next federal (and provincial) election, some Niagara residents will be casting their vote in a brand-new riding. Among other shifts, Fort Erie is expected to join the newly formed riding of Niagara South, Niagara West is set to gain over 20,000 new residents, while half of Grimsby is anticipated to move over to […]

The event takes place at various venues around the region this Wednesday to Saturday. Leading the 2022 line-up is a two-part series by St. Catharines’ own Richard Kerr, one of Canada’s most influential experimental film makers. Pictured is a screening from last year’s festival outside the Riverbrink Art Museum in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Photo credit: Adam CK […]

Both Liberal Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino and Conservative Shadow Minister of Tourism Michelle Ferreri (pictured, far left) were in Niagara Falls Wednesday morning. The former went to a repeat of a demonstration he viewed two weeks ago. While the latter met with local stakeholders, surveyed tourism operations, and spoke with visitors in the […]

The pair of regional councillors were entangled in a political controversy at the end of last year when Siscoe (left) was elevated to Niagara Regional Council over rightful appointee Britton (right) in direct contravention of St. Catharines municipal policy. Years prior to the controversy, the two were council colleagues from 2014 to 2018. As city […]

The university began searching for a new top administrator in June 2021. Rigg represents the first woman to hold the role of president on a permanent basis in the university’s near-60-year history. Photo credit: Brock University    Following an international, 14-month search, Brock University has hired Dr. Lesley Rigg as the institution’s next president and […]

The new site inside the Galleria Shops at the casino (pictured) is just a stone’s throw away from the brewery’s flagship location on Clifton Hill. Photo credit: Niagara Brewing Company    On Friday last week, Niagara Brewing Company, one of the region’s newest and most popular craft breweries, opened a second location in the city […]

The high praise came from federal Minister of Sport Pascale St-Onge in discussions with host society chair Doug Hamilton. St. Catharines regional councillor Laura Ip, however, believes organizers have made “errors” along the way related to Indigenous involvement, recently renewing a call for more details about a reported dispute with the Mississaugas of the Credit […]

Photo credit: Shutterstock    Earlier this week, the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), in collaboration with local partners including the Niagara Home Builders’ Association, released its five point action plan to increase the province’s housing supply.  Based on the February 2022 recommendations put forth by the province’s Housing Affordability Task Force, which was led by […]

This week, the provincial government verified that mask-wearing will remain optional for students and teachers when schools reopen in early September. Niagara’s public school board said students and parents are now “accustomed” to masks being a personal choice. Photo credit: Facebook/DSBN   On Monday, Ontario’s Ministry of Education confirmed with multiple sources that pandemic-related protocols […]

Last month was the fourth in a row the local Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark decreased. Photo credit: AP/Reed Saxon   Interest rate hikes from the Bank of Canada, escalating inflation, and growing fears of an impending recession continue to cool what was once a red-hot housing market across much of the country over the […]

The agency’s leadership team celebrates the massive donation. The money will help Pathstone hire more staff, and thereby help more children. The multi-million-dollar gift is Greg and Diane Slaight’s second in the last two months. In July, the pair gave an identical donation to United Way Niagara. Photo credit: Pathstone Foundation   The incredible of […]

The government announced last week that residents with accentuated French names can now apply to have their health cards changed to reflect proper spelling, free of charge. Niagara hosts a sizeable Francophone population of over 15,000. Photo credit: University of Ottawa   Last Wednesday, the Government of Ontario made a small, but significant cultural announcement […]

St. Catharines’ 13th Street Winery earned the distinction of Ontario’s best wine producer and finished second in all of Canada. Pictured left to right: winery co-owners Doug and Karen Whitty, head winemaker Jean Pierre Colas, and June and John Mann, 13th Street’s other co-owners. Photo credit: Facebook/13th Street Winery   If one needed any more […]

 Niagara is closing in on five years without a permanent medical officer of health. Dr. Mustafa Hirji (pictured) has served in an interim capacity since January 2018. According to an April memo from CAO Ron Tripp, a candidate is “expected” to be selected “no later” than Sept. 22, 2022, just before the upcoming municipal elections […]

Two recently released reports from the Canadian and American governments will guide discussion at the forum, including the State of the Great Lakes 2022 Report, which indicates drinking water across all five lakes is “good”.   The fourth triennial Great Lakes Public Forum will take place at the historic Crowne Plaza Fallsview Hotel in Niagara […]

Monday doubled as the August Civic Holiday and Emancipation Day in Ontario. Pictured from left to right: Russel Small, Rev. Martin Luther King, Rev. Theodore Boone, and Walter Perry on Emancipation Day in Windsor, Ontario. August 5, 1956. Photo credit: Windsor Star Files   Since 2008, the provincial government has officially recognized August 1 as […]

Cherry Hill Club (pictured) and Lookout Point Country Club, both celebrating a century in operation this year, were Niagara’s only two representatives on SCOREGolf’s 2022 list of Canada’s best golf courses. Photo credit: Cherry Hill Club   Earlier this week, sports website and magazine SCOREGolf released its biennial ranking of Canada’s top 100 golf courses.  […]

The Landscape of Nations memorial park at Queenston Heights in Niagara-on-the-Lake (pictured) is one of over 50 unique sites, monuments, and activities highlighted on the new digestible digital platform. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   The areas that surround and encompass the 56-kilometre Niagara River corridor between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario comprise easily one of […]

Domenic DiLalla (centre left) of Centennial Construction and Contracting with Niagara Health Foundation president and CEO Andrea Scott (far left), It’s Our Future campaign co-chair and Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati (centre right), and DiLalla’s niece and nephews. Photo credit: Niagara Health Foundation   As it does time and again, Niagara’s private sector has […]

The organization is asking the public to practice patience when accessing services and to avoid hospital sites unless serious, immediate care is required. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara Health   Like other neighbouring health units, Niagara Health is struggling with severe staffing shortages that are having an outsized impact on service delivery. According to a media release […]

Chair and vice-chair of regional council’s procedural by-law review committee Kelly Edgar (left) and Laura Ip (right). The committee’s recommendation to give the CAO, clerk, and legal counsel the authority to deny delegation requests based on mere suspicion someone may be “unreasonable or offensive” was passed by regional council last Thursday. As Edgar put it […]

Only current St. Catharines mayor Walter Sendzik (pictured left) will not be on the ballot when Niagara voters hit the ballot box in October. With less than a month left in the nomination period, currently six of the 11 registered incumbents are unopposed, including Lincoln mayor Sandra Easton (centre). Popular Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati […]

Work began at the former Shickluna Shipyard, located along Twelve Mile Creek in the shadow of Burgoyne Bridge, in 2019. The project is led by Dr. Kimberly Monk (left, pictured on-site alongside field student Miranda Gardner). Photo credit: Brock University   After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, a team of researchers led by maritime archaeologist and […]

Re-development plans for the 80-acre waterfront property in Lincoln began shortly after it was sold to FBH Group in 2016. Photo credit: Town of Lincoln    After six years of planning and labourious collaboration between multiple levels of government, various stakeholders, and members of the local community, officials formally broke ground at the Prudhommes Development […]

The month-over-month decrease comes after a 6.5 per cent uptick for one-bedroom units between May and June. According to analysts, however, last month’s flattening doesn’t represent the start of a long-term downward trend. Photo credit: AP/Gerry Broome   Just as it got slightly more affordable to purchase a home locally last month, so too did […]

Photo credit: Tony Baldinelli   Between long delays for passport renewal, long lines at the country’s international airports, and the continued mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app at the border, the federal government has made the process of travel to and from Canada a living nightmare, says local Member of Parliament Tony Baldinelli.  Baldinelli, who […]

Pictured left to right: Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates, St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens. Photo credit: Member Website/Jeff Burch, Facebook/Wayne Gates, Facebook/Jennies Stevens   Last Wednesday, interim leader of the Ontario NDP and head of the Official Opposition Peter Tabuns named his shadow cabinet in the provincial legislature.  All 31 […]

Between April 2021 and March 2022, 3,629 babies were born at Niagara Health. While registered during the pandemic, the new record for annual births was not caused by pandemic-related factors, according to obstetrics head. Demographic changes, site transfers, and capacity and function upgrades explain increase. Pictured are team members of Niagara Health’s newly expanded Neonatal […]

Growth in enrollment, in part, necessitated the 4.6 per cent increase. Pictured: Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS). Photo credit: Twitter/Steve Rambajan    For the fourth consecutive year, the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) has increased its annual budget by well over $20 million from the year prior.  On Tuesday, July 12, the school […]

 In a community survey conducted at the end of last year by regional staff, 24 per cent of respondents – the fourth most of any category – said that they were previously discriminated against because of their vaccination status. However, in the Region’s new, set-for-approval Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan, which uses the community […]

 In a letter released Monday, Chief R. Stacey Laforme said, “we are unable to see a clear path forward with regards to the Canada Summer Games.” Pictured: Just last week, the host society announced Meridian Credit Union and Niagara College as sponsors of the Games’ robust schedule of Indigenous programming. Photo credit: Niagara 2022 Host […]

Resonance Consultancy released its inaugural list of Canada’s 25 ‘Best Small Cities’ earlier this week. Niagara Falls placed fourth. St. Catharines, Niagara’s only other municipality to make the list, rounded out the top 25. Photo credit: Facebook/City of Niagara Falls   Turns out, Niagara Falls is not just one of the country’s best places to […]

Niagara’s Housing Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark dipped by 4.7 per cent on a month-over-month basis in June. Photo credit: Bloomberg/Daniel Acker   Interest rate hikes and fears of an impending recession continue to cool what was a red-hot housing market across much of the country for the past few years. Inventory continues to rise, […]

Local businessman Fred Davies – who owns and operates San Marco’s Ristorante and Breakwall Brewing Company in Port Colborne – ran for the Ontario PC Party in Niagara Centre in June’s provincial election, coming within 2.1 per cent of beating out NDP incumbent Jeff Burch. Supplied photo.    Hot on the heels of his impressive […]

Buffalo congressman Brian Higgins said continued restrictions at land border “are breaking the U.S.-Canada relationship”. Pictured: Peace Bridge connecting Fort Erie, ON to Buffalo, NY, as seen from the Canadian side. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Frank Gunn   Last Wednesday, the federal government announced it was extending border measures for all travellers entering Canada, regardless […]

The region’s newly adopted Official Plan – which will steer local land-use policy and planning through to 2051 – sets extraordinarily rigid environmental protocols for development well above provincial standards. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   Discussions around housing affordability in Ontario often focus on the role played by the federal and provincial government in […]

MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff is sworn in as parliamentary assistant to the newly created Minister of Red Tape Reduction at Queen’s Park, June 29, 2022. Photo credit: Twitter/Sam Oosterhoff   Premier Doug Ford is a big proponent of cutting back on bureaucratic red tape, to say the least. His entire 2018 election campaign […]

 Newly retired, former secondary school principal Danny Di Lorenzo (pictured) hopes to represent Port Colborne, Fort Erie, and Wainfleet as a Niagara Catholic District School Board trustee. Di Lorenzo most recently headed up the administration at Denis Morris in St. Catharines and Lakeshore Catholic High School in Port Colborne, where he lives. Supplied photo.   […]

Anna Annunziata at the constituency office of MP Tony Baldinelli on Jarvis Street in Fort Erie. Supplied photo.    After dedicating the past 27 years of her life to her community, Anna Annunziata, Fort Erie constituency office manager for MP Tony Baldinelli, will be retiring at the end of this week.  Anna’s career in public […]

From detectives to doggies, Toronto-transplant John McFetridge (pictured) writes new future with Global Pet Foods store in Pelham. Supplied photo.    “Look at this,” said Global Pet Foods owner John McFetridge, holding up a packet of dog treats. “Lobster. Some pets enjoy lobster more often than their owners.” McFetridge opened his 2000-square-foot store in March, […]

Tom and Beth Rankin. Photo credit: Niagara Health Foundation   Niagara’s private sector has once again proven itself to be fully committed to the public good.  On Thursday, June 23, the Niagara Health Foundation revealed that the Rankin family has pledged $2 million toward the new South Niagara hospital It’s Our Future fundraising campaign. The Rankin family […]

Employees stand in front of stacked rows of lettuce at Vision Greens’ vertical farm facility in Welland. The company just raised $7 million to build out the other half of its current production system, the first of five full systems the start-up intends to construct before 2024. Photo credit: Mama Earth/Vision Greens   Canada is […]

 The trials were supposed to take place at the brand new $107 million Canada Summer Games Park in Thorold (pictured) on July 2 and 3. However, facilitators from Team Ontario made a last-minute decision to move the qualifying competition to York University. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games   Late last week, Athletics Ontario […]

Head winemaker at Niagara College’s Teaching Winery Gavin Robertson raises a glass of the 2022 All Canadian Wine Championships’ ‘Best Sparkling Wine of the Year’: Balance Brut (NV). Thirty Bench Wines, another Niagara-area vintner, also took home ‘Best White Wine of the Year’ at the 2022 competition. Photo credit: Niagara College   Anyone looking for […]

Another tourism season is under threat as Americans hoping to avoid “uncertainty and hassle” of mandatory border measure look elsewhere to spend travel dollars. Public officials and businesses from border communities across Canada held a press conference Wednesday, June 15 (pictured) to plead with the governing Liberals to heed their concerns and scrap the ArriveCAN […]

 At 70-years-old, the Niagara Falls MPP would likely be the oldest competitor in a tough field of relatively young and hungry leadership challengers, all vying to revive a party that traditionally relies on its youthful appeal. Photo credit: Facebook/Wayne Gates   Amongst the many political casualties of Premier Doug Ford’s second majority victory earlier this […]

Wednesday, June 15 is the 10-year anniversary of the daredevil’s momentous tightrope walk directly over Niagara’s world-famous falls. To celebrate, Wallenda will be in town for a special ceremony at the Table Rock Centre, where he will give remarks and officials will unveil a limited-time commemorative display. Photo credit: Reuters/Mike Cassese   This Wednesday marks […]

The clip’s creator, Joshua Bigger (pictured), has been making amateur comedy videos online for several years. Last week, a company representative from Bigger’s Lincoln-based roofing business told blogTO that the video “was just a joke” and they were “honestly surprised” so many people thought it was real.    Over the weekend, a video of a […]

 Students and faculty from Westlane Secondary School at the Sir Adam Beck I Generating Station in Niagara Falls, June 7, 2022. Photo credit: OPG   The greenspace around the Sir Adam Beck I Generating Station in Niagara Falls recently received a floral facelift thanks to a group of local high school students.  Last Tuesday, a […]

Now in its 16th year, and back in-person following two years of virtual competition, the event gives student athletes the chance to test their mettle against participants from 70 schools around the region. Photo credit: Twitter/DSBN   What started as a few schools and a couple of dozen athletes is now 70 schools and 700 […]

ArriveCAN is a mobile and website application all travellers, regardless of citizenship, vaccination status, or trip length, must download and use to provide personal and travel information before entry into Canada. Its mandatory use is believed by many to be both discouraging and delaying cross-border travel. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward   Conservative MP for […]

Photo credit: City of Thorold   On June 7, the City of Thorold took a giant step forward in dealing with a problem that has affected the region for years. A unanimous vote towards a state of emergency was called for mental health, homelessness, and addiction.  “There is a mental health, homelessness and addictions crisis […]

Between April and May the local HPI benchmark price dropped by 3 per cent. Photo credit: Shutterstock/Laura Gangi Pond   After falling for the first time since July 2021 the month before last, between April and May 2022 the local Housing Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark dipped by 3 per cent, going from $814,600 to […]

Despite the Progressive Conservative Party securing another majority mandate last week, three of Niagara’s four provincial ridings voted in members of the non-governing NDP. Sam Oosterhoff (pictured voting with son on election day) will thus once again be the region’s lone PC representative at Queen’s Park. Photo credit: Facebook/Sam Oosterhoff   Ontario PC candidate Sam […]

All four of the local incumbents – including three members of the Ontario NDP – were returned to Queen’s Park Thursday night. In the only local race that came close to a change in representation, Niagara Centre incumbent NDP candidate Jeff Burch (pictured back-centre) edged out PC challenger Fred Davies by a mere 2.1 per […]

Gold medalists Abby Bruneel and Tommy Friesen (pictured) were two of five participants from Niagara to medal at the national skills competition last week. Photo credit: DSBN   The 2022 Skills Canada national showcase wrapped up four days of competition and festivities last Saturday.  Between May 25 and 28, approximately 350 post-secondary students, secondary school […]

The Ontario PC Party leader spent a total of three days in the region this election campaign, travelling across the ridings of St. Catharines, Niagara Centre, and Niagara Falls. Pictured Premier Ford (left) and Niagara Centre PC candidate Fred Davies (right) look under the hood of a vehicle getting maintenance at Mike Knapp Ford in […]

As the 2022 provincial election comes to a close, all three of Niagara’s non-incumbent PC Party challengers – Sal Sorrento (left), Fred Davies (centre), and Bob Gale (right) – are encouraging local voters to deliver representatives of the party in power to Queen’s Park and give Niagara a greater voice in government over the next […]

Candidates from across Hamilton, Niagara, and Halton region were in attendance. Typically seen as an NDP stronghold at the provincial level, polling shows PCs in position to win three of Hamilton’s five ridings. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Ontario PC Party leader Doug Ford held a rally in Hamilton on Thursday, May 26 at the […]

Mark Cherney (right) meets with Ontario PC labour minister Monte McNaughton (centre), April 21, 2022. Cherney is vice-president of the International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario (IBEW CCO) and business manager at Niagara Falls-based IBEW Local 303. IBEW CCO is one of several unions formally endorsing Doug Ford and the Ontario PC […]

Angelo Butera (centre) stands with Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati (centre-right), president and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation Andrea Scott (centre-left), and family at Panoramic Properties headquarters in Niagara Falls. Photo credit: Niagara Health Foundation   Niagara’s private sector has once again stepped up to help the public in a big way.   On […]

Top-earning gold medalists in last month’s virtual Skills Ontario Competition, five hail from the District School Board of Niagara, two from Niagara College. Pictured is Niagara College welding technician student Jake Boekestyn, who won gold in welding at the provincial level and will compete at the national competition later this week. Photo credit: Niagara College […]

The Central Avenue private school will bring in 20 students to start, providing free tuition and room and board. Photo credit: Twitter/Fort Erie International Academy    Since Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, millions of people from around the world, including thousands here in Niagara, have supported the Ukrainian people in some way.  The latest locally […]

Doug Ford poses with Ontario PC Party candidate for Niagara Falls Bob Gale (right) and Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati (left). While in Canada’s top tourism destination on Friday, Diodati formally endorsed Ford for premier. Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   After spending much of the day in St. Catharines on Thursday, Ontario PC Party […]

The publication was recognized alongside a short list of other non-mainstream media outlets from around Canada at a Toronto gala Wednesday.    The Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada (CCMBC) held its first post-COVID ‘Game Changer of the Year’ gala at the Guild Inn Estate in Scarborough on Wednesday.  The event brought together […]

Doug Ford tours the FSD Robotics factory floor alongside Ontario PC candidate Sal Sorrento (centre-right) and company president and CEO Dave Burgess (centre-left). Photo credit: Twitter/Doug Ford   Ontario PC Party leader Doug Ford was in Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines on Thursday as part of a two-day campaign tour of the region. Speaking at McNab […]

Hudlický passed away “unexpectedly” in Prague on May 10. He was 72. Photo credit: Brock University   A Storied Career Few faculty members at Brock University brought the school more awards, research dollars, scientific citations, and reputational prestige than Professor of Chemistry Tomáš Hudlický.  Recruited by the St. Catharines institution in 2003 from the University […]

Roundtrip tickets are available for only $25. Three roundtrips will be made each day. Photo credit: Metrolinx    Weekend GO Train service between Toronto and Niagara Falls resumes this Saturday, May 21.  Metrolinx will make three roundtrips between Union Station and the popular tourism hotspot every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday.   Round-trip tickets are available […]

The ‘Live from the Shed’ transport truck arrives at the Niagara Regional Exhibition in Welland over the weekend. Photo credit: Rosa Stewperian   The Niagara Regional Exhibition grounds in Welland played host to the Freedom Tour’s “Unity Truck Show” this past Friday and Saturday.  With little promotion beyond social media and the tour’s website, the […]

Spurred on, in part, by society’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2019 and 2021 syphilis rates in Niagara tripled, while HIV rates doubled. Pictured is the Niagara Falls Sexual Health Centre, closed for in-person services over much of 2020 and 2021. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   A variety of knock-on effects from […]

Photo credit: Mohawk College   The Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre is a not-for-profit organization that has been a pillar of the St. Catharines community since 1970. The charitable centre offers a variety of programs to support newcomers and helps them integrate into the local community. The centre recently launched a pilot Healthcare Navigator Training […]

April was the first time in nearly a year that regional prices didn’t tick up on a month over month basis. Photo credit: Rodnae Productions   For the first time since July 2021, housing prices in Niagara decreased last month. According to statistics aggregated by the Niagara Association of Realtors, the local Housing Price Index […]

Bridge authorities say they have been informed by the federal agency that required use of the app is to be “made permanent.” Federal Liberals set aside $25 million in most recent budget to help the CBSA maintain the pre-entry requirement. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   Speaking in the House of Commons last Thursday, […]

Hospice Niagara began around 30 years ago and continues to grow and meet the needs of the Niagara Region. The new funding will help the organization expand from 10 to 30 hospice beds. Pictured are Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, and Carol Nagy, Executive Director of Hospice Niagara.    Today, people are living longer and […]

Ending in one of the closest contests of the previous election, the riding of St. Catharines appears to have no clear favourite once again, with the PCs, Liberals, and NDP all in a position to win.    Of Niagara’s four provincial ridings, none finished the 2018 election as close as St. Catharines. The contest was […]

 Affirmed as not another government cash grab, ticket revenues from the traffic safety program will be used to offset implementation costs, with any profits set aside for community education. Pictured is a red-light camera sign recently installed in downtown Windsor. Photo credit: CTV Windsor/Chris Campbell   After twice rejecting plans to install red-light cameras and […]

The Viking Octantis sat moored for around seven hours at the city’s Snider Dock across from West Street on Sunday, May 1. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   With a loud, low bellow of its deep-pitched foghorn, the first cruise ship of the 2022 sailing season entered Lock 8 at the south end of […]

The Garden City was one of four Ontario communities picked to test the government’s clean energy initiative. Photo credit: Niagara Economic Development   In a joint letter posted to social media Monday afternoon, provincial Minister of Energy Todd Smith announced that St. Catharines was one of four Ontario communities selected to be part of the […]

Pictured left to right: Andrew Smith, Chair, Take It To The Finish Campaign; Kevin Antonides, Chair, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation; Tony Joosse, Co-Chair, Save and Rebuild Campaign; Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln; Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West; Rob MacIsaac, President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences; Mary Volk, Board Member, Hamilton Health Sciences; Jeff Jordan, Mayor, Town of […]

The Niagara Parks is now actively searching for private sector proponents to reimagine and readapt the two former power stations on its property in the heart of the Niagara Falls tourist area. Pictured is the front façade of the former Toronto Power Generating Station, located at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls at the edge […]

The national sports competition will take place at various venues around the region from August 6 to 21. Pictured: officials cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre, Apr. 22, 2022. Photo credit: Twitter/Brock University   The Walker Sports and Abilities Centre and the Canada Games Park in Thorold are now officially […]

Back row left to right: Paul O’Melia, Principal, Quaker Road Public School; Sue Barnett, Trustee for Welland and Chair, District School Board of Niagara; Sam Oosterhoff, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and MPP for Niagara West; Frank Campion, Mayor, City of Welland; and Warren Hoshizaki, Director of Education, District School Board of Niagara. Front row are […]

The proposed expansion would see a new trail built along the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Ellis property (pictured) in Jordan. Photo credit: Ontario Heritage Trust   On Monday, the Ontario Heritage Trust announced it was partnering with the Town of Lincoln, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), and the Bruce Trail Conservancy on a new project to […]

Chair of the freshly launched foundation’s board of governors Debbie Whitehouse (left) and Niagara Parks Commission chair April Jeffs (right) plant a ceremonial tree at the Butterfly Conservatory on April 24, 2022. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   At an Earth Day ceremony at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls last week, officials from the Niagara […]

Well over 1,500 people showed up to see the leadership hopeful speak at the Holiday Inn in St. Catharines Thursday evening. Photo credit: Twitter/Pierre Poilievre    “We will tackle inflationary taxes… and I will axe the consumer carbon tax.”  Pierre Poilievre rolled into St. Catharines last night and addressed a packed house at the Holiday […]

The new Niagara Falls hospital will break ground later this year. Pictured are Niagara Health Foundation president and CEO Andrea Scott, E.S. Fox Ltd. president Spencer Fox, and Mayor of Niagara Falls Jim Diodati. Photo credit: Niagara Health Foundation   Large-scale community projects require large-scale community support, and that’s precisely what the ongoing fundraising effort […]

Backrow starting third from left: Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, Mayor of Lincoln Sandra Easton, and MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff stand with a cohort of Youth Skills Studio program participants. The province previously gave $2.1 million to help fund the 2021 iteration of the program. Photo credit: Twitter/Monte McNaughton […]

Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton tries his hand at securing roof shingles as MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff and student Jihye Lee look on at Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Welland, Apr. 19, 2022. Photo credit: Niagara College   On Tuesday, officials from the provincial government, Niagara College, […]

Don’t expect the same hushed reception when Pierre Poilievre (right) rolls into St. Catharines later this week. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Chris Young and Radio-Canada/Benoit Roussel   If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Alternatively, if a federal Conservative leadership candidate attends […]

 The former West Lincoln mayor will face off against his longtime regional council colleague Dave Augustyn, who is running for the NDP, and incumbent MPP for Niagara West, representing the Ontario PC Party, Sam Oosterhoff. Photo credit: Twitter/Douglas Joyner   The provincial race in Niagara West will feature another familiar face.  Doug Joyner, the two-time […]

In representing the Ontario PCs in Niagara, Davies (pictured with wife Monica) joins incumbent MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff, businessman, philanthropist, and two-term Niagara Falls regional councillor Bob Gale, as well as two-term St. Catharines city councillor and longstanding community volunteer Sal Sorrento. Supplied photo.    Last week, the Ontario PC Party announced its […]

The six projects are part of a group of 144 community water infrastructure projects across Ontario to receive money from the provincial and federal governments. Officials (pictured) announced the funding in Welland on Thursday, Apr. 14. Photo credit: Twitter/City of Welland   Municipal, provincial, and federal government officials met along The Boardwalk in downtown Welland […]

The region’s acting medical of health responded to and reposted a fake comment purported to be from the premier last Wednesday. Nearly one week (and over 1,000 likes) later, Hirji still hasn’t deleted the erroneous tweet.   Throughout the pandemic, Niagara’s acting medical of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji has warned and worried about the spread […]

Pictured left to right: GM St. Catharines plant director Gary Athoe, dean of Media, Trades & Technology Vincent Shaikh, Niagara College Vice-President, Academic Fiona Allan, associate dean of School of Trades Jeff Murrell, Motive Power Technician student Ashley Davey and program coordinator Wayne Toth, April 6, 2022. Photo credit: Niagara College   At a time […]

The animals were used to clear invasive species and overgrown vegetation in areas around Niagara’s hydroelectric power sites. Photo credit: OPG   Bees, birds, turtles, and goats: Ontario Power Generation’s Niagara Operations are abuzz with biodiversity, and once again earning international recognition for environmental excellence. On Thursday, April 7, it was announced that OPG’s Niagara […]

The HPI benchmark price for homes in the Niagara Association of Realtors market area increased by 3.4 per cent in March. In comparison, prices dipped by 2.7 in neighbouring Hamilton-Burlington, decreasing even further in other Ontario markets. Photo credit: AP/David Zalubowski   Though neighbouring and nearby real estate markets such as Hamilton-Burlington, Mississauga, and Toronto […]

Brock University is the only Ontario college or university set to uphold medical restrictions until the end of summer, further extending the exclusion and suffering of numerous faculty members, staff, and students. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   Voices of unsupported and affected Brock University faculty, staff and students have yet to be fairly raised […]

Digital rendition of the facility. The pilot project would expand the province’s hydrogen production capacity eight-fold. Photo credit: Atura Power   Speaking to a small crowd of dignitaries and media at the Niagara Parks Power Station on Thursday morning, government officials and industry stakeholders announced that Niagara has been selected as the preferred site of […]

Council instructed staff to “expediate” the recruitment process back in October 2021. Dr. Mustafa Hirji has served as Niagara’s ‘acting’ medical officer of health for over four years. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent    Just over two weeks ago, The Niagara Independent revealed in an article that, despite the Region claiming the search for a permanent […]

 All other colleges and universities in Ontario that have made an announcement regarding mandates to date, including Niagara College and McMaster University, have said they will be ending on-campus masking and vaccination requirements by the end of April or beginning of May. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   The decision to maintain mandates Last week, […]

Niagara’s acting medical officer of health told members of the media Monday he would “try to align” with provincial guidelines, but he wouldn’t rule out “more aggressive actions” if deemed necessary. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   Precisely one week to the day that the province lifted mandatory mask mandates in most settings across Ontario, […]

Mayor Marvin Junkin. Since Junkin took over from Dave Augustyn in 2018, Pelham has gone from perhaps the most opaque to the most financially transparent municipality in the Niagara Region. Photo credit: Town of Pelham   After a highly tumultuous time under the leadership of former mayor Dave Augustyn – a period that saw Pelham’s […]

The first-term St. Catharines regional councillor informed his colleagues by way of email late Wednesday, March 30. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent    On Wednesday evening, St. Catharines regional councillor George Darte emailed the regional clerk and his fellow councillors with his immediate resignation from Niagara Regional Council as of March 30. In his message, […]

Though seemingly able to afford millions in salary increases year over year, Niagara Regional Council pushed off a proposal by Regional Councillor Bob Gale to give some money back to taxpayers in the form of a $240 rebate. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   The 2021 Sunshine List came out last week and Niagara Regional […]

The fourth and final Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) network planned for the region, the new development will provide high-speed internet to an additional 765 premises in west Niagara. Pictured from left to right at the announcement of the project last Friday are Lincoln regional councillor Rob Foster, West Lincoln mayor Dave Bylsma, Niagara West […]

Niagara West MP Dean Allison (left) and Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli (right) claim the deal struck between the federal Liberals and NDP earlier this week could be very costly for Canadian taxpayers.   Late Monday night, news broke that the federal Liberal Party and NDP had reached a governance agreement that would keep Justin […]

The City of Port Colborne welcomed the first downbound vessel of the 2022 shipping season into the Welland Canal at its annual top hat ceremony on Thursday, Mar. 24, 2022. Photo credit: Twitter/City of Port Colborne   The first vessels of the 2022 navigation season travelled up and down the Welland Canal on Thursday.  Officially […]

Staff were directed by Niagara Regional Council five months ago to “expedite” the hiring process. Last week, The Niagara Independent revealed that staff had yet to even finalize a job description. Pictured are Niagara Falls regional councillor Bob Gale (left) and Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin (right). Gale and Junkin were the only two councillors […]

Photo credit: Facebook/NRPS   In recent years, there’s been a renewed call for crisis workers to be sent to certain mental health and addiction situations in place of or addition to police officers, in an effort to deescalate tense scenarios without having to involve force or criminal charges.  Seizing on this collective push to offer […]

Starting next month, Canada will no longer require COVID-19 testing at international crossings for fully vaccinated travellers. However, a number of measures will remain in place, including pre-arrival testing for unvaccinated entrants. Western New York representative Brian Higgins wants to see all measures removed. Photo credit: Bloomberg   On March 16, the federal government announced […]

 The proposed site would be strategically located between the planned and existing stations in Grimsby and St. Catharines. Photo credit: Metrolinx   After a year and a half delay due to supplementary consultation with key stakeholders, Metrolinx released its Initial Business Case (IBC) for a new GO train station in Beamsville on Tuesday.   The preliminary […]

Construction on the various projects will commence over the next few years.   In a virtual press conference Thursday morning, Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra announced that the provincial government is adding 329 new long-term care beds and upgrading an additional 543 at five LTC locations around the Niagara Region. The commitment is part […]

An aerial view of Port Weller. The property in question is situated in the centre of the image, east of the canal and shipyard, south of the road leading to the canal crossing.    Quick question: what does Niagara, and St. Catharines in particular, need more of right now?  Empty, unused industrial land? Housing options?   […]

Dr. Mustafa Hirji entered into his fifth year as Niagara’s acting medical officer of health a few months ago. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   Back at the beginning of November, Niagara Region human resource staff said that finding a permanent medical officer of health was a “top priority” for regional CAO Ron Tripp.  Yet, […]

At her second engagement in the region in four days, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod announced another $1.1 million in funding for the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games on Monday. Pictured is competition mascot Shelly. Photo credit: Facebook/Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games   Last week, when local officials commented that […]

Aerial view of the Shaw Festival’s flagship theatre complex on Queen’s Parade in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Photo credit: Facebook/Shaw Fest   Despite another year of pandemic-related challenges, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Shaw Festival managed to exit 2021 at a profit, just as it did for the 2020 fiscal year. At its annual general meeting earlier this month, it was announced […]

Niagara Falls-based E.S. Fox Limited is set to commence work on the first phase of site preparation and support infrastructure for OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project later this year. Site location pictured. Photo credit: OPG   In December 2021, it was revealed that Ontario Power Generation (OPG) struck a deal with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy […]

The HPI benchmark price for Niagara rose by nearly $50,000 from January to February of this year. Local realtor association president Doug Rempel said that NIMBYism, helping maintain low supply, is partially to blame for the rapidly increasing prices. Photo credit: Reuters/Mark Blinch    Fueled by a dearth of existing inventory and a lack of […]

Speaking outside Boston Pizza on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls Thursday, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod (pictured at podium) outlined a provincial tax incentive that will provide Ontarians up to 20 per cent back on eligible accommodation expenses for leisure travel this year. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   […]

The region’s acting medical officer of health said that he still “encourages everyone to wear masks past March 21”. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent    To the delight of many Ontarians late Wednesday morning, the province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kiernan Moore announced that, effective Mar. 21, 2022, mandatory masking would no longer […]

MP Tony Baldinelli said federal restrictions have had a “devasting impact” on the local tourism industry.    Rising in the House of Commons this past week, Conservative MP for Niagara Falls Tony Baldinelli implored the federal government to drop all COVID-19 test requirements at the Canada-U.S. border, effective immediately.  “The 2022 summer tourism season is […]

After factoring in reserve payments and encumbrances, Niagara Regional Council approved a total of $61.4 million in overcharges to property taxes over a two-year period, as taxpayers struggled throughout the pandemic. All the while, the government’s top bureaucrats received large pay raises. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent   This term of Niagara Regional Council has […]

Artist rendering of the new WLMH site in Grimsby. Photo credit: Hamilton Health Sciences/WLMH   On Monday, Hamilton Health Sciences and Infrastructure Ontario announced EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare (EDIH) as the preferred proponent to design, build, and finance the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) redevelopment project. The EDIH team is made up of the following entities:   […]

  It’s not the first time the region’s acting medical officer of health has been at odds with the province. Photo credit: YouTube/BrockTV   On Tuesday, Mar. 1, palliative care physician Dr. Amit Arya posed a question to his over 26,000 Twitter followers.   The Mississauga doctor asked: “Who else agrees that Ontario’s decision to drop […]

The Rainbow Bridge connecting Niagara Falls, Ontario to Niagara Falls, New York. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons   A group of 15 border community mayors from across Canada penned a joint letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday, urging for an immediate end to COVID testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers at the U.S.-Canada border. […]

Republican congressman Chris Jacobs (left) and Democratic congressman Brian Higgins (right), both from Western New York, have been vocal about easing cross-border measures throughout the pandemic.    Currently, Canadians travelling to the U.S. via land ports of entry have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon arrival.  Though less stringent […]

Patrons peruse the main generator floor of the Niagara Parks Power Station. Photo credit: Niagara Parks    In a virtual ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 24, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust John Ecker presented projects, organizations, and individuals that made exceptional contributions to heritage conservation in 2021 with the […]

Masking indoors effectively last public health measure in place. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   The Niagara Region and Province of Ontario are finally on the same page in terms of pandemic restrictions.  Early Monday, Niagara Public Health (NPH) announced that as of Mar. 1, 2022, all local section 22 orders and letters of […]

Hundreds gathered in St. Catharines on Saturday to protest Vladimir Putin’s ongoing, unprovoked attack against the Ukrainian people. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   A sea of blue and yellow flags whipped in the biting winds while repeated shouts of “Slava Ukraini!” echoed across the courtyard at Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in St. […]

One of the many injured Ukrainians following Russia’s nationwide assault early Thursday. Photo credit: Anadolu Agency/Wolfgang Schwan   Early Thursday morning Moscow time, after weeks of buildup and suspicion, Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a “special military operation” into Ukraine.  In a state-televised address, Putin “ridiculously” alleged that the Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine were being […]

Technicians work to install one of two new generating units at the Sir Adam Beck I Generating Station in Niagara Falls. The $128-million project will be complete later this year. Upgrades to a third generator at the plant were finished in 2021. Photo credit: OPG   Currently in its 100th year of operation, the Sir […]

 Regional staff from the transportation department will give their twelfth and final presentation to Port Colborne council Tuesday, in an effort to convince the municipality to sign on to the Region’s ‘Vision Zero’ road safety initiative. Grimsby voted down the proposed project last month, which needed unanimous consent from all 12 lower-tier municipalities to proceed […]

Darren Ottaway (right) sits next to former Pelham mayor Dave Augustyn during a November 2017 council meeting. Ottaway was Pelham’s chief administrative officer from 2012 to 2019 and worked closely with Augustyn to fulfill council’s East Fonthill development plans, including overseeing a controversial land-for-credits scheme. Photo used by permission from the Voice of Pelham.   […]

Minister Vic Fedeli (left) tours Valbruna ASW’s Welland facility with company president Tim Clutterbuck (centre) and MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff, Feb. 16, 2022. On Wednesday, the province announced a $4.4 million investment at Valbruna ASW, along with a $480,000 investment at nearby Quick Plug CA Inc. in St. Catharines. Photo credit: Office of […]

Designed for students already holding a diploma or university degree in any field, the new graduate certificate will complement the college’s existing advanced business diploma in supply chain and operations management. Photo credit: Niagara College   A consequence of the pandemic, shifting consumer behaviour, border blockades, and boats stuck in the Suez Canal, severe supply […]

President of the Niagara branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Irene Newton (left) and the organization’s national president Alexandra Chyczij (right) speak at a rally against Russian aggression in Niagara Falls last month. Photo credit: Facebook/Ukrainian Canadian Congress Niagara   With the eyes of the world seemingly fixed upon the “occupation” in Ottawa, and the […]

 The province is providing faith-based and cultural organizations with funding to help deal with a rise in hate crimes. Minister Parm Gill (front right) and Councillor Sal Sorrento (back right) greet community leaders at the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, Feb. 10, 2022.    Last Thursday, St. Catharines city councillor and Ontario PC candidate Sal […]

Despite running multi-million-dollar surpluses and posting a fourth straight year of property tax increases, the Niagara Region wants to make it more expensive for local residents and businesses to take out the garbage.    In 2020, according to Niagara Region’s financial documents, the waste management division generated $1.5 million in budget surplus. In other words, […]

The international crossing that connects Fort Erie to Buffalo is the third busiest commercial bridge in North America. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons   A bi-national contingent of anti-mandate truck drivers and their supporters are expected to crowd both sides of the Peace Bridge this weekend.  Departing from New York City and Tennessee, the ‘Convoy to […]

The City of Thorold increased its population by 26.7 per cent between 2016 and 2021, making it the eighth fastest growing municipality over 5,000 inhabitants in the entire country, and the fourth fastest in Ontario. Photo credit: Thorold BIA   The numbers are in, and Niagara is growing fast. On Wednesday, Statistics Canada released population […]

A significant amount of PCB material was removed from the site at the end of last year.    Last Monday, the City of St. Catharines unanimously passed a motion seeking an update and timeline from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding split test results and further cleanup plans for the former General Motors […]

Ottawa police seize fuel from Freedom Convoy demonstrators Sunday night. Photo credit: Daily Mail/Pedro Colo   It’s been nearly two weeks since the ‘Freedom Convoy’ rolled into the nation’s capital and took up position around Parliament Hill. And despite an accumulation of bad press from the legacy media, an increasingly discontented local population, threats of […]

MP for Niagara West Dean Allison (left) voted to remove O’Toole. MP for Niagara Falls Tony Baldinelli (right) declined to comment on specifics regarding internal caucus matters, but said the party moves forward “united”.    In a closed-door virtual caucus meeting Wednesday morning, federal Conservative MPs voted 73-45 to remove Erin O’Toole as leader of […]

General manager of Simply Fit in Niagara Falls Roy Ramonal. Ontario gyms reopened at 50 per cent capacity earlier this week. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   When general manager of Simply Fit Health Club Roy Ramonal pulled up to the Drummond Rd. gym in Niagara Falls at 4:45 a.m. on Monday, there were […]

In all, over $2.2 million will be distributed to nine Niagara entities via the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Pictured clockwise at Thursday’s virtual announcement: Minister Lisa MacLeod, Branch 393 poppy chair Kathey Putman, MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Branch 612 poppy chair Terry Miller.    In a virtual announcement Thursday, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries […]

 Local operator John Doppenberg and his wife Anita have been in the nation’s capital since the convoy arrived on Saturday. Photo credit: AFP/Lars Lagberg   Nearly a week after helping lead the region’s trucker convoy out of Niagara, local big rig owner and operator John Doppenberg and wife Anita are still in the nation’s capital […]

According to Ed Smith, executive director of the community activist group A Better Niagara, Mayor of St. Catharines Walter Sendzik was in a conflict of interest when he helped clear the way for the recent appointment of Ward 4 councillor Robin McPherson. McPherson was a core member of Sendzik’s campaign team and was subsequently hired […]

Six community projects, including one ran by the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum (pictured), will receive provincial funding to operate programs for Niagara’s over 65 population. Photo credit: Facebook/Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum   On Monday, the province announced nearly $72,000 in funding to help Niagara seniors stay both physically and mentally active […]

Part of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jan. 26, 2022. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/David Jackson   On route to Ottawa for a mass demonstration this weekend, the Niagara contingent of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ passed through the region Thursday morning.  Hundreds of well-wishers supporting truckers in their fight against the federal government’s vaccine […]

The Ontario PC Party officially named Neil Lumsden (pictured, 2016) its 2022 candidate for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek on Wednesday. Photo credit: Brock University   Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2014 after a successful university career with the Ottawa Gee-Gee’s and a decade in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Neil Lumsden has […]

Winner Jon Downing (pictured) has been with the college’s groundbreaking teaching brewery since its establishment over a decade ago. He’s one of three staff members at the school to be presented with a Minister’s Award of Excellence this year. Photo credit: Niagara College   Niagara College (NC) brewmaster Jon Downing has won a 2021 Minister’s […]

Pictured (right) is Kayla Bennett, who made the trip from Wainfleet to participate in the rally, Sunday, Jan 23, 2022. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   On Sunday morning, several hundred protestors packed the Walmart parking lot on Garrison Rd. in Fort Erie to show support for the thousands of previously exempt cross-border truck […]

Newly appointed chair of the Niagara Parks Commission April Jeffs. Photo credit: Niagara Parks   Former two-time Niagara regional councillor and mayor of Wainfleet April Jeffs was officially named chair of the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) last Friday.  First appointed vice-chair of the provincial agency in Jan. 2019, Jeffs takes over as head of the […]

Since 1937, the Thorold-based organization (main facility pictured above) has offered a wide range of supports and services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Photo credit: Quartek Group Inc.   Five employers from the Niagara Region were included in the 2022 list of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers: Fort Erie’s Airbus Helicopters, Brock University, Durward Jones Barkwell & […]

In a leaked letter from last week, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore (pictured) told Niagara’s acting medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji that he was concerned Hirji’s excess “will lead to increased harms to the children and youth in the Niagara region”. Photo credit: The Canadian Press/Tijana Martin   Late […]

Concept illustration of Abatement Technologies’ new Fort Erie manufacturing facility. The project broke ground last year. Photo credit: Abatement Technologies    On Thursday, it was announced that Fort Erie’s Abatement Technologies was awarded $2.5 million in provincial funding to help support the company respond to increased demand.  Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Abatement […]

In Jan. 2020, Niagara Regional Council launched $850,000 worth of civil lawsuits against former Chair Alan Caslin (pictured) and his two staff members for their role in the allegedly tainted recruitment and hiring of Carmen D’Angelo. The Niagara Independent has recently learned that all three are covered by the Region’s own corporate liability insurance, protecting […]

After flying the flag without issue for several weeks, homeowner Melissa was issued a formal notice by city by-law to remove the banner in Nov. 2021. Supplied photo.    Dissatisfied with the result of September’s federal election, a local Niagara resident decided to exercise her constitutionally-protected right to freedom of expression and hang a flag […]

Nidhi Punyarthi replaces acting city solicitor Ed Lustig.    The City of Niagara Falls continues to build out its senior administration and management team with another top-tier hire. Last week, the city announced that Ms. Nidhi Punyarthi will be joining the municipality as city solicitor and director of legal services. Punyarthi joins the city after […]

After a short delay to the start of 2022, Niagara staff and students will be back in the classroom for face-to-face instruction next week. Photo credit: Pexels/Rodnae Productions   Monday marks the return to in-person learning for Ontario’s two million elementary and secondary school students.  And despite some hesitancy on the part of certain parents, […]

User samples one of Norgen Biotek’s innovative COVID-19 saliva-based test kits. Photo credit: Twitter/Norgen Biotek Corp.   With COVID-19 tests becoming scanter across Ontario, a local manufacturer has stepped up to the plate and partnered with the province to create several million more PCR test kits.  On Thursday, it was announced that Thorold-based Norgen Biotek […]

 Liberal MP for St. Catharines Chris Bittle (left) attacked Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre (right) for simply retweeting a comment from Dr. Jordan Peterson on social media. Photo credit: iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood   A local politician no stranger to social media flubs was back at it again earlier this week.  On Monday, Liberal MP for St. Catharines […]

A recent letter sent to President Joe Biden and the DHS from two local congressmen and New York senator Kirsten Gillibrand appears to imply another border closure may be in the works. Photo credit: Agence France-Presse/Lars Harberg    Late last week, high profile Democratic U.S. senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Western New York congressmen Brian Higgins […]

Charlie Burland passed of cancer at the age of 54 in December. Photo credit: The Niagara Independent/Nicholas Tibollo   Frigid temperatures and biting winds couldn’t stop hundreds of family members, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and former employees from lining up along Clifton Hill Monday afternoon to honour local tourism leader Charlie Burland. Burland, who was president […]

In addition to burying a report of homelessness, staff at Niagara Region continue to cancel scheduled Audit Committees. The Niagara Independent has learned another audit report, this time on garbage collection, was also withheld from the Audit Committee and the public. Photo credit: North Middlesex   In November, The Niagara Independent reported that regional staff […]

Only six regional councillors voted to oppose the recommendation from the City of St. Catharines to appoint Mat Siscoe (left): Leanna Villella from Welland, Bob Gale from Niagara Falls, Marvin Junkin from Pelham, Dave Bylsma from West Lincoln, Barbara Butters from Port Colborne, and Tim Whalen from Thorold. Based on policy and precedent, Mike Britton […]

Niagara Health’s St. Catharines site. Photo credit: Infrastructure Ontario   Overwhelmed by increased demand and an ever-growing staff shortage fueled by the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, Niagara Health has taken dramatic action to maintain adequate levels of care at its facilities.  On Tuesday, the organization announced it was temporarily closing Fort Erie’s urgent care […]

Conservative MP for Niagara West Dean Allison was not pleased by Premier Ford’s recent decision to reinstate a number of COVID-19-related restrictions. However, the seven-time member of parliament said that Prime Minister Trudeau (right) and his government can take away the main issue used to justify reinstating lockdown measures by adequately funding healthcare. Photo credit: […]

Photo credit: Twitter/Niagara EMS   COVID-19 is putting immense pressure on Niagara’s emergency departments and medical care and transport services. However, it doesn’t appear to be the virulence of the virus itself causing the strain. Late last week, both Niagara Health and Niagara EMS put out public statements claiming that elements of their respective operations […]

The decision from the City of St. Catharines to recommend Mat Siscoe (left) over “next place finisher” Mike Britton (right) to fill a government vacancy has come under immense scrutiny in recent weeks, leading to a petition, community pushback, a legal challenge, and now formal conflict of interest complaints.    As reported by The Niagara […]

Dr. R.J. Kamatovic tends to a line-up of cars behind his Fort Erie medical clinic, Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. One of the few doctors to offer regular PCR COVID-19 testing to the community throughout the pandemic, Dr. Kamatovic and his team meet patients at their cars Monday to Friday, rain, snow, or shine. Photo credit: […]

Current St. Catharines city councillor Mat Siscoe (left) and former city councillor Mike Britton (right). As the ‘next-place-finisher’ in the 2018 St. Catharines regional councillor race, precedent and policy would have seen Britton selected to fill the regional seat vacated by the passing of Sandie Bellows. However, St. Catharines city council – in contravention of […]

Less than five months after reopening following a year and a half-long closure, the popular Niagara Falls resort has once again shut its doors to patrons. Photo credit: iHeartRadio   Families hoping to spend New Year’s 2022 amid the log cabin bunkbeds and twirling waterslides at Great Wolf Lodge were emailed an unpleasant surprise earlier […]

The Burland family has owned and operated numerous properties (right) on the north side of Clifton Hill for nearly a century. Charlie (left) took over the family business in the 1990s. He would have been 55 in January.    Niagara lost one of its most prominent local tourism leaders with the passing of Charlie Burland […]

Niagara Health facility in St. Catharines. Photo credit: Infrastructure Ontario   On Dec. 28, Niagara Health implemented a series of restrictions at its facilities.  Visitors are no longer permitted at hospitals. All Essential Care Partners (ECPs) must be fully vaccinated and will only be permitted at the bedside with patients with a length of stay […]

Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, Bishop of St. Catharines.   Life is full of signs and symbols that can either teach, warn, or inspire us. Some are familiar and easily recognized. Others are more obscure and require greater reflection. A very few are mysterious and require deep contemplation. We find an example of this at Christmas. […]

 It’s the third of three similar incidents to occur to a public official in St. Catharines in the last four months. Photo credit: Twitter/Karrie Porter    The private residence of a St. Catharines city councillor was reportedly targeted by vandals earlier this week. On Wednesday, Dec. 22, St. Patrick’s Ward councillor Karrie Porter awoke to […]

Part of the Waverly Beach boardwalk in Fort Erie. A 2019 storm caused significant damage to municipal infrastructure around the community, including the boardwalk. Photo credit: Pixabay   Christmas came early for the Town of Fort Erie, thanks to the Ford government.  In a bulletin released Wednesday, the province announced that Ontario is providing the […]

Mayor of St. Catharines Walter Sendzik (right) broke a council tie on Dec. 13 that ultimately led to current councillor Mat Siscoe (right) being recommended to fill a regional vacancy. The move went against policy and precedent, initiating a petition and a legal challenge from the staff-advised candidate.     As previously reported by The Niagara […]