Ontario Premier Doug Ford is expected to trigger an early election next week. Pictured: Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. Photo Credit: Sam Oosterhoff/X. The next Ontario election is not scheduled to take place until June 4, 2026. With that being said, Premier Doug Ford has been signaling that he soon plans to dissolve his majority […]
The average property tax bill in Niagara Falls will remain below the Niagara Region average. Pictured: Niagara Falls City Council. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls City Council met on Jan. 21 to discuss Mayor Jim Diodati’s proposed 2025 operating budget, which built on city staff’s proposed budget, presented earlier this month. Niagara […]
Taxpayers do not need to apply for the rebate. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/LinkedIn. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that his government’s $200 rebate cheques for all eligible Ontario taxpayers are on their way to taxpayers’ mailboxes. Ontarians do not need to apply for the rebate. The rebate cheque […]
Ford’s strategy is designed to help head off potential U.S. tariffs. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. Preparations were well underway throughout all levels of the Canadian government as United States President Donald Trump was inaugurated on Monday, Jan. 20. The new President has threatened punishing tariffs on neighbouring countries, including Canada, […]
Border area bracing for tariff impact. Pictured: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President-elect Donald Trump. Photo Credit: Justin Trudeau/X. As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on Monday, Jan. 20, communities across Canada are bracing for unprecedented economic challenges, as the incoming president has vowed to institute 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian […]
The new strategy is part of Niagara Region’s broader Attainable Housing Strategy. Photo Credit: Pexels. Niagara Region has announced that it plans to move forward with a new post-secondary student housing strategy, which is specifically geared toward supporting students at schools like Brock University and Niagara College. According to the Region, this new strategy is […]
Niagara-based power generating stations create approximately 25 per cent of the power supply for Ontario and New York state. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X. The inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is now less than a week away. While Canadians brace for the impact of the incoming president’s vowed tariffs, it […]
Rental costs in St. Catharines stayed steady in December while Niagara Falls prices rose again. Generated by Dall-E. The average one-bedroom rent in St. Catharines was up 0.5 per cent month-over-month to $1,669 in December 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. One-bedroom rents are also up 4.8 per cent year-over-year from December 2023. […]
The new Home Renovation Savings Program will launch on Jan. 28. Pictured: Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. Photo Credit: Sam Oosterhoff/X. Earlier this week, the Government of Ontario announced new energy efficiency programs. The government says that the large-scale initiatives, which are a component of a new 12-year $10.9 billion project, will include a Home […]
The proposed property tax increase is much higher than Council requested. Pictured: Niagara Falls City Hall. Photo Credit: City of Niagara Falls/Facebook. Residents of the City of Niagara Falls will see property taxes rise significantly if city staff have their way. Earlier this week, staff released their proposed property tax levy supported budget for 2025. […]
A new Liberal leader will likely be chosen by late March. Pictured: Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey. Photo Credit: Vance Badawey/X. Liberal Members of Parliament from the Niagara area are now facing a choice about who to support, if anyone, in the upcoming party leadership race after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement that he […]
The average family will spend nearly $17,000 on groceries in 2025. Photo Credit: Pexels. Niagara Region residents can expect higher grocery bills in 2025. The 2025 Canada Food Price Report, with contributions from researchers at Dalhousie University, the University of Guelph, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Saskatchewan, predicts that grocery costs […]
Nearly one-third of respondents said they believe Niagara Region is becoming unaffordable. Generated by Dall-E. A poll commissioned by the Niagara Association of Realtors and released to the public last month shows that housing affordability and the cost of living are the two biggest concerns of residents of Niagara Region. The poll, done by Nanos […]
The Fonthill Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was on hand at a Dec. 18 Council meeting. Pictured Councillor Wayne Olson. Photo Credit: Town of Pelham. With the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe Day (May 8, 1945) and Victory over Japan Day (Aug. 15, 1945) coming up next year, Pelham Councillor Wayne Olson is […]
NWC holding 32nd annual event. Generated by Dall-E. As Christmas celebrations commence this evening, a Niagara Falls church is preparing to once again host a beloved community tradition. The Niagara Worship Centre (NWC) will hold its 32nd annual Christmas Eve dinner and gift giveaway in outreach to those in need, as well as people who […]
Bradley is asking for the province to cover $5.2 million in new costs. Pictured: Regional Chair Jim Bradley. Photo Credit: Niagara Region. Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley is calling on the Ford government to provide increased funding to cover the cost of police services, following the Region’s passage of the 2025 budget. The budget includes […]
Residents face a 14.4 per cent property tax hike without changes. Pictured: Councillor Wendy Cheropita. Photo Credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is world-renowned for its beautiful scenery, rich history and quaint tourist attractions. In spite of these strengths, residents of the municipality are struggling to keep up with its rising cost of […]
The plan includes a requirement for an annual update on its implementation. Photo Credit: The Niagara Independent. Niagara Region has officially released an accessibility plan for the next five years. The 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is used as a guide to make the Region’s facilities, operations, and services accessible and inclusive to all residents. The […]
Pelham is increasing its development charges for the first time since 2018. Pictured: Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin. Photo Credit: Niagara Region. The Town of Pelham is increasing its development charges for the first time since 2018. As a result, developers will face a 19.5 per cent increase in residential and non-residential charges. This means that […]
Rental costs in St. Catharines continued to fall in November while Niagara Falls prices rose again. Generated by Dall-E. The average one-bedroom rent in St. Catharines was down 1.2 per cent month-over-month to $1,660 in November 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. One-bedroom rents are also down 0.1 per cent year-over-year from November […]
The candidate was chosen at the Holiday Inn on Ontario Street Dec. 9. Pictured: Conservative St. Catharines candidate Bas Sluijmers. Photo Credit: Bas Sluijmers/Facebook. The Conservative nomination meeting for the St. Catharines riding was held on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Holiday Inn on Ontario Street. Local party members selected Bas Sluijmers to represent […]
Niagara Region has finalized yet another massive property tax increase for 2025. Pictured: Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley. Photo Credit: Niagara Region. Niagara Regional Council met yesterday and finalized a budget for 2025 that includes a massive 9.6 per cent property tax increase. When added together with last year’s 7.02 per cent property tax increase, […]
Tax increase will occur if no additional changes are made to the Region’s 2025 budget. Photo Credit: The Niagara Independent. A months-long budget construction process is coming to a close as the Niagara Region prepares to finalize its fiscal plans for the new year. If no further alterations are made, taxpayers will face a 9.77 […]
The increase is larger than what Mayor Frank Campion had originally proposed. Pictured: Welland City Council. Photo Credit: City of Welland. Wellanders will see their property taxes rise by 3.95 per cent in 2025, a larger increase than Mayor Frank Campion had originally proposed. That represents an increase of $72.78 for the average home in […]
S&P predicted that the Niagara Region will face adversity in preserving its AA+ credit rating. Photo Credit: The Niagara Independent. Niagara Region has received another AA+ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings: 2024 marks the third straight year in which the Niagara Region has received this status. Credit ratings are based on how well an […]
City staff are proposing to cut Council’s size from 13 to seven. Pictured: Welland City Council. Photo Credit: City of Welland. Welland residents want fewer municipal politicians, a new survey shows. The view of the public aligns with the view of city staff, who made that very recommendation earlier this fall. A total of 141 […]
State-of-the-art facility will house current residents of the existing Gilmore Lodge and the Upper Canada Lodge. Photo Credit: Niagara Region. Late last month, Niagara Region offered an update on its Gilmore Lodge redevelopment project and announced that residents of the existing Gilmore Lodge and Upper Canada Lodge will move into their new home on Dec. […]
The evening consisted of 10 games, each with an opportunity to win a designer purse. Photo Credit: Fonthill Rotary Club. Last month, the Rotary Club of Fonthill hosted their annual Luxury Purse Bingo. The event, eagerly anticipated each fall, allows community members the opportunity to catch up over a legendary game while supporting local not-for-profits. […]
Mayor Mat Siscoe waived his ability to veto Council’s changes to his budget. Pictured: St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. Photo Credit: Mat Siscoe/X. St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe has approved the alterations that city councillors made to his proposed multi-year budget for 2025 and 2026. City taxes will hike by 2.82 percent in the new […]
Council is asking the police services board to make a second round of budget cuts. Pictured: Niagara Regional Police Chief Bill Fordy. Photo Credit: NRP. Niagara Regional Council and the Police Services Board are in a spat over this year’s police budget. Chief Bill Fordy initially requested a 15.1 per cent budget hike from Council […]
The project is being wholly financed by Society Developments, a Toronto-based real estate company. Pictured: Tourism Minister Stan Cho, MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati and others celebrate the announcement. Photo Credit: Stan Cho/X. The Ontario government has formally approved the redevelopment of the Niagara Parks Commission-owned Toronto Power Generating Station in Niagara […]
The proposed tax hike is 14.4 per cent. Pictured: Niagara-on-the-Lake council members. Photo Credit: Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara-on-the-Lake city staff are pushing for a massive property tax increase on homeowners for 2025. The proposed tax hike is 14.4 per cent. Because the average home has an assessed value of $544,000, that works out to a tax hike […]
OLT required that numerous studies and changes be made if the project is going to continue. Pictured: Randwood Estate. Photo Credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The clash of interests between developers and residents about preserving heritage and farmland is accelerating in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. In an October 2024 decision, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) ruled […]
Canada-wide rents experienced 1.2 per cent year-over-year decrease in October. Generated by Dall-E. The average one-bedroom rent in St. Catharines was down 1.1 per cent month-over-month to $1,681 in October 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. One-bedroom rents are also down 0.2 per cent year-over-year from October 2023. Meanwhile, a two-bedroom unit in […]
NRPS Chief Bill Fordy originally asked for a 15.1 per cent increase. Pictured: Fordy. Photo Credit: NRPS. On Nov. 14, Niagara Regional Council passed a 13.18 per cent hike to the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) operating budget for 2025. The increase will provide NRPS with a total of $213.3 million to carry out its […]
The average household will see a property tax increase of $65.33. Pictured: Welland Mayor Frank Campion. Photo Credit: City of Welland. Welland Mayor Frank Campion is proposing to raise property taxes by 3.54 per cent as part of his 2025 budget. For a home with an average assessment value in Welland, which is $230,000, that […]
Mayors Mat Siscoe, Frank Campion, and Jim Diodati are supporting Ford using the notwithstanding clause to address encampments. Generated by Dall-E. The homelessness epidemic is intensifying in both size and scope across the Niagara Region, as it is throughout Ontario and Canada. In response, homeless encampments have been erected to service vulnerable people’s needs, but […]
Last month, 539 homes were sold in Niagara Region. That compares to 377 homes in October 2023. Generated by Dall-E. The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its October market update on the local housing market, noting that many more homes were sold last month than during the same month in 2023. Last month, 539 […]
When education, regional and municipal components are included, the tax bill is projected to have increased by 6.45 percent. Pictured: Port Colborne councillors. Photo Credit: City of Port Colborne. As the calendar steadily inches closer to 2025, residents of the City of Port Colborne are poised to contend with more than post-Christmas bills and inflationary […]
Officials estimate the average household will see a $7.40 increase in their water bill each month. Pictured: Niagara Regional Council. Photo Credit: Niagara Independent. Niagara Region will be hitting taxpayers with significant water bill increase after the budget committee voted to approve a 12.27 per cent 2025 budget increase for water and wastewater. The increase […]
Trade will be a major issue as Trump once again takes the presidency. Pictured: Niagara West MP Dean Allison. Photo Credit: Dean Allison/Facebook. Former U.S. president Donald J. Trump has won back the Presidency. As the second Trump administration takes shape in the coming days, weeks, and months, a lot is at stake for Canada, […]
Henri Koning, who previously served as Director of Seniors Services, has officially assumed the role. Pictured: Henri Koning. Photo Credit: Niagara Region. Niagara Regional Council has approved Henri Koning as its new permanent Commissioner of Community Services. She officially took the permanent post last week. Koning has been with the Region since 2012 as the […]
Debt utilization is projected to jump to 21.2 per cent. Pictured: Members of Niagara-on-the-Lake Council. Photo Credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Budget 2025 negotiations are continuing across Niagara municipalities. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Town council has approved, in principle, a $7 million increase to the capital budget for the coming year. The capital budget deals with items […]
Fordy is pitching a 15.1 per cent police budget increase for 2025. Pictured: Niagara Regional Police Chief Bill Fordy. Photo Credit: NRPS. Niagara Regional Police Service Chief Bill Fordy is pitching a massive operating budget increase for 2025, seeking a jump in funding of over 15 per cent. The dollar value of Fordy’s requested budget […]
The federal government has provided a total of nearly $750 million to help cover the cost of housing since 2017. Generated by Dall-E The City of Niagara Falls is known as one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. In recent years, however, it has also become an interim housing hub for thousands of asylum […]
The proposed property tax increase is 0.25 percentage points higher than what city staff initially suggested. Pictured: St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. Photo Credit: Mat Siscoe/X. St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe is proposing a larger property tax increase in his 2025 budget than city staff recommended. In October, city staff suggested St. Catharines councillors approve […]
McShane is the current CEO of the Niagara Home Builders Association. Pictured: McShane giving an address at Niagara College’s Convocation. Photo Credit: Niagara College. The Niagara College Fall 2024 Convocation ceremonies began last week as the school honoured new graduates on Oct. 24. In addition to celebrating the achievements of more than 1,000 students, a […]
The proposed property tax increase is slightly above the anticipated rate of inflation. Pictured: St. Catharines City Hall. Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines. St. Catharines homeowners are looking at a 2.46 per cent increase in lower-tier residential property tax bills if city staff have their way. That represents an average increase of $42.82. But […]
Council voted 9-2 in favour of the zoning bylaw amendments. Pictured: St. Catharines City Council. Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines. The need to secure more affordable housing options is intensifying across Niagara municipalities as populations continue to grow and challenging economic conditions persist. St. Catharines, which is the largest city in the Niagara region, […]
Canada-wide rents experienced 2.1 per cent year-over-year increase in September. Generated by Dall-E. The average one-bedroom rent in St. Catharines was up 1.4 per cent month-over-month to $1,700 in September 2024, according to the latest Rentals.ca market update. One-bedroom rents are also up 1.6 per cent year-over-year from September 2023. Meanwhile, a two-bedroom unit in […]
More in-house management could cost millions. Pictured: St. Catharines City Council. Photo Credit: City of St. Catharines. As the end of another year approaches, budget consultations are in full swing for municipalities throughout Niagara. In the city of St. Catharines, a part of this process is contemplating how to maximize fiscal and operational effectiveness regarding […]
Niagara Region’s budget committee voted to delay consideration of the proposed transit budget increase until November. Photo Credit: NRT/Facebook. It’s Groundhog Day for the Niagara Transit Commission. Last fall, the Niagara Transit Commission proposed a significant budget increase of 7.8 per cent. This proposed budget increase was endorsed by members of the Niagara Transit Commission, […]
The proposed capital budget size presents an increase of approximately $7 million compared to 2024. Pictured: Niagara-on-the-Lake Council. Photo Credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Budget season is in full swing and Niagara municipalities are preparing their fiscal blueprint for the coming year. In the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Councillors are currently debating a $17.2 million capital budget […]
Last month, 488 homes were sold in Niagara Region. That compares to 372 homes in September of 2023. Generated by Dall-E. The Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) released its September market update on the local housing market, noting that more homes were sold last month than during the same month in 2023. Last month, 488 […]
The legendary piano instructor of more than seventy-five years passed away at 93. Pictured: Rivoli Iesulauro entering the Niagara Falls Arts and Culture Wall of Fame, posing with Mayor Jim Diodati and other recipients. Photo Credit: Jim Diodati/X. On Oct. 2, Niagara Falls lost one of its greatest residents. Rivoli Iesulauro, the legendary piano instructor […]
Thomson capped off his 60 years of service by receiving the keys to Niagara Falls. Pictured: Former councillor and mayor Wayne Thomson. Photo Credit: Wayne Thomson/X. After serving Niagara Falls for nearly 60 years, Wayne Thomson was given the keys to the city by Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati. Thomson has been involved in Niagara […]
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. Generated by Dall-E. 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. Generated by Dall-E. 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. Generated by Dall-E. 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 […]
