Niagara-on-the-Lake’s leading diverging diamond interchange on the cusp of commencing
The Niagara Region and Ontario Ministry of Transportation have been working together on a $53.8 million major road construction project to replace the QEW overpass on Glendale Avenue. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Glendale area will completely change its look, as construction is soon to begin on the first diverging diamond interchange (DDI) in the province, and the third in the country. This will create a new, unique gateway into Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The DDI will increase safety as it will allow highway access in all four directions, eliminating crossing oncoming traffic. A new commuter carpool lot will also be created, and through the middle of the bridge will be a four-metre-wide pedestrian and cycling path with signal crossings. Other components of the project include a single-lane roundabout at Glendale Avenue and York Road, and a new road connecting Glendale Avenue to Airport Road providing tourists with a direct route to historic Old Town.
This project will take three years, and will be done in 5 phases, with anticipation of Phase 1 beginning in spring 2021. The funding will come from the province of Ontario, the Niagara Region and the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Fort Erie ‘Compass Heights’ development is one step closer to breaking ground
The Compass Heights development is bringing life to a site that has sat vacant for over 15 years. The site on Central Avenue was previously a Keystone Kelly’s restaurant, and is a prominent location, as it is a gateway to Fort Erie from the Peace Bridge.
This 12-storey condominium development will have retail space at the ground level, along with 200 condominium units. The planning process took a large leap ahead as the Fort Erie Council has approved both the Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments.
A contribution of $150,000 will be made by project backers to be used by the municipality as funding for the community, and in this case, it will go towards developing affordable housing within Fort Erie.
While the Mayor, Wayne Redekop, had several concerns back in November when the zoning and Official Plan changes were first introduced, they have been alleviated through further investigation and reports.
This property that has been an eye-sore for over a decade will turn into a benefit for the community as a whole.
Firemen’s Park Amphitheatre sees improvements
The week of March 8, the City of Niagara Falls is scheduled to begin construction on Firemen’s Park Amphitheatre, with the anticipation of opening before mid-May. While grassy, rolling hills have their natural beauty, they make it difficult for people to comfortably set up lawn chairs to watch shows. The improvements to the amphitheatre include a drainage system, complete restoration of the area and new armour stone blocks to provide tiered seating, simply making it cleaner, safer and wider.
The city has many future plans for Firemen’s Park, as it is a natural place that people can gather and make memories, whether it is watching free outdoor concerts and shows, or enjoying the scenery at the park, dog park, and more.
This project was scheduled for last year, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was delayed.
Andrew Peller Limited buys Riverbend Inn and Vineyard in $10 million deal
On February 26th, Andrew Peller Limited announced the purchase of Riverbend Inn and its business assets for $10 million. This successful, heritage, Georgian-style inn opened in 2004. It sits on a 17-acre vineyard property, with 21 rooms and a restaurant.
The inn neighbours Peller Estate Winery, and perfectly complements it as it is known to offer the highest quality hospitality. With this new vineyard addition, Peller Estate Winery will have 57 acres of premium grape growing.
This acquisition is optimistic for both parties, as the current owners of Riverbend Inn will be retiring, while Andrew Peller Limited intends to enhance the Inn’s uniqueness and continue to grow.
Welland residents input wanted for 20-year cycling, walking, and trails master plan
WSP Canada Inc. has been hired by the City of Welland to enhance existing plans and implement strategies on how to integrate a connected system of trails and other transportation infrastructure between trail networks, sidewalks and cycling routes in Welland. They will provide both cost estimates and project phasing for this new strategy that will focus on the city’s parks, recreation and culture master plan, to welcome both tourism and economic development opportunities. This master plan will allow both locals and tourists to experience Welland’s beauty and natural heritage by providing transportation and access to amenities, as well as more opportunities for recreation.
If you wish to provide feedback, please complete the survey at:
http://yourchannel.welland.ca/community-trails-strategy
Niagara Falls council considers outdoor patio by-law for further flexibility
As COVID-19 continues to loom ahead, the Niagara Falls council will once again be considering temporary zoning alterations in order to allow businesses to run at a greater capacity, while abiding by social distancing guidelines. These modifications include a temporary zoning by-law for outdoor patios and sidewalk cafes, and all licensing and/or road occupancy fees will be waived until December 31st, 2022.
In July 2020, the Council had agreed upon a similar agreement, however it expired December 2020.
Niagara police continue to search in Welland for 65-year-old woman
Maria Jagiello, a 65-year-old woman has been missing since Sunday night around 7p.m after leaving for a walk from her home in Welland. She is not very familiar with the area and does not stray far from home.
The Niagara Regional Police have concentrated their search in the southwest corner of Welland, near Silverwood Avenue and Roselawn Crescent, and Webber Road and Clare Avenue.
She is a five foot ten, Caucasian women, with a medium build. She has blond shoulder-length hair, and may be wearing a beige winter coat, black pants, and a hat.
If you have any information, please contact the NPRS at (905)-688-4111, 1009007.
COVID-19 Weekly Report
While Niagara may have recently advanced into the red zone, new cases of the COVID-19 variant have begun to appear, as there have been 40 variant cases in the region. As of March 3rd, Niagara Public Health confirmed 8,647 cases of COVID-19, with 8,111 recovered patients. 369 Individuals have died of COVID-19, and we have 167 active cases. There are 224 closed outbreaks, 17 active outbreaks, and 1 new outbreak as of March 3rd.
St. Catharines is leading both total and active cases with 2,801 and 58, respectively. Then Niagara Falls with 2,222 total cases and 36 active cases. Port Colborne and Wainfleet both have just 1 active case, and 152 and 58 total cases, respectively.
