Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff is joined by Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson and Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod at Leaning Post Winery in Stoney Creek on Monday, July 19. The trio announced $10 million in funding for Ontario’s hard hit agri-tourism industry.
Scammers spoof Niagara Regional Police phone number
The Niagara Regional Police (NRP) had their non-emergency administration phone number spoofed by a scammer earlier this month. A Niagara resident lost approximately $600 when they answered an automated call and followed the scammer’s instructions to make a Bitcoin payment under the false threat of arrest.
The NRP would like to remind residents that the police will never contact residents through an automated phone message, and will never ask for payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash. If you are unsure of the validity of a caller using the NRP’s phone number, they invite you to ask for the caller’s badge number, full name, and incident number, and follow up on your own time.
Niagara Falls makes late night appearance
Niagara Falls was prominently featured on late night television by Canadian Grammy and Juno award winning signer Alessia Cara. She performed on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert as the feature act for the night on Monday, debuting her new song ‘Sweet Dream’ while aboard the Niagara City Cruise.
Cara, originally from Mississauga, coordinated the performance in part with Niagara Falls Tourism in an effort to promote Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls Tourism CEO and President Janice Thomson said she was thrilled to partner with the singer for the special event.
Homebuilder donates $1 million to local mental health organization
On Tuesday, it was announced that Moutainview Building Group owner Mark Basciano donated $1 million to Niagara’s Pathstone Mental Health. The incredibly generous donation will support Pathstone’s elementary school currently under construction on Merrittville Highway in Welland.
“Mark truly understands the ‘big picture’ of investing in our children’s mental health,” said Pathstone CEO Shaun Baylis. “He is ultimately building a strong and healthier community for generations to come and we are so fortunate to have Mark in our corner.”
Brock team studies effects of working from home
A team at Brock University are studying the effects of working from home on the musculoskeletal system. Through the pandemic people have set up at-home workstations that don’t have the same ergonomic technology as many offices do. The researchers note that working on a couch, bed or even at a poorly set up desk can cause discomfort.
The team developed a survey to be administered to individuals who are 18 and older who work full time and have had to work at home at least partially as a result of the pandemic. The goal of the survey is to uncover any changes in pain in their neck, back, arms, and legs. To date the team says that around 200 participants in eight countries have participated, and they’re still looking for approximately 1,800 more participants.
Province to provide help to hard hit agri-tourism industry
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff was joined by Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson and Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod earlier this week in Stoney Creek to launch the province’s new $10 million Winery Agri-Tourism COVID-19 Relief Initiative.
Wineries and cideries with on-site stores whose business were impacted by the pandemic will be eligible for the one-time grant. Agricorp, the delivery agent of the initiative, has already sent applications directly to eligible businesses.
“Representing a rural riding with the most independent wineries in the province, [this] announcement is key for local grape and wine producers and cideries,” said Oosterhoff.
“Our government is positioning the agri-tourism sector for a strong and safe reopening from COVID-19. This investment not only benefits wineries and cideries, but local growers, suppliers and neighbouring culinary destinations and tourism operators.”
Theodore Tugboat comes to Port Dalhousie
On July 20 a 65 ft. replica of the beloved children’s character, Theodore Tugboat sailed into Port Dalhousie harbour. The boat, called Theodore TOO, sailed from the Maritimes where it’s called home for over two decades. The goal of the journey is to bring awareness to Canada’s water system and promote marine careers.
For this visit, Theodore TOO teamed up with Swim Dunk Fish to promote their Great Lakes Guide to connecting with the Great Lakes. Visitors were able to take photos on the west pier of the Port Dalhousie Yacht club. The boat departed for its next stop in the port of Hamilton at the end of the day Tuesday.
Ontario government announces grants to help small businesses increase online presence
The Ontario government announced on Monday that it was investing an additional $10 million into its Digital Main Street program to help small businesses increase their online presence. The money, which will be distributed to businesses in the form of $2,500 grants will also provide them with digital resources and technical training to help businesses recover as the province enters Stage 3 of reopening.
Businesses with 1-50 employees and a physical store are encouraged to apply. More than 20,000 business have already received assistance from the Digital Main Street program to date.
Around the Region This Weekend
Market on the River
Starting this Friday, July 23, Maple Leaf Place will commence its daily festival of all-things-Canadian. Visitors can enjoy a maple syrup guided tour and tasting, shop art by local painters and Indigenous wood carvers, and fill up on classic Canadian poutine served fresh on site. Located next to the scenic Niagara River, patrons can enjoy their food and drink outside in the picnic table area while they listen to a variety of live music offerings. Parking and entry are free!
Where: Maple Leaf Place, Niagara Falls
When: Starts Friday, July 23 at 11:00am. Runs daily until September 30.
For full details click here.
Welland Farmers’ Market
With some 50 vendors from local farms, delis, and bakeries, Welland’s weekend community market is the largest farmers’ market in Niagara. The weekly event has been luring locals and tourists every Saturday to the market since 1907, with shelves of fresh fruits and vegetables, tasty meats, natural cheeses, and baked goods. While shopping, patrons can enjoy live entertainment from local musicians.
Where: 70 Young Street, Welland
When: Saturday, July 24, 7:00am-12:00pm. Runs every Saturday year-round.
For full details click here.
July Coffee Concert
Held at the Shaw Festival’s Humeniuk Foundation Stage, attendees can enjoy a warm beverage while listening to live classical music performed by the Shaw Festival Orchestra’s own string quartet.
Due to capacity restrictions, ticket purchases should be made online beforehand and are limited to two per purchaser.
When: Saturday, July 24, 10:30am. With six more ‘coffee concerts’ scheduled this summer.
Where: Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake
For full details and to buy tickets click here.
‘Hope and Healing’ Outdoor Art Installations
Amidst a year of struggles and bad news, Tracey-Mae Chambers, an Indigenous artist from Hamilton, is travelling across Ontario to communicate a powerful message through temporary outdoor installations. Her work explores questions concerning our connection to others and the world around us: “How do we pick up the pieces of our lives? Individually and collectively. How do we heal and stay hopeful?”
Chambers will build three art installations outside various locations across the region this weekend. On Friday, she will be at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and then down the road at RiverBrink Art Museum in Queenston on Saturday. She will finish off the weekend outside of Niagara Falls City Hall on Sunday.
When: Friday – Sunday. Exact times are not known.
Where: Various
For full details click here.
