grape monitoring

Brock University Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) technician Lisa Dowling analyzes the grapes collected for the institute’s Preharvest Monitoring Program. Each year, the program looks for key indicators of ripeness and fruit health in Niagara grapes to inform and estimate the success of local wine production. Photo credit: Brock University

Over $16 million allocated to local school boards for classroom ventilation

Joint funding between the governments of Ontario and Canada is supporting 2,052 projects in over 1,670 schools and co-located childcare facilities across 70 school boards throughout Ontario.

In Niagara, $7,536,600 has been allocated to the District School Board of Niagara, while $8,473,600 has been allocated to the Niagara Catholic District School Board to improve classroom ventilation and filtration.

The province has also introduced a standardized reporting tool so school boards can share ventilation information with local communities.

Ventilation enhancements are one part of Ontario’s plan to advance and protect public education for the 2021-22 school year. Ontario’s safer return to school is supported by significant investments, including $1.6 billion in targeted COVID-19 supports and $80 million in funding for mental health supports.

Brock data indicates another excellent year for Niagara wines

With the grape harvest just around the corner, Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) has launched its annual Preharvest Monitoring Program. According to the institute, preliminary data collected thus far points to another excellent year for local wines.

“The weather from the beginning of grape maturation to harvest is going to be really important to determine the quality of the vintage, but I think we have a high potential for this year,” said Jim Willwerth, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences and a CCOVI researcher. “Based on the historical data and what we’re already seeing with respect to the amount of heat units and growing degree days, and if we have the same wonderful weather in September and October as we did in 2020, we’re right on track to have another banner year.”

To determine fruit health, the team collects samples from a variety of grapes and looks at key ripeness indicators including Brix (sugar levels), titratable acidity, pH, and acetic acid.

“We often have some periods of drought in the summer, but that becomes more of a problem when we don’t have a lot of moisture in the ground early on in the season,” Willwerth explained. “We had ample precipitation — even in July — this year, which provided adequate soil moisture so that even though it’s been really hot and dry in recent weeks, the vines grew very well and have adequate growth to produce high-quality grapes.”

YMCA of Niagara prepares to reopen three branches this month

Months after they were forced to temporarily close because of the ongoing pandemic, the Niagara West YMCA in Grimsby, Niagara Centre YMCA in Welland, and Vale Health and Wellness Centre YMCA in Port Colborne are scheduled to reopen for indoor, in-person programming on September 15.

The YMCA is taking a phased approach to reopening, based on safety, local community support/interest in programming and financial viability. All community members are invited to complete the YMCA’s Health, Fitness and Aquatics Reactivation survey to help the organization determine how to best serve the needs of the community in the months ahead.

Complete the survey here.

Ontario to require proof of vaccination in select settings

In a stated effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Ontario will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting September 22, 2021.

“As the world continues its fight against the Delta variant, our government will never waver in our commitment to do what’s necessary to keep people safe, protect our hospitals and minimize disruptions to businesses,” said Premier Doug Ford.

Ontarians will need to supply proof of vaccination and photo ID to enter higher-risk public indoor settings, such as restaurants and bars, nightclubs, gyms, concerts, and casinos, amongst others.

The mandatory requirements do not apply to outdoor settings where the risk of transmission is lower, including patios. In addition, the requirements do not apply to settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores, medical supplies, and the like. Indoor masking policies will continue to remain in place.

Some 1,250 Canadian citizens and landed immigrants still stranded in Afghanistan

On Tuesday, mere hours after the final American soldier left Kabul, Canadian foreign affairs minister Marc Garneau announced that about 1,250 individuals with direct legal ties to Canada were stuck in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

“At the moment, our advice to Canadians and Canadian permanent residents in Afghanistan and vulnerable Afghans is to stay put, because the situation at this point is uncertain,” Garneau said. “And obviously, we’re also working on trying to get the airport open again.”

The 1,250 citizens, permanent residents and families are in addition to hundreds of former interpreters and support staff who supported Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan and are now at significant risk of reprisal from the Taliban.

This Weekend Around the Region

Grand Opening of ‘Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed’

Experience the remarkable Niagara Parks Power Station in a whole new way with ‘Currents’, an epic sight and sound night show inside the heart of the Parks’ newest attraction.

This must-see show features immersive, interactive media where projected effects react to your presence. This one-of-a-kind sensory experience reawakens the machinery of this iconic power plant through imagery, colour, lights, sound, and a breathtaking musical score. Walk through this historic space and explore the incredible transformation of water to power.

Where: Niagara Parks Power Station, Niagara Falls

When: First show starts at 6:30pm this Friday, September 3. Shows run hourly on the half hour every evening thereafter.

To find out more and purchase tickets, head to the Niagara Parks website here.

Taste of Greece

Normally a grand celebration of all things Greek – with vendors, games, live music, and dancing – this year’s Taste of Greece festival has switched to take-out only.

Though a shortened menu, many of the same delicious meals you would expect at the annual festival are available for pick this Labour Day Weekend, including desserts!

Where: St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, St. Catharines

When: Saturday, September 4 – Monday, September 6

For details on what’s available and how to place an order and pick up, check out the festival’s website here.

Sunflowers at Howells

Enjoy the sunshine and farm fresh air at the second installment of Sunflowers at Howells. Explore and photograph over 100,000 blooms across the farm’s vast sunflower field. After you’re finished exploring, head to the onsite Beer and Wine Garden for a drink and bite to eat. Guests can also enjoy select attractions including Howells wagon ride, the Bucking Cow Train, and the farm’s Famous Jumping Pillow!

Each ticket includes entrance to Howells sunflower field and one picked sunflower of your choosing.

Where: Howells Farm, Fonthill

When: Sessions begin this Thursday, September 2. Spots are available Thursday to Sunday this week and next.

To book your visit, go to the Howells Farm website here.