Trius

Diners enjoy a meal inside one of Trius Winery’s unique outdoor domes. Trius was one of 13 Niagara establishments to make OpenTable’s 2021 list of 100 best restaurants to dine outside in Canada. Photo credit: Trius Winery

U.S. reopening land border to fully vaccinated Canadians

After 20 months of being barred from entering the country, fully vaccinated Canadians will once again will be allowed to drive into the U.S. for discretionary purposes starting in November.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas made the announcement late Tuesday.

“In alignment with the new international air travel system that will be implemented in November, we will begin allowing travelers from Mexico and Canada who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter the United States for non-essential purposes, including to visit friends and family or for tourism, via land and ferry border crossings,” said Secretary Mayorkas.

“Cross-border travel creates significant economic activity in our border communities and benefits our broader economy. We are pleased to be taking steps to resume regular travel in a safe and sustainable manner.”

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Washington on Wednesday that the U.S. and Canada are working together on the specifics, including an exact reopening date.

Over a dozen Niagara establishments make list of Canada’s 100 best restaurants for outdoor dining

A full 13 per cent of the restaurant-reservation website OpenTable’s list of best restaurants in Canada to dine outside are located right here in Niagara.

The list, generated solely from diner reviews collected by OpenTable between June 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021, includes one restaurant from Welland, two from St. Catharines, four from West Niagara, and an impressive seven from Niagara-on-the-Lake.

According to OpenTable, “All restaurants with a minimum ‘overall’ score and number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. The overall score is made up of unique data points, such as overall diner rating, user clout, total number of reviews and regional overall rating.”

More Niagara restaurants made the list than all of the Prairie and Atlantic coast provinces combined. To view the entire list, click here.

LCBO makes generous donation to Niagara College, establishes new bursary

On Tuesday, it was announced that the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has donated more than $60,000 to Niagara College to establish a new ‘Spirit of Inclusion Initiative Bursary’. The bursary will provide financial support to female students from diverse backgrounds who are enrolled in the college’s beverage programs.

“It is our responsibility to use our influence and resources to increase diverse representation and foster inclusion within the beverage alcohol industry,” said George Soleas, President and CEO, LCBO. “The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is a holistic, long-term commitment to support diverse women looking to begin or advance their careers in the winery, brewery, and distillery fields.”

The first bursaries will be awarded to four Niagara College students this fall – one from each of the college’s beverage programs – to cover tuition and ancillary program costs.

“We thank the LCBO for their generous gift which will make it possible for many under-represented students in our beverage programs to achieve their dreams,” said Marc Nantel, Vice President of Research and External Relations. “The LCBO’s Spirit of Inclusion Initiative Bursary demonstrates their commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion, while supporting student success. Both are core values at the heart of Niagara College.”

Canadians increasingly dissatisfied with federal government

A recent poll conducted by Nanos Research found that a mere 35 per cent of Canadians are hopeful or content with the current federal government, compared to 52 per cent who are worried or not happy.

The poll, conducted between September 30 and October 3, asked a sample of over 1,000 Canadians which feeling best describes their view of the federal government: optimism, satisfaction, pessimism, anger, or disinterest. Of the options available, 19 per cent selected optimism, 16 per cent selected satisfaction, 29 per cent chose pessimism, 23 per cent chose anger, and 9 per cent picked disinterest.

Since July, satisfaction has decreased by 6 points, while pessimism has increased by four points.

Star Trek star William Shatner makes history

Actor William Shatner became the oldest person to ever travel to space on Wednesday, crossing the Karman Line about 100KM above earth’s surface aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocketship.

Shatner and a crew of three astronauts made the 10-minute from a launch site in West Texas. Bezos was on hand to welcome the intrepid travellers back to terra firma.

“What you have given me is the most profound experience I can imagine,” the Canadian actor told Bezos. “I am so filled with emotion about what just happened.”

At 90 years young, Shatner eclipses the previous record of the oldest person in space set by 82-year-old Wally Funk in July 2021.

This Weekend Around the Region

Outdoor Trivia at Old Fort Erie

With the captivating heritage of Old Fort Erie as your inspiration, test your knowledge of general trivia topics ranging from history and geography to wildlife, music, movies and more. The top two teams will walk away with prizes!

Organizers encourage you to come dressed for the weather, as the event will take place outside. Feel free to bring a blanket for a more comfortable experience! A limited cash bar will be available at the Welcome Centre from 3:30pm. Trivia will begin at 4:00pm. All food and beverages must be consumed outdoors.

When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 3:30pm

Where: Old Fort Erie, Fort Erie

Drummond Hill Cemetery Tours

Hosted by the City of Niagara Falls Museums, these tours offer a unique opportunity to discover Niagara Falls through a visit to one of the most historic cemeteries in Canada.

Led by a costumed guide, the human drama unfolds as guests wander the grounds and happen upon theatrical performances that provide a glimpse into the lives of some of the people from the city’s history.

Tickets must be purchased in advance by dropping into the museum at 5810 Ferry Street or calling 905-358-5082. The event is rain or shine; tickets are non-refundable.

When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2:00-4:00pm

Where: Drummond Hill Cemetery, Niagara Falls

For more details, go to the City of Niagara Falls Museums website here.

Pumpkinville Fall Celebration

Pumpkinville is back for another pop-up celebration at the St. Catharines Farmers Market!

To claim your free pumpkin and Pumpkinville-themed resuable tote bag simply bring your Eventbrite confirmation. Pick up times are available between 8:30am and 12:00pm – your designated time can be selected and will be outlined on your ticket. Please bring a paper copy or an email confirmation to claim your pumpkin and tote.

And don’t forget to also grab your colouring contest sheets to enter this year’s online colouring contest.

When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 8:30am-12:30pm

Where: Market Square, St. Catharines

For more details and to register for the (free) event, click here.