Niagara Parks takes first step in redevelopment of remaining power stations
Following the successful adaptive reuse and opening of the Niagara Parks Power Station earlier this year, the Niagara Parks is ready to engage the private sector for proposals for the adaptive reuse of the other two decommissioned power stations on its property in Niagara Falls: the Toronto Power Generating Station and the Ontario Power Company Generating Station.
The Parks initiated the procurement process on Monday with the release of a Request for Information (RFI). The RFI will initiate discussions, clarify general parameters, and measure the market interest in the opportunity.
Per the Parks, both power station sites hold extraordinary potential for redevelopment considering their established presence in the core tourism landscape of Niagara Falls, striking architectural features, and unparalleled locations on the brink of the upper Niagara River and within the lower Niagara Gorge.
The decommissioned power stations were transferred to the Niagara Parks Commission in 2007, followed by the former Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station in 2009, which has since been completely preserved and transformed into a multi-faceted new guest experience for the agency.
Lincoln council asks Canadian Coast Guard to preserve masts of iconic ship off QEW
On Monday, Nov. 8 Lincoln town council unanimously passed a motion asking the Canadian Coast Guard to save the three masts of La Grande Hermine ship currently residing in Jordan Harbour off the QEW. Council’s motion recognizes the landmark as a tourist attraction in Lincoln and requests that the federal government redirect the money currently slated for removing the masts toward making the masts and ship safe for future visitors to visually enjoy.
“Lincoln is a vibrant community that is becoming a top tourist destination. La Grande Hermine draws many visitors who support our local tourism economy, spending additional time visiting our other attractions in Lincoln,” said Mayor Sandra Easton.
“While we certainly share the Coast Guard’s safety concerns about the ship, we encourage them to redirect the funds currently slated for removing the masts into saving them for future visitors to visually enjoy.”
The Canadian Coast Guard listed the abandoned ship, which currently has no owner, under its Vessels of Concern Program in October after a technical assessment of the vessel identified safety hazards and structural concerns. The Coast Guard has proposed removing the three masts and securing the access points on the ship to prevent people from accessing it.
Niagara Health getting new MRI machine
The Ontario government is taking further action to end hallway healthcare and address wait times for diagnostic imaging by investing a new MRI machine at Niagara Health.
“As a local MPP, access to quality healthcare has been one of my top priorities,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “The investment in operationalizing a new MRI machine for Niagara is a key part of our government’s plan to end hallway healthcare, cut hospital wait times and build a better, more connected health care system that puts patients and their families first.”
This new investment brings additional MRI services to Niagara making it easier for patients to receive the care they need closer to home. It is part of the government’s $30 million investment in the 2021 Budget to support MRI services for patients and add new MRI machines to hospitals across the province.
“We are grateful to the government for their commitment in ensuring Niagara residents and patients have access to diagnostic imaging.” said Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO of Niagara Health. “In addition, we are also thankful to our donors who contributed to the purchase and installation of the new MRI machine. Collectively, these investments mean that we will be able to begin to address the backlog of patients waiting for an MRI at Niagara Health.”
Province providing greater access to safe housing for survivors of human trafficking
In a Hamilton press conference on Tuesday, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues Jane McKenna and Flamborough-Glanbrook MPP Donna Skelly announced the Ontario government is investing $18.5 million over three years to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking by increasing access to safe and affordable housing, employment assistance, and childcare.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has tragically increased the frequency and severity of domestic violence and human trafficking in our province, which means that more women and children are in immediate need of a safe place to stay,” said Minister McKenna. “This investment will help ensure that survivors have access to the supports they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”
The funding will be provided via the Transitional and Housing Support Program (THSP). TSHP is a key resource for women escaping domestic violence and human trafficking, providing a critical link to local housing providers and municipal service managers. Program workers also help survivors on the path to regaining their independence through safety planning and connection to wrap-around supports. This includes access to counselling and well-being supports, social assistance programs, employment assistance, childcare, education, and legal supports.
According to the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara, 71 per cent of human trafficking cases are located in Ontario, with the majority being within the Golden Horseshoe.
Ontario and Atlantic coast appear most committed to national unity
According to a recent poll from Leger, national unity appears strongest amongst Ontarians, and weakest amongst Quebecers.
The poll, conducted over four days from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, 2021, asked over 1,500 Canadians whether they thought their home province was better off being part of Canada, or better off on its own.
Ontario and the Atlantic coast led the pack with percentage of respondents who think their respective province is better off part of Canada, with 85 and 83 per cent, respectively. Only 64 per cent of respondents from Quebec, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan said their province is better off as part of the nation (69 per cent of Albertans said the same).
A mere five and four per cent of participants from Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, respectively, said their province would be better off alone. Whereas 22 and 19 per cent of respondents from Quebec and Alberta said their province would be better off on its own.
Canadian superstar teams up with Tim Hortons
On Wednesday, Nov. 10, Canadian superstar musician Justin Bieber and Tim Hortons announced a collaboration to bring new menu and merch items to restaurants in Canada and the U.S., starting with limited-edition ‘Timbiebs Timbits’.
Patrons will get their first taste of the collaboration on Nov. 29, with the launch of a limited-edition selection of Timbiebs Timbits in Chocolate White Fudge, Sour Cream Chocolate Chip, and Birthday Cake Waffle flavours.
According to the restaurant chain, Bieber shared that Timbits are his favourite item on the menu and this ultimately led to a multi-stage, iterative journey with Chef Tallis Voakes, Tim Hortons Director of Culinary Innovation, to experiment with different flavour combinations and collaborate on the recipes that guests can soon try for themselves.
“Doing a Tim Hortons collab has always been a dream of mine,” said Bieber. “I grew up on Tim Hortons and it’s always been something close to my heart.”
This Weekend Around the Region
Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade, Opening of Christmas Market and Start of Winter Festival of Lights
Starting at Victoria Ave. and Armoury St. in Downtown Niagara Falls, the city’s annual Santa Claus parade will travel to Valley Way, turn right on Queen Street, and end at city hall with a tree lighting ceremony. The public can expect to see flashy floats, mascots, live entertainment, groups from the community, and, of course, Santa.
Once the parade concludes and the tree is lit, the outdoor Niagara Falls Christmas Market will officially open, featuring over 50 artisanal vendors, light structures, interactive art displays, live music, and visits with Santa.
Also beginning on Saturday is the 39th annual Winter Festival of Lights – Canada’s largest outdoor lights festival!
“We’re hoping people make a full trip out of their visit by checking out the parade, tree lighting, the Christmas Market, and Winter Festival of Lights, while also visiting the local shops and restaurants in Downtown Niagara Falls,” said Ron Charbonneau, chair of the Downtown Niagara Falls BIA.
All of the events are free to attend and fit for the whole family.
When: Saturday, Nov. 13, 4:00pm
Where: Downtown Niagara Falls and Niagara Parkway/Dufferin Islands
Niagara IceDogs Back-to-Back at Home
The OHL’s Niagara IceDogs take on two top competitors back-to-back at home in St. Catharines this weekend, playing the Barrie Colts Friday night and the Oshawa Generals Saturday. Come out and enjoy the fast-paced play of one of the world’s premium junior hockey leagues!
When: Friday, Nov. 12, 7:00pm and Saturday, Nov. 13, 7:00pm
Where: Meridian Centre, St. Catharines
All individuals over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated to attend. To purchase tickets, go to the IceDogs’ website here.
