Niagara College winemaker Gavin Robertson holds up a bottle of Les Marmitons Gastronomy Cider. The cider recently won silver at the U.S. Open Cider Championship, while the school’s signature Cider 101 won gold. Photo credit: Niagara College
Average home price in Niagara to jump nearly $100,000 from 2021 to 2022
According to RE/MAX’s recently released ‘2022 Canadian Housing Market Outlook Report’, the average price of a home in the region is expected to jump from $689,648 in 2021 up to $786,199 in 2022.
The 14 per cent increase is in the top five for all of Ontario for 2022, with only Hamilton, Burlington, Muskoka, and Barrie seeing a greater percentage jump.
“Move-over buyers are anticipated to drive demand in the region in 2022,” said RE/MAX. “Inter-provincial moves are common in this region, as Ontarians [from the GTA] seek more affordable housing.”
To read the full report click here.
Baldinelli joins colleagues in calling on feds to fix issues surrounding ArriveCAN app
Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli joined a number of his Conservative Party colleagues over the weekend in sending a letter to Trudeau’s Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendocino asking the government to reassess its requirement to use the ArriveCAN app upon crossing the U.S.-Canada border.
“We have heard from many Canadians from across the country unable to use the ArriveCAN app at a Canadian port of entry due to poor cellphone network coverage, a lack of freely available Wi-Fi, or the app repeatedly crashing,” read the letter.
“Additionally, we are also concerned that the requirement to utilize this app is discriminatory towards Canadians without access to smartphones including seniors and Canadians with visual accessibility needs.”
Technical issues and confusion around the app have forced several fully vaccinated Canadians returning from the U.S. to unnecessarily quarantine for 14 days.
Niagara College continues to produce internationally renowned beverages
Niagara College’s Teaching Winery, Brewery, Cidery and Distillery added a few more awards to its trophy case last month.
At the latest U.S. Open Cider Championship, the college won gold in the ‘modern cider – dry’ category for its Cider 101 and silver in the ‘fruit and berry’ category for Les Marmitons.
“It’s amazing that students from Niagara College took gold for Cider 101. What’s more amazing is that Cider 101 is the only cider in the history of the U.S. Open Cider Championship to win four gold medals,” said Dow Scoggins, Director of the U.S. Open Beer, Whiskey, Cider and Hard Seltzer championships.
The college also picked up a ninth-place overall finish in the competition’s top 10 cideries of 2021, the only representative from Canada to make the list.
“At Canada’s first commercial Teaching Winery, we are proud to continue building on our reputation as a leader in wine and craft cider production;” said Steve Gill, General Manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises. “Above all, these latest international awards are a tremendous win for our students, who gain hands-on experience producing high-quality products – recognized among the best in the world – and are poised to take the industry to the next level.”
Barnett acclaimed chair of DSBN Board of Trustees for fourth consecutive term
At the latest District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) meeting on Dec. 7, long-time Welland trustee Sue Barnett was acclaimed board chair once again. It’s the fourth consecutive term as chair for Barnett, and fifth time in 12 years.
“I am thrilled to once again serve the Board and I am grateful to the DSBN Board of Trustees for their faith in my leadership. We have always worked as a strong team to provide optimal educational experiences for students in Niagara,” said Barnett.
“Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this Board has accomplished a lot in the last year, from breaking ground for our new West Niagara Secondary School which is currently being built, to hiring more social workers to support the mental health and well-being of students. Our work is not done, and we will continue to serve students and our community during the coming year.”
St. Catharines/Niagara-on-the-Lake trustee Alex Bradnam was elected vice-chair for the second time. Barnett and Bradnam will serve in their roles until November 2022.
Province increases investment in local infrastructure
For 2022, the Ontario government will provide the communities of Niagara West $5,280,413 – more than double the allocation from last year – to help build and repair local infrastructure. The investment is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up post-COVID by getting shovels in the ground on critical infrastructure projects that support economic recovery, growth, and job creation.
“Our government is committed to supporting our local rural municipalities by creating jobs, attracting economic growth and investment, and making Niagara West the best place to live and grow,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“This increased funding will help build and repair roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure in our community.”
Funding allocations are based on a formula that recognizes the different needs and economic conditions of communities across the province.
Canada joins allies in diplomatic boycott of upcoming Olympics in Beijing
Canada will proceed with a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics this February. The country will not send any government officials to China for the games. However, athletes will still be able to compete.
Prime Minister Trudeau made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly and Minister for Sport Pascale St.-Onge.
The boycott is over China’s record of human rights abuses. The U.S. announced its intention to diplomatically boycott the 2022 Olympics on Monday, with the U.K. and Australia quickly following suit.
This Weekend Around the Region
Home for the Holidays Decorating Contest
The City of Port Colborne is looking for the best holiday decorations in town! All residents are invited to enter the competition. There are multiple categories, including best lawn display, house lights, and balcony and door display.
Entries must be submitted by tonight, Dec. 9. Winners will be selected by the community, with voting set to take place on the city’s Facebook page between Dec. 10-18. Each winner will receive a $50 gift card to a local Port Colborne business of their choosing.
When: Dec. 10-18
Where: Port Colborne
To enter, please submit pictures by the end of the day today to: eventservices@portcolborne.ca
Pelham Santa Claus Parade
Presented by the Fabulous Fenwick Lions, Pelham’s 24th annual Santa Claus parade takes place this Saturday afternoon!
The parade will start at Bethany Christian Reformed Church on Balfour Street and travel to Canboro Road through the downtown core of Fenwick to Church Street. The parade finishes at Centennial Park.
When: Saturday, Dec. 11, 1:00pm
Where: Downtown Fenwick
Christmas at Nelles Manor Museum
A period attired host will lead you on a tour through Nelles Manor as it is decked out in historic Christmas finery. Built in 1798, Nelles Manor is a hidden gem in the cultural and heritage landscape of Niagara.
Parking is available on Murray Street next to the Manor. There is a path to the museum from Murray Street. Patrons are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before tour time.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Dec 11-12, 10:00am-3:30pm
Where: Main Street West, Grimsby
To purchase tickets, go to the tour’s Eventbrite page here.
Safari Lights
Your holiday season will be the biggest and brightest yet with a trip through Safari Niagara’s winding 3km light trail, set to Christmas music. From moving, colour-changing lights to a massive illuminated tunnel and truly enchanting safari-themed displays, every member of the family will be awed.
The zoo also has a few of Santa’s reindeer spending the season with them ahead of their big day, so keep those eyes peeled!
When: Select evenings from Nov. 20 – Jan. 9, 5:00-10:00pm
Where: Safari Niagara, Stevensville
To purchase tickets and view dates, go to Safari Niagara’s website here.
