December 2025 Edition

The Town is proud to share the December edition of NOTL News, the final issue of 2025. 

Thank you for staying connected with the Town throughout 2025. As always, we look forward to keeping you informed and engaged in the year ahead. If you haven’t already, we invite you to subscribe to NOTL News to receive the latest Town updates, events, and stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of NOTL News! It's been great to see increased readership month over month.

Over the past six months, it has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and professional team of Staff who support residents, businesses, and visitors while advancing progress on Council’s Strategic Plan. Their commitment, collaboration, and care for this community have been evident throughout the year, and I am truly grateful for their efforts.

As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited about the opportunities before us and the continued work to strengthen our services, infrastructure, and community well-being. On behalf of the Town’s administration, I wish everyone a safe, joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year. We look forward to serving the Niagara-on-the-Lake community in 2026!

Council Member Highlight - Councillor Wendy Cheropita

In each edition of NOTL News, the Town features a Member of Council to help residents get to know the individuals helping shape decisions and initiatives in the community. This section offers a deeper look at each Councillor’s priorities and motivations, illustrating how Council Members contribute to the Town’s continued growth and well-being.

What inspired you to become a Town Councillor?

In 2018, I was asked by a few friends if I would run for Council. Then a few more asked. Although it was not an idea I had ever considered, I started to think about it. On Tuesday nights, I attended the Committee and Council meetings to learn more about the role of a Town Councillor. I asked people in the community what mattered most to them. I met with the Lord Mayor and a few Councillors and read everything I could to better understand the issues, challenges, and opportunities in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I felt fortunate to have had a great career in the private sector in senior roles with major global companies in customer management, marketing, and strategic planning. Reflecting on the vast experience I had to draw on from my career and my desire to contribute to the community I loved, I decided to run for the election in 2018 with the goal to make a positive difference. In 2022, with lots of support, I decided to run again and put to good use the knowledge I had gained during the first term.

Reflecting on your time as a Councillor, what are you most proud of?

The original idea for creating an ambassador program was mine. I am so grateful to the great people who led the long-term strategy and volunteered their time to make this program a big success. I pushed hard to protect our specialty crop land from cannabis growers by crafting a strong by-law to keep cannabis cultivation out of Niagara-on-the-Lake. I was instrumental in ensuring that the Town had a tourism strategy. I played a critical role in designing the strategy to leverage the strength of the wine country to get visitors to stay longer, experience more and spend more, with a core focus on building the vital arts, culture, and heritage assets. I was proud to bring the motion forward to fund the museum expansion and support the Royal George rebuild. During this term of Council, more efforts to protect heritage have been a priority, including adding another Heritage Planner, expanding the heritage district, and designating two hundred heritage properties. With reliable infrastructure as the residents’ top concern, I proposed an increase in Capital Reserve funding in 2023; the increased amount has continued each year since.

What do you see as top priorities in the Town right now?

Completing the Official Plan with continued collaboration with all stakeholders, to ensure that the future of the hospital property benefits the greater good of the community, establishing a plan for seniors housing and finalizing the Short Term Rental By-law while identifying and coming down hard on offenders. With less than a year in this term of Council, I would like to see a strong focus and prioritization on the top key issues, finding practical solutions for tackling flooding and stormwater management challenges and avoiding adding more studies and unnecessary bureaucracy.

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you are particularly excited about?

The hospital property strategy and the Dock Area Master Plan.

What do you love most about Niagara-on-the-Lake?

To me, this is the most special place in the country. I love the quaint tree-lined streets, the slower pace, residents that are engaged in politics, volunteering and a healthy, active lifestyle and social life. As an avid power walker, I love the vast natural green spaces, trails, woodlots, and agricultural landscapes. We are so lucky to live in this amazing piece of paradise.

Council Corner

Council Meetings provide an opportunity for residents to stay informed and engaged with decisions shaping our community. Community members are welcome to attend meetings in person at Town Hall (1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil) or tune in online to watch the discussions live on the Town's website. Agendas and minutes are available for review, allowing those invested to stay up-to-date with the latest topics.

Community members are encouraged to follow along to receive information about important updates and key decisions.

In addition to Council Meetings, the Town regularly holds Public Meetings to gather feedback on planning and development matters. Residents are also invited to participate by requesting to delegate, allowing individuals or groups to share their perspectives directly with Council on issues that matter to them.

Council continues to work diligently on initiatives that support the community’s growth, well-being, and long-term success. Council Update News Releases are shared following each meeting to highlight key decisions and actions. These updates reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to good governance and meaningful progress. Click on the links below to get caught up on recent updates:

• October 28, 2025, Council Meeting
• November 18, 2025, Council Meeting
• December 9, 2025, Council Meeting

Subscribe to the Town's news feed to receive these updates directly in your inbox!

Strategic Plan Update

Staff continue to make steady progress in advancing Council’s Strategic Plan and aligning their work with its vision. More than 70% of initiatives are now Complete, On Target, or Above Target. Highlights from 2025 include the adoption of the Glendale Secondary Plan, the launch of Phase 2 of the Heritage Conservation District, and progress on the Official Plan. Staff also advanced initiatives in climate action, asset management, and organizational excellence.

Momentum remains strong as the Town works toward delivering on Council’s vision. The next report will be presented to Council in the first quarter of 2026 and will reflect the Town's progress as of the end of 2025.

Look Back (October to December)

The Town is proud to share a few highlights of recent progress, events, and accomplishments in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

• Flag Raisings: In recent months, the Town has marked important community causes by raising flags at Town Hall, including the Poppy Flag, Positive Living Niagara, Women's Abuse Prevention Month, and Amnesty International. 

• Ordnance Boundary Stone Unveiling: In October, Town Council, Staff, the Municipal Heritage Committee, and community members gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque recognizing the completion of restoration work on four historic Ordnance Boundary Stones. The restoration represents an important step in preserving Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage and reconnecting the community with its early history.

• Niagara District Airport 2025-2045 Master Plan: On October 28, 2025, Niagara District Airport released its 2025 - 2045 Master Plan, approved by the Niagara District Airport Commission earlier that month. The Master Plan outlines the path forward in transforming the airport into a modern regional gateway, bringing commercial flights to the heart of the Niagara region. The Master Plan details airport safeguarding elements that protect airport lands for long-term operational and business objectives. Learn more on the Niagara District Airport website.

• Lord Mayor Zalepa's Emergency Services Open House: On October 30, Lord Mayor Zalepa was joined by Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services, Niagara Regional Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and Niagara Emergency Medical Services, who provided presentations highlighting their service priorities and current initiatives specific to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Thank you to our first responder teams for participating!

• Local White Oak Tree Named 2025 Ontario Tree Pageant Winner: A nearly 400-year-old White Oak tree on Lakeshore Road was named the 2025 Ontario Tree Pageant Winner, selected from over 80 nominations across the province for its exceptional natural, cultural, and historic value. The ancient tree, which also served as a boundary marker in an early Upper Canada land deed, was celebrated for its environmental significance and continues to be highlighted in the Town’s Witness Trees Program.

• OurNOTL – Kindness Grows Here Campaign: The Town launched a community-wide celebration of acts of kindness, inviting residents and businesses to share stories that highlight connection, generosity, and community pride. The campaign is set to continue through Kindness Month in February, an annual tradition that showcases the kindness that defines the community. Share your kindness story today.

• Historic 2025 Visitor Season at the Niagara District Court House: The Town celebrated a highly successful 2025 visitor season at the Niagara District Court House, welcoming tens of thousands of guests from across Canada, the United States, and around the world between May and October. The Town extends appreciation to Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake and the dedicated Ambassador team for their role in delivering memorable visitor experiences.

• Parks & Recreation Masterplan Endorsement: The Town's consultants, thinc design, presented to Council at a workshop on the development of the Parks & Recreation Masterplan. Council directed Staff to take the information presented and return to Council in Q1 2026 with a report explaining how the information, when incorporated into the Masterplan, could be interpreted through the Strategic Plan and budgetary process.

• New Advertising and Sponsorship Policy Launched: The Town introduced a new Advertising and Sponsorship Policy to establish clear guidelines for third-party advertising and sponsorship on municipal properties and at Town-led events, ensuring consistent criteria, enhanced transparency, and alignment with community values and priorities. Advertise with us!

• Council Approves 2026 Budget: Town Council confirmed the adoption of the 2026 Budget at a Special Council Meeting on December 2, marking the first budget adopted under Ontario’s new Strong Mayor Budget Framework. The budget includes a 2.19% net tax levy increase and continues strategic investments in infrastructure, services, parks, stormwater systems, and community amenities across all villages while aligning with the Town’s long-term strategic priorities. Learn more about the 2026 budget.

• Lord Mayor Zalepa's Open Office Hours: Lord Mayor Zalepa hosted an Open Office Hours drop-in event on December 11, inviting residents to stop by Council Chambers at Town Hall to share ideas, ask questions, and discuss matters important to them. Thank you to all who attended!

• StopGap Ramp Program: Nine StopGap accessibility ramps were delivered to participating local businesses, marking an important milestone in improving accessibility and creating more inclusive, barrier-free spaces for residents and visitors. The Town will host a community unveiling event in early spring and will share more information in 2026 on how additional businesses can participate in receiving a ramp. Read the Town's recent news release.

• Provincial Tourism Investment: Niagara-on-the-Lake welcomed provincial investment through the Destination Ontario program, supporting efforts to strengthen tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and promote the community as a premier destination. Learn more about this investment.

• Town Welcomes New Director of Public Works and Infrastructure: The Town announced Jordan Frost as its new Director of Public Works and Infrastructure. Jordan will lead and shape the future of the community’s infrastructure, overseeing the Town’s Engineering, Environmental Services, and Roads divisions to ensure safe, sustainable, and efficient operations that support growth and long-term community goals. Read the announcement. 

• Engagement Opportunities: The Town held multiple opportunities for community engagement on several Town projects, including gathering feedback on the second draft of the Official Plan, the future of the Former Hospital Site, the update to the Dock Area Masterplan, several key heritage initiatives, including the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District Study, the Heritage Tax Rebate Program, and the Cultural Asset Mapping project. Thank you to everyone who participated. Residents are encouraged to visit Join the Conversation to stay informed about upcoming engagement opportunities.

• NOTL Museum's 130th Anniversary: The NOTL Museum celebrated a major milestone this December, marking its 130th anniversary. The Town thanks the Museum as a valued community partner for its ongoing work in preserving and sharing Niagara-on-the-Lake’s rich history.

• Holiday Events Recap: The Tree Lighting Event, Tractor Parade, and Christmas Parade, along with many other December celebrations, were wonderful festivities that highlighted the importance of the holiday season in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Thank you to Town Staff, Committee members, local businesses, volunteers, and community partners whose efforts and enthusiasm helped make these cherished events such a success.

Look Ahead (January to March)

As we look ahead to the new year, the Town is excited to share some of the key initiatives, events, and opportunities that will continue to shape and enhance life in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

• Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference: From January 18 to 20, Town Council and Staff will attend the ROMA conference to discuss important matters and opportunities that shape the Niagara-on-the-Lake community. Participation is vital for engaging with Provincial Ministers on key issues, sharing insights, and shaping the future of the Town through collaboration and informed advocacy.
   
• Call for Advertisements for 2026 Spring/Summer Community Guide: Calling all advertisers! Submissions for the 2026 Spring/Summer Community Guide open in January. This bi-annual publication is a fantastic way to showcase your business or organization to the community. The Guide highlights a wide range of services and programs, including Town information, recreation and leisure activities, community groups, tourism, arts, and more. Don't miss the chance to be part of this valued resource! Learn more on the Town's website.
   
• March Break Camps and Programming: The Town is once again excited to offer March Break Camp for children ages 6-12! Camp will run from March 16-20 at the Centennial Arena and Sports Park. Each day, children will enjoy games, activities, crafts, and more. More information about March Break Camp will be coming in the New Year.
   
• Black History Month in February: Black History Month in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a time to honour the contributions and resilience of Black Canadians who have shaped the community. It's an opportunity to reflect on the stories of Black settlers, including freedom-seekers from the Underground Railroad, and to recognize historical landmarks like the Voices of Freedom Park. By acknowledging this month, we deepen our understanding and reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive and equitable community.
   
• Snow Shovelling Volunteers: Help make a difference in our community by joining our amazing group of volunteers assisting residents with snow shovelling this winter. Sign up today!
   
• Volunteer in Town: Get involved and make a difference in Niagara-on-the-Lake by joining the Volunteer Talent Bank! Connect your skills and passions with meaningful opportunities in areas like recreation, community events, and environmental initiatives. Visit the Volunteer Talent Bank!
   
• Crossing Guard Appreciation Day: March celebrates the hardworking crossing guards who keep our community's children safe on their way to and from school. These dedicated individuals brave all weather conditions, providing a friendly face and a reliable presence for students and families each day. Let's show our appreciation by thanking them for their service!
   
• Special Events Review Process: The Town has been conducting a comprehensive review of special events to modernize event coordination, enhance process efficiency, and create a seamless experience for event organizers, community members, and Town Staff. Significant progress is underway, with a Recommendation Report prepared by the Town's consultants scheduled to come before Council in the first quarter of 2026.
   
• Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities: Exciting public engagement opportunities are on the horizon! Residents will have the chance to provide input on key projects. Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to visit the Town's Join the Conversation site to participate and share your thoughts. Your voice matters!

Thank you for joining us for this edition of NOTL News!

As the holidays approach, we look forward to a season of quality time with family and friends, renewal, and connection. This time of year in Niagara-on-the-Lake is truly special, and we hope residents enjoy all it has to offer.

We’re always eager to hear from you. If there’s something you’d like to see featured in a future edition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at communications@notl.com.

The Town wishes you a safe and joyful holiday season and looks forward to sharing more updates with you in March 2026. Thank you for staying engaged with the Town throughout the year!

Do you have something you would like to see included in future editions of NOTL News? Let us know by emailing communications@notl.com. We appreciate your feedback! 

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