July 2025 Edition

Summer has arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, bringing with it the latest edition of NOTL News! We are so happy you’ve joined us.

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Leadership Transition at Town Hall: Thank You & Welcome

As the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake continues to grow and evolve, so too does its leadership. This month marks the end of Bruce Zvaniga’s tenure as Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). We thank Bruce for his thoughtful guidance and many contributions during this transitional period. We’re pleased to welcome Nick Ruller to the role of CAO. With strong ties to Niagara-on-the-Lake and a wealth of experience in municipal government, we are glad to have Nick in this leadership position.

As I conclude my time as Interim Chief Administrative Officer, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Town during this important period of transition. It has been a true honour to work alongside a dedicated Council, a passionate and professional team of Staff, and to contribute to a community I am proud to call home.

While I’ve had the privilege of serving in a leadership role over the past 18 months, the accomplishments made during this time are the result of a collective effort, guided by Council’s strategic direction and brought to life through the commitment, collaboration, and excellence of Town Staff. Together, we have built meaningful momentum across all four pillars of the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, and I know the Town is well-positioned to continue that progress.

This edition of NOTL News highlights some of the key achievements we’ve seen so far in 2025. Over the past year, this publication has become a valued resource, with growing engagement and readership from residents across the community. Thank you to everyone who continues to read and connect with the Town through this newsletter.

As I step back, I will be cheering the organization on from the sidelines with immense pride and admiration. I have every confidence that Council and Staff will continue to make great strides for the benefit of our community, and I look forward to seeing all that lies ahead for Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Read Former Interim CAO Bruce Zvania's Progress Report - 18 Months of Strategic Action.

The Town is pleased to welcome Nick Ruller as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective July 7, 2025. With more than 25 years of experience in municipal government, Nick brings a deep understanding of public service, a strategic mindset, and a strong commitment to collaboration.

Read below for a closer look at Nick’s background, priorities, and what he’s hoping to accomplish as CAO, as well as his appointment via the Town's news release. 

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

Having been raised here, what I love most is the deep sense of community that runs through every part of Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's a place where heritage is honoured, natural beauty is preserved, and people genuinely care for one another. There's a strong sense of identity and belonging here, and that's something truly special.

Why did you want to return to the Town as CAO?

Niagara-on-the-Lake has always been home, and the opportunity to serve this community again, this time as CAO, is incredibly meaningful to me. I've had the privilege of working for the Town and serving as a Councillor in the past, and those experiences have shaped my understanding of what makes this place so unique. I felt a strong pull to return and help lead the organization into its next chapter, one that's rooted in purpose, culture, and collaboration.

What are you most looking forward to in your first few months?

I'm looking forward to connecting with Council, Staff, residents, and local organizations to listen, learn, and build strong relationships. Understanding the current priorities and challenges is important, but equally important is co-creating a shared sense of direction. I believe in leading through culture and values, and I'm excited to begin shaping that foundation together.

What's something people might not know about you?

Outside of work, I try to stay grounded by spending quality time with my family. One of our favourite traditions is visiting Vero Beach multiple times a year, where we swim in the ocean, relax together, and step away from our everyday routine. It's where I reflect, recharge, and gain fresh perspective. I also enjoy reading and learning, always exploring new ideas that can help me grow both personally and professionally.

What do you hope to accomplish with Council and Staff?

My hope is that we create a culture by design, one where values drive action, where collaboration is the norm, and where people feel a purposeful commitment to the work we do. I want to help build an organization that not only delivers excellent service but also does so with heart, integrity, and innovation. Working with Council and Staff, I believe we can make meaningful progress while staying true to the identity that makes Niagara-on-the-Lake unique and unlike anywhere else.

Council Member Highlight - Councillor Niven Response

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 behind-the-scenes look at each Councillor’s priorities, areas of focus, and what drives their commitment to Niagara-on-the-Lake, highlighting the unique ways Council Members contribute to the Town’s growth, vibrancy, and well-being.

What inspired you to become a Town Councillor? 

My interest in joining Town Council was driven by a real desire to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. When the opportunity came up to be considered for the vacant seat, I felt I could bring a balanced perspective, someone who understands both the needs of residents and the local business community. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for what makes Niagara-on-the-Lake so special - the history, the culture, the people - and I wanted to help protect that while supporting smart, responsible growth. I’m honoured to have been chosen to step into this role, and I’m committed to listening, learning, and contributing in a thoughtful and constructive way.

As you reflect on your time as Councillor, what are you most proud of?

Even though I’m still fairly new to the role, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know more residents and hearing what’s important to them. Being able to help with local issues and work toward practical solutions is something I take seriously. I’m also proud to be part of a Council that listens and looks ahead. Getting to build relationships with local businesses, farmers, and tourism partners has been a real highlight for me, too.

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

Right now, one of the biggest priorities is the Town’s Official Plan, it’s going to guide how we grow, how we use land, and what kind of development makes sense for our future. It’s really important that it reflects both the values of our residents and the realities of our business community.

Another big one is tourism, making sure our Tourism Strategy works for both visitors and locals. We need to plan ahead when it comes to infrastructure, services, and managing growth, so that we keep the charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake while making things work better for everyone.

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

I’m especially interested in projects that bring people together, whether that’s residents, businesses, or the Town itself. I think there’s a lot of potential in things like responsible tourism planning, better traffic and parking solutions, and supporting our farming and agricultural roots.

I’m also excited about improving how the Town communicates with the community. Whether it’s through better use of digital tools or more in-person engagement, the more informed and involved people are, the stronger and more connected our town will be.

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

It’s the people and the sense of community. Whether you’re chatting with a neighbour, meeting a passionate local business owner, or seeing the town through the eyes of a first-time visitor, there’s an energy here that’s hard to describe. I feel lucky to live and work in such an incredible place, and I’m excited to keep doing my part to help it stay vibrant, welcoming, and true to its roots for years to come.

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 you 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.

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

• January 28, 2025, Council Meeting

• February 25, 2025, Council Meeting

• March 25, 2025, Council Meeting

• April 29, 2025, Council Meeting

• May 27, 2025, Council Meeting

• June 24, 2025, Council Meeting 

Strategic Plan Update

The Town continues to make steady progress on its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, with 64% of initiatives either complete, on track, or exceeding targets at Council’s mid-term. Recent highlights include advancements in heritage preservation and improvements in service.

Explore the most up-to-date information on the Strategic Plan Dashboard, or review the Staff Report for additional details on the Town’s strategic achievements and ongoing work.

The next Strategic Plan Update will be provided to Council at the September Meeting.

Spring Recap: Celebrating Local Agriculture with Farm NOTL

The Town marked Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month by launching Farm NOTL: Celebrating Local Agriculture, an initiative highlighting the importance of local farming, sustainability, and Niagara-on-the-Lake’s deep agricultural roots. Through conversations with members of the Agriculture and Irrigation Committees, this initiative aimed to foster a stronger connection between the community and the farmers who sustain it.

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s agricultural industry is the backbone of the community. It produces world-renowned wine, fresh produce, and tender fruit while prioritizing sustainable practices like drip irrigation, natural composting, and renewable energy.

With the growing season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to highlight the role of agriculture in Niagara-on-the-Lake and what it means to live in a farming community.

Learn more by viewing the Farm NOTL infographic and watching the Town's agriculture road safety video.

Look Back 

The Town is proud to share just a few of the many highlights that showcase the progress, events, and accomplishments achieved in Niagara-on-the-Lake this year.

Projects and Accomplishments: 

• Climate Change Coordinator Hired: Earlier this year, the Town welcomed Kassie Burns as its new Climate Change Coordinator, a role established through the 2024 budget to reinforce the Town's commitment to environmental sustainability. Learn more about this new role by reading the Town's news release.
   
• Glendale Secondary Plan: Council approved the updated Glendale Secondary Plan, providing a comprehensive framework to guide the area's growth and development through 2051.
   
• 2025 Budget Approval: Town Council approved the 2025 Capital Budget of $17.2 million and the 2025 Operating Budget for $55 million. This budget focuses on creating a financially sustainable future while supporting the Town’s goal of good governance, as identified in Council’s Strategic Plan. Read the budget approval news release for a detailed breakdown.
   

• Queen-Picton (Old Town) Heritage Conservation District Study Area: Town Council enacted By-law 2025-010, establishing a study area for the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District (HCD) and implementing a one-year temporary restriction on certain property alterations, effective from the by-law’s passage on February 25, 2025. This measure is intended to preserve the area's historic character while a comprehensive HCD study is conducted to update the existing plan and assess potential boundary expansions. In June 2025, through By-law 2025-042, Council revised the study area to align with the recommended expanded HCD boundary endorsed by Council. 

• 2025 Spring/Summer Community Guide: The Community Guide is the Town's bi-annual publication with information about Town services, community programs, activities, events, and local organizations. This excellent resource for residents is available online, with copies available at the Arenas, Community Centre, Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library, Town Administration Building and coffee shops and businesses throughout the Town. Thank you to all who contributed to shaping this Guide!

• Court House Opened for the Summer: The Niagara District Court House is open for free, self-guided tours every Friday through Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. through October 13, inviting residents and visitors to step inside and explore its rich history and heritage. Discover more about this important building and initiative.

Events and Initiatives:

• Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference: Earlier this year, Town Council and Staff attended four delegations at the ROMA Conference to advocate for local priorities, engage with Provincial leaders on rural challenges, and exchange ideas with other communities on issues such as infrastructure, economic development, and sustainability. Read the full news release to learn more.

• Lord Mayor Village Open Houses: Lord Mayor Zalepa hosted six Open Houses, one in each of the five villages and the rural community, offering residents a chance to connect with the Lord Mayor, Council, and Staff. These sessions sparked meaningful dialogue on key issues impacting Niagara-on-the-Lake. Read the Lord Mayor’s Message for a reflection on the conversations.

• Celebrating NOTL's Heritage Event: The Town hosted “Celebrating Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage,” an event to recognize the community’s rich history and highlight properties designated as heritage sites since 2019. 

• Ontario Investing in the Future of the Shaw Festival: Niagara-on-the-Lake welcomed the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, to historic Queen Street as the Ontario government announced their $35 million investment over three years to support the Shaw Festival’s rebuild of the iconic Royal George Theatre. 

• Community Walk on the Heritage Trail for International Trail Day: To celebrate International Trail Day, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Heritage Trail Committee hosted a Community Walk at Veterans’ Memorial Park, led by local Special Olympics medalists Carter Simpson and Ewen Barclay.

• Fire Recruit Graduation: After completing over 300 hours of intensive, hands-on training, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s newest Fire recruits were honoured in a special ceremony on June 7 and are now fully equipped to serve and protect the community.

• Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library 225th Anniversary: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library reached a huge milestone on June 7, 2025: their 225th Anniversary! The Town congratulates the Library on this noteworthy anniversary and thanks them for their ongoing partnership with the Town.
   

• Strawberry Social: In honour of Seniors Month, the Town welcomed over 350 guests to this year's Strawberry Social event and delivered 116 strawberry tarts to residents in our local long-term care homes. Thank you to everyone who helped make this special day a success!

Awards and Recognition: 

• 2025 Niagara Biennial Awards: Niagara-on-the-Lake was recognized in the 2025 Niagara Biennial Awards, with the Diverging Diamond Interchange in Glendale receiving the Award of Excellence for Enduring Design, and the Heritage District Feature recognized for outstanding craftsmanship. Learn more about the awards by reading the Town's news release.
   
• Fire & Emergency Services (FES) Recognized by the Center for Public Safety Excellence: The FES Department was awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) under the Community Risk Assessment / Standards of Cover Certificate of Excellence Program. This recognition marks a milestone, as Niagara-on-the-Lake becomes the first volunteer fire department in Canada to receive this important certificate.
   

• 12th Consecutive National Financial Reporting Award Received: The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting (CAnFR) for its annual financial report for the twelfth consecutive year.

• Niagara-on-the-Lake Recognized for Environmental Leadership with Wege Award: The Town was selected as one of two second-place winners of the 2025 Wege Small Cities Sustainability Best Practices Award by the Board of Directors of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. Learn more about this recognition.

• Niagara-on-the-Lake Recognized for Accessibility Excellence: The Town's Community Centre was recognized as a recipient of the 2025 Accessibility Matters Here Award, presented by the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC). The award honours municipalities and businesses across Niagara that demonstrate leadership in creating inclusive, accessible spaces for all.

Look Ahead 

The Town is excited to share some of the upcoming initiatives, events, and opportunities that will continue to shape and enhance life in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

As residents plan ahead for the coming months, please also note the following Town Hall closures: Civic Holiday (August 4), Labour Day (September 1), and the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (September 30). 

• Check Out Our Summer Facilities: Outdoor amenities and facilities are open and are ready for use, including the splash pad, Niagara and St. Davids pools, Simcoe Park wading pool, public washrooms throughout the Town, the skatepark, and so much more! Visit the Town's website to learn more.

• Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference: Town Council and Staff will attend the upcoming AMO Conference from August 17 to 20 in Ottawa, Ontario. A primary objective of attending AMO is to raise local issues and advocate for provincial support through direct collaboration with ministries. 

• Current Engagement Opportunities: The Town is currently inviting public feedback on three important projects: the Former Hospital Site, the Special Events Review and the Official Plan Review. Your input will help guide decisions that shape the future of our community. We look forward to hearing your thoughts! Visit the Town’s Join the Conversation engagement site to participate and stay informed about upcoming opportunities to get involved.

• Play in the Park: "Play in the Park" has returned! This free, unstructured drop-in initiative engages children, youth, and adults in outdoor play. It travels throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake to bring sports and activities directly to your favourite community parks! Learn more and view the full summer calendar.

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

We look forward to the summer season filled with community events, local initiatives, and continued engagement with the people who make Niagara-on-the-Lake such a special place to live, work, visit and play. Warmer days bring new opportunities to connect, celebrate, and enjoy everything our Town 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.

Enjoy the season ahead, and we’ll be back with more updates in September!

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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