August 2026 Edition

The Town is happy to share its August edition of NOTL News! We hope you enjoyed last month's edition and look forward to providing monthly updates on municipal projects, services, events, and community initiatives.

Thank you for staying connected with the Town! We look forward to continuing to keep residents informed and engaged. If you haven’t already, we invite you to subscribe to NOTL News to receive the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Message from the Chief Administrative Officer: Flooding Response & Recovery

Over the past week, Niagara-on-the-Lake has experienced an extraordinary amount of rainfall, resulting in two significant flooding events that have affected communities across the municipality. The volume and intensity of the rain overwhelmed drainage systems in many areas, impacting homes, businesses, roads, and agricultural lands.

To the residents whose homes have been damaged and to our farming community whose fields and crops have been affected, I want to express my sincere sympathy. I recognize the stress, uncertainty, and disruption these events have caused, and I want you to know that the Town remains committed to supporting our community throughout the recovery process.

Since the flooding occurred, Town staff have been working tirelessly to assess damage, restore municipal infrastructure, and respond to service requests. Crews continue to inspect and repair roads, bridges, culverts, stormwater infrastructure, parks, trails, and other municipal assets, while prioritizing work in the areas most affected. As we transition from response to recovery, our focus remains on restoring municipal infrastructure, supporting those affected, and prioritizing repairs where they are needed most.

Town Staff have also met with representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) to discuss the impacts of the flooding on residential neighbourhoods and agricultural lands and to identify available provincial supports. We will continue to work closely with our provincial and regional partners as recovery efforts progress.

We are coordinating enhanced garbage collection services to help residents dispose of flood-damaged materials, making the cleanup process easier for those affected. For more information, visit the Niagara Region's website or call 905-356-4141.

As recovery continues, we encourage everyone to report flooding-related concerns, damage to municipal infrastructure, blocked drainage, or other issues by submitting a Service Request through the Town's My NOTL customer service portal. Every report helps us assess impacts, prioritize repairs, and inform future infrastructure planning. Service requests can be submitted on the Town website or by calling our Customer Experience Representatives at 905-468-3266. To stay informed, please visit the Town’s dedicated Flood Prevention & Response webpage for the latest updates, service information, and answers to frequently asked questions.

I would like to thank our residents for their patience and support during this challenging time. I also extend my appreciation to Town Staff, emergency responders, Niagara Region, Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro, and our many community partners who have worked hard to respond to these significant rainfall events. While recovery will take time, we remain committed to helping our community recover and preparing for the future together.

Nick Ruller

Recent Flooding News

• August 5, 2026 - Niagara-on-the-Lake Establishes Temporary Flood Waste Transfer Station
• August 3, 2026 - Community Update: Flooding Recovery Efforts Continue
• July 29, 2026 – Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Transitions to Recovery Following Significant Rainfall …
• July 28, 2026 – Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Responds to Significant Overnight Rainfall Event

Council Highlights

Council Meetings provide residents with an opportunity to stay informed and engaged in decisions that shape the community. Meetings can be attended in person at Town Hall or viewed live online through the Town website, with agendas and minutes also available for review.

Following each meeting, Council Update News Releases are shared to highlight key decisions, discussions, and actions. Residents are encouraged to review the latest July Council Update.

Please note that there are no Council Meetings in August. 

July Snapshot

Celebrating NOTL's Heritage Event: The Town hosted Celebrating Niagara-on-the-Lake's Heritage at the NOTL Museum, recognizing nine newly designated heritage properties and the owners helping preserve the community's unique history and character. 

Community Soccer Viewing Event: The Town welcomed residents and members of the local farmworker community to the Community Centre for a championship soccer match viewing event, made possible through a partnership with Farmworker Hub and Cornerstone Community Church and the generous support of local community sponsors.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 100th Anniversary: Congratulations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 for recently celebrating their 100th anniversary on July 17, 2026! This milestone marks the official incorporation of the Legion in 1926.

NOTL Neighbourhood of the Year: The Chautauqua community celebrated being named Niagara-on-the-Lake's 2026 Neighbourhood of the Year with a community gathering at Chautauqua Park, featuring family-friendly activities, refreshments, and an afternoon of neighbourhood pride.

Your Investments, Our Responsibility: As the Town reached the midpoint of 2026, it highlighted the progress of key capital projects funded through the 2026 Budget, showcasing investments in parks, roads, infrastructure, accessibility, and recreation. New "Your Investment. Our Responsibility." signs are being installed across the community to help residents learn more about these projects and how municipal tax dollars are being invested.

Niagara District Airport Receives Provincial Funding: The Niagara District Airport received $9.7 million from the Government of Ontario to support planning, design work, and critical infrastructure improvements as part of its long-term redevelopment. The investment will help advance the Airport's Master Plan, strengthen regional connectivity, and support future economic growth across Niagara.

Targeted Vegetation Management Underway: The Town is undertaking targeted vegetation management to control invasive Phragmites, helping improve road safety, protect natural habitats, and preserve local biodiversity. Work is being completed in select areas using approved environmental practices to minimize impacts while supporting long-term ecosystem health. Learn more by reading the news release.

Summer Camp: Summer Day Camp is off to a fantastic start, and there's still time to join the fun! Registration is open for the remaining weeks of the Town's Summer Day Camp for children ages 6–12. Each week features exciting themes, sports and games, swimming, splash pad visits, crafts, outdoor adventures, and more. Learn more on the Town's website. 

Can't Make it to the Polls on October 26?

You can vote online between October 5 and 25, 2026.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is introducing online voting as part of the 2026 Municipal Council and School Board Election's advanced voting, providing voters with a convenient and accessible way to cast their ballot.

Online voting opens on October 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and will remain open until October 25, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Be on the lookout for your Voter Information Letter in the mail in September, which contains your voter card and online voting. 

Voting day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Residents are encouraged to visit the Register to Vote website to confirm, update, or add their information to the voter's list ahead of the election to ensure they receive important election information and instructions.

Key Elections Dates

• May 1 - December 31, 2026: Campaign Period
• August 21, 2026: Last Day for Filing Nominations
• August 21, 2026: Withdrawal of Candidacy
• August 24, 2026: Certification of Nominations
• August 27, 2026: Election Signs Erected
• October 26, 2026: Election Day
• October 27, 2026: Official Election Results

On October 26, qualified voters are welcome to vote in person at any of the following Niagara-on-the-Lake Polling Locations:

• Holiday Inn Express (Glendale), 524 York Road
• Laura Secord Homestead (Queenston), 29 Queenston Street
• Crossroads Public School (Virgil), 1350 Niagara Stone Road
• St. Davids Public School (St. Davids), 1344 York Road
• Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre (Old Town), 14 Anderson Lane

For more information, visit the elections page on our website.

Coming Up in August 

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference: Town Council and Staff representatives will attend the upcoming AMO Conference from August 16 to 19 in Ottawa. A primary objective of attending AMO is to raise local issues and advocate for provincial support through direct collaboration with ministries.

Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony: Join the Town on Thursday, August 21, for the 2026 Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony as we recognize this year's inductees and celebrate the individuals who have made lasting contributions to sport in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The event begins with a social at 5:00 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 6:00 p.m. at the Meridian Credit Union Arena. Everyone is welcome to attend and help honour our local sports champions and community builders.

Explore Fort George This Summer: Step back in time at Fort George National Historic Site, where visitors can experience daily demonstrations, guided programs, historic buildings, and the stories of the War of 1812. Admission is free for all visitors until September 7, 2026, through Parks Canada's Canada Strong Pass initiative, making it the perfect time to discover one of Niagara-on-the-Lake's most iconic attractions.

Engage with Us - Feedback Opportunities

Transportation Master Plan

• Help shape the future of transportation by providing feedback on the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update.
• Participate at a time that works best for you by watching a pre-recorded presentation online through Join the Conversation from July 23 to August 24, 2026, and sharing feedback through the online comment box.

Comprehensive Parking Study

• The Town will soon launch public surveys for its Comprehensive Parking Study.
• More details are coming soon in August. 

Visit Join the Conversation for available feedback opportunities.

2022-2027 Strategic Plan: Final Update

As Council's 2022-2027 term comes to a close, the Town is proud to share the progress made toward its Strategic Plan. Approved in 2023, the Plan has guided key decisions and initiatives that support Council's vision for Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The Strategic Plan is now 80% complete or on track, with Staff continuing to advance the remaining priorities through the balance of the term.

Watch the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan recap video above to see the progress made, and explore the Strategic Plan Dashboard to track initiatives and learn more.

Photo: Former Niagara-on-the-Lake Electrifying Eels Swim Team 

Community Milestones

Electrifying Eels Dive into a New Season: Welcome to all the new and returning members of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Electrifying Eels Swim Team! We wish every swimmer a fun, successful season filled with teamwork and great memories. Best of luck at your swim meets this summer; we will be cheering you on every stroke of the way. Go Eels!

📧 If you have a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary taking place in September, please submit your milestone to communications@notl.com by August 20, 2026, and we may include it in our next issue. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Service Updates and Reminders

Line 2 Reconstruction – Reconstruction of Line 2 from Concession 6 Road to Niagara Stone Road is underway. The project includes road, sewer, drainage, sidewalk, and lighting improvements and is expected to continue through 2026.

Regent Street Culvert Replacement – Work began July 6 on the Regent Street Culvert Replacement project, which will improve drainage, reduce flooding impacts, enhance pedestrian access, and upgrade roadside safety features. The road closure to accommoate this project is expected to remain in place for approximately 13 weeks.

Sidewalk and Curb Repairs – The Town's annual sidewalk and curb repair program is underway across all five villages, helping maintain safe and accessible infrastructure for residents and visitors.

Road Resurfacing Program – Road resurfacing work is continuing throughout the summer across Niagara-on-the-Lake, with improvements planned in all five villages to help maintain local road infrastructure. 

Municipal Accommodation Tax – Accommodation providers are reminded of upcoming MAT remittance deadlines. Visit the Town's website for reporting requirements and submission information.

Green Light Awareness - Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services - Did you know that a flashing green light on a personal vehicle means a volunteer firefighter is responding to an emergency? In Niagara-on-the-Lake, our volunteer firefighters travel from their homes or workplaces in their personal vehicles equipped with green flashing lights to alert other drivers that they are responding to an emergency.

If you see a flashing green light while driving, safely yield to the right when it is safe to do so and allow the vehicle to pass. A green light can appear on any vehicle, at any time of the day or night. By giving volunteer firefighters a clear path to the station, you're helping them respond to emergencies as quickly as possible.

Every second counts. Thank you for helping Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services keep our community safe.

Process Spotlight: Participate in Play in the Park

Get outside and get active with Play in the Park, a free drop-in recreation program that brings fun to parks across Niagara-on-the-Lake all summer long.

Children of all ages are invited to enjoy a variety of sports and activities with Town Staff, including soccer, basketball, badminton, volleyball, frisbee, cornhole, golf, and more, with no registration required.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library joins select sessions with story time, crafts, and books. In the event of poor weather, programming moves indoors to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library. Visit the Town's website for the full schedule, locations, and program details.

We look forward to playing in the park with you!

You Asked, We Acted

The Niagara Pool and St. Davids Pool are having another great summer season, with a variety of upgrades completed to enhance safety, comfort, and the overall visitor experience. Recent improvements include new pool equipment, facility repairs, fresh paint, upgraded signage, improved first aid resources, and new amenities such as aquatic mats, instructional equipment, and a large pace clock for lane swimming and Aquafit.

At the Niagara Pool, visitors will also enjoy a new sea-themed pool liner with slip-resistant entry stairs. 

Visit the Town's website for more information about aquatics.

Thank you for reading this edition of NOTL News!

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.

Thank you for staying engaged with the Town and being part of the Niagara-on-the-Lake community! Subscribe to receive this newsletter and other Town communications.

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