October 2026 Edition

The Town is happy to share its October edition of NOTL News! We hope you enjoyed last month's edition, and 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.

Election Day is October 26 - Make Your Voice Count

The 2026 Municipal and School Board Election is almost here! Election Day is Monday, October 26, 2026, with polls open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

This is your opportunity to have a say in the future of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Get informed, make a plan, and get out and vote!

Wondering who’s running? Visit the Town’s Elections webpage to meet the certified candidates and find everything you need to be election-ready, including voting information, key dates, polling locations, and more.

Know the candidates. Know when and where to vote. Make your voice count.

Visit the Town's elections page for full election information.

Key Election Dates

• October 5, 2026: Online Voting Begins
• October 25, 2026: Online Voting Closes
• October 26, 2026: Election Day
• October 27, 2026: Official Election Results

Advance Poll Locations and Dates

• Wednesday, October 7, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Council Chambers, Town Hall, 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil

• Saturday, October 17, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Simpson Room, Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Center, 14 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

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

Watch your mailbox for your Voter Information Card, which will include the information you need to vote online. Then, follow the instructions provided to securely cast your ballot.

Over the past month, the Town has shared several important updates and announcements related to municipal services, community planning, and ongoing initiatives. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Town's News & Media page regularly. Recent highlights include:

The Launch of On-Farm Diversified Uses Review 

The Town has launched an On-Farm Diversified Uses Review to examine opportunities that support agricultural businesses while maintaining Niagara-on-the-Lake's agricultural heritage and rural character. Residents and stakeholders will have opportunities to provide input as the review progresses. 

Town Advances Corporate Performance Reporting Framework 

Council recently endorsed moving forward with a Corporate Performance Reporting Framework that will help improve accountability and performance measurement across the organization, allowing residents to better understand how municipal services and strategic objectives are being delivered. 

Public Engagement Underway for Comprehensive Parking Study

The Town has launched public engagement for its Comprehensive Parking Study. Resident and stakeholder feedback will help inform future parking strategies, policies, and improvements throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

Flood Recovery Data Collection Underway

Residents and business owners affected by recent flooding are encouraged to complete the Town's Flood Recovery Data Collection Form. The information gathered will help support the Town's advocacy efforts with the Province, strengthen discussions regarding potential disaster recovery assistance, and inform future flood mitigation and infrastructure planning. Residents are encouraged to complete the form even if they have previously reported flooding through My.NOTL or directly to Town Staff. 

Learn more and complete the form on our website. 

My.NOTL Customer Service Portal Launched

The Town recently launched the My.NOTL Customer Service Portal, providing residents with a convenient way to submit service requests, report concerns, track progress, and connect with Town services online. 

Looking for more updates? Visit the Town's News & Media page to view the latest announcements, public notices, media releases, and community updates.

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 September Council Update.

There are no Council meetings scheduled for October as the Town prepares for the upcoming Municipal Election.

Election Day is October 26; make your voice heard and get out and vote!

Following the election, the new term of Council will begin. Inaugural Day for the newly elected Town Council will take place on November 24, 2026. 

Upcoming Meetings
Committee of Adjustment - October 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Photos: 2026 9/11 Commemoration - Queens Royal Park

Flag raising ceremony at Town Hall for the Terry Fox Foundation

Annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Golf Tournament

September Snapshot

September 11 Commemorative Ceremony The Town joined residents, first responders, elected officials, and community partners at Queen's Royal Park to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11. The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect, remember, and honour those who lost their lives while recognizing the courage and dedication of emergency responders.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation The Town recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. Residents were encouraged to participate in local events and learning opportunities while reflecting on the lasting impacts of residential schools and the importance of Reconciliation.

Fall Recreation Programs Underway The Town's Fall Recreation season is now in full swing, with programs available for all ages. From fitness classes and aquatics to youth activities and arts programming, residents continue to enjoy opportunities to stay active and connected throughout the season.

Fall Community Guide Published The Town's Fall Community Guide is now available online and at municipal facilities. The guide features recreation programs, community events, and services available throughout the fall and winter months.

Community Flag Raisings Throughout September, the Town hosted several community flag raisings recognizing important causes, cultural celebrations, and awareness initiatives that contribute to Niagara-on-the-Lake's diverse and welcoming community. Flag raisings included the Terry Fox Foundation on September 14. 

Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony The Town celebrated the achievements of local athletes, builders, and teams during the annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony, recognizing individuals whose contributions have helped shape Niagara-on-the-Lake's rich sporting history.

NOTL Community Golf Tournament The annual NOTL Community Golf Tournament on September 10 brought together residents, community partners, local businesses, and Town representatives for a day of networking, recreation, and community engagement.

Coming Up in October 

Fall Street Sweeping ProgramThe Town's annual fall street sweeping program begins in October to help remove leaves, sand, and debris from municipal roads. This work helps maintain road conditions and supports stormwater drainage systems ahead of winter.

Happy Halloween, Niagara-on-the-Lake! Halloween is just around the corner. Residents are encouraged to celebrate safely by wearing reflective clothing, carrying flashlights, and accompanying younger children while trick-or-treating.

Greater Niagara Chamber Economic Summit Representatives from the Town will participate in the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit alongside municipal leaders, businesses, and community organizations to discuss economic development, workforce opportunities, housing, tourism, and regional growth.

Enjoy Fall in NOTL Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore local parks, trails, waterfront areas, wineries, and heritage districts as fall colours reach their peak.

Engage with Us - Help Shape the 2027 Budget 

Planning for the Town's 2027 Budget is underway, and residents are invited to help shape future municipal priorities.

Public input plays an important role in budget development and helps Council understand community priorities related to infrastructure, recreation, municipal services, environmental initiatives, and strategic investments.

Watch for upcoming engagement opportunities through Join the Conversation and Town communication channels.

Visit Join the Conversation for available feedback opportunities.

2025 Complete Annual Report Now Available 

The Town's complete 2025 Annual Report is now available online.

The report highlights progress made toward Council's strategic priorities and showcases key accomplishments achieved across departments throughout 2025. It also includes the Town's audited financial statements and statistical review, providing a comprehensive overview of municipal operations and financial performance.

The achievements completed throughout 2025 reflect a strong and impactful year for the Town. Across the organization, Staff continued delivering high-quality services while advancing initiatives that improved operations, supported community well-being, and strengthened organizational effectiveness.

Residents are encouraged to review the annual report on the Town's website.

Photo: Royal Niagara Golf Club - 2026 NOTL Golf Classic 

Community Milestones

2026 Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Classic: On September 10, 2026, the Town hosted its 26th Annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Classic Tournament at Royal Niagara Golf Club, bringing together golfers, local businesses, sponsors, and community members for another successful year. Proceeds from the event go toward enhancing our Town parks.

The Town extends its sincere appreciation to the volunteers, sponsors, participants, and local businesses whose contributions helped make this year’s tournament a success. Their support and commitment continue to make this annual event possible, and demonstrate the strong community spirit that defines Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Celebrate Canadian Library Month with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library. In celebration of Canadian Library Month, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library is inviting the community to help grow its Library of Things collection.

Is there an item you’ve always wished you could borrow with your library card? From sports equipment and crafting tools to handy items for around the home, no idea is too big!

Submit your idea between October 1 and 31, 2026. The top suggestions will be added to the Library of Things collection, and if your idea is selected, you’ll be the first to check it out!

Enter the contest online or submit a ballot in person at the Library.

Happy Birthday, Major General Sir Isaac Brock! Celebrate the life and legacy of Major General Sir Isaac Brock at Brock’s Birthday Bash on Tuesday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Brock’s Monument. Hosted by the Friends of Fort George, the event will feature special presentations highlighting Brock’s life and legacy, along with birthday treats generously donated by a member of the Friends of Fort George.

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

Service Updates and Reminders

Service Updates

Line 2 Reconstruction – Reconstruction of Line 2 from Concession 6 Road to Niagara Stone Road remains in progress. Work continues on the road, sewer, drainage, sidewalk, and lighting improvements, with the project expected to continue through 2026.

Mississagua Street Improvements: Work continues on Mississagua Street, between Mary Street and Queen Street. Improvements include the installation of sanitary and storm sewers, a new watermain, sidewalks, and street lighting. The project remains in progress.

Line 7 Watermain Replacement: Work continues on Line 7 Road, between Concession 5 Road and Four Mile Creek Road, to replace the existing watermain. The project remains in progress.

Virgil Sports Park Stormwater Pond Cleaning: Cleaning of the stormwater pond at Virgil Sports Park is now underway. The work is expected to take approximately six to eight weeks to complete.

Queenston Road – Six Mile Creek Dam: Work to replace the cross pipe at the Six Mile Creek Dam on Queenston Road has begun. 

Mississagua Street Culvert Work: Culvert work is planned on Mississagua Street, between Mary Street and Johnson Street, and is expected to be completed before winter. More details will be shared as they become available. Watch for an update in the next edition of NOTL News.

Regent Street Culvert Replacement – Regent Street is now open following the culvert replacement work. Crews are completing the remaining sidewalk reinstatement as the project nears completion.

Dee Road - Road Reconstruction: Road reconstruction work is ongoing, expected to take approximately 3 weeks for completion.

Road Resurfacing Program – Road resurfacing work across Niagara-on-the-Lake is now complete, with final resurfacing of the River Beach parking lot scheduled to complete this year’s program.

Sidewalk and Curb Repairs – The Town’s annual sidewalk and curb repair program has been completed across all five villages, helping maintain safe and accessible infrastructure for residents and visitors.

Please visit the Town's website for more information on service updates and reminders. 

Reminders

Thanksgiving Holiday Closure - Town Hall and facilities will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. The Town wishes all residents a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend!

Thanksgiving Monday Skate – Lace up your skates and enjoy a free public skate this Thanksgiving Monday at the Meridian Credit Union Arena! Bring your family and friends and spend some time on the ice. Visit the Town’s Public Skating & Arena Programming webpage for skating times and additional arena programming information.

Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) – Accommodation providers are reminded that the next MAT remittance deadline is October 31. Visit the Town's website for remittance forms, reporting requirements, and submission information.

Property Tax Reminder – The second and final 2026 property tax installment was due September 25. Residents are reminded to ensure their property tax account is up to date. Visit the Town’s website for payment options and additional property tax information.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services - Fire Safety Tip: Keep Fall Decorations Fire-Safe

Decorating for fall or Halloween? Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services reminds residents to keep seasonal decorations away from heat sources.

Dried leaves, cornstalks, paper decorations, and other combustible materials can ignite quickly. Keep decorations well away from fireplaces, heaters, light bulbs, and other sources of heat, and choose battery-operated candles or lights instead of open flames.

A few simple choices can help keep your home and celebrations fire-safe this fall.

You Asked, We Acted: Introducing My.NOTL

Residents have told us they want a faster and more convenient way to connect with the Town and report concerns.

In response, the Town recently launched My.NOTL, a new online customer service portal that makes it easier to submit service requests, report issues, track progress, and stay informed.

Whether you're reporting a pothole, drainage concern, by-law issue, fallen tree, or requesting information about a municipal service, My.NOTL helps connect residents with the appropriate department quickly and efficiently.

The portal also improves communication by allowing residents to follow the status of their requests and receive updates throughout the process.

My.NOTL is another step forward in the Town's commitment to providing responsive, accessible, and customer-focused service.

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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