Welcome to the June edition of NOTL News! We are thrilled to share the success of our first newsletter and appreciate the positive feedback from our community. Town Staff is excited to continue this initiative, bringing you the latest updates and stories from around Town. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to NOTL News on the Town's website at www.notl.com/subscribe to stay connected and informed about all the great things happening in Niagara-on-the-Lake. | We are delighted to share the latest edition of NOTL News, celebrating the many achievements and events that have taken place over the past few months in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since the last edition, our community has been buzzing with activity! Many notable achievements have happened, including beautifying our streetscapes for the summer season, installing new parking machines in the Heritage District, receiving the eleventh consecutive Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, hosting our annual Senior Citizen Strawberry Social, and so much more. These efforts, along with the many small and big wins that happen each day, are thanks to the dedicated efforts of Town Staff. As Niagara-on-the-Lake welcomes millions of visitors this time of year, we're reminded of the incredible community we have the privilege of serving. Your support and participation in our initiatives make this Town truly special. Thank you! I wish everyone a wonderful summer season filled with great memories. Stay tuned for our next edition of NOTL News that comes out in September. | What inspired you to become a Town Councillor? My motivation to serve our community stems from conversations with our residents, which inspired me to continue the great work being done in our Town. Becoming a Town Councillor offers me the opportunity to directly address the issues that matter most to our community. I believe that through proactive engagement and a collaborative approach, we can find solutions and truly make a difference. My goal is to create a pleasant tomorrow for all of us, ensuring that the future of our Town is in good stead. As you reflect on your time as Deputy Lord Mayor, what are you most proud of? I am most proud of our achievements in agriculture and irrigation. Also, the influence and strong relationships we've built at Queen's Park have been instrumental in securing the resources and support needed to implement vital initiatives and grants to support these sectors. What do you see as top priorities in the Town right now? My top priorities for the Town are building a robust economy, enhancing our agriculture sector, promoting agri-tourism, and ensuring housing affordability. Strengthening our economy is crucial for creating job opportunities and sustaining growth while focusing on agriculture and agri-tourism can leverage our rich resources and attract visitors, boosting local businesses. Equally important is addressing housing affordability to ensure that everyone has access to affordable homes. Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you're particularly excited about? Yes, I am looking forward to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will outline the future of parks and recreation in the community. We also have some fantastic new and ongoing youth programming that aims to engage and support our youth in meaningful ways. I am also excited about the upcoming Trisha Romance Day in September, which will celebrate the arts and bring our community together in a unique way. What do you love most about Niagara-on-the-Lake? What I love most about Niagara-on-the-Lake is our agriculture, agri-tourism, and the residents who make our Town special. Our residents are the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and I am proud to call this community my home. | Look Back (April to June 2024) Queen & Mississagua Entranceway Project Ribbon Cutting: June 27 was the grand unveiling of the Queen & Mississagua Entranceway Project in the Town's Heritage District! The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a wonderful success, and it was great to see so many community members join the celebration. The new entry feature reflects Town values, supports downtown growth and evolves throughout the four seasons. Thank you to everyone who collaborated to make this project a success. A special thank you to the Gerald Kowalchuk Family Fund for their generous donation, which made this project possible. Strawberry Social: The Town’s annual Senior Citizen Strawberry Social event was another great success, with approximately 300 attendees and 200 baked goods delivered to local long-term care homes. Thank you to Seaway Farms for donating the strawberries, PigOut for catering the lunch, and the many other vendors and volunteers who worked together to serve our senior community. Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library Summer Kick-Off Celebration: This family-friendly event launched the Library’s Summer Reading Club and program registration. Attendees enjoyed free hotdogs, popcorn, and cotton candy, with performances by the NOTL Ukesters and Yellow Door Theatre kids. For more information regarding the Summer Reading Club and other Library programming, please visit notlpubliclibrary.org. Step Challenge: The Town's popular Step Challenge returned in June. This health-focused event promotes physical activity and wellness within the community. 130 participants are working together towards 60,000,000 community steps! The challenge ends on June 29. Stay tuned for more updates, and way to go, Niagara-on-the-Lake steppers! Summer Facilities Opening: Outdoor amenities and facilities are open and ready for use, including the splash pad, Niagara and St. Davids pools, wading pool, public washrooms throughout the Town, the skatepark, and so much more! Visit www.notl.com/recreation-events/programs-activities to learn more. Idling Reduction By-law in Effect: To promote a greener community, Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Council passed an Idling Reduction By-law that took effect June 1, 2024. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by idling vehicles, fulfilling a step in the Town’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Learn more about the By-law at www.notl.com/idling-reduction-law. New Parking Machines: New parking machines were installed in the Old Town Heritage District. The new parking machines will accept credit, debit, and coin payments. Online payment options are available through the Honk Mobile app and a new online platform, ParkedIn. These enhancements have strengthened the Heritage District's parking infrastructure, facilitating more seamless parking experiences. For more information, please visit www.notl.com/town-services/parking/where-park-how-pay. State of the Region: Staff and Council attended the State of the Region event hosted by PenFinancial Credit Union. This event gathered local business leaders, community members, and officials to discuss the Region's current state and future prospects. It provided a platform for networking and strategic discussions. Niagara Week: During Niagara Week at Queen's Park in Toronto, the Region hosted a three-day advocacy event to promote growth priorities and strengthen ties with the Ontario government, including meetings with Cabinet members. Staff and Council met with various Ministries and representatives to discuss important matters related to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Good Roads Conference: The Town's Acting Director of Operations and Supervisor of Roads represented Niagara-on-the-Lake at the Good Roads Conference, where they brought valuable insights and innovative ideas back about sustainable practices, smart technology integration, and community engagement strategies. Nurse Practitioner Hired: The Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) Health Care Clinic hired its Nurse Practitioner to provide ongoing chronic, preventative, and urgent care to individuals without a family doctor and visitors to the area by appointment and walk-in service. For more information, please visit niagaranorthfht.ca/notl/notl-health-care-clinic. Solar Eclipse: Niagara-on-the-Lake, alongside the Niagara Region and numerous other locations worldwide, experienced the rare celestial phenomenon of a solar eclipse on April 8. Please read the media release for more details at www.notl.com/recreation-community/community-news/media-release-successful-solar-eclipse-experience-niagara-lake. | Summer in Niagara-on-the-Lake Aquatics: Make a splash this summer by participating in the Town's aquatics programming! Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just dipping your toes in, the Town's programs cater to various ages and skill levels. From swim lessons to leisurely laps and water aerobics to family splash sessions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Learn more at www.notl.com/aquatics-programs. Native Plants: Native plants play a vital role in the Town's natural heritage and help maintain a balance between our community and the environment. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out this summer for these native plants! To learn more, please visit www.notl.com/town-services/environmental-stewardship/native-plants. Fruit Season: It’s time for some sweet, Niagara-on-the-Lake-grown fruit! Cherry and peach picking takes place in early summer, while plums and nectarines are typically picked in August and September. Pick your apples in September for an apple pie, crisp, or any baked treat, and grapes and pumpkins in October, just in time for Thanksgiving and spooky season. By buying local and supporting our local fruit stands, you not only enjoy the freshest produce but also contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of our community. So, let's support our local farmers who bring these delicious fruits to our tables! Heritage Sites: Explore the Niagara Parks Commission heritage sites this summer. All sites are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For events at local heritage sites, such as the Mackenzie Printery, Laura Secord Homestead and McFarland House, please visit www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/heritage/. | Look Ahead Town Hall Closures: Residents are reminded that Town Hall is closed for Canada Day (Monday, July 1), the Civic Holiday (Monday, August 5), Labour Day (Monday, September 2) and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Monday, September 30). Call for Advertisements in the 2024-2025 Fall/Winter Community Guide: Are you looking to promote your business in a publication? Look no further than the Town’s Community Guide, an excellent resource containing valuable information about Town services, community programs, activities, events, and local organizations. Learn more about this opportunity, submit your advertisement request, and view the 2024 Spring/Summer Community Guide at www.notl.com/community-guide. Play in the Park: The proceeds from this year's NOTL Golf Classic Tournament will help fund "Play in the Park," a free, unstructured drop-in initiative to engage children, youth, and adults in outdoor play. The program will travel throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake to bring sports and activities directly to your favourite community parks! More information and a full summer calendar are coming soon. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Each year, the Town holds a flag-raising ceremony to remember the tragic history of residential schools and ensure this legacy is not forgotten. This year's flag-raising ceremony will be on Friday, September 27, 2024. Stay tuned for more information. | UPCOMING EVENTS  Canada Day at Fort George - July 1:
Celebrate Canada's birthday at the Fort George National Historic Site from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Listen to period music, support the Friends of Fort George, and don’t miss the musket demonstrations and cannon firings! The Cake Parade begins at 3:00 p.m., featuring the 41st Regiment Fife and Drum Corp heading down Queen Street to Simcoe Park, where the cake donated by Willow Cakes and Pastries will be sliced and served. Canada Day festivities at the fort conclude with a fantastic concert and fireworks. For more information, please visit www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca/canada-day.
Peach Festival - August 10:
Experience the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce's Peace Festival on Saturday, August 10! This afternoon of fun and excitement celebrates all things peach, from merchants and food vendors, live music and entertainment, a peach beer garden, and peach pies. For more information, please visit www.niagaraonthelake.com/peachfestival2024. Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony - August:
Niagara-on-the-Lake's longstanding Sports Wall of Fame recognizes residents' remarkable athletic achievements and significant contributions to the sporting community. To recognize and celebrate the new inductees, a ceremony is being held in August. Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Fife & Drum Muster & Soldiers’ Field Day - August 17 and 18:
Attend the 25th anniversary of the annual Fife & Drum Muster and Soldiers' Field Day on August 17 and 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Fort George National Historic Site! Fife and drum corps and infantry units assemble at the Fort George National Historic Site, showcasing the military music and drills of the early 19th century. This weekend-long event has become an annual tradition at Fort George and is packed with firing demonstrations, music, and entertainment. For more information, please visit parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/fortgeorge/activ/calendrier-calendar.
NOTL Golf Classic Tournament - September 12:
Get ready to play a round of golf, Niagara-on-the-Lake! The Town's 24th Annual Golf Classic Tournament is being held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Royal Niagara Golf Club in Glendale (1 Niagara-on-the-Green Boulevard). Learn more and register at www.notl.com/recreation-events/community-initiatives-events.
Niagara Polo - September 14:
On September 14, 2024, the Niagara Polo public demonstration match will be played on the historic Niagara-on-the-Lake Commons, which long served as a military training ground. Niagara Polo is a signature fundraiser for the Niagara Historical Society, a not-for-profit community organization that collects, preserves, researches, educates and promotes the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake and its communities through the operation of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum. For more information, please visit www.niagarapolo.com/. There are many ways to get involved this summer! For more information about events and engagement opportunities offered by the Town, Library and Museum, please visit the following links: | Strategic Plan Council's Strategic Plan serves as the foundation for all Town projects and initiatives, ensuring that they remain on target and aligned with the community's goals. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Staff, the Strategic Plan is progressing well. Even though the Plan is less than a year old, significant milestones have already been achieved. Council and Staff’s hard work and commitment are driving these successes, reflecting a shared vision for a thriving community. Strategic Plan Dashboard Niagara-on-the-Lake is implementing new software to simplify reporting and create an online dashboard, which will be available on the Town's website in July 2024. This interactive platform will visually display data and metrics, tracking the progress of the Strategic Plan's objectives and initiatives. The dashboard will highlight the hard work of Council and Staff, showcasing their success in meeting the Strategic Plan's goals. Users will have a clear view of the Plan's four Pillars and can explore specific details about the accomplishments. Stay tuned for more details! | The first edition of NOTL News was a great success, and we hope for even more engagement with this second edition. Do you have something you would like to see included in future editions of NOTL News? Let us know by emailing communications@notl.com. Thank you, and happy summer! | Subscribe to receive this newsletter and other Town communications: Subscribe | | | | |
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