The Town is proud to share the October edition of NOTL News! We’re so glad you’ve joined us. It’s one of the most exciting times of year in Niagara-on-the-Lake: grape harvest season! From vineyard to winery, this special time celebrates tradition, hard work, and the world-class wine our community is known for. Did you know Ontario distributes between 50,000 and 80,000 tonnes of grapes every year, and Niagara alone produces nearly 30,000 tonnes of tender fruit annually? With harvest in full swing, you may notice more farm equipment and trucks on our local roads. Please help keep everyone safe by: As always, we look forward to keeping you informed and connected. If you haven’t already, subscribe to NOTL News to receive the latest Town updates, events, and stories straight to your inbox. | As I approach my fourth month as Chief Administrative Officer, I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome I’ve received and for the chance to work alongside such a wonderful group of Council Members, Staff, and community partners to advance municipal business. These first few months have been both productive and rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Staff across all Departments to better understand the important work underway, with Council Members to discuss their strategic priorities and vision for the Town, and with community partners and residents to hear their perspectives and ideas for the future. My focus now is on building on this foundation and driving meaningful progress on the initiatives that matter most to our community. Together, we are advancing important work that will shape our future. Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of NOTL News and stay connected with what’s happening in our community. | Council Member Highlight - Councillor Sandra O'Connor 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? I have always believed in helping my community, from neighbourhood associations, boards of professional organizations, to various municipal committees. For me, such public service involves accountability, transparency, and civic engagement. I believe in giving back and supporting people. It is an honour to be of service to this historic, special community where my ancestors and I call home. As you reflect on your time as Councillor, what are you most proud of? During my time on Council, I've listened carefully to the people’s concerns. I researched issues diligently and engaged with residents to resolve them. By bringing a balanced and respectful approach to discussions and problem-solving, I believe I've served with integrity, transparency and accountability. One of my main achievements has been increasing our healthcare infrastructure by securing a nurse practitioner for a walk-in clinic for anyone in Niagara-on-the-Lake who doesn't have a family doctor. I continue to raise the importance of our natural environment, particularly as it impacts our Town infrastructure (e.g. stormwater management). What do you see as top priorities in the Town right now? A sustainable community tops the list, meaning finalize the Official Plan, complete secondary plans taking into account environmental and heritage concerns and ensure that all plans are complementary. Ensure infrastructure projects, especially stormwater, use engineering standards for increased climate parameters, and implement the NOTL Climate Change Adaptation Plan. All this while implementing sound, sustainable, financial management of your money. I will continue to advocate for healthcare services for the people of this Town. Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you're particularly excited about? I am excited about the upcoming Natural Asset Management (NAM) Plan. The Province has mandated municipalities to inventory, value, and integrate green and natural infrastructure into our asset management planning wherever these assets are owned by the municipality. This plan would identify, value, and manage natural assets such as forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, meadows, and street trees to provide essential municipal services like flood mitigation, water filtration, and stormwater management. NAM is a smart fiscal strategy and essential to strengthening community resilience to climate change and mitigating against the increasing impacts. Another exciting project is the first technical study for the Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) for Four Mile Creek. This plan will address flooding, erosion, and sedimentation while guiding long-term, science-based watershed management. These initiatives will impact each and every one of us to make our community better and sustainable. What do you love most about Niagara-on-the-Lake? - Natural environment: Clean air, freshwater, good climate.
- Heritage: Both this country's heritage but also my family's roots in this area.
- Community: The people are warm and welcoming with a strong sense of community.
| 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: Strategic Plan Update Staff continue to make steady progress in advancing Council’s Strategic Plan and aligning their work with its vision. Nearly 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. With less than two years left in the Plan, momentum remains strong as the Town works toward delivering on Council’s vision. Please review the Strategic Plan Dashboard for the most up-to-date information on all items. Read the Strategic Plan Update Report. | Look Back The Town is proud to share just a few of the many highlights that showcase the 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 Childhood Cancer Awareness, Terry Fox, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. -
Play in the Park: The Town hosted its “Play in the Park” initiative again this summer, a free, unstructured drop-in program that engaged children, youth, and adults in outdoor play. Thank you to the over 500 participants who came to Play in the Park with us this summer! We can't wait to Play in the Park next summer. -
StopGap Ramp Program: Niagara-on-the-Lake launched the StopGap Ramp Program to install free, portable wooden ramps at eligible business storefronts this fall, removing single-step barriers and helping people with mobility challenges access shops and services more easily. Learn more about this important initiative. -
Provincial Investment into Niagara’s Irrigation Infrastructure: Niagara-on-the-Lake received part of a $41 million provincial investment to upgrade, expand, and modernize its municipal irrigation infrastructure. This funding will help meet growing demand from local farms, strengthen food security, and ensure the region’s agriculture continues to thrive. Learn more about investment. -
2025 Association of Municipalities Ontario AMO Conference: At the 2025 AMO Conference in Ottawa, Niagara-on-the-Lake Council and Staff representatives presented priorities, including infrastructure, on-farm diversification, transit, reconciliation, and heritage preservation to provincial leaders, urging support for planning capacity, sustainable growth, and policy tools to strengthen the community. -
2025-2026 Fall/Winter Community Guide: The most recent edition of the Community Guide launched and is available for you to read online at www.notl.com/community-guide, with printed copies available at select locations throughout Town. This publication provides readers with lots of great information about Niagara-on-the-Lake and how to get involved in various programming! -
LiveBarn Streaming Service: Starting this hockey season, fans and families in Niagara-on-the-Lake can watch games live or on demand via LiveBarn at the Meridian Credit Union and Centennial Arenas, making it easier to follow the action even when you can’t be there in person. Learn more about LiveBarn. -
Engagement Opportunities: Throughout the summer, the Town hosted multiple engagement opportunities for various projects, including the Former Hospital Site, Parks and Recreation Masterplan, Playgrounds, the Draft Official Plan, Planning and Building Fee Review, and Asset Management Plan. Thank you to everyone who participated! To stay updated on current engagement opportunities, please visit Join the Conversation. -
New Town Fleet: The Town’s new white fleet vehicles are now on the road, offering cost savings, higher resale value, consistency, and a refreshed community presence. If you see one around Town, give it a wave. It’s here to serve you! -
Visit from the City of Frankenmuth: From September 12 to 14, 2025, the Town hosted a delegation from Frankenmuth to advance discussions on a potential sister-city relationship aimed at strengthening cultural, educational, and economic ties. Read the Memo to Council about this delegation. | 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 for the coming months, please also note the following Town Hall closure: Thanksgiving (October 13). -
Fire Prevention Week (October 5 to 11): Fire Prevention Week in Niagara-on-the-Lake celebrates the outstanding work of our Fire & Emergency Services Department, especially our Fire Prevention Team. This annual week in October raises awareness about essential fire safety practices such as installing smoke alarms and creating fire escape plans. Thank you to our Fire Staff and volunteer firefighters for their dedication to keeping our Town safe! -
Welcoming Back our Resident-Named Snowplows: When the snow begins to fall in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Town’s named fleet of six snowplows and two sidewalk plows will be hard at work! The fleet includes Sled Zeppelin, Buzz Ice-Clear, Ctrl Salt Delete, Skip the Ditches, Catch my Drift, Darth Blader, Snow-be-gone Kenobi, and Scoop Dogg. Keep an eye out for these hardworking plows as they help keep our streets and sidewalks clear this winter. -
Resident Parking Passes and Dog Tags: Niagara-on-the-Lake residents can take advantage of Resident Parking Passes, allowing up to three hours of free parking in the Heritage District, where fees apply. For details, visit the Town's website. Additionally, all dogs must be licensed annually under By-law 4512-11 through DocuPet. Pet owners can easily register online, by mail, or in person, with tags mailed directly to their homes. Visit DocuPet to learn more about pet licensing. | UPCOMING EVENTS  Doors Open NOTL - October 18:
Visit several sites of historical, architectural or cultural significance for free in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Discover what makes this community so unique! Visit the NOTL Museum's website to learn more. Famous & Infamous - October 27 and November 24: Join the NOTL Museum in the galleries once a month at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the life and times of a famous or infamous person or event from the past. October 27 is Alexander Niven, the planner behind the Town's layout and the Town's Boundary Stones. November 24 is world-famous designer Coco Chanel. Visit the NOTL Museum's website to learn more. Lord Mayor Zalepa's Emergency Services Open House - October 30: Lord Mayor Zalepa will host an Emergency Services Open House where NOTL Fire & Emergency Services, Niagara Regional Police, and EMS will present on their priorities and take questions from residents. The event aims to strengthen connections between first responders, Town leadership, and the public by sharing safety resources and information. View the event details and RSVP. Wine and Words - November 3 Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library is hosting Wine and Words at Konzelmann Estate Winery on November 3 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with best-selling author Alyson Richman, who will discuss her latest book, The Missing Page. Purchase tickets and learn more. A Pint of History - November 5: In partnership with the Irish Harp, enjoy discussion and Q&As about history over a pint of beer. In November, the Museum will chat about the role of Canadians and Americans in WWI and our own history with Niagara Camp. Visit the NOTL Museum's website to learn more. Poppy Project - November: Reflect and remember those who defend Canada in the past and present by enjoying poppy displays at the NOTL Museum, the Royal Canadian Legion 124, RiverBrink Art Museum and the Courthouse. Displays start in late October. Remembrance Day - November 11:
On November 11, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 hosts two Remembrance Day ceremonies: one at the Queen Street Cenotaph and one at the Queenston Cenotaph. Learn more by visiting the Legion’s website. | Celebrate the Holiday Season in NOTL Candlelight Stroll - December 5:
The annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce Candlelight Stroll is on December 5. Stroll through our Heritage District while enjoying holiday performances from Niagara-area musical groups. For more information, please visit their website. Holiday Market – December 5 to 14:
From December 5 to 14, attend the Niagara Pumphouse Art Centre’s Holiday Market, which features a wide range of one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, and decor by artisans. Learn more on the Pumphouse’s website. Holiday House Tour – December 5 and 6
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour, put together by volunteers and community partners, showcases beautiful historic and contemporary homes decorated for the holidays. Learn more on their website. Niagara-on-the-Lake Tractor Parade - December 11:
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Tractor Parade returns on Thursday, December 11, lighting up the streets with beautifully decorated tractors. It’s a unique community event perfect for kicking off the holiday season. For more details, visit the parade’s official Facebook page. Christmas Parade - December 13:
You and your family are invited to attend the Town’s annual Christmas Parade on December 13! The Town’s Heritage District becomes a winter wonderland on this day, and all are encouraged to come out and enjoy the fun. More information will be available soon at Community Initiatives & Events. There are many ways to get involved and participate in events! For more information about events and engagement opportunities offered by the Town and its community partners, please visit the following websites: | Thank you for joining us for this edition of NOTL News! With the arrival of fall, we look forward to a season marked by reflection, renewal, and connection. From community initiatives to seasonal events, this time of year in Niagara-on-the-Lake highlights the strength of our Town and the people who call it home. 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 time ahead spent with family and friends, and we’ll be back with more updates in December! | 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! Subscribe to receive this newsletter and other Town communications: Subscribe | | | | |
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