April 2026 Edition

The Town is proud to share the April edition of NOTL News! 

Thank you for staying connected with the Town. As always, we look forward to keeping you informed and engaged in the year ahead. If you haven’t already, we invite you to subscribe to NOTL News to receive the latest Town updates, events, and stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Thank you for scrolling through our latest edition of NOTL News. We’re excited to be heading into the spring season and all the activity that comes with it across Niagara-on-the-Lake.

It’s already been a strong start to the year, building on the momentum of 2025, which saw significant progress across the community. From advancing Council’s Strategic Plan and enhancing infrastructure to supporting local programs and innovation, last year marked meaningful achievements for residents, businesses, and visitors. Staff continue to carry that momentum forward in 2026, delivering important work and advancing key priorities.

With warmer days ahead, we’re looking forward to a busy and productive few months, including new projects, community programs, and opportunities to connect with residents. Spring is always a time of renewal, and we’re excited for what’s to come.

Thank you for staying engaged and connected with the Town. We look forward to continuing our work together this season.

Council Member Highlights

In each edition of NOTL News, the Town features Members of Council to help residents get to know the individuals helping shape decisions and initiatives in the community. This section offers a deeper look at each Councillor’s priorities and motivations, illustrating how Council Members contribute to the Town’s continued growth and well-being.

To view past editions of NOTL News featuring Members of Council and their highlights, please visit the Town’s website.

Councillor Gary Burroughs

What inspired you to become a Town Councillor?

I was inspired to join Town Council after I had already lived and worked in Niagara-on-the-Lake for many years. Early in my career, I served one term on Council (1989-1992) while still running my business, but I stepped away because I believed those roles should remain separate. After selling the Oban Inn in 1999, I returned to public service, serving as Lord Mayor from 2000 to 2010. Throughout my time in office, my focus has been on balancing the needs of residents with the pressures of tourism, development, and growth while preserving the character that makes Niagara-on-the-Lake so special.

Reflecting on your time as a Councillor, what are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the efforts to preserve the unique character of Niagara-on-the-Lake. While many communities focus on getting bigger and moving faster, I believe our strength lies in our history, our agricultural roots, and our close-knit community. Protecting that sense of place and keeping the town engaged and involved has always been very important to me.

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

One of my top priorities is ensuring Niagara-on-the-Lake maintains its independence and unique character. The prospect of municipal amalgamation is a significant concern. I’m also mindful of the province’s push to expand large-scale tourism in Niagara. While that may suit other cities, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s strength lies in its history, agriculture, and small-town character. I support thoughtful development, but it must be transparent and carefully planned so Council and residents understand the final outcome, and growth does not compromise what makes our town special.

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

What excites me most is the growing level of community engagement in Niagara-on-the-Lake. More residents are paying attention, attending Council meetings, and sharing their perspectives, which strengthens decision-making. Social media has also helped increase transparency and accountability. Another great asset is the incredible talent among our residents; many bring decades of professional experience, and finding ways to tap into that knowledge for the benefit of the community is something I’m very excited about.

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

What I love most about Niagara-on-the-Lake is the people and the strong sense of community. Residents truly care about where they live. Whether you’re by the water, along the escarpment, or walking through one of our business districts or villages, it’s a town you can enjoy every day, and that special character is something I’m committed to protecting.

Councillor Tim Balasiuk

What inspired you to become a Town Councillor?

I ran for Council because I believe Niagara-on-the-Lake is a community worth protecting. Our heritage, our character, and the way we grow all matter. I wanted to be part of ensuring decisions are made thoughtfully, with long-term impact in mind, not short-term gain.

Reflecting on your time as a Councillor, what are you most proud of?

I am proud to be a steady and principled voice at the Council table. I have consistently advocated for protecting our heritage, responsible planning, and making decisions that reflect the values of our residents. My work on the Municipal Heritage Committee has been especially meaningful, where I have worked diligently to support the designation of more heritage properties than any previous Council, helping to preserve what makes this town truly unique.

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

Our top priority must be getting the balance right between growth and preservation. Development is inevitable, but it must be done responsibly, with proper infrastructure, clear planning, and respect for our community’s character. Residents expect transparency, accountability, and thoughtful leadership, and that must remain front and centre.

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

I am encouraged by the renewed focus on understanding and protecting our community assets, including heritage and public lands. Taking a more strategic, long-term approach to planning will be critical to ensuring Niagara-on-the-Lake remains a place people are proud to call home.

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

What stands out most is the pride and passion people have in this community. Niagara-on-the-Lake is not just a destination; it is a place where people care deeply about their surroundings, their neighbours, and their future. That sense of responsibility is what makes it so special.

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 those invested 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. We invite you to click on the links below to get caught up on recent updates:

• January 29, 2026, meeting
• February 24, 2026, meeting
• March 24, 2026, meeting

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

Strategic Plan Update

The Town continues to make strong progress on its 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, with approximately 74% of initiatives completed or underway. This work supports key priorities such as enhancing community services, improving infrastructure, strengthening organizational excellence, and fostering a more connected and engaged community.

Recent progress includes advancements across multiple strategic areas, demonstrating the Town’s ongoing commitment to delivering on Council’s vision and meeting the evolving needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.

Read the full Strategic Plan update. 

Look Back (January to March)

The Town is proud to share a few highlights of recent progress, events, and accomplishments in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

• Thank You Snow Plow Operators: January brought approximately 44 inches (112 cm) of snow to Niagara-on-the-Lake, keeping Town crews hard at work. To keep roads and sidewalks safe, crews cleared over 510 kilometres of roadway (both directions) and more than 80 kilometres of sidewalks, often making multiple passes during storm events. In January, Staff moved an estimated 3.8 million cubic metres of snow, enough to fill the Rogers Centre nearly two and a half times! A big thank you to our dedicated snow plow operators for their hard work and commitment to keeping our community moving safely this winter.

• Crime Stoppers Flag Raising: On January 6, the Town marked Crime Stoppers Awareness Month with a flag raising at Town Hall. 

• Engaging with Local Schools: On January 12, Lord Mayor Zalepa and members of Council visited Crossroads Public School to connect with students and share insights into local government. Grade 5 students from St. Davids Public School visited Town Hall on February 5, where they participated in a mock Council meeting and toured municipal facilities.

• 40 km/h Speed Limit Implemented on Local Roads: Council approved a new 40 km/h default speed limit on all Town-owned urban local roads as part of its Urban Speed Limit Policy. This change supports the Town’s commitment to Vision Zero, helping reduce collisions and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Read more on the Town's website. 

• New Director of Planning, Building & Development Services: The Town appointed Aimee Alderman as its new Director of Planning, Building and Development Services. Aimee brings over 10 years of municipal planning experience and is a familiar face in Niagara-on-the-Lake, having previously served in senior planning roles with the Town.

• Advocating for NOTL at Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) 2026: Town representatives met with provincial leaders at the 2026 ROMA Conference to advocate for key community priorities, including housing, infrastructure, economic development, and heritage protection. During ROMA, the Town was honoured with a Rural Inspiration Award for its innovative partnership with the Town of Minto, highlighting leadership, collaboration, and cost-saving solutions that benefit the community.

• Dinner with Friends of Fort George: Lord Mayor Zalepa, Friends of Fort George, and Parks Canada hosted a special charity dinner in February to raise funds for the 2026 youth staffing program at Brock’s Monument and Fort George. More than $7,000 was raised through ticket sales and the silent auction, helping support valuable youth opportunities connected to our local heritage.
   
• Support for Niagara Shores Park: A new agreement between the Town, Parks Canada, and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will support the long-term care and protection of Niagara Shores Park. This partnership will help guide future improvements, including land management, environmental research, and enhanced public access. Learn more about this agreement.
   

• Celebrating Kindness Week: For Kindness Week, the Town celebrated the thoughtful, encouraging, and supportive comments shared by our #NOTL community. Your words uplift Town Staff, volunteers, local organizations, and each other more than you know. Watch the social media video. 

• Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: The Town made a strategic investment through the purchase of land in St. Davids to support improved stormwater management, helping reduce flood risk and better protect homes and properties. This project will enhance infrastructure capacity while supporting long-term environmental sustainability and community resilience to extreme weather. Learn more via the news release.

• Pickleball Location Review Underway: The Town is reviewing options for a new outdoor pickleball location for the 2026 season, following the decision to keep courts at Virgil Sports Park closed this year. The review will consider factors like community impact, noise, and suitable locations to ensure a balanced solution for residents and players. Read about this in the Town's news release.

• Supporting Firefighter Safety: The Town received $82,000 in provincial funding to support Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services. The funding will be used to purchase new protective gear. Read the news release to learn more about how this supports our volunteer firefighters. 

• Coldest Night of the Year Walk: On February 28, members of the community took part in the Coldest Night of the Year walk, a national fundraising event supporting individuals experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. At the opening ceremony, Lord Mayor Zalepa brought greetings on behalf of the Town and also took part in the walk. 
   

• Town Submits Amalgamation Feedback to Province: The Town submitted formal feedback to the Province regarding potential municipal amalgamation in Niagara Region, reaffirming its strong opposition to forced amalgamation and commitment to protecting local decision-making and community identity. Visit the Town's amalgamation webpage for Town updates, resources, and more. 

• Final Draft Official Plan Released: The Town released the Final Draft Official Plan for public review. Updates reflect community feedback received throughout the process, with refinements to policies related to transportation, employment areas, and site-specific planning. The plan will be considered by Council this April. Learn more about the Official Plan on the project page.

• Heritage Conservation Plan (HCD) Approved: Council has approved the Old Town Heritage Conservation District Plan, helping protect Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic character while guiding future growth and development. The updated plan expands the heritage district and introduces policies to manage changes to properties, streetscapes, and public spaces. Read more about the HCD in the news release and on the Town's website. 

• Engagement Opportunities: The Town held various engagement opportunities throughout the beginning of 2026, including a Community Energy and Emissions Plan workshop, a Pollution Prevention and Control Plan online presentation and comment box, as well as a public information centre for the upcoming Mississagua Street construction. Thank you to everyone who engaged with us!

• Bowl For Kids Sake: Members of Town Council and the Town Staff United Way Committee laced up for Bowl for Kids’ Sake as part of the Municipal Cup Challenge. The team joined the community in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping raise funds for mentorship programs that provide local youth with valuable support and positive role models.

• 2026 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!

• March Break Camp Reaches New Heights: This year’s March Break Camp was a full success, welcoming 25 campers for a week of space-themed fun at Centennial Arena and Virgil Sports Park. From astronaut training and science experiments to daily skating, campers enjoyed a mix of creativity and recreation.

Look Ahead (April to June)

As we look ahead to the spring and summer months, the Town is excited to share some of the key initiatives, events, and opportunities that will continue to shape and enhance life in Niagara-on-the-Lake:

• Street Sweeping Efforts: Keep an eye out for the street sweepers as they make their rounds! This annual ritual ensures clean and safe roads for everyone while also signalling the approach of the new season.
   
• Summer Facilities & Programs Opening Soon: As we look ahead to the warmer months, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s outdoor amenities will soon be opening for the season, including the splash pad, Niagara and St. Davids pools, Simcoe Park wading pool, public washrooms, the skatepark, and more. Registration for spring and summer programs will also be opening soon, offering a variety of activities for all ages. 
   
• Hanging Basket Installation: Installation of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s signature hanging baskets will begin shortly across the Town’s picturesque villages. A source of community pride since the 1970s, the program, initiated by the Parks Division, has played an important role in enhancing the beauty of our public spaces. Each year, more than 280 hanging planters are displayed throughout the Town!
   
• Play in the Park: "Play in the Park" will return this summer! This free, unstructured drop-in initiative engages children, youth, and adults in outdoor play. The trailer travels throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake, bringing sports and activities directly to your favourite community parks! More information, including the full summer calendar, will be available on the Town's website. 
   
• Advertise in the 2026-2027 Fall/Winter Community Guide: Calling all advertisers! Submissions for the 2026-2027 Fall/Winter Community Guide are open. This bi-annual publication is a fantastic way to showcase your business or organization to the community. Don't miss the chance to be part of this valued resource! Learn more on the Town's website.
   
• Promote Your Event in Niagara-on-the-Lake: Planning an event in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Share it with the community through the Town’s Community Event Calendar, your go-to source for local happenings, from Town events to community celebrations. Events must take place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and some events may require a Special Events Permit. View the calendar or submit your event.
   
• Planning a Spring Project: Thinking about tackling a home improvement project this spring? A building permit may be required for work such as new buildings, larger sheds, additions, finished basements, and more. The Town’s Building Services Division works with homeowners, builders, and designers to ensure projects meet safety standards and comply with the Ontario Building Code, helping keep our community safe. Learn more.
   

• Election Information: The next municipal election is on October 26, 2026! The Town has a dedicated elections webpage that is continuously updated to reflect key dates, timelines, applications, and more. 

• Welcoming New Residents: Have you recently moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake? Stop by Town Hall (1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil) to pick up your New Resident Welcome Package! It’s our way of saying, "Welcome to the community! You belong here." Thank you to our amazing local businesses and community partners for your generous contributions to these packages. Learn more and access useful resources for new residents.

• Great Lakes and Cities Initiative Conference: Niagara-on-the-Lake is part of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, working to protect one of the world's largest freshwater sources. From May 6 to 8, 2026, the Town will attend the Annual Conference in Hamilton, Ontario, exploring the development of the Fresh Coast Economic Corridor.

Please also note the following Town Hall closure: Victoria Day (May 18).

Thank you for joining us for 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.

The Town looks forward to sharing more updates with you. Thank you for staying engaged with the Town throughout the year!

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