December 2024 Edition

Welcome to the fourth edition of NOTL News! Since the launch of this e-newsletter, we have been sharing some of the recent happenings from around Niagara-on-the-Lake and bringing you important updates. Thank you for your active readership, engagement and positive feedback!

Don’t forget to subscribe to NOTL News on the Town’s website at www.notl.com/subscribe to stay connected and informed about what’s happening in our community.

This fall has been all about progress, especially as we dive into shaping the 2025 budget. The process is just getting started, and our discussions so far have been focused on finding the best ways to deliver great services while staying fiscally responsible. I’m excited to keep these conversations going in 2025!

As we wrap up 2024, I want to say a huge thank you to Staff for all their hard work this year. Their dedication and teamwork are what keep our Town moving forward, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

To all residents, business owners, and visitors: I hope this holiday season gives you time to rest, recharge, and make special memories with loved ones. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Council Member Highlight 

I had followed Council and meetings in the Town for my entire adult life. After becoming a mom, I realized that while preserving the past, it is important to plan for their future, which is what motivated me to run for a seat.

I am excited to be a part of discussions on shaping the future of youth programming in our Town. While a percentage of our residents are older, retired and aging, we have a huge percentage of young families with the next generation of NOTLers.

This Town continues to grow, but the feeling of community remains wherever you go; at the school cheering on students, at the local coffee shop or post office or a fundraising event. That has not changed in the last 30 years that I have lived here. Watching our next generation as they grow, it will remain for the next 30.

Council Corner

Council Meetings provide an opportunity for residents to stay informed and engaged with decisions shaping the 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 discussions live at www.notl.com. Agendas and minutes are available for review, allowing you to stay up to date with the latest topics.

Council's 2025 Meeting Calendar is available on the Town’s website. Community members are encouraged to follow along in the coming year to receive information about important updates and key decisions.

Please take a moment to read our Council Update News Releases to learn more about the important initiatives and actions taken by Council over the past few months. These are posted and shared immediately following each Council Meeting. Subscribe to have these updates sent directly to your inbox at www.notl.com/subscribe.

• October 29, 2024, Council Meeting

• November 26, 2024, Council Meeting

• December 10, 2024, Council Meeting

Strategic Plan Update

An End-of-Year Report highlighting 2024 achievements and progress will be presented to Council in January 2025. This report will provide an overview of the success of Council’s strategic goals and priorities.

Here are a few Strategic Plan successes from 2024:

• A Manager of Policy and Heritage Planning was hired, which will prioritize the adoption of a new Official Plan.

• The Town exceeded its 2024 target to designate ten properties for heritage protection, with 11 properties designated and four underway.

• An Economic Development Officer began in May, working to attract new businesses to the Town and continues to meet with community partners to understand and address the needs and concerns of local businesses.

• Process improvements in the Building Division included the creation of an online inspection booking tool, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for users.

• Fire & Emergency Services completed recruitment for their Volunteer Public Education Team. The rollout of this team is set to begin early in 2025.

The Town’s Strategic Plan Dashboard will be updated after the January Council report, providing the status of all projects as of September 2024. Staff remain committed to advancing Council’s strategic priorities, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community that meets residents' needs.

Look Back (October to December 2024)

As we reflect on the past few months, the Town is proud to share just a few of the many highlights that showcase the progress, events, and accomplishments achieved in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Remembrance Day Ceremonies: Our community came together to honour and remember those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. The Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Queen Street and Queenston Cenotaphs were attended by first responders and residents paying tribute to the bravery and commitment of our veterans and active service members. Thank you to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 for organizing these ceremonies annually.

2024 GNCC Niagara Economic Summit: On October 29, Council Members and Staff attended the 2024 Niagara Economic Summit, organized by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. The summit, themed "Thriving in a Transforming World," addressed key topics such as the future of manufacturing, innovation and sustainability in housing development, and enhancing global connectivity for Niagara.

Take Our Kids to Work Day: On November 6, Town Staff with grade nine children participated in Take Our Kids to Work Day at Town Hall, where children got to shadow their parents and attend a Health and Safety presentation. This day allows young people to explore careers, gain insight into the working world, and connect with skills that shape their future possibilities. We hope those who attended had a great time!

Koppert Canada Welcomed to the Community: The Town welcomed Koppert Canada to its growing business community. This addition reflects Council’s commitment to attracting diverse businesses, strengthening the tax base, and advancing a shared vision of a Vibrant and Complete Community, an important pillar of their Strategic Plan. Read the full news release for details about Koppert Canada.

Foodland Groundbreaking: On November 19, Council Members and Staff joined community members and Foodland representatives to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Foodland store to be built at The Village Centre, near Garrison Village.

Recent Flag Raisings: In November, the Town raised flags for Gillian’s Place and HIV/AIDS Awareness.

Lord Mayor’s Holiday Card Contest Winners: Congratulations to the winners of the Lord Mayor's Holiday Card Contest, Vivienne, Dean and Michael! Learn more about this contest by reading the news release.

December Holiday Events: The month of December is full of festive fun in Niagara-on-the-Lake! From the enchanting Candlelight Stroll to the charming Tractor Parade and the ever-popular Christmas Parade, these events drew thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season. A special thank you to all organizers and volunteers for their dedication in making these events so memorable year after year.

Free Parking in the Heritage District: Have last-minute holiday shopping to complete? The Heritage District has free parking until December 31. From one-of-a-kind gifts to seasonal treats, you’re sure to find something special for everyone on your list. Enjoy the holiday spirit and support local businesses this season!

Tommy’s Holiday Mission: This holiday season, a small tree with a big story captured the attention of many. With the help of community partners, the Town launched "Tommy's Holiday Gift Drive", collecting new, unwrapped children's gifts for Newark Neighbours and the Niagara Regional Native Centre. Thank you to the Town’s partners for their collaboration and to everyone who donated to this generous initiative!

Additional Dwelling Units: Niagara-on-the-Lake is updating policies to align with new provincial rules allowing Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties. In urban areas, up to two ADUs are permitted with specific requirements like building separation and lot coverage limits. In rural areas, ADUs must meet criteria for agricultural compatibility, servicing, and safety. An ADU Guide is available to help residents navigate the process.

Official Plan Update: The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is conducting a comprehensive review of its Official Plan to align with updated provincial and regional policies, address demographic shifts, and manage development pressures. This initiative aims to guide land use and development over the next 25 years, ensuring sustainable growth and the preservation of the Town's unique character. Stay tuned for engagement opportunities.

Holiday Hours: Town Administration and Operations Buildings will close at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. As you plan your celebrations, we encourage you to review the holiday hours for Town services and community facilities to help make the most of your holiday activities. 

Public Skating: Enjoy public skating throughout the holidays with your family and friends! For schedules and more information, visit www.notl.com/recreation-events/programs-activities/public-skating.

Look Ahead (January to March 2025)

As we look ahead to the new year, 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.

Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference: From January 19 to 21, Town Council and Staff will attend the ROMA conference to discuss important matters and opportunities that shape the Niagara-on-the-Lake community. Participation is vital for engaging with Ministers on key issues, sharing insights, and shaping the future of the Town through collaboration and informed advocacy.

Call for Advertisements for 2025 Spring/Summer Community Guide: Calling all advertisers! Submissions for the 2025 Spring/Summer Community Guide open in January. This bi-annual publication is a fantastic way to showcase your business or organization to the community. The Guide highlights a wide range of services and programs, including Town information, recreation and leisure activities, community groups, tourism, arts, and more. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this valued resource! Learn more on the Town’s website.

March Break Camps and Programming: The Town is once again excited to offer March Break Camp for children ages 6-12! Camp will run from March 10-14 at the arena and this year's theme is Superheroes! Each day children will enjoy games, superhero activities, crafts, and more. More information about March Break Camp will be coming in the New Year.

Black History Month in February: Black History Month in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a time to honour the contributions and resilience of Black Canadians who have shaped the community. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the stories of Black settlers, including freedom-seekers from the Underground Railroad, and to recognize historical landmarks like the Voices of Freedom Park. By acknowledging this month, we deepen our understanding and reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive and equitable community.

Volunteer in Town: Get involved and make a difference in Niagara-on-the-Lake by joining the Volunteer Talent Bank! Connect your skills and passions with meaningful opportunities in areas like recreation, community events, and environmental initiatives. Visit the Volunteer Talent Bank today!

Snow Shovelling Volunteers: Help make a difference in our community by joining our amazing group of volunteers assisting residents with snow shovelling this winter. Sign up today!

Crossing Guard Appreciation Day: March 21 celebrates the hardworking crossing guards who keep our community’s children safe on their way to and from school. These dedicated individuals brave all weather conditions, providing a friendly face and a reliable presence for students and families each day. Let’s show our appreciation by thanking them for their service!

Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities: Exciting public engagement opportunities are on the horizon! Residents will have the chance to provide input on key projects, including the future of the Former Hospital Site, phase 2 of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and the Town's Official Plan updates. Stay tuned for more details and be sure to visit the Town’s Join the Conversation site to participate and share your thoughts. Your voice matters!

Thank you for joining us for the last edition of NOTL News for 2024!

As we look ahead to 2025, the Town is excited to continue building on these successes, with a focus on enhancing community services, preserving our heritage, and creating opportunities for future generations. These achievements would not be possible without the dedication and support of residents, businesses, and community partners. Together, we are shaping a thriving, inclusive, and resilient Niagara-on-the-Lake. Thank you for your contributions to making our Town such a great place to live, work, and visit.

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.

Wishing you a holiday season full of festivities, gratitude and quality time with loved ones. Happy New Year! We look forward to serving you in 2025!

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! 😀

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