Niagara At Large

All She Wants For Her Generation & Generations Yet To Come Is A Future,  Free From A Growing Climate Crisis That Is Wreaking Havoc On The Life-Sustaining Resources On Our Planet

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted May 20^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Here is yet another young person, urging us to take real – not just token -action.

This past May 17^th on the long weekend, CBC Radio’s program ‘What On Earth’ – an excellent weekly program on climate change- a segment was aired on the anxiety the climate crisis is causing for kids.

Particularly moving were the words of a 12-year-old girl that were played at the beginning of a program – words that all of her elders, particularly those who are not taking the climate crisis seriously should hear.

What she had to say brought tears to my eyes. Unless you are as greedy and as heartless as someone like a Donald Trump, a Danielle Smith (premier of Alberta), or any one of a number of Big Oil barons, it should bring tears to yours too, along with a resolve to DO SOMETHING.

To hear her, click, click on the following link then click on the icon that says listen – https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-429-what-on-earth/clip/16215089-how-kids-save-climate-anxiety

Shame on those of us – particularly those in leadership positions in business and government – who are still not giving the climate emergency the attention it deserves

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space  Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!

Oil Prices, Gas Taxes, and the Coming Inflation: Analysis from the Centre for Future Work

We will also host a special webinar on Thursday, May 21, at 1:00PM Eastern time (10:00AM Pacific) to present this research. … Registration for the webinar is free; sign up to join the webinar here.

From Canadian Economist Jim Stanford. Director, Centre for Future Work

Posted May 20th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

The war in the Persian Gulf has caused the biggest disruption in oil supply in world history, and is driving up costs and inflation around the world. We’re feeling it directly in Canada, even though we produce three times as much oil as we use, and import none from the Persian Gulf.

In short, Canadians are facing a repeat of the painful experience of 2022, when another geopolitical misadventure (Russia’s invasion of Ukraine) sparked a destructive cycle of inflation, falling real wages, high interest rates, and near-recession. We know how that movie ended. Unfortunately, the sequel will be worse. Continue reading →

“Seeing the smiles on faces and hearing the joy and energy from everyone as they experience the best of Niagara, is truly what a Farmers Market is about – building community.”                        – St. Catharines   Market Coordinator Deanna Chakarova

News from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 20^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

The St. Catharines Farmers Market is ready for the 2026 harvest season, with a record number of vendors lined up to serve the community this summer.

With more than 60 vendors offering a variety of easily accessible goods including farm to table produce, baking, cured meats, flowers, and a diverse selection of prepared foods, the Market will be expanding outside on Saturday, May 16.

The event kicks off with an opening welcome from Mayor Mat Siscoe live on the Market Stage at 9 a.m.
Continue reading →

Border Crossings To U.S. Have Declined Significantly Over Past Year, According to a recent CBC Report

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted May 19^th on Niagara At Large

I have never been much of a flag waver in my life, but I have to confess that with the possible exceptions of visiting Canada’s grand 100th anniversary fair Expo ‘67 with my family as a kid and with the first time our very own Canadian flag was raised in 1965, I have never been prouder to be a Canadian than I am right now.

The way so many of us have responded to the insults and threats that Trump and his screwball cult of MAGA followers have hurled at Canada has been awe-inspiring. Continue reading →

“Positive Living Niagara’s CTS reversed more than 1,500 overdoses and connected thousands of people to healthcare, housing, and treatment supports. Losing this critical service will only push more overdoses into out emergency rooms and increase pressure on already stretched paramedics and hospitals.”

A Statement from St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted May 19^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

ST. CATHERINES, Ontario NDP MPP Jennie Stevens says the closure of Positive Living Niagara’s CTS  is another devastating example of the Ford government turning their back on communities in the middle of an overdose crisis fuelled by a toxic drug supply:

“This is a reckless and heartbreaking decision that will have real consequences in our community. Positive Living Niagara’s CTS reversed more than 1,500 overdoses and connected thousands of people to healthcare, housing, and treatment supports.

Losing this critical service will only push more overdoses into out emergency rooms and increase pressure on already stretched paramedics and hospitals. Continue reading →

“This training offers students opportunities to test their clinical and critical-thinking skills, which are foundational to nursing education.” – Brock University Graduate Program Clinical Supervisor Magdalena Dobosiewicz

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 19^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

As sounds of an explosion rang through the halls of Brock University’s East Academic buildings, Abigale Phillips sprang into action.

Brock University Bachelor of Nursing/Master of Nursing students triaged patients during a disaster simulation training exercise held on campus Friday, May 15. photo courtesy of Brock University

The second-year Bachelor of Nursing/Master of Nursing (BN/MN) student’s instincts — informed by the program’s practical learning — kicked into high gear as she responded to victims scattered about the emergency scene.

Phillips was one of 30 BN/MN students who put their clinical decision-making skills to the test on Friday, May 15 during a disaster simulation training exercise staged to resemble the aftermath of an explosion in a hospital parking lot.

Working in teams and wearing personal protective equipment, students rapidly assessed and triaged patients, including high-fidelity mannequins and live actors. Continue reading →

Posted on Niagara At Large by Doug Draper on Victoria Day, May 18^th, 2026

Out of the ‘British Invasion’ led by The Beatles in the 1960s came a great group called The Kinks with a slew of songs that became big hits, one of which is perfect for Victoria Day.

Here it is, performed live by the group. You can hear and watch by clicking on the screen immediately below –

• Happy Victoria Day To All, Doug Draper

Stay Tuned for a return of news and commentary on Niagara At Large this coming week. Meanwhile. scr0ll back to see what we have posted in weeks gone by and feel free to share your own comments on those.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space  Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!

“It’s time for Doug Ford to act – stop the privatization of our health care system and start properly fund our public healthcare and hospitals so that patients receive the care they need when they need it.” – Niagara Health Coalition

A Call-Out to All of Us from the Niagara Health Coalition, a regional chapter of the province-wide citizens-based Ontrio Health Coalition, dedicated to fighting for quality public health care for everyone.

Posted May 18^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Please join us on May 28 in support of our public hospitals as we send a strong message to Premier Doug Ford and Sylvia Jones Minister of Health. Stop Privatizing and Start Funding our public health system.

Niagara health is reducing our health services by laying off front line health professionals and health support staff. Existing staff are run off their feet trying to meet the needs of the patients many of whom are being cared for in hallways.

Our wait times are long, Our hospitals are well over 100% occupancy. Many patients are sent home too early and may not have the home care supports that they need.  Continue reading →

Unless Something Impossible To Ignore Comes Up, We Will Be Back To Posting News & Commentary In The Coming Week

In the meantime, you can view and comment on any of the news and commentary already posted here and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page.

Thanks always for supporting this site with your visits.

Doug Draper, Niagara At Large, May 15^th, 2026

Please do your best to support our Canada by enjoying your time here and supporting our local businesses, and by NOT crossing that border.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space  Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!

“Canada is the only G7 nation whose (carbon) emissions have increased since 1990.”

A Statement from Environmental Defence Canada, a not-for-profit citizens advocate for protecting Canada’s environment

Posted May 14^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney strike new tar sands pipeline construction deal, even while countless thousands of Smith’s supports campaign to leave Canada.

Ottawa – If Prime Minister Carney proceeds to gut the industrial carbon pricing, as reporting indicates, he will have put the final nail in Canada’s climate action coffin.

By agreeing to let Alberta reach a minimum effective industrial carbon price of $130/tonne by 2040, PM Carney will turn the industrial carbon pricing into a permission slip to pollute for another decade and a half, while Canadians deal with the devastating consequences. Continue reading →

Environmental Defence releases new backgrounder on the growing threat of climate change misinformation and disinformation, and reference resources for debunking misleading myths about fossil fuels.

“There’s a long history of Big Oil misleading the public about climate change, which is why we need to be absolutely clear about the main cause of global warming — coal, oil, and ‘natural’ gas.” – Emilia Belliveau, the energy transition program manager at Environmental Defence

A News Release from the citizens group Environmental Defence Canada

Posted May 12^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Montréal – Fossil Fuel Fact Check: Fighting climate disinformation and misleading oil and gas industry narratives is a new backgrounder that explains the rising threat of climate disinformation and its power to undermine effective climate solutions. Continue reading →

“Instead of giving multi-million dollar handouts to a private sector nuclear company, we could be supporting communities that want to build affordable renewable energy.”

News from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a citizens group dedicated to a cleaner, green environment for all

Posted May 13^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

The Ontario government and the nuclear lobby keep promising that new nuclear will avoid the massive cost overruns, long delays, and poor performance of the past that lead to soaring electricity rates. 

But then there is the real world.

Last week, Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce announced that the province has directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to subsidize Bruce Power’s $300 million pre- development budget for a new nuclear station.

That means Ontario electricity consumers are once again being forced to bankroll a high-cost nuclear project that could cost $110 billion. Continue reading →

The Doug Ford government yet to outline a jobs strategy as young workers face summer of unemployment

A Report from Data Shows, a professional, non-partisan data gathering venue based in Ontario, Canada

Posted May 12th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

No matter how many times Doug Ford repeats his pitch that Ontario is open for business or buys ads telling voters they are being protected, the monthly data keeps saying the opposite.

Statistics Canada’s April Labour Force Survey pegged Ontario unemployment rate at 7.5 per cent, third-highest in Canada, with young worker unemployment at 17.7 per cent, worst in the country. There were 672,900 unemployed workers in Ontario in April. Continue reading →

From the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 12^th, 2026 on Niagara At All

Emerging, student and established artists living in the Niagara Region are invited to submit their work to the 17th City of St. Catharines Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Current.

Niagara is shaped by currents – its waterways, its histories, and the forces that move through the region today. This year’s theme invites artists to explore both the literal flows that define this place and the cultural, social, and global currents influencing our present moment. Continue reading →

 “Dr. Rigg has provided clear, thoughtful and steady leadership during a time of change across the post-secondary sector.”            – Anne McCourt, Chair of Brock’s Board of Trustees.

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 11^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg in her office at Schmon Tower. (Photo by Stephen Leithwood)

Brock University has reappointed Dr. Lesley Rigg to a second term as President and Vice-Chancellor. The unanimous decision was made by the University’s Board of Trustees at its recent meeting and comes at a time when President Rigg has just over one year left on her current five-year term. The new appointment takes effect Nov. 1, 2027.  

 Since joining Brock, Rigg has led the University through a period of significant progress, guiding the development and launch of its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan — a community-informed roadmap focused on transforming people and reimagining the future.  Continue reading →

“It’s easy for Doug Ford to tell young people to just work harder when he’s never had to worry about finding a summer job to pay tuition or rent. Young people are applying everywhere, trying to get experience, trying to build a future, and they’re still getting shut out.” – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted May 11^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK — Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP are bringing forward an Opposition Day motion calling for a new Youth Summer Jobs Program to help young people find work and get experience at a time when too many are being shut out of the job market. 

“Doug Ford’s jobs disaster is leaving an entire generation behind,” said Stiles. “Young folks are sending out resumes everywhere, hearing nothing back, and wondering how they’re supposed to build a future when they can’t even get a first job.”  Continue reading →

A Brief One For Our Mothers – Those Who Are Still With Us and Those Wh0 Are Gone – from Doug Draper

Posted on Mother’s Day, May 10^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

When you were growing up, how many times did your mother warn you not to do something, but there you ran off and did it anyway?

Then you wish you had of listened to your mother.

Here is all of the mother’s out there who did their best to raise us right.

To hear it, courtesy of the classic rock group Three Dog Nigh, click on the screen immediately below while I admit that I lost count of the number of times I did listen –

Thanks for trying Mom – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space  Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!

This World Needs Many More Like Him

Posted by Doug Draper, May 10^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” ― David Attenborough

To watch a moving trailer for ‘Ocean’, David Attenborough’s latest nature documentary, click on the screen immediately below –

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space  Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!

A Brief News Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted May 8^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Well that’s it for a Niagara Regional Council with a Chair and 32 locally election members.

That’s also it for a Regional Council with a Chair chosen by those 32 council members elected by we, the people, across this region.

Thanks to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, those days of local decision making by representatives elected by us are all over!

In the wee, small hours of this past Thursday, May 7^th, after many of us across Niagara were home in bed, Ford and his Conservatives used their majority to drive through Bill 100 – also identified by the Orwellian title; ‘the Better Governance Bill’ – despite opposition from Niagara NDP MPPs Wayne Gates, Jeff Burch and Jennie Stevens, and from coalitions of citizens across the region. Continue reading →

Province protecting communities, creating jobs and supporting economic growth

“This investment strengthens the foundations of our communities. It means safer, more reliable drinking water for residents, modern infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather and the capacity our municipalities need to grow. But just as importantly, this is an investment in Niagara’s economic future.” – Brian Grant, Acting Niagara Regional Chair and Mayor of Wainfleet

A News Release from the Ontario Government of Premier Doug Ford

Posted May 7^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

THOROLD In Niagara, Ontario — The Ontario government is investing nearly $44 million to help rehabilitate drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in the Niagara Region. The funding is through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS) and will support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.

“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. Continue reading →

“We need support and accountability from other levels of government. Selling off public assets is a dangerous and short-sighted move that puts long-term sustainability at risk.”                – Haley Bateman, Niagara Regional Councillor

A News Release from Niagara  Regional Councillor for St, Cathgarines, Haley Bateman

Posted May 7^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman

Niagara Region, ON – The provincial government has introduced several pieces of legislation that warrant close scrutiny from residents, workers, and those representing communities across Ontario. Among them is Bill 98, which proposes allowing municipalities to amortize the costs of infrastructure related to water and wastewater systems.

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman is raising serious concerns about the implications of this legislation, particularly around the potential for privatization.

“This legislation opens the door to privatization, despite claims to the contrary,” said Bateman. “To suggest otherwise is misleading. Permitting shareholders in water and wastewater systems is, by definition, privatization. The Act explicitly states that ‘a municipality, the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada or an agent of any of them’ can hold shares in these systems. We cannot allow this to happen.” Continue reading →

“Local decisions should be made by the people who live here and elect their representatives, not dictated by Queen’s Park.”

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Posted May 6^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch in provincial legislature

NIAGARA – Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs, Jeff Burch, says the Ford government is once again pulling a cheap shot on Ontarians by using late-night sittings to force through major changes to local democracy while most people are asleep.

“People should be asking themselves why this government always seems to pass its most controversial legislation in the middle of the night,” said Burch. Continue reading →

“The Ford government must empower local expert voices, and throw this ridiculous plan (to amalgamate conservation authorities) in the trash, where it belongs. … The Premier needs to stop meddling with municipalities, and focus more on funding the schools, hospitals, and roads they rely on.”

News from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted May 5^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Environment, Conservation, and Parks Peter Tabuns (Toronto Danforth); and Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) are calling on the Ford government to scrap their planned amalgamation of the province’s regional conservation authorities (including the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority):

“Doug Ford and Minister McCarthy are hanging our conservation authorities out to dry,” said Tabuns. “The Conservatives are moving ahead with their senseless plan to shrink these authorities and preventing them from making their own decisions in the meantime. This decision will lead to contaminated water, costly flooding, and species loss. Continue reading →

“As Canada works to diversify our international relationships, we look first to our longstanding European partners and allies. We share the history, values, and ambition to build a better, more just future. In a more dangerous and divided world, a stronger partnership between Canada and Europe will create more stability, more security, and more prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.” – Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

A News Release from the Office of Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney

Posted May 4^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Here’s a high five for Prime Minister Mark Carney. This is the way to go. If Trump and his MAGA fanatics want to threaten Canada and treat our country so badly, it’s time to build our future with our friends and allies in Europe and do as much as we can to cut our ties with the United States.)

In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada’s new government is building our strength at home and diversifying our relationships with like-minded partners abroad. Bound by a shared history and common values, Canada and Europe are natural partners. By working more closely together, we can create greater stability, security, and prosperity for all.

Today (this May 4th, 2026), the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, concluded his first official visit to Armenia. He attended the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, marking the first time a non-European leader joined the Summit. Continue reading →

                   “Flowers are better than bullets.”                           –  Allison Krause, one of the four students killed by government troops on the campus of Kent State University in Ohio on May 4th, 1970

By Doug Draper

Posted May 4th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

The four students killed by government troops on the campus of Kent State University in Ohio on May 4th, 1970

I was finishing up one of my last years in high school in the spring of 1970 and like a lot of my peer sat the time, I was bursting with youthful hope and idealism.

In my mind and I believe in the minds of so many others, we were the generation that was going to end all wars, end gender and racial oppression,  end dictatorial rule in government and create  greener, safer and more affordable communities for all of us to live in.

And we were going do it free of violence and with chants of “we shall overcome”  and “give peace a chance.”

Then on one sunny spring day in May, 1970, a regiment of armed U.S. National Guardsmen (very reminiscent of the masked ICE squads roaming the streets of United States today) shot and killed four unarmed students on the campus of Kent State University in Ohio during a protest against an ongoing War in Vietnam that had already slaughtered tens-of-thousands of young Americans drafted to fight in it and hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese men, women and children. Continue reading →

“While our community’s story extends far beyond 150 years, rooted in the Indigenous peoples who first called this land home, we are proud to mark the 150th anniversary of St. Catharines’ official incorporation.” – Mat Siscoe, Mayor of St. Catharines

An Invite to All from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted May 1st, 2026 on Niagara At Large

The City of St. Catharines is set to mark a milestone, and the community is invited to celebrate in a big way with a free, family-friendly event.

Join us on Saturday, May 2, at Montebello Park and help celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Catharines being incorporated as a City. It was May 1, 1876 when the growth of the community – much of which was a catalyst of the work on the third Welland Canal just five years earlier – saw it attain City status after more than 30 years of being incorporated as a town.

Saturday’s event will take place from noon to 4 p.m., with official greetings, a ceremonial cake celebration and a welcome from Mayor Mat Siscoe at 1 p.m. The afternoon will feature a wide range of activities aimed at families, with all activities and food available free to those who attend. Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted May 1^st, 2026 on Niagara At Large

This May 1st marks the first day that anyone interested across Niagara can run for a municipal council seat or a trustee’s seat on one of the region’s two major school boards in this coming Fall’s municipal.

And with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservatives working harder than any provincial government has before to dissolve the decision-making powers of our municipal councils and school boards, it is more important than ever that we have people sitting on our councils and school boards that have what it takes to stand up to the Ford juggernaut on behalf of the people and communities they are elected to represent.

Sadly, I have not many mayors or councillors at the local and regional levels who have shown that kind of moxie to date. Continue reading →

“People are looking to the south and seeing what happens when democracy is corroded, one pillar at a time, and they are not going to quietly go along with the same thing happening in this province.”

– Liz Benneian, resident of Lincoln and head of the region-wide citizens coalition, A Better Niagara

News from Niagara resident Liz Benneian

Posted April 30th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Niagara citizen activist and head of the region-wide citizens coalition A Better Niagara, Liz Benneian

A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper – Niagara At Large is proud to post the following news from Liz Benneian. We need far more citizens like her standing up and speaking out for the freedoms and the democracy that generations of Canadians fought and died for.

Come on people! Now is the time to Fight Ford’s relentless campaign to gut our democratic institutions and rules, one pillar at a time.

Now here is the news from Liz Benneian. – 

I delegated to the (Ford government’s) Legislative Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy on Tuesday, April 28th to speak against Bill 100 which, among other things, gives the Minister of Municipal Affairs the ability to appoint a regional chair for Niagara and other Regions and imbue them with strong chair powers.

One of more than 200 Niagara residents braving the old, wet weather this past April 25th to join a “Fight Ford” rally in front of St. Catharines’ Pen Centre mall. Photo by Annette Long Gibbons

This includes being able to overrule elected Mayors on Regional Council. The Bill also reduces Regional Council to mayors only, among other measures. …

Niagara Falls Mayor (Jim) Diodati, Mayor (Frank) Campion of Welland, (Niagara Regional) Councillor Peter Secord from St.

Catharines, former Grimsby Councillor and current party treasurer for the PCs, Tony Joose of Grimsby, all spoke in favour of the change (that Bill 100 would usher in).

Only Councillor Sandra O’Connor from Niagara-on-the-Lake and I spoke against, though there were others from different communities and organizations (across Ontario) who also spoke against.

Now here is Liz Benneian’s address to the legislative committee –

Good afternoon Chair and Committee members. Thank you for allowing me to speak on Bill 100.My name is Liz Benneian. I am a resident of the Town of Lincoln in the Region of Niagara.

I am here today (Tuesday, April 28th, 2026) to say Bill 100 is deeply flawed and should be discarded for the following reasons: at it’s very core, it’s undemocratic; it flouts hundreds of years of democratic traditions that go to the essence of who we are as a people; it enshrines inequality between citizens; the changes are unjustified; and finally these changes are fostering a belief in citizens that the current government is illegitimate and out-of-touch with the needs of its citizens. Continue reading →

“Today’s (April 30^th, 2026) announcement is a major step forward for Hamilton’s LRT and the future of our city. I’m thrilled to see this momentum and excited about what it means for Hamilton as we build our future. This project will help reduce congestion, support new housing and investment along the corridor, and strengthen our downtown and commercial and residential neighborhoods along its entire length and beyond.”    – Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted  April 30^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

HAMILTON, Ontario — The Ontario government has awarded a contract for the first major package of civil and utility work for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT), marking a significant milestone in the province’s plan to build fast, reliable and affordable transit across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

The 14‑kilometre LRT will strengthen the local economy by creating approximately 6,000 jobs annually during construction and up to 1,000 permanent jobs to support operations and maintenance when the project is complete. Continue reading →

An Invite To All from the Niagara Palestine Coalition

Posted April 30^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

“‘Tis the season! To plant a garden, to believe in tomorrow, and to care for one another.

Join us at our fundraising plant sale, featuring dozens of varieties of plants, seedlings, and seeds, all accessibly priced between $2 and $6. Proceeds go to the families supported by the Niagara Palestine Coalition, as well as to the Gaza Sunbirds organization.

Also available for purchase: local artisanal works and foods. Continue reading →

From Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper, with humility and gratitude

Posted One More Time on April 30th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note – I posted this a day or two ago but it very quickly got buried under more Happy Birthday wishes that came in on my Doug Draper Facebook Page ( https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 ) for Niagara At Large and under recent news and commentary. So for those who were kind enough to send me Happy Birthday wishes I am posting it again. And now, let’s move on. – Doug Draper)

I had absolutely no plans to advertise my 75th birthday (75? ouch, ouch, ouch!!!) this past April 25th, but Facebook and its notorious habit of spreading peoples’ birth dates around, is a pretty powerful tool and I was overwhelmed to discover that my Facebook page, which is an extension of my online independent news commentary Niagara At Large website, was filled with more than 100 heartwarming Happy Birthday messages this past weekend.

I sure don’t take that lightly and I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to make this person feel a little bit better about getting to an age I once hoped was so far ahead of me that I didn’t have to give it a moment’s thought. Continue reading →

“When profit is the bottom line, public safety and environmental protection take a backseat. A corporation driven by financial returns has no place running a service (i.e. water treatment) that every Ontarian depends on.”

A Statement by Environtamenal Defence’s Rebecca Kolarich, Water Program Manager

Posted April 29^th, 2029 on Niagara At Large

Toronto – Despite recently proposed amendments, the (Ford government’s)  Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act still opens the door to stealth water privatization across the province, putting Ontario’s drinking water and environment at risk.

At the core of this troubling legislation is a sweeping transfer of power—one that allows the province to seize a municipality’s water or sewage system and hand it over to a for-profit corporation, with or without the municipality’s consent. Continue reading →

A Brief Comment by Doug Draper, followed by a video of the anthem singing

Posted April 29^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

A sign that appeared on front lawns in Buffalo neighbhourhoods during Trump’s first term as president. Photo by Doug Draper

Something nice happened before a Buffalo Sabres-Boston Bruins hockey game at the Key Bank Center area in Buffalo, New York this past April 28^th.

When the microphone cut out on Buffalo-borne singer/songerwriter Cami Clune as she began siinging Canada’s national anthem, which has always been a tradition in Buffalo whether a Canadian team is playing or not, the crowd took over, bringing the anthem to a rousing end.

Certainly, there are Canadians who are fans of the Sabres and were probably in that crowd but it could not have been enough to send the anthem ringing through the stadium like that. Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 28th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Update from Doug Draper – Okay, so maybe I have come down a little too hard on the King here. Watching clips of his address to the U.S. congress again and listening to some of the other commentary, he did come out and support Ukraine and NATO and he expressed support for the institutions of democracy and for fighting climate change too. In all fairness, he was speaking before a very difficult audience and he had to know that Trump was somewhere watching and listening to every word he had to say. So I have to give him credit for speaking out on some of the key issues that face us all.)

What a stain on his mother, the great Queen Elizabeth, this address from her King son was this April 28th, 2026 to a U.S. Congress so subservient to the fascism of Donald Trump.

Who or what is King Charles trying to suck up to?. What autocratic interests is he soiling the pants of his Royal office for? Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper that includes a News Story Aired this past April 27^th on CBC’s The National

Posted April 28^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Says one Canadian to another; “Have you been across the border to the States lately?”

“No,” says the other without hesitation. “I won’t go over there until HE is gone.”

I have heard an exchange like this from my fellow Canadians, over and over again, as I have stood in lines at a cash register in a grocery store, crossed paths with people at a park or anywhere else. Continue reading →

A Wonderful Way To Celebrate The Diversity of People and Cultures Across Our Niagara Region

April 29^h To May 24^th – See Details Below

Posted April 28^th. 2026 on Niagara At Large

For detailed information on events at the 2026 Festival, click on – https://niagarafolkartsfestival.ca/festival/

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space  Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!

By Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted April 25h, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Those of you who have been close followers of this independent news and commentary site over the years, and I sincerely thank you for that,  probably know that its publisher – yours truly – has often shared music I feel hits the mark for the times we are living in.

Songs have always been a soundtrack for me as we continue our journey through life and the following one by The Rascals, one of my favourite groups from the 1960s that delivered some great ones like ‘Good Lovin’, ‘Groovin’ and ‘I’ve Been Lonely Too Long’, seems particularly appropriate for the strife-torn times that we and people around the world are living through now.

It is called ‘People Got To Be Free’, a song The Rascals came out with and that went all the way to No. One on the Billboard Charts at an earlier time of strife in 1968, during the Vietnam War and the assassinations that year of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King and then Senator and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy (not to be confused with his screwball of a son working for Trump today)  and you can watch them perform it by clicking on the screen immediately below –

• Wishing for a better world for all of us, Doug Draper

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

“The money (Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario) is asking for would be better directed toward the seaside sanctuary in Nova Scotia that is actually prepared to help whales live out the lives they deserve.”

A News Release from the  non-profit animal advocacy group, Animal Justice

Posted April 24^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO—National animal law organization Animal Justice is condemning Marineland’s disgraceful request for $10 to $20 million in taxpayer dollars to pay for the potential relocation of surviving whales and dolphins still stranded at the now-shuttered roadside zoo and aquarium in Niagara Falls.

Marineland made the business decision to purchase and breed whales and dolphins for decades, profiting off of over a million visitors each year. Marineland has ample resources and sits on what is likely one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in Canada, estimated to be worth upwards of $500 million.

Instead of developing a serious plan for the whales’ future when Canada banned their captivity in 2019, Marineland has put forward half-baked schemes, including a sale to a subpar aquarium in China that did not meet the legal standards set out in federal law, and even threatening to kill its 30 surviving beluga whales unless the federal government paid the defunct facility to care for the animals.

“Marineland made a fortune keeping whales in squalid, depressing tanks and using them in cruel shows, and is sitting on hundreds of millions of dollars worth of property in Niagara Falls,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates whose Niagara Falls Riding includes Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted April 24^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA, Ontario – MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) stood in the Ontario legislature<https://drive.google.com/file/d/14AG4aLZqf2rX8NNSsRwvmm4zUJ2D32PP/view?usp=sharing> to press for action from the province to protect the Fort Erie Racetrack and bring all stakeholders to the table to reach a funding agreement for the horse racing industry in the province:

“For over a century, the Fort Erie Racetrack has supported good local jobs, from the trainers and jockeys to the farmers who supply feed and equipment”, said MPP Gates. “It remains one of the largest employers in Fort Erie and plays a key role in attracting visitors to our region.” Continue reading →

For Our Sake And For The Sake Of  Future Generations, We Have To Work Together To Protect And Preserve This One And Only Oasis In Space We Live On

A Brief Earth Day Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 22nd, 2026 on Niagara At Large

With all of the bad news raining down on us these days, I sometimes find myself looking at a poster I have hanging on a wall above my desk showing a frog grasping a swan by the neck as the bird is on the verge of swallowing him.

A caption on the poster reads; “Don’t Ever Give Up.”

As hopeless as I sometimes find myself feeling about how short governments in our country and around the world are falling in what needs to be done to protecting our environment and address the climate crisis, I keep reminding myself that for the sake of our children and the future of all life on this planet, we have to be like that frog and never give up. Continue reading →

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop in a Town-owned  electric vehicle

“These new EV charging stations are a practical step forward in delivering on Council’s Strategic Plan. They expand access to clean transportation, support environmental responsibility, and position Fort Erie for sustainable growth. This project reflects our commitment towards a greener, more resilient community for residents to enjoy.”                                               – Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop

One of he new electric vehicle chargers installed in Fort Erie. photos courtesy of the Town of Fort Erie in Niagara, Ongtario

A News Release from the Town of Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario

Posted on Earth Day April 22nd, 2026 on Niagara At Large

FORT ERIE –  The Town of Fort Erie celebrates Earth Day, April 22, 2026, by installing new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at four public locations to support cleaner transportation and reduce emissions.

With funding from Aviva and Earth Day Canada through the Charged for Change program, the Town has added four double-headed charging stations, bringing the total to eight charging ports.

Residents and visitors can now access charging at:

Continue reading →

A portrait of Chief Seattle

Posted by Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper on Earth Day, April 22^nd, 2026

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together … all things connect.”                                             — Chief Seattle, a leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish peoples in North America

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

If Not, Join Your Fellow Citizens At The FIGHT FORD RALLY This Coming Saturday, April 25^th At 11 A.M. In Front Of The Pen Centre Shoppng Mall In St. Catharines

Let’s do everything we can in this region that we live and work in and that we love to demonstrate to the Doug Ford government and to Ford’s  handful of willing enablers holding municipal office in Niagara, that we  still care about and are still willing to stand up and  fight for local democracy here.

This Is Not Trump’s Idea of America or Russia!

Cheers to all the citizens groups and individuals living and working in communities across our Niagara region who organized this April 25^th rally – the second one of its kind to be held at the same location since late this past March. Hope to see all of you and as many people as possible that you know there.

• Commentary by Doug Draper. Posted  on Niagara At Large, April 21^st, 2026

For related news on the last Fight Ford Rally in Niagara, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2026/03/29/huge-anti-ford-government-rally-in-niagara-has-countless-number-of-passersby-sounding-loud-horns-of-support/

A late March 2026 Fight Ford Rally in front of the Pen Centre that, inspite of the cold weather, was attended by more than 300 people from across the region. This time let’s have far more people there. Rally photo  by Emily Spanton

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space  Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!

A News Release from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a non-profit citizens group advocating for a healther environment

Posted April 21st  2026 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is seeking permission from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) to build the world’s largest nuclear station in Port Hope, Ontario.

The proposed station would cost about $230 billion and cause our electricity rates to skyrocket.

Nevertheless, on April 7th, the IAAC announced that it is not planning to examine whether there are lower-cost alternatives to keep our lights on since OPG told it that “there are no alternatives to the project that are technically and economically feasible”.

How can a federal agency be so uninformed, naïve and gullible?

Continue reading →

Join Us On Wednesday, April 29^th, 2026 At 7 P.M. See Details, Including Registration Information In Poster Below. 

An Invite to All from the Niagara  Agricultural Lands Preservation Society (PALS)

Posted April 21^st, 2026 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – If you care about preserving what are left of our food-growing lands in Niagara for future generations, do everything you can to support this citizens group.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Bill 100 rips decision-making out of local hands

A Statement from Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates and St. Catharines NDP MPPJennie Stevens

Posted April 20^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Niagara NDP MPPs Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens

NIAGARA – Ontario MPPs Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) and Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines), say Bill 100 (https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-100)  is a direct attack on local democracy and are calling on the Ford government to hold public hearings across Ontario before moving forward.

“Let me be clear, the last thing Niagara needs is more meddling from the Premier’s office. Local voices matter, and decisions should be made in our communities, not imposed from Queen’s Park,” said Gates. Continue reading →

Visit stcatharines.ca/FreeTreeGiveaway for full details and to register for your tree.

“Planting a tree is a simple action that can have a lasting impact.  Through the Free Tree Giveaway, residents can help grow our urban forest and contribute to a healthier, more resilient St. Catharines.” – Mike Kraft, Development Horticultural Technician, City of St. Catharines

News from the City of St. Catharines

Posted April 20t^h, 2026 on Niagara At Large

The City of St. Catharines is continuing to invest in a more resilient urban forest, and residents can play a direct role by planting a tree at home.
St. Catharines residents can claim a free tree to plant on their own property as part of the City’s annual Spring Free Tree Giveaway.

A limited number of trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis. From April 13-22, residents can register online and choose from one of four varieties: Tulip tree, Red oak, Chokecherry and Eastern white pine. registration will close once all trees have been claimed. Continue reading →

“A quick tick check should be part of your routine after spending time outside, just like washing your hands.  It only takes a minute and it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent tick-borne illness.”         – Gillian Dilts, Environmental Health Manager at Niagara Region Public Health

A News Release from Niagara Region Public Health

Posted April 20^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

A tick in Ontario’s outdkoors

Niagara, Ontario – With warmer weather returning and residents eager to get outside and enjoy Niagara’s parks, trails, golf courses, and other outdoor activities, Niagara Region Public Health is reminding the community that tick season is also underway.

Ticks are present in Niagara’s outdoor environments. Some ticks, including the black-legged tick, can carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Niagara Region Public Health monitors tick activity in the region and provides residents with practical, evidence-informed guidance to help prevent tick bites. Continue reading →

News from Niagara Transit in Niagara, Ontario

Posted April 20^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA REGION, Ont.— Niagara Transit is introducing a new community bus route in Fort Erie, expanding Niagara Transit Plus coverage in Niagara Falls and implementing customer service changes effective May 3.

These updates initiate some of the first changes recommended under Niagara Transit’s 10-Year Investment and Growth Strategy. The strategy sets the direction for transit service delivery across Niagara, with an emphasis on service excellence and customer service. Continue reading →

Posted April 19^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

To hear the Prime Minister’s Statement, click on the screen immediately below –

A Brief Footnote from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – NAL has posted this without editorial comment from us. However, if you wish, please share your own views on what the Prime Minister had to say to us in the space available below.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space  Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large on April 19^th, 2026

Facing growing turbulence this past week over his recent purchase of a “private jet,”  Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a statement shortly before noon this Sunday, April 19^th, that he is moving immediately to sell the private jet he and his Conservatives purchased with close to $30 million of our tax money.

Here is a story on the matter, just produced by CBC that you can read by clicking on – https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/doug-ford-jet-sell-9.7169704

And here is one News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party late last this past week, blasting the jet purchase –  Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper, with Words of Praise for Canada from  Well-Watched & Highly Regarded American News Program Host Lawrence O’Donnell

Posted April 18^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

In the wake of Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberals securing a majority government this past week, Lawrence O’Donnell, a lawyer, former advisor to Democrats in the U.S. Senate and now the host of a highly-watched cable news program on MSNOW (formerly MSNBC) called ‘The Last Work With Lawrence O’Donnell’, expressed nothing but praise for the way Carney and Canadians at large are standing up against the growing menace of Donald Trump.

To hear and watch what he had to say on his program last week, and I hope you find it as invigorating and morale-boosting as I did, click on the screen immediately below –

Finally, let’s all continue standing together for our Canada by buying as many products as we can that are made here and that are sold in independently owned stores in our own communities, and by continuing to boycott as many American-made products as possible and by not crossing the border into the United States unless it has to do with necessary visits to family and friends.

As Canada Day 2026 approaches, let’s show Trump and his fanatical followers, both in America and here, that we are more determined than ever to stand up for our country and all of the values that we cherish in a free and democratic nation.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

A computerized rendition of some of Canada’s finest chasing Trump away from our country

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates. (Please follow and share with everone you know Niagara At Large posts too on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at –  https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180/ 0

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

“Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic or political gain.”

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper, followed excerpts, recorded on Youtube, of an address by Pope Leo XIV

Posted April 17th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Some recent images Donald Trump posted on his social media site recently, portraying himself as Jesus Christ (right) and of him being embraced by Jesus – images that were met with disgust by many people in his own country and around the world.

I am neither a Catholic nor a member of any other religious faith but you don’t have to be to feel a sense of awe for what Pope Leo, the Catholic Church’s first American-borne pontiff, said during an address he delivered to a large audience of worshippers in the Central African country of Cameroon this April 16th.

Without mentioning their names, Pope Leo aimed some very strong words at the likes of Donald Trump and his fellow ‘strongman’ Vladimir Putin for all of the devastation and suffering they have caused while in Trump’s case, in particular, portraying himself as an oh so Holy instrument of God.

To hear the essence of what Pope Leo had to say, captured in a Global News report, I hope you will click on the screen immediately below –

Please feel free to share this post and to share your own comments on this in the space below. Doug Draper, NAL

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders

“More than three-in-five respondents (62%) thought Premier Doug Ford and his provincial government should back off from meddling in Niagara’s local democracy.”

“Two thirds of residents think the issue (of governance reform in Niagara) should be put to a special vote in this year’s municipal elections.”

By Mario Canseco, Research Co., a professional public poll and analysis company, on a poll conducted for CUPE (Canadian Unton of Public Employees) Ontario

Posted April 16^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

At a recent anti-Ford rally in Niagara. photo by Emily Spanton

(A Brief Note to Niagara At Large readers – As stated in the polling information posted below, this poll was conducted  before Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s appointed Niagara Regional Chair and former Ford Conservative candidate in Niagara Falls, Bob Gale, resigned from the Chair’s job this past March after news emerged that he owned a signed copy of Hitler’s hate-filled manifesto Mein Kampf, and after Ford  and some of his hardcore supporters in municipal politics here at least temporarily shelved the idea of amalgamating municipalities in favour of significiantly reducing the number of elected representatives serving our communities at the local and regional level.

Niagara At Large is nevertheless posting the poll because, arguably, it is unlikely the feelings of a majority of Niagara residents, that they should have much more of a say in the future of their municipal governments and how they are run across the region has changed.)

St. Catharines, ON – Residents of the 12 cities, towns and townships that form the Niagara Region are unconvinced about an amalgamation proposal, a new Research Co. poll conducted for CUPE Ontario has found. Continue reading →

A Statement by St. Catharines City Councillor Bruce Williamson

Posted April 16^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines City Councillor Bruce Williamson

A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – The following is an excerpt from a statement St. Catharines City Councillor Bruce Williamson delivered at an April 13^th city council meeting and shared with this news and commentary site for possible use here.

I have decided to post it because, in this news commentator’s view, it is an example of speaking truth to power by a municipal representative with a long record of putting the common good first – something we need far more of on our municipal councils in this region.

By the way, the word “turkeys” in the first sentence of Councillor Williamson’s statement is a reference to Premier Doug Ford recently saying (and I paraphrase) that Niagara’s municipal councillors can be counted on to vote in favour of reducing the number of seats on their councils about as much as turkeys could be counted on to vote in favour of Thanksgiving.

Now here is the Statement from St. Catharines City Councillor Bruce Williamson (The information inside brackets was put there for clarification purposes by Niagara At Large).-  

Continue reading →

Wednesday, April 15^th, 2026 at 7 P.M. E.S.T.

An Invite  from the Canada-Wide citizens group for animal advocacy,  Animal Justice

Posted April 15th, 2026 obn Niagara At Large! We’re excited to invite you to an important panel: From Animal Farmers to Animal Advocates.

People who make their living from animal agriculture are often its strongest defenders—which is why it matters so much when some of them change sides and begin speaking out for animals.

TODAY, Wednesday, April 15, join Animal Justice for a powerful online panel featuring former animal farmers, a slaughterhouse inspector, and a ranch worker who made the difficult decision to walk away from the industry and advocate for animals instead.

Each panelist brings firsthand experience from inside animal agriculture—what they witnessed, what they participated in, and what ultimately led them to question everything and choose a different path. Continue reading →

“We’re building a stronger, more resilient, and more independent Canadian economy. As we build, we’re cutting your taxes, reducing the costs of your homes, and providing you relief at the pump. We cannot control what other nations do. We’re focused on what we can control – building Canada strong for all.”             — Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

News from the Office of Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

Posted April 14^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney

The global landscape is rapidly changing. In response, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control – building a stronger, more independent, more resilient economy. We’re building an economy where Canadians are empowered with greater security, certainty, and a lower cost of living.

Global conflict and ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East are driving up fuel prices around the world. To make Canada more energy secure and less reliant on external factors, our government is advancing major projects to realise Canada’s full potential in clean and conventional energy. Continue reading →

A News Release from Haley Councillor, a Niagara Regional Councillor elected in St. Catharines

Posted April 14^th, 2026 on Nagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – I am posting the following News Release and the full text of a motion, to be tabled as soon as this April 15th at Niagara Region’s corporate services committee by Niagara Regional Councillor Haley Batemen because it matters so much in terms of addressing the soaring property taxes so many of us have been paying in Niagara over the past four years. Haley Bateman, in my view, is one of the few progressive voices on any municipal council in Niagara who has the courage to stand up to what the Ford government is going to make life in our communities more costly and less democratic. I urge you to contact your representatives of Niagara Regional Council and ask them to support this important motion.

Niagara Regional Councillor Haley Bateman

NIAGARA REGION, ON – Niagara Regional Councillor Haley Bateman is raising concerns regarding recent governance decisions and growing financial pressures facing the Region, calling for greater accountability, transparency, and a renewed fiscal relationship with senior levels of government.

Bateman’s comments follow recent communications (letters) issued in relation to the A Better Municipal Governance Act, which she says were developed without proper Council involvement and contradict previously approved motions.

“This is a matter of process and governance,” said Bateman. Continue reading →

An Invite to Everyone Across the Region from the  Niagara Movement for Justice in Palestine (NMJP)

Posted April 14th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

We are inviting every single one  in Niagara to  join  us this coming Saturday, April in Running, Walking or Biking.

We are doing this in – 

 SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF PALESTINE 

And with Thousands of Others throughout the World 

To watch a vide0 on the reasons for this event and for more details on it and where it will be heold, click on  www.nmjp.org 

On Your Marks… Get Set… run or walk
0n Saturday, April 18 starting at 10:30 am, join in our Run the Wall  Event Happening in St Catharines

Continue reading →

“Bill 5 gives Ford unprecedented control over the province, including the power to exempt individuals and corporations from provincial and municipal laws that protect the environment, consumers, communities and workers.”

A Call-Out from Democracy Watch

Posted April 13^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Dear Friend,

We hope all is well with you and yours.  Unfortunately, all is not well with democracy in Ontario.

Bill 5, which was passed by the Ontario PC Party government last June, is a mad, dictator-like power grab by Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet ministers.

Bill 5 is dangerously undemocratic as it gives Ford’s cabinet unconstitutional, king-like powers to change any law without a review or vote of approval by Ontario’s legislature, and also proposes to prohibit anyone from going to court to challenge Ford’s abuses of power. Continue reading →

Be Part Of The ‘Fight Ford Rally’ on Saturdy, April 25^th, 2026 At 11 A.M  In Front Of The Pen Center Plaza Along Glendale Avenuen in St. Catharines

Posted with a Commentary by Doug Draper  on Niagara At Large, April 11^h, 2026

At an earlier anti-Ford Government rally ithis past March in St. Catharines, Niagara. Photo by Niagara resident and community activist Emily Spanton

Niagara, Ontario – Enough is enough already with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his minions, including his Lincoln MPP Sam Oosterhoff and his most grovelling mayor servants in Niagara – Mat Siscoe of St. Catharines, Jim Diodati of Niagara Falls and Frank Campion of Welland – tearing apart everything from our regional and local muncipal governments to our school boards to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority dedicated to protecting and preserving the quality of life in our area watersheds.

We have municipal elections come up this Fall and we have to use them to fight back by electing individuals to public office who are going to stand up to us and not crawl on their bellies to Doug Ford and he continues to cut services and download policing, health care, education,  urban development and other costs on us. Continue reading →

“An unelected regional chair would have the power to reject decisions supported by a majority of popularly elected mayors at regional council. This is the latest step that risks eroding democratic governance in Ontario. It is critical that the public be consulted and supportive of these significant changes to uphold their democratic rights and those of their elected officials,”           – Wayne Redekop, Mayor of Fort Erie

A Statement from Fort Erie Mayor Mayor Redekop Regarding Changes to Niagara Regional Government

Posted April 10^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Town of Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop

A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop has shown himself to be the only onr of the 12 mayors currently goverining Niagara’s 12 local municipalities who has consistently shown the courage to stand up against the Ford government’s drive to gut local elected represientation across our region and replace it with a system that would be controlled by Premier Doug Ford.

We should remember that in this Fall’s upcoming municipal elections and only vote individuals into the offices of mayor that are prepared to have the courage to stand up for us.

Now here is Wayne Redekop’s latest statement on the issue –

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced that legislation would be tabled in the Legislature to change regional government in Ontario. The legislation will focus on the Niagara Region and Simcoe County, although the chair of all regional governments will be appointed by the Premier going forward. Continue reading →

“Ford says He Listened. Niagara Said No. He’s Pushing The Merger Anyway.”  – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Like his soulmate, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is taking a wrecking ball to our local democratic and publicly owned institutions and too few politicians in Niagara, other than Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates,Niagara Cenre MPP Jeff Burch,  Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, Port Colborne Regional Councillor Vance Badawey and St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman are showing the courage to speak out forcefully against it.,

“For people in our community, it is getting pretty clear that this (Doug Ford) government (in Ontario) has a pattern,” says Gates. “They appoint regional chairs right across the province instead letting communities make their own local decisions, they weaken transparency by going after access to information, and now they want people to believe they listened to conservation authorities feedback when the comments said the opposite. Niagara needs a government that respects local decision-making, not one that keeps removing it.” – Wayne Gates

A Call-Out to Ontario’s Ford government from Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted April 10^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA FALLS — MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) is calling on the Premier to release a full public summary of the consultation results, including how many comments supported or opposed the merger of Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA).

A review by the office of MPP Gates<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11etullIqL3bXF7laDP8xp6VcZw6UZ0va/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117901393620860448231&rtpof=true&sd=true> found that 94% of Niagara-related submissions made through the registry were opposed to a merger. Continue reading →

Join The Campaign For A Fair Deal For Students

A Call-Out from Ontario’s Green Party

Posted April 10^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Right now, students across Ontario are pulling all-nighters to get through exam season. But while they work to build a life for themselves, Doug Ford is making it impossible to get ahead.

His government’s plan to overhaul OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) flips the script on student aid—shifting from grants to loans that come with interest. It means Ontario students will graduate with the highest debt loads in Canada while our schools receive the lowest per-capita funding in the country. Continue reading →