Author Archives: dougdraper

A Commentary by Catherine Ens, Niagara Action for Animals

Posted June 20^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Action for Animals sent ‘modification packages’ to all City of St. Catharines Councilors last year talking about ways to deal with the Canada Goose population rather than re-locating them.

The packages included case studies, annotated bibliographies, 18 articles and studies cited, five source books with modification plans and management documents.

A family of Canada geese in Niagara, Ontario community of Port Dalhousie. Photo courtesy of Niagara Action for Animals

The City has made some minor efforts to deal with the geese, but it seems to me, they have not followed up effectively nor used the modifications to their full effect. For example, although the corporate report suggested ‘no-mow’ strips, the city stopped doing this because it ‘looked messy’.

Moving the geese is really not a long term solution.  Where there is food (especially tender grass shoots on mowed lawn areas) AND public feeding, other geese will continue to come and fill the niche left by those animals who were relocated. The older geese will come back to St. Catharines, if they manage to escape the hunter’s gun in Amherstburg. Continue reading →

‘(Trump) is able to say; “Look, I’m for you guys. I’ve been greedy in the past, but now I’m going to be greedy for you people; the game is rigged against you … so I’m here to help you because I understand the way the world works,’” – Stefan Dolgert, professor of political science, Brock University

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted June 20^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario – In this era of political correctness, how is it that U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump is able to get away with such highly inflammatory speech against Muslims, Mexicans and others whom he identifies as threatening?

Donald Trump revin’ them up at one of his rallies

According to Brock University Professor of Political Science Stefan Dolgert, the answer may lie in the French word “resentiment,” which the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines as “deep-seated resentment, frustration, and hostility accompanied by a sense of being powerless to express these feelings directly.”

Combine that with effective story-telling, and you have a powerful tool that is among the oldest in the book for politicians, says Dolgert. Continue reading →

News from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Government

Posted June 20^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region, Ontario – This June 20^th, Niagara Region and the City of Welland broke ground on the new Provincial Offences Court Facility at 445 East Main St., Welland (formerly known as 20 Duncan St., Welland). When completed, the Provincial Offences Court Facility will be a single storey courthouse with new public parking areas, landscaping, site lighting, and fencing.

Niagara, Ontario’s regional government headquarters

The new facility will be approximately 20,400 square feet in total area and will be the new home for the court services currently based out of the existing Welland Provincial Offences Court and the Niagara Falls Provincial Offences Court.  The project budget for the new Provincial Offences Court Facility in Welland is $12,400,000.

The Region anticipates that work on the site will begin in early July. First, the existing building that housed the former Empire Public School will be demolished and then construction on the new building will begin. Construction of the new facility is expected to take 14 months with the new building ready for use in early Fall 2017. Continue reading →

“The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce strongly supports a consolidated transit system for all of Niagara, and urges all those involved to commit to the project without delay.”                    – Mishka Balsom, President/CEO, GNCC

An Open Letter from Mishka Balsom, President/CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted June 17th, 2016 in Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – On behalf of Niagara’s business community, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce wishes to express its support for the consolidation of the various public transit commissions and authorities in Niagara.

Mishka Balsom, President/CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

The 2015 Niagara Economic Summit identified a single inter-municipal public transit system with a single farebox as the highest policy priority for business in Niagara, and it is a demand we hear daily from the business community.

That being the case, the GNCC is pleased to see this issue gaining momentum. Significant political support from the Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland Mayors is a good first step. An equally important step was the hiring of a consultant to deliver a menu of models and the monetary investment in the project that represents.

Funding for inter-municipal transit, however, is the crucial question. While local municipalities are facing budgetary restrictions and farebox recovery is stretched to affordable limits, our higher-tier governments have committed substantial funds for investment in transit infrastructure. Continue reading →

A Message from the Buffalo For Bernie Sanders Campaigners

Posted June 17th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Hello friends,

Many of us just watched (this Thursday, June 16^th) Bernie’s live address to us, his avid supporters. There are some key things he really wanted to make clear, so I wanted to send out this quick email to make sure everyone is well aware that WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!

“My hope is that when future historians look back on the campaign of 2016 they will say that is where it all began.” – Sen. Bernie Sanders, 6/16/2016

We need you to run for office! Continue reading →

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted June 17^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker hosts Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

On the final day of her U.S. tour, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement after finishing a productive meeting with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in Boston.

“Today (June 17th), Governor Baker and I met to discuss new trade opportunities and share ideas on developing innovative, knowledge-based economies.

Ontario and Massachusetts have much in common — both regions are innovation hubs, particularly for the ICT and financial industries, and both regions are home to world-class research institutions. Working together on research and innovation is a natural fit, and it will benefit both regions by generating economic growth and creating high-value jobs. Continue reading →

Organization Sees Increase Over Previous Year’s              Financial Results

News from Hospice Niagara

Posted June 17th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario –  Hospice Niagara’s Board of Directors approved the FY2015/16 Annual Report, with Members approving the Audited Financial Statement at the Annual General Meeting held on June 16^th, 2016.  Hospice Niagara ended this fiscal year with a net surplus of $33,007, a significant improvement from the prior year’s deficit of $19,293.

“It has been an amazing year for Hospice Niagara,” observes Richard Williamson, Treasurer of the Board of Directors. “The fiscal year ended significantly better than the previous year due to stringent management of expenses and an increase in fundraising efforts.” He adds, “Financial support from the community and government sources must continue to provide financial stability in order for Hospice Niagara to maintain the level of care needed in our community.”

“The common thread that binds Hospice Niagara’s work is extraordinary people,” says Lori Watson, Board Chair. “We thank our Board member volunteers – Colleen Falco, Dolorese Bujold-Wright and Mary Mizen – who have fulfilled their terms and are pleased to announce the appointment of new Board members Fran Geike, Brenda Hookings and Roger Heise.” Continue reading →

Tell Your Governors and Premiers to say NO to setting a Dangerous Precedent for more than 40 million residents in the Great Lakes Basin

From Molly Flanagan, Alliance of the Great Lakes

Posted June 16th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

You’ve heard a lot from me over the past few months about Waukesha, Wisconsin (a community located in the Mississippi River Basin) and its plan to divert water from Lake Michigan for its own use.

Our Great Lakes and the vital to life gift of freshwater they give us, from a satellite photo

The Great Lakes governors are meeting next Tuesday, June 21, to make a final decision on Waukesha’s request. Tell your governor to protect the lakes when considering Waukesha’s diversion request.

The Great Lakes Compact, supported by all eight Great Lakes states and signed into law in 2008 to protect the Great Lakes from large-scale diversions of water, was created for scenarios like this. The compact does allow very limited exceptions to its diversion ban. Waukesha is eligible to apply for Great Lakes water — but only if it has exhausted all available options. In essence, a diversion must be a last resort. Continue reading →

A Way Forward for Central Fire Hall

News from the Welland Heritage Committee in Niagara, Ontario

Posted June 15^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Welland City Council can seize an opportunity to preserve its historic Central Fire Station and stimulate Welland’s downtown economy.

The Welland Heritage committee is urging Council to convert the 1920 fire hall to a fire museum and learning centre as part of local Canada 150th celebrations.

Welland Heritage sees a way to do it at no cost to the city.

Welland’s 96-year-old Central Fire Hall. Photo courtesy of Welland Heritage Committee

The city could provide the first two floors to the Welland Merrittsville Fire Brigade Historical Society. It would operate a seasonal (May to October) museum with volunteers and fill it with a collection of classic fire equipment dating back to 1876. Continue reading →

News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted June 16^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario –The Niagara Parks Commission’s (NPC) Floral Showhouse is pleased to announce that the first of its two developing Titan Arum buds is currently in bloom, with the second expected to open between late-June to early July.

Considered to be the world’s tallest flowers, the Amorphophallus titanum, or Titan Arum, is a massive bell-shaped flower, growing up to three metres in height. Aside from the massive size, the Titan Arum is also known for its unique smell. After flowering, a single leaf emerges in place of the blossom, which is the size of a small tree, standing up to six metres tall and five metres wide. Until 1989, fewer than 30 flowerings were recorded to have occurred in botanical gardens worldwide. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted June 16^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

There are the epic scenes in the movie Gone With The Wind where the looters race up and down streets, smashing store windows as Atlanta is burned to the ground during the American Civil War.

In one of the scenes, Rhett  Butler turns Scarlett’s attention to the exodus of southern arm troops and says to her in so many words that they’ve got to leave too because with the departure of those troops, go the last shred of civility.

That scene came to mind recently when I turned on one of the cable news channels and there they were, comparing the lunatic rants of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump against the measured intelligence of the current president, Barack Obama, as they both, in their very different ways, addressed the recent mass shooting of members of the LGBT community at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

It struck home when one of the cable channel commentators used the comparison to remind viewers that Obama will be moving out of the White House Office in a matter of months and heaven help America and the rest of the world if Trump moves in.

Around the same time, a Niagara At Large readers sent me a note along with an image of Obama with words burned in it that seem appropriate and that I wish to share with you now.

“I haven’t always liked what he did, but I have always been amazed at the almost frightening intelligence, maturity, and self-control of this man,” said the reader of the image.“I wonder how the same country that twice voted for Barak Obama as President can possibly think of descending to the likes of a Donald Trump. Farce? Or tragedy?”

What is your view?

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.

Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

“I extend on behalf of Regional Council our apologies for the offensive content of the delegation (meaning Niagara resident Ed Smith) in question.” – Niagara Regional Chair Alan Caslin in a June 9^th, 2016 letter to Niagara Peninsual Conservation Authority Board Chair Bruce Timms

By Doug Draper

Posted June 14^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

On May 19^th of this year, St. Catharines citizen Ed Smith, accompanied by more than two dozen other Niagara area citizens, appeared as a delegation at a regional council meeting to present a case for doing a detailed “value for money” audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations.

Niagara Regional Chair Alan Caslin. File photo

Smith had appeared before the regional council a month earlier, on April 7^th, 2016, along with numerous other citizens from across Niagara who packed the council chambers that night, to oppose a bid by the same Conservation Authority to “pilot” something called biodiversity offsetting – code for destroying a provincially significant wetland in one spot and attempting to grow a comparable wetland somewhere else – in order to make way for buildings and pavement.

At the May 19^th meeting, Smith returned to the council to press for a detailed audit of the NPCA due to questions and concerns he and other citizens have over how the Conservation Authority’s administrators and board members are spending millions of dollars of money they receive each year – most of it coming from municipal taxpayers in Niagara, with some coming from the neighbouring regions of Hamilton and Haldimand. Continue reading →

Biodiversity Offsetting Was Just The Beginning. Dysfunction At Regional Government Level Must Be Addressed

From Liz Benneian, a Niagara citizen and founder of Ontario Zero Waste Coalition

Posted June 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Those receiving this message have met Ed Smith, a remarkable resident of Port Dalhousie (in Niagara, Ontario), who rallied the community over the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s plan to destroy existing wetlands while supposedly recreating others.

As citizens came together to oppose that plan, they realized that as bad as the plan was, there was dysfunction within the organization and at the Regional level that needed to be addressed. To that end citizen organizations and area residents have come together from across the Region to form Friends of the Niagara Peninsula (see more about FONP us at bottom of this post).

For the first time, students, landowners, environmentalists and community groups from all corners of Niagara are bringing their unique skills, talents, perspectives, creativity and experience to change the way decisions are made in our Region. Continue reading →

A Message from the Buffalo for Bernie Sanders campaign

Posted June 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper – This message from dedicated Bernie Sanders campaigners in Buffalo/Western New York raises hope that the ‘political revolution’ Sanders ignited over the past year  will bern on! For the sake of social justice for the 99% in the U.S., Canada and around the world, it must. Now here is the Buffalo for Bernie message.)

150 days until the Presidential election

Supporters of Bernie Sanders all over the country have come to the campaign from various backgrounds and with various viewpoints. We’re lifelong Democrats, recovering cynics who stepped off the sidelines, young voters getting involved in the process for the first time, independent voters critical of both major parties, and even right-of-center voters who see in Bernie Sanders an honest man with the best interests of all of us at heart.

It has become apparent that Hillary Clinton will very likely emerge as the Democratic nominee for president following the convention in Philadelphia. High profile Democrats, including President Obama and Senator Elizabeth Warren, have endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. In the coming weeks, calls for Democratic party unity will grow. Continue reading →

Statement from Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown on Ontario Liberal Cabinet Shuffle

Posted June 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Leader of the Official Opposition & Ontario PC Party Patrick Brown issued the following statement (this June 13^th) on the provincial Liberal Government’s cabinet shuffle:

Ontario Opposition and Tory Party leader Patrick Brown

“After 13 years of Liberal scandal, mismanagement, and waste, this remains a stale, tired, and self-interested Government.

Premier Wynne has established the largest provincial cabinet in the country.  This is a government that currently spends $1-billion on interest instead of essential government services, yet has added even more costly bureaucracy.  Unfortunately, Premier Wynne doesn’t realize that you shouldn’t add more weight to a sinking ship.   Continue reading →

“Strong Team Will Implement Plan to Create Jobs and Growth”

40 Per Cent of Cabinet Members are Women

News from the Ontario Government

Posted June 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne today (June 13^th) announced changes to her cabinet that will help deliver on her government’s top priority to create economic growth and good jobs.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne makes cabinet changes

At the halfway mark of the government’s mandate, Premier Wynne has chosen a strong team to implement her government’s ambitious, activist agenda. The cabinet named today at Queen’s Park represents continuity in several key portfolios, ten ministers taking on new roles and seven new members.

Women now make up 40 per cent of cabinet, reflecting the Premier’s commitment to take steps toward gender parity. Women make up 50 per cent of the Priorities, Delivery and Growth cabinet committee, responsible for tracking government priorities and steering the government’s four-part economic plan. Continue reading →

News from Pride Organizations in Niagara, Ontario and Western New York

Posted June 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

This Monday morning, St. Catharines, Ontario Mayor Walter Sendzik lowered the Pride flag to half-mast at City Hall in repsect for “our lost brothers and sisters” in Orlando Florida, representatives of Pride Niagara reported this morning.

A candlelight vigil for victims of a horrific mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub in the early hours of Sunday, June 12^th – where a lone gunman killed at least 49 and wounded more than 50 people in a place regarded by members of the LGBT community as somewhere safe and peaceful to go – will be held in front of St. Catharines City Hall off King and James Streets in the city’s downtown, will begin at 8:30 p.m. on this Monday, June 13^th.

The mayor will lead all who wish to attend the vigil in a moment of silence at 9 p.m. Continue reading →

President Jack Lightstone cautions against reprisals for “reprehensible” massacre: “Bigotry is not the answer to bigotry”

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted June 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario – The massacre of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning was an unthinkable tragedy that serves as a chilling reminder that homophobia still exists, says a Brock University professor.

The ‘Tower’ At the Brock U. campus in Niagara, Ontario

Julian Kitchen, an associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education, says the killings prove there’s still a long way to go when it comes to equality.

“This reminds us that the fight for rights and for acceptance isn’t over,” says Kitchen. “As a gay man, this creates feelings of vulnerability.”

“It used to be an act of courage to go to or march in a (gay pride) parade. More recently it has become more of a celebration. I think this will add a certain amount of gravity to the celebrations this month.” Continue reading →

‘’The majority of the convictions for pot possession involve young Canadians, who should not be burdened with criminal records for the rest of their lives.”

From Canada’s New Democratic Party

Posted June 12^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Canada – New Democrats will put decriminalization to a vote to urge the government to stop handing out criminal records for personal use of marijuana.

This June 12th, the NDP announced that it will put the issue of marijuana decriminalization to a vote in Parliament as an opposition day motion in the coming days. Despite Justin Trudeau’s clear campaign promise to immediately fix marijuana laws in Canada, the government has done nothing for 8 months except continue the senseless practice of handing out criminal records for personal use. Continue reading →

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida

Posted June 12^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today (June 12^th) issued the following statement after hearing of the fatal shooting in Orlando, Florida:

“I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn today so many people have been killed and injured following a mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“While authorities are still investigating and details continue to be confirmed, it is appalling that as many as 50 lives may have been lost to this domestic terror attack targeting the LGBTQ2 community.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our condolences and prayers to the families and friends of those lost today, and wish a full recovery to all those injured. We stand in solidarity with Orlando and the LGBTQ2 community.

“We grieve with our friends in the United States and Florida, and offer any assistance we can provide.”

From the Prime Minister’s Web Site (http://pm.gc.ca/)

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.

Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

A Statement by St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley, released the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted June 12^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“At mid-term of the mandate of a Government, it is normal for change to take place in the roles and responsibilities of those of us who serve in public office.

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

I have been fortunate, first and foremost, to serve the people of St. Catharines in my position as Member of Provincial Parliament and I look forward to doing so in the years ahead.‎

There is a window of opportunity at this time for the Premier to include in her Cabinet a number of new and very capable individuals who are eager to accept additional responsibility as members of the Executive Council.

In this regard, I have suggested to the Premier that I assist in the effort by relinquishing my position as Deputy Government House Leader and Chair of Cabinet and assuming the position of Chief Government Whip, thereby opening a position in Cabinet for a new appointee. Continue reading →

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large, June 10^th, 2016

For decades going back to the 1950s and 60s, Gordie Howe was to the game of hockey what Arnold Palmer was to golf and what the just passed Muhammad Ali was to boxing.

For the longest time, millions of kids who laced up a pair of skates and picked up a hockey stick did so because they were inspired like him and because of a dream to play the game like him.

But few have ever exemplified best of the game as Gordie Howe, who died this Friday, June 10^th at age. For millions of Canadians and Americans alike, he was the true definition of a sports hero.

Here is a statement on the passing of Gordie Howe, released this June 10^th by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gordie Howe, who passed away today at the age of 88.  Continue reading →

–        Plan Charts Course to an Innovative, Low-Carbon Economy

“Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan will create good jobs, help people and businesses reduce their carbon footprint, save money and accelerate a shift to a more sustainable society.” – Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

Posted June 9^th on Niagara At Larg

News from the Government of Ontario

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Ontario is continuing to lead in the growth of the low-carbon economy with the release of the province’s Climate Change Action Plan, which will provide people and businesses with tools and incentives to accelerate the use of clean technology that exists today. Through this plan, the province will continue to reduce greenhouse gas pollution to fight climate change.

One of many climate rallies  in Ontario in recent years.

Building on Ontario’s landmark climate change legislation, the plan will ensure that proceeds from the province’s recently finalized cap and trade program are invested in a transparent and accountable way back into green projects that will help households and businesses reduce greenhouse gas pollution and save on their energy costs. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted June 8th, 2016

With all the madness unfolding in the U.S. presidential election. sage observers of the human condition like the late Christopher Hitchens and the late great satirist George Carlin are missed more than ever.

However some of their past observations, like the one below,  apply ever so well to what is going on around Donald Trump in particular. I’ll simply leave it here for you to think over and possibly share your comments on.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.

Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

New Online Pre-Pay Option Announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

News from the Office of Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted June 8^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced a new online pre-pay option for commercial vehicles made available by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the latest effort to support a more efficient flow of traffic across the U.S./Canadian border crossings in Western New York.

The Peace Bridge crossing between Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York

“Antiquated payment procedures are slowing the movement of goods in commercial vehicles across the border and contributing to bottlenecks for passenger vehicles,” said Congressman Higgins.  “Under this new program we remove what can be a time-consuming step, which is not only stalling traffic but stalling economic opportunity, from the border crossing process providing a win-win for travelers and for our regional and national economies.” Continue reading →

“Words are stronger than bullets. Even if words can’t stop bullets, they can deflect the poisonous hatred that stem from them.”

News from Brock University

Posted June 7^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario – It was an empowering message of peace from a man who has every right to be filled with hate.

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish received an Honorary Doctorate at Brock University Tuesday during Spring Convocation ceremonies.

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian physician who has become an internationally recognized human rights activist, was awarded an honorary doctorate this Tuesday, June 7^th from Brock University.

In his convocation address to graduates in the Faculty of Social Sciences, the four-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee said bullets are the “weapons of the weak,” but added that the wisdom of today’s generation is a means to peace.

“A refusal to hate is the most powerful weapon in the arsenal of a human,” Abuelaish said in a powerful 20-minute address. “Words are stronger than bullets. Even if words can’t stop bullets, they can deflect the poisonous hatred that stem from them.”

In spite of unthinkable tragedy around him, Abuelaish believes health is a vehicle for peace. Born and raised in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, Abuelaish was the first Palestinian doctor to receive an appointment in medicine at an Israeli hospital.

On Jan. 16, 2009 the consequences of war hit Abuelaish in the most horrific and personal way — three of his daughters and his niece were all killed by Israeli shelling.

“People expected me to be drowning in an ocean of hatred,” he said. Instead though, he used the girls’ deaths as the motivation to fight for peace and equality for women.

“I refused to fall victim to despair and instead vowed to fight for all, regardless of religious or political beliefs,” he said. “I am determined to keep my beloved daughters alive in your minds through good deeds.”

Abuelaish has devoted his life to advancing health and educational opportunities for women and girls in the Middle East through his charitable organization, The Daughters for Life Foundation, which is based in Canada.

A year after the loss of his daughters, he wrote a bestselling autobiography, I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity.

“Tragedy can’t be the end of our lives. We can’t allow it to control and defeat us,” said Abuelaish, who now lives in Toronto with his five children and works as an associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.

He challenged the graduates to be people of leadership and values.

“Now it’s your turn. We have to hand the torch and the baton to you. You are the hope, the new blood and the new leaders with a new vision,” he said.

“Go with faith and hope and without fear. The world is waiting for you.”

An embeddable copy of the afternoon Convocation ceremony can be found at www.livestream.com/brockuniversity.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.

Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish received an Honorary Doctorate at Brock University on Tuesday, June 7^th during Spring Convocation ceremonies.

A Message in a Postcard from NAL pubisher Doug Draper

Posted June 6^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

From Cape Cod, Massachusetts –

For all of Niagara At Large’s major followers out there who wonder if NAL is taking it a little slow on the posting news and commentary in recent days, you are right.

That’s because this Niagara At Large publisher is off on the east coast of the continent for a week or so, breathing in some fresh, salty air and enjoying the sight of sea birds gliding above the surf of the beaches along the outer shore.

I was walking along the dunes this Sunday and in my imagination I came across this person sitting on the beach and looking out over the water to some distant place in the horizon. Here she is.

And before she disappeared with the sun setting over Cape Cod Bay, she thanked me for the little tribute piece to her I posted on NAL recently on what would have been her 90^th birthday. And she said I was right to post in that piece a few lyrics from that old song by Elton John because as those lyrics say, life is like a candle in the wind, and you have to try your best to keep it glowing, bright and warm, for as long as you can.

And she said it was good that I had come out to the seashore for some rest and peaceful reflecton because it will only be a matter of days – around next coming Monday, June 13 – that you will be back in Niagara, Ontario where the winds can blow harsh and you will once again have to face municipal councillors at the region like this.

These councillors and all too many of their cronies, who conduct themselves like hold overs from the ugliest, slash-and-burn days of the province’s Mike Harris era, will try to con us into thinking that Niagara won’t grow and prosper into the future if it is not “open for business” which, for them, is code for letting their select friends in the development and business community do whatever they want. And don’t let anything – not what is left of our wetlands and forested areas, or farmland in the west end of Niagara, or public access to our lakefronts – get in the way. Continue reading →

– Or How The Pins Come Out When Someone Asks For An Audit Of The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

By Leslie Daniels

Posted June ??, 2016 on Niagara At Large

So it appears that whether you think of regional council as a labyrinth, or an oubliette, it can indeed function as both…and for all intents and purposes does explicitly… ad infinitum… on a regular basis…

You remind me of the babe…♫♪

Try being a citizen asking a direct question in Niagara today…

The citizens at the May 19th meeting asked for an audit of the NPCA…not a value for money discussion of their operations and not to just be put on another committee’s agenda to decide whether, or not, to proceed.

Continue reading →

A Message from the Ontario Health Coalition

Posted June 1^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – An event this past Wednesday, May 31^st at Queen’s Park was the culmination of our Ontario-wide referendum that saw 94,000 Ontarians participate to save Ontario’s community hospital services.

Ontario Health Coalition director Natalie Mehra speaks at May 31st Queen’s Park rally for saving hospital services

Community representatives, concerned patients, and local health coalitions from all across the province gathered to deliver heaps of ballots to the Ontario Legislature.

Both Opposition Party Leaders, Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown and Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath promised to take our demands to stop the cuts to community hospitals and restore services, funding, and staff to meet our communities’ needs for care, and make health care a key issue in the legislature. Continue reading →

Ontario Announces Recipients Of 2016 David C. Onley Award For  Outstanding Accessibility Leaders

“Linda Crabtree is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and works diligently to improve accessibility.”

News from the Ontario Government

Posted June 1st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – I first met Linda Crabtree more than 35 years ago when we both worked fulltime at the St. Catharines Standard. She is a great person and has always been a dedicated advocate for building better communities for all. Congratulations to her.)

Toronto, Ontario – Eleven champions of inclusion from across Ontario have received the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility.

Niagara, Ontario resident and provincial award recipient Linda Crabtree.

The annual award — named for Ontario’s 28^th Lieutenant Governor — recognizes individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to raise awareness of accessibility, while improving the lives of people with disabilities in their communities. Celebrating the work of this year’s winners helps promote the benefits of accessibility and nurtures a culture of inclusion across the province.

Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented the awards today alongside the Honourable David C. Onley. Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services, delivered the award citations on behalf of Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.

The recipients include:

• Linda Crabtree of St. Catharines, who received the Role Model Award for her pioneering work to raise awareness of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and improve accessibility throughout the Niagara region.

Continue reading →

Shh! Let’s Not Dare Say A Word About Climate Change During a Climate Catastrophe

From Doug Draper

Posted June 1st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

My answer to the question on this bumper sticker, which I recently found at one of the nicer independent book stores in our greater Niagara region, is; ‘Apparently quite a few if you are living in Alberta, Canada, or if you are living elsewhere in Canada and have been pressed into believing that we ought not talk about climate change increasing the risks of wildfires when there is a wildfire in progress and ravaging communities around the Alberta tar sands. Continue reading →

Posted by Jacqueline Wilson, CELA Counsel on May 20, 2016

From the Canadian Environmental Law Association

Posted May 31^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – On Wednesday, May 18th, 2016 the Great Lakes governors and premiers – including Ontario – squandered the opportunity to make sure that the Great Lakes–Saint Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement (and the corresponding Great Lakes -St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact) served their intended purpose to protect the Great Lakes from unnecessary diversions.

The Regional Body recommended that the City of Waukesha’s diversion proposal from Lake Michigan be approved with conditions.

The review process was flawed and so was the ultimate recommendation. This will set a dangerous precedent for all future proposals. Continue reading →

“It is a vast overstatement to say the TPP grants Canada new access to Pacific Rim countries.”

Ottawa, Ontario – In the midst of the federal government’s Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) consultations, a new study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) sheds further doubt on claims the deal will generate significant trade benefits for Canada.

Continue reading →

A  Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted May 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

As a veteran environment writer, I can confidently say that it is one of the oldest shticks in the playbook of polluters and of the all-to-many politicians out there who are willing to play the stooge for them.

Fly into a community where the water is polluted with dangerous or potentially dangerous levels of chemicals or metals, and take advantage of a photo op with the media to pick up a glass of the local water and take a sip.

U.S. President Barack Obama dashes away hope with a drink of Flint, Michigan water this May.

“See! I’ll drink it,” they say before flying back to whatever gated community they live in where there are no polluters to poison the water.

Then, just to compound the anger and confusion for the residents left behind, the hucksters selling portable water treatment devices for their homes, warning them that if they don’t fork out hundreds of dollars for one, they might be eaten alive by tumours. Continue reading →

News from the Niagara Health Coalition

Posted May 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Welland, Ontario – The Niagara Health Coalition participated in the cross-province, volunteer-led referendum (spearheaded the Ontario Health Coalition, its its Toronto-based umbrella group) to save local hospital services and stop the cuts to community hospitals.

Over the past three weeks, more than 60 volunteers organized advance polls and May 28^th locations in their communities, their workplaces and organizations in Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the Lake, Niagara Falls, Thorold, St. Catharines, Pelham, Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Welland.

A total of 4,646 Niagarans participated in the referendum. 4,614 voted in favour of the government stopping the cuts to local hospitals and health services, 27 voted against and there were 5 spoiled ballots. Continue reading →

By Nick Fillmore

Posted May 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Crisis situations are shaking two Canadian communities to their very core – the terrifying wildfires that destroyed Fort McMurray, and the epidemic of attempted youth suicides on the Attawapiskat First Nations reserve.

The question arises: Why are billions of dollars being pumped in to deal with one crisis while the other is all but being ignored. By the time Fort McMurray is rebuilt, it’s likely that governments will have spent $2-billion or more.

Justin Trudeau receives a gift of sweetgrass and a canoe from National Chief Perry Bellegarde after addressing the Assembly of First Nations.

Donations from Canadians will reach into the millions. And a representative of one of the big insurance companies estimated they will be required to pay as much as $9-billion to restore homes and businesses.  

I have no quarrel with anything that is being done to help the people and community of Fort McMurray.  The destruction and emotional distress suffered by residents is taking a heavy toll. Like thousands of other folks, I have made a financial contribution. Continue reading →

Government Releases Action Plan for Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

“No apology can change the past, nor can the act of apology alone change the future. We must change the future — together — day by day and generation by generation._ – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

From the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted May 30th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Premier Kathleen Wynne apologized this May 30th  on behalf of the Government of Ontario for the brutalities committed for generations at residential schools and the continued harm this abuse has caused to Indigenous cultures, communities, families and individuals.

Inside one of the rancid old church-run residential schools in Canada where holy white people worked day and night to ‘purge the Indian’ from aboriginal children abducted from their family homes.

The Premier made her Statement of Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in the Legislative Assembly, with residential school survivors and First Nation, Métis and Inuit leaders in attendance.

She apologized for the policies and practices supported by past Ontario governments, and the harm they caused; for the province’s silence in the face of abuse and death at residential schools; and for residential schools being only one example of systemic intergenerational abuses and injustices inflicted upon Indigenous communities throughout Canada. Continue reading →

From the Office of Ontario Opposition PC Leader Patrick Brown

Posted May 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – I often find myself shaking my head and rolling my eyes when I receive media releases from Ontario’s opposition Tories, expressing righteous indignation over cuts to public services by the province’s governing Liberals.

It appears that the current provincial Tory (PC) leader Patrick Brown, based on what I have read of his speeches to party members and others, is attempting to pivot the party’s platform more to the centre and away from the extreme right, slash-and-burn policies of the former Ontario Tory government of Mike Harris, Tim Hudak and Bart Maves.

Ontario Tory leader Patrick Brown

But I don’t remember anyone named Patrick Brown standing up for everyday Ontario citizens in need of those services when Harris,Hudak,Maves and company were gutting front-line health care services, including Victorian Order of Nurses and others providing critically needed care to people in their homes.)

Queen’s Park, Toronto – This May 30^th, Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown used Question Period to highlight the dismal job Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Eric Hoskins has done managing Ontario’s health care system.

Under Minister Hoskins’ management, the Liberal Government has made across the board cuts to front-line staff and essential services at the expense of patient care. Continue reading →

“I’d like to ask the committee to seriously consider who this deal is good for. We know that it’s good for the winners. We know that it’s good for the Magnas, but we also know what’s happening in this country, that our income inequality is increasing by leaps by bounds, that more and more Canadians are falling into poverty.” – Fiona McMurran, longtime Niagara South chapter member, Council of Canadians

By Brent Patterson, Council of Canadians

Posted May 30th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Council of Canadians South Niagara chapter activist Fiona McMurran presented to the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade earlier this month in Toronto.

The Council of Canadian’s director with member and longtime Niagara, Ontario activist Fiona McMurran

On May 13, the Committee was at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to solicit input on the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

In response to criticism that the public has had very limited access to these ‘public hearings’, the committee has begun to allocate two-minutes of time to individual speakers during the last hour of each of the one-day hearings in a session they have framed as “spontaneous presentations”. Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted May 28^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Thursday, May 26^th, 2016 may go down as another one of those days that may live in infamy.

It is the day that cable news channels in both the United States and Canada broke into their regularly programming with the announcement that Donald Trump had stopped being funny and had become the nightmare come true at least some of us have dreaded by winning over enough delegates to become the Republican Party’s candidate for what is still one of the most powerful offices (if not the most powerful one) in the world.

The only reason I am calling it, for now, a day that “may” live in infamy rather than one that “will” is because there is still a slim chance that Trump may crash and burn come final voting day this November if the Democratic elites stop fixing the nomination for Hillary Clinton and all of her tattered old baggage, and let Bernie Sanders run against him. Continue reading →

A New Series & Our Latest Stab At Capturing The Madness Of Our Times In Nine Words Or Less

From Doug Draper

Posted May 27^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Like it or not, we live in a world of bumper sticker slogans and of tweets people fire back and forth to one another that don’t often contain many more words than you can fit on a bumper sticker – regardless of how complex or controversial the topic being addressed in those venues may be.

It’s no wonder so many newspapers and magazines are circling the drain. Fewer and fewer people seem to want to take the time to read anything that contains any more than a few dozens words unless they are forced to in order to earn a diploma that may not prove to be a ticket to a job with a living wage anyway – especially on the Ontario side of the border.

That’s not to say that there aren’t bumper stickers out there that do a great job of summing things up in a couple of words, no matter how meaty, beaty, big and bouncy the topic may be, as Pete Townshend and the band might say. Continue reading →

• Ontario and Alberta Will Work Together to Fight Climate Change, Ontario, Canada’s  Premier Lathleen Wynne Says

A Media Release from the Ontario Government

Posted May 27th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queens Park, Toronto – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne expressed support today for Alberta’s latest initiative to fight climate change, adding that the two provinces will continue to work together to protect the environment, create long-term, sustainable growth and strengthen Canada’s economic union.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley (left) and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne singing from same song book on climate change

Speaking at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce luncheon this Friday, May 27th, Premier Wynne said she was pleased to see Alberta take the next step to implement its climate action plan by introducing legislation earlier this week that would, if passed, put a price on carbon.

Premier Wynne emphasized that any meaningful plan to fight climate change needs to include a price on carbon, as Ontario’s and Alberta’s plans both do. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Buffalo For Bernie Sanders campaign

Posted May 27th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Bernie Friend,

When it comes to Senator Bernie Sanders and what he stands for, combating Climate Change is of the utmost importance to him.

To combat Climate Change we have to find ways to make renewable resources more prevalent. Please take a moment to look over this event coming up and consider participating with the local Sierra Club. Continue reading →

By John Bacher

Posted May 27th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

On Tuesday June 14^th, from 5 to 8pm at St. Catharines’s Performing Arts Centre at 250 St. Paul Street, the Ontario government is going to hold its Niagara Public Open House as part of its four provincial land use plans co-ordinated review.

People who show up to this gathering will be honouring the memory of one of the founders of provincial land use planning, Niagara, Ontario’s own Mel Swart.

Mel Swart in the early 2000s, at the unveiling of a sign declaring the Niagara Escarpment a biosphere of global significance, File photo by Doug Draper

It is appropriate that one of the proposals being discussed at the Open House – the addition of Lake Gibson, a source of drinking water for many Niagara residents – to the protected Greenbelt zone – was the subject of Swart’s last presentation to Thorold City Council following his retirement from politics more than 20 years ago.

While serving as a Niagara area MPP in the Ontario legislature in the 1980s and 90s, Swart worked closely with a current provincial cabinet minister and MPP for St. Catharines, Jim Bradley, on championing land use protection issues. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Sue Hotte and Niagara, Ontario chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition

Posted May 26^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Only 3 days left until the big voting day!

That means we’ve got from now until Saturday May 28 – Our  Last Day  To Stop The Cuts To Our Community Hospitals.

Here are the Advance Voting Locations in your community. Continue reading →

A Public Notice from the Region

Posted May 26^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region is seeking public input into the potential future involvement of the Region in Niagara’s two existing municipally-funded airports.

The Region is exploring options following separate requests from several local municipalities and the airport commissions to consider financial and operational involvement in Niagara’s airports.

Residents can provide their thoughts on a possible Regional role at the airports through an online survey or by attending one of the three public information meetings being offered.

Public Information Meetings will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

May 30

Port Colborne, Port Colborne Library, 310 King St.

June 1

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Hilton Garden Inn, 500 York Rd., Niagara Garden View B

June 2

Lincoln, Fleming Centre, 5020 Serena Dr.

Niagara has two municipally-funded airports – the Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport, located at 435 River Rd. in Pelham, and the Niagara District Airport on 468 Niagara Stone Rd. in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Residents can learn more about the study and provide their input through an online survey.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.

Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted May 26^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – What if it was opening day weened at Marineland and some 300 people showed up – not to buy tickets to go through the front gates, but to stand along the road outside, protesting the captivity of marine mammals and other animals inside.

Opening  weekend in front of Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, May 2016. Photo by George Burkhardt

On Saturday, May 21^st, as thousands of visitors were among the first to pour through the park’s gates this year, literally hundreds of animal advocates picketed outside, including members of Niagara Action for Animals (NAFA) – a group that has been protesting Marineland’s exhibition of whales, dolphins and other animals for more than half the years that the park first opened in the 1960s.

Two summers ago, when The Toronto Star ran a series of critical stories on Marineland’s handling of animals in its park, the number of people picketing in front of the park on a Saturday swelled from the usual 30 or 40 to well over 500 on some weekends. But some veteran Marineland protesters wondered how many would continue to join their ranks when the attention of the Toronto media shifted to something else. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted May 25^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Here’s a reality check for anyone who thinks government reps on the Ontario side of the Niagara River care more about protecting the environment than their counterparts on the American side of the border.

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins supports international wetland designation for Niagara River corridor.

While the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has been wasting valuable amounts of the public’s time and money on the Ontario side obsessing over doing something called “biodiversity off-setting” to bulldoze over provincially significant wetlands for developers, a Congressman in Western New York has sent a letter to the head of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Washington, D.C., asking for his support for designation the binational Niagara River Corridor as “a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) pursuant to the Ramsar Convention.”

“This nomination” wrote Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins in a May 23^rd, 2016 letter to the Fish & Wildlife Services’ director Daniel Ashe, “is especially unique as it is the first transboundary Ramsar site in North America boosting the importance of the Niagara River Corridor as an international symbol and an environmental treasure with distinct ecological character deserving celebration.”

“This nomination,” continues Higgins in his letter, “is especially unique as it is the first transboundary Ramsar site in North America boosting the importance of the Niagara River Corridor as an international symbol and an environmental treasure with distinct ecological character deserving celebration.”

Lower Niagara River

Higgins’ letter is heartening to read after several months on the Ontario side of the Niagara River watershed, watching growing numbers of citizens butting heads with directors of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority – NPCA for short) – over their interest in applying to the provincial government for permission to try something called “biodiversity off-setting” to remove a wetland in one place and grow another one someplace else.

The NPCA has been particularly interested in piloting this idea on 13 acres of wetland designated by the Ontario government as “provincially significant.” This wetland is located on about 500 acres of land that hosts what many locals refer to as the Ramsey Road forest in the southwest end of Niagara Falls where a China-based developer just happens to want to build a billion-dollar-plus ‘Thundering Waters/Paradise community,’ complete with residential and commercial amenities for future inhabitants and visitors alike. Continue reading →

“We’ve seen older bands go on the road for a final tour, but this kind of finality, I can’t think of a band that has done this.”

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted May 25^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario – A Brock University professor says the farewell tour about to be embarked on by Tragically Hip and lead singer Gord Downie will be “off the scale.”

Gord Downie of Tragically Hip in performance

The band and it’s legendary frontman Downie have played a pivotal role in the history of Canadian music, says Brock Communication Pop Culture and Film associate professor Scott Henderson.

The reaction across the country to Tuesday’s (May 24^th, 2016) news that Downie has an incurable brain tumour has been that of complete shock. The 52 year old first noticed symptoms in December and has been receiving treatment ever since.

Unfortunately, Downie’s neurologist at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto said Tuesday the singer’s tumour is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer and the diagnosis is terminal. Continue reading →

By Niagara, Ontario resident, writer and longtime citizen activist Leslie Daniels

Posted May 24th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Lately I feel like I’m Alice and I just fell into the Rabbit’s hole. Didn’t know it was in Niagara but, I digress…

The perpetual Tea Party is taking place with an insane Mad Hatter shaking his fist, while the March Hare and all the White Kings are sitting at the table nodding their collective heads all the while making rude comments staggered with their innate clumsiness, silliness and stupidity.

The rest of the region slowly goes to hell in a hand basket. Sound familiar?

Does no one understand the principle of not leaving FOXES in charge of the Chicken Coop? Or as I like to refer to it … a Conflict of Interest?

Seems to me if you belong to a group whose actions lead to a vote for a review to be conducted by an unbiased party then you and your cronies should NOT be allowed to vote on whether it is required.  Continue reading →

“Ride sharing has been experiencing a renaissance since the turn of the millennium and not just because of the cost savings.”

A Call-Out from Niagara Ride Share

Posted May 24^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This June 5^th thru 11^th is Commuber  Challenge week, a friendly competition that encourages people to use a sustainable mode of transportation to get to and from work.

Niagara Ride Share, a new web-based ride matching service, is taking the lead on promoting the competition in Niagara. But that doesn’t mean it’s just about ride sharing.

Commuter Challenge encourages people to walk, bike or use public transit. “If these aren’t viable options, than consider carpooling,” says Rhonda Barron, Project Lead of Niagara Ride Share. Continue reading →

A Brief by Doug Draper

Posted May 23^rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara’s regional council is calling on the Ontario Provincial Police and RCMP to luanch an investigation to determine if anything criminal accounts for gigantic cost over-runs attached to the rebuilding of the Burgone Bridge in St. Catharines.

Work continues on the deck of the Burgoyne Bridge in St. Catharines, Niagara. Photo by Doug Draper

At a May 19^th meeting, much of which was held behind closed doors, regional councillors also approved doing forensic audit on the bridge rebuilding project and launching an independent probe into “potential fiduciary impropriety” committed around the project by an “individual” inside regional government.

The cost of rebuilding the old bridge, connecting St. Paul Street in St. Catharines over Twelve Mile Creek and a stretch of Highway 406 running to and from the QEW, has soared from an estimated $59 million to more than $90 million and counting.

The provincial government has chipped in a portion of the reconstruction costs but most of them – at least for now – will be covered by Niagara taxpayers.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.

Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary for and from the greater bi-national Niagara region.

By Doug Draper – reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted May 23^th, 2016

Screwing up a person’s name has always been on my list of one of the worst mistakes you can make as a journalist. And on the rare occasion when I make it, I’m always thankful I don’t have enough joints between my feet and neck to do what I feel like doing – giving myself a kick in the head.

Veteran Welland regional councilor George Marshall has been a supporter of getting to the bottom of the public’s questions and concerns over wetlands and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

This Victoria Day weekend I had another one of those occasions where I was reminded that unless you are made of rubber or are a performer with Cirque du Soleil, it is anatomically impossible to kick yourself in the head.

The occasion came just minutes after I punched the “send” key on my lap top and realized all by myself that I had screwed up George Marshall’s name in a piece I posted on Niagara At Large this May 20^th. The piece was about Niagara’s regional council barely approving the idea of doing an independent audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and I corrected the error in the copy posted on the NAL site. Continue reading →

Citizens Asking For Audit Accused Of Engaging In “Smear Campaign”

By Doug Draper – reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted May 20^th, 2016

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara’s regional council barely approved a motion asking the board of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to allow an audit of its operations during a meeting that saw some of the councillors accusing a citizens delegation of engaging in “misinformation,” borderline “libelous comments” and a “smear campaign.

The motion asking the NPCA to subject itself to a “full operational audit” that the regional government would pay for squeaked through at the May 19^th meeting in a 14 to 13 vote after Bruce Timms, a St. Catharines regional councillor and chair of the Conservation Authority’s board, stressed that another audit is unnecessary because the NPCA had one done on itself by a “reputable auditor” for its 2015 operating year and for years before that.

Niagara citizen Ed Smith raises concerns at recent regional council meeting over Niagara Peninsula Conservation Auhority practices. Photo by Doug Draper

“You are not going to get much value for our money because it has already been done,” Timms insisted. “We (regional council) have more pressing issues to deal with.” Continue reading →

Province Building Innovative And Low-Carbon Economy

News from the Government of Ontario

Queen’s Park, Toronto – This May 18th, 2016, Ontario passed landmark climate change legislation that lays a foundation for the province to join the biggest carbon market in North America and ensures that the province is accountable for responsibly and transparently investing proceeds from the cap and trade program into actions that reduce greenhouse gas pollution, create jobs and help people and businesses shift to a low-carbon economy.

Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy Act, money raised from Ontario’s cap and trade program will be deposited into a new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account. The account will invest every dollar in green projects and initiatives that reduce emissions.

Following extensive consultation with industry and other groups, the legislation was strengthened by now requiring enhanced accountability and public reporting on the province’s upcoming Climate Change Action Plan and investment of cap and trade proceeds. Continue reading →