Author Archives: dougdraper

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

Posted August 7^th on Niagara At Large

*NOTE: City of St. Catharines’ public meetings for proposed Community Improvement Plan amendments have been rescheduled to a special City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. *

The City of St. Catharines wants to hear from residents on proposed amendments  to the 2015 and 2020 Community Improvement Plans.

The amendments aim to provide flexibility in project completion deadlines and introduce new support measures for property improvements. Continue reading →

Where Are Our Senior Leves Of Government In Addressing The Growing Wealth Gap And In Making The Cost Of Living More Affordable For People In This Country?

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

Posted August 6, 2024

Thorold City Councillors Henry D’Angela (left) and Carmen DeRose stand at the back on a now-empty transport truck following a grocery food giveaway this past Saturday, all paid for by an anonymous donor in the community.

A Thorold area businessman known to many only as “the anonymous donor” has done it again.

For the fifth time in the Thorold, Niagara area this year alone, an individual who chooses to remain unknown for his charitable acts, has reached into his own pocket to cover the cost of a grocery food drive for area residents who find themselves struggling to get by.

This past Saturday (August 3^rd) turned out be the biggest food giveaway of its kind yet, Carmen DeRose, a Thorold City Councillor who has volunteered his time distributing the food on the frontlines.

Somewhere between about 400 and 500 cars lined up for blocks with people waiting to enter a the Holy Rosary Hall parking lot off Sullivan Avenue where the food was being distributed, DeRose told Niagara At Large as this past Saturday’s food drive drew to a close. Continue reading →

“Other provinces have implemented provincial licencing systems (for roadside zoos) to prevent  abuse from taking place – but among all of them, Ontario ranks dead last.”

A Message and a Call-Out To All of  Us from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted August 6^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Today in not-so-fun-facts: In Ontario, you don’t need any sort of license to operate a private zoo. If you have the money you can purchase a lion, tiger or camel, and charge visitors to come and see it – living conditions be damned.

If you got our recent news about penned dog hunting (find out more about that by clicking on – https://gpo.ca/issues/dog-hunting/ ) it should be no surprise that Ford allows Ontario’s animals to be treated this way.

Without any regulations or licencing, Ontario’s roadside zoos allow exotic animals to be kept in tiny cages without proper enrichment; with insufficient protection from cold and heat, and complete disregard for animals’ complex social needs – the list goes on and on. Continue reading →

Support Also Strong For Further Government Action On Plastics

A News Release from Environmental Defence Canada, a not-for-profit citizens group advocating for a cleaner, greener planet

Posted August 2^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A July poll commissioned by Environmental Defence, and conducted by Abacus Data confirms that the overwhelming majority of people across Canada — 84 per cent — want less single-use plastic in the grocery store.

As well, more than 80 per cent support further actions from the federal government to address plastic waste and pollution additional to the single-use plastic bans that came into effect at the end of 2023. Continue reading →

James Baldwin – December 1^st, 1924 to August  2^nd, 2024

A Few Words from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted August 2^nd, 2024

Thirty-seven years after American-born James Baldwin’s death in 1987, his books and so much of what he had to say about racial and social justice remain as relevant and as well read today.

One of James Baldwin’s lines, written in 1963, that often comes to mind for this reporter and commentary in this age of climate crisis reads as follows –

“God Gave Noah The Rainbow Sign, No More Water, The Fire Next Time.”

Tragically, enough of us chose not the head the warning.

Forests and communities ravaged in unprecedented numbers of wildfires across Canada.

P.S. If you have never watched it, try to pick up or download a copy of the 1916 Academy Award-nominated film ‘I Am Not Your Negro’ – a penetrating look at James Baldwin’s life and times, and some the civil rights leaders he marched shoulder to shoulder with..

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.

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

“The enslavement of people of African descent, who were stripped of their basic human rights, remains a dark chapter in Canadian history.”

A Statement from Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau

Posted August 1^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“On Emancipation Day, people around the world gather to recognize the incredible courage, determination, and resilience of Black communities who fought – and continue to fight – for freedom and justice.

“The enslavement of people of African descent, who were stripped of their basic human rights, remains a dark chapter in Canadian history.

On this day in 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire and laid a pathway to the liberation of over 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in parts of the Caribbean, Africa, South America, and Canada. Continue reading →

Enjoy an Evening of ‘Hot Fun In The Summertime’

A Brief One from Doug Draper, Niagara At Larger reporter/publisher and life-long lover of Black American Music

Posted August 1^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

In the summer of 1969, when close to half a million young people were grooving to the music of some of the best musical artists at the time at the now-legendary Woodstock Festival in Upstate New York, there was another large music festival that that took place in New York City’s Harlem district that went largely ignored by the mainstream media.

That festival featured some of the best black artists at the time – Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers, Stevie Wonder and the list goes on and on – that finally received the attention it deserved a few years ago in an award-winning film called ‘Summer of Soul’. Continue reading →

A Brief Tribute from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher and former Brock student Doug Draper

Posted July 31^st. 2024 on Niagara At Large

Alan Earp, how many would remember him when he was President of Brock University

Once upon a time, before universities and colleges across the country became big businesses, and before students were more commonly regarded as BIUs (‘Basic Income Units) who saw tuition fees soar and ridiculously high user fees imposed on them for almost ever campus service, including  parking their cars, Alan Earp was president of Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Alan Earp, a Second World War veteran who became president of Brock in 1973 and who remains the longest serving president in the university’s history, serving in the job for 15 years, died this past July 7^th at age 99.

The president of Brock before it became the mega-institution that it is today, Alan Earp presided over a university still small enough in size and student population to give students, myself among them, a good deal of direct access to well-qualified professors in a host of fields that their counterparts could only dream of having  at larger universities at the time. Continue reading →

This is a great achievement. …  We hold ourselves to the highest standard and continue to work towards supporting all of Niagara through a fair and transparent budget process.”               – Dan Carnegie, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for  Niagara Region

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted July 31^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara’s Regional Headquarters in Thorold

Niagara, Ontario – For the 12th consecutive year, Niagara Region has been recognized for meeting the highest principles of government budgeting by receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

A panel of independent  reviewers examined the Region’s annual budget document for 2024 and have determined that Niagara Region’s Financial Management and Planning Division met the high standards set for this award. Continue reading →

“Finally, we have a chance of getting rid of Trump once and for all,” one Buffalo, N.Y. resident told this visitor from the Canadian side.

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted July 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

What a big difference a week can make.

How do you say hope in America and in Canada and other parts of the world these days? In  two words – KAMALA HARRIS.

My wife Mary and I are frequent travellers to the Buffalo, N.Y. and we have a number of American friends further off that we communicate with by phone who have been feeling pretty depressed and concerned over the past year or so.

They have been worried sick that Donald Trump might become President again and take a match and can or gasoline to what has made their country, with all its faults, a beacon for democracy and freedom over the past almost 250 years.

Then last week, U.S. President Joe Biden, realizing that what comes with advanced age was dragging him and his future in politics down, decided to put country first and not run for another term of office. At the same time, he endorsed him Vice-President, Kamala Harris, and since they support for her has been pouring in from all over the country. Continue reading →

Choosing The Lowest Cost, Most Climate Friendly Energy Options Is Just Common Sense

A Commentary by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a non-profit citizens group dedicated to transitioning to a 100 per cent green energy future

Posted July 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier and Doug Ford and his Conservatives have left us lagging behind other regions of the world on turning to safer, green sources of energy 

Doug Ford will cost you.

Premier Doug Ford loves to talk about saving Ontarian’s money. But the money the average Ontarian saves on things like licence plate stickers is chump change compared to the costs being piled onto our electricity system by the government’s high-cost choices.

Premier Ford’s enthusiastic support for high-risk, high-cost nuclear projects is a perfect example. Continue reading →

‘We must act now to ensure that our tax system supports a fair transition to a green economy.’

A Call-Out from the non-profit activist group, Canadians for Tax Fairness

Posted July 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Why is our federal and provincial governments giving carbon polluters like this such huge tax breaks? It has got to stop.

From beloved towns like Jasper to the country’s largest city, Toronto, extreme weather events are wreaking havoc on communities across Canada.

But despite this, the Canadian oil and gas (O&G) sector is currently the top recipient of tax benefits from both federal and provincial governments.

2010-2022, O&G received nearly one-quarter trillion dollars in income tax deductions from capital cost allowances (CCAs), natural resource expense claims, prior year losses applied, and capital gains exemptions. Continue reading →

Members of Niagara’s Palestinian Community Continues to Accuse Region of Having a Double Standard

A News Commentary by  Doug Draper, editor/publisher of Niagara At Large

Posted July 26^th, 2024

Niagara’s Regional Headquarters in Thorold

It all started in October of last year when Niagara Region’s Chair Jim Bradley and/or regional representatives around him decided to raise the flag of Israel and light regional headquarters  in the blue and white colours of that flag.

It was  show of support for Israel following an attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists who butchered more than 1,000 Israeli citizens and took a few hundred more hostage last October 7^th,  

At the time, no one appeared to raise any issues about the move with this gesture of support. But by January of this year, after thousands of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza strip, many of them children, were killed by bombs Israeli’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition were dropping in retaliation, a coalition of Niagara residents of Palestinian descent believed it was time for the Region to raise the Palestinian flag and cast its colours on the headquarters too. Continue reading →

‘But, (Ontario Premier) Doug Ford refuses to heed the warnings and present a credible climate action plan.’

A Message from Ontario’s Green Party

Posted July 26^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

For over a year, temperature records across the globe have been shattered by the one-two punch of the climate emergency and the most recent El Niño event. We’ve had so many broken records that the media hardly bother reporting on them any more.

On Monday, however, the global mean surface temperature set yet a new modern record of 17.16°C. Continue reading →

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

Posted July 26^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Buildings in and around Jasper, Alberta go up in flames while fire also rages through Jasper National Park, a home to a diversity of wildlife.

I like most, if not all my fellow Canadians, are heartbroken over  the  suffering and destruction a monster wildfire is causing to people, to property and to wildlife in the Jasper, Alberta area.

The terrible  level of that suffering and destruction is certainly enough to bring Canadians from coast to coast to tears, and to support whatever they can do to see that the victims of this latest of many climate-related disasters.

But watching and hearing the tears and words of sorrow from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at a news briefing this past July 25^th is hard to take. Continue reading →

This weekend – featuring more than 300 creative urban gardens in Buffalo, New York!

Saturday & Sunday, July 27 & 28, 10am-4pm

An Invited to All from the Organizers of GardenWalk Buffalo

Posted July 25^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – For all of you who have never really visited the heart of Buffalo – who may have just driven on the beltway to get to the  airport or to the Walden Galleria mall or  the state thruway and have only been exposed  to  abandoned and broken down mills and warehouses and housing that has fallen into ruin along the way –  GardenWalk Buffalo will take you to neigbourhoods where the architecture and tree-lined streetscape  rivals any town or city on the continent.

This event is an opportunity to experience the tremendous sense of community and pride people  living in those neighbourhoods have – a sense of community and pride I wish we had more of on the the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

I have never crossed paths with a fellow Canadian who has crossed the border for this great and free-of-charge summer event that hasn’t felt the same way. Continue reading →

Ramped-up Schedule Will Relieve Gridlock for Drivers from Across the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara

“This is great news for commuters in Niagara who need to drive into Toronto regularly.” – Sam Oosterhoff, Ford Government MPP for Niagara West.

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara West Ford Government MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted July 25^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West Ford government MPP Sam Oosterhoff

BEAMSVILLE – The Ontario government is helping to accelerate construction on the Gardiner Expressway by at least one year by providing up to $73 million to the City of Toronto on the condition that work may be allowed to proceed up to a 24/7 basis. 

This accelerated timeline moves the construction completion date from April 2027 to at least April 2026, which will benefit Ontario’s economy by an estimated $273 million by getting drivers and goods out of gridlock a year faster than planned.

“This is great news for commuters in Niagara who need to drive into Toronto regularly,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“This is part of our government’s mandate to move people and goods safely and efficiently across Ontario to improve quality of life and support a globally competitive economy.” Continue reading →

Canada’s Prime Minister – Justin Trudeau – Should Take Note

A Brief Introduction by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted July 24^th, 2026 on Niagara At Large

U.S. President Joe Biden who has decided, for the sake of his nation and its people, not tor a second term.

In case you missed it, I am posting here a video of U.S. President Joe Biden delivering a speech in the Oval Office of the White House this July 24^th that truly shows what putting the interests of the country and its people, and the democratic values that country strives to uphold, ahead of his own desire to stay in power.

Canada’s current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, whose approval ratings as leader of the federal Liberals continue to be so low that they could result in – God Help Us – our country’s own watered down version of Donald Trump, Conservative leader Pierre Poilevre, coming to power,  should take note and most certainly should take a cue from the selfless leadership that Joe Biden has demonstrated on behalf of the best interests – now and in the future -of his country. 

To view President Biden’s full address to his nation, please lick on the screen immediately below –

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.

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

A Message from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted July 24^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

In this era of climate climate change, warnings like this are boming ever more frequent.

Large areas of downtown Toronto were under water last week after another 100-year storm hit the city.

That’s right – another 100-year storm!

Ontario’s biggest city has now been through three of these “once-in-a-century” events in just over 10 years . . . this isn’t just climate change any more, it’s climate chaos! Continue reading →

See Details Below for Date and Time of this Online Town How and For the Link You Can You to Participate in it

An Invite to All from Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP Party

Posted July 23rd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates whose riding includes Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPPs will host a town hall with seniors across the province to discuss how the Ontario NDP can best help seniors

NDP MPPs Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay – Superior North), Chris Glover (Spadina – Fort York), and Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) will host a town hall with seniors across the province to discuss how the Ontario NDP can best help seniors tackle the cost of living and housing crisis, as more seniors face renoviction and rising rents.

The MPPs will be joined by: Maria Sardelis, Founder of Access to Seniors and Disabled, Marta Hajek, CEO of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, and family members of Heritage Glen Retirement residents who are facing a July 31^st eviction.

Wednesday, July 24

Time:                 6:30PM – 8PM

Location:       click on –    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84511311255

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.

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

The Bee Party Gets Buzzing on Friday, July 26^th, 1 to 3 p.m., in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario (See Poster Below for More Details)

An Invite to All from the Niagara Bee Group

Posted July 23th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Hello Bee lovers,

Niagara Bee Group is holding its first Honey Harvest party of the year this Friday, July 26th at Apple Hill Apothecary in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

With all the rain and heat, our Host A Hive bees have been extremely busy making honey, and now it is time to extract some of that honey to make more room in the hives.

You are invited to attend to learn about bees, beekeeping, and honey. Continue reading →

A Brief Comment from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted July 23^rd, 2024

There were and still are a number of people out there who were naive enough to believe that Trump’s brush with an assassin’s bullet earlier this July might do something to temper that reptilian monster that makes up the core of him.

But no way.

Barely 24 hours after U.S. President Joe Biden released a letter to the American people, announcing his decision not to run for a second term as president – a decision that obviously would have torn at the heart of him and his close circle of friends and family – Trump posted the following malodorous, mean-spirited garbage on his election campaign website –

BYE BYE BIDEN!

Crooked Joe Biden just dropped out of the race – THIS IS ALL THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT!

Unlike Biden…

I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

I WILL NEVER QUIT!

WITH YOU BY MY SIDE, I WILL NEVER SURRENDER!

The Democrat Party is in shambles, so NOW is our moment to show the world we are united to WIN WIN WIN!

This man is incapable of showing any grace or decency, not even for a moment

Back to Doug Draper – Isn’t that nice? Doesn’t read like someone whose close brush with death has caused him to have a change of heart to me.

I repeat a question I have asked so many times before. How can anyone with an ounce of decency support this man?

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.

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

An Alert from Niagara Region’s Public Health Department

Posted July 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region Public Health is informing residents that Niagara has received its first confirmation of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in 2024.

While the mosquitoes that tested positive were found in St. Catharines, all Niagara residents should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, and potentially exposed to WNV: Continue reading →

Bob Newhart Dies At Age 94

A Brief Tribute from Doug Draper, a long-time fan of Bob Newhart

Posted July 21^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Comic and actor icon Bob Newhart

If he was standing in a check-out line behind you at a coffee shop or a grocery store, you would never take him for a successful comedian, film actor or award-winning television star.

Yet Bob Newhart, a multiple Emmy Award winner for his hit sitcoms, ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ and its 1980s follow-up, simply called ‘Newhart’, not to mention a recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Award for American Humour, was all of those things.

He was by almost all accounts a very nice, everyday guy who also happened to be very funny. Continue reading →

The Movie That Captured The Joyful Energy And Excitement of ‘Beatlemania’ In The Summer of  ‘64

By Doug Draper, a forever Beatles fan

Posted July 19^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A an image of an original poster for the movie ‘A Hard Day’s Night’

It was sixty years ago this summer – July, 1964 – and since the beginning of that year, when The Beatles first invaded North America, the airwaves were full with one hit song after another from this powerhouse British rock group.

‘Beatlemania’, as they called it, was in full flight and along with the great music, there was all kinds of merchandise, from Beatle wigs and lunch boxes to Beatle posters and cards Like it is with Taylor Swift today, every magazine rack was filled with magazines with The Beatles on the cover.

Now all that the group’s countless millions of fans needed was a movie and in July of that year, their wish came true. Continue reading →

Groups express “disappointment that the program does not include much-needed funding for public transit operations, and the fund will not become available until 2026, after the next federal election. … A lack of public transit operating funding means buses don’t show up on time, riders spend more time waiting and fares continue to climb faster than inflation.”

A Joint Statement from Environmental Defence, Ttc Riders, Metro Vancouver Transit Riders, David Suzuki Foundation, Équiterre

Posted July 19^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Support public transit by properly funding itand by using it.

Ottawa, Ontario – This July 17^th, the federal government unveiled the details of their next-generation public transit infrastructure funding program, the Canada Public Transit Fund (also known as the Permanent Public Transit Fund)

The federal government announced a public transit funding program that doesn’t actually fund transit service. A lack of public transit operating funding means buses don’t show up on time, riders spend more time waiting and fares continue to climb faster than inflation. Continue reading →

“The provincial government must ensure residents across Ontario, including in Niagara, have 24/7 access to MRI and CT services and must address the shortage of MRI technologists. …This is a problem that must be addressed through investment in front-line public health care – not more privatization.”                      – Niagara FallsNDP MPP Wayne Gates

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates whose riding includes Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake term-care homes for years.

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates whose N.F. Riding also includes Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie

Posted July 18^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA FALLS , Ontario – NDP MPP Wayne Gates is calling on the provincial government to provide additional funding and resources to address wait times for MRIs (Magnetic resonance imaging scanning) in Niagara, so that Niagara residents are able to access local MRI services in a timely manner.

“Our office has heard directly from several constituents in Niagara Falls just this week, that have had to travel as far as Mississauga, and in some cases the United States in order to get timely access to an MRI”, said Gates. Continue reading →

Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health

“Our partners at EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare have accomplished so much in the last year, and are on schedule to complete this project in 2028. The South Niagara Hospital is truly going to be an exceptional facility for both our patients and our staff, and we are eagerly anticipating the positive changes in healthcare that this new hospital will bring to our region.”                      – Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health

News from Niagara Health, the amalgamated system for hospital services across the Niagara region

Posted July 18^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – It’s been a year since shovels went in the ground for the new South Niagara Hospital (SNH), and the progress made to date is significant.

One year on, constructon of the new hospital off the QEW in Niagara Falls’ southeast end is well underway. photo courtesy of Niagara Health

On July 18 last year, close to 300 people joined honourable guests Premier Doug Ford, Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, alongside various partners, for the groundbreaking ceremony.

It was a symbolic day that launched the five-year construction project to bring a new state-of-the-art hospital to the Niagara region. Continue reading →

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“Our government’s new Canada Public Transit Fund will invest $30 billion in community infrastructure to expand, improve, and modernize public transit – giving Canadians affordable options to get around, and making sure housing development is linked to that funding. Let’s make public transit better, faster, and easier to use.”– Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

News from the Office of Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau

Posted July 17th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Hopefully, Niagara’s recently amalgamated transit system will benefit from some of this funding, file photo by Doug Draper

Public transit shortens commute times, grows our economy, and helps keep our air clean.

For many Canadians – especially Millennials and Gen Z, who frequently use public transit – it’s an affordable option to get around.

As we build more homes faster, public transit is also key to connecting communities and making life cost less.

That’s why the federal government is investing in public transit infrastructure – with more jobs, lower emissions, and a fair chance for every generation to get ahead. Continue reading →

‘Ontario’s Ford government has left us woefully unprepared for future heat waves.’

A Call-Out to All of Us to Raise Our Voice  from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted July 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

There’s no mistaking it, we’re having an unusually hot summer this year.

The recent heat wave across Ontario ratcheted temperatures up to the 40s factoring in humidity.

Our global addiction to fossil fuels will make these types of extreme heat events more and more frequent. By 2080 Ontario is projected to have between 55 to 60 days above 30 degrees (we currently average 16). Continue reading →

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted July 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, NDP Finance critic, released the following statement in response to the FAO’s latest review.

MPP Catherine Fife, NDP Finance critic, released the following statement in response to the Financial Accountability Office (FAO)’s latest review (https://www.fao-on.org/en/Blog/Publications/2023-24-expenditure-monitor-q4) of government spending, which revealed that the government failed to spend $7.8 billion of its budget last year, including $1.3 billion less in health care spending than planned: Continue reading →

The webinar will be held on Thursday, July 18th from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Preregistration is required here: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZwpc-6spj8jGtBB_1cf_H2PLO…

An Invite to All from Liz Benneian for Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara – a coalition of individual citizens and groups dedicated to working for better, greener communities across our Niagara region

Posted July 17^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

If you are living in Niagara, you probably know someone who is having difficulty affording housing.

Students, seniors, young people entering the work force, working families and those with low incomes — many are having trouble finding the housing they want, where they want it and at a price that makes sense for their income.

Lots of promises have been made to build new housing but is the current plan the right plan? And, if not, what could we be doing differently to get people the housing they want at a price they can afford? Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted July 16^th, 2024

After a  disturbing post on NAL about a dog named Lucky, dying in a hot car, here is heartwarming one about Benny, a shelter dog, finally finding  a home. Watch a moving video of him leaving a shelter below.

Late this past week, I posted a commentary I wrote about a very disturbing report of a dog named ‘Lucky’ who died an excruciating death while locked up alone in a hot car.

I had some people, including a member of my own family, begging me not to share the details of that horrible incident and I am sure many NAL readers wished that I had not shared them either.

However, I felt I had to post that piece to repeat a strong point issued over and over again by animal protection groups and humane societies everywhere about leaving furry critters in hot cars. Continue reading →

A Brief Comment from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted July 15^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A long-time Niagara At Large reader recently shared with me  the following image of a sign located somewhere in the United States of America –

As I read the sign, the message I receive from it is that maybe if we could just reboot the country the way we sometimes reboot a computer, it will go back to behaving normally again.

Given all of the threats – politically and culturally – now plaguing that country, one can only wish that overcoming them could be that simple. Continue reading →

Thanks To The Extreme Idiocy Of Its Owner, Dog Suffers Excruciating Death In An Extremely  Hot Car

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted July 12th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Lucky is one of the most recent dogs to suffer a terrible death after her owner left her locked up alone in a hot car.

How many times do we have to be told to NEVER leave a dog or any other animal alone in a car on a hot day?

That warning has been circulated by humane societies and media outlets, including this one, over and over for as many springs and summers that cars have been around.

Yet every year, we hear terrible stories about family pets dying from heat in locked cars while those who should be caring for them are off somewhere, scratching their backsides or doing whatever else.

The most recent report of this, covered by CBC Radio and other national news networks this past July 11th, was so difficult to hear it left this animal lover shaking with anger. Continue reading →

Ford Continues Pushing The Worst Kind of Development – Development That Places Ontario’s Greenbelt And Ever More Of Our Precious Natural Heritage In Peril

A Call-Out to All from Ontario Nature, a non-profit citizens organization dedicated to saving the province’s natural heritage

Posted July 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

You’ve probably already heard about the irreversible damage of the Ford government’s) proposed Highway 413.

This six-lane, 52-kilometre highway would have devastating impacts on nature and farmland –

• Paving over 400 acres of the Greenbelt and more than 2,000 acres of Ontario’s most productive farmland
• Impacting 29 species at risk
• Crossing over 85 rivers and streams
• Destroying or partially destroying 75 wetlands
• Fragmenting highly vulnerable aquifers
• Emitting more than 17 million tonnes of additional CO2 emissions by 2050

Highway 413 would come with an alarming cost.

Continue reading →

– Brock University Associate Professor of Information Systems Francine Vachon

“The long delay (in alerting Ticketmaster customers about the security break) means that criminals had time to use this data and because consumers didn’t know their data was compromised, they were prevented from taking active measures to protect themselves.”               – Brock University Associate Professor of Information Systems Francine Vachon

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted July 11^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario –Brock University experts are calling for stronger consumer protections after millions of Ticketmaster customers were alerted that their personal data may have been comprised in a security breach.

In an email sent to customers this week, the ticket seller says it detected unauthorized activity on an isolated cloud database hosted by a third-party data services provider. Anyone who purchased tickets using the platform between April 2 and May 18 of this year may have been impacted.

The company determined that personal information including customers’ names, basic contact information and payment card information, such as encrypted credit or debit card numbers and expiry dates may have been affected. Continue reading →

News from Canada’s federal and Ontario’s provincial governments

Posted July 11^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

VINELAND in Niagara, Ontario– The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $23.55 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) in horticultural research, innovation and commercialization activities, and research infrastructure, all to benefit Ontario farmers and consumers.

“By investing in practical solutions for the horticulture sector, we can help ensure farmers have the tools and knowledge they need to stay competitive,” said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Continue reading →

‘Doug Ford’s approval on edge of ‘political black hole’

‘Polls show that as people get to know NDP leader Marit Stiles her positive score rises’

‘Voters are getting to know Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie faster, but as they do, her negatives rise and her positive impression score remains stalled.’

News from the Angus Reid Institute, one of Canada’s best known and most reliable polling services

Posted July 10th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – In a recent post, I noted that polls conducted over the past several months show that if an election were held in Ontario today, Doug Ford’s Tories would win another term of government.

The brand new polling numbers from Angus Reid tell a much different story and raise hope that Ford, whose policies have attacked our democracy and rights to have a say in issues that impact our local communities, and have threatened what is left of our natural heritage, our public health care system and other needed services in so many ways could finally be voted out of power.

Now here are new polling results from Angus Reid –

Ontario Premier Doug Ford‘s tumbling approval score is now at a level below which no premier surveyed has won re-election since at least 2011, according to a historical analysis of Angus Reid Institute’s quarterly survey data. Continue reading →

And What Is It With This Ongoing Obsession With Alcohol Over Climate Change and So Many Other Challenges Ford Should Be Paying More Attention To?

A Commentary by Niagara At Larger reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted June 9^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Early into his tenure as Ontario premier, Doug Ford challenges brewers to produce beer people can buy for a dollar a can.

When it comes to setting top priorities for Ontario, what does Premier Doug Ford’s include?

Do they include protecting and preserving our public health care services? No. How about addressing climate change, saving what is left of our wetlands, woodlands and farmlands or taking real action to fight climate change? Definitely not.

But when it comes to beer and booze, you can drink all you want to that. Continue reading →

Cancelling Planned Deposit Return Program for Non-alcoholic Drinks Runs Counter to Public Opinion and Environmental Interests

“Ontario is one of only two provinces in Canada without deposit return for non-alcoholic drink containers. The other province is Manitoba.”

A Statement from Environmental Defence, a Canada-wide citizens group dedicated to lobbying governments to take more action to protect our environment

Posted July 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Statement from Ashley Wallis, Environmental Defence Associate Director, on Ontario’s decision to end work on new deposit return system for non-alcoholic beverage containers – 

Toronto, Ontario – The announcement that (Ontario’s Ford Government)  is scrapping plans to launch a deposit return system for non-alcoholic beverage containers epitomizes a government prioritizing private greed over public good.

This is a government bowing to pressure from the Retail Council of Canada and its members, like Loblaw and Costco, instead of listening to the public and beverage companies. Continue reading →

“The idea of booze being sold by for-profit companies can seem like we’re about to lose control — I’m not sure if that’s the case — but it’s something that plays on the minds of people and we see it every time an aspect of booze sales is about to be liberalized.”       – Brock University Professor of Health Sciences Dan Malleck

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted July 5th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Brock University Professor of Health Sciences Dan Malleck

Niagara, Ontario – Nine thousand unionized Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) employees walked off the job on Friday, closing the doors to thousands of stores across the province and launching the first-ever strike in the retailer’s history.

Stores are expected to be closed for at least 14 days.

Brock University Professor of Health Sciences Dan Malleck says although the strike itself is historic in nature, the fact that alcohol is more widely available today than in the past means store closures won’t be as “big a deal as they would have been 30 years ago, when the LCBO was the main point of access.” Continue reading →

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

A Statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulating Sir Keir Starmer on his election as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Posted July 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario- The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, (this July 5^th, 2024)  issued the following statement to congratulate Sir Keir Starmer on his election as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on his election.

“Canada and the United Kingdom have one of the strongest bilateral relationships in the world, built on generations of shared history and values. From the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the G7 to the Commonwealth, we are longstanding partners and friends on the international stage. Continue reading →

Province Removing Barriers to Help Qualified Newcomers While Cracking Down on Immigration Fraud

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara West Ford Government MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted July 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West Ford government MPP Sam Oosterhoff

BEAMSVILLE – The Ontario government is making changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program to expand the health care workforce, increase the occupations eligible for the In-Demand Skills stream and protect newcomers from immigration fraud.

These changes help address ongoing labour shortages in key sectors such as health care, while also better protecting newcomers to the province.

“Our government is making it easier for skilled newcomers to help fill critical gaps and expand our health care workforce in Ontario,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“These changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program will help support internationally educated caregivers on their path to professional practice in Ontario, as well as supporting increased access to doctors, nurses, and other qualified health care professionals in Niagara.” Continue reading →

“Good jobs and public services shouldn’t be a tall order.” – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

News from the Office of Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles

Posted July 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP Leader, is questioning Doug Ford’s commitment to good jobs as LCBO workers begin their first ever strike:

“Good jobs and public services – that’s what these workers are fighting for.

“The LCBO brings in billions to our community every year that then goes on to fund services like healthcare and education. Ford’s privatization experiments are going to cost the province good jobs and billions in revenue for public services. Continue reading →

Let’s Hope, for the Sake of Them, for the Sake of Canadians and for the Sake of People Around the World, That it Won’t Be the Last Happy One

A Brief Message from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted July 4^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Here is to a happy and peaceful Fourth of July to all of our American neighbours and friends, including all of those who have continued to visit Niagara At Large and provide us with news and their views over the years.

I continue to be humbled by the number of readers we have in the Buffalo, N.Y. area and other parts of the United States.

These days, I also join many of you and many of my fellow Canadians in sharing concern and fear over what might happen to your democracy and to your relationship with long-time friends and allies like Canada if Donald Trump wins another term as president.

Continue reading →

A fossil fuel-free Ontario is entirely possible, despite what the Ford government has been saying

A Message from Ontario’s Green Party

Posted July 2^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario’s new Energy Minister for the Ford government, Stephen Lecce

Ontario’s new Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, recently called any opposition to fossil gas energy “ideological.”

We disagree.

Less than a decade ago, Ontario was on the path to eliminating fossil fuel generation from its electricity grid. Then the Ford government took office and immediately ripped up 758 renewable energy contracts.

Doug Ford even took a televised victory lap saying he was “so proud” to cancel contracts for wind turbines.

Now that sure sounds “ideological.” Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Canadian Environmental Law Association, a not-for-profit legal body dedicated to environmental protection

Posted July 2nd 2024 on Niagara At Large

Extreme heat is more than just an inconvenience – it’s a serious health hazard.

High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses and exacerbate existing health conditions, especially for people with disabilities, seniors, children, socially isolated individuals and lower-income people.

CELA is calling for provincial and municipal action to recognize the inequitable impacts of climate change and extreme heat. 

In Ontario, Bill 198, Ontario Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Act, 2024, recently had its first reading. 

Continue reading →

A Remembrance from a former student, John Nicol

Posted July 2^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Loved by many – Terry ‘Ozzie’ Nelson

John Terrance (Terry) Nelson, with the utmost respect for his daughters Jennifer and Stacia, was once a father figure to me and hundreds of others at Stamford Collegiate in Niagara Falls.

Phys-ed teacher, football coach, basketball coach, track coach… I don’t know if he ever got compensated, but I feel I owe him hundreds of tanks of gas, just dropping me at home after practice before he drove back to his wife Lynda in St. Catharines.

I spoke to him late this past June in hospital, and he was not himself, afraid that he was not in control of his health, yet readily admitting he wouldn’t be around when I returned to Canada next month. He died a few days later, at age 77, on June 23.

But we have much to learn from his life.

Continue reading →

A Song and Video for Living in Harmony with the Life Around Us

Some Introductory Comments by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted June 30th/July 1^st, 2024

On this Canada Day weekend, when we all want to get away from the news and spend some time good time together with our families, friends and others in our communities, I only want to share with you one song and video.

The first big hit-making lineup of The Guess Who, from left, Garry Peterson, Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings and Jim Kale

The song is by one of Canada’s best all-time bands, the Guess Who, and the video that goes with it was produced by Greenpeace and is a moving look at some of the natural grandeur around it and the tragedy of losing more of it if we collectively, as a species, go on with business as usual and don’t do everything in our capacity to find more harmonious ways of living with it. Continue reading →

I Will Be Flying the Earth Flag Instead

A Commentary for Canada Day Weekend by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted June 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

In February 1965, Canada’s new flag being raised in front of the Parliament building in Ottawa for the very first time.

It seems like a century ago now, but I can still remember how proud I felt when my country of Canada finally got its own flag.

Actually, it was 1965. The Beatles were cranking out one hit record after another and after years of duking it out with powerful lobby groups, our federal and provincial governments were finally  ushering in a universal health care system- something that the citizens in many countries around the world, including the United States, still don’t have and that we take for granted at our peril. Continue reading →

News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted June 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, ON  – On Sunday June 30th, in celebration of Pride Month, Niagara Falls will be illuminated in rainbow colours at the top of every hour, beginning at 9 p.m., followed by an additional illumination in pink, white and blue at 10:15 p.m.

 Pride Month, observed annually in June, honours the 2SLGBTQI+ community’s resilience, history and fight for equality.

The rainbow illumination of Niagara Falls stands as a testament to Niagara’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Continue reading →

‘Biden proved himself no longer able to manage the challenge of being president. He failed to show himself up to the intellectual task.’

A Commentary by Niagara resident and writer Gary Screaton Page

Posted June 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Both Trump (right) and Biden give the world something to very much worry about.

The word that best describes the US presidential debate Thursday night, June 27, 2024, is “tragic!”

Neither candidate shone. In fact, both were disasters, not just for their respective parties but, tragically. for America, and for the world.

Biden and Trump were the authors of their own undoing. America is in deep trouble! Continue reading →

A Brief Remembrance from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted June 26^th, 2024

One of Niagara Falls’ most passionate voices, George Bailey

Niagara, Ontario – For as many years as this veteran journalist can remember, George Bailey was the human face and voice for the Great Falls of Niagara and the scenic Parkway running along the Niagara River’s Canadian shores.

To many, he was more than just a communications director for Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission for the many years he worked there.

He was the best tour guide a visitor to the Falls could ever have during has time at Niagara Parks in the 1980s and 90s and he was certainly a guide to many, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn, and Princess Diana and her two young sons and Princes William and Harry. Continue reading →

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted June 25^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Report from Amanda Bishop at Brock News –

Niagara, Ontario –Assistant Professor Julie Ham in the Department of Sociology was among many researchers who made submissions for a report being made at the 56th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

A Brock researcher is sounding the alarm over a new report, and the way it was developed, from the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

The report, “Prostitution and violence against women and girls,” was published online earlier this month and is being discussed at the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, currently underway. Continue reading →

Rumours Abound That Premier Doug Ford May Call An Early Election

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted June 24^rd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP putting together a team strong enough to beat this guy – Premier Doug Ford – in next provincial election, whenever Ford chooses to call it.

TORONTO, Ontario – Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP leader, has appointed Dave Clark as the party’s Campaign Director for the next provincial campaign.

Clark has had a hand in delivering progressive wins across Canada and in the United Kingdom with the UK Labour Party.

He brings a wealth of experience from dozens of campaigns where he helped elect New Democrats in Scarborough, Toronto, Brampton, and in the regions of Ontario where the NDP is looking to make gains in their path to victory. Continue reading →

A Statement from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

Posted June 23^rd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism:

“Thirty-nine years ago, Canadians witnessed the worst terror attack in our nation’s history. 329 passengers aboard Air India Flight 182, including 280 Canadians, were murdered while flying to the United Kingdom from Toronto. 137 children were tragically denied their 18th birthday. Continue reading →

“The Ford government needs to provide funding to school boards to address heat stress in our schools so learning isn’t interrupted. Every reasonable safety precaution must be taken to protect both children and their educators.”

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted June 21^st. 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates, whose riding includes Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake

NIAGARA FALLS – NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) and ETFO Niagara President, Brian Barker, are calling on the conservative government to ensure school children and staff are protected from the dangerously overheated schools in Niagara.

 “This week we are witnessing in real time the danger of having so many schools without proper air conditioning,” said Gates. “I’ve heard from parents and educators who are seriously concerned. In some cases, temperatures in classrooms have been over 30 degrees. We have to do better for our kids”.

With a multi-day heatwave hitting most of Southern Ontario, Niagara schools without air conditioning have been facing scorching temperatures, leaving students and staff struggling to get through the day. Continue reading →

A Wish to All for a Summer of Peace with Good People Around You, from Doug Draper

Posted June 21^st,  2024 on Niagara At Large

Here we are already, doing whatever our thing is on the first full day of summer.

Spring, with all of its flowery magic of everything turning from brown to green, has come and gone so quickly, as it always does.

Photo by Doug Draper

And so has that family of geese I photographed barely a month or so ago along the shores of Martindale Pond, in Port Dalhousie’s Rennie Park. Those goslings grow up so quickly too. Continue reading →

Ford Government Has So Far Failed Ontarians on Producing and Launching an Effective Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan

A Call for Protective Action from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted  June 20^th. 2024 on Niagara At Large

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We’re still pushing the Ford government to take action to protect Ontarians during the heat waves expected this summer.

Our plan includes setting a maximum allowed temperature in rental homes and long-term care homes, increasing access to cooling centres, strengthening protections for workers and making sure our downtowns have adequate tree cover.

Ontario isn’t ready to deal with extreme heat.

Continue reading →

“As the climate crisis deepens, we have a responsibility to take immediate action to to ensure everyone lives in a safe and comfortable home. …  In this brutally hot weather, many Ontario renters are living in miserable and even dangerous conditions because their apartment is too hot and they don’t have air conditioning. …. The 2021 heat wave in British Columbia contributed to 777 deaths, many of the deceased were elderly or vulnerable and living alone in unconditioned apartments. Heat kills.”                                                                                                             – from an Open Letter to Ford Government from Ontario NDP Housing Critic Jessica Bell

A News Release and Open Letter from Jessica Beill, Housing Critic for Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted June 20^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO – Ontario NDP housing critic Jessica Bell (University– Rosedale) is sounding the alarm on dangerous red tape that is putting Ontarians at risk from extreme heat this summer in her letter to the province’s housing minister.

“Nobody deserves to be working, living, or learning in temperatures that put their health at risk,” said Bell. Continue reading →

St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

“It is long overdue that Ontario’s public policies evolve to reflect our changing climate.” – Jennie Stevens, NDP MPP for St. Catharines, Niagara

An Open Letter from St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted June 20^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

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.

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

“By streamlining services and expanding our customer service hours, we’re making transit more convenient and creating connections from and for the communities we serve. We’re committed to supporting our riders every step of the way during this exciting transition.” – Carla Stout, General Manager, Niagara Transit Commission

News from Niagara Region Transit

Posted June 19^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA REGION– Beginning July 2nd, 2024, Niagara Region Transit will unify its Niagara Specialized Transit (NST), NRT OnDemand, and Fort Erie Accessible Transit (FAST) services, with services provided by Voyago.

To enhance the rider experience, the integrated microtransit and specialized service will utilize the Niagara Region Transit Plus app as the central hub for trip booking and real[1]time updates.

Additionally, Niagara Region Transit is bringing customer support in[1]house and extending its service and booking hours to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Currently, there will be no service available on Sundays and holidays. Continue reading →

“Our goal is to improve access to cognitive assessments and reduce the lengthy wait times that have been a significant barrier for many individuals in our Region to receive a diagnosis.”            – Teena Kindt, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region

News from the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region and Niagara Medical Group

Posted June 19^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region, ON  – The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region (ASNR) and Niagara Medical Group are thrilled to announce that the Mobile Cognitive Assessor program is now fully operational and accepting referrals across the 12 municipalities of the Niagara Region.

 This innovative service, the first of its kind in the area, aims to significantly reduce wait times for cognitive assessments, providing more timely and accessible care to individuals with cognitive concerns.  This new service is setting a precedent for innovative healthcare solutions in the Region. Continue reading →

“When the heat comes, it ‘s invisible. It doesn’t ben tree branches or blow hair across your face to let you know it’s arrived. The ground doesn’t shake. It just surrounds you and work on you in ways that you can’t anticipate our control. You sweat. Your heart races. You’re thirsty. Your vision blurs. The sun feels like the barrel of a gun pointed at you. Plants look like they’re crying Birds vanish from the sky and take refuge in deep shade. Cars are untouchable. Colours fade The air smells burned. You can imagine fire even before you see it.”                                                            – from the prologue of the book “The Heat Will Kill You First” by Jeff Goodell. 

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

Posted June 18^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

On the eve of another summer where we once again face days and possibly weeks of record-breaking extreme heat that endangers property and our lives and all of the other  biodiversity of life that makes our planet survivable, there is a book I encourage as many of you as possible to read.

The title of the book, published this past yearearlier, is “The Heat Will Kill You First – Life and Death on a Scorched Planet” by New York Times award-winning writer Jeff Goodell.

The book chronicles the health risks and death toll that more frequent episodes of extreme heat – driven by climate change and the continue dumping of fossil fuel emissions into the earth’s atmosphere – is taking on people in the United States, Canada and other regions around the world. Continue reading →