Author Archives: dougdraper

Chiefs Adopt Resolution Calling for “a criminal investigation into the manner in which the Greenbelt lands were chosen for removal and the extent to which the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Steve Clark) and the Premier (Doug Ford) had control over the situation.”

News from The Chiefs of Ontario, representing all First Nations groups in Ontario

Posted August 29^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – The Chiefs of Ontario have released the following statement following today’s Emergency Chiefs Assembly and subsequent media event with First Nations Leadership, pertaining to the Auditor General’s Special Report on the Changes to the Greenbelt:

‘On August 28, 2023, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) called an Emergency Chiefs Assembly to allow for all Ontario First Nations Leadership to gather virtually to discuss the Auditor General of Ontario’s Special Report on the Greenbelt, as well as further direction for the COO to undertake with regard to the relationship with the provincial government.

Following this, the COO held a media event as an opportunity for First Nations Leadership to discuss their concerns directly with members of the media.

During the Emergency Chiefs Assembly, a resolution was passed by the Chiefs-in-Assembly that directs the COO to demand that Premier Doug Ford commit to all the recommendations as outlined in the Auditor General’s Report, including the recommendation to return all land parcels to the Greenbelt immediately. Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP Party Leader Marit Stiles

Posted August 29^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

Queen’s Park– Earlier this August 29^th, 2021) morning, (Ontario’s Premier’s office shared a statement with media regarding two Greenbelt properties that the developer put up for sale in Ajax.

Ford’s statement noted that developers were “on notice” and that any land not being used by developers for housing will be put back into the Greenbelt.

Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, issued the following statement:

“Ford’s Conservatives are changing their tune simply because they got caught. Continue reading →

“ONTARIANS DESERVE TO KNOW THE FULL STORY OF HOW $8.3 BILLION FLOWED INTO THE HANDS OF DEVELOPERS CONNECTED TO THE PREMIER AND THE PC PARTY.”                             – Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

A Statement from Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

Posted August 29^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

Under Doug Ford’s watch, accountability and transparency have gone out the window in the name of favours to wealthy, well-connected elites.

Meanwhile, precious farmland and forests and wetlands are still being removed from the Greenbelt, and wealthy land speculators are still cashing in.

Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk’s special report (released earlier this August, 2023) on the Greenbelt found that “direct access to the housing minister’s chief of staff resulted in certain prominent developers receiving preferential treatment” with regards to the process of selecting which lands were to be removed from the Greenbelt.

Let’s get the truth out into the open .

Continue reading →

“Marineland should be restructured without animals, and the existing animals at Marineland should be moved to appropriate and safe sanctuaries.”

A Statement from Niagara Falls, Ontario NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted August 25^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Protesters have been a common sight outside of Marineland for many years. File photo by Doug Draper

A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large –

In all of the many years I have been following the Marineland story, going back to my time, in the 1980s and 90s,  as an environment reporter at The St. Catharines Standard, Wayne Gates, a former Niagara Falls city councillor and now an elected member of the Ontario legislature, is one of the first – if not the very first – politician in this region calling on the amusement park to get out of the business of holding animals in captivity to draw park visitors.

Gates’ call for a Marineland without animals – falling in the wake of a Canadian Press report that a total of 15 marine mamals – 14 whales and one dolphin – have died at the park since 2019, echoes similar calls made by animal rights groups and by some of the park’s former employees, including former marine mammal trainers, for at least half of the park’s 62-year existence.

In the face of any and all charges of animal mistreatment, Marineland representatives, including the park’s founder, John Holer, who died in 2018, have repeatedly insisted that the animals it holds in custody have received a high quality of care and that any charges to the contrary are completely false. Continue reading →

“Our entire community benefits with this significant shoreline acquisition, one more step in Fort Erie’s efforts to protect and preserve our natural heritage.”                                                                     – Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop

News from the Town of Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario

Posted by Niagara At Large on August 25th, 2023

FORT ERIE, Ontario – Mayor Redekop and Fort Erie Council are thrilled to announce that Fred Costabile of 5001997 Ontario Inc. has donated 22 acres of riparian lands east of Waverly Beach Park to the Town of Fort Erie for conservation and public use.

Inside the tree canopy of Waverly Woods in Fort Erie, Ontario, near the shores of Lake Erie. It appears that at lease some of these wooded lands are being donated to the Town for preservation. Photo by Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

The Transfer of title to the lands was registered on August 14, 2023. Access to the Lake Erie shoreline is a significant issue in Fort Erie. This acquisition of waterfront lands will add to the inventory of Lake Erie properties owned by the Town.

In May 2022, an environmentally friendly settlement regarding the Harbourtown Development was reached between the developer and Fort Erie Community Voices. Continue reading →

Unknown Second Ontario Ford Government Staffer Had Hand In Greenbelt Grab

“The resignation of (Ford Cabinet Minister) Clark’s Chief of Staff  (Ryan Amato) – apparently against the wishes of Ford – is not nearly enough. This corruption starts at the top, and we need to get to the bottom of how far down it really goes.”                              – Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

News from the Niagara Centre Constituency Office of NDP MPP Jeff Burch

Posted August 24^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

WELLAND – Jeff Burch, the Ontario NDP Critic for Municipal Affairs, is reiterating Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles’ demand (https://www.ontariondp.ca/news/rot-starts-top-opposition-leader-stiles-demands-accountability-greenbelt-corruption-scandal) that Premier Ford force Minister Clark’s resignation from Cabinet, highlighting that Clark’s chief of staff was not the only member of his team who had a hand in the Greenbelt Grab

There was an unknown second staffer who had a significant role in selecting Greenbelt sites.

“The fact that a second Clark staff member was selecting Greenbelt sites to hand over to developers makes it even more incredulous that the Minister was unaware of what was going on in his own office,” Burch said.

“Who was this staffer that had a role in carving up five parcels of the Greenbelt? What was their role? We need more information about who was involved in this important matter of public interest.” Continue reading →

“We’re fighting for vital environmental land that needs to be protected for the benefit of the people of Ontario (and Premier) Doug Ford doesn’t get to wash his hands of this.”                              – Ontario Opposition Party Leader Marit Stiles demands accountability on Greenbelt Corruption Scandal

News from Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

Posted August 24^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

QUEEN’S PARK – Leader of the Official Opposition NDP Marit Stiles says the resignation of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Chief of Staff is not nearly enough in the wake of one of the most serious breaches of public trust in Ontario’s history.

“The Auditor General’s report left no room for doubt – there is no way this single staff member acted alone to rig the system,” Stiles said. “Ford and Clark’s assertions are completely and utterly implausible.  The rot starts at the top. The Minister must do the right thing and step down.” Continue reading →

“Investigating the provincial (Doug Ford) government’s land use decision-making processes requires an expanded investigation by the Integrity Commissioner and a new investigation by the Auditor General. We urge your office to make these investigations a priority.”

“Gutting Ontario’s Wetland Evaluation System to such a degree that Conservation Authorities have estimated that over 80% of the wetlands that currently receive protection will lose this status.”   – Just One of Many Examples raised by the Coalition of the Ford Government’s Assault on our Natural Heritage

News from Alliance For A Liveable Ontario, a large coalition of citizen voices from across Ontario, including Liz Benneian and Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara representing numerous individuals and citizen groups from across the Niagara region

Posted August 18^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

This August 18th, key members of the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario sent a letter to the Auditor General and Integrity Commissioner asking them to investigate a host of other planning policy changes made within the last year.

The letter notes that these changes may have been the result of indefensible processes similar to those identified with the Greenbelt land removal and may also have benefitted a small number of select interests.

The green areas on this map, including those in Niagara, mark the Greenbelt. It is unclear if there is enough political will among our municipal and regional elected representatives to fight for its protection.

As the letter notes, “Transparent, defensible and unbiased land use planning is a cornerstone of a healthy economy and democracy. We are concerned that, given the revelations from the Auditor General’s report about the Greenbelt land removal, there is a disturbing possibility that other recent provincial land use planning policies may have and may come from equally problematic processes.” Continue reading →

Dec. 11, 2014 – Photo by Denis Cahill

In 2016, Ted Luciani Was One of Only Eight Elected Reps Brave Enough to Vote Against Hiring Carmen D’Angelo to Niagara Region’s Top Administrative Job

A Brief Tribute from Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted August 17^th, 2023

If or when you enter the lobby of Niagara, Ontario’s regional headquarters where St. David’s Road turns into Sir Isaac Brock Way in Thorold, you may look along one of the walls and notice the portrait of Al Caslin along with those of six other past Regional Chairs going back to the formation of Niagara Region in 1970.

I have say that the sight of Caslin’s portrait up there with those of Gary Burroughs, Debbie Zimmerman and the others is an insult to them and it should come down. No other elected member of the Region’s council – and I know I’m far from the only Niagara citizen who feels this way – has done more to soil the reputation and healthy functioning of our regional government than Al Caslin. Continue reading →

“If we don’t begin to regulate fertilizer use and the amount of nutrients going across the terrestrial, aquatic interface, conditions for harmful algae growth will continue.”                         – Vaughn Mangal, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Brock University

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted August 16^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

The prevalence of blue-green algae blooms in southern Ontario will become more frequent as temperatures rise, say Brock University researchers.

The hot, dry periods from June to August create perfect conditions for harmful algae to grow, impacting fish populations and potentially putting human and pet health at risk.

Brock researchers Kelly Biagi (left) and Vaughn Mangal gather samples from the Wignell Drain in Port Colborne to examine what contributes to algae blooms. – Photo courtesy of Brock University

Brock researchers Vaughn Mangal, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, and Kelly Biagi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, are investigating what nutrients are entering the water that contribute to uncontrollable algae growth and the neurotoxins that shut down beaches and recreational water activities. Continue reading →

‘While the rich are getting richer, the rest of us are losing. We’re losing thousands of acres of prime farmland, wetlands and woodlands’.

A Statement from the Green Party of Ontario on the Sacking of our Greenbelt by the Ford Tories and their Developer Pals

Posted August 11^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Paving more paradise, even in a time of climate crisis

This past Wednesday, August 9^th, 2023, a bombshell report from Ontario’s Auditor General confirmed what we’ve known all along about the Ford government’s Greenbelt giveaway.

Our main takeaway?

Since day one, this government has favoured friends and insiders at the expense of everyday Ontarians.

Here’s just some of what the Auditor General dug up:

Continue reading →

A Few Words from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted August 9^th, 2023

Robbie Robertson, known most for his work with the legendary rock group, The Band

As if we need any more sad news in a world weighed down with bad news these days, we learned this August 9^th that Robbie Robertson, an iconic Indigenous musician born in Canada and heart and soul of the legendary group, The Band, has died at age 80.

Robbie Robinson was also The Band’s principle songwriter with such great songs as Up on Cripple Creek, The Night They Rolled Old Dixie Down and The Weight.

Songs like this will always keep Robbie Robertson alive.

Click on the screen below to watch and hear the band performing The Weight –

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 News Release from Environmental Defence, one of Canada’s major citizen groups on green issues

Posted August 9th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – This August 9th, the Ontario Auditor General released a report that concludes that the political level of the Ontario government directed its civil service staff to remove land owned by particular developers from the Greenbelt. As a result of those actions, the decision to remove these lands should be revisited.

The Auditor General’s report confirms that lands were removed from the Greenbelt as a favour to particular sprawl developers to enable them to make up to $8.3 billion in windfall profits by building on land meant to be protected forever.

Shockingly, this occurred despite clear and abundant evidence that lands in the Greenbelt are not required to meet Ontario’s housing supply needs.

Continue reading →

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles called for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

A News Release from Ontario’s Offical Opposition Party

Posted August 9^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles called for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Steve Clark) after the Auditor General’s special report showed disturbing evidence of corruption, collusion, and fiscal irresponsibility. This report comes after requests from Stiles.

“Let’s call this what it is: corruption. Ontarians deserve better than a government that enriches a select number of party donors at the expense of hard-working Ontarians,” said Stiles, after noting that the Ford government’s Greenbelt transferred $8.3 billion over to donors and developers. Continue reading →

Selection of Lands Removed from Ontario’s Greenbelt Was Biased and Dismissive of Effective Land-Use Planning

Preferential Treatment Given to Certain Land Developer Requests – Ontario Auditor General

A News Release from the Office of Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk

Posted August 9^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk lets Ford government have it on possible gutting of Ontario’s Greenbeit lands

Toronto, Ontario – “Provincial government actions in 2022 to open parts of the Greenbelt for development failed to consider environmental, agricultural and financial risks and impacts, proceeded with little input from experts or affected parties, and favoured certain developers/landowners,” – Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk said in a special report tabled this August 8^th, 2023 with the Legislature.

Lysyk also noted that the owners of the 15 land sites removed from the Greenbelt could ultimately see more than an $8.3 billion increase to the value of their properties. Continue reading →

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

Posted August 2^nd, 2023 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles released the following statement this August 3^rd, 2023 on the sudden departure of former Ford Conservatives staffer Luca Bucci

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, released the following statement on the sudden departure of former Ford Conservatives staffer Luca Bucci (https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/housing/luca-bucci-housing-ministers-former-chief-out-as-ceo-of-homebuilders-association-7355580) as the CEO of the Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA):

“In addition to the serious environmental concerns, Ontarians are rightly worried about the appearance of insider trading when it comes to Ford’s Greenbelt Grab. Continue reading →

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted July 21^nd 2023 on Niagara At Large

At a Thursday, July 20^th, 2023 special meeting of Niagara Regional Council, members unanimously approved their new strategic priorities for the 2023-2026 term which are focused on “growing better together”.

Council’s strategic priorities provide the organization with clear direction about what Council’s expectation are and what will be accomplished over the balance of this term.

Ultimately, council’s priorities dictate where resources are invested, how work is undertaken and how decisions are made. Continue reading →

A Brief Tribute from Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted July 21^st, 2023

“Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just
Smile”

• From the song ‘Smile’, written by the late legendary silent film actor Charlie Chaplin and performed best, in Chaplin’s view, by Tony Bennett

On Cape Cod, Massachusetts, there is an entertainment venue called The Melody Tent where, much like the old and now long gone Melody Fair venue it resembled in Niagara County, New York, continues to feature some of the best-known music makers in the business. Continue reading →

News from Niagara Health, the region’s amalgamated system of hospitals

Posted July 18^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario –After more than a decade of planning, Niagara residents are celebrating the start of construction on the new South Niagara hospital.

On Tuesday, July 18, Premier Doug Ford along with Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Kinga Surma, Minster of Infrastructure, joined Niagara Health and the Niagara Health Foundation to break ground on the 1.3-million-square-foot hospital.

Cutline info: From left, Lynn Guerriero, Niagara Health President and CEO, Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Premier Doug Ford, Sam Oosterhoff, Niagara West MPP, Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, and Andrea Scott, Niagara Health Foundation President and CEO, gathered Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 to break ground on the new South Niagara hospital in Niagara Falls. The groundbreaking event, attended by about 300 people, officially marks the beginning of construction on the hospital, expected to open in summer 2028. Photo courtesy of Niagara Health

“Today’s groundbreaking event for the new South Niagara hospital brings us one step closer to connecting the people of the growing Niagara region to more convenient care close to home for generations to come,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Right across the province, we’re investing nearly $50 billion over the next 10 years to support more than 50 major hospital projects. When it comes to your health, we’re building a healthcare system that all Ontarians deserve.”

Located in Niagara Falls at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads, the South Niagara hospital will increase regional healthcare capacity. The facility has been designed to meet the growing needs of Niagara’s aging population, featuring centres of excellence in complex care, wellness in aging and stroke. Continue reading →

Posted May 2^nd, 2023 on Niagara At Large

R.I.P. Gordy.

To read a tribute from Canada’s Prime Minister, click on – https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2023/05/02/statement-prime-minister-death-gordon-lightfoot 

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

“Generally, the grades of the Niagara Peninsula watershed are below those observed in Ontario, but equivalent to grades observed across southwestern Ontario, where there are greater environmental stressors from higher population densities and larger concentrations of agriculture and industry.”

A News Release from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Posted March 23^rd, 2023 on Niagara At Large

2023 NIAGARA PENINSULA WATERSHED REPORT CARD

In celebration of World Water Day (this past March 22nd, 2023), the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is pleased to present the 2023 Watershed Report Card—a check up on the health of the Niagara Peninsula watershed, focusing on surface and groundwater quality, forest conditions, and watershed features.

The Watershed Report Card is part of an initiative by conservation authorities to evaluate key indicators of watershed health with guidelines and a grading system provided by Conservation Ontario. The NPCA has participated since 2012, producing a report every 5 years. Continue reading →

Zoom Meeting to Take Place on Wednesday, March 22 at 7 P.M. (See details for registering to attend this important meting below)

An Invite to Everyone Interested and Concerned from the Niagara Health Coalition, a member of the province-wide, citizens-based Ontario Health Coalition

Posted March 20th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Health’s Welland Hospital site among those that may see services, including emergency care, reduced in months and years ahead..

Niagara Public Meeting

The Niagara Health System (the amalgamated organization running Niagara’s hospital services) is planning to close vital hospital services in Welland, Port Colborne & Fort Erie. It has already reduced ER times and surgeries in Welland.

At the same time, the Ford government is moving forward with a plan to cut and privatize our public hospitals’ core services including surgeries and diagnostic tests. Our hospitals will be financially impacted by the loss ofthose services. This in turn will affect the types of services offered and the staffing levels . Continue reading →

From Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted March 20th, 2023

I you received two copies in your in-box of the Niagara At Large post that begins with the words ‘Hallelujah to Sunshine….’, one of them will not open to my celebration story to spring. But please try the other copy you received. It will work. Thank you. Doug Draper

“With this initiative, our government is helping more Canadians access a home that meets their needs and is within their means. This is a significant step toward building more housing faster in our cities and ensuring that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.”                                                                                     – Ahmed Hussen, Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

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

Posted March 17^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Right now, in cities across the country, it is too hard to build the housing we need, particularly affordable housing.

Housing policies are often barriers to producing results and many Canadians – from young families, to seniors, to newcomers – are finding it harder to find an affordable place to call home. It is clear that we need to accelerate change so the system works for all Canadians. Continue reading →

The “Peaceful Memorial” for Kiska will be Held Outside the Marineland Amusement Park along Portage Road in Niagara Falls, Ontario on Saturday, March 18^th from 10 to 11 A.M.

An Invite to All of Us to attend from Niagara animal advocates Jenny McQueen and Shadia Toderovitz

Posted March 17th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Kiska, the now late orca whale, served more than 40 years in captivity at Marineland in Niagara Falls,, Ontario

Please join us for a quiet memorial for Kiska (an orca whale who lived in captivity at Marineland for decades and spent her last dozen or so years remaining there, as the only orca (“killer whale”) still living in captivity in all of Canada).

Absolutely everyone is welcome.

We’ll bring the big RIP banner. Feel free to bring your own signs too, and messages to display.

Kiska was beloved by all; so many individuals and organizations campaigned for her, for decades. Humankind failed her.

Continue reading →

“It appears it’s (back to) business as usual at the Region.”

A Comment to Niagara At Large from  one of many concerned and upset Niagara, Ontario residents

Posted March 16th, 2023

Before we share the Niagara resident’s comment with you, here is a Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper –

The comment I am featuring below was recently sent to Niagara At Large as a response to a March 11th news commentary posted here on the recent decision by Niagara Region’s council to agree to settle a more than three-year-old, $850,000 lawsuit against former Niagara regional chair Al Caslin and two of Caslin’s then senior staff, Jason Tamming and Robert D’Ambrose.

Then Niagara regional chair Al Caslin delivering one of his ‘State of the Region’ addresses during his time in office in the mid- to late-2010s. He kept telling the audience of mostly business leaders and fellow politicians how much there was “to cheer about.”

The lawsuit was launched against Caslin and other two in response to their alleged misconduct around the controversial hiring in2016 of Carmen Angelo as the Region’s chief administrative officer (CAO) – a position  Angelo disappeared from following a 2018 municipal election that saw Caslin and several other regional councillors who relentlessly supported Caslin’s agenda soundly defeated at the polls.

Then, this past March 10th, Niagara’s Regional Government circulated a news release to announce that the lawsuit against Caslin and the others has been settled and that the results of that settlement will remain “confidential,” never to be known to Niagara citizens and taxpayers. Continue reading →

Investment Providing Supports in Long-Term Care Homes Across Niagara Region

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

Posted March 15^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West ConservativeMPP Sam Oosterhoff

GRIMSBY – The Ontario government is investing $294,513 in nineteen projects across Niagara to help seniors with complex medical needs like dementia and bariatric care connect to specialized care and supports in their long-term care home instead of a hospital.

This is part of a $20 million investment this year in 189 projects province wide through a new Local Priorities Fund operated by Ontario Health.

The funding was announced today at Deer Park Villa in Grimsby, a local long-term care home administered by the Regional Municipality of Niagara.

“Today’s announcement in Grimsby highlights our government’s commitment to fix Ontario’s long-term care system and ensure seniors in Niagara get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. Continue reading →

“Canadians need to have confidence in our electoral system, and in our democracy. As Independent Special Rapporteur, David Johnston brings integrity and a wealth of experience and skills, and I am confident that he will conduct an impartial review to ensure all necessary steps are being taken to keep our democracy safe and uphold and strengthen confidence in it.”                              – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

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

Posted March 15^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

The Government of Canada takes any attempts at undermining our democracy very seriously and will continue to take action to protect our institutions and uphold Canadians’ confidence in our democracy.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the federal government intends to appoint the Right Honourable David Johnston as Independent Special Rapporteur, a new role as part of a suite of measures to help combat foreign interference and strengthen confidence in our federal electoral process and democratic institutions. This follows consultations with all parties in the House of Commons. Continue reading →

“The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of trained, certified volunteers who help their community in a time of disaster or crisis.”

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 13^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region is searching for volunteers from across Niagara to join its Community Emergency Response Team.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of trained, certified volunteers who help their community in a time of disaster or crisis. Having an emergency response team in place helps increase Niagara’s safety and resiliency, and is a critical part of emergency response employed by communities throughout North America. Continue reading →

“On behalf of Regional Council, I want to unequivocally restate our position that the actions of the former regional chair (Al Caslin), and his staff (former regional execs Jason Tamming and Robert D’Amboise), were entirely inappropriate and truly inexcusable for any individual holding public office or serving in a position of influence.”                                                                             – current Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley following the settlement of an $850,000 lawsuit this March 9th, filed by the Region more than three years ago against the trio.

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

Posted March 11^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Former Niagara Regional chair Al Caslin

Niagara’s current regional council and supporting staff have reached what they are coming right out in a news release and calling a “confidential” settlement with former Niagara regional chair Al Caslin and two of Caslin’s then senior staff, Jason Tamming and Robert D’Ambrose.

The lawsuit – seeking an $850,000 claim that broke down to $500,000 against Caslin, $250,000 against D’Ambrose and $100,000  against Tamming, for their alleged roles in the controversial 2016 hiring of Carmen D’Angelo to the Region’s top job, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) – a position D’Angelo vanished from following the 2018 municipal elections that saw Caslin soundly defeated.

According to what little Niagara’s regional government is willing to tell us about the settlement in a news release, it can at lease continue to call the actions of Caslin and the other two egregious and can also continue to agree with the findings of an Ontario Ombudsman’s 2019 report called ‘Inside Job’on the CAO hiring controversy. Continue reading →

Kiska’s Death at Niagara Falls, Ontario Amusement Death Hopefully Marks the End of These Great Whales Being Held in Captivity for Humans’ Amusement

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

March 11^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Kiska, an orca or species of whale more commonly and callously referred to by humans as a “killer whale,” died at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario this past March 9^th.

Kiska, the orca whale, serving more than 40 years in captivity at Marineland in Niagara Falls,, Ontario

This magnificent member of a marine mammal family known to be highly social it natural environment of oceans and seas, lived out all but three of her 47 years in cement ponds at the Marineland amusement park – the last 11or so of them as the only captive orca left in this park and in all of Canada. Continue reading →

“Ontarians need a functioning, well-funded, publicly available health care system that is there when we need it. That’s what people in this province deserve.”                                                                 – France Gélinas, Ontario NDP Health critic.

A News Release from Ontario’s Official Opposition New Democratic Party

Posted March 9^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) report (https://www.fao-on.org/web/default/files/publications/FA2209%20Health%20Sector%20Spending%20Plan%20Review/Ontario%20Health%20Sector%20Spending%20Plan%20Review-EN.pdf)  found that the Ford Conservatives’ plan will fall $21.3 billion short of the funding needed for hospitals, home care, and long-term care unless the government immediately changes course.

“Ford continues to put profiteers ahead of patients,” said Opposition Leader, Marit Stiles. “Conservatives say their plan is working but today’s report shows what too many Ontarians already know – it’s not. His ideological push to privatize will only make things worse.”

“When it comes to health care, Ford has fundamentally failed Ontarians,” said France Gélinas (Nickel Belt), NDP Health critic. “Year after year, Ford has refused to fund the health care services that all Ontarians deserve, and support the health care workers who care for us in times of need. Unless Ford makes a change right now, Ontario will have less hospital capacity and less long-term care capacity in 2028 than we did a decade ago. This $21 billion funding shortfall is only part of the story – the larger problem is a health care staffing shortage created by the Ford government.” Continue reading →

Congressmembers Brian Higgins of New York & Bill Huizenga of Michigan Lead Push for Greater Commitment from Canada on Great Lakes

Leaders Stress Importance & Benefits of Joint Effort to Protect Shared Fresh Water Resources

A News Release from the Buffalo, New York Office of U.S. Democratic Party Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted March 9^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins. File photo

Congressmembers Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Bill Huizenga (MI-04) are leading an effort to encourage the Government of Canada to strengthen its commitment to protecting and investing in the Great Lakes.

In a letter to President Biden, the Members say, “we write to underscore the importance of the Great Lakes to the United States and Canada, as well as the shared commitment that both our nations must uphold to support the Great Lakes.”

President Biden has announced his intention to visit Canada and meet with Prime Minister Trudeau during the month of March.

The Congressmembers are asking for this issue to be a priority in bilateral discussions, writing “We encourage you to highlight the importance of this binational resource, the investments needed to restore and protect the Great Lakes during your official visit to Canada…” Continue reading →

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”
― Rachel Carson

“In nature nothing exists alone.” – Rachel Carson, from Silent Spring

By Doug Draper, reporter and publisher at Niagara At Large

Posted March 8th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

This March 8th, 2023 is International Women’s Day and it is a time when I join many others, as we should not every day of the year and not just on International Women’s Day, celebrate women whose pioneering work has inspired us to build a better world for all

On this International Women’s Day one of the first women that comes to mind for this journalist and veteran reporter on environmental issues is American scientist Rachel Carson, whose book that shook the world, the most powerful and now legendary ‘SILENT SPRING’, set the stage for the first Earth Day in 1970 and what became known as the “modern environmental movement” and inspired people in Niagara (many of them women) and around the world to become leaders in fighting for environmental protection.

In 1963, the year after her ground-breaking book Silent Spring was first published,, Rachel Carson is featured on a cover of Time Magazine

When Silent Spring was published 60 years ago, in the fall of 1962, is became a bestseller but it also had those powerful concerns in the petro-chemical industry, in particular, to try to smear her as a communist and to try to have her black-balled as a professional scientist and writer. Continue reading →

A Brief One shared by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted March 7^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

In a story that has gone viral around the world, two amazing geese – Frankie and Blossom – get a second chance at love.

The feeling I get from the communication I do with people out there and around me is that many of us – not just a few – are at least a bit in the dumps, mentally and physically, after three years of COVID-19 and all of the troubling news here, there and around the world that continues to swamp us.

If you fall into that group, I must admit that I am with you.

So when I nice story that tugs at our hearts in the best of ways comes along, why not embrace it. Continue reading →

Building bridges at the forefront of Niagara Health’s diversity employer recognition

News from Niagara Health, Niagara, Ontario’s amalgamated system of hospital and related health care facilities

Posted March 7^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (2023) (CNW Group/Mediacorp Canada Inc.)

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Health is being recognized for having exceptional workplace diversity and inclusive programming as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers in 2023.

Presented by independent evaluator MediaCorp. Canada Inc., Canada’s Best Diversity Employers honours national leaders in creating inclusive workplaces for women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Continue reading →

MPP Gates disappointed government refuses to support OHIP coverage for life saving prostate cancer test

“We (Ontario’s New Democratic Party) came forward with an easy solution to this health care issue and they said no. They are clearly more interested in supporting private, out-of-pocket health care delivery.”

Niagara Falls Riding MPP and NDP incumbent Wayne Gates. file photo

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

Posted March 6^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) has been a long-time champion of a solution to provide OHIP coverage for prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer when referred by a healthcare provider.

Today his important legislation failed to move forward after conservative members voted against it.

“Frankly I’m disappointed, but not surprised—this has consistently been the tone of this government when it comes to public health care,” said Gates. Continue reading →

“In Niagara, there is a desperate need for housing with supports to assist people who are facing trauma caused by homelessness, addictions and mental health challenges.”                                                – Joanne Heritz, Assistant Professor in Brock University’s  Department of Political Science and Research Associate in the Niagara Community Observatory

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 6^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Regional Council recently voted to declare three separate states of emergency for homelessness, mental health and opioid addiction, appealing to the federal and provincial government for help in dealing with these crises.

Three Brock University researchers are available to comment on issues surrounding this development.

Darlene Ciuffetelli Parker, a Professor in the Department of Educational Studies and Director of Teacher Education, conducts research with schools and non-profit communities on poverty-related issues, particularly focusing on high-risk populations and the impact of poverty on schools and communities. Continue reading →

(A Message from Niagara At Larger reporter and publisher Doug Draper- The following news commentary  was originally posted on Niagara At L:arge this past February 13th, 2023.  We have decided to post it again, this March 4th, 2023, as we have noticed that mainstream newspapers in Niagara are now publishing stories on the same report. 

NAL considered this report, prepared by an appointed federal government panel, to be significant at the time since it should be of interest and concern to voters in the Niagara, Ontario region. Therefore, here we go with the posting, one more time,just in case you missed our news commentary on this the first time around. )

A Report, Released this February 10^th by the Federally Appointed Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Ontario, Has Mapped Out Some Major Changes to Riding Boundaries in Niagara Ontario

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

Re- Posted February 13^h, 2023 on Niagara At Large

A final report on federal and provincial election boundary changes for Niagara and the rest of the province has now been released

If the late NDP MPPs Mel Swart and Peter Kormos, both long-time representatives for the Niagara Centre Riding (earlier known as the Welland-Thorold Riding), or the late Liberal MPP Vince Kerrio Sr., a long-time representative for the Riding of Niagara Falls, came back to life now, the changes just tabled in Canada’s House of Commons for  their ridings would likely make their heads spin.

For starters, the name of the Niagara Centre Riding, currently held provincially by NDP MPP Jeff Burch and federally by Liberal MP Vance Badawey, will be changed to Niagara South and, according to new boundary changes,  it will lose all of its constituents in the south end of St. Catharines, including Brock University, and will now take in virtually all of Fort Erie.

The Niagara Falls Riding, currently held provincially by NDP MPP Wayne Gates and federally by Conservative MP Tony Baldinelli, will be named the Niagara North Riding and will lose the aforementioned Fort Erie area to Niagara South while keeping all or most of the City of Niagara Falls and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Those are among the major changes outline for Niagara according to a final report, tabled in the House of Commons this past Friday, February 10^th, 2022 by a three-person panel appointed by the federal Speaker of the House to serve on an Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Ontario.

The final report was tabled by the panel, made up of Ontario Court Justice Lynne Leitch and political science professors Karen Bird of McMaster University in Hamilton and Peter Loewen of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, after it spent more than a year of research and consulting with individuals and groups across the province.

A map of new federal and provincial riding election boundaries, including name changes for three ridings in the Niagara region.

The commission also held a series of public meetings across Ontario, including one at Brock University in Niagara last fall, where it invited anyone who wanted to in the region to comment on its proposals for electoral boundary changes and to make their own recommendations. Those who could not attend these meetings were invited to write the commission or offer comments online.

Another major change for Niagara included in the final report would take virtually all of the Town of Grimsby north of the Niagara Escarpment out of the current Niagara West Riding and include it in a new Riding to be called Hamilton-Stoney Creek-Grimsby Lakeshore.

One proposed change that at least some in Niagara strongly objected to and that was ultimately dropped by the commission was to take all of Thorold, the most urban part of the municipality  north of Highway 20, and include it in the Niagara West Riding, as a way to kick up population numbers in the predominantly rural riding represented provincially by Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff and federally by Conservative MP Dean Allison.

Niagara’s four federal and provincial election ridings as we knowthem now.

At the public meeting with the commission late last year at Brock University, a number of speakers, including Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, argued that it makes no sense to take Thorold out of a riding that includes a Welland Canal corridor it has so much economically and historically in common with Welland and Port Colborne.

In its final report, the commission wrote; “It was stated that the importance of the Welland Canal to the community identity of Thorold, both historically since Confederation and currently, cannot be underestimated. The Commission concluded that the demonstrated north/south economic development resulting from the canal communities’ aligned representation should be preserved. Thus, these suggestions (shared by Badawey and other Niagara area citizens) were implemented.”

If and when the new riding boundaries are official, the least changes in Niagara will arguably occur in the St. Catharines Riding, currently represented provincially by NDP MPP Jennie Stevens and federally by Liberal MP Chris Bittle, where the ridingwill lose a sliver of west St. Catharines to the Niagara West Riding and will gain constituents from the current Niagara Centre Riding in south St. Catharines.

One of the major goals driving the review of the entire electoral boundaries landcape in Ontario was to make population numbers in the more than 120 ridings across the province more equal.

Niagara At Large will post more on this issue as information and statements from significant others in the community come in.

Stay Tuned.

In the meantime, here are links to the commission’s report and to related material that you can click on below –

To read the commission’s entire report, click on – https://redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/com/on/rprt/on_rprt_e.pdf

To learn more about the commissioners, . click on – https://redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/com/on/mem/index_e.aspx

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

So Long to 89-Year-Old Music Legend Wayne Shorter

A Brief Tribute from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted March 3rd, 2023 

If you live in Niagara or anywhere in the Greater Toronto/Hamilton Area, and you’ve been listening to the weather reports over the past 24 hours up to the posting of this piece – around 4 p.m. this March 3^{rd –}  – you have probably heard that any hour now, we may be in for one hell of a winter storm.

So if there is still time and you don’t have all of the food and other necessities you may need to ride through what may be one of the winter’s wildest storms at home, stop reading this NOW and get out to the nearest stores to pick whatever you may need for the next 24 hours or so up.

And speaking of weather reports, the world has just lost the co-founder of Weather Report, one of the greatest jazz/fusion groups of all time. Continue reading →

Grocery CEOs Seheduled to Testify in Parliament

“Just last week, Loblaws and its CEO Galen Weston announced they made $14 Billion in revenues in one fiscal quarter alone as Canadians struggled to put food on the table.”

A Message to Canadians rom Federal New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh

Posted March 3^rd, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

I know Canadians are fed up with high grocery prices. You’re making sacrifices just to put food on the table for your family, or even worse, skipping meals.

It shouldn’t be this way.

That’s why next week in Parliament, I’ll be grilling the CEOs of the big grocery store chains to hold them accountable for the high prices Canadians are seeing at their stores.

We’ll make these CEOs face the music. They may be rich and powerful, but we’re forcing them to testify.

And I won’t take it easy on them. Continue reading →

Honoured this March 1st, 2023 with a most Prestigious U.S. Library of Congress Gershwin Prize

THANKS FOR ALL OF THE BEAUTY YOU  BRING TO A TROUBLED WORLD

A Brief Tribute from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted on Niagara At Large on March 2nd, 2023

Joni Mitchell, wonderful painter that she is. A self portrait with one of her beloved cats

She has worn he word “legend” now for quite a long time and has often been called by other giants in the popular music field, including the late David Crosby of Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash fame, as one of the greatest, if not the greatest singer-songwriters of all time.

Joni Mitchell, creator of such songs as ‘Both Sides, Now’, ‘Big Yellow Taxi’, ‘The Circle Game’, ‘Woodstock’, ‘River’ and so many more, has already been honoured with almost every conceivable music award, and an Order of Canada from her home country.

Now, along with the likes of Carole King, Willie Nelson, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Billy Joel, the late great Burt Bacharach and more, she is no a winner of the U.S. Library of Congress Gershwin Prize, which is huge.

By the way, Joni Mitchell is also a great painter.

Thank You Joni, for all of the beauty and passion you have brought to a world that desperately needs it

1. Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Here is Joni Mitchell, way back when, performing Both Sides, Now. Click on the screen below to watch it –

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

Canada and Ontario Making Significant Enhancements for the Food Supply System

“It is significant that this historical agreement was signed in Niagara, one of the most productive and diverse growing regions in the country.” – Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

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

Posted March 1^st, 2023 on Niagara At Large

 From Left to Right): Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; Vance Badawey, MP for Niagara Centre; Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, and Hon. Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

VINELAND STATION, Niagara, Ontario  – Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, joined Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Hon. Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Niagara West, today (this March 11st, 2023), as a witnessing signatory to the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a landmark agreement that will help unleash the potential of local growers and farm families across Ontario and Niagara.

From Left to Right): Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; Vance Badawey, MP for Niagara Centre; Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, and Hon. Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Farmers and the province’s wider agri-food sector will benefit from the targeted investments of the new, five-year agreement between the governments of Canada and Ontario, ensuring growers and farm families across Ontario continue to lead the world in food production, food safety, innovation and sustainable practices.  Continue reading →

“The spirit of cooperation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to make the Jordan Hollow Indigenous Cultural Park happen is a positive reflection of the values of Niagara.” – Karl Dockstader, Plenty Canada advisor for content, culture, and protocol and art jury member

A News Release from the Town of Lincoln in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 1^st, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Lincoln, Ontario – Plenty Canada and its partner, the Town of Lincoln, are thrilled to announce the selection of two site-specific Indigenous public artworks that will be installed permanently in Jordan Hollow Indigenous Cultural Park (https://speakuplincoln.ca/jordan-hollow-park) located at 3039 King St. in Lincoln, Ontario.

How entrance to  park will look – Two-Row Helix
David Beyer and Lilly Otasevic, Image courtesy of Town of Lincoln

The inclusion of these artworks in the park represents a significant step towards Reconciliation by promoting Indigenous culture and celebrating the work of contemporary Indigenous artists.

Plenty Canada received a non-repayable contribution of $180,000 through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund Tourism Relief Fund in southern Ontario (canada.ca) delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/feddev-ontario/en) (FedDev Ontario), to support this project to include public art within the park. Continue reading →

  *   Members of the public are invited to share their knowledge, stories and/or personal connections to Oak Hall and Queen Victoria Place

  *   Data collected from online surveys will be used to inform future planning for the sites

A News Release from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted March 1^st, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Niagara Parks has launched a public engagement exercise to gain knowledge and input about two of its heritage buildings in Niagara Falls, Oak Hall and Queen Victoria Place, through the use of a digital survey available on its website.

A vintage photo of Niagara Parks’ Oak Hall. Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission

Members of the public are invited to visit niagaraparks.com/heritagesurvey to complete a short survey about their knowledge of Oak Hall and Queen Victoria Place. As part of Niagara Parks’ heritage planning process, the survey results will then be incorporated into the development of heritage assessments for the buildings, which both require capital investment. Continue reading →

NEW REPORT – More than enough land available to build over 2 million homes in the Greater Golden Horseshoe by 2031, without touching the Greenbelt or expanding urban boundaries

“There is so much existing land inside urban boundaries that the (Greater Golden Horseshoe region, including Niagara) would need to double the rate of land consumption in the 21st century in order to consume it all within three decades.”

Niagara citizens at Regional Headquarters for November 24th Inaugural meeting of council. Photo by Doug Draper

A News Release from The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario,   Environmental and other top-flight citizen voices from across the province and country for  protecting and preserving what’s left of our Natural Heritage

Posted February 27^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat – A new report makes it clear that there is more than enough land already in the planning pipelines to build over 2 million homes by 2031, far more than the 1.5 million housing units the Province wants built across Ontario. Continue reading →

Gordon Pinsent – Age 92

“Mr. Pinsent loved his province and his country deeply. He entertained millions around the world and inspired us to say ‘yes’ to doing the things we love and to pursuing our dreams.”    – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

A Statement by Canada’s Prime Minister on the death of Gordon Pinsent

Posted February 26^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Iconic Canadian entertainer Gordon Pinsent

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Gordon Pinsent-

“It was with profound sadness that I learned yesterday (this past Saturday, February 25^th) about the passing of Canadian icon Gordon Pinsent – one of the country’s most prolific and beloved actors.

“Born in Grand Falls, N.L., Mr. Pinsent had a storied career, spanning over six decades, as an actor, writer, director and singer. He will be fondly remembered for his many roles in Canadian shows and films, including Away From Her, The Rowdyman, The Forest Rangers, The Red Green Show, Due South, The Grand Seduction, Street Legal, Republic of Doyle, and as the voice of Babar the Elephant. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC)

Posted February 26^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Michele-Elise Burnett to be honoured

Niagara, Ontario – On March 3rd, 2023, the GNCC will hold its 22nd annual International Women’s Day event, co-presented by Niagara Economic Development and PenFinancial Credit Union. As in 2022, the event will be in-person.

Every year, the GNCC honours and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of one woman, and this year, the International Women’s Day award will be presented to Michele-Elise Burnett, Naawii Cappo, Métis of Ontario citizen with Algonquin roots, Bear Clan, President of Kakekalanicks, an Indigenous arts and consultancy company which helps promote and educate Indigenous art and artists to a broad audience. Continue reading →

 “Putin thought his invasion would be a quick victory, but he was mistaken. Ukrainians have stood strong over the last 365 days and counting, and as Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine, Canada and Canadians will stand by the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.”                                                                 –  Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

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

Posted Februarry 24^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

One year ago today (this February 24^th, 2023), Putin launched a brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the face of the immense human suffering, appalling human rights violations, and cruelty inflicted upon the people of an independent and sovereign nation, Ukraine still stands strong.

The Ukrainian people have bravely stood up to the Russian regime, in defence of their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and  independence – and our shared values of democracy and freedom. The Government of Canada will stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes. Continue reading →

“The Ford government committed to maintain full emergency department and acute care services in Welland – what happened to that promise? Ontarians deserve a government that keeps their promises, especially when their local health care is at stake.” – Jeff Burch, NDP MPP for Niagara Centre

A News Release from the Constituence Office of Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

Posted February 24^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP leader

NIAGARA, Ontario – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP, joined MPP Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) and MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) in Welland, Ontario this (February 24th, 2023) morning to advocate for increased access to public health care across the province, including in Welland where after-hours emergency surgeries will no longer be taking place after February.

“The Ford government is making a clear choice to withhold billions of dollars in health care spending,” said Stiles. “We could be funding solutions in public health right now – instead, Ford’s decision is creating a staffing crisis in our health care system that he has no interest in fixing. Continue reading →

Province Tops Up Gas Tax Funding To Make Up For Lower Gas Sales

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

Posted February 24th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West Tory MPP Sam Oosterhoff (left) and his boss, Premier Doug Ford

BEAMSVILLE, Niagara – The Ontario Government is providing more money to support the expansion and improvement of Public Transit Services In Niagara.

The funding is part of the province’s gas tax program which will allocate more than $379.5 Million To help 107 municipalities operate and improve local transit. 

Niagara is receiving $6,519,878 in gas tax allocations, including:

Continue reading →

“They Paved Paradise, Put Up a Parking Lot.”                     – Joni Mitchell

Waverly Woods – Almost All of  this Natural Haven,  Gone Forever. How Tragic That Is For Present and Future Generations, To See You Go

THIS IS DOUG FORD’S ONTARIO!

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

Posted February 23rd, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Waverly Woods last fall, the last time I saw it. Photo by Doug Draper

I’m sorry to say that I only got to know Waverly Woods, along the Ontario shores of Lake Erie where the waters of the Great Lakes enter the Niagara River about four or five years ago. Continue reading →

“ On August 11th, 2022, a family wedding fundraiser known as a “stag and doe” was hosted at the Premier’s home. … Invitees included developers and lobbyists, with invitees later telling journalists they felt “browbeaten” into purchasing tickets. Some expressed concern about risking their professional reputations by being seen as “trying to gain influence by paying for his daughter’s wedding.”                                                                                            – from a February 23^rd, 2023 letter Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles sent to the Province’s Integrity Commissioner 

Ontario NDP and Official Opposition Leader Marit Stilesj

A News Release from Ontario’ Official Opposition New Democratic Party

Posted February 23^rd, 2023 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition, submitted a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner this morning requesting an investigation into whether the Premier has violated the Members’ Integrity Act concerning two Ford family events.

The complaint includes fresh evidence that suggests a troubling pattern of ongoing government policy decisions benefitting developers and lobbyists with close ties to the Premier. Continue reading →

Applications Now Open For Community Garden Funding

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

Posted February 22^nd, 2023 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Not only is this a great thing to begin thinking about and planning during the last cold weeks of winter, but what a great thing the City of St. Catharines in promoting during a time when all the more green plants and trees is a counterattack on carbon emmissions and climate change.

Every municipality in Niagara, Ontario should do this. – Doug Draper)

The City of St. Catharines is providing funding to help community gardens take root.

The City is once again supporting community groups looking to establish new community gardens, and/or improving existing ones.

Applications for the annual program are now open, providing the opportunity for incorporated charities and not-for-profit groups to apply to receive matching funds from the City for up to half of eligible start-up costs, including lumber, soil, seeds, rain barrels and other materials and equipment.

“The contribution of community gardens cannot be measured in the yield of a harvest – this is also about community building, learning about horticulture and enjoying some time working in the outdoors,” said Ilyse Norton, the City’s Development Horticultural Technician. Continue reading →

The $3.6-Billion Hospital – Slated to be Open in 2028 – Is Meant to Serve All Resident in Niagara, Ontario’s Southern Tier

A News Release from Niagara Health, the amalgamated system of hospital services in Niagara, Ontario

Posted February, 21st, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This Tuesday, February. 21st, 2023, Niagara Health (NH) and IO announced that EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare (EDIH) has been awarded a fixed-price contract of approximately $3.6 billion to design, build, finance and maintain the new South Niagara Hospital.

What the new South Niagara Hospital would look like on lands in southwest Niagara Falls – The South Niagara Site Will Be Located At The Corner Of Montrose And Biggar Roads In Niagara Falls. Construction Will Begin This Summer, With Opening Planned For 2028. Artistic Rendering Is Subject To Change.

The contract reflects the payments made during construction, the substantial completion payment and the monthly service payments before inflation adjustments.

EDIH will soon begin site work on the property, with construction planned to begin this summer. The hospital will take five years to build, with occupancy planned for 2028. Continue reading →

“He was decent. …The world needs fewer Rambos and more leaders like him. I’m sure they will roll out the red carpet when he arrives at the Pearly Gates.”

Former U.S. President and life-long environmentalist and humanitarian Jimmy Carter

A Comment shared with Niagara At Large from Fort Erie, Ontario resident and retired hospital emergency care nurse Linda McKellar

Posted February 20^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large – Every once in a while, depending on the subject a comment from an NAL reader is addressing, and the depth gone to make some points, we like to bump the comment up from down under the post it’s author was responding to. As 98-year-old Jimmy Carter – a true humanitarian and friend of Canada – lives out his final days of life at home in hospice, here is one of those – )

It will be a sad day when this great, honest and GOOD man leaves this planet.

I was in Egypt when the accord was signed between Begin and Sadat. That was the one time I didn’t argue when people called me an American. Jimmy Carter was so loved in Egypt for finally giving them a sense of peace and security. That accord has lasted for 45 years!

I met him and (his wife) Rosalynn in 2008 in Nepal where he was still acting as an election monitor…in his 80s! A fireball riding mountain roads in a Jeep in his jeans. I just strode up to him with my hand out to shake his. Continue reading →

A Few Words for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter , an Environmentalist and Life-Long-Long Humanitarian 

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted February 19th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Then U.S. President Jimmy Carter, visiting Niagara Falls, New York in the late 1970s, with then Love Canal Homeowners’ Association president, when he declared a second state of emergency in the chemically ravaged Love Canal neighourhood.

When I began my work in or around the beginning of the 1980 as the first (and  sadly the last) full-time environment reporters the then proudly independent and family-owned St. Catharines Standard has had, there were many disturbing issues to report on.

Those issues included pollution in the waters and in the air above our Great Lakes region, and the discharge of highly toxic chemicals like dioxin and cancer-causing chloro-benzenes into the Niagara River in particular. Colonies of gulls in the Niagara River and Lake Ontario where laying eggs with some much industrial poison in them that they would not hatch – a warning sign that the Great Lakes ecosystem was on the verge of collapse.

But there was also plenty of reason for optimism.

Continue reading →

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

Posted February 17^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Toronto Mayor John Tory’s last day in office as eggs are pelted against his windows.

I turned on the CBC television news earlier this Friday, February 17^th to images of the outgoing City of Toronto Mayor John Tory serving his last day in office with the yoke and shells of eggs splattering the windows of that office outside.

I am no fan of Mayor Tory, has resigned from the mayor’s job after admitting to an affair with a female. I am particularly disappointed in him for so eagerly wrapping his arms around “strong mayor powers” Ontario Premier Doug Ford afforded him to over-ride decisions made by a majority on his council, even while the Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, shunned such powers as an attack on our democracy.

Yet egging the windows outside Tory’s office struck me as one more sign that politics and any semblance of civility around governance in our country is getting uglier and uglier. Continue reading →

Brock University expert says adhering to law not enough when it comes to politicians and finances

A News Release from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted February 16^th, 20223 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is under criticism for having real estate developers attend a stag and doe event where they made monetary gifts to his daughter and future son-in-law.

Paul Dunn, Professor of Business Ethics in Brock University’s Goodman School of Business, says the optics of the situation must be considered alongside what is legal.

“Adhering to the letter of the law is rarely sufficient,” says Dunn. “Integrity means following its spirit.”

Dunn says the standards held by professional accountants are an example for others when considering the optics of their decisions.

When an accountant conducts an audit, if there is not independence, the audit opinion lacks credibility, he says. Continue reading →

Shouldn’t We Be  More Concerned About Issues Like Homelessness, the Cost of Food and Climate Change?

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

Posted February 15^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

While Canadians are grumbling about the cost of eggs and why we are paying some of the highest prices for telecommunication services in the world, our Prime Minister is busy with his NORD partners in the U.S. shooting down “objects.”

Oh look, Another “object” up in the sky. Turn on the air warning sirens!

NORAD, as you may know, was created by Canada and the United States during another era of paranoia called The Cold War, captured so perfectly in one of the period’s greatest films, Dr. Strangelove.”

In the film, one of the military commanders warns that if they don’t stay alert to potential danger, “the Commies will catch us with our pants down and clobber us.” Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted February 14^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

Another Day. Another Mass Shooting in America.

This one at a campus of the Michigan State University in that state’s City of Lansing – a nice campus I remember attending as an environment reporter many years ago on a conference being held on the Great Lakes.

At the time of this posting, three students from this once-proud public university campus are dead, the shooter is dead and five other students are in hospital with serious or life-threatening wounds from yet another mass shooting attack. Continue reading →

Originally Posted on February 12, 2023 by dougdraper | 3 Comments

A Report, Released this February 10^th by the Federally Appointed Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Ontario, Has Mapped Out Some Major Changes to Riding Boundaries in Niagara Ontario

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

Re- Posted February 13^h, 2023 on Niagara At Large

A final report on federal and provincial election boundary changes for Niagara and the rest of the province has now been released

If the late NDP MPPs Mel Swart and Peter Kormos, both long-time representatives for the Niagara Centre Riding (earlier known as the Welland-Thorold Riding), or the late Liberal MPP Vince Kerrio Sr., a long-time representative for the Riding of Niagara Falls, came back to life now, the changes just tabled in Canada’s House of Commons for  their ridings would likely make their heads spin.

For starters, the name of the Niagara Centre Riding, currently held provincially by NDP MPP Jeff Burch and federally by Liberal MP Vance Badawey, will be changed to Niagara South and, according to new boundary changes,  it will lose all of its constituents in the south end of St. Catharines, including Brock University, and will now take in virtually all of Fort Erie.

The Niagara Falls Riding, currently held provincially by NDP MPP Wayne Gates and federally by Conservative MP Tony Baldinelli, will be named the Niagara North Riding and will lose the aforementioned Fort Erie area to Niagara South while keeping all or most of the City of Niagara Falls and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Those are among the major changes outline for Niagara according to a final report, tabled in the House of Commons this past Friday, February 10^th, 2022 by a three-person panel appointed by the federal Speaker of the House to serve on an Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Ontario.

The final report was tabled by the panel, made up of Ontario Court Justice Lynne Leitch and political science professors Karen Bird of McMaster University in Hamilton and Peter Loewen of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, after it spent more than a year of research and consulting with individuals and groups across the province.

A map of new federal and provincial riding election boundaries, including name changes for three ridings in the Niagara region.

The commission also held a series of public meetings across Ontario, including one at Brock University in Niagara last fall, where it invited anyone who wanted to in the region to comment on its proposals for electoral boundary changes and to make their own recommendations. Those who could not attend these meetings were invited to write the commission or offer comments online.

Another major change for Niagara included in the final report would take virtually all of the Town of Grimsby north of the Niagara Escarpment out of the current Niagara West Riding and include it in a new Riding to be called Hamilton-Stoney Creek-Grimsby Lakeshore.

One proposed change that at least some in Niagara strongly objected to and that was ultimately dropped by the commission was to take all of Thorold, the most urban part of the municipality  north of Highway 20, and include it in the Niagara West Riding, as a way to kick up population numbers in the predominantly rural riding represented provincially by Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff and federally by Conservative MP Dean Allison.

Niagara’s four federal and provincial election ridings as we knowthem now.

At the public meeting with the commission late last year at Brock University, a number of speakers, including Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, argued that it makes no sense to take Thorold out of a riding that includes a Welland Canal corridor it has so much economically and historically in common with Welland and Port Colborne.

In its final report, the commission wrote; “It was stated that the importance of the Welland Canal to the community identity of Thorold, both historically since Confederation and currently, cannot be underestimated. The Commission concluded that the demonstrated north/south economic development resulting from the canal communities’ aligned representation should be preserved. Thus, these suggestions (shared by Badawey and other Niagara area citizens) were implemented.”

If and when the new riding boundaries are official, the least changes in Niagara will arguably occur in the St. Catharines Riding, currently represented provincially by NDP MPP Jennie Stevens and federally by Liberal MP Chris Bittle, where the ridingwill lose a sliver of west St. Catharines to the Niagara West Riding and will gain constituents from the current Niagara Centre Riding in south St. Catharines.

One of the major goals driving the review of the entire electoral boundaries landcape in Ontario was to make population numbers in the more than 120 ridings across the province more equal.

Niagara At Large will post more on this issue as information and statements from significant others in the community come in.

Stay Tuned.

In the meantime, here are links to the commission’s report and to related material that you can click on below –

To read the commission’s entire report, click on – https://redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/com/on/rprt/on_rprt_e.pdf

To learn more about the commissioners, . click on – https://redecoupage-redistribution-2022.ca/com/on/mem/index_e.aspx

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

Tune to the Program on CBC Radio One FM 99.1 from 4 to 6 P.M.

Call in to the Open Line Program at 1-888-416-8333.

An URGENT  Call Out to All of Us from the Ontario Health Coalition, a not-for-profit citizens group advocating for quality public health care

Posted February 12^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

An Update to This Post – If you want to listen to the CBC Cross Country Checkup Program  referenced in this post, click on the following link – https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/private-clinics-solution-to-health-care-crisis-1.6744362 )

Their odious question for Canadians is – “Are private clinics the solution to Canada’s health-care crisis? How much are you willing to pay for faster service.”*

The framing of their question is false and entirely from the privatization ultra-right wing that wants to dismantle public medicare in our country.

Of course what CBC does not mention is that it us ILLEGAL to charge a patient and the private clinics that are doing so are BREAKING THE LAW for greed. Continue reading →

A Report, Released this February 10^th by the Federally Appointed Electoral Boundaries Commission for the Province of Ontario, Has Mapped Out Some Major Changes to Riding Boundaries in Niagara Ontario

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

Posted February 12^th, 2023 on Niagara At Large

A final report on federal and provincial election boundary changes for Niagara and the rest of the province has now been released

If the late NDP MPPs Mel Swart and Peter Kormos, both long-time representatives for the Niagara Centre Riding (earlier known as the Welland-Thorold Riding), or the late Liberal MPP Vince Kerrio Sr., a long-time representative for the Riding of Niagara Falls, came back to life now, the changes just tabled in Canada’s House of Commons for  their ridings would likely make their heads spin.

For starters, the name of the Niagara Centre Riding, currently held provincially by NDP MPP Jeff Burch and federally by Liberal MP Vance Badawey, will be changed to Niagara South and, according to new boundary changes,  it will lose all of its constituents in the south end of St. Catharines, including Brock University, and will now take in virtually all of Fort Erie.

The Niagara Falls Riding, currently held provincially by NDP MPP Wayne Gates and federally by Conservative MP Tony Baldinelli, will be named the Niagara North Riding and will lose the aforementioned Fort Erie area to Niagara South while keeping all or most of the City of Niagara Falls and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Continue reading →