Author Archives: dougdraper

A Passionate Plea for Action from 18-Year-Old Swedish Climate Activist Greta Thunberg

During a Global Climate Strike Rally in Germany on This Past September 24, 2021

A Brief One from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted September 28^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

If you happened to miss this urgent address delivered by the remarkable young activist Greta Thunberg to a large audience in Germany this past September 24^th, please give it a listen. And please take it to heart.

If only we had a Prime Minister in Canada, let alone any provincial Premier across this country, speak about this climate emergency with that kind of passion.

“World leaders are talking about building back better, promising green investment and setting vague and distant climate targets as if to say that they are taking climate action,” Thunberg told thousands participating in the rally. Continue reading →

A Brief Introduction to this Well-Timed  Book and its Author by Doug Draper

Posted September 27^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Among the few individuals left from the golden era of modern-day environmentalism to write about book about the need to protect and preserve our Great Lakes rivers, who better to do it than Margaret Wooster.

Margaret Wooster, an ecologist by trace, was the last executive director of Great Lakes United, a large Canada/U.S. coalition of public and private sector organizations around the Great Lakes basin that was founded in 1982 with a mission to advocate for the health of the lakes for the tens-of-millions of people living around them.

Tragically, Great Lakes United (GLU) and its voice for multi-dozens of public and private bodies in both countries, died in 2013, at a time when the environmental movement driven from the first Earth Day in 1970 was running up against walls of apathy, and relentless push backs from special interests with a mind to exploiting lands around the Great Lakes. Continue reading →

“Doug Ford is forcing all children, teens and seniors to go without vision care in order to save a buck. He doesn’t want to spend the money, and it’s everyday people who are paying the price.” – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

News from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted September 27^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is calling on the Doug Ford government to immediately get back to the table with optometrists, and put fair funding in place to give children and seniors the eye care they’re being denied.

“There are kids and teens struggling in school because they can’t see the board, or coping with eye pain and headaches. There are older adults facing the loss of independence because they can’t get a new prescription,” said Horwath.

“Doug Ford is forcing all children, teens and seniors to go without vision care in order to save a buck. He doesn’t want to spend the money, and it’s everyday people who are paying the price.” Continue reading →

“Niagara’s residents deserve better. Our environmental assets deserve protection. Our Region, our municipal governments and our Conservation Authority need to step up before there is nothing left to protect.”

This Story is from Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara, an alliance of citizen-based conservation and environmental organizations and individuals from across the Niagara region

Posted September 27^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Trees have already been buzz-sawed down at the historic Ranwood Estate in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. How many more trees have to be mowed down before someone in authority finally says ‘STOP’?

According to Niagara-on-the-Lake residents, the Region has given permission for the removal of the last 2.5 acres of forest remaining on the Randwood Estate lands, now owned by the Two Sisters winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The land has already been the subject of controversial tree-cutting that had the community up in arms in 2017, and again in 2018, as 434 trees, including endangered butternut trees and Eastern Flowering Dogwood, as well as several hundred-year-old oaks and towering pines were cleared.

Residents say what happened to this historic and heavily treed property is an example of everything that’s wrong with local and regional planning and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority — organizations which all failed at some point to protect the area’s significant woodlands, creek, aquifer and important Natural Heritage Corridor. Continue reading →

“A common denominator of workplace outbreaks has been low vaccination uptake by employees. A COVID-19 vaccination policy is the most effective means to increase vaccination coverage in the workplace.”

A News Release from the Niagara’s Regional Government’s department of Public Health

Posted September 26^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region Public Health is recommending local employers establish a workplace vaccination policy to protect their employees and clients from COVID-19, and to prevent disruption of business recovery.

With the Delta variant currently driving a fourth wave in Niagara, there have been 11 workplace outbreaks so far in (and as of the 23^rd of) September. This has required many employees to isolate as close contacts, disrupting business and impeding the economic recovery so many businesses need. Continue reading →

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

Posted September 24th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley – a former Ontario environment minister – receives Regional Council support for his motion to develop and impiment a climate action plan for Niagara

Niagara, Ontario – “Thank you for your leadership,” said St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik to Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley at a meeting of the Region’s council this September 23rd.

What Sendzik was thanking Bradley for was a motion the Chair tabled at the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee this past September 15th, directing Regional staff and the Council to develop and implement a climate action plan for Niagara.

That motion received final approval at full meeting of the Regional council this September 23rd, and could not come soon enough as the province, country and other parts of the world witness an unprecedented number of severe floods, droughts, killer heat waves, wildfires, wind storms and other climate-related events that are costing lives and countless billions of dollars of destruction to property and wildlife.

And closer to home, Bradley’s motion states that “the Niagara Region has already been impacted by climate change through shoreline and escarpment destruction, millions of dollars of infrastructure damages caused by extreme storm events and increase freeze–thaw cycles destroying our roads and subsurface infrastructure.” Continue reading →

“And our grandchildren will know that we are the culprits and… that we were warned and they will know that it was this generation that came centre stage to speak and act on behalf of posterity and that we missed our cue and they will ask themselves what kind of people we were to be so selfish and so short sighted.”                                                                                                 – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the global climate crisis

A Brief One from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

(This post has been updated to include a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s actual address at the United Nations, rather than just the news conference he held after.)

Posted September 23^rd, 2021

I never dreamed of a day I would be singing praises for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

But in an address he delivered to the United Nations this September 22^nd, he nailed it on the crisis our world faces today due to a climate crisis fueled by unsustainable human activities.

This Thursday, September 23^rd, at a Niagara Regional Council meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m., a motion tabled by Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley at the Region’s planning and economic development committee a week ago, will be on deck for discussion and, hopefully, will receive final approval.

That motion calls for developing and launching a climate action plan in our Niagara region – a call to action that is long overdue.

To hear and watch British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s September 23^rd address to the United States assembly in New York City, click on the screen immediately below –

To watch this Thursday, September 23rd Niagara Regional Council meeting click on the following link at 6:30 p.m. or at any time thereafter – https://www.niagararegion.ca/government/council/council-meetings.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

An Article by  Kevin Bunch, a writer/communications specialist with the Canada/U.S. International Joint Commission (IJC), for the IJC’s September 2021 newsletter, Great Lakes Connection

Posted September 23^rd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper –

One of the provincially significant wetlands in Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, Ontario – an area now targeted for urban development.  photo by Lori Monroe

In a region of Ontario where most of the great wetlands that were here when the first European settlers arrive are gone now, I hope that as many Niagara residents as possible will read the IJC article below.

Then you might also want to go online and find the contact information for the Windsor, Ontario Office of the International Joint Commission and do some satellite mapping and analysis of the wetlands we still have left before they too are possibly destroyed by predators in the development industry. Continue reading →

 “The 85 per cent of us who did the right thing and got our vaccines earned the right to be at a stadium, the mall, or at church without having to worry about whether the person beside us is unvaccinated.”

A Message from Ontario Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted September 22^nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is calling for the vaccine certificate program to be improved in order to protect people, and Ontario’s progress in the fight against COVID-19.

“The 85 per cent of us who did the right thing and got our vaccines earned the right to be at a stadium, the mall, or at church without having to worry about whether the person beside us is unvaccinated,” said Horwath.

“For the safety of our families and our progress in the fight against COVID-19, let’s fix the vaccine certificate program. Doug Ford’s version is full of holes big enough for COVID to pour through — let’s close them.” Continue reading →

“As the polls show, a majority of Canadians know there is no time to waste. Our communities can’t afford any more delays. The federal parties must now put aside their differences and work together to do what is needed to tackle the environmental crisis we face.”

A Statement on the Canadian Federal Election Results from Tim Gray, Executive Director of Environmental Defence Canada

Posted September 22nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – While no party won a majority mandate yesterday, the environment did, thanks to the millions of Canadians who cast ballots for parties that put forward strong policies to confront the climate emergency and advance environmental protection.

At a time where multiple crises are converging globally, this was a crucial election for Canadians. As the polls show, a majority of Canadians know there is no time to waste. Our communities can’t afford any more delays. The federal parties must now put aside their differences and work together to do what is needed to tackle the environmental crisis we face. Continue reading →

News Coming in from City of St. Catharines, Town of Lincoln, and the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines on How the Rules will Apply for Those Wishing to Enter Their Venues

Similar Rules Will Also Apply to Many Indoor Venues across the Niagara region and province

Posted September 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper –

The amount of text below is long but we feel to content is important enough that we are sharing it with our readers. There will probably be far more news to come on this new chapter to the war against COVID-19, and we will do our best to share key information with you.

In the meantime, if you live in another part of the Niagara region outside of St. Catharines or Lincoln, you may wish to call your municipality for more on the way these new rules will apply there.

Now here are some News Releases that have been circulated already by two Niagara, Ontario municipalities and one entertainment venue in our region –

City of St. Catharines facilities to require proof of vaccination starting September 22

St. Catharines City Hall

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 22, to comply with provincial regulations, anyone aged 12 and older will be required to show proof they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated to enter City of St. Catharines public facilities – unless an exemption applies.

Checks for COVID-19 proof of vaccination, indicating visitors are fully vaccinated with two approved doses, will be performed in addition to the visitor screening process currently in place at all City facilities, including those listed below: Continue reading →

An “Urgent Open Letter from Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch to Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott

Posted September 21st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Dear Premier Ford and Minister Elliott:

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

Many people already dealing with this ongoing pandemic and now having eye care services under OHIP stopped is really the last straw.

The Ontario Association of Optometrists says eye doctors are the lowest paid in the country and that OHIP has underfunded eye exams for decades.

My office has stacks of petitions from area optometrists and their patients demanding your government resolve this crisis in eye care coverage. They’re not even asking to make money at it. They are just saying, “Let’s negotiate something that covers our costs.” Continue reading →

“Public transit could have a huge impact on Niagara’s social and economic future. As we move forward, it’s important that we keep the public in the know, and keep their voices at the forefront of the discussion”                ~ Mat Siscoe, Chair, Linking Niagara Transit Committee

A Call-Out to All of Us from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted September 21^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region and all 12 local area municipalities are considering moving to a single, consolidated public transit system – a decision that could be made as early as this fall.

The proposed model <http://www.movingtransitforward.ca/>, based on consultation with all municipalities,would bring consistent operating hours and fares, new digital payment technology, and better connections for riders across Niagara. Continue reading →

On Friday, September 24th in St. Catharines, Ontario (See Details Below)

A Call-Out to All of Us from Extinction Rebellion Niagara

Re-Posted as a Reminder this September 21st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

As you may be aware, people around the globe are planning a Global Climate Strike on Friday, September 24th. To show our global solidarity and get back in the streets, we will be marching downtown St. Catharines on the (this coming Friday, September) 24th!

Here are the details of the day:

Continue reading →

Federal Liberals Need a New Leader, and Her Name is Chrystia Freeland

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted September 21^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Let me start by saying something I think most of my fellow Canadians can agree with; “Thank God this federal election is over.

Voters lined up outside polling stations like this one in Thorold, sometimes for more than a hour, to cast their ballots in this pandemic election. Photo by Doug Draper

Now we can hopefully get back to focusing on issues that matter in our lives and communities before we were so rudely interrupted – issues like the fourth wave of this killer pandemic, trying to struggle back as individuals, families and businesses mentally and economically, safeguarding children in schools, and a climate crisis we are facing right now.

Canada’s Liberal leader and prime minister, Justin Trudeau, celebrates “victory” following this September 21st’s federal election

This snap federal election was called in mid-August by Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and when asked over and over again why it was necessary, he kept falling back to the line that the government needed to hear from the Canadians people, and what we want to see done as the country moves forward.

It was a line that was never all that convincing.

Mr. Trudeau surely knew, before the election call, that he has more than 150 Liberal MPs with constituency offices spread out across the country. Canadians are calling in to those constituency offices every single day with their concerns and their hopes and desires on where they want to see the country go on a whole host of issues.

You don’t need to hold a snap election during a pandemic – one that cost Canadian taxpayers more than $600 million – to do that.

Continue reading →

“Continued closure of the U.S. border to vaccinated Canadians is completely unnecessary and unexplained.” – Brian Higgins, U.S. Democratic Congressman representing the Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York area

A Statement by Congressman Brian Higgins on U.S. Extension of Northern Border Shutdown

Buffalo, New York – Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), who serves as Chair of the Northern Border Caucus and the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group released the following statement in response to the news that the United States is extending border restrictions for Canadians entering the U.S. through October 21, 2021.

“Continued closure of the U.S. border to vaccinated Canadians is completely unnecessary and unexplained.

“It is welcome news that the White House is making progress on reciprocating international public health measures to protect air travelers. Yet it is inexplicable that no announcement on easing travel restrictions at land ports of entry is being made today since the livelihoods of communities across the Northern Border depend on cross-border commerce. Continue reading →

Vote for the Candidate and Party in Your Riding That Have the Best Chance of Defeating Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole and his Party of Climate Laggards 

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted September 19^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

With election day finally upon us, daily tracking polls show the Liberals and Conservatives running neck to neck for first place nationally (each with around 32 percent of the total vote), and the NDP stuck at the same 19 or 20 per cent since election began, in spite of a good race run by a well-liked and highly popular (especially among younger people) Jameet Singh.

In the Niagara Ontario ridings of Niagara Centre and St. Catharines, tracking polls show the horse race between the Liberals and Conservatives is reflective of the national trend, although in the last week or so, Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey and St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle (both Liberal incumbents) have been inching ahead of their Conservative rivals. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper on Niagara At Large

Posted September 17th, 2021 at Niagara At Large

One of America’s most popular progressive politicians – Vermont’s independent and social democrat Senator Bernie Sanders and two-time U.S. Presidential candidate issued a statement on Twitter this September 17th, endorsing Canada’s Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and his party in this coming Monday, September 20th federal election.

Canada’s NDP Leader gets election endorsement from one of the most popular progressive politicians in the United States – former Presidential Candidate and the still very active Senator Bernie Sanders, to the right in photo

Here is Senator Sander’s statement –

“Canada goes to the polls Monday. There’s one party that stood up for working people in the pandemic. One leader who has the courage to make the wealthy pay their fair share so everyone gets the medication they need. That’s why I support the NDP and Jagmeet Singh.” – Bernie Sanders

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

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, and keeper of the tar sands, endorses federal Conservative leader Erin O’Toole

Any Politician – In This Case O’Toole – Who Looks and Sounds Like He’s Stuttering and Dancing on Coals When Repeatedly Asked To Clarify His Position on the Need for Vaccine Mandates During A Fourth Wave Of A Killer Pandemic Should Not Be Leading Our Country

“The choices that leaders make during a crisis matter.”                  – Justin Trudeau, leader of Canada’s governing Liberals, responding to federal Conservative leader Erin O’Toole’s unwillingness to offer clear answers to reporters’ questions about vaccine mandates and the mess that O’Toole’s right-wing, climate denying friend, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, has made of dealing with the pandemic in his province.

Former U.S. Democratic President Barack Obama and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“Wishing my friend Justin Trudeau the best in Canada’s upcoming election. Justin has been an effective leader and strong voice for democratic values, and I’m proud of the work he did together.”                                                                    – Former U.S. President Barack Obama from a statement he posted on Twitter this September 16^th.

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted September 16^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Let me begin this commentary with perhaps the one point many of us can agree on.

And the point is this.

I am completely on side with what is evidently view of a majority of my fellow Canadians that Trudeau and his Liberals should not have called this snap election at a time when we are entering a fourth wave of a pandemic that is wreaking so much havoc on our lives, and the health and economic welfare of the communities we live in. Continue reading →

A Message from Marcie Jacklin and Community Voices of Fort Erie

Posted September 16^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Fort Erie, Ontario – Next Monday, September 20th, Canadians will go to the polls to cast their votes for the federal candidate of their choice.  This is our democratic right, and also, our responsibility.

There is no doubt that we are currently facing a climate emergency.

We need only to look at the record high temperatures, wildfires and flooding that have occurred over the past year to see that action must be taken now.

We also need to conserve our natural resources, like Waverly Woods, to ensure a healthy environment for everyone. Continue reading →

“This is a fair, balanced approached that will ensure that the costs of new development do not fall to the taxpayer and that growth will pay for growth in the future.”                                           – St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

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

Posted September 16^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines City Hall

Niagara, Ontario – (Earlier this week) St. Catharines City Council has approved the re-introduction of development charges, providing a more balanced approach where growth pays for growth, rather than the burden of growth-related infrastructure falling to the taxpayer.

After extensive public engagement with the community and stakeholders – including the development industry and the City’s Development Studies Task Force, Council approved a development charges background study and bylaw Monday night, paving the way for development charge bylaw to come into effect January 1, 2022. Continue reading →

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted September 16^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Laura Secord’s 1813 trek from Queenston to DeCew House likely involved navigating through plants, shrubs and trees, which the area’s Indigenous Peoples knew intimately for their nutritional and curative properties.

A section of the Laura Secord Legacy Trail that runs from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Thorold. Brock biologist and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability, Liette Vasseur, has formed a partnership with the Indigenous, not-for

The scenery between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Thorold has changed a bit since then, but the importance of knowing plants native to Niagara is as strong as ever, especially in Indigenous communities.

Brock biologist and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability, Liette Vasseur, has formed a partnership with Plenty Canada<https://www.plentycanada.com/>, an Indigenous, not-for-profit charitable organization that supports environmental protection and sustainable development goals. Continue reading →

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

Posted September 15th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Niagara, Ontario – A motion tabled by Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley to move forward with a Niagara-based plan to address the impacts of climate change received approval from members of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee this September 15th.

If the motion gets final approval at this coming September 23rd Regional Council meeting, the Region’s staff will proceed to develop proposals for addressing climate change at a local level and the Region will host a “climate summit” before actual climate-fighting practices are put in place.

In a statement to the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee before his motion was discussed and voted on, Bradley said –

“Actions to date, at all levels of government, have not been enough so far to change the path we we are on…. As leaders, and we are leaders as member of council, now is the time to mitigate the impacts of climate change, locally and globally.” Continue reading →

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

“I believe there is always an opportunity for civil debate in regard to public policy, but vandalism on property is nothing but destructive and ultimately counterproductive. Verbal and physical abuse of those running for public office is appalling and inexcusable.” – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Posted September 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Regional Chair Bradley’s statement on the vandalism and harassment of those in the public realm – 

“I am disappointed to hear of yet another instance of vandalism against an elected official in Niagara. This behaviour is unacceptable and does nothing but denigrate our public discourse and serve to divide us as a community.

A photo from St. Catharines Liberal MP Chris Bittle’s Facebook page, of the ugly spray painting found on his car, in the driveway of his home.

The recent vandalism committed to the vehicle of Liberal candidate Chris Bittle, the spitting on and hurling of vile insults to Conservative candidate Krystina Waler, and racial insults being directed at campaign volunteers, are all examples of clearly despicable behaviour during an electoral contest.

Most recently, the vandalistic attack on the residence and vehicle of Mayor Walter Sendzik represent yet another unacceptable action taken against an individual in the public realm. Continue reading →

And It Is Trying The Patience Of People Who Have Done The Right Thing

A News Release from the Liberal Party of Ontario

Posted September 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Liberals Release Plan To Mandate Safety After Surge In Anti-Science Protests

Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca

TORONTO, Ontario – Ontario must take a zero-tolerance approach to anti-science rhetoric and public health non-compliance, which is threatening people’s lives and putting Ontario’s small businesses and economic recovery at risk.

“Doug Ford’s softness on public safety is costing us lives, money and time and trying the patience of people who have done the right thing,” said Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca. “This ends when we say it ends. No more nonsense. No more exceptions. No more delay. We must act with strength and determination to put this threat behind us.”

The Ontario Liberal Party’s “Mandate Safety” plan is calling for increased public safety measures that will protect communities, drive vaccine acceptance and accelerate our economic reopening, by: Continue reading →

Taking Place on Friday, September 24^th at 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Address: 6746 Morrison Street, Niagara Falls, ON. MPP Wayne Gates office is in this strip-mall. Parking is available across the street beside LA Fitness.

A Call-Out to All of Us from the Niagara Activist Network and Housing Now Niagara

Posted September 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Schedule of Events:

-Street protest (please bring your own signs or artwork if you can) housing hand outs will be provided.

-All are welcome to bring their creativity to this demonstration, be it songs, poetry, dance, or artwork. We will be recording people’s personal housing testimonials, participants are invited to share their struggles and offer solutions.

-We will ask for your input on the preparation of a letter of demands that we will present to all three levels of government. Continue reading →

“Who says you can’t fight city hall (or the provincial or federal government) and win? Hear stories about how groups of engaged citizens in Ontario have fought and won environmental victories and changed governments.”

Wednesday, September 15th thru to Wednesday, September 22nd (See details for times and how to sign up below)

Niagara At Large is Sharing this from the Facebook Page of the Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee-Niagara

Posted September 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Liz Benneian, (A Better Niagara, Biodiversity and Climate Action Niagara and Ontariogreen) will be speaking about “Advocacy In Action” in the first of a four-part lecture series sponsored by Extinction Rebellion, Wednesday, September 15th, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

One of the speakers for the series, Liz Benneian – a leading member of the citizen groups A Better Niagara and the Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee – Niagara, seen here speaking at at a past  environmental rally in our Niagara region.

Who says you can’t fight city hall (or the provincial or federal government) and win? Hear stories about how groups of engaged citizens in Ontario have fought and won environmental victories and changed governments. Learn how to advocate effectively from someone who has been leading successful citizen advocacy groups for 18 years. Continue reading →

It is not acceptable to shrug our shoulders and say there’s nothing more we can do.

“Doug Ford is only making things hard for those who made the responsible decision to get vaccinated and our most vulnerable.”

A Statement from Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca

Posted September 13^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO – Ontario Liberal Leader, Steven Del Duca issued the following statement:

Ontario Liberal Leaader Steven Del Duca

“Enough is enough.

“People have no right to block patients from their treatment, harass health care workers as they try and save lives or to intimidate business owners who are trying to make a living in one of the toughest economic periods imaginable.

“It is not acceptable to shrug our shoulders and say there’s nothing more we can do. Not while infections are on the rise. Not while our hospitals are filling up and our doctors and nurses are being threatened and abused. Not while anti-vax propaganda continues to flood our computers and our streets. Continue reading →

“We are dealing with a virus that is well-managed with a vaccine. I strongly urge those who are unvaccinated to do so as soon as possible. Vaccination is the key to getting out of this pandemic. ”                                                                                                   – Dr. Johan Viljoen, Niagara Health’s Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs

A Message from Niagara Health, Niagara, Ontario’s amalgamated system of hospital services

Posted September 13^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

This pandemic is the most significant healthcare crisis of our time. As a hospital, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect our teams and those in our care.

We continue to learn more about the Delta variant. Based on modelling from the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, we expect to see another surge in cases in hospitals in our province over the next several months, impacting all age groups and all hospital services.

Full vaccination of our teams is critical to maintain a safe environment for everyone in the hospital – it will reduce the spread of the virus, decrease the risk of outbreaks and ensure healthcare services are delivered as safely as possible. Continue reading →

On Friday, September 24th in St. Catharines, Ontario (See Details Below)

A Call-Out to All of Us from Extinction Rebellion Niagara

Posted September 13th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

As you may be aware, people around the globe are planning a Global Climate Strike on Friday, September 24th. To show our global solidarity and get back in the streets, we will be marching downtown St. Catharines on the 24th!

Here are the details of the day:

Continue reading →

·   Free, interactive speaker series discusses the importance of environmental stewardship in the Niagara region and Ontario

·   Three unique sessions will feature fascinating keynote speakers

An Invite from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission and Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted September 13th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – As part of the ongoing partnership between Niagara Parks and Brock University, the two organizations will be hosting a free, online speaker series held over three sessions on September 23, October 28 and November 25, discussing various topics related to environmental stewardship.

Environmental stewardship in Niagara, September 23, 7 p.m.

Join Niagara Parks’ Ellen Savoia, Senior Manager of Environmental Planning, and Corey Burant, Project Manager of Forest Health, as they discuss environmental stewardship in the Niagara Parks with Ryan Plummer, Professor and Director of the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre at Brock University. Continue reading →

“Capping class sizes would ensure kids are socially distanced. It would lower the risk of exposures and outbreaks. And it would give students more one-on-one attention from teachers and education workers to help them recover from a very difficult year, both academically and emotionally.”

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted September 13^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

QUEEN’S PARK —Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Official Opposition New Democrats, said the Ford government must urgently reduce class sizes to prevent further school disruptions and closures, amid reports of classrooms in Ontario packed with 30 or 40 kids.

“Parents and kids are desperate for an in-person school year free of disruptions and closures. But parents and education workers are telling me that their classes can be as big as 30 or even 40 kids. Doug Ford is taking a risk our kids can’t afford,” Horwath said. “We’re seeing images of desks just inches apart, and hearing from teachers who are anxious and parents who are really fearful. Continue reading →

The Deadliest Attack by Foreign Terrorists, To Date, On North American Soil

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper, Niagara At Large, on the 20^th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist

Posted September 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Possibly no one now over the age of 30 or 40 will forget where they were when they first learned that commercial jets, hijacked by foreign terrorists (the majority of them Saudi nationals), slammed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, the Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C, and into the verdant fields of rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

More balls of flames as a second jet slams into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre that, before the morning of September 11, 2001 was over, would come pancaking down, killing everyone still inside.

The jet that went down in Pennsylvania, we later learned, was reportedly heading for the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., where it would crash like a bomb there. It was brave passengers aboard that jet, who stormed the cockpit where terrorists were at the controls, who ultimately sacrificed their lives short-circuiting that deadly mission. Continue reading →

Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says urgency is growing to act on her proposed legislation to create Safety Zones.

“No one should have to walk a gauntlet of harassment and intimidation to get to a hospital. Not people who are sick. Not their families. And not the very health care workers who have been working tirelessly to save people from COVID-19.”                 – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea  Horwath.

News from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted September 10^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

HAMILTON, Ontario  — Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says urgency is growing to act on her proposed legislation to create Safety Zones around places like hospitals and small businesses to protect people from anti-public health harassment.

“No one should have to walk a gauntlet of harassment and intimidation to get to a hospital. Not people who are sick. Not their families. And not the very health care workers who have been working tirelessly to save people from COVID-19,” said Horwath. Continue reading →

None of Canada’s Federal Leader Candidates Come Close to Matching U.S. President Joe Biden on Urging the World to Action

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

Posted September 10^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

I don’t know how many of you watched the leader’s debates for Canada’s federal election this September 8^th and 9^th, but I came away not feeling inspired by any of them – especially on one of the most serious issues threatening our present and future.

Canada’s Party leaders. Where is the passion and fire on climate change compared to what we are hearing from Joe Biden?

The issue is I am talking about is climate change and none of the leaders for the parties we can vote for in ridings in Ontario – not the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP or Greens – addressed it with the urgency that U.S. President Joe Biden did when he visited flood-ravaged neighbourhoods in New York City earlier on during this first full week of September. Continue reading →

Here is An Important Message from One of Niagara’s Leading Citizen Groups that Niagara At Large Urges You to Listen To

Liz Benneian

“It’s critical that our regional councillors choose the best option now because with increasing development that Niagara is under, there will be no second chance. What is not saved now will be lost forever.”                               – Liz Benneian, Niagara resident and leading member of the Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee

A Message from Niagara resident and a leading voice in our region for environmental protection, Liz Benneian

Posted September 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Will Niagara Region’s Council preserve Niagara’s natural environment for future generations?

The decision will be made soon (possibly soon as the next Regional Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 23^rd at 6:30 p.m.). Continue reading →

Decision on Bill 197 legal Challenge Reaffirms Citizens’ Right To Participate In Environmental Decision-Making

A News Release from Ontario Nature, one of the province’s major advocates for protecting and preserving our natural heritage

Posted September 8^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Conservative government loses another battle to gut environmental protection safeguards on behalf of Ford’s friends and supporters in the development and house building industry.

Toronto, Ontario – The Ontario Divisional Court has determined that the Government of Ontario broke the law when it failed to comply with the public consultation requirements of Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR).

Specifically, in a decision released on September 3, 2021, it declared that the (Ontario) Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing acted “unreasonably and unlawfully” in failing to consult with the public on changes to the Planning Act regarding Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs). Continue reading →

Throwing Gravel at one of our Political Leaders Should be Responded to With Arrests and Criminal Charges

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

Posted September 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

What in hell is going on in our Canada now?

I feel depressed even writing this, knowing that it will be read by many Niagara At Large readers living on the American side of the border who have told me in the past that they think better of us.

They want to view Canada and Canadians as a place and people that have avoided the kind of ugly rhetoric and violence they have suffered through the past decade or two of radical-right Tea Party politics and Donald Trump and his cult.

Canada’s Liberal leader and Prime Minister, being pelted with gravel, as he leaves a campaign stop in London, Ontario this September 6th. Radical anti-vaxxers in Canada have also lobbed abuse at our frontline health workers.

Yet here we had an incident as recently as this past Monday, September 6^th with a mob of radical right anti vaxxers in London, Ontario throwing gravel and other items at Canada’s Prime Minister and federal Liberal Party candidate Justin Trudeau and his entourage, which included children, at a campaign stop there. Continue reading →

Call From More than 230 Leading Medical Journals for Emergency Action to Limit Global Temperature Increases, Restore Biodiversity, and Protect Health

“Higher temperatures have brought increased dehydration and renal function loss, dermatological malignancies, tropical infections, adverse mental health outcomes, pregnancy complications, allergies, and cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity and mortality. Harms disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, including children, older populations, ethnic minorities, poorer communities, and those with underlying health problems.”

A Report Authored by Medical Doctors re presenting

Posted September 9th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The United Nations General Assembly in September 2021 will bring countries together at a critical time for marshalling collective action to tackle the global environmental crisis. They will meet again at the biodiversity summit in Kunming, China, and at the climate conference (COP26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Ahead of these pivotal meetings, we — the editors of health journals worldwide — call for urgent action to keep average global temperature increases below 1.5° C, halt the destruction of nature, and protect health.

Health is already being harmed by global temperature increases and the destruction of the natural world, a state of affairs health professionals have been bringing attention to for decades. Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce

Posted September 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Note from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – For the sake of our young people in Ontario, and their parents, friends and everyone else in our communities, let’s hope that nothing in the statement issued by Ontario’s Education Minister and the Ford government he is part of come back to haunt them.)

Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce welcomes Ontario’s young people back to “safter schools”

TORONTO, Ontario — Today (this Monday, September 2021), Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued the following statement as students head back to class:

“I am proud of all Ontario students heading back to class, be it in-person or online. In keeping with the expert advice of Ontario’s pediatric hospitals and the Chief Medical Officer of Health, we have invested heavily in ventilation improvements to support safer schools.

We have deployed standalone HEPA units into every kindergarten class, into every learning space without mechanical ventilation, and some school boards have gone even further by placing HEPA units in every classroom. Continue reading →

Peter Kormos – 1952 to 2013

A Foreword by Doug Draper, reporter and publisher, Niagara At Large

September 6^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The late great MPP for Niagara Centre and all-round voice for everyday working families, Peter Korms

If the former Niagara Centre MPP and Niagara Regional Council member for Welland was still alive, I am sure no one would be more active in their efforts to remind us who built this region and this country with their blood, sweat and tears than Peter Kormos

Like all too few politicians around today, Peter Kormos was the real deal – a fearless voice for ordinary working people and their families, regardless of how much blow back he received from others, including leaders of the NDP, where he landed a home after the late, great Mel Swart retired in 1988.

I grew up in the same city Peter Kormos did and wrote this piece shortly after he died. It appeared in other venues at time, although I can’t now remember which ones.

On this Labour Day, I miss the likes of Peter Kormos more than ever. Had he lived on, I am sure he would have done his best to tear to ribbons the Caslin cabal at Niagara Region and, as one of the champions for creating Ontario’s Greenbelt, would be leading the fight now against Premier Doug Ford’s ongoing efforts to deconstruct our province’s conservation and environmental protection rules.

Here is my 2013 tribute to Peter Kormos –

Remembering Peter Kormos: A rebel with a cause

By Doug Draper

“A working class hero is something to be.” – a lyric by John Lennon

“I don’t change my values the way some people change their socks.” – Peter Kormos

Peter Kormos, a Niagara regional councillor and former NDP MPP in Ontario, died suddenly on Friday at the age of sixty. Tributes and condolences have poured in from friends and former colleagues. In remembrance of Peter Kormos, we are pleased to share this in-depth profile, first published by Niagara at Large. 

Peter Kormos being dragged away by police at a 1960s protest for public access to our lakeshores at Sherkston Beach on Lake Erie –from the photo collection of Peter Kormos

In the dimly lit banquet room of Club Social on Welland’s gritty east side, a raucous chant of “Peter, Peter, Peter” rolls up from the floor. It is the night of the October, 2003 provincial election and, to no one’s surprise, the numbers on a nearby tote board show Peter Kormos leading his nearest challenger by a margin of two to one.

Kormos, in this election, is one of only seven New Democratic Party candidates across Ontario to survive what some political pundits are describing as a “catastrophic night” for the NDP – leaving it one seat short of the number it needs to hold on to official party status. But there is no hint of catastrophe at Club Social on this night. Continue reading →

“They (the anti-vaxxers or vaccine resisters) grasp onto any conspiracy that reinforces their view no matter how ludicrous and easily disproved, again due to fear, fear of being wrong or looking stupid. … Problem is they are both, wrong and stupid.”

A Commentary by Linda McKellar, a Niagara, Ontario resident and retired hospital nurse

Posted September 5^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Point #1 – Ivermectin is used to treat parasites.
Point # 2 – COVID is a virus, not a parasite.
Point #3 – Ivermectin is NOT approved for use against COVID.
Point #4 – Hydroxychloroquine was another would be cure all. It is also used to clean aquariums. Several people died from using it.

What in hell is going on with the human race?

Many people are ready to turn ugly in response to these anti vax/anti science types. The anti vax folks have been the loud (an empty barrel echoes louder than a full one) and angry ones up until now but at long last they are about to feel the backlash.

People are fed up and no longer willing to play nice with idiots who are putting everyone in danger. Sensible folks who have acted responsibly have been held hostage by these foolish people for too long. Continue reading →

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

Posted September 4^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

This past Friday September 3^rd, I finally lost it with all of the bad news coming our way and I called Ontario’s Premier a “Fat F—“ in the headline of a story about Ford’s decision to keep the provincial legislature closed until October – right through a time when our province is heading into a fourth deadly wave of COVID-19.

As a professional journalist who was fortunate enough to earn a Master’s Degree  in Journalism at the University of Western Ontario, then work at The St. Catharines Standard, starting in 1979 for two good decades, I admit that I probably should not have used the F-bomb, and if I did back then, my good editors would have taken the word out before whatever story I wrote was going to print. Continue reading →

“In the face of alarming (Ontario) Science Table data that shows the fourth wave of COVID-19 rising, Doug Ford’s decision to  prorogue the legislature for three weeks is an unprecedented abdication of responsibility during a crisis.”  – Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper Posted September 3^rd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

You may not excuse my tone or the use of the word ‘fascist’ here to describe Ontario Doug Ford and one of his  government’s latest move, and that is okay.

 I am not going to apologize for what some may view as an offensive tone for the following reason.

Things are getting so dangerous  in Ontario with Doug Ford at the helm, I don’t care about offensive words, and I don’t think you should care either.

Indeed, nothing could be more obscene than the way Ontario Premier Doug Ford is abandoning the citizens of this province right now.

I have a young daughter who is trying to live and make her way in our province of Ontario, and we have this moron in the Premier’s Office who behaves as if he could barely give a damn about her future and the future of millions of other younger people with his deplorable record on climate change, this pandemic and a host of other issues. Continue reading →

Pressure from Political Opposition, Business and Public Ford Finally Cause Ford to Implement Vaccine Passport System

Ford’s September 1^st Announcement Comes As Province’s COVID-19 Cases Rise and Just One Week Before More Than Two Million Kids Prepare to Go Back to School

A Commentary by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large, followed by Reaction from Leaders of Ontario’s Opposition Parties

Posted September 3^rd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Hello Premier Ford. There is more to conguering COVD-19 than wearing a cheap t-shirt.

When the history of how Ontario’s Ford government handled this pandemic is written, one chapter will most surely focus on the degree to which Ford and company weighed the interests of his political base, including those who make up the anti-mask/anti-vaccine/anti-lockdown movement ahead of making decisions based on sound science.

The extent to which leaders of the province’s opposition parties, members of the public and even members of the business community he claims to care about more than his political critics is a sad comment on his record addressing one of the worst public health emergencies we have been suffering through in living memory.

Ford should have wasted no time doing what the provinces of Quebec and British Columbia did this August in announcing plans to implement a vaccine passport system instead of waiting until daily Covid-19 case counts began once again rising to rates higher than they have in several months due to a more infectious Delta variant of the virus that is mostly finding a host in the vaccine resisters among us. Continue reading →

Niagara District Airport Commission releases Request for Proposal for third-party operator

News from the Niagara District Airport Commission in Niagara, Ontario

Posted September 3^rd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The Niagara District Airport Commission (NDAC) has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to officially begin the process of finding a third party to operate the Niagara District Airport.

The terminal of the Niagara District Airport in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Photos courtesy of Niagara District Airport

The RFP invites proposals for a partner to enter into a long-term lease for the operations of the airport, located in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 “The Niagara District Airport continues to be a valuable asset to the transportation and tourism infrastructure of Niagara,” stated Robin Garrett, Chair of the Niagara District Airport Commission. Continue reading →

Ivermectin for preventing COVID? That’s my de-worming medicine! Pardon me if I laugh

We Humans – Collectively Speaking – Sure Fall Short on Horse Sense. Do We Really Deserve to Survive as a Species?

“Take one of those every half mile and call me if there’s any change.”                                      – Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush, played by the late, great Groucho Marx, administering a horse drug to an actual horse, for once,  and not to a human patient.

“There are safe and available prophylaxis and treatments for COVID that do not involve the vaccine. The drug ivermectin, as well as a number of nutraceuticals, has been shown to be efficacious in treating COVID.” –, the Organic Consumers Association, a North American-based advocacy group pushing trash remedies for COVID-19 from sources like Facebook, Fox News and the Trump cult

A Commentary about Horse Tales and Other Anti-Vaxxer Trash by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper (With apologies to Mr. Ed)

Posted September 2nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

There’s a story (or should I call it a bit of a horse tale) I got to tell you.

A few nights back I had one of those COVID dreams. Some of you may have had at least a few of them yourself during these dark and stressful times.

They are dreams that often put you in bizarre places or circumstances with all kinds of characters you haven’t thought about in a gazillion years, and at least some you wish you wouldn’t think about for another gazillion years.

Well, in this particular dream a horse stuck his head over a fence in my backyard, and started talking to me in fluid English.

The one and only Mr. Ed came to me in one of my COVID dreams with vital info on a COVID cure

‘My name is Mr. Ed,’ the horse said.

‘Holy galloping bejeezus,” I responded. “Don’t I remember you from an old TV show I used to watch when I was a kid? But let’s get something straight,” I was quick to add. “My name is not Wilbur.”

“Well my name isn’t Donald Trump, and it certainly isn’t Tucker Carlson or Sean Hannity. I don’t do Fox New,” the blond haired steed brayed “The name is Mr. Ed, so let’s get down to a little no-nonsense horse trading.”

“I’ll give you some important information,” offered the horse, “in return for a nice bale of hay.” Continue reading →

Starting September 22nd, Province to launch enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app to stop the spread of COVID-19

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted September 1st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

After many weeks of pressure, Ontario Premier Doug Ford finally announces plans to implement a passport certificate or passport

TORONTO, Ontario  — To further protect Ontarians as the province continues to confront the Delta-driven fourth wave of the COVID-19, the government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting September 22, 2021.

Requiring proof of vaccination in these settings reduces risk and is an important step to encourage every last eligible Ontarian to get their shot, which is critical to protecting the province’s hospital capacity, while also supporting businesses with the tools they need to keep customers safe, stay open and minimize disruptions.

“As the world continues its fight against the Delta variant, our government will never waver in our commitment to do what’s necessary to keep people safe, protect our hospitals and minimize disruptions to businesses,” said Premier Ford. Continue reading →

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

Posted September 1^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario — Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates blasted the Ford Government for failing to reach an agreement with optometrists which has meant that all OHIP-covered services for those above the age of 65 or below the age of 18 have halted.

Niagara, Ontario – “Here in Niagara 1 in every 4 residents is a senior, this is having a huge impact on our community’ said Gates, “I’ve got seniors calling my office saying they’re worried they can’t drive now because they can’t access the services they need to see properly.”

“Before I was elected I bargained a lot of agreements and I can say from experience, you only get an agreement if both sides agree to find a way forward – in this case, the Ford Government hasn’t come to the table with a real offer and seniors and children across Ontario but especially here in Niagara are suffering because of it.” Continue reading →

The Bests of Septembers to All of You from Niagara At Large

Posted September 1^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A Brief One from Doug Draper

There is one thing we may have learned. Time sure does have a way of flying and getting confused during a pandemic.

It is September already and along with picking up a pumpkin and some locally-grown corn, there is one more thing you need to do to ring in the month – listen to a song called ‘September’ by one of the greatest funk bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire!

To watch the band perform it, click on the screen immediately below –

Finally, if you are not yet fully vaccinated, please do yourself, your family and friends, and your community a favour and do it. It may be the only way to truly crush this thing that has been wreaking havoc on our lives for more than a year and a half now.

• Doug Draper, 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

Shame on a Minority – Niagara Regional Councillor and Mayor of West Lincoln Dave Bylsma, Welland Regional Leanna Villella, Grimsby Regional Councillor Wayne Fertich, Niagara Falls Regional Councillor Bob Gale, Pelham Regional Councillor and Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, and Niagara-on-on-the-Lake Regional Councillor Gary Zalepa – Who Would Not

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

Posted August 30^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

During times when our communities face a serious threat or crisis, I believe it more important than ever those politicians at all levels of government put aside any and all partisan agendas they have and demonstrate collective leadership to protect the communities they represent.

Niagara Region’s council chambers have remained virtually empty and void of a gallery for area citizens since the pademic set in more than a year and a half ago. Want to get vaccinated and help crush this virus or keep it this way?

Indeed, at times like the one we are suffering through now, with a highly infectious, killer virus on the loose that requires all citizens to take every responsible step we can for the safety of all, it is doubly important that our elected representatives lead by example.

In that spirit, was heartening to watch an overwhelming majority of our Niagara Regional Councillors, at an August 26^th general meeting,  pass a motion tabled by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Brian Heit to mandate COVId-19 vaccination for both Regional staff and for councillors who wish to attend face-to-face meetings, and another motion, tabled by St. Catharines Regional Councillor George Darte, calling upon our provincial and federal governments to implement some form of vaccine certification or passport system. Continue reading →

A Statement from Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted August 31^st. 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath continues outlining plans to fight climate change

Doug Ford has put Ontario in a dangerous position headed into the fourth wave, lagging behind BC and Quebec on implementing desperately needed vaccine certificates.

Now instead of listening to the experts, small businesses, and everyday Ontarians, the Ford government is wasting more precious time bickering about the politics of this public health decision in cabinet Continue reading →

A News Release from Niagara Health, Niagara, Ontario’s amalgamated system of hospitals

Posted August 30th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Receiving a complete two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series provides strong protection against COVID-19 in the general population. However, for some more vulnerable populations, a third dose may be required. The Province of Ontario recently announced offering third doses of a COVID-19 vaccine<https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1000751/ontarios-updated-covid-19-vaccination-eligibility> to select high-risk populations: Continue reading →

“It has been clear for decades that the Earth’s climate is changing, and the role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed”                                                               – the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I Co-Chair, Valérie Masson-Delmotte.

A Brief One from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted August 30th 2021

Along with addressing and recovering from the health and economic toll caused by this pandemic, no challenge facing us now and in the future is more in need of attention than climate change.

If the destructive winds, floods, droughts and wildfires that are causing so many trillions of dollars of damage this summer alone, is not enough to bring that point home, then nothing will.

We are federal election in Canada. For all of our sake, please get engaged. Do your homework and vote for the party that has the most effective plan to address this climate crisis now. Continue reading →

“Our forests and urban trees solve many problems. Record high temperatures have sparked heat warnings. … Trees provide shade, cooling neighbourhoods by 5˚C. When we plant trees, we turn scorched lands into healthy forests. Trees absorb water, helping to prevent floods. Forests filter and purify the water we drink. And of course, forests sequester the carbon that we’ve released into the atmosphere that is dangerously warming our Earth.”

By Rob Keen, CEO of Forest Recovery Canada and Forests Ontario

Posted August 30^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Vast, beautiful, healthy forests define Canada, making up 38 per cent of our land, but they are under attack. Wildfires engulf huge swaths of woodlands in British Columbia; smoke from similar infernos in north-west Ontario reaches as far as Toronto, Windsor and Ottawa.

We know a main cause of this conflagration: climate change. The (United Nation’s) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – Sixth Assessment Report, released August 9th, leaves no room for debate on why the Earth is warming, but does leave some room for hope: we can still restore Earth’s health.

Soon after the IPPC report appeared, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set in motion a federal election. As Canadians prepare to vote on September 20th, the climate crisis is one of the top issues in many polls. Voters want to hear what every political party will do to fight climate change. Continue reading →

“Instead of helping to cut costs, Justin Trudeau is letting young people be saddled with student debts the size of mortgages. And the pandemic has only made things worse.”                                                  – Melissa McGlashan Federal NDP candidate for the Niagara Centre Riding

Federal NDP candidate for the Niagara Centre riding, Melissa McGlashlan

NIAGARA, Ontario – During an event this (past Saturday, August 27^th , Jagmeet Singh (Federal Leader of the NDP) promised to tackle Justin Trudeau’s national student debt crisis.

The NDP candidates in the Niagara region, Melissa McGlashan (Niagara Centre), Trecia McLennon (St. Catharines) and Brian Barker (Niagara Falls), are committed to helping young people get ahead in life.

“Instead of helping to cut costs, Justin Trudeau is letting young people be saddled with student debts the size of mortgages. And the pandemic has only made things worse,” said McGlashan. “The NDP will make sure young people aren’t snowed under by student debt so they can have a bright future.” Continue reading →

In Memory of a Great Feline Named Dexter

‘Sleep baby sleep
The day’s on the run
The wind in the trees
Is talking in tongues’

•         Lyrics from ‘Kitten Lullaby’ by Leonard Cohen

By Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted August 28h, 2021

In an old issue of The New Yorker magazine we’ve kept around our cluttered house, there is this wonderful photograph of Leonard Cohen, taken at his home in 2016, with this heroic looking cat beside him named Hank.

The cat very much reminds members of my family of a wonderful big guy we had the pleasure of loving and living with for 15 years named Dexter, who passed on to that great place for all creatures great and small two years ago this August 28th – just a month after we lost another beloved feline friend named Dylan.

They were both a divine presence in our lives and the comfort we take in their loss is that we gave him a wonderful home, and we are sure, from the love they gave back, that they knew it.

Remembering one of our great guys, Dexter, gone but forever in our hearts

But I don’t want to get maudlin here. Continue reading →

Council Also Calls Upon Provincial and Federal Governments to Create ‘Proof-Of-Vaccination Certificate Program

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

“As Regional Council, we have an obligation to provide a safe working environment for our staff. This policy not only goes a long way to make our work sites a safer place to be, it also sets an example for other employers to follow in the hopes of increasing vaccination rates. Vaccines safe lives and help avoid economic lockdowns – the motions passed(this August 26^th)  will help protect the health and safety of our community, while also playing a role in safeguarding Niagara’s economy”                               –  Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

News from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Government

Posted August 27^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large –

Watching the Niagara Region’s council meeting online this past August 26^th was difficult enough and was absolutely no substitute for face-to-face meetings in the Region’s council chambers.

None of these online meetings are, and I believe that public engagement in democracy at the municipal level has been diminished because of it.

Apparently there are at least a few Niagara Regional Councillors who are opposed to one of the things -mandatory vaccination – that would pave the way for face-to-face meetings for councillors and members of the public in these chambers again.  One can’t help but  wonder why? Got something against a return to face-to-face meetings?

What was even more difficult to stomach at the August 26^th meeting is that two Niagara Regional Councillors – Dave Bylsma and Mayor of West Lincoln, and Leanna Villella from Welland – voted against a mandatory vaccine requirement for Niagara Regional staff.

No surprises here, but at least he was consistent. West Lincoln’s gift to Niagara – that municipality’s mayor and regional councillor Dave Bylsma – opposed both a mandatory vaccine requirement for Niagara regional staff and regional councillors.

Further to that, those two councillors, along withWayne Fertich from Grimsby, Bob Gale from Niagara Falls, Marvin Junkin from Pelham (also Pelham’s mayor) and Gary Zalepa from Niagara-on-the-Lake, voted against a motion requiring the same mandatory vaccine policy for elected regional councillors.

Whether you agree with Bylsma’s and Villella’s position on a mandatory vaccination requirement or not, at least they were consistent. They voted against the requirement for both staff at the Region and regional councillor.

In the case of Zalepa, Gale and the rest of the naysayers, what is with voting in favour of a mandatory policy for staff but not for themselves? What sort of double standard is that, and why?

In the backdrop of all of this, everyday taxpaying resident of Niagara cannot even enter the Region’s headquarters and have not been able to personally attend any of the Region’s council meetings now for a year and a half. Continue reading →