Author Archives: dougdraper

On Friday, November 29th, Noon to 1:00  P.M at St. Catharines City Hall. Help Keep the Pressure on for Climate Action Now!

One of the several hundred Niagara, Ontario area residents who joined the last big strike for our climate in the region this past September. Photo by Marie Cipriyk

A Call-Out from Extinction Rebellion Niagara (XRN) and Fridays for Future Niagara (FFFN)

Posted November 25th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – XRN and FFFN are joining in the Fourth Global Climate Strike called by Fridays for Future, the International students Climate movement, on Friday,  November 29th, just days before the UN’s  25th Climate Summit. 

Once more, all  students (primary, secondary, tertiary, alternative), all non-essential  workers and all others in St. Catharines and Niagara are encouraged to STRIKE with fellow-students and workers worldwide as part of the movement to make governments and businesses take radical action to avert the Climate Collapse crisis that will prove catastrophic for this generation and for all future generations.

More than 500 join a climate strike rally this September as millions of others held rallies for our planet around the world

Locally, regionally, XRN and FFFN  are inviting ALL  to join them at *City Hall, 50 Church Street*, St. Catharines, to participate in an hour long rally and CALL TO ACTION directed specially to governments and to businesses. Continue reading →

“We are here to talk about a global opportunity for the                                             Niagara River.”                                             – Veteran conservationist and Canadian Co-chair of the Niagara River Ramsar Designation Steering Committee Jocelyn Baker to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors, November 20^th, 2019

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 20th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

The Canadian side of the Niagara River is one giant step closer to getting the world-wide recognition it deserves as a wetland of international importance.

At a meeting this November 20th of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board of directors, the board unanimously agreed to endorse a special wetland designation for the Canadian side of the Niagara River – a designation that is ultimately approved under the Ramsar Convention, first signed in 1971 in the City of Ramsar, and now boasting 170 member nations around the world, including Canada and the United States.

The Niagara River watershed, from Lake Erie at the bottom to Lake Ontario at the top, from space.

The board’s endorsement places the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) back on the side of supporting such a prestigious designation for the river – something that former NPCA managers and board members backed away from in the wake of fears expressed by some over the past few years that such a move may have negative repercussions for what developers and farmers can or cannot do on lands falling within the Niagara River watershed.

The endorsement is also a credit to Jocelyn Baker, Canadian Co-Chair of the Niagara River Ramsar Designation Steering Committee and veteran conservationist who is also a former NPCA water restoration manager, and to a team of dedicated volunteers on her committee who have been working to achieve the designation for this iconic river since 2013.

This past October, half of her steering committee’s dream came true when its Ramsar committee counterparts across the border, having received all the endorsements they needed from councils for Erie and Niagara Counties, New York, from towns and cities along the river, and from a number of other parties, celebrated the official designation of the American side of the Niagara River as a wetland of international importance. Continue reading →

“As we mark National Housing Day, I am proud that City Council has made a bold decision to take action on the affordable housing crisis.”                                                                                                 – St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

“All levels of government must do their part to create more affordable housing.”                                                                                     – St. Catharines City Councillor Karrie Porter

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

Posted November 22^nd, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Downtown St. Catharines, Ontario. File photo by Doug Draper

St. Catharines, Ontario  –  This week for National Housing Day, St. Catharines City Council has voted to transform an under-utilized downtown City property into affordable housing to help tackle the affordable housing crisis.

At its Council meeting on Monday night (November 18^th), City Council voted unanimously to surplus a city-owned property at 6-8 Academy St. for affordable housing through a request for proposals process that will be launched in early 2020.

“As we mark National Housing Day, I am proud that City Council has made a bold decision to take action on the affordable housing crisis,” stated Mayor Sendzik. Continue reading →

The Day They Shot John Kennedy

A Brief Comment by Doug Draper

Posted November 22^nd, 2019 on Niagara At Large

U.S. President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie, landing in Dallas, Texas on Friday, November 22nd, 1963, shortly before he was gunned down during a motorcade through the city.

It was Friday, November 22^nd, 1963.

Virtually anyone over the age of 10 and living in the United States and Canada at that time would remember exactly where they were that day when they heard the news.

I was back in my Grade 7 class after the noon-hour break at the school I was attending in Welland when our gym teacher – normally a pretty tough and sturdy guy – peeked his head in the door, his eyes all wet, and told us we should go straight home because school was out for the day. “President Kennedy has been shot and killed,” he said. Continue reading →

Don’t Cue the Balloons Yet, Though

Ford is still plowing ahead with a $700-million cut to the colleges and universities’ sector, making student loans more expensive and schools more strapped for operating dollars.

News from Ontario’s Official Opposition New Democratic Party

Posted November 22nd, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Ford cuts to college and university students have inspired protests across the province

TORONTO – The Official Opposition New Democrats’ critic for Colleges and Universities, Chris Glover (Spadina—Fort York) said the NDP is very happy that yesterday’s Ontario Superior Court ruling strikes down Doug Ford’s attack on student unions, giving students who rely on student media and on-campus support centres hope that those services will be restored.

“The court is very clear that Doug Ford’s attack on student unions and the services they provide is an attack on the fundamental rights of Ontario students,” said Glover. Continue reading →

Niagara Region Selects Two New Waste Collection Contractors – GFL Environmental and Miller Waste Systems Inc. – to Begin    in Fall of Next Year

“Every-Other-Week Garbage Collection (also coming in next year), coupled with weekly collection of recycling and organics, will help to increase Niagara Region’s waste diversion rate towards our target of 65 per cent.”                                                       – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

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

Posted November 22nd, 2019 on Niagara At Large

It was less than a decade ago – in February of 2011 – that a new waste collection contractor, the Emterra Group, rolled in to Niagara from its home base in Burlington to begin serving residents and businesses here.

In February of 2011, some of the Emterra waste collection trucks, all lined up and ready to roll across Niagara. File photo by Doug Draper

“We are ready to make this happen,” said one of Emterra’s operators  as the company was  about to launch its new fleet of trucks with the words; “More Recycling, Less Waste – Rethink Your Waste,” emblazoned on their sides.

Eight years later, the Emterra trucks don’t look as shiny any more and complaints have come in to Niagara’s regional government over the past few years about the company falling behind  collection schedules – sometimes by as much as a day or two. Continue reading →

Ontario Ministry of Transportation is Reportedly Looking at Closing  Problem-Plagued Thorold Tunnel to Two-Way Traffic

“We have had local business owners tell us this is a disaster for business, residents tell us about the hardships this will cause and local elected officials are demanding a meeting to get answer about when the Ministry knew the tunnel was unsafe.”                   – Niagara Fals MPP Wayne Gates

“Is the(Ontario transportation) minister prepared to listen to local elected officials and take the necessary steps to maintain the current traffic configuration in order to ensure our community is safe, accessible and moving efficiently?”                                              – Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Thorold Tunnel running under the Welland Canal in Niagara, Ontario, shut down temporarily again this past October due to another in a series of potentially deadly accident that occurred inside. Photo by Doug Draper

A News Release from the Constituency Officies of Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch and Niagara Falls MPP Wayne

Posted November 21st, 2019 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPPs Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) and Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) this November 21st  urged Doug Ford to explain why the Ministry of Transportation decided to close two-way traffic through the Thorold tunnel without consulting local people. Continue reading →

Program Will Help Keep Seniors Healthy in Niagara

“By providing seniors with access to quality dental care and keeping them out of hospitals, this new program is a key part of our plan to end hallway health care.”                                                   – Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott.

“The announcement today addresses the growing needs of our aging population in Niagara.”                                                                –  Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West

News from the Ontario Government

Posted November 21^st, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott

Thorold, Ontario – As part of its comprehensive plan to end hallway health care, Ontario is investing in programs that keep seniors healthy in their communities longer.

Each year in Ontario, preventable dental issues like gum disease, infections and chronic pain lead to more than 60,000 emergency department visits by patients, of which a significant portion are seniors. Many low-income seniors face challenges accessing regular dental care because they cannot afford it, impacting their overall well-being.

This is why the government is investing approximately $90 million annually for the new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), which will provide free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors in Niagara and across the province. In doing so, the government expects to reduce the number of dental-related emergency department visits, helping to end hallway health care. Continue reading →

News from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network in Niagara, Ontario

Posted November 21st, 2019 on Niagara At Large

The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Con Gusto Artisan Bakery has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level. 

Since first opening its doors in 2006, Con Gusto has earned a reputation as a go-to source for premium-quality artisanal breads, pastries and traditional Italian baking in Niagara. Based in St. Catharines, they currently employ six full-time and one part-time staff.

Niagara Poverty Reduction Network Chair Glen Walker (left) presents certificate for paying employees a living wage to Giovanni Stanziano, Owner of Con Gusto Artisan Bakery in St. Catharines, Ontario

“Con Gusto’s most important values are quality and integrity, which are just as important to the way we run our business as they are to the products we create. We care about our employees and being a Living Wage Employer is a way of demonstrating our commitment to their well-being and to the well-being of our community.” Says Giovanni Stanziano, Owner of Con Gusto Artisan Bakery.

“With this latest certification, Niagara now has 30 certified Living Wage employers,” says Glen Walker, Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network. “We are very pleased to see so many local employers from various sectors who recognize the value and benefits of paying their employees at least a living wage. Paying a living wage takes direct action to tackle poverty and we are excited to see the growing number of Niagara businesses joining us in this work.”

A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual costs of living and being included in the community. A living wage is not the same as the legislated minimum wage. It is a voluntary commitment that employers can make to compensate directly-employed and contract-employed full-time and part-time workers.

The 2019 living wage for Niagara region has recently been calculated to be $18.12/hour. If an employer’s total compensation package includes benefits such as dental and prescription drugs, the living wage can be lowered by at least $1.00/hour. Learn more about Niagara’s living wage at www.wipeoutpoverty.ca

Niagara-area employers interested in becoming living wage certified can contact the Ontario Living Wage Network for more information at www.ontariolivingwage.ca

The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is a collective of over 30 agencies and individuals working to wipe out poverty in Niagara through education, collaboration, and advocacy to address poverty’s root causes.

For more information on and from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network, click on – www.wipeoutpoverty.ca .

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at http://www.niagaraatlarge.com .

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

‘Not one man on regional council stood up and supported the creation of a women’s advisory committee without attaching his own preferences, ideas, and requirements to it. The men on regional council have soundly demonstrated why women need equal representation at every level of government.’

A Commentary by Melissa McGlashan, a citizen of Niagara, Ontario, living in the City of Welland

Posted November 19th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

On the evening of November 14th a motion was presented at Regional Council to strike a women’s advisory committee. The resulting debate revealed disturbing truths about the state of our regional council and the state of representation for women across our region.

Niagara’s current regional council, shown here during its inaugural meeting in December 2018, is made up of a total of 24 men and eight women. File photo by Doug Draper

Here in Niagara, 75 per cent of our regional councillors are men, three of four provincial ridings are represented by men, and all four federal ridings are represented by men.

A women’s advisory committee is an important step towards increasing representation and leadership opportunities for women and allowing for discussion by women of shared experiences, barriers to participation in society, and possible remedies. Continue reading →

“We … request a prompt meeting between local leaders and your Ministry in order to find a solution that accounts for our community who have expressed deep concern with this closure.” – Niagara NDP MPPs Jeff Burch, Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens to Ontario Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney

One of the entrance ramps to the Thorold Tunnel, passing under the Welland Canal in Niagara, Ontario, and closed again this past October for yet another potentially deadly mishap in the tunnel. Over the past four months alone, the tunnel had to be temporarily closed because of a truck catching fire, a multi-vehicle collision, and concrete slabs falling from the ceiling of the tunnel falling when a truck grazed them. The Thorold tunnel, in many peoples’ mind,s, has been a nightmare for decades. At least two or three fatalities have occurred in the tunnel due to leaks of water from the tunnel walls turning to ice and other dangerous conditions. Photo by Doug Draper

An Open Letter , dated November 19^th, 2019, to Ontario’s Ford Government from Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates and St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted November 19^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Ford’s Transportation Minister, Caroline Mulroney

Letter to Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Ministry of Transportation

Dear Minister Mulroney:

We are sending you this urgent letter on behalf of the people of Niagara. For months now, thousands of Niagara drivers who rely on the Thorold tunnel daily have experienced inconvenience, delays and frustration.

With the recent news that the Ministry of Transportation is ending two-way traffic through the Thorold tunnel, citizens and local leaders have come forward demanding an answer. Vehicles eastbound to Niagara Falls would have to find an alternative route, one that is already facing issues of congestion and construction closures. Continue reading →

‘The Enbridge application makes no direct comments on the climatic impacts of the product it is shipping or the reasons why “climate change policy is expected to limit growth in annual natural gas demand”‘

News from Citizens at City Hall (CATCH), a citizens watchdog group in Hamilton, Ontario

Posted November 18^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Enbridge’s roposal to build a new 48-inch fracked gas pipeline across rural Hamilton now has been submitted to the Ontario Energy Board.

The company wants an approval by spring for the $200 million fossil fuel project that cuts across some of Hamilton’s most ecologically sensitive lands including the Beverly Swamp, Spencer Creek and Bronte Creek and publicly owned properties of the Hamilton Conservation Authority.

The project is also controversial because it assumes a future of even more use of fossil fuels that are the main cause of global heating. That’s further complicated by the pipeline gas being extracted by fracking – a process which some scientists believe <https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/8/15/20805136/climate-change-fracking-methane-emissions> makes it even more damaging to the atmosphere than coal or oil. Continue reading →

Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner

“We can develop science-based regulations that are fair for industry and put water for public use at the top of the priority list. Until these measures are in place, we must extend the moratorium on new water bottling.”      – Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner

A News Release from the Green Party of Ontario

And a Chance for you to have a Say in Protecting our Province’s Water as a Public Trust

Posted November 16, 2019 on Niagara At Large

In an open letter to Environment Minister, Jeff Yurek, Green Party of Ontario leader, Mike Schreiner, asked for the moratorium on new and increased water-taking permits to be extended until stiffer water protection laws are in place.

Sign Mike Schreiner’s letter here

Honourable Jeff Yurek
Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks
College Park 5th Flr, 777 Bay St
Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
minister.mecp@ontario.ca

Re: Moratorium on new and expanded water bottling permits

Dear Hon. Minister Yurek:

As you are aware, the current moratorium on new and increased permits to take water expires at the end of the year.

Yours and previous governments have pledged to conduct a scientific review of our water sources and to consult with the public, experts and stakeholders before lifting the moratorium and allowing additional water taking.  Continue reading →

15-year-old Autumn Peltier is Canada’s own Greta Thunberg

“When there is no clean water left, our tears will fall as oil.”          – Autumn Peltier

Greta Thunberg (left) and Autumn Peltier, taking their turns at the United Nations, speaking for a healthy environment and their future. How many of us older people out there are ready to heed their call for action?

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

Posted November 15th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

15-year-old “water warrior” Autumn Peltier, another heroic champion for our planet.

Except for those who have spent the past year or two on another planet or not paying attention to the news, most of us have heard of Greta Thunberg.

Greta Thunberg is the 16-year-old climate activist from Sweden who has made headlines around the world with her passionate  pleas for climate action to world leaders at the United Nations and at other international venues, and who has ignited tens-of-millions of people– including more young people than ever before – to stand up for their future and demand more action from their elders.

Then there is 15-year-old Autumn Peltier.

Continue reading →

Official  Launch will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at the Film House at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario

News from Brock University

Posted November 15^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

You can’t point at any one climate-related episode and say with certainty that it was caused by climate change. On the other hand, here we were again this past spring, seeing near record-high waters in Lake Ontario for the second time in just three years, and walls of sandbags, like these in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, put there to protest shore area property from water damage. File photo by Doug Draper

Niagara, Ontario – A new alliance between seven Niagara region municipalities and Brock University’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) is being created to aggressively seek innovative strategies that address how climate change is impacting the region.

The impacts that inflict a growing toll on communities are typically tied to increasingly volatile weather, such as rising average temperatures; summer droughts followed by heavy rains; and the increasing frequency and intensity of frost-free days and freeze-thaw cycles.

The partnership, aptly named Niagara Adapts, will leverage resources and expertise from ESRC and the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, City of Niagara Falls, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Town of Pelham, City of St. Catharines and City of Welland. The goal of the partnership is to support collaborative climate change adaptation assessment, planning and implementation. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 14^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dube’s long anticipated report on all of the controversy surrounding the hiring of former Niagara Region CAO Carmen D’Angelo is now being reviewed by Niagara’s regional council, and may be only days away from being made public.

As I write this, Ontario’s Ombudsman Paul Dube has reportedly been in a closed meeting with Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley, Niagara’s 12 mayors and other members of the Region’s council where they were getting their first look at a report that Dube and his investigators prepared on conduct that, over the past three or four years, did a good deal to  shatter whatever  trust many area resident may have had  left in regional government.

The investigation and report – more than a year in the making – was largely sparked by information,  uncovered and reported in the local media, that the hiring three years ago of former Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority CAO Carmen D’Angelo to the position of CAO at the Region was carried out in ways that were highly questionable, to say the least.

Now former Niagara regional chair Al Caslin and the Region’s former CAO Carmen D’Angelo, overseeing a regional council meeting  two years ago. A File photo by Doug Draper

Allegations of wrongful conduct continued to surface over the past two or three years. More than a few of those allegations focused on members of former Niagara regional chair Al Caslin’s  staff, and on Caslin himself, including reports of him single-handedly or almost single-handedly brokering a three-year extension of D’Angelo’s CAO contract, without first  meeting with members of council to seek their approval. Continue reading →

“We are very pleased to see so many local employers who recognize the value and benefits of paying atgro least a living wage. Paying a living wage takes direct action to tackle poverty and we are excited to see the wing number of Niagara businesses joining us in this work.”                         – Glen Walker, Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network.

A News Release from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

Posted November 14th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Centennial Construction and Contracting (Niagara) Inc. has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level. 

Centennial Construction is now a second generation family run business that was established in 1992. Originally just homebuilders, they eventually expanded into foundations, site servicing, concrete, and more.

Throughout the past five years, they have been putting in a lot of heart and effort towards new home builds across the Niagara Region with a modern style and design that differentiates them from others. Centennial Construction currently employs just over 60 employees in their construction, concrete and farm divisions. Continue reading →

“Significant damages and other impacts were experienced across the (Lake Ontario) system. Shoreline communities are seeking reliable ways to reduce property damages, protect critical infrastructure and maintain essential services.”

A wal of sandbags surround the base of the historic lighthouse at Port Dalhousie Harbour in St. Catharines, Ontario this spring of 2019 to protect it from near record high waters in Lake Ontario. File photo by Doug Draper

By Anthony M. “Tony” David

International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board, Canada/U.S. International Joint Commission

Posted November 13th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Lakeside Park beach in St. Catharines is swamped with rising waters from Lake Ontario this spring of 2019. This was the second time in a span of three years that the beach area was not available to visitors until well into late June and July. File photo by Doug Draper

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

This report, originally circulated by the International Joint Commission via the internet this October 2019, is one of many like it that Niagara At Large will make more of a practice of posting in this age of more frequent and severe climate-related episodes impacting on our lives and communities.

We will post reports like this and we will continue to join as many of you as possible in urging politicians at all levels of government to take the actions necessary to address what experts around the world now agree is a climate emergency and an existential danger to people, property and the communities we live in.)

When water supplies exceed capacity in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system, water levels rise. When this happens, regulation is looked to as the solution.

But during periods of extreme water supply, the ability of regulated outflows to influence Lake Ontario levels is greatly diminished. In practical terms, no regulation plan can eliminate high water events on Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River.   Continue reading →

On Friday, November on Friday, November 15^th from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Brock campus’s Charles A. Sankey Chamber in St. Catharines, Ontario

An Invite to All form Brock University

Posted November 13^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Where is federal and provincial government action on cleaning up mercury pollution left over from old industrial operations in the English River watershed at the Grassy Narrows First Nation community in northern Ontario?

St. Catharines, Ontario – This Friday, November. 15th, Charlotte Henay, Lecturer at Brock’s Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies, will be joined by two external experts in a panel presentation titled “Climate Justice, Gender, and Environmental Racism.”

Margot Francis, Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and co-organizer of the event, explains that the panel will highlight the ways in which “minoritized communities suffer disproportionate harm from environmental toxification.”

“The impact of environmental devastation is not currently and has never been felt equally by everyone,” says Francis. “Communities in the global south who have been least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions are being harder hit, and in Canada, Indigenous and black communities have always been more vulnerable to environmental racism.” Continue reading →

The Sierra Club Writers Group of Western New York Encourages You to Participate, on Monday, November 18th, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the University of Buffalo South Campus Hayes Hall in Buffalo, New York

A Call-Out from the Sierra Club and the Citizens Regional Transit Corporation in the Buffalo/Western New York area

Posted November 13th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

We are reaching out to invite you to a local roundtable discussion regarding Sierra Club’s Transforming Transportation (https://my-geo.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35f78c77c3fbd6dbbeeebe6ac&id=bd3902bba7&e=1e416ef83d) report on November 18th from 10:30am – 12:30pm at UB Hayes Hall 402. 

This year, New York passed the nation’s most ambitious climate legislation which will phase out fossil fuels in our economy by 2050. Over 1/3rd of our greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. Continue reading →

And How Many More Trees Are Going to Have to Fall in Forests in Niagara Before We Get a Stronger                    Tree Protection Bylaw in this Region?

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper 

Posted November 13^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

‘Cut and move on
Cut and move on
Take out trees
Take out wildlife at a rate of species every single day.’

• Lyric’s from Bruce Cockburn’s song ‘When a Tree Falls in the Forest’

Canadian-born singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn performed a sold-out concert at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines this October and one of the songs he sang was If A Tree Falls in the Forest.

As Cockburn performed the song, members of the audience joined him in singing the chorus; “If a tree falls in the forest, does anybody hear?”

Last year, a number of trees were sawed down or bulldozed out of the way in forests in Niagara Falls and Fort Erie, and on the property of a historic old estate in Niagara-on-the-Lake , and many people heard.

A tree taken down in Waverly Woods in Fort Erie last year, much to the chagrin of residents in the community, fighting to keep the woods free of urban development.

They not only heard and witnessed the destruction themselves, they made angry calls to the powers that be in government, only to be told, for the most part,  that the regional government’s current tree protection bylaw is not strong enough to do anything of any real substance about it. Continue reading →

Jobs in Manufacturing, Health Care Hit Hardest

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP and Official Opposition Party

Posted November 12th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

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

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservatives have declared the province “open for business.” Okay, so why aren’t there more full-time jobs and living wages?

Did I miss hearing something in all of the “open for business” sermons coming out of Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservatives over the past 16 months?

Without ever showing Ontarians any details or substantive plans or policies in the run-up to the June 2018 provincial election, Ford and company told us  they were going to make Ontario “open for business” by cutting red tape (code for tearing up labour safety, building code, planning and environmental rules and regulations) and cutting taxes for “job creators,” which is a totally misleading term the radical right and their supporters use for any business that donates money to their party.

And, oh yes, Ford and his “government for the people” crusaders followed through on a promise to cap the minimum wage at a rate that falls significantly below what has been calculated by Poverty Reduction Networks across Ontario, including Niagara’s network, to be a living hourly wage in most communities because as Ford and his minions put it, anything higher than a capped down poverty wage is “a job killer.” Continue reading →

A Statement from Phil Wachel, President of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Locaal 4207, shared with Niagara At Large

Posted November 11th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

“In light of recent events that have occurred regarding racist, derogatory statements that have gone as far as call for violence against Indigenous Peoples on behalf of NAFA’s Facebook page, we, CUPE Local 4207, express our support of the traditional deer harvest that is part of inherent and treaty rights of Indigenous Peoples at Short Hills Provincial Park.

“Though NAfA (Niagara Action for Animals) has issued what they refer to as an ‘apology’, this once again reverses the onus in saying that it is one’s own fault for being offended.  

“The general tenor of the posts to their Facebook page as well as the administrators’ response is not acceptable.  Acts of colonial violence, racism and intolerance must not be ignored and treated with the utmost seriousness. 

“Everyone has the right to protest and express an opinion.  Protesting only in an area where Indigenous Peoples conduct a traditional harvest, calling on members of NAFA to commit acts of violence, is perpetuating colonial racism and violence against Indigenous Peoples.

“We support inherent and treaty rights, and denounce any and all acts of violence.”

• Phil Wachel, President

Canadian Union of Public Employees local 4207, Co-host of the Indigenous Rights Conference

1812 Sir Isaac Brock Brock Way, MC C 402, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1

Brock University

To read a piece Niagara At Large posted earlier this November 11th on the upcoming Indigenous Rights Conference on Saturday, November 16th click on https://niagaraatlarge.com/2019/11/11/you-are-invited-to-an-indigenous-rights-conference/

To read a statement of regret from Niagara Action for Animals and the Short Hills Wildlife Alliance, posted on Niagara At Large on November 8th, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2019/11/08/short-hills-deer-hunt-protesters-offer-regrets-for-words-perceived-to-be-offensive-on-facebook-page/

To read Niagara At Large journalist Doug Draper’s commentary on this disturbing affair, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2019/11/07/racist-words-disgrace-short-hills-deer-hunt-protesters-and-their-cause/ .

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For More News And Commentary From Niagara At Large – An independent, alternative voice for our  Greater Bi-National Niagara Region – Become A Regular Visitor And Subscriber To NAL At Www.Niagaraatlarge.Com .

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

On Saturday, November 16th, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Brock University’s Marilyn I.Walker School of the Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario

A News Release form the Supporters of the Haudenosaunee Right to Hunt

Posted November 11^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

St Catharines, Ontario – The Supporters of Haudenosaunee Right to Hunt are pleased to release the schedule for their upcoming Indigenous Rights Conference (in St. Catharines/Niagara).

The conference isa spectacular interdisciplinary program featuring Indigenous women scholars who look across multiple Indigenous Rights issues.

Mayor Walter Sendzik and the Strong Water Women, Niagara Women’s Drum Group, will help to open theconference.

It will be held Saturday November 16, 2019 from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm. at Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, 15 Artists’ Common, downtown St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario.

Michele-Elise Burnett

Michele–Elise Burnett, Celebration of Nations Artistic Director and Brock University’s Aboriginal Education Council Co-Chair explains why it was important to her that Celebration of Nations partner with the Indigenous Rights Conference:

“By having our rights recognized and respected shows the Two Row Collaboration in action! There is a positive Indigenous momentum happening in Niagara. Celeste and Jodielynn [Co-Founders of The Supporters of Haudenosaunee Right to Hunt] are true warriors set on a mission to education the public of our inherent right to hunt and what it means to our peoples and our future generations.” Continue reading →

Wednesday, November 13th at 8 p.m. at the  St. Catharines Central Library. The Forum is open to all and  Free of Charge

Posted November 11^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper –

With all of the recent discussion and controversy over some racist language aimed at Indigenous people who participate in an annual deer hunt in Short Hills Provincial Park in Niagara, this public forum, organized before that troubling episode occurred, could not be more timely and important.

So try, if you can, to attend this forum if you can and join in a discussion aimed at making our communities more welcome and peaceful for everyone.

On Wednesday November 13th , at 8 p.m. the  Niagara District Council of Women will hold a public forum on racism, discrimination and oppression.

Now here is News about the Public Forum from the Niagara District Council of Women – 

Niagara is not immune to racism, discrimination and oppression – a most  disturbing  fact  recognized by Niagara Regional Councillors as they voted recently  to join the Canada-wide  Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities , such as Hamilton, London and Windsor.

Niagara District Council of Women, strongly supports this action , and as  its President, Gracia Janes notes:  “  From  press reports of an  ever-growing platform of hateful messages on the internet and   graffiti  on private fences, to school yard bullying and  personal experiences , this blight is now clearly in the public’s view and needs remedying quickly and strongly.”

Forum panelists  – Nona Bader, of the  Niagara Anti-Racism Association, Laura Ip, Niagara Regional Councillor, Nyarayi Kapisavanhu, ED Tools of Empowerment for Success, and Saleh Wazirudden, Chair  City of St. Catharines’ Anti-Racism Committee have experienced, and /or closely observed  racism, discrimination and oppression, and  are working together to counter this growing blight and  to create an inclusive  society here in Niagara.

For more information on the very good community work of the Niagara District Council of Women, click on – http://ndcw.ca/ .

For an earlier post on this event, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2019/10/31/you-are-invited-to-a-public-forum-on-racism-discrimination-and-oppression-in-our-niagara-region/

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For More News And Commentary From Niagara At Large – An independent, alternative voice for 0ur   Greater Bi-National Niagara Region – Become A Regular Visitor And Subscriber To NAL At Www.Niagaraatlarge.Com .

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

A Statement by the Canada’s Prime Minister on Remembrance Day 

Posted November 11th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Canadian soldiers, about to assualt the beaches of Normandy, France, D-Day, June 6, 1944

Ottawa, Ontario –  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Remembrance Day:

“Today, we come together to honour the brave Canadians in uniform who have served our country throughout our history. They’ve built peace. They’ve defended democracy. And they’ve enabled countless people to live in freedom – at home and around the world.

“Remembrance Day <https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance> was first held in 1919 on the first anniversary of the armistice agreement that ended the First World War. Continue reading →

November 9^th, 1989, the Day the Berlin Wall was Demolished in a Spirit of Peace and Celebration

A Brief Comment by Doug Draper

Posted November 9th, 2019 

“If you are not moving forward, you are moving backward.”
― Mikhail Gorbachev

Many of us know that Americans like to give their president at the time – that former B-movie actor  and television commercial pitchman Ronald Reagan – much of the credit for the Berlin Wall coming down.

Mikhail Gorbachev, who chose to stand back and let the wall come tumbling down.

I may get myself in trouble for saying this, but I think a lot of  credit also has to go to courageous freedom fighters like union organizer and later to become Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa of Poland, and to the last leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev who, rather than unleash troops and tanks, just let it be.

Let’s be fair and give the proper amount of credit where credit is due.

It always kind of seemed to at least some of us at the time that Gorbachev wanted to put an end to the dark decades of the Cold War and Soviet oppression too.

So the Berlin Wall tumbled in a celebration of peace and now we have another world leader chomping at the bit to build another one along his country’s southern border.

To view some of that mind-blowing footage many watched on television at the time, click on the screen below –

Meanwhile, closer to home in 2019, at the border intersecting the world’s largest supply of what we hope will be healthy, fresh water for generations to come –

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For More News And Commentary From Niagara At Large – An independent, alternative voice for our  Greater Bi-National Niagara Region – Become A Regular Visitor And Subscriber To NAL At Www.Niagaraatlarge.Com

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

Protesters Say They “sincerely regret that comments were posted on NAfA’s (Niagara Action for Animal’s) Facebook page that were perceived to be hateful, threatening and/or discriminatory in any way, and that these comments were not  immediately called out.”

A Statement from Niagara Action for Animals (NAfA) and Short Hills Wildlife Alliance (SHWA)

Posted November 8^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large –

Niagara Action for Animals (NAfA) and the Short Hills Wildlife Alliance (SHWA) issued the following statement this November 7^th, a day after reports appeared in Niagara daily newspapers about vile words and comments appearing on NAfA’s Facebook page.

Deer hunt opponents gather for protest at Short Hills Provincial Park in Niaara, Ontario

The ugly words were aimed at members of the Indigenous community who, with the blessing now of two Ontario governments (the former Liberals and now Doug Ford’s Conservatives) exercise their Aboriginal Treaty rights each year around this time to hunt deer for a few days in Short Hills Provincial Park in Niagara. Continue reading →

NDP fights Ford’s attempt to give himself the power to pass bills even faster

His government may have been elected with significantly less than half the popular vote, and polls may show that his own popularity is in the toilet, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping Doug Ford from wanting to run Ontario as if he were anointed King.

A News Release from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted November 8^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Like his carbon-loving, radical right kindred spirit to the south, Doug Ford (right) appears to want to govern the way Donald Trump does and sign executive orders rather than put his ideas through a full and fair democratic process

QUEEN’S PARK – The NDP will oppose a package of changes the Doug Ford government is planning to push through – changes that would allow Ford to introduce and pass a bill even faster, with even less public input.

“As it is, Doug Ford has done his best to prevent the people of Ontario from having any opportunity to weigh in on changes that impact them,” said NDP House Leader Gilles Bisson. “With Doug Ford, we see a lot of backroom deals cooked up with insiders, and very little consultation with everyday Ontarians.

“Now, the system that prevents much consultation is about to go from bad to worse.” Continue reading →

All Are Welcome – Begin at 10:45 a.m. on Monday, November 11^th at Brock’s Ian Beddis Gymnasium (Walker Complex) in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted November 8^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – On Monday, Nov. 11, Brock University is hosting a Remembrance Day gathering in the Ian Beddis Gymnasium (Walker Complex) beginning at 10:45 a.m.

This is the first time in three years Brock is hosting a Remembrance Day gathering as it hasn’t fallen on a weekday since 2016.

The event will include Aboriginal drumming, a two-minute moment of silence at 11 a.m., the singing of O Canada, placing of the wreaths, and various readings of Remembrance Day poems, including Laurence Binyon’s For the Fallen and John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields. Continue reading →

One of the protest signs that have greeted Indigenous hunters at Short Hills Park

Protesters Could Do More For Wildlife Working Together with Indigenous Community – But it May Be Too Late for that Now

A Group That Has Done A Lot of Good Work for Animals May Have Drowned Itself  in a Cesspool of Hateful Words

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

Posted November 7^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

How sad and sickening this all is! But let me start by saying this.

When I first heard, seven or eight years ago, that Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) was going to allow a “controlled hunt” for deer, or what the ministry sometimes called a “harvest,” in Short Hills Provincial Park, I was a bit shocked.

Deer in Short Hills Provincial Park sprawling through the borders of St. Catharines, Thorold and Pelham. File photo by Dan Wilson

As a kid growing up in the northwest end of Welland, my friends and I would bike out to the Short Hills on hot summer days and we were often told by our elders to tread lightly in or around the park because it was a “nature sanctuary.”

We were also warned not to pick any of the white trilliums, which were scattered in bunches beneath the park’s tree canopy, because picking them was illegal, which may or may not have been true.

Nevertheless, the message my friends and I grew up with was clear.  Short Hills was a protected area for wildlife and we were to walk its paths with the lightest possible footprints and leave everything living in it alone.

So from my perspective, at least, any hunting of deer or any other animal in that park, by whatever group, for whatever reason, was wrong. Continue reading →

This Thursday, November 7th at 7 p.m. at the Niagara Falls Public Library on 4848 Victoria Avenue in Niagara Falls, Ontario

A Brief Note from Doug Draper

Posted November 7th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Marcie Jacklin, a Fort Erie, Ontario resident and great conservationist and expert on birds, and one of the people fighting to save Waverly Woods from developers in her community, was good enough to circulate the following note about what sounds like a very interesting presentation we can all attend.

Some of you may remember Snake Hill in Fort Erie as the place where a construction crew happened to come across the remains of several American soldiers from the War of 1812, who were then repatriated in a moving caravan of hearses crossing the Peace Bridge to the U.S. side.

Here is Marcie’s note –

Are you a history buff?

You might like to attend June Chipp’s presentation entitled “Tragedy at Snake Hill: An Unknown Fort Erie Battlefield?” Her talk is on Thursday November 7th at 7 pm at the Niagara Falls Public Library. 

Finally, here is a short video on some of the history of the Snake Hill site that you may also find interesting. Click on the screen below to watch –

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

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

Input Will Help Town and Partnering Niagara Communities Put Together a Climate Adaption Plan for our Future 

This Climate Survey is Applicable to Residents of Pelham, St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Grimsby, Niagara Falls, Lincoln, and Welland

Let’s hear from all of you! Niagara Adapts is a partnership that brings together seven Niagara municipalities — Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, St. Catharines and Welland — with Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) to address climate change.

Message from Niagara Adapts, a partnership that brings together seven Niagara municipalities with Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) to address climate change.

Posted November 6^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

The Town of Pelham, collaborating with Niagara Adapts, is looking for input on their climate vulnerability assessment.

Filling out a survey could net you $300. Currently, all municipalities involved with Niagara Adapts (Pelham, St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Grimsby, and Lincoln) are in the process of conducting their vulnerability assessments.

These assessments are crucial for developing robust climate solutions in a climate adaptation plan.  Defined by the International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), vulnerability is a function of both the sensitivity and the adaptive capacity of a given sector, and understanding how such factors are influenced by impacts posed by climate change will help key decision makers identify the best-fit climate solutions accordingly.   Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper, followed by a Salary Disclosures Statement released this November 5^th by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)

Posted November 6^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

In a brief statement circulated to the media this November 5^th, the NPCA has disclosed the salaries for six positions at the agency that command salaries of $100,000 or more.

The statement comes after the office of Ontario’s Information and Salaries Commissioner ruled this October that disclosing the salaries at an agency that receives more than $10 million annually in public funds is in the “public interest” and over-rides any privacy concerns.

The six positions listed in the statement, along with the salaries that come with them, are as follows:

• Manager, Information Management & Technology (previously disclosed) $102,035
• Manager, Finance $102,035
• Senior Manager, Operations & Special Projects $110,347
• Director, Watershed Management $130,274
• Senior Director, Corporate Services $147,383
• Chief Administrative Officer $156,267

Ed Smith, a St. Catharines resident and community activist, made the request for disclosing the salaries before he was appointed to the NPCA’s board earlier this year by St. Catharines city council.

Ed Smith, a St. Catharines resident and citizen activist, filed a request for the disclosure of the salaries to the provincial commissioner’s office  last year, before he was appointed earlier this year to a position on the NPCA’s board of directors by St. Catharines city council.

Smith did so after the last NPCA board of directors and its then-chair Sandy Annunziata – a board that drew considerable public controversy over the past four years with a make-up of mostly municipal mayors and regional councillors who are now gone – did not disclose any NPCA administrators salaries for the province’s 2018 so-called Sunshine list for public servant salaries annually worth $100,000 or more.

Annunziata, who was also a regional councillor for Fort Erie before he was defeated in the October municipal elections, insisted last year that the Conservation Authority submitted six-digit salaries to provincial bureaucrats putting together the Sunshine List but was told that the NPCA did not qualify to make the list, and its submission was rejected. Continue reading →

On Energy the Alliance of World Scientists is urging humanity to take “immediate steps” to “implement massive conservation practices; replace fossil fuels with low-carbon renewables; leave remaining stocks of fossil fuels in the ground; eliminate subsidies to fossil fuel companies; and impose carbon fees that are high enough to restrain the use of fossil fuels.”

A News Release and Urgent Call-Out  from the Alliance of World Scientists

Posted November 5^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Corvallis, Oregon – A global coalition of scientists led by William J. Ripple and Christopher Wolf of Oregon State University says “untold human suffering” is unavoidable without deep and lasting shifts in human activities that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and other factors related to climate change.

“Despite 40 years of major global negotiations, we have continued to conduct business as usual and have failed to address this crisis,” said Ripple, distinguished professor of ecology in the OSU College of Forestry.

“Climate change has arrived and is accelerating faster than many scientists expected.”

In a paper published today in BioScience, the authors, along with more than 11,000 scientist signatories from 153 countries, declare a climate emergency, present graphics showing trends as vital signs against which to measure progress, and provide a set of effective mitigating actions. Continue reading →

Greta Thunberg, right, gives Trump a telling look as he walks through the United Nations corridors to spend a token few minutes at a global climate summit this past September

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”

“The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us I say we will never forgive you. We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line.”                – 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg at a United Nations Climate Summit this past summer

News from the Sierra Club in the United States

Posted November 5^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

This past Monday, November 4th, the Trump administration notified the United Nations that it is quitting the Paris Agreement.

This shameful act of presidential negligence means that the U.S. will be the only country in the world that is not participating in this landmark international climate agreement.

This is not only a stunning abdication of global leadership; it threatens to devastate ecosystems and unleash unprecedented suffering on generations of vulnerable people, both here and abroad.

We’re not taking this lying down. We will work even harder with our allies in Congress and at the state and local level to hold this administration accountable and keep our country moving forward. Continue reading →

City of Peterborough is one of most recent municipalities to pass Ontario Health Coalition’s Council Resolution against the cuts

A Call-Out from the Ontario Health Coalition, a public advocacy group for quality public health care

Posted November 5th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Late this October, the City of Peterborough joined Toronto, Lambton County, Kingsville, and others to pass a municipal council resolution from the Ontario Health Coalition calling on the Ford government to stop its cuts/plans to eliminate local public health, ambulance/paramedic, hospital and long-term care services.

Thank you to the Peterborough Health Coalition!

The resolution began its journey across Ontario in Lambton County where it was introduced by Sarnia’s Mayor Mike Bradley. Continue reading →

For NAL’s Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York area readers, here is a bit of what is happening on the climate action front on the American side of our shared border

A Call-Out from the Western New York Youth Climate Council 

Posted November 5^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

At an Earth Day march in Buffalo, New York, April 2017. File photo by Doug Draper

Buffalo, New York – Before we talk action, what is a Climate Emergency Declaration?  

Very basically, it is a resolution which makes it clear that the government that passes it is open to taking climate change for the life threatening crisis it is.

Once we have our foot in the door, we can push for further actions based on the promises that they make in the passage of the resolution, and beyond. SO, in September we approached the Erie County legislature with a petition to have the County declare a Climate Emergency.

So far, we haven’t heard back. But that’s no reason to stop! 

Now, we’re asking for your help to demand Buffalo Common Council declare an emergency as well.

We went to the Legislature with 577 all youth signatures, but this time we want even more, to show just how much Western New York supports a climate emergency. 

You can sign below or get signatures on paper!

Continue reading →

Tuesday, November 5th to Monday, November 11th

A Statement by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Veterans’ Week 

Posted November 5^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large 

A memorial statue to First World War veterans in Chippawa Park in Welland, Ontario. File photo by Doug Draper

Ottawa, Ontario – The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on Veterans’ Week, which runs from November 5 to 11, 2019: 

“Generations of brave Canadians from all walks of life have stepped forward to serve and sacrifice for our country. Hundreds of thousands have fought – and many continue to serve – so we may live in peace. 

“In the days leading up to Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Week <https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/remembrance-day> is an opportunity for us all to learn from the stories of Canadians who answered the call of duty. Confronted with extraordinary circumstances during times of conflict, these ordinary people became the honoured heroes we remember today.  Continue reading →

Glen Walker, Chair, Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

“Providing wages that allow a family to meet its basic household needs is one important tool to address cost of living and precarious employment challenges in Niagara region and should be top of mind for all employers.”                                                               – Glen Walker, Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

News from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

Posted November 4^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – With the annual cost of household living expenses for a Niagara region family of four conservatively pegged at over $73,000, the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network (NPRN) has calculated the hourly wage necessary to meet these expenses, otherwise known as a living wage, to be $18.12 for 2019. 

As part of National Living Wage Week, the Network has released a new report, ‘Calculating the Living Wage for Niagara Region, 2019’, which outlines the full methodology used. Continue reading →

‘Ford’s Conservatives have proposed giving industry a cheaper pass when it comes to dumping sewage in our water, using toxic pesticides and polluting the air.’

A Statement from Ontario NDP Environment critic Ian Arthur

Posted November 4^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP critic for the Environment, Ian Arthur, released the following statement regarding the Ford government’s attempt to make it cheaper for industry to pollute in Ontario:

“Ontarians are worried about the environment, and worried that future generations are going to inherit a more polluted province.

The Ford government’s new environmental plan will make it cheaper for companies to pollute. The Conservatives have proposed giving industry a cheaper pass when it comes to dumping sewage in our water, using toxic pesticides and polluting the air. Continue reading →

From Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted November 1st, 2019 on Niagara At Large

I am going to blame it on the fact that I was up most of last night, concerned about what the severe winds might be doing to the big maple trees around my house.

The excitement of that left me feeling so tired this Friday that I posted a piece on the Ontario Ombudsman’s report on the Niagara Region CAO hiring controversy that had some embarrassing typos and grammatical errors in it.

I have temporarily removed the piece and will have it back on shortly. Sorry for any inconvenience or confusion.

Please discard the last post on this issue and watch for the revised one

– Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

New Report Says Hundreds of Millions Could See Their Coastal Communities & Homes Disappear by 2050

With an Introductory Commentary  by Doug Draper, reporter and publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted October 31^st, 2019 on Niagara At Large

An image from one of many NASA reports over the years on rising seas and climate change

If you are one of the many Canadians who enjoy spending your winters in Florida, you better enjoy it while you can because by the middle of this century and beyond, much of the current coastal areas in that could be gone.

Virtually all due to melting ice caps and rising seas linked to climate change.

In one of several past reports on what scientists are forecasting for the world’s coastal areas in the decades ahead if we fail to more seriously address the climate emergency we are facing now, this journalist read that by the middle of this century, Donald Trump’s coveted Miami, Florida area golf resort, Mar-a-Lago, could be under water for most of the year if current climate warming and ice melting trends continue.

By the middle of this century, most, if not all, of Trump’s Mara-a-Lago resort in Florida could be under water most of the year, thanks to rising seas and a climate emergency he repeatedly calls a hoax.

That may seem like poetic justice given that Trump is arguably the worst of all leaders in the developed world for gutting environmental programs, encouraging more burning of oil and coal, and calling climate change a hoax every chance he can get.

But Trump, who is now in his 70s, probably won’t be around to see Mara-Lago disappear anyway below the surf anyway which may be one of the reasons why he and a disproportionate number of other people his age would rather have cheap gas than deal with climate change anyway. Continue reading →

              Wednesday, November 13^th at 8 p.m. at the                         St. Catharines Central Library. The Forum is open to all and  Free of Charge

An Invite from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted October 31^st. 2019 on Niagara At Large

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

Those of us who live in Niagara may like to think that acts of racism or discrimination against others due to the colour of their skin, their ethnicity, their religion, their gender or sexuality or due to some other reason are rare here, or at least not as frequent as they are in other regions of Canada or the United States. Continue reading →

By Doug Draper

Posted Halloween Eve, October 30th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Who needs fake ghosts and goblins on Halloween?

I don’t know about you, but no one in the world frightens me more right now than this guy!

We could wake up one morning and find out that he has done or said something crazy that has started another world war.

When are our American neighbours going to finally take the bull by the horns and get him out of the Oval Office and away from that nuclear code? Enough of him raping Mother Nature too!

What better way to end this nightmare than a good impeachment, followed by a battery of criminal charges and convictions.

Let’s give it up for Nancy Pelosi’s Congressional majority and the best of prosecutors in the U.S. justice system.

One of the most recent covers of New York magazine was heartening to see

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at http://www.niagaraatlarge.com .

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

Another Piece of Niagara’s Rich Natural Heritage Targeted by Developers

A Redheaded Woodpecker in Waverly Woods. A recent scientific report predicted a crash in bird populations across North American, in no small part due to loss of place like this for birds to live.

You Are Invited to a Trivia Night Fundraiser – Saturday, November 2^nd, evening hours in Fort Erie – and Sign the Petition Below

A Call-Out from Community Voices in Fort Erie, a citizens group dedicated to protecting and preserving the community’s priceless natural and historical resources

Posted October 29^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Trivia Night is almost here – help Save Waverly Woods

One of the many residents of Waverly Woods near the shores of Lake Erie

Hello everyone.

Just a reminder that Trivia Night is the evening of November 2nd. If you went the last time you’ll remember the great baked goods we provided.

If you can get your tickets soon, we’ll know how much to bake! How to get tickets and all the special events happening that night are posted here https://sites.google.com/view/communityvoicesfe/home/fundraising-events?authuser=0 .

We hope to see new and old friends there!! It was so much fun last time. Please come out and support us.

Have you seen this video about Erie Beach. There is some really interesting information here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5FQHlaouUQ&fbclid=IwAR0ijHMS8_DSQhdpmXG2PFSJPeUnEa7KTPsd5gQ75vWMelg1cj2a3mfy7fQ

A pathway inside Waverly Woods in Fort Erie/Niagara. Let’s keep it this way for present and future generations of people and wildlife

How can you help?

• * Donate to help us cover our legal and expert cost at this link https://www.forterievoices.org/donation or send a donation to Community Voices of Fort Erie, P.O. Box 273, Fort Erie, Ontario L2A 2S0.
• * Share the petition with others https://www.change.org/p/ten-story-condo-going-up-in-waverly-woods Can we get to 5200 signatures by December 1st?  An alternative is to join our email BLAST list by sending your email and name to cvferie@gmail.com

A Brief Afterword from Niagara At Large publisher and environment writer –

Don’t let a sign like this be the beginning of the end of another place rich with natural and historical resources in Niagara. There are so many other places in the region where pavement can go

I hope you support this very important effort by citizens in the Town of Fort Erie to save this gem of  a place for present and future generations.

Like so many other battles, including one in neighbouring Niagara Falls to save the Thundering Waters Forest from developers and their enablers on that city’s council, these are almost always Dave vs. Goliath battles , pitting citizens against parties with political influence and  deep pockets

So give all the support that you can because once these gems in our Niagara are gone – and we have lost too many already – they are gone forever!

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

The Premier’s Tone May Change but his Conservative Party’s War on our Environment Rages On

A Commentary by Doug Draper, professional journalist, veteran environment writer, and publisher of Niagara At Large

Posted October 28^th, 2019

After almost half a year of shutting Ontario’s legislature down, Premier Doug Ford has re-opened its doors today with a promise to strike a “new,” less nasty tone.

What does that mean? Are Ford and his 75 Tory Party minions going to do less yelling and desk pounding when they are pressed to answer for themselves during question period?

No amount of playing up the nice is going to mask the havoc this Ford government has been wreaking, and is continuing to wreak on common sense services across this province, including programs for protecting our environment and addressing the existential climate catastrophe younger generations will face if climate deniers and laggards who make up and support this government have their way. Continue reading →

‘The long-term vision … is to help municipalities be proactive in planning for safe and efficient transportation system for all users, with an emphasis on public transit and active transportation modes.’

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted October 28^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Headquarters

Niagara, Ontario – This October, Niagara Regional Council adopted an amendment to existing transportation policies that encourage improvements to the overall design of new neighbourhoods, helping communities maximize their potential and become attractive places to live and work.

Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA) 13 ensures higher level transportation policies in the Regional Official Plan are aligned with recommendations of the Region’s approved 2017 Transportation Master Plan, and that they are consistent with current provincial legislation.

Through new policies and mapping, this planning update advances active transportation networks (i.e. modes like walking and cycling), interconnected public transit systems, and efficient goods movement networks, and address the following key areas: Continue reading →

‘Sustained strong winds (this  have resulted in a rise of Lake Erie water levels of approximately 2.3m (7.5 feet) with significant waves heights of over 1.5m (5 feet) being experienced’

A News Update from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Posted October 27^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

LAKE ERIE – FLOOD WARNING – (This update issued at 1:29 p.m. this Sunday, October 27th)

To: All School Boards, All Municipalities,Police and Emergency Services

MNR, Area, District and Provincial Response CentreNews mediaHamilton Region, Grand River, & Long Point Conservation Authorities

This notice is intended to update the public and local municipalities of the condition of the Lake Erie shoreline within the Niagara Peninsula and the eastern portion of Haldimand County. Continue reading →

Canadian Youth Sue Federal Government for Contributing to Climate Change, Endangering ‘The youth assert that the climate change impacts they are experiencing infringe their rights to life, liberty, security of the person and their right to equal protection under the law under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.’

“As youth, we have dreams for the future. Without a stable climate, our generation will not fulfill these dreams. My government should not be standing in the way of our dreams.”                                                                         – Lucas, 15 years old and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit from Ottawa, Ontario

News from Our Children’s Trust – Canada

Posted October 25^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Canadian youth, ages 10 to 19 years old, filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Canada, alleging that the Canadian government causes, contributes to and allows dangerous levels of greenhouse gas emissions, and is thus responsible for the specific, individualized climate change impacts they are experiencing.

The young plaintiffs in the climate lawsuit against Canada’s federal government. The filing of the lawsuit was announced at a hue climate strike rally attended by 16-year-old global activist Greta Thunberg in Vancouver, B.C. this October 25th

The youth assert that the climate change impacts they are experiencing infringe their rights to life, liberty, security of the person and their right to equal protection under the law under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as their rights as beneficiaries under the Public Trust Doctrine. Continue reading →

For Now at Least, the Status Quo in Niagara – 13 Municipal Councils (including regional) and more than 120 Municipal Councillors – Will Remain

Niagara Region’s council in session and now looking like it won’t be downsized any time soon. file photo by Doug Draper

“Our government … conducted a review of Ontario’s eight regional governments (including Niagara’s) … After careful consideration of the feedback we heard through the course of the review, our government stands firm in its commitment to partnering with municipalities without pursuing a top-down approach. We will provide municipalities with the resources to support local decision-making.”                                                              – Steve Clark, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October 25^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

One of many protesting the Ford government’s decision to slash the size of Toronto’s city council, arrested in the provincial legislature last year.

Okay, so what was all that hooting, hollering and hand-ringing ll about?

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservatives began their term in power last year by taking a meat axe to Toronto’s city council – cutting the number of elected councillors serving one of North America’s largest cities almost in half – then went on to make all kinds of noise about doing something similar in other regions of the province.

“Big government is bad, in my opinion,” he told one of Niagara’s mainstream newspapers earlier this year. What’s Niagara and Muskoka? They have 122 or 133 elected officials? … That’s absolutely ridiculous.” Continue reading →

Ontario’s Ford Government Announces It Will Not Move Forward With More Downsizing of Municipal Councils in Province   

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Regional Chair Bradley’s Statement on the Provincial governance review  Announcement

Posted October 25^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large 

Niagara, Ontario – ​Regional Chair Jim Bradley offered the following statement regarding the Minister Steve Clark’s announcement on the municipal governance review:

“Today, the Provincial Government announced that they will not being taking a ‘top-down’ approach to amalgamations across Ontario, instead letting local councils decide what is best for them in terms of governance, decision-making and service delivery.

I applaud the decision of Minister Steve Clark and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for listening to the people of Ontario when making this important decision. Continue reading →

“It is an honour to represent the City of St. Catharines for this special occasion with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. The bonds between our cities and our countries were forged in the toughest of times and they are bonds that remain strong through the special relationships that have developed over the last 75 years.” – St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

News from the City of St. Catharines

Posted October 24^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Mayor Walter Sendzik is honoured to join members of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and Canadian leaders to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of The Netherlands in the Second World War at ceremonies in the city of Bergen op Zoom this week.

The Lincoln and Welland Regiment played a major role in key battles to liberate The Netherlands in September and October, 1944. The Dutch city of Bergen op Zoom was a strategic location that was liberated by the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and South Alberta Regiment in October 1944.

Canadian troops moving in during the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation in the fall of 1944

 The Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom holds the graves of 1100 Canadian soldiers who were killed in the liberation of the area, including 69 casualties from the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Every year, families and descendants of veterans travel to the city for commemoration ceremonies to honour their loved ones. Continue reading →

All Existing Services will be  Transferred to           Welland Courthouse

“The consolidation of services to the Welland courthouse will improve service levels to the public and ensure Niagara residents can find all necessary resources in one location. The efficiencies generated from this transfer keep the Niagara taxpayer in mind.” ~Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted October 24th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines services moving to Welland Courthouse

Niagara, Ontario – ​The St. Catharines Provincial Courthouse will be closing Oct. 31, 2019 at noon.

Regional Council approved the closure of the 71 King St. courthouse on June 20, with all existing services transferring to the new 1,836 square metre Welland courthouse, located at 445 East Main St.

Up until its closure on Oct. 31, the St. Catharines Courthouse will continue to operate as a counter service to assist members of the public with setting a trial or early resolution meeting, extensions or re-openings, appeal documents and fine payments. No trial proceedings have taken place at the courthouse since October 2018. Continue reading →

With one decade to halve emissions, Parliament has critical role in addressing climate crisis

A Message from the David Suzuki Foundation

Posted October 23^rd, 2019 on Niagara At Large

OTTAWA — The newly elected Canadian Parliament must implement unprecedented action to meet its international climate commitments, in line with maximum global warming of 1.5 C. To do so, members of Parliament must come together and work across political boundaries.

“Canadians overwhelmingly support climate action. They want immediate and long-term solutions to the climate crisis now,” David Suzuki Foundation CEO Stephen Cornish said. “Canadians — especially younger people — expect government to rise to the challenge.” Continue reading →