Calling For Needed Funding And Proper Accountability

A Message from the Ontario Health Coalition, a not-for-profit citizens advocacy organization

Posted December 18^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario  – Ontarians have a lot to lose, or a lot to gain, in this Monday, December 19th’s Health Accord negotiations.

Finance and Health Ministers from across Canada are making their way to Ottawa Sunday to potentially complete negotiations for a new Health Accord for Canada. Leading into the meetings, the Ontario Health Coalition reported that Ontario’s Health Minister is showing great leadership in trying to forge a deal that will both provide a realistic level of funding for health care from the federal government and, in return, ensure that provinces are properly accountable. Both of these are in the public interest.

The devil is in the details. Continue reading →

“I thank Mayor April Jeffs for her leadership in recognizing the proper process to prompt action on this matter by bringing a request directly to the NPCA Board.” – from a letter from Bruce Timms, Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, to Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs

A News Commentary from Doug Draper followed by a ‘Letter of Thanks’ To Wainfleet’s Mayor from NPCA Chair Bruce Timms

Wainfleet Mayor and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board member April Jeffs earns the thanks of NPCA board chair Bruce Timms for directing her township council to ask the NPCA to arrange a forensic audit of its operations rather than doing what St. Catharines, Hamilton, Port Colborne and Niagara-on-the-Lake councils have  done and other municipal councils are planning to do, and called on the provincial government to launch such an audit of a Conservation Authority that growing numbers of citizens across the region have expressed a loss of trust in.

This December has so far proven to be one of the rougher months for Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority board members and administrators who have been dogged all year with growing questions and concerns over the way they use millions of dollars of our tax money to manage their operations.

Since this past December 5^th alone, the elected members of councils in three Niagara municipalities, beginning with St. Catharines and continuing with Niagara-on-the-Lake and Port Colborne – overwhelming supported motions, urging the Ontario government to commence a full investigation and forensic and/or value-for-dollars audit of the NPCA’s operations.

Those motions were followed up this past December 15^th with one from the council for the City of Hamilton, which has areas of watershed within its municipal boundaries that the NPCA is supposed to show some care for, renewing a call it made to the Ontario government more than a year ago, not only for a full audit, but for a change of management at the Conservation Authority.

And word has it that at least a few more Niagara municipal councils will come forward with motions to the province before the end of this year for an NPCA investigation.

Yet it hasn’t been a completely bumpy ride the NPCA this December. Continue reading →

Provinces  Sign Historic Economic Partnership

“This agreement complements a range of initiatives already underway in Ontario to provide reliable and more affordable electricity.” – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

A News Release from the Governments of Ontario and Quebec

Posted December 15th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Montréal, Quebec — Premier Philippe Couillard of Québec and Premier Kathleen Wynne of Ontario today attended the official signing of the historic electricity trade agreement between Hydro-Québec and the Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario (IESO).

For the occasion, the premiers were accompanied by the Minister of Energy of Ontario, Glenn Thibeault, and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the Northern Plan of Québec, Pierre Arcand. Under this agreement, the IESO will purchase a total of 14 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity from Hydro-Québec over a seven-year period from 2017 to 2023. Continue reading →

Here’s A Chance To Have Your Say

A Call-Out from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted December 15^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Where do you think Ontario’s energy should come from? Giant nuclear and gas-fired power plants or renewable sources like water, wind and solar?

You can have a say on Ontario’s future energy directions through the province’s Long Term Energy Plan review. The most important element of this review is that the government hear loudly and clearly that there remains strong support for renewable energy in Ontario.

While the world shifts to green sources, Ontario is doubling down on nuclear, rebuilding ten aging reactors, while pushing renewable energy to the fringe. This is a bad plan and an economically disastrous direction. Continue reading →

A Call-Out For Holiday Season Donations from Niagara Action for Animals

Posted December 14^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Dear Friends of Animals —

We are excited to launch our Hope for the Holidays fundraising campaign.

From now through the holidays we will be accepting donations to help support our foster program, our feral colonies/barn homes, and will also be stockpiling food and supplies for our Pet Food Assistance program for those in need over the holiday season.

This time of year is tough for many folks, including animals, so every little bit helps!! Continue reading →

“The case for public pharmacare has been made. Its one of those rare public policy initiatives in which there is no downside. … Politically it should be a no-brainer.” – Economist Hugh Mackenzie

From the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union

Posted December 14^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

All Canadians can get their illness diagnosed without any out-of-pocket costs under our public health care system. But millions of Canadians cannot afford needed medications to treat or cure their illnesses.

Canadian Federation of Nurses’ Unions President, Linda Silas, who spearheaded the new report

People with cancer or HIV/AIDs are faced with drug costs that amount to thousands of dollars per month. Their drugs are tragically unaffordable for anyone without a drug insurance plan, and often a huge problem even for those who think they would have coverage under their drug plans but find out that the drug they need is not covered, or there are increasing co-pays or other restrictions in their insurance plan.  

Earlier this December, as the Prime Minister (of Canada) and Premiers from the provinces and territories met over dinner to talk about health care funding, Canada’s nurses released an important new report on “pharmacare” (a national drug insurance program just like public health care for all). The report lays waste to any notion that we can’t afford a drug program that covers everyone. In fact, Canadians can’t afford not to. Continue reading →

The growing dissent “just shows that we were ahead of the curve.” – Hamilton City Councillor Sam Merulla of the number of citizens and municipal councils demanding a provincial investigation.

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 14, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The City Council for Hamilton is once again calling on the Ontario government to launch a forensic audit and investigation of a Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority that a growing numbers of Niagara and Hamilton area citizens have lost trust in.

A recent protest rally in front of the NPCA’s Niagara headquarters in Welland. File photo by Doug Draper

The Hamilton council’s vote for an investigation – the second it has made to Premier Kathleen Wynne and her government in the past two years – follows similar recent calls on the province to thoroughly probe the NPCA made by Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster and the councils for the Niagara municipalities of Port Colborne, Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines. Continue reading →

Province Should Step In With Special Supervisor NOW And Sweep Out Entire NPCA Board & Administration

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted just after Midnight on December 13^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

This just recently in.

The council for the City of Port Colborne – as of this evening of Monday, December 12^th  – has joined the City of St. Catharines and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in unanimously supporting a motion calling on the Ontario government to conduct a full investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations

Ed Smith at Niagara’s regional council this past spring, asking it to order an audit of the NPCA, and getting treated like human garbage in return by some of the council members. File photo by Doug Draper

..The Niagara-on-the-Lake council approved such a motion earlier on the same Monday evening, and now Port Colborne, with Niagara Falls city council scheduled to consider a similar motion this coming Tuesday, December 13^th, and other municipal councils in Niagara, Ontario expected to follow suit before the end of this year.

This unprecedented call by municipalities in Niagara for a forensic audit of a publicly funded body in the region follows in the wake of a call Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster made to the province this November for an audit of the NPCA, and in the wake of a growing lack of public confidence in those running this Conservation Authority. Continue reading →

This Tuesday, December 13, Public Eyes Turn To Niagara Falls City Council for A Vote on an NPCA Audit

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 12^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has joined the City of St. Catharines in calling on the provincial government to launch a thorough investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

St. Catharines/Niagara resident Ed Smith nas been slapped with lawsuit threat from NPCA. This December 12th, he took his call for a full and independent forensic audit of the Conservation Authority to Niagara-on-the-Lake town council.  File photo by Doug Draper

The town council’s support for a motion calling for a full probe of the NPCA was requested at this December 12^th, by Michael Welsh who sits as chair of the town’s committee of adjustment, but told Niagara At Large in an interview earlier this December 12^th that he is making a case for passage of the motion as a private citizen.

“I am coming forward as a private citizen,” added Welsh, a Niagara-on-the-Lake resident,” because I was quite disturbed that the Conservation Authority is going after Mr. Ed Smith legally.” Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 12^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake may join the City of St. Catharines in calling on the provincial government to launch a thorough investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

The town council’s support for a motion calling for a full probe of the NPCA is being requested at today, at its Monday, December 12^th, by Michael Welsh who sits as chair of the town’s committee of adjustment, but told Niagara At Large in an interview earlier this December 12^th that he is making a case for passage of the motion as a private citizen.

“I am coming forward as a private citizen,” added Welsh, a Niagara-on-the-Lake resident,” because I was quite disturbed that the Conservation Authority is going after Mr. Ed Smith legally.”

Welsh was referring to the recent threat the NPCA’s board of directors, chaired by St. Catharines regional councillor, has made in a lawyer’s letter to threaten Smith, a St. Catharines/Niagara citizen for circulating a report raising concerns and questions about the NPCA’s operations, including its hiring, firing and contract tendering practices, in his quest for a full, independent audit of the body. Continue reading →

Council Votes To Re-Install Integrity Commissioner. Disciplinary Action Against Councillor Petrowski’s Conduct Deferred

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 9^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“We have to put up with two more years of this,” said but one of a number of Niagara residents who wandered out of the regional council chambers this December 8^th while whatever passes as governance in that chambers was still in session.

St. Catharines regional councilor Andy Petrowski’s recent posting of anti-Semitic video on Twitter triggers council discussion on need for integrity commissioner/ stricter code of conduct. File photo from 2015

Well, it’s more like one more year and 10 months, to be precise until, if the electorate across Niagara wakes up and votes smart, all but about a dozen of these regional councillors – the good ones, as some residents have taken to calling them, who have at least been trying to stand up against the relentless tide of sludge that has rolled over the first two years of this term of council   – are swept out of office in the next municipal elections.

It has been a “dreadful” year, observed one regional councillor – Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton – at the December 8^th regional council meeting as she considered the number of complaints about conduct involving councillors, staff and members of the public in 2016. She has never, in all her years, experienced anything to match it, she said.

But more about the dreadful year (or two years, others might say) later. Let’s get back to the dreadful night. Continue reading →

A Decade Before American Civil Rights Icon Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the bus, Canada’s Viola Desmond made a courageous stand for civil rights by refusing  to give up her seat in the theatre

“She represents courage, strength nd determination—qualities we should all aspire to every day.” – Canada’s Minister of Finance Bill Morneau

News from the Government of Canada & Bank of Canada

Posted December 8th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – Governor Stephen S. Poloz, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and Minister of Status of Women Patty Hajdu today announced that Viola Desmond will be featured on a new $10 bank note, expected in late 2018. This will mark the first time that a portrait of a Canadian woman will be featured on a regularly circulating Bank of Canada note.

Desmond, an icon of the human rights and freedoms movement in Canada, was selected from a short list of five iconic Canadian women by Minister Morneau, in accordance with the Bank of Canada Act. A successful Nova Scotia businesswoman, she is known for defiantly refusing to leave a whites-only area of a movie theatre in 1946. She was subsequently jailed, convicted and fined. Her court case was the first known legal challenge against racial segregation brought forth by a Black woman in Canada. Continue reading →

 “Zero G, and I feel fine,” John Glenn’s first words after going into Earth’s orbit on February 20th, 1962

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted December 8^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

There was a time when everyone who was over the age of 7 in 1962 knew exactly where they were and what they were doing when an American astronaut named John Glenn became the first human to orbit our Earth in space in a small capsule called ‘Friendship Seven’.

John Glenn went on to serve four terms as a U.S. senator and became the oldest person to return to space when he was in his 70s two decades ago.

Glenn died this December 8^th, 2016 at age 95 – one of the last of an older generation prototypes of the all-American hero. Continue reading →

“Nobody voted for a Premier who does more for Liberal insiders than she does for families. We need a government that puts people first.”                     – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A Year-End Message from Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted December 8^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large 

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath wrapped up the fall legislative session calling for bold change including: affordable hydro, repairing the serious damage the Liberal government has done to our health and education systems, opportunities for youth, and good jobs and decent benefits for every Ontarian

.“Ontario is at a tipping point. Families are struggling to pay their bills and are worrying about what the future holds,” said Horwath. “Ontarians deserve to have hope again and real opportunity for their kids right here at home.”  Continue reading →

CAMH Monitor survey also shows many Ontario adults report texting and driving, and increasing mental distress days

A Report from the Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Posted December 8^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Foreword Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – I sincerely hope that people – particularly younger people who are more prone to be wired into online electronic devices so much of the time – read this report, if they haven’t already heard the very good CBC radio and television reports since its release this December 7^th. 2016.

Call me out of step with the times, an old, technically challenged fart or whatever, but it is disturbing to watch so many people so totally immersed in whatever they are texting, tweeting, firing off to so-called “friends” on Facebook, or watching or playing on a hand-held screen that they are almost totally oblivious to what is going on in the real, organic community around them. Continue reading →

 The bill, if passed, would require that at least half of the membership of conservation authority boards includes individuals with significant training, experience or employment history  in an                      environmental or natural resource field.

“What we’re seeing across the province are conservation authority boards that aren’t putting the protection of the environment first.” – Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

News from the Constituency Office of Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Posted December 7^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – This December 7th, Welland NDP MPP, Cindy Forster, tabled legislation that would ensure greater transparency and accountability within conservation authority boards across the province.

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster stands by her call for a full, forensic audit of the Conservation Authority.

The bill, if passed, would require that at least half of the membership of conservation authority boards includes individuals with significant training, experience or employment history in an environmental or natural resource field.

“I’ve been hearing about this from my constituents for years. I’ve received numerous complaints that conservation authorities aren’t properly conserving wetlands and natural heritage in the way they should be. Worse, I’m being told developers have more leeway than taxpayers. This goes against the very mandate of a conservation authority and this legislation would go a long way to fixing that,” said Forster.  Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted December 7^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

He was honoured at an Assembly of First Nations gathering in Quebec this December 7^th  as the “man who walks among the stars.”

Gord Downie is one of Canada’s and the world’s truly heroic ‘Persons of the Year’ this 2016

Gord Downie, the frontman of the iconic Canadian rock band Tragically Hip, wiped tears from his eyes as members of the Assembly paid tribute to him for his part in drawing awareness to the suffering inflicted on indigenous people victimized by residential school and for raising his voice for truth and reconciliation.

Forget about Trump being named Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ for 2016. One of the people who deserves to be honoured as one of this year’s heroes is Gord Downie, who was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer early in this year, then took the band out of what may very well be a farewell, cross-country tour. Continue reading →

– That Ought To Sell A Few Magazines!

“It’s hard to measure the scale of his disruption. … Trump’s victory represents a long-overdue rebuke to an entrenched and arrogant governing class; for those who see it as for the worse, the destruction extends to cherished norms of civility and discourse, a politics poisoned by vile streams of racism, sexism, nativism.”

Posted December 7^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper, publisher, Niagara At Large – Last year, when Time Magazine announced its choice of German Chancellor Angela Merkel as its ‘Person of the Year’, Donald Trump reacted as follows in one of his infamous tweets – “I told you @TIME Magazine would never pick me as person of the year despite being the big favorite,” he wrote on the social media site to his over 5 million followers. “They picked person who is ruining Germany.”

“How sad,” the Donald added elsewhere of Time’s 2015 choice.

So this year, instead of choosing someone heroic like a Gord Downie of Tragically Hip, who is facing down a deadly cancer diagnosis with a world-class, record-breaking on Youtube concert tour while continuing his advocacy work for Indigenous peoples and the environement at the same time, or choosing the Indigenous people standing up against the giant petro-chemical corporations at Standing Rock, North Dakota, this “malignant narcissist,” as American doc filmmaker Michael Moore recently called him, who is now in a position to not only ruin his own country, but the entire world, wins the big prize.

How sad!

Now here is Time’s announcement, outling the the magazine’s reasons for choosing him. Then have your say on this in the space below.)

Annoucement from Time Magazine editor Nancy Gibbs

“This is the 90th time we have named the person who had the greatest influence, for better or worse, on the events of the year. So which is it this year: Better or worse? The challenge for Donald Trump is how profoundly the country disagrees about the answer. Continue reading →

An Invite from the Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society in Niagara, Ontrio

Posted December 6^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

For those who may feel blue in the face of scandals regarding untendered and unsolicited government contracts, a good recipe for some cheer is to come out to the Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society (PALS)  2016 Mennonite Quilt Draw Party for some fun and fellowship. This will take place between 2 and 4pm on Saturday, December 10^th, at a beautiful historic home at 38 Dalhousie Drive in St. Catharines.

The positive work of PALS in defending the environment has much to do with the counter scheming of others. Continue reading →

“The richest 10% pocket an average annual benefit of $15,000 per person from tax loopholes. By comparison, the poorest 10% receive on average $130 in tax loopholes.”

News from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Posted December 6^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario —Canada’s personal income tax expenditures disproportionately benefit the rich and cost the federal treasury nearly as much as it collects in personal income tax, says a study released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

.

The study, by CCPA Senior Economist David Macdonald, examines the income distribution of benefit for the 64 personal income tax expenditures for which there is available data.

Out of the 64 tax expenditures, 59 of them provide more benefit to the top 50% of income earners than the bottom half, with the largest share going to the richest 10%. The cost of those 59 expenditures totalled $100.5 billion in 2011 alone. Continue reading →

‘It is just the right thing to do. …to demand more  transparency and accountability from this body.’  – Niagara Falls, Ontario city councillor Carolynn Ioannoni

By Doug Draper

Posted December 6^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – A member of another municipal council in Niagara is planning to table a motion – passed unanimously by St. Catharines council this December 5^th – that calls on the Ontario government to get going on a full investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

Niagara Falls city councilor Carolynne Ioannoni hoping her council will join call to province for full audit of NPCA operations.

This week it was the council of St. Catharines that discussed and ultimately passed a motion demanding a thorough audit of the NPCA in the wake of growing public questions and concerns about how it spends millions of dollars annually of money it receives from municipalities across Niagara and the Hamilton and Haldimand regions.

Next week – on Tuesday, December 13^th – Niagara Falls city councillor Carolynn Ioannoni told Niagara At Large that she plans to table a motion similar to the one tabled this December 5^th by St. Catharines city councillor Bruce Williamson. Continue reading →

Short-Staffing At Canadian Border Causes Delays During the Height of Busy Travel Months And is Hurting Both Sides of the Border

News from the Office of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York

Posted December 6^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer met with the new Canadian Consul General Phyllis Yaffe and Canadian Ambassador David McNaughton this December 1^st and urged them to immediately address staffing issues that are causing long wait times at all international border crossings between Buffalo and Canada including the Peace Bridge.

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

Schumer said wait times this past summer got out of control because of a lack of available CBSA agents, and this lack of border agents could cause further delays during the upcoming busy holiday travel season, especially as construction begins on the Peace Bridge, reducing travel to one lane.

Over the summer, Schumer wrote to the President of the Canada Border Services Agency and urged Canada to bring more border agents to keep crossings open and moving. Continue reading →

News from Brock University

Posted December 6^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines/Niagara, Ontario – On December 6, 1989, 14 women studying at the École Polytechnique in Montreal were killed. December 6 is now a solemn day for remembering victims, but also a day of action against violence. It’s a day to remember the women affected and killed, and to re-commit to working for change.

Brock University in Niagara community of St. Catharines, Ontario

A series of events around the Brock University campus this Tuesday, Dec. 6 will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Two events have been organized by students in Brock Labour

Studies’ Women, Work and Unions class: Continue reading →

A Warning To Residents from the City of St. Catharines

Posted December 5th/6^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large – NAL is posting the following advisory to St. Catharines resident with an eye to the possibility if this kind of door-to-door scheme is happening in that municipality, it may also be happening in other municipalities across the Niagara region. So beware of anyone who comes to your door on this one.)

St. Catharines/Niagara, Ontario –Residents should be on alert for door-to-door salespeople claiming to be authorized by the City to inspect water lines for lead.

The City of St. Catharines does not go door-to-door testing for lead, nor does the City authorize organizations to test for lead on its behalf.

“Residents should always ask to see ID when someone presents themselves as being from the City,” says Mark Green, manager, environmental services. “City employees are required to present photo identification before asking to enter your home.” Continue reading →

–         Make Sure You Have Your Say On The Future Role The OMB Should Play In Community Planning Decisions

By John Bacher

Posted December 6^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Between now and December 19^th, the province of Ontario is engaged in a review of the role of the Ontario Municipal Board. (OMB) Appealing to the OMB is the only way to reverse the decision of an elected municipal council on a land use planning matter. This over the years has  involved decisions on the protection of the unique Niagara Fruit Belt and threatened forests.

Many heritage activists and other citizens felt an Ontario Municipal Board hearing a decade ago over plans to build a multi-story condo in Port Dalhousie and rip down some of the old buildings in the area, including the now-gone Port Mansion pictured here, was stacked against them and in favour of the developer. File photo by Doug Draper

The most important training of my life, under the guidance of two thoughtful role models, Mel Swart and Robert Hoover, was to develop an appreciation of the role of the OMB in protecting the environment. Although cynics may dismiss its role as a haven for high priced lawyers and consultants, I can show you amazing orchards and forests which would not be here today had not it been used successfully to defend Mother Earth.

Shortly after their election victory, the Ontario Liberals made an important reform to the OMB. This is discussed on page 16 of the government’s discussion document, “Review of the Ontario Municipal Board.” ( this 35 page report can be downloaded from the website of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing) Continue reading →

By Doug Draper

Posted December 5^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The council for Niagara, Ontario’s largest municipality – St. Catharines – has given its unanimous approval to a motion calling on the provincial government to order a full investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

St. Catharines City Hall

The motion was tabled at the December 5^th council meeting by St. Catharines city councillor and received full endorsement late into the evening following presentations by the Conservation Authority’s chair and St. Catharines regional councillor Bruce Timms, who argued against passage of it, and St. Catharines citizen activist Ed Smith and Welland MPP Cindy Forster, who argued for its passage. Continue reading →

From St. Catharines/Niagara resident and community activist Desmond Sequeira

Posted December 5^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note – Niagara At Large is posting the following letter, dated December 3^rd and written to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, some of her key Cabinet Ministers and to Niagara area MPPs, with the permission of its author Desmond Squeira, just hours before St. Catharines councillors debate a motion this Monday (December 5^th) evening to make the same call on the province for a full investigation and audit of the NPCA.

Niagara residents rally in front of NPCA headquarters r in support of recent call by Welland MPP Cindy Forster for a forensic audit of the conservation  body. File photo by Doug Draper

NAL learned earlier this December 5^th that NPCA chair and St. Catharines regional councillor has been granted permission to speak to the council at the 6:30 p.m. meeting, presumably to speak against passage of the motion, drafted by St. Catharines city councillor Bruce Williamson, calling for the audit and investigation.

Niagara area residents have also been working to organize a rally in front of the St. Catharines City Hall in the city’s downtown, in favour of the motion.

More on this issue later. Now here is the letter to the Premier and company, composed by Desmond Sequeira.)

To Honourable Premier, Ministers and MPPs –

Continue reading →

Names And Contact Info. For St. Catharines Councillors Is Posted Here – Call Or Email Them Before This Monday, December 5^th Evening Council Meeting

A  Call-Out from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted December 4th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“Those who have nothing to hide, hide nothing,” said St. Catharines/Niagara citizen Ed Smith at a press conference this past November 30^th about the lawsuit threat he is facing from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority for raising questions about its operating practices and demanding a forensic audit to get to the bottom of how responsibly the NPCA is spending millions of dollars of tax money that comes from residents in Niagara, Hamilton and Haldimand County.

A recent citizens’ protest in front of the Niagara Peninsula Conservtion Authority headquarters in Welland/Niagara, Ontario. Protesters call for full audit of the body.

This past a spring, during what turned out to be a failed attempt by a delegation of area resident, including Smith, to convince enough Niagara regional councillors (a number of whom are allowed by the regional and provincial governments to sit on the NPCA board) to do a thorough audit of the Conservation Authority’s operations, Thorold regional councillor and former Thorold mayor Henry D’Angela (who has no ties with then NPCA CEO and now-Niagara regional CEO Carmen D’Angelo), insisted that the audit should be done “to make sure we’re (each and every tax paying citizen in the region) getting value for money from the NPCA.”

“Who wouldn’t want their internal controls reviewed to see if they can do it better,” asked D’Angela at the time.

Who indeed! Continue reading →

The NPCA “has operated as a closed shop (and) has shown no respect for the principle of serving the common good and protecting the unique natural environmental features we share in the Niagara Peninsula.”                                                                           – St. Catharines, Ontario City Councillor Bruce Williamson

By Doug Draper

Posted December 1^st & 2nd  2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario –A St. Catharines councillor is planning to put a motion before the city’s council this coming Monday, December 5^th, urging the Ontario government “to immediately initiate an appropriately thorough investigation and forensic audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.”

St. Catharines, Ontario city councilor Bruce Williamson to table motion, calling on province for full, forensic audit of NPCA

The motion, drafted by veteran St. Catharines councillor Bruce Williamson, follows in the wake of a public call Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster made two weeks ago to Kathryn McGarry, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, for a full and independent forensic audit of the NPCA.

A call for an audit of the same body was also made to Niagara’s regional council earlier this year by a delegation of area residents, led by St. Catharines citizen activist Ed Smith, who was recently threatened by the NPCA with a “defamation” lawsuit for circulating a report called “A Call for Accountability at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority,” detailing a long list of concerns and questions around the way the NPCA operates, including the firing and hiring of staff. Continue reading →

By John Bacher

Niagara, Ontario – Honchoes at Niagara’s Conservation Authority have mounted an offensives against forest defenders through their response to the bravely circulated document, “A Call For Accountability at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.”

A threatening salvo was fired off on behalf of the Conservation Authority in the form of a letter by Robert Burns, solicitor with a Niagara Falls-based law firm, Broderick and Partners. It alleges that the authors of “the Call” are “motivated by malice” in their “false and defamatory” attacks.

Following that missive, another barrage was fired off by way of “A Special Statement” from NPCA board chair and St. Catharines regional councillor Bruce Timms.

The “Special Statement”, posted on the Conservation Authority’s website and featured as a full-page ad in Metroland weekly newspapers across Niagara this December 1^st, condemns citizen conservationists in the Niagara community for not focusing on “valid concerns.”

This “Special Statement” claims that the authentic debate shaping up over the future of the 500 acre Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, now targeted for urban development, “has shifted to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), the City of Niagara Falls, and the province.”  Continue reading →

“Everyone wins when we design better planned, healthier urban and rural communities, while also creating an environment for farming and the agri-food economy to remain prosperous.”

News from the Ontario Farmland Trust

Posted December 1^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

low density sprawl closing in on what’s left of our food-growing lands

Guelph, Ontario – For the first time, all of Ontario’s major farm organizations, representing some 52,000 farms and 78,000 farmers, have come together to present a strong, united message to the province: freeze urban boundaries now to stop urban sprawl and protect farming in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH).

“The province needs to impose real boundaries on urban expansion, not more restrictions on farming,” says Keith Currie, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). “Hard municipal growth boundaries must be part of the solution to supporting agriculture in the GGH so we don’t pave over the region’s farmland and displace more farm families and farming communities.” Continue reading →

NPCA’s Legal Threat Is “Nothing Less Than A Full Frontal Assault On Our Democracy, And On Our Rights As Canadians”    – Niagara citizen and retired Canadian Armed Forces officer    Ed Smith

By Doug Draper

Posted November 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

The answer is ‘NO’!

Ed Smith tells reporters this November 30th that he won’t let the threat of a lawsuit stop him from asking questions about how the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority spends our tax dollars, Photo by Doug Draper

With a December 1^st deadline in a lawyer’s letter aimed squarely and menacingly  at him, Ed Smith – a retired, 25-year member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a Niagara, Ontario citizens who has spent the better part of the last year seeking information on how the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is spending public money – said at a press conference this November 30^th that he would rather fight any litigation that may be brought against him in court than comply with demands being made to him in a recent letter from an NPCA-hired lawyer.

The November 14^th letter, signed by lawyer Robert B. Burns of the Niagara Falls-based law firm of Broderick & Partners and mailed to Smith’s St. Catharines home, is a response to a detailed report Smith distributed to Niagara reginal councillors and others earlier this November. Continue reading →

News from the Welland Riding Constituency Office of Cindy Forster

Posted November 30^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario  – Cindy Forster, MPP is encouraging local schools and community and volunteer organizations to identify nominees for the Leading Women Leading Girls Building Communities Recognition Program now underway.

Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

This would include West St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Wainfleet, Port Colborne and everything in between. Nominations must be in by Friday, January 13, 2016.

Do you know of a woman or girl who is making a difference in your community?

Since the program was introduced in 2006, more than 650 women and girls across Ontario have been recognized for their leadership qualities. Continue reading →

–        So Much For Making The Fight Against Climate Change A Number One Priority

Green Party of Canada denounces ‘irresponsible’ approval of Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project

Posted November 29th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(Niagara At Large is posting the following statement from the only party in last year’s federal election to say flat-out, without qualifiers, in its platform – no more tar sand pipelines and keep the rest of the earth-destroying goo in the ground. … Focus on making Canada a true technological and economic leader by developing and growing 21^st century, leading-edge green energy systems instead.)

Ottawa, Ontario – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), today denounced the Prime Minister’s decision to approve the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project as “political opportunism of the worst kind.

“Contrary to the Prime Minister’s claim that this decision is based on evidence, as an intervenor in the Kinder Morgan NEB process, I can confirm conclusively that there was no sufficient evidence before the NEB to justify this project. In fact, the NEB refused to hear evidence from UNIFOR that this project would cost Canadian jobs. Continue reading →

A Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of a member of the Canadian Armed Forces

Posted November 29^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

RCAF Captain Thomas McQueen

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement after learning yesterday of the fatal CF-18 Hornet air training accident at 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta:

“I was profoundly saddened to learn yesterday of the tragic accident that took the life of Captain Thomas McQueen of the Royal Canadian Air Force as he was training at the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. Continue reading →

An Open Message from Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition

Posted November 29^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

To Members and Supporters –

Kudos to CBC for finally reporting a critical analysis of this Wait Times Survey which you may have heard about in the news last week. An interesting note: We were contacted to do some media interviews about it last week but after I told the media people who contacted me that I was going to talk about the bias in the survey and our concerns with how it is used, they were not interested.

Ontario Health Coalition’s executive director Natalie Mehra

Private clinics locate exclusively in the largest cities of the country where there is a “market” of wealthy people large enough for them to make a big profit. They do not serve rural areas, the north and smaller or medium-sized towns.

They charge thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to patients — on top of billing OHIP (or its equivalent in other provinces). So they often bill twice for the same surgeries or tests. I think this should be considered fraud. Continue reading →

“The concerns raised by the local people protesting the hunt seem quite valid and only directed at the activity, not who does it.”

“The places animals can live safe from humanity’s need to kill are few, and should be protected.”

A Commentary by Barry Kent MacKay, Senior Program Associate in the Canadian office of Born Free U.S.A.

Posted November 29^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Regarding the deer hunt or cull in Short Hills Provincial Park in Niagara, I wonder if the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is using the Haudenosaunee to promote “hunting as a wildlife management tool” because their revenues are in decline from hunter (and fisher) licenses issued.

Protesting Short Hills deer hund. File photo from a past hunt. doug draper

Of course such revenue does not come from First Nations, whose treaty rights override rules applied to everyone else.  Thus my theory, in part, is that it is seen as in the fiscal interest of the MNRF to support the conception of hunting being necessary, overall.

I have had MNRF officials claim it is necessary to reduce deer numbers and also claim that it is not – that the hunt is just a hunt.

I think the hunters are using the MNRF to provide the opportunity to have a private hunting preserve with tame deer available for exercising treaty-granted “rights” that are all too often stomped on in so many other areas, including those fundamental to preservation of contributors to cultural identity, including language and religion. Continue reading →

“Politicians are supposed to be the referees who decide what is in the public interest – so why would we allow big businesses, corporate interest groups or wealthy people to buy them off with huge donations?”

By Linda Babb

Posted November 28th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

“Money to the Ref? 

We don’t allow that in the Olympic, in hockey, baseball or other sports – but in politics it’s legal and accepted as “par for the course.”

Genuine as well as fake news outlets proliferate on the internet, twitter and facebook.  Undeniably it’s important to learn how to differentiate between them, that is being “personally responsible”. 

At the moment all sources are inundated with reports, accusations, allegations and speculation focused on Trump in connection with conflict of interest, as well as influence peddling and buying support, not to mention a recent “ad” for – of all things – a Christmas tree ornament facsimile of the infamous Trump campaign hat!! 

How does that possibly relate to us in Canada? 

Most people would like to think it has no bearing on what happens here. But maybe it might be time for us living on the Canadian side of the border to look inward.  Continue reading →

NRP’s Chris Lindey Among 21 Honoured with Ontario’s       Medals for Bravery

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted November 28^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Six firefighters and 15 police officers received Ontario’s top honours for bravery last night.

Niagara Regional Police Constable Chris Lindey at Queen’s Park, receiving Medal of Bravery from Ontario’s Lieutenant Government Elizabeth Dowdeswell

The Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery and the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery are the province’s highest honours in recognition of firefighters and police officers whose actions demonstrate outstanding courage.

This year’s ceremony awarded honours for both 2015 and 2016.

Niagara Regional Police Service

• Constable Chris Lindey

(A Brief Note from Niagara At Large – Constable Chris Lindey received the Medal of Bravery for risking his life saving a woman who fell through ice on a stretch of the Welland Canal running past the Welland community of Dain City near Forkes Road this past February 2016. The NRP officer fell through the ice himself before placing a rope around the woman so she could be pulled safely to shore. Both he and the woman were then taken to the hospital were treated for hypothermia.)

Continue reading →

A Column from Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted November 28^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Town of Pelham/Niagara – The Town has grappled with ways in which to help calm traffic and make it safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists for a number of years.

Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn supports move to Niagara residents electing Regional Chair

More than a decade ago, the Town implemented “Community Safety Zones” on Haist Street (near AK Wigg School) and on Pelham Street (near GA Green School) to double the normal fine for speeders. We have added flashing lights in most school zones and employ a team of dedicated crossing guards help local students to cross the road.

To make it safer for folks to cross the street, we’ve added new crosswalks. We also added a traffic light at Pelham and Port Robinson and improved the pedestrian crossings on Regional Road 20 at Pelham and Haist Streets. We have also added stop signs to better regulate traffic – Quaker at Line, Port Robinson at Station, Canboro at Balfour, and Sawmill at Wessel. Continue reading →

“The nature club is a forum for members to share their love of nature and to endeavor to save some of Niagara’s wonderful natural areas from destruction.”

A Celebratory Message from Win Laar, President, Niagara Falls Nature Club

Posted November 28th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Fifty years ago the City of Niagara Falls was considering a suitable project to celebrate Canada’s centennial. Some councillors suggested acquiring a forested property on the edge of the Niagara escarpment, but others were against it. A different, unmemorable project was undertaken.

Niagara Falls Nature Club’s board of directors gathers for 50th anniversary celebration. Photo by Michael Deeley.

Years later, that land was purchased at many times the original price, and is now known as Woodend Conservation Area.

A letter in the local paper protesting council’s decision convinced a number of residents that a group of like-minded individuals was needed who knew and loved nature, and would advocate on behalf of its preservation.

In November 1966 the Niagara Falls Nature Club (NFNC) was formed. Continue reading →

Posted November 27^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper

It appears Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement on the death of former Cuban president Fidel Castro this November 26^th has more than a few among us reeling – particularly those who view Castro as a dictator who oppressed and, in some cases, imprisoned and murdered, his own people, and who otherwise posed a menace to the rest of the world over his more than 50 years in power.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the now late Cuban president/dictator Fidel Castro.

Trudeau’s statement – posted here in its entirety – is sure to draw some attacks in Canada’s House of Commons in the day ahead. What do you think?

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro

• The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today (November 26^{th, 2016}) issued the following statement on the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro:

“It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of Cuba’s longest serving President. Continue reading →

The following News Releasefrom the Ontario Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals was posted on the OSPCA’s website on November 25^th, 2016

Posted November 27^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Ontario SPCA has charged Marineland Canada Inc. with five counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

One of many animal activist protests held outside of Marineland’s front gates in recent years. File photo by Doug Draper

The charges are as follows:

• One count for permitting a peacock bird to be in distress.
• One count for failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for a Peacock bird.
• Two counts for failing to comply with the prescribed Standards of Care for Guinea Hens.
• One count for failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care including failing to provide adequate and appropriate food and water for approximately 35, American Black Bears.

Further charges are pending at this time. Continue reading →

– The Following Address By Award-Winning News Correspondent Christiane Amanpour Should Be Required Viewing In Every North American Home & School

Posted by Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper, November 27^th, 2016

Following a prestigious award she received in New York City this November 22^nd from the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists, CNN veteran foreign correspondent and television host Christiane Amanpour had the following to say in a world where journalists are vilified while Trump advances to one of the most powerful political offices in the world.

CNN TV host and foreign correspondent Christiane Amanpour lays a few things on the line about Trumpland, the vilification of the media and a public struggling to sort all of this out.

Here are the first few lines of Amanpour’s address, followed by a video of the entire address which I urge everyone to click on, watch for themselves, then forward to as many other people as possible –

“I never in a million years thought I would be up here on stage appealing for the freedom and safety of American journalists at home.

Ladies and gentlemen, I added the bits from candidate Trump as a reminder of the peril we face.

I actually hoped that once president-elect, all that that would change, and I still do.

But I was chilled when the first tweet after the election was about “professional protesters incited by the media”. Continue reading →

A Little ‘For The Record’ Stuff For You

A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper

Posted November 27^h, 2016 on Niagara At Large

This past Tuesday, November 22^nd, The Globe & Mail ran an investigative story on its front page that has continued to fuel a firestorm of debate over whether or not he breached principles aimed at keeping big money out of who gets access to our elected leaders and what they get for that access.

Rona Ambrose and Justin Trudeau slug it out in House of Commons

“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the top draw at a $1,500 Liberal Party cash-for-access fundraiser at the mansion of a wealthy Chinese-Canadian business executive in May,” reads the first line of the Globe story. “Chinese Business Chamber of Commerce chair Benson Wong played host to Mr. Trudeau and 32 other people at his Toronto home. Continue reading →

–        A Response To What Timms Calls ‘Recent Allegations” Made Against The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

A Statement from Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Chair and St. Catharines Regional Councillor Timms, as posted this November 24^th on the Conservation Authority’s website.

Posted November 24^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper – Some readers may very well wonder why Niagara At Large is posting the following statement from NPCA Chair Bruce Timms.

I would respond to anyone who wonders with two quick reasons.

First, I believe it is only right and fair that all citizens across this greater Niagara region and Hamilton/Haldimand area whose taxdollars help fund the NPCA’s operations read Timms’ response to some of the recent allegations being made against that body and at least some those who run it.

Niagara, Ontario resident Ed Smtih at Niagara regional council this spring, asking for support for an independent, detailed audit of NPCA operations. Smith fails to win the council’s support and is accused by some councilors of making untrue and potentially defamatory statements about the NPCA and some of its board members. Niagara regional chair Al Casline follows up with a letter of apology to the NPCA board for Smith’s presentation.

Second, I am posting this statement in the spirit of an old saying I happen to place a lot of stock in – ‘When someone you would rather see the back of is digging themselves a hole, never take away the shovel.’ Continue reading →

Controversial report raises questions over Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s impartiality

By John Bacher

Posted November 23^rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Currently, the two biggest conservation battles in Niagara are to protect old growth forests from the blight of development. These are the 29 acre Irish Grove Forest in Grimsby, ON, and the 500 acre Thundering Waters Forest in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Monarch Butterfly in Thundering Waters Forest. Photo: Adrin Willems

Today there is a proposal to build an extension of Livingstone Avenue through the Irish Grove Forest. This battle to stop this forest slashing is tied to the broader struggle to protect the Greenbelt, now undergoing provincial review. The elected Grimsby and Niagara Regional councils are proposing that these lands be removed from the Greenbelt, through a “swap” where these forests would be swapped out, and lands south of the Niagara Escarpment remote from servicing, virtually impossible to pave over, would be swapped in.

Policy review also threatens the Thundering Waters forest. Continue reading →

News from Brock University

Posted November 23^rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Southern Ontario is about to find out what nearly 6,000 full- and part-time employees already know: Brock University is a great place to work.

Campus of Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara. File photo

The University has made the 2017 list of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers, an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. Now in its 10th year, the designation recognizes employers in the area that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

The announcement was made in the Hamilton Spectator on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Continue reading →

News from Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre

Posted November 23^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Welland, Ontario – Niagara Centre Member of Parliament Vance Badawey has arranged for Welland’s downtown Bridge 13 to be lit up purple on November 25, 2016, in order to Shine the Light on men’s violence against women in Canada.

The Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign, begun by the London Abused Women’s Centre in London, Ontario, asks for communities to turn purple in order to, “stand in solidarity with abused women and support them in understanding that any shame and/or blame they may feel does not belong to them but to the perpetrators of their abuse; and to raise the profile of the community agencies that can provide abused women with help as they attempt to live their lives free from violence and abuse.” Continue reading →

“If the (Canadian) government wants to make progress on the climate change file they need to be lobbied strongly by climate groups to help keep the powerful fossil fuel industry at bay.”

By Nick Fillmore

Posted November 22^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Canada is far behind many other countries when it comes to meeting its carbon reduction targets. We have an “inadequate” ranking on the international mechanism tracking carbon emitters, says Climate Action Tracker.

Many other countries/regions, such as Norway, the European Union, the United States and China, are well ahead of us. Meanwhile, the federal government’s recently announced that all Canadian jurisdictions must adopt a carbon pricing scheme by 2018 with a minimum price of $10 per tonne.

The price must rise to reach $50 per tonne by 2022. The goal of reducing emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 will not get Canada anywhere close to its promises to the United Nations. Continue reading →

‘With murder, the truth will out’ – Or will it?

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 22^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

There was a time when you could say that just about everyone around could remember where they were on that day – 53 years ago this November 22^nd in 1963 – that U.S. President John F. Kennedy was shot, and it was true.

An iimage from investigative lawyer Mark Lane’s 1966 book ‘Rush to Judgement’, with then Texas Governor John Connally in the sights of a rifle (not Oswald’s) in the front of the car, and President Kennedy in the rifle sights in the back seat, with his wife and First Lady Jackie Kennedy at his side.

Almost everyone did, and I did too. But I am in my 60s now and most of the people around these days are younger than me. For most of them, there is no living memory of that day and the Kennedy assassination is little more than a distant page in history.

Gone too is the strong feeling of many who were around then that Kennedy’s assassination remains one of the greatest unsolved crimes of the 20^th century – one in which the powers-that-be at the time conspired to have us believe that the sole perpetrator was one loner and ex-marine named Lee Harvey Oswald with a cheap, mail order rifle and mediocre scores in marksmanship. Continue reading →

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

Posted November 22^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large CATCH News – November 21, 2016

(A Brief Foreword Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper – Niagara At Large is postng this piece, first and foremost, to show some of the progressive moves some of Niagara’s  neighbouring regions in the Golden Horsehoe are making when it come to shifting to healthier, less car-dependent communities while Niagara’s regional chair and his cronies waste more time and tax money on consultants tinkering around the edges of delivering a full-fledged regional transit system for Niagara.

This post is also a reminder of the important role citizen watchdog groups like CATCH can play in local democracy and decision-making when mainstream news resources are all but picked to the bone for covering what our local municipal councils are up to.)

Nearby Burlington, Ontario with the City of Hamilton in the background

Over 450 people came out last week for a two-hour public session with the mayor of Burlington, key staff and two world-renowned urban experts who are bluntly advocating a dramatic shift in the lakeside city toward walking, cycling and transit. They rejected road widening as a proven failure, and emphasized municipal transportation visions are useless if they aren’t backed up by major spending to implement them. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a citizens’ watchdog group for our shared waterbodies

Posted November 22^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Lake Erie algal blooms, August 2011

Every year, communities and businesses around Lake Erie worry about toxic algal blooms. They wonder if the algae will:

• Make their drinking water unsafe, like it did in 2014
• Put the 117,000 jobs connected to Lake Erie at risk
• Stop people from enjoying boating, swimming, and visiting Lake Erie shorelines

Continue reading →

Up To $3 Million Available to Implement Voter-Selected Proposals

“The Ontario Budget affects every Ontarian. That’s why it’s important for the government to hear from the people across the province, to discuss their priorities and understand what investments they want to see in their communities.” – — Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Finance

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted November 22^nd, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Ontario’s Queen’s Park legislative building in Toronto

Queen’s Park, Ontario – For the third year in a row, Ontario is launching Budget Talks, an online consultation tool that allows the public to help shape policies and programs that will be part of Ontario’s future.

The government will provide $3 million to fund up to eight proposals as part of the 2017 Budget, making Ontario the first province to commit to funding ideas from the public as part of its budget process. Continue reading →

“During the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in August  … Niagara stood as the only hold-out Region that still wanted to appoint the Chair from among members of Council.”

A Column by Town of Pelham/Niagara Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted November 21^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Last week, the Province introduced legislation that included mandating the election of all Ontario’s Regional Chairs by the public-at-large, starting in 2018. While this push toward a more accountable and democratic election alarmed a few folks in Niagara (including our current Chair), those watching the Municipal sector weren’t surprised.

Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn supports move to Niagara residents electing Regional Chair

First, during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in August, the Hon. Bill Mauro, Minister of Municipal Affairs, called for changes to increase the “accountability and transparency” of Regional Councils.

Second, Niagara stood as the only hold-out Region that still wanted to appoint the Chair from among members of Council. All other areas either already elect their Chair of Regional Council at large, or were working toward doing so.

Waterloo Region began electing their Chair 19 years ago. Halton Region has elected a Regional Chair since 2000. Durham Region first elected their Regional Chair in 2014. Continue reading →

News from Niagara’s regional government

Posted November 21st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara’s Regional Council has approved $1 million in funding for two waterfront investment projects, one in Fort Erie and the other in St. Catharines.  The funding is provided through the Region’s Waterfront Investment Program.

Bay Beach along the Lake Erie Waterfront in the Fort Erie, Ontario community of Crystal Beach.

 Bay Beach Master Plan Implementation – Fort Erie, $850,000

An Invite to You from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted November 21^st, 2016 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) has been working diligently to remove barriers faced by people with disabilities and is pleased to present its Annual Progress Report to the public on its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2013-2017), on Tuesday, November 29 at 1 p.m.

Niagara Parks’ Queen Victoria lawns and gardens near the Falls.

This Progress Report identifies barriers to information and communication, employment and transportation for people with disabilities and outlines steps NPC has taken in the last year to remove these barriers.

American Sign Language interpretation and closed captioning services will be available that day. Continue reading →

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 20^th,  2016 on Niagara At Large

“It was my mistake,” Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne told more than 800 Liberal delegates at the party’s annual general meeting in Ottawa this November 19^th.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne on CBC earlier this Novmeber, saying on of the lessons for politicians from Trump’s election victory is to pay more attention to the concerns of everyday people.

A mistake? Some bloody mistake!

Wynne was talking about province’s hydro rates that have been rocketing into the outer stratosphere under her watch Then Wynne tells the delegates this –“Standing before you today, I take responsibility as leader for not paying close enough attention to some of the daily stresses in Ontarians’ lives. Electricity prices are the prime example. … People have told me that they’ve had to choose between paying their electricity bill and buying food or paying the rent. That is unacceptable to me.”

No kidding, it is unacceptable.

How smug and out of touch with the realities facing so many everyday Ontario residents can Kathleen Wynne get? Continue reading →

“The (province’s) wetlands polices must be enforceable and should always be enforced without citizens having to appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.”  -Joyce SanSankey, Conservation Director,  Niagara Falls Nature Club

An Open Letter to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry from the Niagara Falls Nature Club

(The letter is being posted on Niagara At Large with the permission of Niagara Falls Nature Club conservation director Joyce Sankey.)

Posted November 19^th, 2016 on Niagara At Large

To Terese McIntosh, Biodiversity and Wetlands Program and Policy Advisor , Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Policy Division

Dear Ms. McIntosh:

Members of the Niagara Falls Nature Club have been extremely concerned about the many threats to our wetlands.

The Niagara Falls Slough Forest, also known as Thundering Waters, has been sold to a foreign investor for a residential development.

Niagara has a large supply of developable land and an oversupply of housing.  Niagara also has many brownfield areas and vacant cleared areas.  Bulldozing parts of a swamp forest complex for this development is unnecessary and wrong.  Continue reading →