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Soak in the Haunting Music and Lyrics of this song by the late Marvin Gaye, and Join the Fight for a Healthier Planet

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

Posted on Earth Day, April 22^nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

To listen to this song and watch the moving images of life on our precious planet, click on the screen immediatetly below –

In memory of one of Niagara, Ontario’s great environmental activist, Margherita Howe, president of the Niagara-on-the-Lake-based, Operation Clean.

A true warrior for our planet.

I was proud to know her and cover her many campaigns for a healthier world in our Great Lakes region. She was a relentless, courageous warrior for Mother Earth.

Every time we need a powerful voice in the room to give those who plunder our green places the hell they rightfully deserve, I miss her badly.

She received Order of Canada recognition for her efforts and she was, as some of our American friends in the environmental movement came to call her, ‘the lady of the lakes’.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

For an earlier Commentary on Earth Day, posted on Niagara At Large, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2021/04/22/this-earth-day-lets-vow-to-get-rid-of-the-most-anti-environment-government-ontario-has-ever-had/ 

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

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

‘If You Aren’t Part of the Solution, You Are Part of the Pollution!’

An Earth Day Message from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted on Earth Day, April 22^nd, 2021

One of the buttons from the very first Earth Day in April of 1970.

This Thursday, April 22^nd marks the 51^st anniversary of countless many around the world holding ‘environmental teach-ins’, rallies, tree-plantings, among a host of events, in observance of the first-ever Earth Day.

A wide-eyed high school kid back then, I joined a group of my school mates in staging a demonstration in front of what was then one of the most polluting industrial plants in my hometown of Welland.

We were out there in front of the plant, receiving a mixture of people waving support and shouting at us to go back to school and shut up, and we weathered it all – filled with hope that if enough people got engaged in the fight to protect our natural environment, we would, by now, be living in a far healthier world. Continue reading →

“Funding the Great Lakes today provides a significant economic return on investment and builds safer and healthier communities for generations to come.”                                                                         – Brian Higgins, a U.S. (Democratic) Congressman serving Buffalo, New York and neighbouring communities

A News Release from the Office of Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted April 22^nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo area Congressman Biran Higgins speaks up for our shared Great Lakes

Buffalo, New York  – As the country recognizes Earth Day, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is pushing for the federal government to take action to protect the planet by increasing its investment in the Great Lakes, the largest source of fresh water in the world.

Higgins, a member of the bipartisan Great Lakes Task Force, and other members are asking budget appropriators to fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for fiscal year 2022 at $375 million, a $45 million increase over FY2021 funding levels.

Higgins said, “Historically polluted waterways, like the Buffalo River, caused by years of toxic dumping inspired a public movement for change leading to the first Earth Day in 1970, and passage of the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts a short time later. We have come a long way in the last 50 years but there is still work ahead of us to cleanup, restore and protect our water. Funding the Great Lakes today provides a significant economic return on investment and builds safer and healthier communities for generations to come.” Continue reading →

“Premier, it is imperative that you review the data, listen to the science, and get vaccines into Niagara and communicate clearly so that we can get them into the arms of our citizens as quickly as possible.”                                                                                                               – in a Statement in the Ontario Legislature, from Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch to Ontario Premier Doug Ford

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre MPP Doug Ford

Posted April 21^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

From an April 21^st Transcript of Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch’s Remarks in the Legislative Assembly of Ontaro

Mr. Jeff Burch: Vaccines are the light at the end of a very long tunnel, but in my community in Niagara, the vaccine rollout has been rife with confusion due to the actions of this government.

We still have no answers on the diverted shipment of 5,000 Moderna vaccines away from Niagara. I’ve heard from countless constituents from all age groups who were told conflicting information for the provincial booking portal, and had difficulty booking their appointments.

The province earmarked selected areas for priority access to COVID-19 vaccines, but people across the province were confused when some of the areas with higher case numbers were not selected. Continue reading →

“We’re calling on Canada to double down on climate ambition not just so we can finally contribute our fair share of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, but so that we can do our part to build a better world.”                                                                                               – Catherine Abreu, Executive Director, Climate Action Network Canada

A Call-out from BLUE GREEN CANADA, CITIZENS FOR PUBLIC JUSTICE, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK CANADA, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, FOR THE LOVE OF CREATION

Posted April 21^st. 2021 on Niagara At Large

Coalition of environmental, labour, health, faith groups call on Canada to increase its climate ambition

Today (this April 21^st, 2021) , the day before world leaders come together at the Leaders Climate Summit hosted by President Joe Biden, a coalition of groups came together to call on Canada’s federal government to increase the ambition of its actions to combat climate change.

The organizations are highlighting that doing our fair share on climate action is not only Canada’s responsibility, but within our reach, with strong regulations, increased investment and a commitment to justice.

Catherine Abreu, Executive Director, Climate Action Network Canada:

“We’re calling on Canada to double down on climate ambition not just so we can finally contribute our fair share of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, but so that we can do our part to build a better world. A foundation of strong climate goals, smart climate governance, generous climate finance, and human-centred climate policy will help us break our addiction to fossil fuels and shift to social and economic systems that work for people as well as the planet.”

Naolo Charles, Founder, BE Initiative and Co-Founder, the National Anti-Environmental Racism Coalition:

”We need to put people at the center of our environmental policies and frameworks. We often forget that we, the people, and the living things around us are really what needs saving, not the planet itself. We need to let go of the old ideas, of the old profit over people, the old colonialism, we need to stop believing in old energy sources that start their life cycle as great assets for the economy and end as nightmares for people’s health. Continue reading →

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

Posted April 21^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

If you live almost anywhere in Southern Ontario or West New York, you likely woke up this April 21^st to something like this.

This is my backyard patio area in Niagara. Want to come over for a barbecue?

Photo by Doug Draper. Taken April 21st, 2021.

It’s almost the last week of April, for God’s sake. The daffodils and tulips are out. Garden Centres in our area have been getting ready to bring in geraniums and other plants for spring planting.

And yet here we are, a little more than a week away from the first day of May, and in a matter of a few hours we have winter wonderland out there.

Is Mother Nature trying, once again, to tell us something?

Continue reading →

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath plans to put paid sick days to a vote. Ford government threatening procedural blockades to try to block NDP’s paid sick days motion

“Without paid sick days, workers and their loved ones will keep pouring into Ontario’s hospitals. It is cruel and heartless to keep denying workers protections when we know it will condemn more people to get sick, and more people to die.”                                           – Ontario  NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted April 21^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP MPP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath want’s Ford Longterm-Care Home Minister’s head.

QUEEN’S PARK, Toronto — For months Doug Ford and his PC MPPs have been refusing the paid sick days plan called for by countless experts and workers alongside Andrea Horwath and the Ontario NDP.

But with indications growing that the government won’t be able to hold out much longer, Horwath scheduled the Opposition Day motion Wednesday afternoon to be a debate on a safety plan for essential workplaces that includes paid sick days.

But as of Wednesday morning, the Ford government is throwing up as many blockades as possible to prevent the regularly-scheduled Opposition Day Motion from going ahead. To block the debate and vote on paid sick days, the government has scheduled surprise votes on a raft of non-pandemic motions and bills. Continue reading →

A Very Brief One by Doug Draper

Posted April 20th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

As just one, going back to my grade school days,  who has studied the ugly, violent conduct people of colour in North America have had to put up with for centuries now,  at least a  little bit of glory, glory and Thank God has to go out to the news late this afternoon of April 20th  that a jury in the U.S. State of Minnesota came out of deliberations.

It came out   and declared that a monster in a cop suit, who betrayed anything that has to do with the sworn duty of police in the United States and Canada to serve and protect, and  who destroyed the life of George Floyd, guilty of murder on all three counts.

To all of us out there, who still believe in the dream, here is a little bit of Amazing Grace.

Here is to Martin Luther King’s  dream of reaching the mountain top and seeing the other side, to a more just and peaceful day when we can all live together, regardless of the colour of skin, or our religious or sexual orientations.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

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

“I believe the Region’s upcoming Official Plan should strive to find a fair mix between the promotion of responsible growth and development, while protecting this natural heritage. I believe it is the diversity of our Region – the green space and the urban areas – that make us such a desirable location.”                                                – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradleydelivers his annual State of the Region address

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley’s Annual State of the Region Address, hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted April 20th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Niagara, Ontario – Good morning – I am pleased to be here with you today virtually for my third State of the Region Address. I want to thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy schedules to participate in today’s event. ….

*Looking back at 2020*

When we look back at the last 13 months, we have to acknowledge some of our losses.

At last count, over 375 Niagara residents have died as a result of COVID-19. These individuals were a part of our community – they were our neighbours, our friends, and our family members. It can be easy to get lost in the cold statistics of this pandemic, but we have to remember that real people have lost their lives.

We also have to remember that the pandemic also had a significant impact on our collective mental health. Feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression are all too common as we live through yet another round of lockdowns.

We have also learned that this pandemic has not impacted everyone equally.

Women have been more greatly affected, with the majority of frontline positions being occupied by females. At the same time, the coronavirus has driven women out of the labour market as they shoulder the majority of childcare responsibilities – in fact, a recent RBC economic report noted women’s participation in the workforce is now at 55 per cent, the lowest rate since the 1980s. When we talk about recovery, we must keep these facts in mind and work to build a more equitable economy. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre Liberal MP Vance Badawey

Posted April 20^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre Liberal MP Vance Badawey. File photo

Niagara, Ontario — Niagara Centre Member of Parliament Vance Badawey says Canada’s new federal budget puts Canada on the path to recovery and provides the country with a level of support that will ensure we weather the worst of the economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The entire country has learned a valuable lesson during this crisis; that childcare is a vital component in the lives of a large number of Canadians. And no one feels the effects when it’s lacking more than women in the workforce.

“At a time when employment has been uncertain, when we could not rely upon our schools to stay open, the lack of support for childcare has hamstrung the efforts of working moms and dads to return to work and some sense of normalcy. Continue reading →

“He’s (now) attempting to shut down parliament to escape from the outrage he caused with his abysmal handling of the third wave.”                                                                                                          – Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca

A News Release from Ontario Liberal Party

Posted April 20^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

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

“Since last week, Doug Ford has been in hiding, not making a single public appearance minus one bizarre tweet begging for help from the European Union’s Ambassador to Canada. This is a Premier in witness protection, and it’s never been so clear he needs to go.

He’s attempting to shut down parliament to escape from the outrage he caused with his abysmal handling of the third wave. How can our Premier – the person who has repeatedly said the buck stops with him – hide from the very people he was elected to represent? Continue reading →

Brian Higgins Advocates for a Reopening Plan to be Defined and Released

Buffalo-area Congressman Brian Higgins

“It’s 395 days since the United States-Canadian border closed, and the closure was just extended another 30 days. Families on both sides of the border have been torn apart, people who love each other, parents, grandchildren, unable to see each other. We need a plan to open the U.S.-Canadian border.”                           – Buffalo –area Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins

A News Release from Buffalo, New York-area Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted April 20th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Peace Bridge between Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. Still off limits to all but “essential” trafffic.

Buffalo, New York – Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), Co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus, addressed the renewed shutdown of the border between the United States and Canada in remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Higgins said, in part, “It’s 395 days since the United States-Canadian border closed, and the closure was just extended another 30 days. Families on both sides of the border have been torn apart, people who love each other, parents, grandchildren, unable to see each other. We need a plan to open the U.S.-Canadian border. With vaccines, face masks, and good physical distancing we can do so safely and successfully.” Continue reading →

Standing Against Workers Will Haunt Ford’s Conservatives

A News Release from Ontario’s Liberal Government

Posted April 19th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

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

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, getting his first shot of vaccine ear;oer this April, and that is good. But what about all of the mostly younger grocery store workers, taking a chance in every day? And what about paid sick days for these brave front-line workers, or a return to COVID-19 bonus pay Apparently that is too much for Ford to ask of his billionaire corporate pals in the retail industry. You sure wouldn’t want to ask the Weston family (owners or Loblaws/Zehrs, Shopper Drug Mart, etc.) to do a little more to reward their front-line workers.

“The past week has been absolute chaos in Ontario. Sweeping police powers, closures on the outdoor activities experts say don’t cause the spread of COVID-19, and insufficient measures. But despite everything Doug Ford threw at the wall, he didn’t even bother to consider paid sick leave.

Ontario Liberals are calling on Conservative MPPs to finally stand with essential workers and against their anti-science Premier, and pass our bill before Doug Ford runs and hides from the outrage he caused.

For over a year, Ontario Liberals have stood with doctors, other opposition parties, and virtually everyone else to demand paid sick leave. It was, after all, Ontario Liberals who brought in paid sick leave in the first place before Doug Ford cut it in 2018. That’s because we know how important protection is for workers. Continue reading →

They Have Blown Any Real Plan to Crush COVID-19. There Lack of Action Borderlines on Criminal Negligence.

IT IS KILLING US! Physically, Mentally and Economically

Posted by Doug Draper, April 18^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

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

Never Mind Harassing the Rest of Us for Driving to a Grocery Store – Throw the Book At These Reckless, Irresponsible Morons

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

Posted April 18^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Well here we go again.

Just  one week after they got off the clown buses to rally call COVID-19 a “hoax” and rally against vaccines as “biological warfare” and calling mask-wearing “bullshit,” hundreds of them were in Niagara Falls, Ontario this weekend, using city lands and Niagara Parks lands near the Horseshoe Falls, to peddle this dangerous, Trumpie, Qanon garbage again.

In St. Catharines last week, on Saturday, April 10^th to be precise, close to a thousand or more of these self-anointed soldiers for our liberties and freedoms rallied together in chants of “Freedom” and “No More Lockdowns,” and calls that wearing a mask is “bullshit” and taking a vaccine to protect ourselves again a pandemic that has destroyed way too many lives here and around the world is akin to “biological warfare.”

So here we are this weekend of April 17^th and 18^th, when our dumb-ass of an Ontario premier had to finally walk a little bit back on his order to police that they should be able to pull any of us over our cares, arbitrarily, for going out for groceries, and hundreds of these Covidiots are at it again.

Consider this.

Continue reading →

“This is an egregious misuse of his authority and it cannot be allowed to stand. I will do everything I can to defend our Charter rights and stand up against Doug Ford’s dangerous decisions.”                          – Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca

A Statement By Steven Del Duca On The 39th Anniversary Of The Charter Of Rights And Freedoms

Posted April 17^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Here is a document Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservatives appear to know very little about. He certainly doesn’t call for police to pull us over at random and demand to know where we are going..

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

“Today (this April 17^th, 2021), on the 39th anniversary of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, I demand that Doug Ford reverse his unconscionable decision to inappropriately enlist Ontario’s police services to do his dirty work.

Public health leaders, science table members, municipal leaders and all opposition parties have called on Ford to deliver paid sick leave to stop the spread of virus, and he’s refused. Continue reading →

“We will not be conducting random vehicle or individual stop – Niagara Regional Police

Take That Doug Ford, Sam Oosterhoff and Company. A Message to You – We Don’t Live in a Fascist State!

A Brief Comment by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large, followed by a News Release issued this Saturday, April 17th by the Niagara Regional Police.

Posted April 17th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Comment by Doug Draper, Niagara At Large – 

Doug Ford and Donald Trump are interchangeable as populist politicians, Martin Regg Cohn writes.

How good it is to know that the Niagara Regional Police, along with a number of other police forces across Ontario, is lining up against Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservative government’s draconian order – issues this April 16th – to have police arbitrarily pull virtually any of us over if we even go out on the road to a grocery store.

Ford’s order speaks to a bully personality he has exhibited, going back to his years as a Toronto city councillor, and to a streak of fascism in his mentality that should be unsettling to all of us who believe in democracy. Continue reading →

Ford Now Wants to Turn Cops On Everyday Ontarians Going Out to Grocery Stores for Food

A News Release from the Ontario NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted April 17^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK , Ontario — NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says it’s time to fight to save Ontario from COVID-19 by stopping Doug Ford’s plan for a police state instead of public health action.

Now Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government are turning the Niagara Regional Police on all of us – just for going out to the grocery store. That is the definition of a poclice state and fascism – pure and simple.

“Our hospitals and intensive care units are over run. People are dying and Doug Ford chose carding, not paid sick days. He chose a police state instead of vaccines for essential workers. He’s shutting down playgrounds instead of shutting down non-essential warehouses and factories,” said Horwath.

“We need public health action. Not a police state.”

Continue reading →

“He has been warned again and again by experts. … He walked us right into this crisis with eyes wide open, and now all Ontarians will be stuck in this living nightmare for much longer.” – Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted April 16^th, 2021

Ontario NDP MPP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

HAMILTON, Ontario — NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said Doug Ford’s choice to implement virtually no new public health protections is yet another choice to ignore the experts, and march Ontario deeper into crisis — and people will pay a terrible price.

“Doug Ford held a multi-day cabinet meeting to debate the politics of public health. As a result, he came out with watered-down, weak changes,” said Horwath

“He has been warned again and again by experts, and he is still choosing to push us all right into a long, deep, deadly catastrophe. Thousands will get sick. Precious lives will be lost. He walked us right into this crisis with eyes wide open, and now all Ontarians will be stuck in this living nightmare for much longer.” Continue reading →

Implementing Stronger Enforcement, Travel Restrictions, Public Health Measures to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 and Save Lives

A News Release from th Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted April 16th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO, Ontario  — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is strengthening enforcement of the province’s Stay-at-Home order while imposing new travel restrictions and further strengthening public health measures.

These urgent actions are targeted at stopping the rapid growth in COVID-19 case rates and relieving mounting pressures on the province’s health care system.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. Continue reading →

“Now more than ever, we need to support one another.”

A Brief One from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted April 16^th, 2021

Here is an unprecedented Open Letter from more than 70 Niagara leader urging all of us to do what we can to follow the rules in place and keep our loved ones, friends and neighbours safe from the COVID-19 virus at a time when, unfortunately, its spread in Ontario seems to be going out of control.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

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

“(Anti-mask, anti-vaccine, and anti-lockdown) demonstrators are well aware that police and bylaw enforcement have been guilty of dereliction of duty since day-one of the pandemic.”

A Commentary by Carla Rienzo, a Niagara resident and community activist

Posted April, 16^th,  2021 on Niagara At Large

It is not lost on those of us who have made, and continue to make, huge sacrifices that the pandemic is nowhere close to being under control due to the selfish ignorance of those who feel that their personal rights trump social responsibility.

It is not lost on those of us who made, and continue to make, huge sacrifices that the pandemic is nowhere close to being under control due to the presence of the least effective politicians, police enforcement and bylaw enforcement in the history of the Niagara region.

If leadership starts at the top, there has been NONE.

From the Niagara Regional Police news release (above) “As per the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, hosting or organizing a public event or other gather where the number of people in attendance exceeds the number permitted MAY lead to higher penalties.” Continue reading →

“We recognize the need to make new investments in infrastructure and the need to provide the safest possible environment for those who work in our education system, and for our children whose care we entrust to our learning institutions.”                                                                                                 – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre Liberal MP Vance Badawey

Posted April 16^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre Liberal MP Vance Badawey. File photo

Welland, Ontario — The health and safety of Canadians are top priorities for the governments of Canada and Ontario. Communities across Canada are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and need immediate assistance to ensure their public infrastructure is safe and reliable.

That is why governments have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done in these unprecedented times.

On April 14, 2021, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure for Ontario, and the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education for Ontario, announced $656.5 million in joint funding through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream to support over 9,800 projects at almost 3,900 schools and co-located childcare facilities across 74 school boards in Ontario. Continue reading →

West Lincoln Mayor and Niagara Regional Councillor David Bylsma Reportedly Among Those Facing Charges

More than 10 others have reportedly received summons, with more likely to come, according to Niagara Regional Police

I want to remind residents of the seriousness of the third wave of COVID-19 and the “potential penalties that could be levied should you be found to have broken provincial directives. …I would encourage residents who may be planning to attend future demonstrations to seriously reconsider.”                                             – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

West Lincoln Mayor David Bylsma reportedly among those charged for role in April 10th anti-lockdown rally in St. Catharines/Niagara..

Breaking News Posted by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

April 15th, 2021

Niagara At Large received the following statement from Niagara Regional Chair late this Thursday, April 15^th about the controversial anti-lockdown rally that took place in St. Catharines this past Saturday, April 10^th –

A Statement from Regional Chair Bradley regarding the recent issuance of  provincial summons –

“Earlier today (this April 15^th, 2021), a number of Niagara Region residents were issued Part III summonses under both the Reopening Ontario Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Protections Act in relation to the anti-lockdown demonstrations that took place April 10, 2021.

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

“If found guilty, individuals could face fines of up to $100,000. The act also has provisions for imprisonment for a period not exceeding year.

“These residents are entitled to due process on this matter. It is important to note that all of these individuals are presumed innocent until proven in court.

That said, I want to remind residents of the seriousness of the third wave of COVID-19 and the “potential penalties that could be levied should you be found to have broken provincial directives. The provincial stay-at-home orders are designed to help protect the health and safety of residents, and willfully breaking these rules could result in serious fines and even jail time.

Continue reading →

Dr. Barbara Yaffe

“Unfortunately our situation is dire and the numbers I am about to report will reflect that. … Today we are reporting the highest number of cases we have ever seen in a single day at 4,736.”   – Dr Barbara Yaffe, Ontario Associate Chief Medical Health Officer 

A Brief One from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted April 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – With a bunch of anti-mask lunatics in Niagara planning another big rally in Niagara Falls, Ontario this coming Saturday, April 17^th – a follow-up to one held in St. Catharines a week ago – the daily cases of COVID-19 in Ontario have hit record highs again with 4,736 cases in one 24 hour period.

That doesn’t much bother a whole bunch of people in Niagara though, who believe that wearing a mask and being shut out of a friggin bar or restaurant or whatever else for a while is an assault on their constitutional rights.

I will have more to say on this in a commentary this Friday, October 16^th.

For now, let me leave you with a Youtube of the press briefing some of Ontario’s top health officers delivered this April 15^th. It ought to be sobering to some of us, at least.

To watch it, please click on the screen below –

Now is anyone in authority, our municipal or provincial leaders, or our Niagara Regional Police, going to do something about these nuts who gather together by the hundreds or thousands – wearing no mask while the rest of us are observing stay-at-home rules – at thhese so-called ‘anti-lockdown’ rallies?

I thought there were penalties for this kind of reckless, dangerous behaviour. Or is that not so in Niagara.

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

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

“We’ve seen over 119,000 vaccinations given out in Niagara.  That’s over 22 percent of the population, a percentage that is above the provincial average.”                                                               – Ford Government and Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff

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

Posted April 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, member of Ontario’s Ford Government 

TORONTO, Ontario – MPP Oosterhoff issued the following Member’s Statement in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, today, with an update on the province’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Niagara.

“I rise today to acknowledge and thank the hardworking members of Niagara Public Health, as well as Niagara Health, for the incredible work they have been doing to ensure that residents in Niagara are able to access COVID-19 vaccines.  From Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Acting Medical Officer of Health, to Lynn Guerriero, President of Niagara Health, we’ve seen the incredible commitment of health care workers across Niagara.

We’ve seen over 119,000 vaccinations given out in Niagara.  That’s over 22 percent of the population, a percentage that is above the provincial average.  It’s so important that we continue to encourage people to be able to go out, get their vaccines at many of the locations that are across Niagara. Continue reading →

‘Ontario Government needs to stop Big Insurance from profiteering off the pandemic’

“Will this government step in to do something meaningful to protect our hard-hit sectors affected by insurance profiteering.”    – St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

A News Release from the Constituency Office of St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted April 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

QUEEN’S PARK, Ontario —St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens brought the issue of commercial insurance gouging of small businesses to the Ontario legislature Thursday calling on the Ford government to immediately take meaningful action to fix insurance companies profiteering off COVID-19, particularly the insurance hikes on the hardest hit sectors like hospitality and restaurants, including the ones in Niagara.

“Question to the Premier.  The St. Catharines City Council just passed a motion about commercial insurance gouging – they want action.  In October you acted surprised at commercial insurance gouging increases that you described as “astronomical”, and “wait for the next budget!”  It was more of the same – tough talk that stops after you leave the podium.  What’s the cost of no action? Continue reading →

NDP MPP Wayne Gates made a statement Thursday calling on the Ford government to immediately address the problems with their vaccination rollout

“Time and time again, this government’s failure to get Niagara the vaccines it needs is making this pandemic worse.”                      – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

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

Posted April 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

NDP’s Gates: Niagara postal codes need the vaccines urgently

QUEEN’S PARK, Ontario — Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates made a statement in the Ontario legislature Thursday calling on the Ford government to immediately address the problems with their vaccination rollout, particularly the delays faced by postal code hotspots, including Niagara.

“On April 6, the government released a list of postal codes across Ontario which were deemed hot spots. These hot spots were designated based on transmission records, hospitalization. These postal codes had seen so much death and suffering on account of this virus,” said Gates in the Ontario legislature. Continue reading →

“The investigation into the protest remains active and on-going, with charges pending..”                                                                                   – a statement from the Niagara Regional Police this week on the anti-mask, anti-lockdown rally in St. Catharines, Niagara this past April 10^th, 2021 

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher           Doug Draper

Posted April 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

COVID-19 to Planet Earth – “I AM NOT A HOAX. Want to play a stupid political game of chicken with me? Good Luck.”

Let me begin with one stark fact.

This past Sunday, April 11^th, Ontario recorded, in just one 24-hour period this past weekend, 4,456 new cases of the COVID-19.

That case count was a record breaking. It was the highest number of one-day cases that we know about across Ontario since this killer virus began sweeping through our part of the world more than 12 months ago.

Four-thousand, four hundred and 56 new cases in one 24-hour cycle running through Saturday, April 10th, to Sunday, April 11^th!

That is a raw number that comes from Ontario’s medical science community. It is not ‘political.’ It is not some fabrication of some ‘left-wing extremists’ or ‘the deep state’.

It is not “a hoax.”

Continue reading →

Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins

“Over a year ago, the United States and Canada announced that all non-essential travel between our two countries would be restricted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Exceptions were made in limited cases and the people of Western New York and Southern Ontario accepted these as necessary measures to take in the face of the worst public health crisis of the past century. During this time, many of my constituents sacrificed – wondering when they’d be able to see their families and loved ones again, manage their properties, and tend to some of their business interests in Canada. Their livelihoods and personal lives have been deeply affected.”                                                                                                      – Buffalo, New York area Democratic Party Congressman Brian Higgins

A News Release from the Office of Buffalo, New York area Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted April 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The Peace Bridge between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York, and other Canada-U.S. border crossings have been closed to all but “essential” traffic since March of last year.

With One Week to go before Deadline, Congressman Higgins Presses for Immediate Release of a Plan to Reopen the U.S. – Canada Border Higgins Says Status Quo With No Strategy is No Longer An Option

Northern Border Caucus Co-chair and Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately advance concrete proposals for reopening the border between the United States and Canada.

The latest push comes just one week before the existing order banning non-essential travel between the two countries is set to expire on April 21, 2021. Continue reading →

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

“It is particularly distressing to have a member of Regional Council (in the name of West Lincoln Mayor David Bylsma)openly flout the law, thereby setting a poor and unfortunate example for those we represent.”                                    – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley regarding recent COVID-19 protests in St. Catharines

Posted April 12^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

NIAGARA REGION, Ontario – While I fully support the right to freedom of expression and peaceful lawful assembly, residents are reminded that we continue to be under provincial stay-at-home orders.

West Lincoln Mayor and Niagara Regional Councillor David Bylsma led hundreds of maskless men, women and children in chanting – “No more lockdowns” at a rally in St. Catharines this past April 10th.

“As the third wave of this pandemic begins to severely tax our hospital system, it is more important than ever that we stay home when possible and keep one another safe.

“The demonstrations that took place over the weekend represent only a very small minority of our total population and seems to be driven by misinformation. The efforts and sacrifices that the vast majority of residents have been making for the last year continue to make a measurable difference and have not been in vain.

“Regarding Niagara Regional) Councillor (and West Lincoln Mayor) David Bylsma, I am deeply troubled and disappointed with his active participation in a public demonstration (in St. Catharines this past April 10th) that deliberately ignored the ongoing state of emergency that he himself declared as one of Niagara’s mayors.

“It is particularly distressing to have a member of Regional Council openly flout the law, thereby setting a poor and unfortunate example for those we represent.

Continue reading →

Ontario Moves Schools to Remote Learning Following Spring Break

Continued Rise in COVID-19 Cases Demands Shift to Protect Students and Staff and Slow Community Spread

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted April 12^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

School’s out. Here we go again

TORONTO, Ontario — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has made the difficult decision to move elementary and secondary schools to remote learning following the April break.

This move has been made in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants, and the massive spike in hospital admissions.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. Continue reading →

“No wonder citizens are skeptical about the Region’s plans to create Natural Heritage and Water Resource Systems. No wonder we look with a jaundiced eye at potential Climate Change policies.”

A Commentary by Liz Benneian, a resident of Niagara, Ontario and Executive Director and Manager, Environmental Education Ontariogreen

Posted April 12^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The Region of Niagara is proposing an extension of Merritt Rd. where it currently dead ends between Rice Rd. (Regional Rd 54) and Cataract Rd.

That extension would run straight through Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW). Active transportation routes are also planned along the road substantially increasing the path of destruction.

Haven’t we learned anything about the need to protect our significant natural areas and the green infrastructure services they provide? In fact, the entire length of the existing portions of Merritt Road, have Significant wetlands on either side of them

 In some segments they are proposing widening the road to four lanes and for all segments they are proposing adding active transportation corridors.

Where roads lead development follows.

Continue reading →

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

“I am deeply troubled to see one of my colleagues from (Niagara Regional Council –  Mayor of West Lincoln Dave Bylsma – speak at the protest (this April 10^th)  in St. Catharines. The fact that he blatantly broke the provincial government’s Stay At Home Order is a serious breach of his elected position, and I trust that Niagara Regional Police and Public Health will act accordingly.” – St. Catharines, Ontario Mayor Walter Sendzik

A Statement from St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik on April 10^th anti-lockdown protest in his city

Posted April 10th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

West Lincoln Mayor David Bylsma. Between his ant-kmask antics over the past year and his divisive, ignorant comments about Black Lives Matter and members of the LGGTQ community, what kind of lunacy does this add up to? Let’s hope that the Niagara Regional Police slaps the highest fine possible on him for any violation of current Stay At Home rules. The people of West Lincoln should feel embarrassed to have this man for a role model. Are they?

Niagara, Ontario – The anti-lockdown protest that took place in St. Catharines today does not represent the spirit or character of the majority of people in our community who have been working hard to push back against COVID-19 for the last 13 months.

While I believe in free speech, we are under Stay-At-Home orders due to the severity of the third wave that has a dangerous grip on our community. The actions of those protesting today put our community at greater risk and further cause harm to our abilities to control the transmission of COVID-19.

With our hospitals postponing surgeries, the number of patients under the age of 60 at hospitals with COVID quickly climbing and the number of people in ICU needing critical care due to COVID, now is not the time to act in a reckless way that puts you, your family and others in the community at greater risk.

Today (this Saturday April 10^th), the Niagara Regional Police did their job in controlling the situation. There have been many comments about the lack of enforcement, but NRP officers were focused on crowd control and keeping the peace. I am confident that the NRP will be working with by-law enforcement to enforce regulations that were clearly broken today, in a timely manner. Continue reading →

“These are not just businesses, they are our friends, neighbours and family members who run them and who work at them. … Supporting local has never been more critical. Using small businesses for curbside pick ups and local deliveries could help keep these businesses alive.”

A Statement from Niagara’s Region Chair Jim Bradley and the Mayors of Niagara’s 12 Local Municipalities

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

A Statement of support for Niagara’s small businesses from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley and Niagara mayors  –

This third wave and the  Province’s stay-at-home order is having a massive impact on residents and businesses. Our small business community has suffered the brunt, losing billions of dollars per month. It has challenged the survival of many long established businesses, with an alarming percentage having had to close their doors.

Though many have evolved their operations, the last surviving businesses are fighting to hang on.

We can no longer sustain this trajectory and we need to stand firmly by our small businesses in this time of crisis.

These are not just businesses, they are our friends, neighbours and family members who run them and who work at them. Continue reading →

Oosterhoff Points to Agreement Paid for by Taxpayers Rather than Through Private-Sector Employer-Employee Agreements

(A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper At Niagara At Large – The Issue Is;Why Won’t Employers Offer Their Employees Paid Sick Leave Rather Than Placing Employees in the Position of Coming To Work Sick So As Not To Lose Much-Needed Income.?)

A Statement from Niagara West MPP and Ontario Ford Conservative Government Representative Sam Oosterhoff

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West MPP and Ontario Ford Government representative Sam Oosterhoff says you have paid sick days now.

“When championing the Safe Restart Agreement our government has been clear: the federal government would provide funding for paid sick days and the provinces would implement job leave protection. This is exactly what happened.

As the federal government has said, this agreement provides workers with paid sick leave, so they do not have to choose between going to work and putting food on the table.

“That is why the first piece of legislation we tabled during the pandemic – which passed with unanimous support from all parties- was an amendment to the Employment Standards Act to give workers unlimited job protection<https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/infectious-disease-emergency-leave>.

“This legislation ensures those who stay home to self-isolate or care for loved ones will not be fired. It will remain in place as long as necessary and includes protection for those who are caring for children, when schools or daycares are closed due to COVID-19. Continue reading →

Some Niagara Residents Feel Forced – During a ‘Stay-At-Home’ Order, For God’s Sake – to Leave the Region to Get Their First Shot

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, getting his first shot of vaccine (this one the rather worrisome AstraZeneca, at a pharmacy store in Etobicoke, Ontario this April 9th. Wonder if he will have to wait three or four months to get the second dose?

Niagara, Ontario – To say that the roll-out for COVID-19 vaccinations is messy in Niagara is, I can assure you, a polite way of putting it.

I have heard it described in words that are far worse and not ready for prime time or we want to go around keeping discourse relatively civil on this online news and commentary site.

Let me begin by saying that Niagara At Large, like other media, has been receiving news releases from the Ontario government and Niagara health care bodies for a couple of weeks now, informing that COVID-19 vaccination centres are opening at various locations across our region.

Yet, I have heard from many fellow Niagara residents that they have had a hell of a time getting appointments at these vaccination because, even when they can get through with a phone call or the online site they are attempting to register is operative, the centres are completely booked. Continue reading →

“On a day with 4,227 new cases of COVID-19, I’m once again pleading with Doug Ford to do the right thing and give all workers paid sick leave.”

A Statement on the ongoing COVID-19 disaster in Ontario from the Province’s Liberal Party

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

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

“With surgeries being backlogged to make room for the wave of people with COVID-19, it’s clear Ontario has failed to prevent a catastrophe in ICUs.

The modelling provided to Doug Ford last month predicted this crisis, but he waited for the situation to become out of control before acting. Minister Jones confirmed as much in an interview yesterday.

Ontario Liberals have been calling for paid sick leave for months, but Doug Ford continues to ignore our calls. His negligence is to blame for the crisis in ICUs, and he continues to ignore basic measures that would save lives. Continue reading →

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. … The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”                                              – from a statement from Buckingham Palace in London, this April 9^th, 2021

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted April 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

For as long as most of us can remember, he has already been a few steps behind her, dressed in his regal best.

Philip and Elizabeth, shortly after their marriage in 1947.

Prince Philip, husband and, by so many accounts, a pillar of strength to Elizabeth, the reigning Queen of England, died this April 9^th, 2021 at age 99.

Through literally dozens of Prime Minister in Canada, and his own country and at least a dozen U.S. Presidents, he was there, from the Queen’s coronation in 1952 and on, through so much history that has shaped the world that challenges us today.

Whether you are a supporter of monarchy or not (and I am not), but you have to pay at least a little respect for that – including Prince Philips life-long interest in promoting the conservation of our world’s natural environment.

Rather were other aspects of his life – warts and all – but this veteran environment writer will pay tribute to him for his many years as a voice for conservation.

For more on Prince Philip and his role as a ‘first man’ to the Queen, click on the screen immediately below –

Let me leave you with a few words of wisdom about protecting the natural places on our precious planet, Doug Draper, NAL –

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

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

“We cannot move forward only projecting dosages available, we need more dosages sent to Niagara immediately to make appointments available for those you have prioritized.”

An Open Letter to Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott from Niagara NDP MPPs Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates

Posted April 8^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Dear Minister Elliott,

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates and St. Cathariines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

We are writing to you today (this April 8^th, 2021) to request immediate action to address the vaccine rollout issues in Niagara that are causing great frustration to the residents we represent.

 As you know, the Province for the second week in a row expanded vaccines to a younger age cohort to book appointments. Unfortunately, local public health units like Niagara’s were not given the adequate notice to get appointments into the provincial booking system.

This created a situation where our local PH units did not have time to upload new dates into the system. As such, your government announced that 60+ residents could book – yet residents who followed your instructions were immediately told there were no spaces available. Continue reading →

“Sudden restrictions pose significant costs to businesses and should be avoided wherever possible, especially when public health officials have been warning that such measures will be necessary for weeks.”

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

Posted April 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Public health officials have indicated that it is necessary to strengthen the restrictions placed upon the province of Ontario in order to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC)  believes that expert advice should be heeded to safeguard public health and avoid the consequences of an out-of-control pandemic, which will not only result in loss of life, but a far deeper economic recession.

Timing of announcements

The GNCC notes that, once again, these measures are being imposed with virtually no notice, with imposition following announcement by a matter of hours. Continue reading →

Here is Urging You to Participate in a Webinar – This Thursday, April 8^th at 7 P.M. – To Have Your Say in the Future of Niagara’s Natural Heritage and Water Resources Systems

A Call-Out from The Biodiversity and Climate Change Committee of Niagara, a coalition of citizens across our Niagara region.

Posted April 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

The greedy creeps in the development induistry are targetting this wonderful place –
Waverly Woods in Fort Erie/Niagara – for pavement too. When will it end? When there is nothing left?

Well, how many thanks does this organization of citizens across our Niagara, Ontario region – – I think quite a few – for caring so much about saving what we have left here of our precious natural heritage, and for keeping our politicians’ feet to the fire around saving those resources too.

So please take seriously and get enaged in the information directly below. Our future depends on it. Do not let the predatory development industry in this Niagara region gut our future  –

For more on this and the great work this coalition of Niagara residents is doing, email bcacniagara@gmail.com 

About The Biodversity and Climate Change Committee of Niagara – he Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee (BCAC) advocates for proven municipal best practices and policies that protect and enhance local biodiversity and combat climate change.

For more on the Committee, click on –https://www.facebook.com/Biodiversity-and-Climate-Action-Committee-Niagara-114688909983836/?pageid=114688909983836&ftentidentifier=263067141812678&padding=0 .

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

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

Ford Is Mostly About Shelling Out Our Tax dollars to  His Party’s Supporters and Private Sector, Big Business Pals  , and Good Luck to the Rest of Us

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 6^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is blowing this war against COVID-19

After more than a year of going through hell with Covid-19 in Ontario, at least one thing should be clear.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservative government have never really cared all that much about anyone in this province as much as they care about wealthy business people, and their party’s donors and bedrock supporters.

It is why, during the past terrible 12 months of this pandemic, Ford and his Tories have used this pandemic as a shield to continue gutting programs for protecting natural features of our environment that experts around the world say are an important buffer for protecting us against rogue viruses like COVID-19/

It is why, during province-wide lockdowns, he has continued to allow gargantuan corporate chains like Walmart to remain open while closing the doors on small, independent, family-owned businesses – including to the point of giving a pass to his Tory minion in Niagara – Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff – for so arrogantly flouting mask rules at a popular family restaurant in Niagara Falls last year. Continue reading →

Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission to Host Virtual Archaeology Speaker Series

*   Three-part speaker series will explore Niagara’s incredible history revealed through local archaeological findings

*   Virtual events will be held in April, May and June, with full details and tickets available at niagaraparks.com/archaeology

An Invite from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commision

Posted April 6^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Archeologists search for artifacts of Niagara, Ontario’s rich historry underground, along the Niagara River corridor. Photos courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission

Niagara Falls, Ontario  – Niagara Parks will host a three-part virtual speaker series, Beneath the Surface: History through Archaeology, that will dig into Niagara’s history and trace some of its most fascinating stories revealed through archaeological findings.

The online events will be held on the third Wednesday of the month in April, May and June. Continue reading →

Help Save Natural Gems in our Niagara Region like Waverly Woods in Fort Erie, Niagara

A Message from Macie Jacklin and the citizens group Community Voices of Ford Erie

Posted April 5^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

One of the many creatures, great and small, who call Waverly Woods in Fort Erie – still a target for predatory developers – their home.

Fort Erie, Ontario – Many of you have noticed the amount of Niagara’s natural areas being lost to development. As someone who has signed this petition to Save Waverly Woods you know that this an issue on the minds of many people.

One of the best ways to protect our forests and wetlands for future generations is to preserve them, buffer them and link them together into a Natural Heritage System. The Region is planning to create such a system as part of their Official Plan Review.

There are various options available some of which favour development. Niagara Regional Council will soon make a critical decision on these various options that will impact this area forever. Will it be enough to protect what’s necessary? What else can we do? Continue reading →

‘Lois Gibbs to lead her Niagara Falls, New York community in a three-year struggle to protect their families from the hazardous waste buried in their backyards.’

An Invite from the Center For Health, Environment & Justice in the U.S.A. to Engage in this Online Session

Posted April 5^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

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

The heroic Lois Gibbs, in early years, fighting the battle to save her family and so many others from the perils of Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York

When I began my professional reporting career at The St. Catharines Standard in 1979, one of the most dangerous environmental issues that was threatening our Greater Niagara Region at the time was the Love Canal toxic waste dump that was poisoning a neighbourhood in Niagara Falls, New York, and leaking its way to the Niagara River.

This environmental disaster, more than any other at the time, awakened citizens and governments on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border to the health threat industrial pollution posed to our Great Lakes – a source of drinking water for tens-of-millions of people in both coountries, and a habitat for a rich host of wildlife. Continue reading →

Fifty-Three Years After Martin Luther King’s Assassination

The late American civil rights leader Martin Luther King

Some Brief Commentary  from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted April 5^th, 2021

Fifty-three years ago today, peace-loving people around the world were reeling from news, the day before, of the assassination of Martin Luther King – identified by so many as “the keeper of the dream” –  by a lone white man in Memphis, Tennessee.

The night before he was gunned down, he delivered a now iconic speech that ended with the following line.

Follow the case today of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the wrongful, aggressive arrest, just a few days ago, of a 17-year-old Black person by police in Toronto, Ontario and you wonder how much closer to a promised land of humanity and loved toward all since Martin Luther King delivered those immortal words.

To read a CBC report on the wrongful arrest of an innocent Black teen in Toronto, click on – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/black-teenager-racially-profiled-family-says-seeking-answers-1.5975551 .

Read the disturbing CBC report, linked here above, then lets have more wingnut ramblings from West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma, ranting about “identity politics” and insulting the essence of what “All Lives Matter” by morphing it in to the thinly-veiled bigoted trope “all lives matter.”

For more on Mayor Bylsma’s mind-blowing lack of wisdom, click on the following link – https://www.iheartradio.ca/610cktb/news/what-are-they-still-fighting-for-1.12662432 .

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

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

An Easter Day Message from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted Aril 4^th, 2021

Here is wishing you a very nice and  peaceful and safe Easter as we continue to work together to come out of this COVID-19 nightmare.

With more potentially infectious and dangerous variants of this awful virus floating around, let us also hope – please, please, please – that we all heed the call from the best infectious disease experts on our continent, and not gather with people outside of our home bubbles on this Easter weekend.

And please, cast aside the Trump-like libertarian lunacy of some in our Niagara region and elsewhere to cast away masks, social distancing and other measures that have proved, around the world, to crush the curve on this virus and keep us safe. Continue reading →

“I have certain rules I live by. My first rule: I don’t believe anything the government tells me. … Nothing!”                                 – the late American satirist George Carlin

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

Posted April 2^nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West MPP Sam oosterhoff, left, and his dear leader, Ontario Premier Doug Ford

This past March 29^th, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, his young minion, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, and other Conservative Party hacks staged a photo opportunity in front of the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario for reason – I am sure – most people don’t give a damn about any more.

While they were doing this, it was already obvious that thanks, in part, to the poor leadership of Ford, Oosterhoff and company, Ontario was in a Third Wave of the COVID-19 virus, that is spinning out of control, with variants of the virus landing more people in critical hospital care than at any other time since the winter of 2020, when this plague first hit here. Continue reading →

“Essential workers in grocery stores and childcare facilities continue to have the most in person interactions at work, and they should be vaccinated both for their own safety, and for the safety of those they interact with on the job.”

A News Release from the Liberal Party of Ontario

Posted April 1^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca

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

“Doug Ford’s response to COVID-19 has consistently been too little, too late. His half-hearted half-measures have cost lives and livelihoods.

While today’s (April 1^st) measures are needed, they don’t go far enough. Ontario Liberals would go even further – Ontario families deserve a government willing to take decisive action to save lives and livelihoods.

First, Ontario Liberals are calling on Doug Ford to update his vaccine rollout to prioritize frontline workers. Continue reading →

A Brief Report from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted April 1^st, 2021

This is no April Fools joke folks.

According to CBC reports broadcast earlier this morning of April 1^st, the broadcast network has confirmed that Ontario Premier Doug Ford will be holding a briefing at 1:30 p.m. today to announce that his Conservative government is ordering a province-wide shutdown, effective this Saturday.

That means that for the third time since this God-awful pandemic swept over us a year ago this past March, we will be down to virtually nothing open except the bare essentials – grocery stores, pharmacies, pet stores, gas stations and just about nothing else.

No hair saloons, no indoor restaurant dining, no indoor gyms, etc., etc., etc.. Continue reading →

The NPCA begins process to develop 2021-2031 Strategic Plan

A Call-Out to All of Us from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 31^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) invites members of the community in Niagara, Haldimand, and Hamilton to get involved in the exciting process of shaping the next 10 years of conservation in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.

This new strategic planning process begins with a fresh approach toward a shared vision. A representative team of staff from various departments are leading the process under the direction of a Strategic Planning Committee of the NPCA Board and advice of NPCA’s Public Advisory Committee, to work towards a common inspirational vision that will further the conservation, restoration, and management of the watershed.

“Collaboration between people, communities, and organizations within the Niagara Peninsula watershed is vital to shaping the future of the landscape,” says NPCA Chief Administrative Officer, Chandra Sharma. Continue reading →

“Parents (of children with autism in Ontario) are forced to remortgage their homes, go further into debt, work multiple jobs and travel for hours to make sure their kid gets the therapies they need.”                                                                                                                 – Teresa Armstrong, Official Opposition NDP critic for Children and Youth

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 31st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Teresa Armstrong, Official Opposition NDP critic for Children and Youth services, urged the Ford government Wednesday to stop leaving thousands of children with autism languishing on the waitlist, and provide the support they desperately need.

Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, MPP Armstrong was joined by parents of children with autism Wednesday morning to share their experiences, and the impact of the Ford government’s continued underfunding and lack of support for children with autism

“Tens of thousands of kids in Ontario have repeatedly been let down by successive governments in this province. And I refuse to stand idly by while that continues to happen,” said Armstrong. “Doug Ford has betrayed a whole generation of kids with autism, who are suffering without the services they need, leaving their families in despair with no hope for the future.” Continue reading →

News from Niagara Region Public Health in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 31^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

As COVID-19 vaccination clinics through April 10 have filled up, new clinic dates have now gone live in the provincial booking system for Niagara Region Public Health clinics.

Niagara residents who are turning 70 or older in 2021 (born in 1951 or earlier) and wish to make an appointment – or an individual trusted to make an appointment on their behalf – can book an appointment either online at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine <http://www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine>or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Information Line number at 1-888-999-6488.

New clinic dates now available through the portal include –

Continue reading →

Niagara NDP MPPs Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens questioned Ford this March 30^th, 2021 on the persistent issues Niagara’s seniors are facing 

“Yesterday (this past March 29^th) the premier (Doug Ford) stood in Niagara and said anyone over 70 could simply call and get a vaccination appointment. Well if we spoke to residents he would know that all day they were struggling all day to get appointments.”          – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates.

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 30^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates and St. Cathariines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

QUEENS PARK — Niagara NDP MPPs Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) and Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines) questioned Doug Ford Tuesday on the persistent issues Niagara’s seniors are facing as they try to use the provincial booking portal to get the vaccines they need to protect themselves and others.

“As you were taking a victory lap inside one of Niagara’s vaccination clinics, my office was busy answering dozens of questions as to why there were not enough appointments available for seniors over 70 and why the province’s program had glitched, again,” said Stevens to Ford during question period Tuesday at the Ontario legislature. Continue reading →

March 24^th Budget Denies Students The Support They Desperately Need During The Pandemic

“Over $1 billion in student financial aid (OSAP) has been cut over two years by the Ford government.” – Sébastien Lalonde, Chairperson, Canadian Federation of Students – Ontario

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 30^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Laura Mae Lindo, Official Opposition NDP critic for Colleges and Universities, said Tuesday that Doug Ford’s latest budget put Ontario’s colleges and universities — and students — on even shakier ground.

Universities alone said they needed $500 million in that budget, and the NDP also called for help for students in the form of a pause on OSAP payments or interest accumulation. Instead, schools got just one fifth, about $100 million, and only in the form of a one-time payment — while students got next-to-no help at all.

“Between the impact of the pandemic and chronic underfunding for decades under Liberal and Conservative governments, universities and colleges have seen their funds plummet and their costs rise. Jobs, courses and programs are at risk.

Despite their calls for help, Ford’s latest budget provides no respite for the sector. He made a deep, $750 million cut in 2019, and now he’s only throwing them crumbs,” said Lindo. “Students and their schools need a lifeline so they can get back on a solid footing.” Continue reading →

Over the past 12 months since the pandemic swept over Ontario, makeshift memorials like this have become an all-too-common site in front of long-term-care homes in the province.

“Thousands of people died alone and in pain, without their loved ones to comfort them. … Let’s mourn together, and remember those precious loved ones lost. Then let’s send help and change to long-term care to give survivors a better life now, and ensure these atrocities never happen again.”                       – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 29^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK — Doug Ford’s Conservatives rejected a motion from Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath Monday calling for March 30 to be declared an annual, provincial day of mourning for the victims of COVID-19 in long-term care.

Another hearse pulls out of the parking lot at the ill-fated Pinecrest long-term care home in Bobcaygeon, Ontario early last year. This home had one of the worst outbreaks in the early months of the pandemic. At this site, close to half the residents died in those first months of the COVID-19 plague.

“It’s shameful that Doug Ford’s Conservatives said no to taking time as a province to mourn with families and remember the people we lost to COVID-19 in long-term care homes,” said Horwath. Continue reading →

Liberal’s Action Plan for Schools represents the first instalment of the greatest investment in our schools in more than a generation

A News Release from the Liberal Party of Ontario

Posted March 29^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO, Ontario – Doug Ford’s latest budget abandons Ontario’s students, foreshadowing a brutal cut to education.

Ontario Liberal Party Leader Steven Del Duca pledged that his first act if elected Premier will be to kill Doug Ford’s sprawl-spreading Highway 413, and instead use the monies that would pay for it to invest $8 billion in new money over 5 years to build and repair publicly-funded schools in every corner of the province, including in Niagara.

“Doug Ford has got it all wrong – he’s foreshadowing cuts to our publicly funded education, while Ontario Liberals are focused on the millions of families whose children deserve the best schools possible,” said Del Duca. Continue reading →

“If we learned anything over the last year, it’s that kids need to be in school for their mental and emotional health. Their best education comes in the classroom, face-to-face with teachers and education workers”                                                                                   – Ontario NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles

A Statement from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted March 28^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Is online schooling what we want more of for Ontario’s young people? Apparently, the Ford government thinks so.

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Education critic Marit Stiles issued the following statement in response to revelations that the Doug Ford government is considering making expanded online learning a permanent fixture in Ontario:

“If we learned anything over the last year, it’s that kids need to be in school for their mental and emotional health. Their best education comes in the classroom, face-to-face with teachers and education workers. Continue reading →

Supreme Court of Canada Rules Trudeau Government Carbon Pricing Law Constitutional:

Intervenors For Rights Of Women And Girls Welcome The Court’s March 25^th Decision

A News Release from the Canada-based National Association of Women and the Law, and Friends of the Earth

Posted March 27^th, 2020 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario –– The Supreme of Canada’s judgment declaring the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act constitutional is a victory for women and girls.

Saskatchewan, Ontario and Alberta went to court over the Act arguing that it was unconstitutional because Ottawa was stepping into provincial jurisdiction.

The National Association of Women and the Law and Friends of the Earth Canada intervened in the case to encourage the court to uphold the Act. because climate change negatively impacts women’s equality rights and the Act is central to Canada’s efforts to reduce its GHG emissions. Continue reading →

“Our team of staff members are the most important resource we have in providing the exceptional, compassionate care that our animals rely on. Paying them a fair wage solidifies our commitment to our dedicated staff and the animals alike.”             – Kevin Strooband, Executive Director, Lincoln County Humane Society in Niagara, Ontario

News from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 27^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Lincoln County Humane Society executive director  Kevin Strooband

Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Lincoln County Humane Society <https://lchs.ca/> (LCHS) has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level. LCHS is the first Humane Society in Ontario to become a certified living employer.

The Lincoln County Humane Society is a charitable not-for-profit organization based in St. Catharines that is dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals; to alleviate their suffering and neglect, support the human-animal bond and foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures. They provide safe refuge and compassionate care for animals. They currently employ 11 full time and 13 part time staff.

“Our team of staff members are the most important resource we have in providing the exceptional, compassionate care that our animals rely on”, said Kevin Strooband, Executive Director of LCHS. “Paying them a fair wage solidifies our commitment to our dedicated staff and the animals alike.” Continue reading →

News from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Government

Posted March 26^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario –In recognition of the continued importance of following public health measures to control the spread of COVID-19, on March 25, Regional Council voted to extend Niagara’s temporary face-covering by-law, which was set to expire on April 1, 2021.

The by-law requires masks in all enclosed public spaces in Niagara, and aligns with orders issued by the province under the Reopening Ontario Act. The by-law will automatically expire when those Provincial requirements are no longer in effect. Continue reading →

“This (March 25^th,  2021) ruling by Canada’s top court affirms that Doug Ford’s political game-playing to justify his anti-environment crusading doesn’t hold up.”                                                        – Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

A News Release from Ontario’s Official Opposition Party Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted March 25^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP MPP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement on this March 25^th,s 2021 Supreme Court of Canada ruling, which strikes down the Doug Ford Conservatives’ legal challenge against the federal carbon price:

“Doug Ford has been waging a war on climate action, wasting Ontario’s money to fight his basic obligation to try to leave our children and grandchildren with a livable world. Continue reading →

But Expresses Concern Over Growing Provincial Debt

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

Posted March 25^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

GNCC CEO Mishka Balsom.

Niagara, Ontario  – This March 24th, Minister (Peter) Bethlenfalvy delivered the Government of Ontario’s 2021 Budget. As widely expected, it contained significant investment in healthcare and funded the fight against the pandemic through testing and vaccination.

The budget also saw significant investment in the future of Ontario’s businesses. Those businesses have struggled under the pandemic and its fallout for over a year, with almost half indicating they cannot take on any additional debts, and a similar proportion reporting uncertainty as to whether they will even still be in business by the fall.

A second round of funding for the Ontario Small Business Grant will be welcomed by Ontario’s small enterprises. Continue reading →