Category Archives: Uncategorized

Funding can be used to invest in housing- or community-enabling infrastructure

“This is another example of the strong partnership being formed between the City of St. Catharines and the provincial government.”                                                                                                      – St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe

A News Release from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing followed by a response from St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted March 11^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Paul Calandra, Premier Doug Ford’s Housing Minister,

St. Catharines, Ontario  — Today (this March 11^th, 2024), Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced Ontario will be providing St. Catharines with $2,355,390 in funding through the Building Faster Fund as the city made substantial progress towards its 2023 housing target, breaking ground on a total of 648 new housing units last year.

“I applaud the work being done by St. Catharines and all the other municipalities that are making substantial progress toward their 2031 housing targets,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“My message to mayors across this province is that we must continue to work together and build on our progress on making homeownership a reality for everyone. We will give you the tools you need to succeed in our shared goal.” Continue reading →

“The conditions (for the bears) were so poor, Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services declared the bears in distress and ordered Marineland to improve the conditions.”

A News Release from World Animal Protection, a non-profit animal welfare organization with an office in Toronto, Ontario

Posted March 8^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Marineland (a high-profile amusement park in Niagara, Falls, Ontario that has long been under fire from citizen groups)advocating for the protection of animals) has been found guilty of three charges under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act.

Photo that accompanies World Animal Protection news release

The charges against Marineland of Canada were laid in 2021 due to the inadequate living conditions they provided for three young black bears. The bears were kept in cramped enclosures without proper amenities like climbing structures or access to permanent water structures.

The conditions were so poor, Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services declared the bears in distress and ordered Marineland to improve the conditions. Continue reading →

News from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted March 7^h, 2024 on Niagara At Large

When it comes to the environment, Doug Ford swings his wrecking ball with reckless abandon.

Take the proposed Highway 413, for example. If built, over a dozen species  – birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and insects – already at risk will be pushed closer to the edge:

Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted March 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region’s Adopt-a-Road program is looking for volunteer groups and organizations to help beautify their community and pick up litter along Regional Road rights-of-way.

Adopt-a-Road provides support for citizens, community and civic organizations, private businesses, and industry to help clean and beautify roads throughout Niagara. The program encourages cleaner, healthier environments and raises community spirit and pride with people taking an active role in their community. Continue reading →

A Shout-Out to the Ford Government and to All of Us from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted March 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

If you’ve got a cage, you’re in business.

IN ONTARIO THERE ARE NEXT TO NO REGULATIONS TO KEEP YOU FROM STARTING YOUR OWN ROADSIDE ZOO WITH TIGERS, MONKEYS, KANGAROOS – WHATEVER!

No minimum enclosure sizes, no visitor safety standards, no standards for animal care.

Continue reading →

A Disturbing News Report from the United Nations

Posted March 6^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Foreword by Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large Followed by a News Report from the United Nations –

I posted commentary on this online news site in recent weeks expressing disappointment over this past January’s almost unanimous decision by our Niagara Regional Councillors to block a motion by one of their members – St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley  Batemen – that involved the horrible suffering unfolding in Hamas-Israel War.

St. Catharines Regional Coucnillor Haley Bateman motion asking for the Niagara Region Council to support a ceasefire and more humanitarian aid in the Hamas-Israel War was buried before it was even discussed.

In a nutshell, Bateman’s motion called on her fellow  Regional Councillors to support  a ceasefire in the ongoing Hamas-Israel War, an increase in humanitarian aid to people in the Gaza Strip, more action by our federal government to welcome Palestinian refugees to Canada and lighting up the Region’s headquarters in the colours of the Palestinian flag in recognition of the continued suffering and dying of people in the Gaza Strip.

With absolutely no regret, I have also expressed disappointment that almost all on the Region’s Council went along with a move to block about a dozen and a half area residents, most if not all of them of Palestinian descent, from speaking to the council about the plight Palestinian people in that same region.

In this journalist’s view, if our Regional Government can release a statement of support and sympathy for Israel and the Israeli people, and light the regional headquarters in the colours of the Israeli flag following the October 7^th Hamas attack, why would it not even give a group of Palestinian Canadians in our region a chance to ask for similar consideration? Continue reading →

“We are proud of the progress we’ve made in our journey to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, though we still have opportunities for growth ahead of us.” – Tracey-Dawn Giovannone, Niagara Healths Director of Culture and Human Resources Advisory Services.

A News Release from Niagara Health, Niagara’s amalgamated system of hospital services

Posted March 6^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Health is honoured to be recognized for its exceptional workplace diversity, equity and inclusion programming as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers in 2024.

“This recognition is a direct result of our team members’ dedication to shaping a respectful, kind and caring culture at Niagara Health,” says Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health. “Putting People First is an organizational priority and we are committed to ongoing engagement with staff, physicians, volunteers and learners to support an environment that is diverse and inclusive.”

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

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

Posted March 6th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Looking for some March Break fun right here in St. Catharines?

Enjoy City swimming, skating, recreational and educational programming, and museum activities.

All program rules, restrictions and requirements are listed on stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC. All normal program fees apply and are viewable online. Continue reading →

‘The  Red Light program is an important component of the Region’s Vision Zero initiative which is focused on the reduction and eventual elimination of serious injuries and fatalities on the Regional road network.’

News from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Govenrnent

Posted March 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region’s  Red Light Cameras [https://www.niagararegion.ca/living/roads/vision-zero/red-light-cameras.aspx] will begin enforcing red light running offences starting March 6, 2024 at three locations across the region.

The remaining seven cameras will be coming online and actively enforcing in the following weeks. The Region has been installing and testing the cameras over the last several weeks in preparation for the start of the program

Red Light Cameras will be active at the following locations starting March 6, 2024: Continue reading →

Moving trucks to Hwy 407 would tackle 401 congestion faster – and $6 billion cheaper – than the Highway 413 Scheme

News from Environmental Defence, a citizens organization advocating for the protection and preservation of our natural heritage

Posted March 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – This March 4^th, 2024 Ontario’s (NDP) Official Opposition introduced a motion, that if passed by the legislative assembly and adopted, would demolish the Ontario government’s only real public pretext for pushing ahead with the $10 billion dollar “Highway 413” scheme that paves swathes of the Greenbelt.

The Opposition bill is proposing to reduce tolls on the 407 ETR for commercial truckers which would help to reduce congestion on the slower-moving Highway 401. Continue reading →

“As we near another International Women’s Day, making contraception coverage is a priority … We have a chance here to finally get to work and make this happen, and I urge the (Ontario’s Ford) Conservatives to join us.”                                            – Jennie Stevens, NDP MPP for St. Catharines

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

Posted March 4^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

QUEEN’S PARK – One year after tabling a motion for universal contraption coverage, MPP Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines) called on Ford to join the Ontario NDP and finally provide this critical health care for people across Ontario.

“Last year, I was proud to lead Ontario by tabling a motion to expand access to prescription contraception,” said Stevens. “I have been overwhelmed by the support that this motion has received. Hundreds of women across Ontario have reached out to my office to tell me the positive impact this would have in their lives, especially in a cost-of-living crisis.” Continue reading →

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted March 4th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara’s Regional Headquarters in Thorold

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region currently has opportunities for qualified community members interested in participating in the new  Transportation Strategy Steering Committee [https://www.niagararegion.ca/government/committees/tssc/default.aspx] as well as members of the  Humberstone [https://www.niagararegion.ca/government/committees/Humberstone-Landfill-Site-Public-Liaison-Committee.aspx] and  Niagara Road 12 Landfill [https://www.niagararegion.ca/government/committees/Road-12-Landfill-Site-Citizen-Liaison-Committee.aspx] Sites Public Liaison Committees.

The  Transportation Strategy Steering Committee [https://www.niagararegion.ca/government/committees/tssc/default.aspx] is a volunteer advisory committee that will provide support in the Region’s development of a balanced and sustainable transportation network for moving people and goods that consider the mobility needs of all vulnerable road users. Continue reading →

‘As Canada and Ontario work together to compete for historic investments, we need to be future-forward in order to seize the economic opportunities afforded by the transition to a clean energy economy.’

News from Canada’s Trudeau Government

Posted March 4^th,, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large – As the world shifts away from carbon fuels as a source of energy to operate cars, heating and other systems we use in our lives, like it or not many countries,  including Canada, are taking a second look at nuclear energy as one more way of reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change is.

What do you think?

OTTAWA, Canada  – For decades, Canada and Ontario’s nuclear technology has been world-leading, providing safe, reliable, and affordable non-emitting energy, as well as good jobs for workers, with over 75,000 hard-working Canadians employed across the nuclear supply chain.

Today, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working together to advance new nuclear power generation in Ontario to cement our globally recognized competitive advantage, meet growing demand for clean energy and create even more good-paying jobs for Canadians. Continue reading →

Funding Can Be Used To Invest In Infrastructure To Support Building More Homes

“The City of Welland is leading the way in Ontario by building more homes faster. I congratulate Mayor Campion, city council, and planning staff for helping double the number of housing starts last year and addressing the housing supply crisis in Niagara.”                                                                                                     – Niagara West Conservative Government MPP Sam Oosterhoff

News from Ontario’s Ford Government

Posted March 1^st, 2024 on Niagara At Larger

WELLAND, Ontario — Today (March 1^st, 2024), Matthew Rae, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced Ontario is providing the City of Welland with $1,720,000 in funding through the Building Faster Fund after the city exceeded its 2023 housing target. Welland broke ground on a total of 868 new housing units last year, unlocking an additional $573,333 by exceeding their 2023 target by 176 per cent.

“We applaud the work being done by the City of Welland and all municipalities that have met or exceeded their housing targets,” said Matthew Rae, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Continue reading →

These sessions, offered in various locations, will provide opportunities for residents to learn more about the three-site hospital system,ask questions about our transformation and provide input.’- Niagara Health

A Invite to Members of the Public from Niagara Health, Niagara, Ontario’s amalgamated system of hospital services

Posted March 1^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Health’s St. Catharines hospital site.  t renamed the Marotta Family site

Niagara, Ongario  – As Niagara Health continues to build a new, modern, regional hospital system, we will hold a series of engagement sessions for community members over the next several weeks.

These sessions, offered in various locations, will provide opportunities for residents to learn more about the three-site hospital system, ask questions about our transformation and provide input. By concentrating our resources at three cornerstone hospitals in South Niagara, The Marotta Family and Welland, Niagara Health will help deliver seamless hospital care across the region and improve patient experiences. Continue reading →

“Ontario Greens are leading the charge to stop the expensive and unnecessary Highway 413 and save the farmland, wetlands, creeks, rivers, watersheds – and the dozens of at-risk plants and animals – that lie in its path. Will you join us? “

A Message from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted February 29^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ford government’s planned Highway 413 would cut through Ontario’s Greenbelt and other natural heritage that are home to numerous threatened and endangered wildlife species.

The Ford government’s Get it Done Act will weaken Ontario’s environmental assessment regime to clear the way for infrastructure mega-projects like super-sprawl Highway 413.

That means the survival of as many as 29 at-risk species living in the path of Highway 413 will be in jeopardy. Decades of work to restore their habitat and populations will be squandered to serve Ford’s sprawl agenda. Continue reading →

‘Guests from across North America will be joining Brock scientists in experiencing the (April 8^th) eclipse. … The University’s experts will also be out in the Niagara community the day of the eclipse. Physics students will be supporting programming offered by Niagara Parks, and representatives from Brock’s Let’s Talk Science team will be leading eclipse-related activities as part of the City of Port Colborne’s programming.’

An Invite to All from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted February 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The Niagara community is invited to join Brock University experts and special guests in celebrating a rare celestial spectacle.

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will take place over southern Ontario, with the moon passing between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun completely and turning the sky dark enough to see the stars.

This rare astronomical event will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. The last time a total solar eclipse occurred over Ontario was in 1979, and the next one won’t happen again over the province until 2099.

Continue reading →

“Putting Wheels on the Bus” report outlines recommendations to federal policymakers to unlock public transit’s potential as a climate solution

News from Environmental Defence, a Canada-wide citizens organization advocating for a cleaner planet

Posted February 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario  – A new report, titled “Putting Wheels on the Bus” from Environmental Defence and Équiterre, supported by modelling conducted by Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors and Leading Mobility finds that Canada can double public transit ridership by 2035 if federal and provincial governments step up investments in expanding transit service hours and frequency, implement bus lanes and improve urban planning to encourage more housing density near transit.

Combined with electrification of bus fleets, the report finds that with these measures, Canada can reduce carbon emissions by sixty-five million tonnes by 2035, if investments begin now. Sixty-five million tonnes over the period 2024-2035 is equivalent to the annual carbon emissions produced by 20 million cars. Continue reading →

Ask Opposition Leaders To Call Out This Glaring Giveaway To Enbridge Gas And Developers

A Call-Out from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a not-for-profit citizens organization dedicated to transitioning Ontario to a 100% renewable energy future   

Posted February 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – Last week, Ontario’s Ford government introduced a bill to reinstate a massive subsidy for fossil gas pipelines to new home developments and to boost wasteful spending on other fossil gas infrastructure.

The legislation will increase both climate damage and energy bills.

Ford’s gas pipeline subsidy means most land developers will pay nothing to run gas pipelines in their developments, so they will have zero incentive to install the best equipment for customers – electric  heat pumps [https://www.cleanairalliance.org/heat-pumps-can-save-you-money/]. Continue reading →

The Council’s Handling of the Last Two Meetings Where The Israeli-Palestinian Issue Made a Presence Were Downers, Indeed!

The Region’s Integrity Commissioner Has Now Been Directed to Review the Video of the Most Turbulent January 25^th Meeting and  Develop a Training Session for Regional Councillors

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted February 27th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara’s Regional Headquarters in Thorold

There was a time when this reporter looked forward to covering Niagara Regional Council meetings.

I am sure that many of you out there will find that at least a little bit strange. Some may even be asking; ‘What kind of social life does this guy have?’

Seriously though, there was a time when you could look forward to going to a meeting of Niagara Regional Council and to coming out the other end without feeling disappointed, troubled and depressed over what was unfolding while you were there.

But that was long ago and far away, going back at least as far as the late-1990s up to 2014 when Debbie Zimmerman, followed by Gary Burroughs served one after the other as Niagara Regional Chair. Continue reading →

Province maintaining tuition fee freeze to keep costs down for students and parents

“Instead of burdening hard-working families with higher tuition, we’re making historic investments to stabilize colleges and universities. We’re taking action to make fees more transparent.” – Jill Dunlop, Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted February 26th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – While any financial “relief” to colleges and universities and the students enrolled in them is welcome news, this is barely places a dent in the tens-of-billions of dollars that successive provincial and federal governments cut from post-secondary education going back to the 1980s.

These cuts to post-secondary education were made to pay for the tax cuts governments promised to voters to buy their support. One of the groups that benefited the most from these tax cuts were members of the Baby Boomer Generation who were alo fortunate enough to benefit from far lower tuition fees compared to generations that followed.

Since provincial and federal governments began defunding colleges and universities, tuition fees have skyrocketed and so has student debt. Students have also been forced to pay outrageously higher prices text books and a battery of user fees for student services that were once free – all so that Baby Boomers got get their tax cuts.

From the crippling cost of post-secondary education to the cost of housing and a climate crisis that is making life ever harder, we Baby Boomers have a good deal to answer for. – Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Now here is the News Release from the Ontario Government- 

Jill Dunlop, Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities

TORONTO, Ontario – Today (this February 26^th, 2024) , the Ontario government introduced a suite of measures to stabilize the province’s colleges and universities, including nearly $1.3 billion in new funding, while maintaining the tuition fee freeze to keep costs down for Ontario students and parents.

The province is also introducing legislation that would, if passed, support student mental health, safe and inclusive campuses and allow for increased transparency of fees.

This suite of measures also includes initiatives that will help connect students to rewarding careers to help build Ontario’s skilled workforce. Continue reading →

A Message from the Niagara Movement for Justice in Palestine Israel

Posted February 26^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

THOROLD, ONTARIO – On Sunday, February 25, the Niagara Movement for Justice in Palestine Israel (NMJPI) called on Niagara Regional Council to recognize the trauma it caused its residents by blocking them from advocating in support a ceasefire in Palestine.

NMJPI issued a statement marking one month since Niagara Regional Council (on January 25th, 2024) blocked eighteen delegates and pulled the ceasefire motion of (St. Catharines Regional) Councillor Haley Bateman from its agenda.

The maneuver to remove (the moton) was by St. Catharines Mayor (and Regional Councillor) Mat Siscoe and seconded by St. Catharines (Regional) Councillor Laura Ip, who chairs the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and who also immediately “called the question” killing any debate on removing the ceasefire motion. Continue reading →

“This is all too similar to the Greenbelt scandal: the government is legislating against the public good in the services of a few private interests, namely Enbridge and housing developers.”

Statement by Keith Brooks, Programs Director, Environmental Defence Canada

Posted February 23, 2024 on Niagara At Large

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

Ontario Premier and Doug Ford and his Conservatives have left us lagging behind other regions of the world on turning to cleaner sources of energy while they continue to push the the burning of climate-ravaging oil and gas

Of course Doug Ford and his belch-out-the-carbon, climate-denying Tories are going to side with a big fossil fuel corporation over the voices of countless thousands of individuals and groups across the province.

No doubt Ford and company are counting on enough Ontario residents being sucked in by the bumper sticker slogan he is using – ‘Keeping Energy Costs Down’ – to overall a recent ruling by the independent Ontario Energy Board to end subsidies to a carbon-polluting corporation like Enbridge. Let’s hope the residents of Ontario aren’t sucked in and that they realize how costly the continued pouring of carbon emissions into our atmosphere is for present and future generations alike. Continue reading →

Highway 413 will run through thousands of acres of the Greenbelt, prime farmland, wetlands and watersheds – home to dozens of endangered and threatened species. It will cost taxpayers an estimated $10 billion

A Call-Out from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted February 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

After a year of walk backs and flip-flops and legal embarrassments, you’d think Doug Ford might have learned something.

But no.

On the first day back at Queen’s Park after the winter break, the Ford government introduced the Get It Done Act – and just like the Greenbelt, the MZOs and the public sector wage cap, they’re getting it done wrong. Continue reading →

“These proposed changes (to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act)will further demolish the act and create more loopholes for developers to easily harm species at risk and their habitats.”                           – Rebecca Kolarich, Biodiversity and Nature Manager at Environmental Defence.

Some Urgent News from the public advocacy groups Environmental Defence, Ontario Nature, David Suzuki Foundation and Wilderness Committee

Posted February 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario  – This week, 68 organizations across Ontario expressed their strong opposition to a proposal from Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to amend regulations under the provincial Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA).

MECP claims that these changes will improve implementation of the legislation, however, this is only true if you think better implementation of species protection legislation involves making it weaker. The proposed changes will speed up development approvals and reduce costs for developers engaging in harmful activities that impact Ontario’s most vulnerable plant and animal species. Continue reading →

“A few for-profit corporations are being enriched by the Ford government’s privatization scheme while our public hospitals and patients pay the price. It is beyond time that there is a rigorous investigation into who is benefitting From These Policy Choices And What Their Connections Are To This Government..”   – Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition

A News Release from the Ontario Health Coalition, a not-for-profit group dedicated to supporting public health care services in Ontario

Posted February 22^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario – A new report, *Robbing from the public to build the private: The Ford government’s hospital privatization scheme <https://www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca/index.php/release-report-robbing-the-public-to-build-the-private-the-ford-governments-hospital-privatization-scheme/>* reveals that local hospitals in every region of Ontario have operating rooms sitting idle the majority of the time.

The public has funded local hospitals for more than 70 years to build operating room capacity that is unused while the Ford government is shunting unprecedented public money to private for-profit clinics and hospitals to build new operating rooms, the Coalition reports. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from 50by30 Niagara and the Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee, citizens groups advocating for a reduction in carbon-polluting gases

Posted February 21, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Earlier this week a councillor in Hamilton presented a motion to Hamilton City Council endorsing the recent Ontario Energy Board to end a subsidy for Enbridge Gas, and asking the provincial government to support that decision (and not reverse it, as they’ve said they’ll do). Hamilton City Council passed the motion unanimously and will be sending a letter to the premier shortly.

The Ontario Energy Good believes that Enbridge has no business case for such a request, as it assumes that all homes will remain connected to the gas-grid for 40 years, an assumption that goes against Canada’s climate commitments and targets. Continue reading →

Never Mind Banning Road Tolls. Provide More Funding For Public Transit

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper, followed by a News Release from Ontario’s Ford Government

Posted February 15^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Here goes Ontario’s Premier again – clearly a guy with his head stuck in the 1950s – making decisions that pave the way for more car, more roads and more developing sprawling into the countryside at whatever cost to everyone and everything else.

Acting like a Santa Clause showing up a couple of months too late for Christmas, Premier Doug Ford began the morning of February 15^th with a big smile as he announced that his government is moving to ban road tolls and freeze driver’s licence fees.

On the surface this may look like a great gift to everyone who owns and drives cars and trucks, if no all of us who are fortunate enough to live in Ontario, and Ford may very well be hoping that few, if any of us look below the surface of what he is paving the way for here. Continue reading →

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large, February 16^th, 2024

Alexie Nvalny, a brave Russian opponent of Putin’s brutal autocracy has died at age 47 in the harsh conditions of a penal colony he was condemned to for fighting for a life free of corruption and oppression for his fellow citizens.

Now all Putin has to hope for is that Donald Trump, his useful idiot in the United States, is once again elected President who is already signaling his desire to dismember the NATO alliance and gives him the green light to finish off Ukraine – a scenario that could trigger World War III.

How and when does all this madness stop?

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

Please oppose the Government of Ontario’s relentless drive to prioritize profits over basic environmental protections.

A Call-Out from Ontario Nature, a citizens voice for protecting and preserving our natural heritage

Posted February 15^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The Government of Ontario is proposing changes to regulations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 2007 to “streamline” its implementation and speed up development projects.

If approved, these changes will create new loopholes endangering species at risk and their habitats.

The proposed amendments are yet another example of the government’s relentless push to prioritize development over fundamental environmental protections. The amendments fly in the face of the legislated purpose of the ESA: “to protect species that are at risk and their habitats, and to promote the recovery of species that are at risk.” Continue reading →

An Invite from the Niagara District Council of Women

Posted February 15th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Featured speaker Kaite Burkholder Harris, the Executive Director of the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa

Niagara, Ontario – On Wednesday February 21st, the Niagara District Council of Women and the Niagara Community Legal Clinic are holding a very important  Zoom meeting on the Housing crisis here in Niagara and across the country.

The featured speaker Kaite Burkholder Harris, the Executive Director of the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, has a  deep understanding of the difficulties facing homeless individuals and families, and  is a key player in work to document the extent of the  housing crisis and bring community efforts together  to help promote policy changes at all levels of government. Continue reading →

“An immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed. Hostages must be released. The need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza has never been greater.”

Posted February 15^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand this February 15th, 2024 issued the following statement on reports of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah.

“We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic. About 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge in the area, including many of  our citizens and their families.

“With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating. We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go. Continue reading →

On this One, Our Regional Councillors Should  Get Right in the Face of Ontario’s Ford Government and say NO!

A News Commentary by Niagara At Larger reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted February 14th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Forget about all the years of rhetoric we’ve been hearing from our regional politicians about Niagara being a ‘great place to live, play and do business’.

Here is the type of military-style weapon Niagara’s police board is now moving to arm our police with.

Apparently we live in a war zone!

Why else would Niagara’s Regional Police be in the process of spending more than $1.9 million of our hard-earned tax dollars on arming our police with C8 semi-automatic, military-style rifles that are normally being used by the Canadian military and NATO forces in Europe? Continue reading →

Province Ensuring People Have a Say While Continuing Calls to Scrap the Federal Carbon Tax

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

Posted February 13th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff

BEAMSVILLE in Niagara, Ontario – The Ontario government is keeping costs down for people by introducing legislation that, if passed, would give Ontario voters a direct say over a new provincial carbon tax, cap-and-trade system, or other carbon pricing program.

This proposed legislation would protect people and businesses from the high costs of a provincial carbon tax by requiring the government to first obtain the consent of Ontario voters through a referendum before implementing a new provincial carbon pricing program.

“I hear often from local business owners, workers and families about how much the carbon tax is costing them when they fill up for gas or heat their homes,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“They are frustrated – and rightly so.  Only Doug Ford and the PC government are fighting to keep costs down for working families.” Continue reading →

“I encourage everyone to consider those individuals, non-profits and businesses who made a positive impact on life in Niagara over the past year and submit a nomination by March 4.”             – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted February 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Established in 2021, the Regional Chair’s Niagara Impact Awards recognize community members and organizations who have made significant efforts to help build a more resilient and welcoming region.

Residents are encouraged  visit niagararegion.ca to complete a nomination [https://niagararegion.ca/impact-awards/default.aspx?topic=1] for an individual, business or non-profit organization that has shown community spirit while demonstrating the value of volunteerism. Continue reading →

Empty Red Dresses Hung Throughout Brock University, Paired With A Day Of Learning On Campus, Will Honour Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls And Two-Spirit People This Week.

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

Posted February 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Organized By Brock’s Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, The Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis And Inuit Student Centre And Niagara College, The Initiative Will See Dresses Hung At The University’s Main Campus And Its Marilyn I. Walker School Of Fine And Performing Arts, As Well As At Niagara College, From Monday, Feb. 12 To Friday, Feb. 16. 

Continue reading →

A News Release from the Town of Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario

Posted February 13^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from NAL reporter/publisher Doug Draper– As a general rule this online news site does not post news releases on budgets for any one of Niagara’s 12 local municipalities because we simply don’t have the time or resources to report on the budgets of all 12 municipalities.

However, rules are made to be broken and in this case, the following news release on the 2024 budget approved this February by the council for the Town of Fort Erie does an excellent job of explaining the budget and detailing the reason for the costs resulting in what the town’s taxpayers will ultimately pay.

In summary, this news release by the Town of Fort Erie is a  true public service. It is great model for how municipalities can summarize  key budget details for their citizens in a clear and understandable way  so we are posting here.)

FORT ERIE, Niagara, Ontario  – Fort Erie Town Council approved the 2024 Budget in principle, with a 5.5 percent increase for the Town’s portion of the residential property tax. This increase translates to an additional $13.94 per month for the median household.

Fort Erie Town Hall in Niagara, Ontario

When the Niagara Region and the Boards of Education levies are included, the combined increase for residential taxpayers in Fort Erie is 5.16 percent.

Town expenditures relate directly to strategic priorities established by Council: 

Continue reading →

The World’s Migratory Species Of Animals Are In Decline, And The Global Extinction Risk Is Increasing

 “Today’s (February 12^th, 2024) report clearly shows us that unsustainable human activities are jeopardizing the future of migratory species” – Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme

The two greatest threats to … all migratory species were confirmed (in the report) as overexploitation – which includes unsustainable hunting, overfishing and the capture of non-target animals such as in fisheries – and habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation – from activities such as agriculture and the expansion of transport and energy infrastructure.

A News Release from the United Nations

Posted February 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report was launched today by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty, at the opening of a major UN wildlife conservation conference (CMS COP14). Continue reading →

“Many questions that Parliamentarians and Canadians are asking (about the ArriveCAN app) cannot be answered. The lack of information to support ArriveCAN spending and decisions has compromised accountability.”                                                                                – Canadian Auditor General Karen Hogan

A News Release on a Report from the Office of Canada’s Auditor General

Posted February 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

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

The Peace Bridge Crossing between Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. file photo by Doug Draper

As a journalist who also happens to be a resident living near the Canada-U.S. border, I wonder how one remains composed after reading this scathing report on the costly mess that has become of the pandemic-related “ArriveCAN” requirements the Trudeau government forced on both Canadians and Americans wanting to cross the border until the final months of 2022.

This so-called ArriveCAN app with its online form to be filled out by cross-border travellers has proven to be far more costly than expected for Canadian taxpayers due to gross mismanagement by parties in and around the federal government.

According to numerous news accounts, ArriveCAN caused significant hardships for those doing business  in both countries and for the economies of border communities, and it created a good deal of hardship and heartaches for citizens wanting to visit close friends and relatives or check in on a property they owned on both sides of the border. Continue reading →

“(Premier Doug Ford’s) Bill 124 hurt our province. It forced health care and education workers out of the profession, cut people’s wages during an affordability crisis, and eroded the people’s trust in their government.”

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

Posted February 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP, released the following statement in response to the Ontario Court of Appeal’s ruling:

“Today (Monday, February 12th) is a victory for workers across Ontario.

“This win belongs to the workers, unions, and advocates from across the province who stood firm against the Conservatives’ unconstitutional attack on their rights.

One of many Ontario workers’ rallies against Ford’s Bill 124 that have taken place across the province over the past two years. This one organized by the Ontario Nurses Association.

“Bill 124 hurt our province. It forced health care and education workers out of the profession, cut people’s wages during an affordability crisis, and eroded the people’s trust in their government. Continue reading →

“This tax freeze is welcome news to Niagara’s breweries, While index-linked tax increases normally add predictability, at a time of unstable and increased inflationary rates, the opposite is true.” – Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) CEO Mishka Balsom

A News Release from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted February 12^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This past Friday, February 9, 2024, the Government of Ontario announced that it was stopping the estimated 4.6 per cent increase to the beer basic tax and LCBO mark-up rates scheduled for March 1, 2024.

Greater Niagara Chamber CEO welcomes boost for Niagara breweries

This increase would have resulted from indexed rates, which the government has consistently stopped over the last six years, resulting in approximately $200 million in relief.

The freeze will last until March 1, 2026.

Continue reading →

Sixty Years Ago – This February 9th,  2024 – a British group called The Beatles made their first North American appearance before a record-breaking television audience and made musical history

A Remembrance by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher and life-long Beatles fan Doug Draper

Posted February 9th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

The first Beatles album released by Capitol Records Canada in early 1964

In the last weeks of January, 1964, the first song by a foursome from Liverpool, England – where the group had already created a frenzy in their homeland – reached Number One on the Billboard charts in North America and young people across Canada and the United States were getting hungry for more.

The song was ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ which had reached the top of top of the British charts a month  after it was recorded in October of 1963 and the group was The Beatles which imported “the mania” it had set off back home with its first North American TV appearance before what was then a record breaking audience of more than 70 million on (for anyone who remembers it) the very popular, star-making Ed Sullivan Show.

The first single by The Beatles to hit number one in North America

Indeed, for those who were old at the time and I was just 12 and just ripe for a musical revolution, it is hard to forget where we were and who was in the room with us when on February 9th, 1964, we watched Ed Sullivan (a guy you would never call hip) introduce The Beatles in a study packed with screaming teenagers.

I watched that that performance in the living room of my childhood home Welland, Ontario with my parents looking on, like so many other parents did, and shaking their heads at these four guys with what seem, at the time, long hair as they played music was a world away from ‘How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?’ and all of the swing bands and crooners they grew up with. Continue reading →

Province also unveils updated curriculum that prepares students for the jobs of the future

On 20 September 1985, Lincoln Alexander was sworn in as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the first member of a visible minority to serve as the Queen’s representative in Canada.

“As the granddaughter of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander, I am thrilled to see the Ontario curriculum incorporating the legacies, stories, and histories of Black Canadians. It is vital that students learn about the contributions and struggles of Black Canadians as they are a fundamental part of Canadian history, and I hope this leads to a more inclusive and inspiring education system for all.”                                    – Erika Alexander, Granddaughter of the Hon. Lincoln M. Alexander

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted February 8^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

As the province celebrates Black History Month, the Ontario government is introducing new mandatory learning in Grades 7, 8 and 10 history on the exceptional contributions and history of Black Canadians who helped build Canada.

For the first time, starting in September 2025, Grades 7, 8 and 10 history classes will include mandatory learning with an emphasis on elevating Black history as Canadian history, by highlighting the various Black communities that emerged, developed and contributed to the development of Canada, including pre- and post-Confederation.

Continue reading →

The event, which will cap off International Development Week, takes place Friday, Feb. 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Goodman Atrium. All are welcome to attend. Register on the Goodman website<https://brocku.ca/goodman/upcoming-events/> to save a seat.

A News Release from Brock University in St. Cathainres, Niagara

Posted February 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Top leaders from the World Bank and United Nations will headline a panel at Brock University Friday focused on the global journey towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Hosted by Brock’s Goodman School of Business, the event will feature Ferid Belhaj, Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at the World Bank, and Wafa Aboul Hosn, Chief of Economic Statistics at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Africa, who will be joined by Goodman Dean Barry Wright and Accounting and Governance Professor Samir Trabelsi.

The public panel, “Ground-level Delivery: Promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals for a Livable Planet,” is part of International Development Week 2024 and will examine the critical and evolving contributions of multi-lateral institutions, such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Continue reading →

“The (Doug Ford) Conservatives knew that our friends, parents, and grandparents in LTC were vulnerable, and they acted far too late, with too little urgency.”                 – Wayne Gates, Niagara Falls NDP MPP

A Statement from Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates, whose Riding also includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the Lake

Posted February 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates whose riding includes Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake has been after the Ford government to provide better quality care and more resources for staff in long-term-care homes for years.

NIAGARA FALLS , Ontario – MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls), Official Opposition critic for Long-Term Care (LTC) released the following statement in response to Ford’s Conservatives facing a lawsuit (https://globalnews.ca/news/10276302/court-allows-negligence-suit-against-ontario-ltc-minister-to-proceed/) for negligence in LTC during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“Conservative failures in Long Term Care led to thousands of preventable deaths during the pandemic. The Conservatives knew that our friends, parents, and grandparents in LTC were vulnerable, and they acted far too late, with too little urgency.

This February 6th, families of Ontario’s seniors took another big step forward in their fight for justice for their lost loved ones. The families of those we lost in LTC deserve answers and justice. Together we will create an Ontario where this never happens again.” Continue reading →

Province Investing $280,000 to Help Keep Local Communities Safe

“Abandoned oil and gas wells continue to pose a risk to the environment and our local communities.” – Rob Foster, Regional Councillor for Lincoln.

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

Posted February 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

BEAMSVILLE – The Ontario government is investing $280,000 to help protect communities in the Regional Municipality of Niagara from the challenges associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells.  The funding will be used to purchase equipment to support emergency response and provide additional health and safety training to staff.

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West (second from right), joins Jim Bradley, Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, along with Rob Foster, Lincoln Regional Councillor (left), and Sandra Easton, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln, at a gas well pump jack in

“There are several old and inactive oil and gas wells across Niagara, especially in the Southern part of the Region,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“This funding will help protect our local environment, manage risks associated with abandoned wells and help keep communities safe.” Continue reading →

New homesharing option available to Brock students through SpacesShared

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted February 7^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Brock University is introducing a new homesharing option for students through SpacesShared that encourages older adults in Niagara to open their homes to students.

Through a collaboration with SpacesShared<https://www.spacesshared.ca/home>, Brock University is introducing a new homesharing option for students that also aims to help address affordable housing challenges in Niagara.

Launching for Brock students on Monday, Feb. 5, the innovative online platform uses an advanced algorithm — paired with the expertise of SpacesShared’s team of professionals — to match students in need of housing with older adult hosts with space in their home to rent. Continue reading →

A Statement from Environmental Defence, a non-profit citizens organization dedicated to protecting and preserving our natural heritage for generations to come

Posted February 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Statement by Phil Pothen, Ontario Environment Program Manager for Environmental Defence , on reports of forthcoming Ford government legislation to reinstate forced boundary expansions and circumvent expropriation & land use rules

Toronto, Ontario – Environmental Defence is concerned by recent reports in the Narwhal that the Ontario (Doug Ford) government is contemplating a new bill that would throw gasoline on the government’s smoldering sprawl and real estate scandal.

Ironically referred to as the “Get It Done Act”, this rumoured new bill would actually make it more difficult for Ontario municipalities to fix the affordable housing shortage and GTA traffic gridlock. Continue reading →

“Experts have estimated that ArriveCAN could’ve been built in a weekend for $200,000. But instead, the Trudeau Government decided to waste $54 million in taxpayer dollars on this unnecessary and broken app.”

A Statement from Canada’s Conservative Party with a Foreword from Niagara At Large

Posted February 5^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Many of you may share ill memories of the ArriveCAN app that Canada’s Trudeau government went on and on burdening cross-border travelers with in our country and the United States with as the hot times of the COVID pandemic cooled down.

Federal representatives in the U.S. and mayors on both sides of the border spent many months begging the Trudeau government to scrap this unnecessary border-crossing “requirement” until it finally did scrap a tool that did little or nothing to assist border officers with the information they needed to decide whether individuals should be allowed entries into one or the other country. .

In the meantime, a computer app Canadian taxpayers were told would be relatively inexpensive to develop and operate ballooned into the tens-of-millions of dollars and now it appears we have what is repeatedly being referred to in major newspapers and broadcast reports as a scandal on our hands. Continue reading →

“While They’re Standing In The Welfare Lines, Crying At The Doorsteps Of Those Armies of Salvation. Wasting Time In The Unemployment Lines, Sittin” Around Waitin’ For A Promotion … Don’t Ya Know, They’re Talking About A Revolution.”                     – Tracy Chapman

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

Posted February 5^th, 2024

Tracy Chapman and a song she wrote in the 1980s that is even more relevant today.

Being the music lover I am, I spent this past Sunday (February 4^th) evening watching this year’s Grammy Award Ceremonies.

There were more than a few golden moments, including Joni Mitchell, now 80 years old and hardly looking in the best of health, performing one of her most iconic songs, ‘Both Sides Now’, in a way that was so moving it drew many in an audience of pop celebrities less than half her age  to tears. Continue reading →

‘Specialty Crop Lands in Niagara are unique, irreplaceable and finite. … Yet they have been experiencing a steady loss due to urbanization over several decades, with not quite one third of the original 35,000 acres of tender fruit land and one half of its original 35,000 acre of Grape land remaining .’

A News Release from the Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society, a non-profit citizens group working since 1976 to protect Niagara fruit lands

Posted February 4th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Preservation of Agricultural Lands Society (PAL) has challenged the Honourable Paul Calandra, (Ontario’s) Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Honourable Lisa M Thompson,  (Ontario’s) Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to act immediately to protect Niagara’s  very limited, at risk Greenbelt   grape and tender fruit lands, as promised by  Premier Ford last September in a Greenbelt  announcement in Niagara Falls. 

Specifically, on January 22, 2024, PALS  officially  requested that  the  Minister of Municipal  Affairs use his express powers under the Planning Act to advise the Ontario Land Tribunal that a matter of provincial interest is, or is likely to be,  affected in relation to an upcoming  hearing on the City of St. Catharines and Niagara Regional Council approvals of Official Plan Amendments to allow a major  expansion of  a non-agricultural use  on Specialty Crop Lands. Continue reading →

We Ask You – For the Sake of all of our Health Care Services – to Join Us Starting At 11:45 A.M. at the Corner of Dunn Street and Stanley Avenue in Niagara Falls, Ontario

A Call-Out from the Niagara Health Coalition, a member group of the Ontario Health Coalition, a citizens organization dedicated to saving quality public health care in the province

Posted February 2nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Hi Everyone. …

Bundle up warmly and let the PCs know that you care for our public health care system.

The Niagara Health Coalition and Fort Erie Healthcare SOS are participating in the Ontario Federation of Labour Rally Saturday, Feb 3 at noon in Niagara Falls.

Doug Ford’s Ontario PCs are holding policy convention at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. This is an excellent opportunity to drive home the message that we need 24/7 urgent care in Fort Erie and Port Colborne and 24/7 ambulatory services in Welland.

Our health system is in crisis.

Ford needs to fund our health system at the rate of inflation, stop the privatization of our hospital services and give our healthcare workers more than 1 percent increase.

Join us at the corner of Stanley Avenue and Dunn Street at 11:45 am.

Bring your signs and chants.The rally starts at noon.

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

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

A Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper followed by a Statement from the Buffalo, N.Y area’s U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted February 2^nd, 2024 on Niagara At Large

A Foreword by Doug Draper –

This Friday, February 2^nd 2024 is or was (depending on when you read this) Buffalo, New York’s Brian Higgins last day as a U.S. Congressman and that is a loss for American and Canadian citizens on both sides of  the Niagara River.

One cannot blame Higgins, who served as a proud Democrat for 19 years, for joining others across his country for wanting to leave a Congress that radical MAGA Republicans and their dear leader, Donald Trump, has turned into an insane asylum. And why wouldn’t Higgins want to bust out of a mess like that when he was offered and has recently accepted an opportunity to serve as the chief executive officer of Buffalo’s iconic Shea’s Theatre.

But his service as a U.S. Congressman will be a loss people on both sides of the Niagara River just the same because, so unlike our feckless federal representatives, both Liberal and Conservative, on the Ontario side, he could often be counted on to speak out publicly on cross-border issues that concerned us all. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 31^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Do you have to update your health card? Get a new driver’s license? Or apply for a marriage license?

Well ready up your wallet because Walmart and Staples would like to sell you as much as they can while you’re at it.

The Ford government’s recent decision to move ServiceOntario locations into Walmart and Staples will open up opportunities for US-owned mega corps to monetize every Ontarian accessing critical government services. Continue reading →

Award-Winning Heritage Preservationist and Community Activist Pamela Minns Passes Away At Age 94

A Tribute to Pamela Minns from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 31^st, 2024 on Niagara At Large

One of the last times I saw Pamela Minns in the flesh was two summers ago when she was kind enough to invite me to a gathering of a book club she was a member of.

Pamela Minns addresses a large gathering of friends and supporters at her 90th Birthday celebration in December, 2019. Photo courtesy of Helen Michlik

The book the club had gathered under a gazebo to discuss on that warm, sunny day was one that Pamela had fallen in love with and that she knew I had often used as a reference – what I sometimes called my bible -going back to my years The St. Catharines Standard where my work as an environmental reporter often intersected with writing stories about the good, bad and ugly of urban planning across our Niagara region.

The book was called ‘The Geography of Nowhere – The Rise and Fall of America’s Man-Made Landscape’by U.S. journalist James Howard Kunstler and at age 92, there was Pamela at the book club gathering, with the same sparkle in her eyes and speaking with the same keen mind and passion for preserving what’s left of the best in our communities that I remember when I first met her more than 30 years ago.

It is with a great deal of sadness that I learned of the passing of Pamela Minns earlier this January, 2024 at the age of 94. Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario Green Parky Leader Mike Schreiner

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

GUELPH, Ontario  — Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to news that the Ford government will proceed with the refurbishment of four reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

“Ford’s Pickering plan will drive up electricity costs.

Greens understand that nuclear power from the Bruce and Darlington nuclear stations will be part of Ontario’s electricity mix for decades. Continue reading →

We must have full cost transparency for this mega project at Pickering Nuclear Plant, not backroom deals benefitting powerful interests

A News  Release from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a not-for-profit citizens advocacy group

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

In yet another backroom deal bonanza, the Ford government has signed off on a plan to rebuild four 40-year-old nuclear reactors at North America’s third-oldest nuclear plant – the  Pickering Nuclear Station [https://www.cleanairalliance.org/search/?_sf_s=pickering] in the eastern GTA.

The government is offering no information on how much this dubious plan will cost in total, but lots of happy talk about its ability to get these ancient (and outdated) reactors rebuilt on schedule. Continue reading →

Pickering would supply reliable, low-cost and emissions-free power for an additional 30 years

A News Release from the Ford Government of Ontario

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

Old Pickering Nuclear Reactors along northern shores of Lake Ontario

PICKERING , Ontario – The Ontario government is supporting Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to proceed with the next steps toward refurbishing Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s “B” units (units 5-8).

Once refurbished, Pickering would produce a total of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, equivalent to powering two million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fuelling the province’s economic growth. Continue reading →

‘Mayors of the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln and the Chair of Niagara Region have submitted a request to Hamilton Health Sciences to change the name of the new hospital to West Niagara Memorial Hospital’

A News Release from the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation and Hamilton Health Sciences

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH), a Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) hospital, is being rebuilt to accommodate the growing health care  needs of west Niagara’s communities.

Public support of the new hospital has been overwhelmingly positive, as local residents acknowledge this important endeavour and have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the redevelopment project.

The Mayors of the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln and the Chair of Niagara Region have submitted a request to Hamilton Health Sciences to change the name of the new hospital to West Niagara Memorial Hospital. Continue reading →

Sprawl is the leading cause of farm, forest and wetland loss in Ontario.

A Message from Sherry Wu, Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 30^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

There’s no doubt about it: Doug Ford’s supercharged sprawl agenda is an environmental wrecking ball.

Sprawl is the leading cause of farm, forest and wetland loss in Ontario. It makes us more vulnerable to climate impacts and food insecurity, and doubles down on climate pollution.

Ontario Greens know that sprawl isn’t a housing solution. 

Luckily, there are plenty of common-sense solutions to build the homes we need in the communities we already know and love WITHOUT paving over protected land. Continue reading →

“Given spiraling climate change impacts and accelerating rates of biodiversity loss, the need to expand and strengthen protected areas in Ontario has never been more urgent.”

By Katie Krelove and Corina Brdar for Ontario Nature, a non-profit group advocating for the protection and preservation of Ontario’s natural heritage

Posted January 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

As the Government of Ontario seeks input on its next budget, will it consider a golden egg from the federal government?

A year has passed since COP15 – the United Nations biodiversity conference in Montreal where 196 countries signed onto a global agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

As the Government of Canada develops its national biodiversity strategy<https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/biodiversity/national-biodiversity-strategy/milestone-document.html> and related legislation<https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2023/12/government-of-canada-takes-action-to-restore-and-protect-nature-with-commitment-to-introduce-a-nature-accountability-bill-in-2024.html>, it’s identifying supporting provincial partners that are willing to play along. Continue reading →

Listen to a Sunday, January 28^th CKTB Radio Interview with St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman by Clicking on a Link at the End of this Commentary

A Commentary by Niagara At Large journalist/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 28th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Coucnillor Haley Bateman

Niagara, Ontario – In my 45 years as a journalist in Niagara, starting with my close to two decades at The Standards before moving on to Niagara This Week, The Thorold News and now Niagara At Large, I have viewed few meetings of Niagara’s regional council that I have found more disappointing and disturbing than the one that took place this past Thursday, January 25^th.

I would have to go back more than six years ago, to the dark times when then-Niagara Regional Chair Al Caslin and what was rightfully called his cabal of councillors and some of the Region’s senior staff. to dredge up examples of meetings that were as bad or worse than this January 25^th meeting was.

It was a meeting where St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman wanted to table a motion asking her fellow councillors to recognize, in so many ways, the ongoing slaughter of mostly Palestinian civilians (a disproportionate number of the more than 24,000 killed to date women and children) in the Gaza strip – just as the current Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley released a statement and ordered that the Region’s headquarters be lit up in blue and white following the brutal butchering by Hamas terrorists of some 1,200 Israeli citizens last October. Continue reading →

By Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted January 28^th, 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman’s motion in support of a ceasefire i in the Srael-Hamas war and more Canadian refuge for Palestinians fleeing from the Gaza Strip was quickly dispatched with by the majority of her fellow regional councillors

A motion drafted by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman, asking her colleagues on Niagara Region’s council to support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War and to call upon Canada’s federal government to allow more entry of Palestinians fleeing harm’s way in the Gaza Strip, received a quick burial at the Region’s January 25^th council meeting.

Only minutes into the January 25^th meeting, Bateman’s fellow St. Catharines Regional Councillor and Mayor of St. Catharines Mat Siscoe immedialy declared that what Bateman’s motion was asking for falls outside any business the Regional Council should be dealing with and that it might also cause more divisiveness in the Niagara community over the whole Israel-Hamas affair.

Siscoe put a motion of his own on the table that Bateman’s not be considered which was seconded by another St. Catharines Regional Councillor Laura Ip. Continue reading →

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Plans to Table Motion at this Thursday’s, January 25^th Meeting of Regional Council

A News Analysis by Doug Draper, reporter/publisher, Niagara At Large

Posted January 22nd 2024 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman plans to table Hamas-Israeli War ceasefire motion

Niagara, Ontario – It’s a gutsy motion and one that may very well trigger some lively, if not heated debate when members of Niagara Region’s Council meet in full session this coming Thursday.

The motion, to be tabled at the January 25th meeting by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman, asks the Council to echo calls that have been made by a growing number of governments around the world for an “immediate ceasefire” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war so that adequate humanitarian assistance can be delivered to civilians suffering from the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

If approved in full, the motion (a copy of which is included below) would also see the Region calling on the Government of Canada to “remove the cap on the number of Palestinians who can seek refuge with their Canadian extended family members from the violence in the Gaza Strip” and take further steps to make it possible  for Palestinians now living in Canada to welcome into their homes family members now living in harm’s way. Continue reading →

‘The Ford government has already green-lit the felling of 850 mature trees on the (Ontario Place) west island. … In the process, they’ll destroy the habitats of many endangered and threatened species.’

A Call-Out from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted January 23^rd 2024 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Place in Toronto, Ontario has, for decades, been a popular place for people and wildlife. The province’s Ford government is determined to change that.

As (Ontario’s Green Party) writes this, tall black fencing dominates the view of Ontario Place’s West Island (along the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto) – blocking visitor entry as the land is cleared for the construction of the massive Therme mega spa.

The Ford government has already green-lit the felling of 850 mature trees on the island, and soon site servicing crews will begin flattening the ground to prepare for construction.

In the process, they’ll destroy the habitats of many endangered and threatened species that live on the West Island and in the waters around it. Continue reading →