Category Archives: Uncategorized

An Invite to Everyone Who Loves and Cares About Lake Erie from Environmental Defence, a citizens advocacy group for protecting and preserving our natural heritage

Posted August 22^nd, 2025 on Niagara At Large at  www.niagaraatlarge.com  

After decades of being plagued with severe, toxic algal blooms, Lake Erie is showing small signs of recovery. Residents of Ontario are responding to a call for action on social media to raise awareness and urge governments to take necessary action to ensure the health of Lake Erie continues to improve.

August 28, 2025 is the 9th annual #WeAreLakeErie Day – a virtual event to highlight people’s love for the lake. Throughout the day, social media users will share their Lake Erie stories and photos online using the hashtag #WeAreLakeErie or tagging @envirodefence to help create a virtual wave of support for the lake. Continue reading →

Municipalities In The South End Of Niagara Should Have A New Hospital Of Their Own

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted August 20^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large!

The new Niagara Health Hospital – questionably being referred to as the ‘South Niagara Hosptial’ – under construction in Niagara Falls.

With the exception of Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati’s own council and that of Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, it seems that four other municipalities in Niagara’s south end – Welland, Port Colborne, Fort Erie and Wainfleet – are so far being less than committal when it comes to paying up, what between all six of them, would total $72.5 million for the construction of a new hospital in Niagara Falls.

To the four south Niagara municipalities holding out, Diodati, who also serves as co-chair for the new hospital’s fund raising campaign, was recently quoted in a local newspaper saying; “I’m just pleading with everybody to prioritize this. Give what you can now with a commitment to help out more as you’re able because (this hospital) will touch every one of our lives at some point, and we’re going to be glad that we did it.” Continue reading →

News from the Office of Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles, followed by a Brief Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper on last June’s “Women of Ontario Say NO’ arrest incident at Niagara Falls city council 

Posted August 19^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario’s NDP Leader Marit Stiles

OTTAWA – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition, along with the Ontario NDP caucus are meeting (this week) with mayors, councillors, and municipal leaders from across the province at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual conference to hear about real solutions from those who know their communities best.

“People aren’t asking for miracles,” said Stiles. “They’re simply asking for a partnership that works. And that is exactly what our team is fighting for.” Continue reading →

An Invite from the Niagara Falls Nature Club

Posted August 19^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The Niagara Falls Nature Club welcomes you to participate in leisurely walks as we enjoy the flora and fauna of Niagara. The walks are rated from 1 to 10: 1 is easy and 10 is strenuous. For more information or if you have any questions, please get in touch!

Latest Walk –

• DATE: Wednesday August 20th  2025
• TIME: 7:00 PM
• LOCATION: Malcolmson Eco Park, St Catharines
• DIFFICULTY RATING:  2/10

We will observe the native plant restoration that is attracting many birds and mammals. Continue reading →

Niagara resident Julien Parent with his 1930 Ford Coupe at the Thorold Community Market. photo by Doug Draper

On Wednesday, August 20th & Wednesday, August 27th From 5 to 9 P.M. At Battle of the Beaverdams Park in Downtown Thorold

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted August 19th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

If you like having close encounters with vintage cars from the 1930s, 1940s and beyond, along with a host of vendors and live music in a bandshell, there is a fun summer evening waiting for you – and we could all use some fun right about now, couldn’t we? – at Thorold’s Community Market. Continue reading →

Ford Focuses On Growing Prosperous, Safe Communities & Responding To Trump’s Tariffs

Here is the Full Text of Premier Doug Ford’s August 18^th Speech at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Annual Conference

Posted August 18^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

OTTAWA — Premier Ford delivered the following remarks at the 2025 Association of Ontario Municipalities annual general meeting and conference.

“Good morning, everyone!

It’s great to be back here in Ottawa with all of you…
For the 2025 AMO Conference.

I want to start by thanking Mayor Robin Jones…
And everyone at AMO for hosting this year’s conference.

And I want to thank Mayor Mark Sutcliffe… For having us here in Ottawa.

I also want to thank all the hard-working mayors, councillors, wardens and municipal officials across Ontario… For everything you do to serve your communities.

And for your continued partnership… As we protect Ontario… And build for the future.

Friends, we all know… Just how much the world has changed… Since we met last year.

President Trump’s tariffs are taking direct aim at our country… Our province…
And our people. Continue reading →

“Climate change is not a far-off problem. It’s here. This plan is about more than policies; it’s about protecting our natural heritage assets for the enjoyment of all residents and thinking about our future generations.”                                                                – Edward Terry,  Manager of Policy and Community Planning for Town of Fort Erie

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

Posted August 18^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

FORT ERIE, Ontario – On Monday, August 11, 2025, Fort Erie Town Council approved the municipality’s first Climate Change Action Plan, taking a significant step forward in protecting the community and environment for the future.

The plan was developed by Town staff across multiple departments, with valuable input from residents, community groups, and environmental partners. It outlines practical steps to adapt to climate change impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning directly with the Town’s Strategic Plan commitment to environmental and climate change resiliency. Continue reading →

“Families in Fort Erie deserve access to (urgent health) care close to home” – Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates, whose riding includes Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie

Posted August 18^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

NIAGARA FALLS – As municipal leaders from across Ontario gather for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference next week in Ottawa from August 17 to August 20, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates is making it clear what the province needs to deliver for Niagara families:

•   1. A real commitment from the Minister of Health to protect local health care – including keeping the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre open 24/7/365 and emergency room wait times low across Niagara.
•   2. Flow funding for the South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant.
•   3. Committing to the wastewater plant means we can get shovels in the ground for new construction and protect thousands of good-paying local jobs.

“The South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s the first step we need for building more homes – the province committed years ago to funding” said Gates. Continue reading →

It Is Time For A Little Break This August 15^th, 16^th & 17th. I’ll Be Back On Niagara At Large Next Week & I Hope That You & All Your Friends Are There

Meanwhile – 

“I’m gonna camp out on the land
I’m gonna try an’ get my soul free”

– Lyrics by Joni Mitchell, from the song Woodstock

A Brief Note from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted August 14^th, 2025

I find myself needing a little escape from all the news because, to be quite honest about it, I am on the verge of burn-out – and I am not just talking about  the extreme heat we have been suffering through lately.

So in my mind, I am going to journey back to a sprawling farm pasture in a rural community called Bethel, New York where on August 15^th, 16^th &17^th 1969 the musicians who provided the soundtrack for the counter-culture of the 1960s gathered for that era’s high-water mark at the Woodstock Music & Art Festival.

What unfolded on that pasture land in the Catskills of New York in the summer of ’69 was, in so many ways, a fantasy, and a very fleeting one at that. After those three days of “peace and music,” as they were called at the time, it  mostly all went downhill from there. Continue reading →

“Seniors and their loved ones are being kept in the dark. Where’s the transparency?” – Wayne Gates, NDP MPP for the Niagara Falls Riding which includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake

News from Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted August 14^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

NIAGARA FALLS – Shadow Minister for Long-Term Care MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) released the following statement in response to the Ford government admitting (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-long-term-care-residents-care-target-1.7607561) it failed to meet its legislated four hours of direct daily care target for long-term care residents:

“Ford’s Conservatives set this target themselves… and they still missed it. The government needs to release quarterly staffing reports that would tell families which homes are meeting the standard, and which aren’t. Seniors and their loved ones are being kept in the dark. Where’s the transparency? Continue reading →

From Habitat for Humanity Niagara

Posted August 13th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

We are accepting new homeownership applications!

Interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner? Now’s your chance! Habitat for Humanity Niagara partners with local families to build homes and offers affordable mortgages – not free housing.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate: Continue reading →

“Climate action has been pushed down on the government’s list of priorities. Not because the crisis is any less urgent, but because Donald Trump’s return to the White House has thrown global politics and trade into turmoil.”

A Message from the Green Party of Canada

Posted August 13^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Right now, thousands of Canadians are under evacuation orders or fire bans. Newfoundland is facing the worst wildfires we’ve seen there. In B.C., wildfires have cut off towns and knocked out power. In P.E.I., temperatures hit levels not seen in decades, while Ontario and Quebec sweltered through dangerous heat waves.

We know what’s driving this. And we know it will only get worse unless governments stop propping up the fossil fuel industry and start acting like the emergency is real.

But here’s the hard truth.

Continue reading →

A News Brief from Data Shows, a professional, non-partisan data gathering venue based in Ontario, Canada

Posted August 13^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

To July 31, Canadians have logged over 830,000 fewer return trips from the United States through Canada’s major airports than last year — and July’s drop is the biggest yet.

Canadians’ boycott of travel to the United States gained ground in July as return air trips fell 27 per cent from the same month of 2024, the largest monthly drop so far this year, according to Statistics Canada data released August 11.

Among Canada’s largest 10 airports, only Quebec City’s Jean Lesage airport saw a July increase in Canadians returning from the United States compared to the same month in 2024. The largest drop was at Edmonton airport where trips by Canadians returning from the United States was down 40 per cent. Continue reading →

South Niagara Needs A New Hospital Of Its Own

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

Posted August 12th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

During a recent walk down the main street of the South Niagara community of Ridgeway in Fort Erie, I noticed that a number of stores had signs in their windows that read; “Save Our Hospital.”

I found myself responding to one of the store owners by saying; “As someone now living in the North end of Niagara but who grew up in Niagara’s south end, I fully support you. However, I am afraid that horse left the barn a long time ago.”

What I met by that is that over the past 12 years since Niagara Health, the organization Ontario’s former Mike Harris government founded in 1999 to amalgamate all of our region’s hospital services under one body, opened the super hospitals in west St. Catharines, hospitals in Niagara’s south end got short changed. Continue reading →

“With this heat and no rain, the fire risk becomes extremely high.We’re taking this step to protect our community, property, and emergency crews during this dangerous time.”                           -Fort Erie Fire Chief Mark Schmitt. 

A Fire Ban Alert from the Town of Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario

Posted Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

FORT ERIE, Ontario — Starting Tuesday, August 12 at 4:00 p.m., all open-air recreational fires in Fort Erie will be banned until further notice. The decision comes after days of extreme heat and dry weather, making fire conditions dangerously high.

 The ban does not allow:

Continue reading →

“With the extreme heat as of late and a lack of significant precipitation, much of southern Ontario has been categorized as “extreme”, the highest risk of fire according to Natural Resources Canada.”

An Alert from the City of St. Catharines’ Fire Chief Dave Upper in Niagara, Ontario

Posted on Monday, August 11, 2025 on Niagara At Large

In wake of extreme heat and drought, St. Catharines places a ban on open fires until further notice

Niagara, Ontario – The City of St. Catharines has issued a ban on all open-air burning until further notice due to prolonged dry weather conditions.

With Natural Resources Canada warning the risk of wildfires in southern Ontario is now categorized as “extreme”, Fire Chief Dave Upper has issued the ban effective immediately. The order prohibits all open-air burning, including cooking fires, fireworks, sparklers and any other types of outdoor burning.

Individuals that hold Agricultural Burn Permits issued by the City are forewarned that agricultural fires are completely banned as well and that those found burning under their permits will be charged and will have their permits revoked.

Individuals found not complying with the ban will be charged under the Ontario Fire Code and could face fines of up to $50,000.

Continue reading →

A News Release from the Central Station Education Initiative

Posted August 11^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The century-old Welland Central Fire Station in the city’s downtown

“We are very pleased to announce that the Central Station Education Initiative has been awarded a $200,000 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation that will allow us to move forward with completing the restoration/renovation of the second and third floors at the Central Fire Station. 

“We are sincerely grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of  Ontario.”  Continue reading →

Saturday, August 23rd 9:00 to 3:00 in the Grace Monnonite Chuch parking lot on Niagara Street in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted August 11^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The Grace Peace Group (GPG) is partnering with the Niagara Palestine Coalition (NPC) to put on a yard sale to raise funds for local Palestinian/Gazan families who are supporting relatives currently suffering in Gaza, or caught in refugee limbo in Egypt, and who hope to join their relatives in Canada.

We’re looking for housewares, linens, clothing (children’s or men’s or women’s), books, toys, garden supplies. And home-baked goodies! If you attend Grace Mennonite Church, bring sale items and baking to church on August 17th and the Stevens will store them in their van or freezer.

Otherwise just bring to the Grace Mennonite Church parking lot around 9am on Saturday, August 23 – 677 Niagara Street, St. Catharines.

Or you can donate directly online at
https://niagarapalestinecoalition.ca/donate/ <https://niagarapalestinecoalition.ca/donate/>
Book the date—Aug. 23rd—and plan to drop in and say hi, and maybe buy some Palestinian and Mennonite treats!

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views O 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 a young couple in Ontario are trying to buy a house, they’re not just competing against other Canadians who are also trying to buy a house, they’re competing with global capital. Who loses in that scenario?”

A Message from the Green Party of Canada

Posted August 11^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Last month, we asked what “nation-building” means to you. Hundreds of people across Canada took the time to respond. Housing emerged as a clear, urgent priority, especially among younger respondents.

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: The housing crisis is all about supply and demand. Just build more, and the problem will go away.

While there is some truth to that, the reality is more complicated.

For decades after WWII, Canada’s federal government built tens of thousands of non-market homes every year. Co-ops. Public housing. Truly affordable housing. That consistent federal investment in social housing ended in the early 1990s, with the rise of neoliberalism, a belief that governments should do less, and markets should do more.

So yes, Canada does have a social housing supply problem, but that’s not the #1 reason why home prices and rents have become so unaffordable for so many of us.

What is the #1 reason? The ultra-wealthy have way too much money. That’s why the housing crisis is happening all over the world, not just in Canada. When billionaires accumulate more money than they can spend, they invest it in assets that produce “passive income” — like buying up housing to collect rents, or buying up mortgages to collect interest.

If a young couple in Ontario are trying to buy a house, they’re not just competing against other Canadians who are also trying to buy a house, they’re competing with global capital. Who loses in that scenario?

Worse still, instead of confronting the real reasons housing is unaffordable, too many politicians and pundits choose to blame immigrants. They act as if this crisis has nothing to do with forty years of disinvestment, deregulation, and deepening inequality.

We know better. And so do you.

That’s why the Green Party is calling for:

• – A return to federal investment in non-market housing at the scale required
• – Strong limits on speculation and financial landlordism
• – A progressive wealth tax on the ultra-rich

We’re just getting started. This is part one of a three-part series on housing. In part two, we’ll talk about how Canada could lead the world in modular, climate-smart housing innovation.

If you’re ready to help fix what’s really broken — and stop the excuses — we need you with us.

• With hope and determination, The Green Party of Canada

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 Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the Israeli government’s decision to expand military operations across Gaza

Posted August 8th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Prime Minister Mark Carney

Ottawa, Ontario – “Canada condemns the Israeli government’s decision to further escalate the conflict in Gaza.

This escalation will do nothing to end the humanitarian horror in Gaza or the deepening suffering of both the Israeli hostages and Palestinian civilians. Nor will it advance long-term peace and security for the Israeli people.

Canada calls for an immediate ceasefire. Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken during the horrific terrorist attack of October 7; Hamas must disarm; and we must see a massive and sustained surge in humanitarian aid, at the necessary scale. Continue reading →

America’s Loss Of World-Leading Brains In the Medical Field Could Be Canada’s Gain

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted August 7^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Long-time anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump’s main man responsible for slashing vaccine and other medical research programs.

Thanks to their president, Donald Trump, and their screwball of a secretary of health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Americans are finally going to realize their dream of moving away from vaccines and other science-based treatments for infectious disease.

And why would they want to have anything to do with vaccination for protecting themselves against potentially deadly diseases when they can, as Trump once recommended, guzzle down bleach or, just to name a few of RFK Jr.’s remedies, inhale steroids and Vitamin A or simply drink raw milk? Continue reading →

Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan Working Together to Protect Canadian Workers and Achieve Energy Security in the Face of Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty

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

Posted August 8^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

From left to right, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe embrace a future for Canada that involves the continued production and burning of ever more fossil fuels. Now they call on Canadians to join them in embracing such a future in the names of responding to Trump’s tariff war.

BEAMSVILLE – This past August 7th, the Ontario government issued a request for proposals to conduct a feasibility study exploring how best to establish a new economic and energy corridor.

This corridor would include new Alberta-to-Ontario pipelines, bringing Western Canadian oil and gas to refineries in Southern Ontario and tidewater ports including a new deep-sea port on the coast of James Bay.

These new pipelines, built entirely within Canada using Ontario and Canadian steel, would help achieve energy security by ensuring ongoing access to Canadian oil and gas for Canadian homes and businesses while also creating good-paying jobs across the country. Continue reading →

Let’s Create New Opportunities For Our Steel And Metals Industries By Making The Most Of Low-Cost Green Energy

News from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a citizens group advocating for a greener, cleaner futre for all

Posted August 7^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Donald Trump is hitting Ontario with new tariffs on steel and copper – a direct threat to our province’s industries and jobs. But we don’t have to take it lying down.

One of the smartest ways to fight back? Stop holding back renewable energy.

With electricity demand growing due to population growth, AI, and the electrification of our homes, industries, and transportation systems, Ontario will need more power. By unleashing  low-cost solar and wind power , Ontario can not only meet this rising demand — it can protect jobs in our own steel and metals sectors.

Here’s how:

Continue reading →

A Message from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted August 7^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Remember when Doug Ford announced a multi-million dollar feasibility study for his Highway 401 tunnel fantasy?

Here’s what he didn’t tell you: his government already did a feasibility study back in 2021. It was quietly shelved, never released to the public and conveniently forgotten. Until now.

Why hide it?

Continue reading →

Investment will add 2,200 nurses to the province’s health-care workforce by 2029

Dianne Martin. CEO, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN)

“Today’s (August 6^th, 2025) announcement from the Ontario government is a strong commitment to strengthening our province’s nursing pipeline, and a vital step forward for the health and well-being of all Ontarians. This significant investment in the expanded enrollment in nursing programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities will directly support dedicated registered practical nurses, and ensure that more individuals are working together to bolster access to excellent care closer to home, ultimately benefitting patients and communities across Ontario.”                                                                  – Dianne Martin. CEO, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN)

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted August 7^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect the province’s health-care system by investing $56.8 million to train 2,200 additional nurses.

By expanding the number of nursing training and education seats at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province, the government is building Ontario’s pipeline of highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses that are needed to meet the growing need for more nurses in Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics. Continue reading →

“Oh you masters of war. You that build the big bombs.” – a lyric from the song Masters of War by Bob Dylan

A Brief Comment from Doug draper at Niagara At Large

Posted August 6^th, 2025

The fiery mushroom cloud rising above Hiroshima, Japan on August 6th, 1945

It was eighty years ago today that the first nuclear bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima in Japan. A few days later a second nuclear bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan.

Together, these two bombs – the only nukes so far in history to be dropped on human populations – killed somewhere between 150,000 and 250,000 people. Continue reading →

“People all around the world recognize Canada as a leader in treating health care as a right. Now more than ever, we need to stand firm for those Canadian values and protect them.”

A News Release from Ontario’s Official Oppositon NDP Leader Marit Stiles

Posted August 6^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

TORONTO — Leader of the Official Opposition NDP Marit Stiles is urging Premier Doug Ford to stand up for Ontarians and hold the federal government to their commitment on delivering pharmacare. The request comes after the Federal Minister of Health refused to commit to funding pharmacare in all provinces and territories:

“Today in Ontario, too many patients are rationing medication or forgoing treatment altogether because they cannot afford the cost of their prescriptions. 1 in 5 Canadians are going without coverage for medication costs, and Ontario ranks among the top provinces with the highest drug deductibles,” wrote Stiles. Continue reading →

A Call-Out To All Great Lakes Residents from the International Joint Commission

Posted August 6^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The world’s larges supply of fresh water, as seen from space

The (Canada/U.S.) International Joint Commission (IJC) is seeking public comment on the recently released Draft 2025 Review of the International Joint Commission’s Report on the “Protection of the Waters of the Great Lakes”.

This is the second 10-year review on the consumptive use, diversion and removal of water from the Great Lakes.

This draft report provides a preliminary evaluation of the relevance and implementation status of recommendations issued by the IJC in a 2015 report. It also proposes new recommendations for the IJC to submit to governments. Continue reading →

Investment will help hundreds of beekeepers improve their honey bee colonies and boost competitiveness in the face of U.S. tariffs

“Honey bees in Ontario provide valuable pollination services to many of the crops we eat. High winter losses, new pests, and the threat of treatment resistance have made recent years challenging for Ontario’s beekeepers. The Honey Bee Health Initiative has been a valuable support for beekeepers who are having to change their practices or invest in new equipment to meet the emerging challenges. It is helping to enable beekeepers to continue to provide the critical pollination services to the broader agricultural and horticultural community here in Ontario.”                                                – Stephen Moore, President, Ontario Beekeepers’ Association

News from Canada’s federal and Ontario’s provincial government

Posted August 5^th, 2025

TORONTO – The governments of Canada and Ontario have invested more than $1.7 million through the Honey Bee Health Initiative to help the province’s beekeepers grow and protect their honey bee colonies from disease, pests and weather-related threats.

To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help 206 local beekeeper businesses, with a total of 334 individual projects, improve the resilience of their colonies and boost the competitiveness of their honey bee operations in the face of U.S. tariffs. Continue reading →

“Tragically, one horse was found deceased on scene. Another was transported to an out-of-town veterinary hospital for emergency care. Several additional horses received treatment on site. In total, eight horses were targeted in this act of cruelty.”                   – from a report by the Niagara Regional Police

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper followed by a Niagara Regional Police report and a story from CBC

Posted August 3rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – We have had some pretty terrible acts of animal cruelty take place in Niagara in recent times, from puppies left to die on the side of a road to a dog dying  in an abandoned apartment after every scrap of food and water, including every drop it could lap up from a toilet bowl, was gone.

As awful as those cases and others like them are – and the one involving that poor dog trapped in the apartment continues to haunt me – nothing prepared me for the news this August 1^st that sometime during the overnight hours of this past July 30^th or July 31^st one or more individuals entered a horse ranch in south east rural Welland and shot to death one horse and cut or stabbed seven others.

I have long ago come to the conclusion that we humans are a flawed species with at least some of us capable of performing any cruel act imaginable upon each other or other living species on this planet.  And this latest incident of  cruelty, committed right here in our region on these magnificent animals simply confirms that. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted August 2nd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Oh ya, ‘what a long, strange trip it’s been.’

Even Jerry Garcia and fellow members of his band, The Grateful Dead, who wrote that lyric in 1970 for a song called ‘Truckin’, could never have imagine what a long, strange trip we would be living through  today. I don’t care how many hallucinogenic drugs they were on.

This weekend marks the 60^th anniversary of The Grateful Dead, one of the most popular bands that came out of the counterculture in San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury neighbourhood in the mid-to-late 1960s, and the city is holding a festival in their honour.

So for all of the ‘deadheads’ out there (and by deadheads I don’t mean Trump supporters but the name adopted for long-time fans of the band), here is the song where that lyric came from.

To hear it put on your tie dye shirt or your granny skirt and by all means put some flowers in your hair before clicking  on the screen immediately below –

• Have a nice holiday weekend, Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

For a story on the Grateful Dead festival, click on –

Shakedown Street rings in 60th anniversary at Golden Gate Park

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views O 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 Brief Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted August 1^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Even more so now, with Trump increasing tariff’s on Canadian goods this August 1^st from 25 to 35 per cent, I am getting sick and tired of Americans saying to us in so many words; “We’re sorry. It’s just him. We love you Canadians.”

Oh really?

Go tell that to the more than 70 million people who voted for this ugly monster, knowing, from his first term in office, that he had it in for Canada along with just about every other free democracy around the world.

Over the past five or six months, numbers from Statistics Canada and other survey agencies show that growing numbers of us are already doing our best to buy products made in Canada and boycott products made and the U.S.A., and are also limiting, if not completely zeroing out, our travel to the United States. Continue reading →

Official Opposition NDP issues statement on Donald Trump’s latest tariff hikes

News from Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP

Posted August 1^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP, Marit Stiles, and Shadow Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Catherine Fife, issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s latest tariff hikes:

“Every escalation and provocation from Donald Trump adds to the uncertainty and fear that Ontario’s workers are facing right now,” Stiles said.

“In the face of this, Canadians want their leaders to stand firm to protect our jobs, our communities and our values. But we don’t have to wait and see what Trump will do next—we need to start today. Continue reading →

“The South Niagara Hospital will transform hospital care in the region by offering improved patient experiences, a better work environment for staff and a facility that will meet the evolving needs of our community.”                                                                            – Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO of Niagara Health

News from Niagara Health, the amalgamated system of hospital servers across the Niagara region

Posted August 1st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health

Niagara, Ontario – Construction of the South Niagara Hospital has reached the two-year mark, a major milestone in the development of a state-of-the-art facility that will bring world-class, patient-centred healthcare to Niagara residents.

“Reaching this point is really about the people behind it – the crews working on site every day, the generous donors and everyone helping to bring this hospital to life. We’re so grateful for the dedication and hard work that’s gone into building something that will serve our community for generations,” says Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO of Niagara Health. Continue reading →

‘Bus 2368 joined the Niagara Falls Transit fleet in 2003, and its introduction marked a pivotal moment in the effort to make public transit accessible to all residents.’

News from Niagara Region Transit

Posted August 1st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – After 21 years of dedicated service to the community, Bus 2368 has officially been retired from the Niagara Transit fleet.

Holding the title of oldest bus in service in Ontario, Bus 2368 also holds a special place in local transit history as the first low-floor bus introduced in Niagara, significantly enhancing accessibility for riders.

A special ceremony was held this week  at Niagara Transit’s Heartland Forest Road location to mark bus 2368’s final farewell. The event included a final commemorative ride giving transit enthusiasts one last opportunity to ride this historic vehicle.

Saying goodbye to Bus 2368

Bus 2368 joined the Niagara Falls Transit fleet in 2003, and its introduction marked a pivotal moment in the effort to make public transit accessible to all residents. Continue reading →

“It’s time to restore full services to both Fort Erie and Port Colborne urgent care centres, make real investments to address the staffing shortages, and ensure people in Niagara – and across the province – have access to timely, reliable care.”

News from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted August 1^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

NIAGARA FALLS – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP brought her All in for Ontario tour to the Niagara region (this July 30^th), focusing on the urgent need to restore local urgent care services and invest in a stronger public health care system.

Stiles was joined by local NDP MPPs Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls), Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines), and Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre).

“Urgent care centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne are being forced to reduce hours, leaving families without access to care,” said Stiles.  Continue reading →

A Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada-U.S. trade As Trump Increases Tariffs to 35 %

Posted August 1^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney

Ottawa, Ontario – “President Trump has announced that the United States will increase its tariffs to 35% on those Canadian exports that are not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world’s second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume.

The U.S. application of CUSMA means that the U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest for all of its trading partners.

Other sectors of our economy – including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles – are, however, heavily impacted by U.S. duties and tariffs. For such sectors, the Canadian government will act to protect Canadian jobs, invest in our industrial competitiveness, buy Canadian, and diversify our export markets. Continue reading →

“These women were denied the chance to speak, chastised for holding paper, and then arrested for quietly expressing their views. That is not how a democratic government should treat the voices of its citizens.” – Canadian Constitution Foundation Director of Litigation Christine Van Geyn

A News Release from the Canadian Constitution Foundation

Posted July 31^st. 2025 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – Niagara At Large will have more news and commentary on this developing story in the days ahead.)

NIAGARA FALLS — The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) has filed a constitutional challenge in support of a group of women who were arrested for silently protesting during a Niagara Falls City Council meeting on June 17.

The applicant, Lauren O’Connor, was among the demonstrators arrested for holding small paper signs which read “The Women of Ontario Say No” to advocate for stronger accountability for local officials facing criminal charges.

After being denied the chance to speak as a delegation, members of the advocacy group Women of Ontario Say No (WOSN) attended the council meeting and held the signs non-disruptively in their laps. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper with files from CBC

Posted July 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Through all of the damage Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his Conservatives aim to cause to efforts to make our communities safer, healthier and more environmentally friendly and affordable to live and work in, every once in a while we, the people, win.

This July 30^th, an Ontario court judge struck down an attempt by the Ford government to remove three key bike lanes in Toronto – a ruling that will hopefully set a precedent for any bike lanes this government is already threatening to say no to in Niagara or any other region of the province. Continue reading →

A Brief One by Doug Draper

Posted July 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

I am hoping you will stay with me here while I engage in a bit of escapism I think we could all use at least a few moments of these days.

So join me, if you will,  for a brief ride on the way-back machine.

It was 71 years ago today, on July 30^th, 1954, that a 19-year-old Elvis Presley was shaking in terror as he walked up on the stage of a band shell in Memphis, Tennessee and performed professionally for the very first time.

It turned out that  he had nothing to feel terrified about.

As he stood up there and sang the only two songs he had so far recorded for a small but mighty label called Sun Records – ‘That’s Alright, Mama’ and ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ which were already getting some radio play on stations in the south by the time of the gig – the young people in the audience went wild and began screaming for more.

The rest, as they say, is musical history as Elvis went on to be crowned by fans around the world as ‘the King of Rock & Roll.

To hear Elvis Presley’s recording of ‘That’s Alright, Mama’, click on the screen immediately below –

 By the way, that band shell is still there in Overton Park in Memphis as a lasting monument to Elvis Presley, and musicians, young and old, are still performing in it. But by all accounts there has never been another performance quite like the one Elvis gave  there on July 30^th, 1954.

Henry Burgoyne as I remember him when The Standard still had a newsroom.

I am dedicating this post to my old boss & friend, who was  publisher of The St. Catharines Standard during its golden years, the late Henry Burgoyne.

Henry was also the biggest Elvis Presley fan I ever met.

R.I.P Henry.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views O 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

The law protecting other Provincial Parks is also in the government’s cross-hairs

“Provincial Parks belong to the people of Ontario and are meant to be protected forever. It is appalling that the current government is trying to give away big parts of one of our most popular parks, and make changes to the legislation that protects all of our Provincial Parks. ” – Tim Gray, Executive Director of Environmental Defence.

News from Environmental Defence, a Canada-wide citizens group for protecting and preserving our natural heritage

Posted July 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Ontario Premier Doug Ford has made it clear right from the start that he wants to sell off “chunks” of our Greenbelt and other precious natural heritage lands to developers. So what’s next? Lands the Shorthills Provincial Park in Niagara? Niagara Parks lands? Where does it stop?)

The Ontario government is proposing to sell key parts of Ontario’s second most-visited Provincial Park (2023 data) for a development scheme.  The area on the chopping block includes roughly 60% of the Park’s celebrated Georgian Bay shoreline lands and critical habitat of the endangered piping plover.

These sensitive areas rely on the Provincial Park’s protections to safely coexist with beachgoers and other recreational users.

Possibly even more concerning, the government is targeting the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA) that protects all of Ontario Parks and Conservation Reserves. Continue reading →

“The actions of the players in question, including text messages they sent to each other discussing what to say to investigators about the night’s events, suggest they knew what they did was wrong.” – Taylor McKee, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Brock University

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted July 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – While the sexual assault trial involving five former Hockey Canada players concluded with a not guilty verdict, the case will have far-reaching implications for the hockey community and wider society, say Brock University experts.

“While the verdict marked the end of the legal proceedings, the case itself reignited widespread scrutiny of hockey’s institutional values and the environments that elite players are socialized into,” says Assistant Professor of Sport Management Taylor McKee.

“The outcome of the trial does not erase the cultural concerns that were brought to the surface, particularly around power, accountability and silence within hockey’s most protected spaces.” Continue reading →

We Invite You To Join Us For Our Next Outing!

From the Niagara Falls Nature Club

Posted July 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The boardwalk along the shore at Lake Gibson-Mel Swart Conservation Area in Thorold. file photo by Doug Draper

Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Falls Nature Club welcomes you to participate in leisurely walks as we enjoy the flora and fauna of Niagara. The walks are rated from 1 to 10: 1 is easy and 10 is strenuous. For more information or if you have any questions, please get in touch!

DATE: Wednesday July  30, 2025

TIME: 7:00 PM

LOCATION: Mel Swart Conservation Area, on Decew Rd., north of Beaverdams Rd. in Thorold

DIFFICULTY RATING:  3/10

DESCRIPTION: We will look for flora and fauna along a trail and a lovely boardwalk overlooking Lake Gibson.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WANDERING WITH YOU! Continue reading →

Let Prime Minister Carney know that you want the Government of Canada to support renewable energy projects in Ontario

A Call-Out from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a non-profit citizens group advocating for cleaner, greener energy solutions

Posted July 29^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

First the good news: As reported in the  National Observer, the Government of Canada is stepping up to support renewable energy “national-interest projects” in Labrador and Nova Scotia, as well as new transmission projects to boost renewable electricity trade between British Columbia and the Yukon, Manitoba and Nunavut, and Quebec and the Maritimes.

Now the bad news: Early signals suggest that Prime Minister Carney has no plans to invest in renewable energy projects in Ontario, nor to strengthen critical transmission links between Ontario and Manitoba or Ontario and Quebec – despite the fact that  electricity rates in Winnipeg and Montreal are 30-50% lower than in Toronto [https://www.cleanairalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/provinces.jpg].

That’s a missed opportunity.

Continue reading →

Just Nine Per Cent Of Professional/Finance/Knowledge Sector Workers Would Choose Full-Time In Office

News from Angus Reid, a non-profit polling agency

Posted July 29^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

From left to right in this photo, before the pandemic with all the traffic and polluted air, and during the pandemic when many people were off the roads, working at home.

(A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – The main reason I am posting this poll on Niagara At Large is that this desire on the part of so many to work at home could have major benefits in terms of keeping more cars off our roads and highways, and reducing climate-ravaging carbon emissions from gas-burning vehicles at the same time.

During the recent pandemic, when many offices were closed and many people had little or no choice but to work at home, tests showed a significant reduction in the amount of carbon and other pollutants entering the atmosphere.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford should support people who want to continue working at home.

If Ontario Premier Doug Ford is as concerned about addressing congestion on our roads and highways as he claims to be, then rather spend countless billions of dollars on more roads and highways, how about passing legislation that supports people in their desire to work at home.

Now here is the Angus Reid News Release.)

With a majority of Fortune 100 companies now requiring desk workers to be fully in office, and major banking institutions like TD, RBC, and BMO upping the required days in office, a faceoff is setting up among workers who evidently prefer to stay at home, and employers who want them back on site. Continue reading →

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome the International Plowing Match to west Niagara — it’s not just a chance to celebrate the thriving agricultural sector, but also a major opportunity to boost our local economies and showcase everything we have to offer.” ~ Sandra Easton, Mayor, Town of Lincoln

“The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo is a true celebration of the agricultural roots and rural communities that form so much of Niagara’s history and identity. This exciting event will bring significant economic and tourism benefits to our region, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across Ontario and beyond to experience Niagara.”~ Jim Bradley, Regional Chair, Niagara Region

News from the Town of Lincoln in Niagara, Ontario

Posted July 29^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Lincoln, ON– The Ontario Plowman’s Association, with support of Lincoln, West Lincoln, Grimsby, and Niagara Region, are set to welcome more than 70,000 visitors to west Niagara as they host this year’s International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM), with its lively celebration of agriculture and rural living from September 16 to 20, 2025.

During this time, IPM will transform the West Niagara Agricultural Centre and surrounding farmland in Grassie, into a vibrant tented city. Continue reading →

“If you’re honest and play with love, people will sit down and listen… my music is the sum of all I have experienced.”                   – Chuck Mangione

By Doug Draper

Posted July 28^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Chuck Mangione, the man and his horn as many will remember him

The last couple of months have struck a few too many sad notes for music lovers around the world.

In June, there was the passing of Sly Stone of Sly & The Family Stone fame and of the iconic Brian Wilson who came to fame with The Beach Boys.

More recently we  learned of the passing of world renown English jazz singer Cleo Laine and of English rocker of Black Sabbath and all-round agent of humor and chaos Ozzy Osbourne.

Ozzy’s death on July 22^nd generated so much news that it almost completely overshadowed the death, at age 84, of American jazz musician and composer Chuck Mangione on the same day. Continue reading →

Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health, Niagara Region

“Access to a family doctor is one of the most important foundations of good health. By removing barriers and improving connections to primary care, we can prevent illness, reduce emergency room visits, and support better health outcomes for everyone in our region. These efforts are vital to building a healthier, more resilient Niagara.” – Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health, Niagara Region

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted July 28^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region and the 12 local municipalities are coming together to encourage residents to Connect to Care and Find a Doctor today on the updated  Find a Doctor [https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/find-a-doctor.aspx] webpage that helps residents locate and register with over two dozen available family doctors in Niagara. Continue reading →

It’s One of the Best Ways of Protecting and Preserving our Green Lands and Standing Together for our Canada at the same time

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted July 25^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Strawberries, cherries, peaches, pears, peppers, milk, honey and corn – the list of foods produced and harvested throughout the spring, summer and fall (and in some cases, through the winter) by our local farmers here in Niagara goes on and on.

Those of us in the region who care about preserving what is left of our natural heritage – and about protecting it from being lost forever to roads, highways and low-density urban sprawl – can’t just fight to block such development.

We also need to put our money where our advocacy for protecting and preserving our green places is by supporting our farmers who work long, hard hours producing food on them. And we need to urge our friends and neighbours to do the same. Continue reading →

“The resulting job losses in a range of sectors (such as communications, education, journalism, driving — which is huge — and software developers) will have increasingly destructive impacts on society.”                                                                                   – Brock U. Associate Professor of Digital Media Aaron Mauro

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted July 25^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform work, Brock University experts are weighing in on AI’s impact on human employees and the companies employing them.

“Generative AI will automate entry-level jobs in customer service, which will disproportionately affect the young and the undereducated,” says Associate Professor of Digital Media Aaron Mauro. “The resulting job losses in a range of sectors (such as communications, education, journalism, driving — which is huge — and software developers) will have increasingly destructive impacts on society.”

Amazon, for instance, has been heavily investing in generative AI, with its CEO recently saying the continued implementation of AI will lead to job losses.<https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0q2v851k9o> Continue reading →

“Help me if you can I’m feeling down.”

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted July 25^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

In this world, I imagine many of us are feeling at least a little bit down every now and then.

The lyrics from a song called ‘Help’ by The Beatles which was released, believe it or not, 60 years ago this last full week of July, 1965 for a film by the same name, may serve as a soundtrack for the times we find ourselves living in now.

 For those of us who were around listening to music back then and who haven’t checked out yet, ‘Help’, along with  an album full of songs that included ‘Ticket To Ride’, ‘You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away’, ‘The Night Before’, ‘I Need You’ and ‘Yesterday’, marked the end of the Beatles’ suit-wearing, so-called “mop top” period and the beginning of a musical evolution with the release in 1965, 1966 and 1967 of albums like ‘Rubber Soul’, ‘Revolver’ and ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band’ that rank at or near the top of lists of the best albums ever to this day.

To watch and hear The Beatles performing the song ‘Help’, click on the screen immediately below –

Here is hoping that we all come together and help each other overcome the forces that are working to divide and conquer both us and the best our communities and country have to offer today.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views O 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

 Thrilling improv murder mystery debuts at the Royal George Theatre This Saturday, July 26th

An Invite To All from the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted July 25, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – Murder-on-the-Lake (https://shawfest.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b106880ad0c3cd96e7f8a17e5&id=db97b68d84&e=2e913898ed) , the latest creation from Spontaneous Theatre’s Rebecca Northan and Bruce Horak, makes its world premiere at the Shaw Festival.

Northan also directs this madcap whodunit with an all-star cast of performers including a different willing audience-member-turned-detective each night, at the Royal George Theatre starting July 26.

When an unexpected death at a Niagara-on-the-Lake bed and breakfast turns out to be foul play, baffled police hire a rookie detective to help crack the case.

The plot twist? Continue reading →

“This is a victory for our planet, for climate justice and for the power of young people to make a difference.”      – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

News from the United Nations

Posted April 24^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The international Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, issued its advisory opinion (this past April 23rd, 2025) on the obligations of States in respect of climate change, read out by the President of the Court, Judge Iwasawa Yuji, on Wednesday. 

The UN’s principal judicial body ruled that States have an obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and act with due diligence and cooperation to fulfill this obligation.  

This includes the obligation under the Paris Agreement on climate change to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.  

The Court further ruled that if States breach these obligations, they incur legal responsibility and may be required to cease the wrongful conduct, offer guarantees of non-repetition and make full reparation depending on the circumstances.  Continue reading →

“This recognition reflects the hard work of our entire team and their commitment to living our values. When people feel seen, supported and connected to our mission, they’re more likely to stay and grow with us – and that has a direct impact on the care we provide to the community.”                                                                       – Fiona Peacefull, Niagara Health’s Executive Vice-President, Human Resources

A News Release from Niagara Health, the amalgamated system of hospital services across the Niagara region

Posted July 24^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Health has been recognized on Forbes’ inaugural list of Canada’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2025<https://www.forbes.com/lists/canada-employers-culture/>, earning a place among the top organizations in the country known for creating outstanding workplace environments where people feel respected, connected and supported.

The organization ranked #108 overall and #19 in the Healthcare and Social Services category. Continue reading →

A Brief Tribute by Doug Draper, with an excerpt from Ozzy’s memoir

Posted July 23^rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

“If I don’t live a day longer, I’ll have had more than my fair share,” wrote Ozzy Osbourne, lead singer and co-founder of the mega-group Black Sabbath, in his 2009, in the final pages of his 2009 best-selling memoir ‘I Am Ozzy’.

“The only thing I ask,” he continued, “is that if I end up brain-dead in a hospital somewhere, just pull the plug please. But I doubt it will get to that.”

“I’ll go out some stupid way. I’ll trip on the doorstep and break my neck. Or I’ll choke on a throat lozenge. Or a bird will shit on me and give me some weird virus from another planet. …” Continue reading →

“Our Irish Global Famine Way installation is a symbol of the spirit of determination and resilience of the Irish Famine emigrants, who in the face of great loss and hardship, sought hope across the sea and built new lives in our city as community builders.” – Kathleen Powell, City Supervisor of Historical Services and Curator

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

Posted July 22^nd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The City of St. Catharines is proud to unveil the Irish Global Famine Way project, a monument of iconic Bronze Shoes accompanied by an interpretative panel, commemorating the thousands of Irish immigrants and Famine survivors who arrived in St. Catharines between 1837 and 1850 to work on the Second Welland Canal.

Niagara Irish Festival championed and funded the project, supported by the St. Catharines Heritage Advisory Committee, with technical and administrative assistance from the St. Catharines Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, Cultural Services, Planning Services, and Historical Services, City of St. Catharines. Trinity Construction Management donated, carved, and installed the stone on the grounds of the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. Continue reading →

‘West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, headache, body aches, and in rare cases, serious neurological illnesses.’

News from Niagara Region’s Public Health Department

Posted July 22^nd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region Public Health has received its first confirmation of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in 2025.

While the mosquitoes that tested positive were found in Welland, all Niagara residents are encouraged to take precautions to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes that could potentially expose them to West Nile Virus. Continue reading →

“Students and young people have carried the weight of this government’s cuts for far too long, and now the Ford government is floating the idea of tuition hikes.”                                                            – Ontario’s New Democratic Party

A Statement from Ontario’s Official Opposition New Democratic Party

Posted July 21st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Colleges, Universities, Research, Excellence & Security, MPP Peggy Sattler (London West), issued the following statement in response to news that the Ford government is considering lifting Ontario’s tuition freeze:

“Students and young people have carried the weight of this government’s cuts for far too long, and now the Ford government is floating the idea of tuition hikes, without any clear plan to make education more affordable or accessible. That simply does not make sense. Continue reading →

“When we think about the devastation of war, we don’t very often think about the ecological fallouts and the consequences war has on wildlife’s future development.”                                                           – Kiyoko Gotanda, Brock University Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Kiyoko Gotanda, Brock University Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted July 21^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Twisted and tangled buildings, charred landscapes and desperate people fleeing with only the clothes on their backs are typical scenes in a war zone.

But these images don’t tell the full story, says Kiyoko Gotanda.

“When we think about the devastation of war, we don’t very often think about the ecological fallouts and the consequences war has on wildlife’s future development,” she says.

Continue reading →

News from the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre in Niagara, Ontario

Posted July 21st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Donna French, mother of the late Kristen French with  Joe Pillitteri,  recipient of the Doug French Helping Hands Award

Niagara Region – Each year, the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre recognizes outstanding individuals and companies for their exceptional dedication to supporting children and youth affected by abuse, internet luring, or violence.

This year, the Centre is proud to honour a diverse group of champions whose contributions have made a profound impact: Joe Pillitteri: The recipient of the Doug French Helping Hands Award

More on this award: The late Doug French, father of Kristen French, was a constant presence around the Centre, caring for everything from changing lightbulbs to doing paint touch-ups.

This award is presented to an individual whose extraordinary commitment to volunteerism strengthens our mission. Continue reading →

A Brief Comment from Doug Draper

Posted July 19^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

With less than two weeks to go before Trump’s America August 1st deadline for slamming our Canada with even more punishing trade tariffs, it is more important than ever that we stand strong against this hostility from a once friendly neighbor and ally south of the border.

As our Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has said about this ongoing tariff war Trumpland is waging against us; “Trump is trying to break us so he can own us.”

To repeat the Prime Minister’s reply to that – “We’re Not Going To Let That Happen.”

This is my land and your land my fellow Canadians and let’s continue to stand up for it by boycotting everything ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ and by taking our day trips and vacations in our own country, and staying the hell out of Trump’s America. And why wouldn’t we stay out? They don’t want us there anyway.

With that, here is another  song I think is fitting for the times, the Canadian version of Woody Guthrie’s ‘This Land Is Your Land’, performed by The Travellers. To hear and watch a video accompanying it, click on the screen immediately below –

By the way, this is what the entrance to America on the Peace Bridge, which is usually jam packed with cars and trucks six to eight lines deep on a Saturday in the summer, looked like this Saturday, July 19^th.

We are doing it Canada! Most of us are staying the hell out of that country and enjoying our free time right here in the true north, strong and free!

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views O 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

Using Trump’s tariff threats as an excuse for “rushing headlong into major projects without knowing the costs, means the governments are playing a dangerous game with our lands and futures.” – Ontario First Nations lawyer Kate Kemptom

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large

July 18^th, 2025

Ontario First Nations representatives held a press conference this past July 16^th to announce their plans to legally challenge federal and provincial bills that, in their view, promote economic growth at the cost of protecting and preserving our environment.

The two bills include the Ontario Ford government’s highly controversial Bill 5 and Canada’s Mark Carney’s Liberal government’s Bill C-5.

In challenging these bills, Ontario First Nations lawyer Kate Kempton stressed at the news conference that First Nations people support economic growth, but not at the cost of doing more damage or destruction to what is left of our province’s and country’s precious natural resources.

If you did not have a chance to hear  Kempton speak about this at the press conference, which was broadcast live on CBC this past July 16^th, I urge you to click on the screen immediately below to listen to what she has to say and judge for yourself –

For a related news report, click on – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/first-nations-legal-challenge-against-ontario-bill-five-1.7585361

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views O 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

“For far too long, families in Niagara Falls have struggled to find a family doctor or access timely, consistent health care. This funding is an important step toward closing that gap and making sure no one in our community is left behind.”                     – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

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

Posted July 18^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates speaking at funding announcement

Niagara Falls, Ontario – This past July 14^th, the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre (NFCHC) announced $2.696 million in new funding from the Government of Ontario.

The funding will expand its staffing to provide primary care and wrap around services to attach an additional 3,800 people with a focus on equity deserving individuals.

It will also work closely with the Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Sante Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON) and its partners the Niagara Medical Group Family Health Team and Niagara North Family Health Team to attach an additional 2,500 residents in the first 12 months. Continue reading →

Province Adding Fifty New Beds At Thorold Facility Through Modular Build

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara West Ford Government MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted July 18^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The Niagara Regional Detention Centre in the Niagara municipality of Thorold, Ontario

THOROLD, Ontario – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is investing more than $180 million to increase capacity at correctional facilities across the province, including the Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold.

The expansion in Thorold will lead to fifty new local beds, providing frontline staff the space they need to do their jobs safely.

“This significant investment in public safety – including the plans to increase correctional capacity at the Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold – is another example of how our government is protecting communities and protecting Ontario,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. Continue reading →

A Message from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA & Film Actor Ron Perlman

Posted July 17th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

A Foreword by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper –

If more proof is needed that many people can’t simply enjoy a natural wonder without turning it into some version of Disney World  and Las Vegas all rolled into one, look no further than Niagara Falls.

After thousands of years of Indigenous peoples living in harmony with the ‘Great Falls’ of Niagara, European settlers moved in and just look at what we’ve got there now.

Roaring rapids and one of the world’s most spectacular water falls doesn’t seem to do it for us without surrounding them with amusement park attractions, casinos, and high-rise hotels with fireworks lighting up the skies above.  Continue reading →