Niagara At Large

“While we take the time to look back on Niagara’s historical connection to the Underground Railroad, the events we have witnessed in recent years continue to highlight the fact that anti-Black racism is still an issue that deserves everyone’s attention.” – Jim Bradley,Regional Chair, Niagara, Ontario

A Message on Black History Month from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

Posted February 1^st. 2022 on Niagara At Large

Today (this February 1^st), we mark the start of Black History Month, a time to honour, celebrate and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians here in Niagara and across our country.

Niagara is fortunate to have an especially rich history that intersects with that of the Underground Railroad and key figures in Black history, including Harriet Tubman, Anthony Burns, Richard Pierpoint and others. Niagara’s connection to Black history is of importance, and I invite everyone to take the time to reflect on our community’s role. Continue reading →

NAL Thanks You for Your Continued Support and Patience As We Fight Our Way Back

A Message from Niagara at Large Publisher and Reporter Doug Draper

Posted January 2^nd, 2022 on Niagara At Large

From a Hospital Bed in Niagara, Ontario

Doug Draper during younger, healthier times. In St. Catharines Standard newroom, circa early1980s

A few interesting things happened to me on the days leading up to Christmas Day and New Year’s.

It began with a nagging chest cough that would not go away in spite of how many over the shelf cough suppressant products I threw its way. Congestion grew in my chest and I found myself feeling weak to a point where I had to find a place to sit and catch my breath, even after doing something as simple as taking the recycling bins from a backyard shed at home to curbside.

Then, as time went by, my chest began convulsing when I went to bed at night, leaving me fighting for air to a point where I feared I was going to have a heart attack. Continue reading →

A Short Note from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted December 19^th, 2021

It hardly needs to be said that these are rough times we have been living through over the past 22 or so months and the forecast for at least the next four to eight weeks, with this more infectious variant of the virus spreading around,  is that it could be a lot rougher.

I don’t mind admitting to you that as a constant consumer of the news, which I have to be to contribute news and commentary to a site like this, it has really been wearing me down.

Therefore, I am going to take a few weeks to rest my mind before diving into it again. This coming year we have important provincial and municipal elections in Ontario and I want to rebuild my strength to cover those and any and all other issues of interest and concern to our region of the world.

For the next couple of weeks, I am going to take a cue from my old friend Dexter. File photo by Doug Draper

That doesn’t mean you can’t continue to visit Niagara At Large over the next couple of weeks to read already posted news and commentary and to share your own comments, if you wish.

In the meantime, I want to thank all of you who have supported this site with your visits to it and wish you a peaceful and safe Holiday Season.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

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

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

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted December 18^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Well that didn’t last long.

Thanks to rapid spread of Omicron variant, test requirement is back for day-trippers crossing Canada-U.S. border

Want to make a brief trip across the border to Buffalo for some wings at the Anchor Bar or to do a little grocery shopping at a Wegmans.

Well thanks to a rapid spread of a highly infectious Omicron variant of COVID-19, you are going to be required to show Canadian border officers the results of a COVID test again, or you don’t make it back home.

It was just less than three weeks ago – effective November 30^th – that the Canadian government dropped the test requirement for Canadians crossing the border for just a day or up to three days for “non-essential” trips. Continue reading →

“This is another wave of COVID-19 that he has failed to prepare for, and now we’re all stuck paying the price.”

A Statement from Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca

Posted December 18^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ford Takes Belated Action As Omicron Surges

TORONTO – On December 17^th, Ontario Liberal Leader, Steven Del Duca issued the following statement:

Conquer COVID-19? Not everyone thinks Ontario Premier Doug Ford is doing a very good job.

“Once again, Doug Ford waited until it was far too late to start taking action, as he did in the second, third and fourth waves. I am outraged on behalf of all those who have followed the advice, gotten vaccinated, and were once again let down by their government.

The frontline workers who have been working through severe burnout for years, the entrepreneurs still trying to recover their livelihoods, the students who are facing what could be a third school year interrupted by COVID-19. They deserve so much better than Doug Ford’s failures and uncertainty.

It was more than a month ago that Ontario Liberals and doctors called for urgent new measures to proactively mitigate the fifth wave, but Doug Ford ignored the science. Continue reading →

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

Posted December 17^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

With the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreading like lightning across Canada and the United States, Canada’s Prime Minister advised during a news conference this December 15^th that “now is not the time to travel.”

“I understand that sucks,” continued Justin Trudeau before urging us to be especially careful during this holiday season.

Indeed, after a few weeks of hope earlier this fall, with daily COVID-19 case counts down and restrictions being eased for crossing the Canada-U.S. border, we now seem to be heading into the perfect storm. Continue reading →

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

Posted December 17^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates. file photo

NIAGARA FALLS — Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates blasted the Ford Government on the situation of both COVID-19 booster shots and rapid test availability across Niagara.

“We have been in this pandemic for two years and the roll-out of these rapid tests and these booster shots might be one of the biggest messes yet – how can the Province be so far behind on this,” said Gates.

“We’ve been telling Ford to release rapid tests to the public for weeks and when he finally does it, only two locations across Niagara get them. To make matters worse, they were gone almost instantly – there were no tests available in cities like Niagara Falls or Grimsby. We need more rapid tests available and we need them in cities across Niagara, not just one city.” Continue reading →

“As Regional Council continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the pandemic, and the uncertainty of the future, the 2022 budget represents a balanced and responsible approach to the Region’s finances.”                                                                                      – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley

News from Niagara’s Regional Government in Niagara, Ontario

Posted December 17^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Regional Headquarters in the Niagara, Ontario municipality of Thorold

At its meeting of Dec. 16, 2021, Niagara Regional Council approved a budget for 2022 that addresses the unique challenges of the past year while ensuring our residents continue to receive the high-quality programs and services they rely on.

Three components make up the Regional budget: the levy-operating budget, rate operating budgets, and the capital budget.

Council approved an expenditure increase of $23 million for 2022. With the utilization of $6 million in reserves, the net increase totals $17 million, which maintains the property tax increase to 2.87 per cent.

For the average property assessed at $278,764 the Regional portion of the tax bill will increase by $46 totalling $1,684 in 2022.

Continue reading →

Funding will help connect more than 4,800 homes, farms and businesses to high-speed internet service

“Having access to high-speed internet service is vital for families and businesses in the Niagara Region. … They need these services to do their work – whether it’s schoolwork or running a business.”

News from the Governments of Ontario and Canada

Posted December 16^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

FENWICK – As part of the Government of Ontario and Canada’s commitment to connect every community to broadband internet by 2025, construction is underway to connect more than 4,800 homes, farms and businesses in Fort Erie, Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Pelham and Wainfleet, to reliable high-speed internet services by December 2022.

This $17.9 million initiative to build three new infrastructure networks in the Niagara Region will help ensure that farms and businesses in the region will have the ability to attract new customers, grow their business, create new jobs and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Families in these communities will also be able to have confidence in knowing that connectivity will be available when they need it to access services, renew their driver’s licence, shop online, and do homework or work from home. Continue reading →

Call Comes As COVID-19 Daily Case Count Soars Past 2,400 Across Province, Compared to No More Than a Few Hundred Daily Cases Back in the Summer

“Increasing vaccination is not enough to slow this wave. Circuit breakers with strong additional public health measures (at least 50% fewer contacts) and strong booster campaigns (250,000 per day) could blunt the Omicron wave.” – from the latest update, dated December 16th, 2021 and circulated by the  Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Panel

HAMILTON — In response to new COVID modelling data, Ontario Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is supporting the call by Science Table infectious disease experts for a circuit breaker and is backing their call to urgently reduce everyone’s contacts by 50 per cent:

“The newest Science Table projections are scary for us all.

Doug Ford avoided action while Omicron bulldozed its way across Ontario. He put us in a position where we need a circuit breaker to avoid completely overwhelming our hospitals and causing shut downs for schools and businesses.

Reducing capacity everywhere is now our best chance to avoid shutdowns.

Doug Ford needs to tell us today what he’s doing — we do not have time to waste.”

To read the Science Advisory Table’s latest (December 16^th) update report, click on – https://covid19-sciencetable.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Update-on-COVID-19-Projections_English_2021.12.16.pdf

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

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

Ford Government’s So-Called Species at Risk Conservation Fund Set Up To Allow The Destruction Of Species At Risk Habitats

An Urgent Message from the citizen -based environmental advocacy groups, Ontario Nature, The David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defence Canada and The Wilderness Committee

Posted December 16^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Eastern meadowlark, Threatened in Ontario

Toronto, Ontario – On the heels of a blistering report by the Auditor General of Ontario, laying out the abject failure of the Government of Ontario to protect and recover the province’s most endangered plants and animals, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has decided to forge ahead regardless with its Species at Risk Conservation Fund.

Aptly dubbed by its many critics as “Pay-to-Slay,” the fund will make it far easier for habitat destruction to occur at the hands of industry and developers. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted December 16^th, 20221 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

ST. CATHARINES, Niagara — New Democrats in St. Catharines have selected incumbent MPP Jennie Stevens to be their Ontario NDP candidate in the 2022 provincial election.

Stevens currently serves as the NDP’s critic for Veterans, Legions and Military Affairs.

Quotes

“I’m honoured to once again run to represent the people of St. Catharines, the place I was born and raised in, and the community I love.” Continue reading →

“A third-party review will help us to deepen our understanding of this patient’s experience and the experiences of Indigenous patients and community to further inform our work to provide safe, quality healthcare to every patient we serve.”                                  – Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niaga Health       

A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large, followed by a Statement circulated this December 14^th by Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero

Posted December 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This December 10^th, Heather Winterstein, a 24-year-old Indigenous woman from St. Catharines, was reportedly taken to a Niagara, Ontario hospital via ambulance after complaining to her father about severe back pain. While in the hospital’s waiting room, she apparently collapsed and never regained consciousness.

The day before, she arrived at the hospital, complaining of the same pain, and was reportedly sent home with Tylenol.

Her grieving family is now searching for answers and in the wake of this tragedy, Lynn Guerriero, Niagara Health President and CEO, has released the following statement –

“I was deeply troubled to learn of concerns raised yesterday by family members and leaders within the local Indigenous community related to the death last Friday of a patient in our care. Continue reading →

An Invited from the Niagara Parks Commission in Niagara, Ontario

Posted December 15^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Beginning December 26 and continuing each night through to January 1, fireworks will return with spectacular displays over the Falls this holiday season, adding to celebrations taking place across the destination.

Hosted by Niagara Parks and presented by the Niagara Falls Hotel Association, fireworks will take place each night at 10 p.m. and on New Year’s Eve, there will be two displays (9 p.m. and midnight) to ring in 2022. Continue reading →

“I am demanding immediate action to protect Ontario families from the surging wave of Omicron cases.”                                               – Ontario Liberal Leader, Steven Del Duca

A News Release from Ontario’s Liberal Governmemnt

Posted December 14^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca

TORONTO – Ontario Liberals are calling for new measures to counter the fifth wave and Omicron. Ontario is being walked into another public health disaster because of Doug Ford’s failure to lead, just as we were during the second, third and fourth waves.

“We need strong leadership right now before we see a repeat of the disaster caused by Doug Ford this time last year,” stated Ontario Liberal Leader, Steven Del Duca. “I am demanding immediate action to protect Ontario families from the surging wave of Omicron cases.”

Ontario Liberals would implement the following measures:

* Immediately expand third dose vaccination eligibility to all individuals over the age of 18 who got their second dose 168 days or more ago. Continue reading →

‘During (a Niagara Regional Police) investigation, it was found that dolphins and whales were utilized for entertainment purposes during the month of August, without being authorized to do so following an amendment to the Criminal Code under Bill S-203 on June 21, 2019.’                                                                            – from a news release circulated this October 13th by the Niagara Regional Police Service

(A Note to NAL readers – This post was updated shortly after 6 p.m. this December 13th, with the inclusion of a response to the police charge from Marineland)

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

Posted December 13th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A few of the countless animal activists who have protested in front of Marineland over the years. File photo by Doug Draper

Going back at least 30 years, to my earlier days as an environment reporter at The St. Catharines Standard, animal activist groups in Niagara and elsewhere were accusing the operators of the giant Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario of exploiting majestic marine mammals like dolphins and whales like clowns in a circus.

All those years later, the Niagara Regional Police Services (NRPS) appears to be lending some substance to this complaint by activists by taking time this Monday, December 13th to issue Marineland a charge following more than a month-long investigation.

The NRPS summarized the charge and investigation leading up to it this way in a December 13th news release –

Continue reading →

“Omicron (a new, possibly more infectious variant of COVID-19) is here and Ontario must mobilize every available resource to start giving booster shots to all adults right away.”                          – Ontario NDP Deputy Leader Sara Singh

A News Release from Ontario’s NDP Official Opposition Party

Posted December 13^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Deputy Leader Sara Singh issued the following statement:

“In the face of rising case numbers and a looming Omicron wave, the NDP is calling on Doug Ford to speed up the booster campaign for every Ontarian over the age of 18, create school-based vaccine clinics for five to 11 year-olds whose parents can’t afford to take time off work, and make rapid tests free and accessible everywhere in the province.

Omicron is here and Ontario must mobilize every available resource to start giving booster shots to all adults right away — why is Doug Ford waiting until January? Why isn’t he giving our heroic public health units the support they need to ramp up vaccines and give hundreds of thousands of shots per day? Continue reading →

‘A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual costs of living and being included in the community. … The 2021 living wage for Niagara region has been calculated to be $18.90/hour.’

A News Release from the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network

Posted December 13^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Derksen and MacKay Medicine Professional Corporation, operating as Segue Clinic <https://www.segueclinic.com/>, has become a certified living wage employerat the Champion level.

The team at Seque Clinic in Niagarar receives certificate for ….

Segue Clinic is the leading network of community-based addiction treatment centres throughout the Niagara Region and Hamilton area, specializing in opioid use disorder and recovery-oriented care. Segue Clinic opened its doors in 2003 to help address the growing issue of opiate addiction in the Niagara Region. Continue reading →

Vaccines Remain Best Defence Against COVID-19 and Variants

Ford Government is Delaying the lifting of proof of vaccination requirements beyond January 17, 2022, aligned with the reopening plan that stipulated that doing so was contingent on the absence of concerning trends.

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted December 10^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO —The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking action to further encourage vaccination and help limit the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

These measures will help reduce the risk of transmission during the winter months and further encourage every eligible Ontarian to get their shot so that Ontario’s hospital capacity is protected.

“As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, we are taking additional measures to protect our progress as we head into the winter months,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. Continue reading →

Region Launches “Here For You” Public Education Campaign

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted December 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

“Since March 2020, much of the news cycle has been dedicated to covering COVID-19. While this is reasonable, I fear that some of the excellent work that has been completed by the Niagara Region has gone unnoticed.”                                                                   – Jim Bradley, Chair of Niagara Regional Council

Niagara, Ontario – After three years in office, Regional Council recently took an opportunity to reflect on what they have accomplished for the people of Niagara, and to refocus their efforts on what priorities remain for the future.

For the better part of two years, our community has dealt with the effects of a global pandemic.

Yet, despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have persevered and made progress on a significant number of important projects. 

Some of these accomplishments include:

Continue reading →

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

“Tonight’s (December 8^th) decision (to support one regional transit system for Niagara) is an important signal that we take climate change mitigation seriously. Environmental sustainability is a core pillar of our strategic plan and this is one further step we can take to help reduce the rate of climate change. By creating a more efficient system, we can encourage more Niagara residents to utilize transit, helping reduce our carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions.”  – Walter Sendzik, Mayor of St. Catharines

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

Posted December 9^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario — With St. Catharines City Council’s approval, the pursuit of a single transit system serving all of Niagara took one step closer to completion Wednesday night.

This December 8^th, St. Catharines Council voted in favour of an integrated regional transit model, continuing years of effort to establish one public transit system to serve all of Niagara’s 12 municipalities.

The vote by Council to consolidate municipal transit systems into one regional entity follows a November vote by Niagara Region Council to begin consolidation efforts.

“This is a major step in bringing years of work to fruition. An integrated transit system will allow all of Niagara’s citizens the opportunity to benefit from the extensive experience of existing transit providers while better connecting our communities and fostering cooperation,” said St. Catharines Chief Administrative Officer David Oakes. Continue reading →

And as Always, Proceeds from the Sale of the Calendar go to Animal Assistance

By Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

Posted December 8th, 2021

Tigger the cat, in all his glory. Photo courtesy of Joe Krawchuk at Pet Valu Thorold in Niagara, Ontario.

“When the cat you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” – from the calendar in memory of Tigger.

He was one handsome cat – loaded from the tip of his note to the tip of his tail with charisma. Walk in to the Pet Valu store at the Pine Street Plaza in Thorold any time over the past many years and you sure couldn’t help but be impressed by a big caramel-colour tabby named Tigger.

Tigger became a celebrity for countless regular customers at the Pet Valu store over the years who often struck a regal pose on the desk near the cash register, waiting for a pet from his fans.

Tigger at Christmas time.
Photo courtesy of Joe Krawchuk at Pet Valu Thorold in Niagara, Ontario.

Sadly, Tigger died this past January, leaving condolences pouring in to his close friends at the store. Tributes also filled Tigger’s Facebook page, which is still up and running at https://www.facebook.com/Tigger-Thorold-Pet-Valu-318975011643143/  , and which you can read by scrolling down to a  January 14th, 2021 entry on the page.

All of these expression of love for this fabulous feline were enough to inspire the store’s staff to produce one more Tigger calendar for 2022, to follow up what, year’s ago, became a tradition of putting out Tigger calendars with all proceeds from their sale going to animal assistance group. Continue reading →

“It’s taken many, many years to get to where we are and I couldn’t be happier with the direction we are going. I am very hopeful the  other municipalities will also see the value in one single, integrated  transit system for Niagara.”                                    – Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop.

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

Posted December 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Moving toward one single, seamless public transit system in Niagara

FORT ERIE/Niagara – This Monday, December 6th, Fort Erie Town Council voted unanimously in favour of combining all of Niagara’s existing services into one single, integrated transit commission serving all of Niagara.

Town Council sees the value of a consolidated system in Niagara. A regional system will not only benefit Fort Erie residents and businesses, but also the environment and the overall health and wellness of our community. Continue reading →

From a Survey conducted by Leger, the largest Canadian-owned market research and analytics company in the country

Posted December 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Just when border crossings like the Peace Bridge between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York have re-opened again for non-essential traffic, should they be closed again in wake of rising COVID counts and the Omicron variant. file photo by Doug Draper

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization designated the Omicron variant of COVID-19 a variant of concern. Cases of the Omicron variant have been detected on all continents excluding Antarctica.

Given the spread of Omicron, we (Legers) asked Canadians and Americans a series of questions about their perspectives on this new variant.

This survey is conducted in collaboration with the Association for Canadian Studies (ACS) and published in the Canadian Press. This series of surveys is available on Leger’s website. Continue reading →

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted December 7th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Across the Old Crow Flats in the northern Yukon, lakes are telling a story of climate-driven change.

The traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN), the Old Crow Flats is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance thanks to its more than 8,000 thermokarst lakes (up to 15 square kilometres) and ponds.

Brock University Associate Professor of Geography and Tourism Studies Kevin Turner collects water samples for analysis from a thermokarst lake in Old Crow Flats. (Photo courtesy of Luke Gray)

Thermokarst lakes are formed by thawed permafrost and can be prone to drainage if they expand into low-lying areas.

Kevin Turner, an Associate Professor in Brock University’s Department of Geography and Tourism Studies and Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Arctic Studies at the University of Washington, has studied the area since 2007, says warmer temperatures, longer summers and more rain are “priming this important landscape for continued climate-driven landscape change.” Continue reading →

Young Canadians File Court Challenge to Lower Federal Voting Age

A News Release from Children First Canada, a national charitable organization committed to improving the health and well-being of young people across the country

Posted December 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

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

Should Canada lower the age that its citizens can vote in federal, provincial and municipal elections to 16?

This member of the Baby Boomer generation says absolutely, and I hope a group of 13 young Canadians prevail with a legal action they have in the courts to make it happen.

My main reason for feeling this way comes down to the fact that today’s young people are facing challenges – ones that are threatening to become insurmountable – when it comes to such matters as the cost of education, the cost of owning a home and finding jobs that offer some stability, a living wage and decent benefits.

Then, of course, there is the growing climate crisis that they will be around to suffer the worst consequences of if decisive action is not taken today. Continue reading →

“Seniors in Niagara who need the support of a long-term care home should be able to quickly find one in their own community.” – Wayne Gates, Niagara Falls MPP

A Statement from Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted December 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

106-yeaar-old Fort Erie, Ontario resident and Second World War veteran Burd Sisler

QUEEN’S PARK – In question period this past Monday, December 6^th, NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) brought forward the story of Burd Sisler, a 106 year old Second World War veteran who has been waiting for a long-term care bed in Fort Erie for months. He released the following statement:

“Seniors in Niagara who need the support of a long-term care home should be able to quickly find one in their own community. That’s especially true for veterans like Burd, who has been trying to get into a long-term care home in Fort Erie for six months and still doesn’t know when a bed might open up. Continue reading →

Dave Upper named St. Catharines fire chief

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

Posted December 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario’s new Fire Chief, Dave Upper

With a proven track record of leadership and decades of service to the community under his belt, Dave Upper has been named as the new leader of St. Catharines Fire Services.

Upper will permanently take the reigns as Fire Chief following the departure of Jeff McCormick from the position in late October. Upper has been serving as acting chief since that time and brings with him decades of experience with St. Catharines Fire Services.

Upper first joined the service as a firefighter in 1991, working his way up through the ranks to deputy chief, a position he has served in since 2017. Beyond his familiarity with the community, and extensive leadership successes, he currently acts as the City’s backup Community Emergency Management Coordinator and has served as a board member with Community Care and as a volunteer hockey coach. Continue reading →

The IJC Great Lakes Water Quality Board is hosting a webinar on Thursday, December 9, 2021 to highlight results of their 2021 Great Lakes Regional Poll.

An Invite from the International Joint Commission’s (IJC) Great Lakes Water Quality Board Public Webinar

Posted December 7^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The Great Lakes Water Quality Board of the International Joint Commission (IJC) invites you to participate in a webinar about the board’s newly-published 2021 Great Lakes Regional Poll results.

See poll results at –  (https://ijc.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6f596332b572c1092ac6c20a3&id=8fe980dd1e&e=2df5acb1cf) .

Register today at: bit.ly/GLPoll2021 (https://ijc.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6f596332b572c1092ac6c20a3&id=8ff6671e31&e=2df5acb1cf) Continue reading →

“As you can imagine, (a parent and child) being told (during one incident at a vaccination clinic in Niagara) “…the government is experimenting on you” and “You are going to die” at 7 years old only causes immense anxiety on a child.”                                             – Jennie Stevens, NDP MPP for St. Catharines

An Open Letter to Premier Doug Ford from St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted December 6^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

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

One of the many signs anti-vaxxers have been holding up at demonstrations across Ontario

As COVID-19 vaccines began rolling out in Ontario late this November for children age 5 to 11, members of the anti-vaxxer cult went straight to work, verbally harassing parents and children at vaccination clinics across the province.

During at least one recent incident reported to St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens at a clinic in Niagara, anti-vaxxers outside warned a mother going in with a seven-year old, that she was allowing her child to be experimented on and that the child will die from the vaccine.

In another egregious case of harassment in the North Bay, Ontario area, a mother taking her young son into a clinic was told by anti-vaxxer demonstrates that she was participating in an act of “genocide” by vaccinating her child because she was “murdering” him. Continue reading →

“(Ontario Premier Doug) Ford’s message (to anti-vaxxers) is: ‘It’s ok to wait it out instead of getting a vaccine.’”                                    – Andrea Horwath, Ontario NDP Leader

A Statement from Ontario NDP Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted December 6^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement in response to Doug Ford refusing during question period Monday to cancel his Jan. 17 end date for vaccine certificates:

“Vaccine certificates help to protect Ontarians and small businesses hard-hit by the pandemic — they’re a critical part of avoiding more lockdown measures.

“Doug Ford’s end date for vaccination certificates always was a dog whistle to anti-vaxxers. Mr. Ford’s message is: it’s ok to wait it out instead of getting a vaccine. Continue reading →

Forget About COVID-19 Vaccines. Eating or Bathing Yourself in this Dirt May be Just What You Need to Remain Virus Free, Say at least some Anti-Vaxxers

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

Posted December 5^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Who needs a vaccine when you can ingest or bathe yourself in “magic dirt”

For anti-vaxxers looking for anything but a vaccine to ward off COVID-19 and its growing number of variants, they’ve turned to everything from simply placing faith in their God-given immune systems to chemical concoctions like chloroquine phosphate (a drug used to combat malaria and sometimes use to clean fish tanks) and cleaning fluids like Lysol and bleach, and more recent favouites like a drug for de-worming horses and cows.

Then there is “magic dirt” – something fringe members of the anti-vaxxer movement also refers to as BOO, which is short for “Black Oxygen Organics.” Continue reading →

‘Ontario is at a critical juncture. …The Ford government is on the cusp of privatizing an entire new generation of long-term care beds unless public outrage stops them.’

A New Report from the Ontario Health Coalition, a citizens group advocating for quality health care across the province

Posted December 4th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Toronto— The Ford government has been awarding tens of thousands of long-term care beds to for-profit operators and 30-year licenses paid by Ontario taxpayers. The Ontario Health Coalition warned the Ford government is on the cusp of privatizing an entire new generation of long-term care beds unless public outrage stops them.

The Ontario Health Coalition was joined by families members of loved ones in for-profit long-term care in a press conference late this November to release a new report, Public Money Private Profit: The Ford Government & the Privatization of the Next Generation of Ontario’s Long-Term Care.

They are launching a province-wide virtual tour to issue a call to action. Continue reading →

“I’ve spent my career in public service working to build better communities. As an Indigenous Member of Parliament, I am honoured the Prime Minister has entrusted me to work with Minister (of Indigenous Services Patty) Hajdu to bring real progress to Indigenous communities across Canada and ensure they are given the same opportunities every Canadian enjoys.”                                                                          – Niagara Centre Liberal MP Vance Badawey

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

Posted December 4^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – Niagara Centre Member of Parliament Vance Badawey has been chosen by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to serve as Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu.

Niagara Centre MPP Vance Badawey, a former Mayor of Port Colborne and former Niagara Regional Councillor, is also a proud member of the Métis Nation,

The Prime Minister said the new team of Parliamentary Secretaries will be focused on working closely with the Liberal team to find real solutions to the challenges that Canadians face as the country finishes the fight against COVID-19 and builds a better future for everyone. Continue reading →

Call on the Government to Take Action to Protect Ontario’s Most Vulnerable Species.

An Important Message to All of Us from Ontario Nature, a citizens group advocating for the province’s wildlife

Posted December 3rd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

The November 2021 report of the Auditor General of Ontario (Bonnie Lysyk), Protecting and Recovering Species at Risk, lays bare the provincial government’s utter failure to do what is needed to improve the outlook for Ontario’s most vulnerable plants and animals.

The audit’s biggest eye-opener is the government’s slipshod approach to implementing the law.

For example, approvals for harmful activities have gone up by 6,262 percent; the government has never inspected any of these approved projects to ensure compliance; and enforcement has been almost non-existent since 2018. Continue reading →

Doug Ford’s Conservatives vote down NDP bid for buck-a-year raise in minimum wage, Ontario Liberals also refuse to vote in support NDP bid

“It’s not enough to call the people who clean our hospitals heroes, or to say thank you to the workers who stock our grocery shelves. We need to show them respect by paying them a wage that pays the bills.”          – Andrea Horwath, Ontario NDP Leader

News from the Office of Ontaro NDP Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted December 3^rd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

QUEEN’S PARK — On Friday (this December 3^rd), Doug Ford’s Conservatives denied workers better pay by voting down an NDP amendment that would have put Ontarians on the path to a $20 minimum wage.

Andrea Horwath and Ontario’s New Democrats have committed to a schedule of stable, predictable $1-an-hour increases to the minimum wage over each of the next five years.

Ford’s Conservatives rejected that schedule, defeating an amendment to replace the low-wage policy set out in the Fall Economic Statement, while the lone Liberal in attendance, MPP Amanda Simard (Glengarry—Prescott—Russell) refused to take a position, abstaining from the vote. That means the minimum wage will stagnate at $15 an hour as the cost of everything goes up. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Niagara Health Foundation, the fund-raising arm for Niagara Health, the region’s amalgamated system of hospitals

Posted December 2nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario  – The Niagara Health Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the It’s Our Future campaign for the new South Niagara Site of Niagara Health. 

The Foundation is honoured to announce that the campaign will be led by co-chairs Jim Diodati, Mayor of Niagara Falls and Mr. Harry Oakes.

The long-standing billboard sign off the QEW at the southwest corner of Niagara Falls where the so-called “South Niagara” hospital will go.

The Foundation held its campaign kick-off event on December 1, 2021, at Arpad Park Hall in Niagara Falls.  Community members, provincial, regional and local elected officials and a group of Founding Donors were in attendance.  Continue reading →

Public Health Issues Instructions To Indoor Sports & Recreational Facilities

A News Release from Niagara Region Public Health

Posted December 2^nd, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – As COVID-19 infections increase across Ontario, with school-age children now having the highest risk of COVID-19, Niagara Region Public Health has issued a letter of instructions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections in sporting and recreational fitness facilities. Niagara joins 26 other local public health jurisdictions in Ontario to have issued a letter of instructions to these facilities.

A letter of instruction is issued under Section 2, Schedule 1 of Ontario Regulation 364/20 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act. This letter of instruction creates legally binding requirements for anyone responsible for a business or organization that operates indoor areas of facilities within the Niagara Region that are used for sports, athletic and recreational fitness activities.

The instructions require the following:

Continue reading →

After Many Months of Council Debate and Lobbying by Citizens Across Niagara, “Option 3C” – Offering More Robust Protection for Niagara’s Natural Environment – Is Approved

“I think (passing Option 3C) really represents putting our environment first in terms of our planning. What an amazing legacy we can leave for generations to come.”                                    – Diana Husson, Regional Councillor for Pelham and Chair of Niagara Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee

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

Posted December 1^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines Regional Councillor George Darte

“We don’t want to be singing; ‘They paved paradise, put up a parking lot’,” said St. Catharines Regional Councillor George Darte as he tabled a motion at the Region’s December 1^st’ Committee of the Whole meeting in support of including Option 3C – a stronger set of measures for protecting Niagara’s natural environment – in an Official Plan that will guide urban growth for years to come.

“What we are about to vote on tonight is forever, it is for eternity,” continued Darte. “What we are being asked to do tonight is to help decide the fate of our dear Mother Earth.”

“We need to give the next hundreds of generations ….and our successors a chance to survive on this planet. We owe it to them and that can be our legacy as one seemingly significant bunch of councillors,” Darte said. Continue reading →

“Today’s (December 1^st) audit of Land-Use Planning in the Greater Golden Horseshoe confirms that this (Doug Ford) government has simply abandoned the goal of curbing suburban sprawl in southern Ontario. … with full knowledge they would undermine the long-term vision of (Ontario’s) Growth Plan, (and would) lead to widespread loss of farmland and natural areas, put stress on water resources and increase car-dependency that fuels climate change.”

A Statement from Environmental Defence, one of Canada’s top public advocates for protecting and preserving our environment

Posted December 1^st, 2021 on Niagara At Large

A Statement from Phil Pothen, Ontario Environment Program Manager, Environmental Defence, on the Ontario Auditor General’s finding that government’s 2020 Amendments and Sprawl MZOs and have “undermined” the Growth Plan’s “long-term vision” – 

Toronto | Traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation – Today (this December 1^st, 2021), Ontario’s Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk lent her authoritative voice to the chorus of citizens, Environmental NGOs, land use planning experts, and non-partisan civil servants who have sounded the alarm about the government’s approach to land-use planning in Ontario.

Ontario Auditor General has released a scathing report on, among other things, the Ford government’s awful environmental record

According to Lysik, the government’s changes to Growth Plan policies, together with its unprecedented overuse of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) have “undermined” the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe’s “long-term vision” of reining-in sprawl in the region. She notes that Minister Clark ignored warnings from within the provincial civil service itself, regarding the risks his approach to land-use would create. Continue reading →

“Niagara families deserve to know that if they need emergency medical services, it will be available to them. Right now in Niagara, there aren’t enough ambulances or paramedics to help people experiencing medical emergencies.”                                            – Jeff Burch, NDP MPP for the Niagara, Ontario Riding of Niagara Centre

A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

Posted November 30th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

Niagara, Ontario – As Niagara Region faces a critical shortage in ambulance and EMS services, MPP Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) called on Doug Ford to take action and make sure families in Niagara can access the timely care they need.

“Niagara families deserve to know that if they need emergency medical services, it will be available to them,” said Burch.

“Right now in Niagara, there aren’t enough ambulances or paramedics to help people experiencing medical emergencies. Families should not have to face the anguish of waiting for long periods of time by their sick or injured loved ones, wondering when the ambulance will finally arrive.”

Niagara Region Public Health and Social Services Committee has said the current situation is critical. There are often not enough ambulances to provide emergency coverage for all of Niagara, or to meet response times for critical patients. CUPE 911, the union that represents Niagara paramedics, state that they are understaffed, under-resourced and burnt-out as the demand for emergency services continues to rise. Continue reading →

NDP lays out a predictable, stable increase schedule for first term in office

A News Release from the New Democratic Party of Ontario

Posted November 30^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath announced Tuesday her plan for a $20 minimum wage, reached within her first term through steady, stable increases.

“Whether you are stocking grocery store shelves or cleaning a hospital you deserve respect. All workers deserve respect.

“Respect is not just saying thank you and calling someone a hero. Respect means paying people a wage that pays the bills,” said Horwath.

Continue reading →

Urge Them to Vote ‘YES’ This Wednesday, December 1st for the Measures in ‘Option 3C’ – the Measures We Need to Protect What is Left of Niagara’s Natural Heritage

“We (in Niagara) have a pretty unique area …. and it is incumbent on us to protect it. …. I think (Option) 3C is best for the environment and the future.”                                                                          – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley at a council meeting earlier this year.

“Our natural heritage is Niagara’s brand. … Our watershed is our brand. That’s how we are known internationally. We should be embracing that.”                                                                                   – Pelham Regional Councillor and Chair of Niagara Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee Diana Huson at a council meeting earlier this year.

A Call-Out from Doug Draper, reporter and publisher of Niagara At Large

Posted November 29th on Niagara At Large

Places like this in Niagara are not only good for our soul, they are necessary havens for other living species and they help biodiversity and they are protective zones in the battle against the destructive impacts of climate change. photo by Doug Draper

This coming Wednesday, December 1st, our Regional Council is expected to make a decision that could determine the fate of what’s left of our natural heritage in Niagara for generations to come.

Will our municipal leaders vote in favour of the strongest measures possible (in Option 3C) to protect and preserve what is left of the irreplaceable natural places in Niagara or will they opt for weaker measures (in Option 3B) that  see even more of our green places covered over in asphalt?

For the sake of our own health, the health of our communities, and the nature systems we need to help combat the climate crisis we face today, we cannot allow the same-old, same-old, business-as-usual asphalt option to continue into the indefinite future. Not if we want to have a future that is livable and survivable for our kids!

Continue reading →

“The facts are staggering. The number of species at risk in Ontario has grown by 22 percent since 2009. The number of approvals for harmful activities has gone up by more than 6,000 percent.” – Caroline Schultz, Executive Director of Ontario Nature

A Statement from Ontario Nature, one of the province’s most respected advocacy groups for protecting our natural heritage

Posted November 27^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Ontario – The Government of Ontario is failing Ontario’s most vulnerable plants and animals, according to a report released this week by Ontario’s Auditor General.

The Blanding Turtle. One of many species at risk in Ontario under assault by a Ford government more interested in pandering to greedy developers than to protecting what’s left of our natural heritage

The report, Protecting and Recovering Species at Risk, reveals the abysmal record of misdirection and mismanagement by a government prepared to undermine environmental protections at every turn. Continue reading →

“I’m very proud to represent the people of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie at Queen’s park, and I’m grateful for the trust families in the riding have placed in me.”       – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

A News Release from the Campaign to Re-Elect Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

Posted November 26^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

NIAGARA — (This November 25^th) New Democrats in Niagara Falls have selected incumbent MPP Wayne Gates to be their NDP candidate in the 2022 provincial election.

He has represented Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake at Queen’s Park since 2014. Gates currently serves as a key voice for workers in the party where he is the NDP’s critic for Workplace Health and Safety, Training, Trades and Apprenticeships, and Auto Strategy.

Gates’ nominators included Burdett Sisler, a 106 year old Second World War veteran living in the riding (see video (https://vimeo.com/649224238/31548d951c) ). Continue reading →

“Regional council made an historic, progressive and courageous decision this afternoon which will set into motion that process that will hopefully strengthen public transit across Niagara for generations to come.”                                                                                    – Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair

Support Is Still Needed from a Majority of Niagara’s Local Municipalities

A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted November 25^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

At its November 25^th meeting, Niagara Regional Council made an historic move to improve and modernize public transit, voting in favour of combining all of Niagara’s existing services into one single, integrated transit commission serving all of Niagara.

The Moving Transit Forward <http://www.movingtransitforward.ca/>proposal would bring together independently operating local transit systems in Fort Erie, St. Catharines, Welland, and Niagara Falls, as well as Niagara Region Transit and NRT OnDemand, in order to offer consistent operating hours and fares, new digital payment technology, and better connections for riders across Niagara. Continue reading →

“We must work to address the social norms and power imbalances that, in-part, allow gender-based violence to occur. Finally, we need to ensure our law enforcement agencies and judicial system holds perpetrators accountable.”                                  – Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair

A Statement from Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley on behalf of Niagara’s Regional Council

Posted November 25^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

“Today (this November 25^th) marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. This is an international campaign that starts on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Based on a motion passed by the Region’s Women’s Advisory Committee, and endorsed by Regional Council, Niagara Region will be formally supporting this year’s campaign. Just this morning, I joined other community leaders from around Niagara to raise flags that are designed to build awareness of gender-based violence, as well as the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women across Canada. Continue reading →

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

Posted November 25^th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) has re-tabled a motion calling on the government to provide OHIP coverage for prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer as November comes to an end.

“We know that early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. When detected early, the survival rate for prostate cancer is close to 100%, when it is caught at stage 4, the survival rate is 28%,” said Wayne Gates.

“We have universal healthcare coverage but somehow don’t cover this test which can save lives. Now, more than ever, we see the importance of access to healthcare. When people cannot spare the money they choose not to be tested. We can stop that from happening and we can save lives.”

Continue reading →

An Article submitted to Niagara At Large by Lynda Goodridge

Posted November 24th, 2021 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This past October, Deb Sherk (a fellow Fort Erie resident and President of the Fort Erie-based Bert Miller Nature Club) and I made a presentation to our local Fort Erie Town Council (in Niagara, Ontario) asking them to consider working towards becoming a Bird Friendly City.

The Great Egret and the Great Blue Heron are able to co-exist with one another, but will they be able to continue to exist in waterways which are increasingly congested by human traffic and polluted by human activities? Photo by Ron Goodridge

At a council meeting this November 22nd, we were pleased to see Fort Erie Council approve a motion, directing the town’s staff to “provide a memorandum offering suggestions on how staff can investigate and provide recommendations on becoming a Bird Friendly Municipality.”

This initiative is actually a process that leads to certification, under guidelines developed by Nature Canada.  It recognizes the efforts made by cities to save birds and to acknowledge the important role that they play in maintaining our ecosystems.

A major study done by Cornell University, specifically the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, shows a cumulative loss of nearly *three billion* birds since 1970, across most North American biomes (aquatic, grassland, forest, desert, tundra).

This new study finds steep, long-term losses in virtually all groups of birds in Canada and the U.S.  Another way to phrase this is from the Audubon Society which states that North America has lost more than 1 in 4 birds in the last 50 years.

About 90 percent of the missing birds came from 12 distinct and widespread bird families – including warblers, sparrows, blackbirds and finches. Grasslands in particular posted the biggest losses, with more than 700 million breeding individuals lost across 31 species since 1970. Continue reading →