Niagara At Large

“The discovery of two new non-native zooplankton in the Great Lakes is concerning news.” – Alliance for the Great Lakes Vice President of Policy Molly Flanagan

A Statement from the U.S.-based citizens group, Alliance for the Great Lakes

Posted August 9th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Our Great Lakes from space

Chicago, Illinois  – This August 8th, Cornell University Biological Field Station announced the discovery of two new non-native species of zooplankton – Diaphanosoma fluviatile and Mesocyclops pehpeiensis – in the Great Lakes. In reaction to the announcement, Alliance for the Great Lakes Vice President of Policy Molly Flanagan made the following statement.

 “The discovery of two new non-native zooplankton in the Great Lakes is concerning news. The fact that these are the third and fourth non-native zooplankton found in Lake Erie in the past three years is an alarming trend. Continue reading →

Fundraising; Ontario Municipal Board Appeal; Endangered Species; the last Woodlands in Fort Erie along the Lake Erie Shoreline

News from the Niagara, Ontario-based citizens group Community Voices for Fort Erie

Posted August 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Inside Waverly Woods along the shores of Lake Erie in the Town of Fort Erie

Fort Erie, Ontario – For the past ten months, citizens in Fort Erie and tourists from around the world have expressed many concerns about the proposed Harbourtown Village development. Town Council voted to proceed with the development in March 2018.

A local group, called the Community Voices of Fort Erie, spent months researching the environmental, cultural and historic significance of this area.

This group realized that the Environmental Impact Study and the Archeological Assessment paid for by the development team were flawed.  Continue reading →

Premier Doug Ford Announces Return of ‘Buck-a-Beer’ to Ontario

Announces ‘Buck-a-Beer Challenge’ for brewers to lower prices just in time for Labour Day

“The days of the government putting its hand in your pocket each time you buy a two-four or six-pack are over.”                                  – Your Ontario Premier, Doug Ford

A News Release from the Office of the Premier of Ontario’s “Government for the People”

Posted August 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

Now here is something that is really important. Just what the people of Ontario need right now.

Who cares about funding for mental health services, keeping our public schools in repair, protecting the quality of our air and assisting people living below the poverty level when members of the beer drinking crowd that voted for Doug Ford can get cheaper suds.

Maybe they can use the beer to medicate themselves when their access to affordable health care services disappears.

In the meantime, I have an idea.

You don’t need Ford the Bartender slinging beer for you. Just get in your car and cross the border where you can go to a Wegmans or a Tops supermarket and buy 12 cans of it for about half the price that it costs in Ontario, even with the exchange. Continue reading →

All Niagara residents should take the necessary precautions to prevent WNV

News from Niagara Region’s Public Health Department

Posted August 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A close-up image of a Culex pipiens mosquito perched on a pin is shown. Photo Credit: Centre for Vector-Borne Disease, Brock University

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region Public Health has received its first report of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in 2018. To date, Niagara has no human cases of WNV.

While the mosquitoes that tested positive were found in Pelham, all Niagara residents should take the necessary precautions to prevent WNV. To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and potentially exposed to WNV, residents are reminded to: Continue reading →

Key Players in 100-Year-Old Rescue Near Brink of Horseshoe Falls Honoured by Ontario’s Niagara Parks

One hundred years later, the rusted remains of the iron scow or barge remains locked on jagged rocks, where it was scuttled by its two-man crew in the roaring rapids above the Horseshoe Falls. Both men were rescued from the barge in the harrowing hours that followed. Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted August 8th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

We don’t do it nearly enough in Niagara, Ontario…. celebrate our history.

Sadly, we often neglect or even destroy it. … something that seems to happen far less often on the American side of the Niagara River where places where momentous events occurred are, not always but more often, preserved and showcased for generations to come.

Niagara Parks Commission chair Janice Thomson, with the scow in the upper Niagara River behind her and Niagara Parks historian Sherman Zavitz standing off to her right, speaks to a gathering this August 6th, in commemoration of a dramatic rescue that took place there, 100 years ago. Photo by Doug Draper

There are too mamy examples in Niagara, Ontario of places where key people in our region’s history lived, or fields where battles that changed the course of our history were fought, or buildings that played host to people or events that played an important part in defining where we are today, have been paved over, knocked down or neglected to the point of falling down, or all too mysteriously, in more than a few cases, burned down. Continue reading →

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn, making a point in Niagara Region’s council chambers. File photo

“It doesn’t make sense that a Government that claims to be “for the People” removes your and other people’s right to vote and decide on our future together. And to erroneously claim that directly electing the Niagara Chair added an “additional level of government [that] competes with local municipalities” is misleading and insulting.”­                                                                        – Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

A Column by Dave Augustyn, Mayor of Pelham in Niagara Ontario

Posted August 6th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – In light of the Ontario Government’s unexpected and anti-democratic announcement a week-and-a-half ago to cancel the Niagara Chair election this Fall, I filed my nomination in Pelham to become a Regional Councillor.

I hope to win a seat on Council and to work together with other Councillors, residents and businesses across the peninsula to fix the Region’s integrity crisis and to create a better Niagara.

Dave Augustyn (centre) with former Niagara regional chair Debbie Zimmerman and former Port Colborne Mayor and regional councillor Bob Saracino after his announcement to run for Niagara Regional Chair this past July 12th. A few weeks later, Ontario Premier Doug Ford cancelled the regional chair election for this October 22nd. – Photo by Renate Hodges

In the Fall of 2016, the Province introduced legislation that included mandating the election of all Ontario’s Regional Chairs by the public-at-large, starting in 2018. While this push toward a more accountable and democratic election alarmed a few folks in Niagara, those watching the Municipal sector weren’t surprised. Continue reading →

Ceremony to include guest speakers, an historical address, rescue demonstration, special presentation and plaque and panel unveiling

An Invite to All from the Niagara Parks Commission

Re-Posted August 6th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – In celebration of the 100-year history of the iron scow, which to this day, remains remarkably lodged in the powerful upper rapids of the Niagara River and in recognition of the heroic rescue effort that took place, Niagara Parks will be hosting a commemorative event at Toronto Power Park on Monday, August 6 at 7 p.m.

One hundred years later, the rusted remains of the iron scow or barge remains locked on jagged rocks, where it was scuttled by its two-man crew in the roaring rapids above the Horseshoe Falls. Both men were rescued from the barge in the harrowing hours that followed. Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks

 On August 6, 1918, while involved with a dredging operation above the Canadian Horseshoe Falls on the American side of the Niagara River, a barge had broken loose from its tug boat, sending it drifting into the Niagara River’s midstream, eventually ending up grounded on rocks some 600 metres from the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Continue reading →

Joe and Anita Robertson, and daughter Laura, died in tragic plane crash this past July 30th

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted August 6th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Joe Robertson, who served for decades on Brock’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Anita, perished in the crash, along with their daughter Laura

Niagara, Ontario – The families of Joe and Anita Robertson knew they were dedicated members of the community, but it’s only now they’re beginning to realize just how much of an impact they had on the region.

The Niagara community was shocked and devastated this week to learn of the deaths of Joe and Anita, along with their 24-year-old daughter Laura. They were the sole occupants of a plane that crashed in Greenville, Maine on Monday, July 30. Continue reading →

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted August 4th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

“My friends …. We are going to turn this province around so that our children and their children will feel proud to call Ontario their home.” – Ontario Premier Doug Ford, after his self-described “government for the people” was sworn in this past June 29th.

Ontario’s human wrecking ball of a premier, Doug Ford

Did we all catch that? He’s going to turn our province around in ways our children and their children can be proud of.

Is he now.

Less than six months after coming to power, Doug Ford and his Tories are swinging axes at schools, environmental protection, social assistance for people living in poverty and other services in ways that are already realizing the worst fears of millions of Ontarians – a majority of whom did not vote for him this past June and likely never will.

One of his targets within the last week alone was – believe it or not –mental health services at a time when studies across North America speak to great un-met need for assistance in this critical area. Continue reading →

 The Three Stooges Film Festival Is Back At Historic Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, N.Y.

Saturday, August 4th at 7:30 p.m.

A Brief One from Doug Draper

Posted August 3rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

I know, I know. … You’ve been reading and hearing about stooges all spring and summer for weeks.

Some of you have probably even been unfortunate enough to go to a Niagara regional council meeting, if you live on the Ontario side of the border, or live stream some sessions of the U.S. Congress if you are on the American side and have seen more stooges in action than you would want to see in a lifetime there.

So why, you might rightly ask, would you want to spend precious hours of this mid-summer long weekend seeing even more? Continue reading →

“The response to this petition has confirmed what I’ve been hearing on the doorstep: residents want to directly elect their Regional Chair and they don’t like the provincial government meddling in municipal elections.” – Karrie Porter

News from the Campaign to Elect Karrie Porter to St. Catharines City Council

Posted August 3rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines City Council candidate Karrie Porter (centre) with her petition and names on it so far, with Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch and St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens

Niagara, Ontario – This Friday, August 3rd, Karrie Porter, a candidate for St. Catharines city council in Ward 4- St. Patrick’s submitted petitions signed by hundred of Niagara residents to local MPPs Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines) and Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre).

The petition calls on Queen’s Park to restore the election for Niagara Regional Chair that was abruptly cancelled last week by the provincial government, without notice or consultation.

Porter launched the petition campaign on the same day (Friday, July 27th) the provincial government announced it was cancelling the election. Continue reading →

An Invite  from the Campaign to Re-Elect Carlos Carcia to St. Catharines City Council

Posted August 3^rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines City Councillor Carlos Garcia, running again for the Port Dalhousie ward. One of the very good ones. Give him your support

As many of you already know, Carlos Garcia has announced that he is running for a second term on City Council: Great news indeed!!!

Carlos has been both an effective leader and a rational voice on City Council.  We are privileged to have him representing both Port Dalhousie Ward and the people of St. Catharines.

Carlos brings commitment as well as great leadership and analytic skills to the position.  This was very clearly demonstrated in his determination and management ability as he previously led the community’s battle to preserve Port Dalhousie’s unique heritage and the village feel we all know and love.

Development proposals are reaching some very interesting junctions and the future of Port Dalhousie will depend on the next City Council.  We need Carlos there! Continue reading →

“Only the people of Niagara know what’s best for Niagara, not a government who keeps cooking up secret backroom deals. …When exactly and with whom did the government consult on their decision to cancel the Niagara regional chair election?”       – Wayne Gates

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

Posted August 2nd 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates. File photo

Niagara Falls, Ontario  – NDP MPP Wayne Gates continued to fight for the right of the residents of Niagara to be able to elect their Regional Chair after the race was cancelled by Premier Ford last week.

 “The people of the Niagara region want to have a say in who will represent them for the next four years. The government would have known that, if they had bothered to consult anyone before they decided they know what’s best for Niagara.”

“Well, I have news for this government. Only the people of Niagara know what’s best for Niagara, not a government who keeps cooking up secret backroom deals,” said Gates. “When exactly and with whom did the government consult on their decision to cancel the Niagara regional chair election?” Continue reading →

“The federal carbon tax will have its day in court. But it is already on trial among the families who will be forced to pay more for gas, home heating and everything else if the federal government gets its way.”                                                                         – Ontario Attorney General Caroline Mulroney

News from Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his “Government for the People”

Posted August 2nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword  from NAL reporter and publisher Doug Draper – Just by coincidence, the Trump administration south of Canada’s border has just announced plans to move forward with steps to weaken controls on emissions from gas and diesel  powered trucks and cars, which are also significant sources of climate changing carbon and of other pollutants that contribute to health-threatening concentrations of smog.

One key thing that should be considered in all of this is that when you control for carbon emissions you are also often or almost always controlling  other pollutants, including nitrogen oxides,  that cause the smog that, as numerous studies have shown over the past three or more decades, contribute to premature deaths in populations of people (especially older people) who  already suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

A typical chart, released over the years by professionals in the medical community, showing rates of smog related deaths in communities across Ontario, including Niagara.

 Ironically, a disproportionate number of older people who may suffer the most health impacts from these moves to weaken air quality protection programs on both sides of the border voted for Doug Ford in Ontario and Donald Trump across the United States.

But we may also see at least some short term savings at the gas pumps, even if the health impacts and the long-term impacts on the environment for generations that are younger or not yet born may be significant.

There are almost always  trade offs.)

Now here is the  Ford government’s news release – 

Toronto, Ontario – The Government of Ontario today announced the next step in its fight to defend the people of Ontario from the federal government’s plan to impose a punishing new carbon tax on Ontario families and businesses. 

Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Rod Phillips and Attorney General Caroline Mulroney today announced that the Government of Ontario will take immediate steps to challenge the constitutionality of the federal government’s carbon tax at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Continue reading →

“Stripping our right to vote for our Niagara Regional Chair in the middle of an election campaign, without notice or consultation, is an affront to                             local democracy.”

Find a Link for this Important Online Petition Below. Please Join In Signing It!

A Call-Out to All of Us from Karrie Porter, candidate for St. Catharines City Council in Ward 4

August, 2018 (This piece was originally posted on Niagara At Large on July 27th)

St. Catharines city council candidate launches petition to save election race for Niagara regional chair

Karrie Porter, a candidate for St. Catharines city council in Ward 4- St. Patrick’s has launched a petition calling on Queen’s park to restore the election for Niagara Regional Chair that was abruptly cancelled this morning by Premier Doug Ford.

“Stripping our right to vote for our Niagara Regional Chair in the middle of an election campaign, without notice or consultation, is an affront to local democracy” said Porter.

“I’m launching this petition campaign to demonstrate to the provincial government that the people of Niagara want to directly elect their Regional Chair,” she added.

The petition is available to be signed on Porter’s website at: https://www.karrieporter.ca/regional_election

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Ceremony to include guest speakers, an historical address, rescue demonstration, special presentation and plaque and panel unveiling

An Invite to All from the Niagara Parks Commission

Posted August 2nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – In celebration of the 100-year history of the iron scow, which to this day, remains remarkably lodged in the powerful upper rapids of the Niagara River and in recognition of the heroic rescue effort that took place, Niagara Parks will be hosting a commemorative event at Toronto Power Park on Monday, August 6 at 7 p.m.

One hundred years later, the rusted remains of the iron scow or barge remains locked on jagged rocks, where it was scuttled by its two-man crew in the roaring rapids above the Horseshoe Falls. Both men were rescued from the barge in the harrowing hours that followed. Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks

 On August 6, 1918, while involved with a dredging operation above the Canadian Horseshoe Falls on the American side of the Niagara River, a barge had broken loose from its tug boat, sending it drifting into the Niagara River’s midstream, eventually ending up grounded on rocks some 600 metres from the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Continue reading →

Letting The Region Do an Internal Investigation of this Serious Matter is like Letting the Fox look after the Hen House

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

Posted August 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

I know we just had Ontario’s Ombudsman in Niagara to deal with all of the malodorous antics around a mainstream newspaper reporter having his notes and computer seized before being ordered out of Niagara’s regional headquarters as if he were – as Trump might put it – an enemy of the people.

We need Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé to conduct a thorough, independent investigation of the CAO hiring controversy at Niagara Regional Headquarters. Anything less is to risk leaving the fox to look after  the hen house.

Yes, the Ombudsman, Paul Dubé, has come and gone over that one, and he has probably had more than his fill of the nonsense going on inside that headquarters building, just as many people who live in this Niagara region have.

But Mr. Dubé, we need you and your investigative team to come back – this time to get to the bottom of all of the unanswered questions around the hiring two years ago of Carmen D’Angelo who as CAO of Niagara’s regional government, holds nothing less than the highest and arguably most important municipal staff job in our region, at an annual cost to taxpayers of $230,000 plus benefits a year.

We need a responsible, independent party like the Ontario Ombudsman to get to the bottom of the serious question of whether or not the hiring process that was used in the fall of 2016 to hire a new CAO for the Region was tainted in D’Angelo’s favour.

This image was circulated on social media this August 1st by retired Niagara Regional Police officer and St. Catharines candidate for regional council, Peter Gill.

We need a party with no vested interests and nothing political at stake to do a thorough investigation or because – I’m sure that it is safe to say – a good number of taxpaying citizens in Niagara do not trust regional government employees, whose boss is D’Angelo, or a majority on the Region’s council to get to the bottom of that question themselves. Continue reading →

“Cuts that hurt the most vulnerable among us hurt our province, and it has to stop.”

A Message from Ontario NDP and Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted August 1st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontaro NDP and Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath has a voice but not enough seats in the provincial legislature to stop him.

Queen’s Park – Official Opposition leader Andrea Horwath says that Doug Ford’s first actions in government have targeted vulnerable Ontarians.

“Seeing where Mr. Ford’s axe has fallen first, I’m growing more and more concerned about how Mr. Ford’s cuts will impact people’s daily lives,” said Horwath. “He’s targeted kids, those with mental health challenges, and people struggling in poverty. He’s chosen to drag Ontario backwards when it comes to taking care of the most vulnerable among us.” Continue reading →

Dr. Ian Brown, a Urologist with Niagara Health since 1996, will assume the role effective September 1st

News from Niagara Health, Niagara’s amalgamated system of hospitals

Posted August 1st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Dr. Ian Brown will be Niagara Health’s new chief of surgery

Niagara, Ontario – A long-time Niagara Falls urologist has been appointed Chief of Surgery at Niagara Health.

Dr. Ian Brown, a Urologist with Niagara Health since 1996, will assume the role effective Sept. 1, replacing Dr. Jeff Cranford, who is completing his second term in the position.

The selection of Dr. Brown followed a national search that featured a group of highly skilled candidates.

 “We are extremely fortunate to have a physician of Dr. Brown’s calibre in this leadership role,” says Dr. Johan Viljoen, Niagara Health’s Interim Chief of Staff. “Dr. Brown is a well-known and respected physician in Niagara, with extensive clinical leadership experience. His appointment is a reflection of the accomplished and committed team of physicians at Niagara Health.” Continue reading →

“One cannot understate the enormous contribution Joe Robertson made to Brock University both as Chair of the Board and a passionate supporter of the University at every turn,” – Gary Comerford, Chair of Brock’s current Board of Trustees

A News Release from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted July 31st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Joe Robertson

Brock University officials were saddened to learn of the death of former Board of Trustees Chair Joe Robertson, his wife Anita and their daughter Laura.

The Robertsons were the only occupants of a twin-engine private aircraft that crashed on approach to an airport in Greenville, Maine just before 11 a.m. Monday, July 30. Joe Robertson was the registered owner of the plane, which had taken off Monday morning from Pembroke, Ont., and was en route to Prince Edward Island.

The Greenville Police Department confirmed Tuesday that the three victims of the crash were Joe and Anita Robertson and their 24-year-old daughter Laura, who had just days earlier been hired to work in the University’s athletics and recreation department. Continue reading →

–         Put The Screws To Ontario’s Most Vulnerable

“Doug Ford’s decision to slash the meagre increases to social assistance is appalling, it drags Ontario backwards, and it pushes those already at a disadvantage even deeper into poverty.” Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

From the Office of Ontario’s NDP and Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted July 31st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A Statement from Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath on cuts to social assistance

He has to make up for all those promised tax cuts. Could seniors assistance be next? Or will it be cuts to funding for our public schools?

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Official Opposition leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement in response to Doug Ford’s plan to cut social assistance rates and cancel the basic income pilot program:

 “Doug Ford’s decision to slash the meagre increases to social assistance is appalling, it drags Ontario backwards, and it pushes those already at a disadvantage even deeper into poverty.

For Mr. Ford’s attack on low-income people is disgusting. And cancelling the unfinished and promising basic income pilot project is a waste and a shame.

Instead of dragging Ontario backwards, I want to move us forward. Let’s address Ontario’s homelessness and poverty problems — not let Mr. Ford make them worse. Let’s tackle homelessness in our cities, not allow Mr. Ford to force people onto the streets and into emergency rooms through his callous cuts. Continue reading →

Joe and Anita Robertson and daughter Laura

“This is a horrible tragedy for the family and a deep loss for our community.” – St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

A News Release from the City of St. Catharines

Posted July 31st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Joe and Anita Robertson were key early supporters of St. Catharines’FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

The City of St. Catharines joins Niagara in mourning the loss of Joe and Anita Robertson, long-time supporters of the arts and community in St. Catharines and beyond, and their daughter Laura Robertson.

Joe and Anita Robertson were well known for supporting their community through funding and service to local boards, organizations and causes close to their hearts.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake family had strong connections to the arts and St. Catharines: Robertson Theatre was named in recognition of their $500,000 donation to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in 2014. The Robertsons were also seat owners and patrons of performances at the City performing arts centre. Continue reading →

Ontario’s NDP MPPs fight back against Premier Ford’s move to rig municipal elections

Ford claims that slashing the number of municipal councillors will help “protect the environment, … protect trees.”

News from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted July 30^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

Queen’s Park, Toronto – With municipal elections well under way, Doug Ford’s move to take revenge on his political enemies by interfering in races across the province is petty and mean-spirited, says Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath — who led Monday, July 30th’s question period with a sharp indictment of the move. 

 “Doug Ford cooked up his backroom plot to steal power from the people, and kept it hidden from 14 million Ontarians for an entire election campaign,” said Horwath.

“And that means, today, there’s absolutely no legitimate mandate for Ford to cancel regional elections and rip up Toronto’s wards.”

Ford’s changes to Toronto ward boundaries, and his cancellation of democratic regional elections, targets former political opponents at Toronto City Hall, where he was ostracized and rejected, as well as regional elections in Peel, Muskoka, York and Niagara, where other political enemies were running.  Continue reading →

Tell Us That & Come This October 22nd, Voters In Niagara May Give Your Political Pals Here The Boot Anyway

Ontario’s new Boss, Doug Ford

A Brief  Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted July 30th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

In the wake of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s sudden and shocking decision to slash the size of Toronto’s city council in about half and cancel elections for Regional Chair in Niagara and other regions of the province, Niagara citizen activist Linda Babb shared some Tweets her daughter found online in reaction to Ford’s dump-it-out-on-a-Friday, July 27th decision.

Here is one of those Tweets – and a good one that that might be of interest to residents across Niagara –

Can you tell which one of the three regional elections Tweeter Jim Calder lists here applies to Niagara?

Maybe Some Of These People Know The Answer

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

“This waste contains dangerous radioactive elements and enough plutonium to construct more than 11,000 nuclear warheads. Laid end-to-end, the radioactive fuel bundles stored at Pickering would stretch from Kingston to St. Catharines.”

Find a link below for a Petition to Close the Pickering Nuclear Power Plant

A Message and a Call-Out from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted July 30^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Pickering Nuclear Station has a deadly secret: The plant is a storehouse for 16 million kilograms of high-level radioactive waste sitting right on the edge of Lake Ontario.

The more than 760,000 spent fuel bundles stored at the Pickering plant are the legacy of 50 years of reactor operations with no long-term waste management solution in sight.

This waste contains dangerous radioactive elements and enough plutonium to construct more than 11,000 nuclear warheads.

Laid end-to-end, the radioactive fuel bundles stored at Pickering would stretch from Kingston to St. Catharines.

SOME DAY, SON, ALL THIS NUCEAR WASTE WILL BE YOURS!

More than half the waste that Ontario Power Generation has been quietly piling up at Pickering is kept in open water pools. One of the biggest concerns during the Fukushima nuclear disaster was the possibility of a “pool fire” if the zircaloy cladding on spent fuel bundles combusted. Continue reading →

D’Angela Launches Survey for Gathering Feedback  from  Thorold Residents

News from the Campaign to Elect Henry D’Angela Mayor of Thorold

Posted  July 30th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Thorold regional councillor and mayoralty Henry D’Angela

Thorold, Ontario — Thorold Mayoral Candidate Henry D’Angela wants to find out what is important to Thorold residents.  D’Angela has launched a survey so that Thorold residents can give him feedback on their hopes for their city.

“I talk to citizens at Thorold community events all the time,” said D’Angela, “but not everyone goes to events.  I want to make sure that every resident of Thorold has an opportunity to express their priorities and their concerns.”

“I want to reach the silent minority to make sure I can represent the entire population of Thorold.” Continue reading →

“The main function of government is the protection of the public interest. … Fewer elected representatives mean a greater workload on each politician, fewer to target with corporate lobbying and where it occurs, a smaller number of politicians to buy.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Sudden Hit on Municipal Governance s is “Tinpot Dictator Stuff”

A Message from CATCH – the public watchdog group Citizens at City Hall – in Hamilton, Ontario

Posted July 30th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Doug Ford – leader of Ontario’s self-described “Government for the People”

What would it be like to have just five city councillors in Hamilton? That’s effectively what is facing residents of Toronto in the wake of Premier Ford’s unilateral decision to slash its council numbers by nearly half, a move that is being described as “tinpot dictator stuff”.

The main function of government is the protection of the public interest, but that’s under constant pressure from corporations and other private interests. Fewer elected representatives mean a greater workload on each politician, fewer to target with corporate lobbying and where it occurs, a smaller number of politicians to buy.

How many of you voted for this guy?

The Ford formula being imposed on Toronto is one councillor for each provincial riding. Hamilton has five provincial ridings so the same formula applied here would eliminate ten council positions. Continue reading →

From Doug Draper

Posted July 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

It has been a wild and crazy last full week of July, ending with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s decision to, among other things, pull the plug on what would have been the first time Niagara voters get a chance in a municipal election to choose who will serve as Niagara Region’s chair.

Can we ever get to the bottom of questions and concerns swirling around the hiring of Niagara Region’s CAO Carmen D’Angelo, sitting to the right here of the Region’s Chair, Al Caslin? And how? Niagara At Large will have more news and commentary on this and related matters in the new week.

That decision triggered waves of email, news releases and statements from parties all over the region, and we did not get around to preparing and posting commentary on other matters, including the ongoing controversy over the hiring of Niagara Region’s CAO, the Ontario Ombudsman’s report on an attack on Niagara’s media last December, and the highly anticipated results of a provincial audit of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s operations. Continue reading →

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

Posted July 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

As if the news earlier this July 27th that Ontario Premier Doug Ford – like a dictator in a banana republic – had pulled the plug on what would have been the first region-wide election for Niagara regional chair was bad enough. …

Niagara voters still have an opportunity with the coming muncipal elections to fill these Niagara Region chambers with a much better mix of councillors.

Later in the day, we were treated to more bad news that Al Caslin, Niagara’s current regional chair, had managed to file his papers before the 2 p.m. deadline to run for one of St. Catharines’ six seats on Niagara’s regional council in the upcoming October 22nd municipal elections.

That means that unless the dictator in the Premier’s office decides to cancel the municipal elections completely and Caslin manages to win one of those six seats, he could put his name in the hat for fellow regional councillors to appoint him to another four years as Niagara chair.

Just what our Niagara region needs. Another term of the divisive, unruly and mean-spirited conduct Caslin has presided over now for almost four years.

But the good news is this.

There are enough good to very good candidates running for the Region’s council in St. Catharines, including Haley Bateman, Mo Al Jumaily, Emily Beth Spanton, Peter Gill, former MPP Jim Bradley and regional council incumbents Brian Heit and Kelly Edgar, Tim Rigby and Debbie MacGregor, to knock Caslin off in the polls. Continue reading →

“It doesn’t make sense that a Government that claims to be ‘for the People’ removes your and other people’s right to vote and decide on our future together.”                            – Dave Augustyn

A Statement from Dave Augustyn’s Campaign regarding Premier Doug Ford’s Snap Cancellation of Niagara Chair Election

Posted July 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Dave Augustyn, making a point in Niagara Region’s council chambers. File photo

Niagara, Ontario – In light of the Ontario Government’s unexpected and anti-democratic announcement this morning to cancel the Niagara Chair election this Fall, Chair Candidate Dave Augustyn filed his nomination in Pelham to become a Regional Councillor.

Augustyn, now Mayor of Pelham, hopes to win a seat on Regional Council and to work together with other Councillors, residents and businesses across the peninsula to create a better Niagara.

“From day one, my campaign has been about fixing the integrity crisis at the Region, and bringing prosperity and compassion to the people of Niagara. Backroom deals have held our community back for years,” Augustyn stated. Continue reading →

“Residents across the Niagara region already have long-standing and serious concerns about transparency and accountability at the regional level.”                             – MPPs Jeff Burch, Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates

From the Niagara Centre, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls Constituency Offices of Jeff Burch, Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates

Posted July 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines new MPP, Jennie Stevens

Niagara, Ontario — Niagara-area NDP MPPs, Jeff Burch, Jennie Stevens and Wayne Gates issued the following statement regarding news that Doug Ford will use his power to meddle in municipal and regional elections:

“Doug Ford’s latest backroom scheme to meddle in municipal elections and eliminate the election of regional chair in numerous areas including Niagara region is disturbing.

Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

Ford didn’t campaign on this decision. He didn’t consult a single person. Not letting Niagara-area residents weigh in to a dictator-like decision that has such far-reaching impacts is chilling.

 Residents across the Niagara region already have long-standing and serious concerns about transparency and accountability at the regional level. Ford’s latest decision means even less transparency and even less accountability which is extremely  troubling.”

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

News from Brock University in Niagara, Ontario

Posted July 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Brock University has appointed its first Director of Human Rights and Equity (HRE) to further advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and to promote a welcoming and collegial environment across the University community.

Leela MadhavaRau has been named Brock University’s first Director of Human Rights and Equity.

Leela MadhavaRau will take on the new role, effective Sept. 5.

She joins Brock from California’s University of Redlands, where she most recently served as Associate Dean and Advisor to the President for Campus Diversity and Inclusion. She has extensive leadership experience in both the Canadian and American university setting.

The new Director of the Office of Human Rights and Equity will report directly to President Gervan Fearon. Continue reading →

Post July 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Thanks to Canada’s long debated, yet still firmly in place first-past-the-post system of electing governments, a party can get significantly less than half the popular vote in a federal or provincial election, and yet form a majority government’.

Then –  should the leader of the first-past-the-post party be a populist or demagogue with  an autocratic or totalitarian bent – that leader can run the province or country like a dictatorship for the next four years.

America has its  Donald Trump.

NOW Ontario has Doug Ford

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

“Stripping our right to vote for our Niagara Regional Chair in the middle of an election campaign, without notice or consultation, is an affront to                             local democracy.”

Find a Link for this Important Online Petition Below. Please Join In Signing It!

A Call-Out to All of Us from Karrie Porter, candidate for St. Catharines City Council in Ward 4

Posted July 27^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines city council candidate launches petition to save election race for Niagara regional chair

Karrie Porter, a candidate for St. Catharines city council in Ward 4- St. Patrick’s has launched a petition calling on Queen’s park to restore the election for Niagara Regional Chair that was abruptly cancelled this morning by Premier Doug Ford.

“Stripping our right to vote for our Niagara Regional Chair in the middle of an election campaign, without notice or consultation, is an affront to local democracy” said Porter.

“I’m launching this petition campaign to demonstrate to the provincial government that the people of Niagara want to directly elect their Regional Chair,” she added.

The petition is available to be signed on Porter’s website at: https://www.karrieporter.ca/regional_election

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

Campaingns for the Region’s Top Office by Candidates like Dave Augustyn and Damian Goulbourne May Now Be Over!

So It’s Back To The Old System of Councilliors Choosing  A Regional Chair And Possibly Four More Years of        Al Caslin

Posted by Doug Draper on Niagara At Large

July 27^th, 2018

I didn’t tell you I was going to do this before you elected me, did I. And I’m just getting started suckers!

This is a moving development so Niagara At Large will have more on this unexcpected and shocking news and the implications it may have for municipal government in our Niagara region later.

What we know from a news release Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his so-called “Government for the People” circulated this Friday, July 27^th morning is this.

Ford’s sudden and shocking announcement may be very good news for this man. Al Caslin was facing a region-wide race for his job as Niagara regional chair

A new Ontario government that received less than 40 per cent of the popular vote in this past June’s provincial election, yet thanks to an old and highly flawed “first-past-the-post” election system, managed to secure a majority government, is moving – right now – to slash the City of Toronto’s council in half and cancel region-wide elections for the position of Regional Chair, in four Ontario regions, including Niagara.

If Ford is successful in making those changes stick now, the race for Niagara regional chair in Niagara is now over. That means there will not be one, and it means that candidates like Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn and former Welland Mayor Damian Goulbourne will not be running for a Regional Chair seat now occupied by Al Caslin.

It also means that Niagara will go back to the old system of the Regional Chair being chosen by secret ballots cast by other members of regional council. Continue reading →

The Compassionate Care Act passes Second Reading Unanimously

News from the Constituency Office of Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted July 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff i

Queen’s Park, Toronto – For the second time, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, was successful in getting unanimous support for the Compassionate Care Act in the Ontario Legislature.

Oosterhoff tabled this Private Member’s Bill again last week and this July 26th  it passed Second Reading unanimously.

Once it passes Third Reading, Bill 3 will establish a hospice palliative care framework for the province of Ontario.

Hospice palliative care helps people who are living with or dying from a serious, life-limiting illness, as well as their family and caregivers. The goal is to relieve pain and suffering, and to improve a person’s quality of life, regardless of the setting. Continue reading →

 As A Key Player Identified In The Report, Doesn’t Chair Caslin Have A Conflict Of Interest?

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted July 26th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara regional chair Al Caslin

Niagara, Ontario – A full week has now passed since the release of a 60-page report by Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé – a report that documents, in detail, the singular role that our Niagara regional government played last December 7^th in seizing the electronic equipment and notes from a St. Catharines Standard reporter and citizen blogger, then ordering them off municipal  property, was unwarranted, illegal and a violation of the constitutional rights of news representatives to perform their role as a watchdog for the public in a democracy.

Among many other findings, the Ombudsman’s lengthy investigation determined that Niagara Regional Chair Al Caslin and the Region’s CAO Carmen D’Angelo were among those who played lead roles in causing this unconscionable and unjust episode to unfold. Continue reading →

Former Welland Mayor Damian Goulborne running for Niagara regional chair

“The allegations that have been made demonstrate, if proven, a level of dishonour and dishonesty that is unparalleled in our Region, and the people of Niagara deserve nothing less than a full investigation into these matters and accountability for those who violated their trust. … The Office of the Chair has broken the faith placed in it by the people of Niagara and there is no other path available     to restore it.”

– Damian Goulbourne, former Welland Mayor and a candidate for Niagara Regional Chair in the coming October 22nd municipal elections

A Statement from Damian Goulbourne, Candidate For Niagara Regional Chair

Posted July 26th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Welland, Ontario – “The reports that have surfaced in the past 24-hours regarding the conduct of behaviour of the Regional Chair’s office are disturbing, and if proven to be true, inexcusable.   Continue reading →

It Could Be The Most Disturbing Report Yet On the State of Governance In Our Niagara Region

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

Posted July 26th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – When I arrived at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation this July 25^th for the monthly Board of Directors meeting of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), wouldn’t you know it.

They papered the doors to the NPCA’s board of directors meeting again. No transparency here.

The glass doors to the meeting room were shut and papered over as has so often been the case in recent years when members of the public have gone to all the time and trouble on a weekday morning to drive through the back roads on Lincoln to attend these meetings.

NPCA CAO Mark Brickell may be facing times that are not funny at all

There isn’t much one can do to take advantage of the NPCA’s munch flaunted policy of openness and transparency when the doors to the meeting room are papered over, so being the annoying reporter that I am, I walked down a corridor to another set of doors that weren’t papered over and that led to a gallery area in the meeting room.

At that point, the NPCA’s current chief administrative officer (CAO), Mark Brickell, followed me down the corridor and told  me, as politely as he could, that I could not stand anywhere near those doors because the board was having a closed session inside with Ontario’s Auditor General, Bonnie Lysyk, and several members of her investigative team.

“Alright Mark, so how are you doing?” I asked him. “Okay,” he replied. “These are funny times.”

“These are funny times, alright,” was my response to him as I made my way back to the front lobby of the building to wait for Lysyk and her team to emerge. Continue reading →

Could The Same Warning Hold True Right Here in Niagara, Ontario – for Niagara’s Regional Government?

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted July 26^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

He reportedly doesn’t have the mental capacity to read much more than the scroll lines flashing across the bottom of the screen on Fox News – you know, lines with words and phrases in them like “hoax”, “witch hunt”, “no collusion”, “lock her up” and “Canada and E.U. countries are foes and freeloaders”.

Yet something inside Donald Trump’s reptilian brain has him channeling 1984, George Orwell’s nightmare novel about ‘big brother” and a totalitarian state on steroids. Continue reading →

Niagara Regional Councillors Must Finally Stand Up For Region’s People And Fire CAO Now!

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

Posted July 25, 2018 on Niagara At Large

New investigative story in St. Catharines Standard offers more information, raises more questions about the hiring, in the fall of 2016, of Niagara Region’s CAO Carmen D’Angelo

Three weeks ago this Thursday, July 26th – at a Niagara regional council meeting on July 5th – a majority of those elected to sit on the council voted to close the books on serious questions swirling around the hiring of the most powerful and highest paid administrative officer we have in municipal government in this Niagara region.

A majority of the directly elected regional councillors and mayors sitting on that Niagara Region council voted to close the book on the matter.

They did so despite the fact that Marvin Huberman – a Toronto lawyer, handpicked for hire by senior parties at the Region – acknowledged under questioning that he did not resort to using all of the powers he had under the Ontario Ombudsman’s Act to get to the bottom of concerns raised about the possible tainting of a process used to hire Carmen D’Angelo, a former CAO for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, to a three-year-contract in October of 2016 to serve as the Region’s CAO. Continue reading →

Kim Craitor will take on incumbent Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati in Election scheduled for this coming October 22nd

“I am confident that as Mayor I can bring about changes in an open, transparent and responsible manner. I value public input and consultation and listen to all voices.” – Kim Craitor

New from the Campaign to Elect Kim Crator Mayor of Niagara Falls

Posted June 25th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls City Councillor and former MPP Kim Craitor is running for Mayor of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Friends and supporters of Kim Craitor are pleased to announce his decision to run for mayor of Niagara Falls in the upcoming (October 22nd) municipal election.

Craitor said he made his decision after much reflection and with the support of his wife Helen. The current member of city council and former member of provincial parliament filed his nomination papers at City Hall earlier today.

“Hopefully, my commitment to the residents of Niagara Falls is well known” said Craitor. “I have served 17 years as a City Councillor and was the M.P.P. for the Niagara Falls riding for 10 years.”

“ I have contemplated running (for mayor) before,” he added, “but now seemed like the appropriate time.” Continue reading →

News from Niagara Health (formerly known as the Niagara Health System or NHS)

Posted July 25^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Health and community partners are hosting a World Hepatitis Day educational event on Friday, July 27 at Montebello Park in St. Catharines from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A previous Hepatitis awareness event at Montebello Park in St. Catharines/Niagara. Photo courtesy of Niagara Health

The event will raise awareness about hepatitis C and liver health. It will also educate the community about services the Niagara Health Hepatitis C Care Clinic and other community agencies provide residents. The event will feature a community health and social services fair in the park’s pavilion, with close to 50 community organizations and programs represented. Continue reading →

Huson will be Contesting  the Seat of  Pelham regional council incumbent and NPCA board member Brian Baty

“I’m running for Pelham’s regional seat because I’m passionate about our beautiful community and, like many people, I’m disappointed with our Regional Council.” – Diana Huson

News from the Campaign to Elect Diana Huson

Posted July 24^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Diana Huson running to represent Town of Pelham on Niagara regional council

Pelham, Ontario – Pointing out that it’s “time for change,” Fenwick resident Diana Huson announced Tuesday, July 24 that she is running to become the Regional Council member for the Town of Pelham in October’s municipal elections. 

If elected, she would be the first woman to hold the position (for the Town of Pelham). Of the 31 current Regional Council members, only four are women.

“I’m running for Pelham’s regional seat because I’m passionate about our beautiful community and, like many people, I’m disappointed with our Regional Council,” said Huson, 41.

“We’ve seen out-of-control spending on councillor expenses, a council that voted themselves a pay raise, and a divide-and-conquer mentality that undermines our ability to attain the things that our community needs the most.” Continue reading →

From a brand new Tweet from the Donald

Posted July 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

“Donald J. Trump

✔ @realDonaldTrump

Tariffs are the greatest! Either a country which has treated the United States unfairly on Trade negotiates a fair deal, or it gets hit with Tariffs. It’s as simple as that – and everybody’s talking! Remember, we are the “piggy bank” that’s being robbed. All will be Great!”

That’s right folks. … As simple as that.

At least the deplorables understand  him. Wonder when they are going to get their jobs in the coal mines and steel mills  back?

Who has been paying for their health care lately?

And how about those Trump-voting farmers in America’s mid-west? Have they been selling more soybeans and port to foreign markets, lately?

Tariffs are the greatest, aren’t they? It’s as simple as that.

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

 “A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

The Creator of the Niagara Falls, Ontario Amusement Park Is Remembered This July 23rd in an Obituary in The Globe and Mail

A Brief Foreword to the Globe Obit from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted July 23rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

For the past two or three decades, Marineland became a magnet for protests by animal activists from across the region and beyond. File photo by Doug Draper

Niagara, Ontario – A full month after Marineland creator and owner John Holer died this past June 23rd at age 83, it is still hard to believe that this person who loomed so large for so long in the history of Niagara, Ontario is gone.

Going back to my years as an environment reporter at The St. Catharines Standard, I had my share of encounters and run-ins with John Holer over his park’s history of keeping whales, dolphins and other animals in captivity for people’s amusement.

Notwithstanding John Holer’s repeated insistence that he must be giving people what they want because many hundreds of thousands of them pay money each year to visit Marineland, I remain just as insistent that these animals do not belong in places like this. Continue reading →

Canada’s Government makes $8.95 million investment  in protection and restoration projects across the    Great Lakes Basin

Canada’s Environment Minister Catherine McKenna with Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey for announcement in Port Colborne on Great Lakes funding

“We are working collaboratively with our partners so that Canadians can enjoy cleaner, healthier waterfronts along the shores of Lake Erie.” – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre

News rom: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Posted July 23rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Port Colborne, Ontario – The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s natural legacy and freshwater resources. Part of this commitment is protecting and restoring the water quality and ecosystem health of the Great Lakes, a vitally important environmental, economic, and cultural resource for millions within its basin and beyond.

This July 19th, Canada’s  Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced $8.95 million in funding over four years for 36 local on-the-ground projects under the Great Lakes Protection Initiative.

Toxc algae blooms in Lake Erie and other parts of the Great Lakes have worsened in recent years. Among other things, this algae robs the waters of the oxygen necessary to sustain a multi-billion fishery in the Great Lakes.

The Initiative supports projects across the Great Lakes Basin, which will help restore areas of concern, prevent toxic and nuisance algae, reduce the release of harmful chemicals, engage the public through citizen science, and engage Indigenous Peoples.

Minister McKenna was accompanied at the July 19th  announcement by funding recipients from ALUS Canada and Swim Drink Fish Canada. The Swim Drink Fish Canada project will receive $1.8 million to engage Canadians through citizen science in Great Lakes water quality monitoring of our beaches and other recreational waters.

Monitoring hubs will be set up in communities across the Great Lakes Basin. ALUS Canada will receive $600,000 over three years to focus on reducing phosphorus inputs to Lake Erie through restoration of natural features on agricultural lands.

The Government of Canada recognizes the integral role that our partners, including Indigenous Peoples, play in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Protection Initiative is proud to support projects that tackle issues that matter most to the lives of Canadians—from cleaner drinking water, to beaches we can enjoy, to waters in which we can fish and swim.

Quotes

Canada’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna

“Protecting and restoring our Great Lakes for current and future generations is a priority for Canada. With the help of our partners, we will work together to protect our freshwater resources. The Government of Canada is proud to support these 36 projects that help to ensure a clean and healthy source of drinking water for Canadians and restore and protect the health of ecosystems for the many species of plants and animals relying on the Great Lakes.” – Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and well-being of Canadians by reducing harmful and nuisance algal blooms in Lake Erie. The Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan, announced earlier this year, and the work being done by ALUS Canada will help us achieve the phosphorus-loading reduction targets set out in the plan. We are working collaboratively with our partners so that Canadians can enjoy cleaner, healthier waterfronts along the shores of Lake Erie.” – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre

“The Great Lakes are an important freshwater resource in the Niagara region. Restoring and protecting them will help ensure future economic prosperity, strong communities, as well as clean and safe recreational areas for Canadians in the Niagara region and communities across the Great Lakes Basin.” – Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines

Protecting the world’s largest supply of fresh water should be a number one priority for our governments in Canada and the United States

Quick facts

• The Great Lakes are one of the world’s largest repositories of fresh water: They contain 20 percent of the world’s surface fresh water.
• The Great Lakes contain one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth—sustaining 4000 species of plants and animals.
• The Great Lakes Basin provides a source of drinking water for one in four Canadians and one in ten Americans.
• The Great Lakes region represents the third-largest economy in the world, if measured as a country. It supplies 51 million jobs or nearly 30 percent of the combined American and Canadian workforce.

New Project Funding for Niagara River Area of Concern –

• Project: Restoring Riparian Zones of the Niagara River Area of Concern
• Proponent: Niagara Parks Commission
• Great Lakes Protection Initiative funding: $130,000 over 2 years
• Project description: This project will create, restore and expand riparian and nearshore habitat for fish and wildlife by planting native species and constructing habitat structures, part of the Niagara River Area of Concern.

Associated links

The Great Lakes Protection Initiative

Funded projects for 2018-2019

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 reminder that we only post comments by individuals who also share their first and last names.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater bi-national Niagara region – become a regular visitor and subscriber to NAL at www.niagaraatlarge.com .

“A politician thinks of the next election. A leader thinks of the next generation.” – Bernie Sanders

A Statement from Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted July 23^rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Queen’s Park – In the wake of the deadly shooting on  Avenue, Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath issued the following statement:

“My heart is with the victims of last night’s shooting, their friends and loved ones, and the beautiful Danforth community so deeply impacted by this heinous crime. Our immediate focus is on strength for the victims in hospital, and for those that now need to recover from emotional trauma. Continue reading →

“The Region owes a formal and public apology to the reporters who were unfairly ejected from the meeting and had their personal property seized. Beyond the reporters, the Region owes the public an apology for violating the Municipal Act and locking the public out of an open meeting.” – Jeff Burch

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

Posted July 22n^d, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Retired Niagara Centre MPP Cindy Forster with Niagara Centre’s new MPP, Jeff Burch. Cindy Forster was one of the first to call on the Ontario Ombudsman to investigate the seizure of a reporter’s computer and notes and his explusion from Niagara’s regional headquarters last December

Niagara, Ontario – NDP MPP Jeff Burch’s response to Ombudsman Paul Dube’s report on the December 7th 2017 situation that led to reporters being ejected from a public meeting and their private property being seized –

“I echo the comments made by the Ombudsman. The actions taken against local media by Regional Staff were not only unjust, they were illegal.”

The Ontario Ombudsman investigated the incident following numerous complaints, including one from former Welland MPP Cindy Forster. Continue reading →

 Sam Oosterhoff re-introduces the Compassionate Care Act 

 News from the Constituency Office of Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Posted July 22nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Queen’s Park – This third week of July, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, once again tabled his first Private Member’s Bill, the Compassionate Care Act.  Bill 3, as it is now know, would establish a hospice palliative care framework for the province of Ontario.

 “Hospice palliative care is of great importance to the people of Niagara West and to those across Ontario,” declared Oosterhoff. “I am glad that I have the opportunity to introduce and debate this key piece of legislation during this summer session.”

Oosterhoff originally introduced the Compassionate Care Act in November 2017. While it passed Second Reading unanimously on December 14, 2017, the bill did not become law as the Parliament was dissolved before the bill made it to Third Reading. Continue reading →

Are Our Regional Councillors Across Niagara Getting The Message Yet?

At Long Last, Do The Right Thing For Your Constituents And Our Region, And Shred This Guy’s Contract!

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

Posted July 21st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region’s CAO Carmen D’Angelo under fire again

Since Ontario’s Ombudsman released a detailed report this past July 18th – a report that, among other things, named Niagara Region’s CAO Carmen D’Angelo, along with the regional council’s chair Al Calsin, for playing lead roles last December in the illegal seizure of a St. Catharines Standard reporter’s computer and notes, followed by his expulsion from Niagara’s regional headquarters – calls from citizens and political representatives and candidates for the resignation or firing of both men have been mounting.

Every time I go back to my In Box there are more, and I can’t keep posting each and every one of them.

But the following one from Mo Al Jumaily, a Niagara citizen and now acandidate for St. Catharines regional councillor seat, deserves special mention because Mo Al Jumaily was also at Niagara regional headquarters as a citizen observer on December 7th, 2017 when the computer and notes of St. Catharines Standard reporter Bill Sawchuk were wrongfully seized by regional officials. Continue reading →

A recent rally in front of Niagara’s regional headquarters with area residents calling for the ouster of the Region’s CAO Carmen D’Angelo

“We have been crying out for good governance (in Niagara) for years now and it is starting to pay dividends, but if you don’t finish what we all started together then it is all for nothing.” – Ed Smith, a Niagara resident and citizen activist who was sued by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s regional council-dominated board after demanding accountability for our tax dollars from that wretched agency. That lawsuit was eventually dismissed in Ed Smith’s favour by a senior Ontario Court Judge

The Following Message is Posted on Niagara At Large with NAL’s full endorsement, July 21st, 2018

A Message from Ed Smith, Niagara, Ontario

Hey everybody,

Most of us know that Carmen D’Angelo is one of the people behind many of the various issues we have been fighting against tooth and nail for the past 3 years (or longer) in Niagara. Together we have managed to keep an incredible amount of pressure on him and many of the lousy Councillors who work in this region and right now things are finally starting to crack.

Niagara Region’s chair Al Caslin with the Region’s CAO, Carmen D’Angelo perched to his right. File photo by Doug Draper

We are approaching the epoch of accountability….but we are not there yet…there remains work to be done. Continue reading →

St. Catharines citizen Haley Bateman, during one of the times, she addressed Niagara regional council last year on the need for stronger code of conduct rules for councilors and staff

‘The Ontario Ombudsman’s Report is thorough, and I believe that our Chair’s  (Al Caslin), and our CAO’s (Carmen D’Angelo) actions are so appalling and damaging to our reputation as a region that the only solution is to ask for their resignations.- Niagara, Ontario citizen and Niagara regional council candidate for St. Catharines Haley Bateman

A Statement from St. Catharines resident and Niagara Regional Council candidate Haley Bateman

Posted July 21st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

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

Haley Bateman, a concerned citizen of St. Catharines, back at Niagara regional council this past December 7th, urging the council to take firmer action to discipline St. Catharines regional councillor Andy Petrowski in the wake of code of conduct rulings against him.

On that same December 7th evening, the council went into closed session to discuss the matter and within minutes, as a recently report on an Ontario Ombudsman Office investigation put it, “chaos ensued.” Continue reading →

Ontario Ombudsman Calls Niagara Region’s Seizure Of Standard Reporter’s Computer, Notes, Expulsion From Municipal Property “Contrary To Law, Unreasonable, Unjust And Wrong.”

“I also found that the Regional Municipality of Niagara acted unreasonably and without due care when it ejected a citizen blogger (Preston Haskell) from the council meeting on December 7, 2017, and seized his digital recording device.” – from the report of Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé, released this July 18th, 2018

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted July 18^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé

Before I get started, let me say this.

As a journalist who has closely followed regional government in Niagara for decades, and who once upon a time worked in communications for the regional government, it is impossible to imagine anything close to what I am about to highlight below happening under the leadership of any one of the past Niagara regional chairs, Brian Merritt, Peter Partington, Debbie Zimmerman or Gary Burroughs.

Or we could go all the way back to the creation of regional government in 1970 and Niagara’s first regional chair, John Campbell.

Would the late John Campbell or any of the others who have had the privilege to serve as Niagara’s regional chair have anything to do with seizing a newspaper reporter’s computer and notes, then ordering that reporter off municipal property?

Impossible! It just wouldn’t happen!

While Niagara Region’s council was in closed session this past December 7th, 2017, St. Catharines Standard reporter Bill Sawchuk (right) had his computer and notes seized and was ordered out of Niagara’s regional headquarters.  Photo by Emily Spanton

It takes a special cast of characters to cook up the cauldron of contemptible conduct that is detailed in a 60-page report released this July 18^th, 2018 by Ontario’s Ombudsman and chief public sector watchdog, Paul Dubé. Continue reading →

Identifies a series of other apparent irregularities by current Region Chair and CAO

A News Release from the Campaign to Elect Dave Augustyn Niagara Regional Chair

Posted July 19^th 2018 on Niagara At Large

Pelham Mayor and Regional Councillor Dave Augustyn engaged in a debate this term at Niagara Region council meeting.

Niagara, Ontario – Based on new revelations in yesterday’s (July 18th. 2018) Ontario Ombudsman’s final report – Press Pause: Investigation into a meeting of council for the Regional Municipality of Niagara on December 7, 2017 – Mayor Dave Augustyn is calling for a full and frank apology to the Office of the Ombudsman by the current Chair (Al Caslin) and CAO (Carmen D’Angelo) of Niagara Region.

The final report by the Ontario Ombudsman reveals how the Region’s external legal counsel aggressively dealt with the Ombudsman’s office and tried to influence the impartial investigation. Continue reading →

“As Canadians, we know that our success as a country rests on equality, inclusion, and justice. Mandela showed us what it means to spend a life in service to those ideals.”                                – Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

A Statement by Canada’s Prime Minister on Nelson Mandela International Day

Posted July 18^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Nelson Mandela International Day:

“Today (July 18^th), on Nelson Mandela International Day, we join people around the world to reflect on the life and legacy of the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African President.

Nelson Mandela, with then Prime Minister Jean Chretien, greeting a group of children while in Canada in 2001 to accept an nonourary Canadian citizenship

As we mark 100 years since Nelson Mandela’s birth, we celebrate his contributions to peace and justice, and carry forward his call for equality and freedom. Continue reading →

Ombudsman Paul Olist Also Calls For “Procedural Improvement” At Regional Headquarters

‘Although (Niagara) regional officials have the power to bar people from municipal property in some instances, the municipality “has an overriding responsibility to act in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms when exercising those powers.,”                                                             – Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé

A News Release from the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman

Posted  July 18^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Note Foreword Note from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper – The following news release, along with a detailed report, was released by the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office at 9:30 a.m. this Wednesday, July 18th.

The news release and report are the products of a lengthy investigation the Ombudsman’s Office launched following the seizure of the computers and notes  of St. Catharines Standard reporter Bill Sawchuk and Niagara area blogger Preston Haskell by Niagara regional officials at the Region’s headquarters this past December.

Niagara At Large will have more news and commentary on the Ombudsman’s  report and findings in the hours ahead. Stay tuned.)

Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé

Toronto, Ontario – Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today (July 18th, 2018) called on the Regional Municipality of Niagara to apologize publicly to a local journalist and a citizen blogger for seizing their property and ejecting them from a council meeting last December. The region’s actions were unreasonable, unjust, wrong and contrary to law, Mr. Dubé’s investigation found.

Although regional officials have the power to bar people from municipal property in some instances, the municipality “has an overriding responsibility to act in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms when exercising those powers,” the Ombudsman writes in Press Pause, his report on his investigation of the incident. Continue reading →

Let’s Promise Ourselves Not To Have Another Four-Year Clown Show at Niagara Regional Council.

Get Informed & Engaged. There Is Nothing Less Than Our Region’s Future At Stake!

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted July 18^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

This June, I took off to the east coast for a week or so to visit some friends. And while I was away, walking the beaches of Cape Cod, I tried my best not to give the circus that passes for regional government back here a minute’s thought.

Yet every so often I’d pick up a copy of The Boston Globe and read about some ugly thing that Trump had said or done, or I’d see something that would remind me of the totally unfunny clown show we’ve been treated to for the past three and a half years inside Niagara’s regional council chambers.

One of those reminders came in the form a t-shirt I found hanging in an off-beat shop in Provincetown on the Cape, with words on it that read as follows –
I almost bought that t-shirt but I would rather wear one with words reading something like; ‘A Future to Believe In’, the slogan from Bernie Sanders’ 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, or the ‘Better Niagara’ slogan that a growing number of our fellow citizens in Niagara are adopting for the coming October 22nd municipal elections.

Come the morning after those elections, I hope to wake up in a Niagara region where we no longer have to face an image like the one below  ever again –

Enough of the clowns and the circus for now though.

We’ll get back to highlighting some of their lowest moments  over the past three and a half years as the campaign leading up to the  October 22^nd election day unfolds. Continue reading →

Doug Ford launches Commission of Inquiry to do Line-by-Line Audit of former Liberal government’s spending

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario’s new “Government for the People”

“I promised the people of Ontario that we would put an end to the party with your money. With this decisive action, that is exactly what we are doing. Promise made, promise kept.”                           – Ontario Premier Doug Ford

News from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted July 17th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

TORONTO — Ontario’s Government for the People is taking action to restore the people’s trust in the public finances.

(This July 17th) Premier Doug Ford joined with Vic Fedeli, Minister of Finance, and Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board, to announce unprecedented action to restore the public’s confidence in Ontario’s books. Continue reading →