Niagara At Large

Province Helping Boost Tourism, Create Jobs, Enhance Economic Growth

A News Release from the Constituency Office of St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Posted April 25^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Ontario is helping Niagara region attract investment and tourism, create jobs and enhance local economic growth by investing in the revitalization of the region’s downtown and main street areas.

Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines, and Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister Responsible for Small Business were in downtown St. Catharines today to make the announcement. The province is providing municipalities across Niagara region with up to $773,000 for a number of projects through the Main Street Revitalization Initiative, to help revitalize downtown and main street areas.

Vibrant main streets help attract visitors, create jobs and increase the competitiveness of small businesses, which are the backbone of our communities. Continue reading →

A News Release from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted April 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Niagara Falls Illumination Board will light up Niagara Falls in white light this evening, as a symbol of binational support following the horrific attack on pedestrians in Toronto yesterday afternoon.

In honour of those who were killed and/or injured as a result of the senseless act, both the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls will be illuminated from 9 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Continue reading →

Posted April 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Here so many of us were soaking up the warmth and sun on what began this Monday as the first really nice day of spring when a nightmare unfolded on the streets of Toronto.

It seems so very hard to get even a few hours break from bad news these days, and this was news on a shocking scale in a country where carnage like this is all but impossible to imagine.

Flowers and messages at make-shift memorial for victims following Toronto van attack

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families following  this shocking attack, and here are a few statements circulated in the aftermath by two of our political leaders. Continue reading →

A Column by Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted April 24th, 218 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper – The mayor of Pelham circulated the following column to media outlets for posting, and Niagara At Large is posting it knowing there may be a few in the region who will accuse the mayor of engaging in some municipal election year boosterism for his performance and that of his council.

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

What may be of more interest to the rest of us is that the water and waste water rates Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn is reporting here – based on hard numbers in the town’s budget – fly in the face of a narrative a group of Niagara regional councillors, including Port Colborne regional councillor and the Region’s corporate services committee chair David Barrick, have been advancing for more than a year now that Pelham’s financial picture is something akin to a train wreck.

In fact, check out the charts accompanying the mayor’s column and notice how Pelham’s water and waste water rates compare to those of other Niagara municipalities, including municipalities that are home base to some of the regional councillors pointing a damning finger at Augustyn and his council. Perhaps those should spend more time minding the financial affairs in their own municipalities.

You might want to ask those regional councillors about that during this municipal election year.

Now back to Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn’s column –

I am delighted that Council is set to approve a water and waste water budget at our next meeting where Pelham’s charges will be the lowest across Niagara again. Continue reading →

‘Ontario’s Liberal Government Had 15 Years To Fix Crisis In Long-Term Care’ – Cindy Forster

A News Release from the Ontario New Democrats and Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Welland (Niagara Centre) NDP MPP Cindy Forster in provincial legislature. file photo

Queen’s Park, Toronto  – Having spent seven years in office fighting for urgently needed long-term care beds in the Welland riding, MPP Cindy Forster asked the Liberal premier why the government has left Ontario seniors behind for over 15 years and only now – with 45 days left in office, making a last ditch attempt to win votes with empty promises.

“The people who built this province and built our communities deserve comfort and dignity as they age, but too many people in Welland – and across Ontario – cannot get the seniors care they need,” explained Forster. Continue reading →

         Student and part-time positions available across all departments

A News Release from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted April 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – Niagara Parks, one of the region’s largest employers with over 1,700 full-time and seasonal employees, will be hosting another Job Fair on Saturday, May 5 at Niagara Parks’ Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex.

Job Fairs allow Niagara Parks to showcase the seasonal job opportunities that exist within the organization each year, while providing individuals with an opportunity to connect directly with various departmental hiring managers. Representatives from Niagara Parks’ Human Resources Department will also be on-hand to help answer any questions. Continue reading →

Speech Focuses on Government’s Record of Making Life More Affordable and the Next Steps

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

A News Release from the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted April 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne was at the Canadian Club in Toronto this past Monday, April 23rd for a major speech about her government’s record and the next steps in the government’s plan for care and opportunity.

In front of a packed audience of over 400, the Premier spoke about the big changes her government has made over the past four years and the ways these bold, new steps are starting to ease the burdens families are under, restore fairness in the economy and help people get ahead in this period of rapid global change and uncertainty, including: Continue reading →

Join A Public Discussion On Developing A Rail Connection Between the Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York Area and Toronto

An Invite from Citizens for Regional Transit in Buffalo-Niagara, New York

Posted April 24th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

• Free and Open to All
  Tuesday, May 1, 2018
  5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
• First Presbyterian Church
  1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201

Buffalo, New York area Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins is featured speaker at this event.

Buffalo, New York – On Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 5:30 p.m., Citizens for Regional Transit (CRT) hosts a quarterly meeting featuring Congressman Brian Higgins with panelists Pat Whalen, Director of the Niagara Falls Global Tourism Institute and Bruce Becker, Vice President of the National Association of Rail Passengers.

When looking at a satellite image of the region between Toronto and Buffalo-Niagara, it becomes clear that it’s a contiguously urbanized area; we are part of a binational mega-region.

This linear arrangement of urban centers has a population of nine million people and a combined GDP of $450 billion. Continue reading →

We’ve Searched the Stars and So Far There Is  No Other Oasis –  There  Is No Planet B!

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 22nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

On the very first Earth Day – on April 22nd, 1970 – millions of people around the world rallied to bring an end to the greed and stupid at the root of the unsustainable polluting and plundering or what makes life possible on this planet.

The first Earth Day – April 22nd, 1970

That is me, wearing the gas mask and holding a sign reading; ‘If you Aren’t Part of the Solution, You Are Part of the Pollution’ sign, with some high school friends in the Niagara, Ontario community of Welland after we managed to talk our teachers into letting us out of class to participate in that first Earth Day.

Perhaps naively, many of us back then believed that a few massive rallies like this would be enough to put human communities around the world on the path to environmental sustainability. Continue reading →

Since The First Earth Day 48 Years Ago This April 22nd, Efforts To Protect The Environment Have Never Been Under Greater Siege

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 20th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

This past March 19th one more shameful moment in the brief history of humans on this planet.

On that date in Kenya, a country that was once (if no more)  one of the richest in terms of biodiversity, the very last male white rhinoceros on the planet – a rhino named Sudan, whose species is believed to have walked this earth long before humans crawled out of the slime, died following desperate efforts to mate him with the two last female white rhinos living in captivity.

Sudan, the last male white rhino in the world, dies this winter.

Sudan’s passing represents one more failure of our species, whose major missions seems to be to hunt and kill and junk up and destroy virtually all forms of life-sustaining habitat as we think we can without annihilating ourselves. Continue reading →

‘The Planet Isn’t Going Anywhere. We Are!’

An Earth Day Message from one of the 20^th Century’s greatest critics of the human species, George Carlin

Posted April 20th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

A  Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper – The following observations on the state of the planet seem more relevant for this Earth Day than they did when the late George Carlin first made them some two decades ago. And yes, dear readers, George, uses some of the seven words that (well, at least back then) you could never say on television. But I am leaving those words in on the grounds that no word in the English language is as obscene as what we collectively done to this beautiful planet.

Now here is an Earth Day message from George –

“We’re so self-important. So self-important. Everybody’s going to save something now. “Save the trees, save the bees, save the whales, save those snails.” And the greatest arrogance of all: save the planet.

What?!!! Continue reading →

News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission and Brock University

Posted April 20^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) promoting closer cooperation between The Niagara Parks Commission and Brock University was signed today by Niagara Parks Chair, Janice Thomson and Brock’s Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic, Tom Dunk.

Niagara Parks Chair Janice Thomson and Brock University Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic Tom Dunk sign the MOU

Niagara Parks and Brock have a history of collaboration that goes back decades. This new MOU is designed to enhance the stewardship and conservation practices of both organizations, while providing tangible results and educational/research opportunities for Brock students and faculty through their work with Niagara Parks and its staff. Continue reading →

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

Posted April 19th, 2018 on Niagara At Large 

Niagara, Ontario – The scourge of plastic pollution has gone from being an issue of awareness to one of alarm, as our roadsides, greenfields and oceans are increasingly stricken with bags and bottles that will take centuries to break down.

Second-year Physical Education student Niamh Haughley uses one of Brock’s 44 water bottle refilling stations. Photo courtesy of Brock University

As more people become aware of the urgency to reduce global consumption, Brock University is constantly striving to do its part — one bottle at a time.

Earth Day, coming up this Sunday, April 22, is an annual event, but some of Brock’s efforts are year-round initiatives as the University constantly reviews its conservation activities and sets its sights on future goals. Continue reading →

“As Premier, I will take immediate action to fire the entire scandal plagued Hydro One CEO and Board, should they fail to resign.” – Doug Ford

A News Release from the Ontario PC Party

Posted April 19^th, 2019 on Niagara At Large

Ontario PC Party leader Doug Ford does his populist thing again – this time with an invitation to Hydro One execs and board members to resign.

Toronto, Ontario — Doug Ford today called on the executives and insiders on the Hydro One Board to resign immediately.

Ford made his call following explosive revelations in the Globe and Mail newspaper. A mere six months before an election that promised to finally bring accountability to the company, the Hydro One Board secretly inserted a poison pill into the contract of the Hydro One CEO, that would allow him to cash in $10 million dollars in severance on the way out the door should he be fired. Continue reading →

‘PC Party Leader Doug Ford would  cut $5.2 billion from health care and the other public services that families count on, and give that money to profitable corporations like his company in the form of another tax cut.’ – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

A Statement from the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted April 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

“Doug Ford’s (‘Bring Back Jobs to Ontario’) announcement this April 18th showed Ontarians exactly where his priorities lay — and it’s not with everyday families and working people.

 Over the next four years, Ford will cut $5.2 billion from health care and the other public services that families count on, and give that money to profitable corporations like his company in the form of another tax cut. After 15 years of Liberal rule in Ontario, our hospitals and our children’s schools simply cannot take any more cuts.

Ford will not address the 32,000-person wait list for long-term care, he will not fix the hospital overcrowding and hallway medicine crisis, and he will never repair crumbling schools or make sure that folks can afford their prescriptions or to go to the dentist. Continue reading →

“This election is about change from the Wynne Liberals’ cuts and privatization. Folks in St. Catharines are ready for change – and I look forward to giving people here an option for not only change, but change for the better.” – St. Catharines’  Ontario NDP candidate Jennie Stevens

News from Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted April 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines city councilor Jennie Stevens is running as ‘Ontario NDP candidate in a St. Catharines riding held for decades by Liberal Jim Bradley.

Niagara, Ontario  – The St. Catharines New Democrats chose City Councillor Jennie Stevens as their candidate for the upcoming provincial general election at a meeting (this past) Monday (April 16th)  night.

 “I am honoured to be running as part of Andrea Horwath NDP team,” said Stevens.  “This election is about change from the Wynne Liberals’ cuts and privatization. Folks in St. Catharines are ready for change – and I look forward to giving people here an option for not only change, but change for the better.” Continue reading →

Twelve Year Increase For Pelham Is Less Than Inflation – Fourth Lowest of all Local Municipalities in Niagara

 (This Column is followed by an Afterword from Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper)

A Column from Dave Augustyn, Mayor for the Town of Pelham in Niagara, Ontario

Posted April 18th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Pelham, Ontario – If you pay your property taxes by installments, you will know that the second installment of your 2018 property tax bill comes due in two weeks (April 30). With this deadline approaching, I wanted to tell you about Pelham’s 2018 blended residential property tax increase – at 1.9% – and also to compare with other Cities and Towns.

You will recall that the amount of property tax you pay to the Town of Pelham, to the Niagara Region, and to the Province (for Education) is not solely based on the Market Value Assessment of your property by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC); one must multiply your assessment by each of these three tax rates and add them up for your total bill. Continue reading →

A News Release from the Supporters of Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff

Niagara West-Glanbrook PC Party MPP Sam Oosterhoof

Posted April 18th, 2018 on Niagara At-Large

Beamsville, Ontario  – Sam Oosterhoff, the Ontario PC Candidate for Niagara West will host the Grand Opening of his new Campaign Office this Saturday, April 21st at 10:30am at 5041 King Street, Unit #12 (Lincoln Kingsway Plaza), Beamsville. 

Sam has been working hard for the constituents of Niagara West-Glanbrook since his election on November 17, 2016.  He is honoured to be running for re-election to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the newly constituted provincial riding of Niagara West.   Continue reading →

Niagara’s Citizens Can – And Should – Still Call On Ombudsman’s Office To Do Independent Investigation

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

Posted April 17^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

It all went down rather neatly, didn’t it? Almost as if the fix was in before this past Thursday, April 12^th meeting of Niagara’s regional council even got started.

For this reporter, it was reminiscent of the shot gun meeting of the council Niagara’s regional chair, Al Caslin, scheduled for a Monday in the fall of 2016 for a vote to hire Carmen D’Angelo to the position of CAO (chief administrative officer) of our billion-dollars-a-year regional government operations in the first place.

Niagara regional chair Al Caslin at left, CAO Carmen D’Angelo at right. File photo by Doug Draper

In that case, there was what has become the usual flurry of worry and concern (to put it mildly) among more than a few members of the public and among too few regional council members when it became known that D’Angelo – who was CAO at a Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) already surrounded in controversy – was the one and only name being put forward for the regional council’s approval. Yet, without very much surprise, his hiring was approved by a vote of 17 to 8, with five regional councillors not showing up for the vote at all. Continue reading →

Province’s New Democratic Party Releases Fully Costed Election Platform 

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

“For years, we’ve switched between Liberals and Conservatives, and where has that gotten everyday Ontario families? Our hospitals are overcrowded and health care wait times are painfully long.” says the Ontario NDP leader. “Our children’s schools are crumbling and everyday costs for families have gone up while most people’s paycheques have not. …

Let’s stop settling for that. We can do better.” – Andrea Horwath – Ontario NDP Leader

News from Ontario’s New Democratic Party and its Leader, Andrea Horwath

Posted April 16th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Toronto, Ontario  – With Andrea Horwath as premier, all Ontarians will have better health care and a more affordable life with pharmacare, dental care, more affordable education and free or low-cost child care.

Horwath released her vision for Ontario on Monday with a fully costed platform in advance of the June election.  Continue reading →

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

  Province Supporting Two Local Organizations – Niagara Children’s Centre & Links for Greener Learning Inc

“The work of Links for Greener Learning Inc. and the Niagara Children’s Centre are inspiring and address the community needs in a significant way. Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, our government is able to support projects that make a difference in people’s lives and enrich our communities.”  — Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines

A News Release from the Constituency Office of St. Catharines Liberal MPP Jim Bradley

Posted April 16, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Ontario (the province’s Liberal government) is investing in local projects across the province to create opportunity for families and build healthy and vibrant communities. Continue reading →

Be There On Tuesday, April 17th at 6:30 P.M. In  Niagara Falls, Ontario. Everyone Invited

Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates hosting Town Hall on Healthcare in Ontario

An Invite from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

Posted April 16th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates will be joined by health experts as he hosts a town hall on healthcare that is free and open to the public.

The panelists will provide a brief introduction before turning the floor to residents to share their experiences with healthcare in Niagara.  Continue reading →

A News Release of Speaking Notes for PC Leader Doug Ford

Posted April 16th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

“Today (this past Sunday, April 15^th) is an exciting day. Not just for our team, but for everyone in Ontario.

Because today we are kicking off​ our campaign. We are getting our campaign into a new gear.

Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford kicks off party’s provincial election c ampaign

The people of Ontario are ready for real change. Ready for a government that is in it for the people. And together that is what we will deliver.

My friends, the problem facing Ontario is simple. You are working harder than ever before. And you are paying more than ever before. Continue reading →

News from the Constituency Office of Welland (Niagara Centre) NDP MPP Cindy Forster

Posted April 16th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Welland (Niagara Centre) NDP MPP Cindy Forster in provincial legislature. file photo

From the Hansard from the LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO – Monday 16 April 2018

Ms. Cindy Forster: My question is to the Premier. For almost two years, my constituent Norm Fowler and his 92-year-old wife, low-income seniors, have been fighting with Hydro One to get full compensation after hydro crews accidentally blew up their appliances at their rent-geared-to-income residence in Thorold.

That’s right, Speaker; 220 volts went through their building at 61 Ormond Street in Thorold, instead of the intended 110 volts, destroying the appliances. Hydro One is refusing to pay the full compensation of $1,100 to them. Continue reading →

A Brief Message from Doug Draper

Posted April 14th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Going by almost the forecast from almost every meteorologist across Southern Ontario and Western New York, not to mention those working for Environment Canada and the federal weather bureau in the U.S., the ice storm expected to hit this greater Niagara area later this Saturday and lasting through much of Sunday, could be a very destructive one.

Tree limbs, if not whole trees, are expected to fall through a wide area, causing power outages for possibly tens of thousands of people before the ice turns to rain that could cause extensive flooding in some areas.

So Niagara At Large may be unavailable through the weekend into Monday, but we will be back on the back side of this, and will be hoping, like most of you, that spring weather will finally break out.

Of course, for those of you out there who still believe that climate change and the severe weather that comes with it is a hoax, you have nothing to worry about.

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote.

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 by the Prime Minister of Canada on airstrikes in Syria

Posted April 14th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on airstrikes in Syria:

“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in last week’s attack in eastern Ghouta, Syria.

“Canada supports the decision by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to take action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against its own people. Continue reading →

Wynne’s Broken Promises Send Auto Rates In The Wrong Direction

Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates

A Statement by Ontario NDP transportation critic and Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

Posted April 13^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park – Ontario NDP transportation critic Wayne Gates issued the following statement:

“Once again Ontario drivers are being forced to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for their auto insurance because Kathleen Wynne broke her promise to bring down rates by 15 per cent. Continue reading →

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

Posted April 13^th,, 2018 on Niagara At Large

This exam room and all others will be closed at Brock University this Saturday, April 14th due to ice storm threat

Niagara, Ontario – Brock University is cancelling all exams scheduled for Saturday, April 14 after Environment Canada declared the growing likelihood of an ice storm this weekend.

To minimize travel and protect personal safety, exams scheduled for Saturday will now take place on Thursday, April 26. Times and location will be posted next week.

Some 55 exams had been scheduled for throughout the day Saturday, starting in the morning and running until 10 p.m.

In addition, the annual Sankey Lecture hosted by Brock’s Department of History that was scheduled for Sunday has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. Continue reading →

A News Release from Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party

Posted April 13^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford vows to axe Hydro One boss

Toronto, Ontario — This April 12th, Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford  announced his intention to fire the current CEO, as well as the entire Board, of Hydro One, and put an end to the Liberal practice of making millionaires on the backs of taxpayers, should the Ontario PCs form government after June 7.  

 “It is morally indefensible, at a time when seniors are fearful of heating their own homes, when businesses are closing down and good jobs are moving out of our province, and when taxpayers are facing financial hardships – all due to skyrocketing hydro bills – that this Board and this CEO are laughing themselves to the bank,” said Ford. Continue reading →

P.R. Campaign Launched On How Great Niagara Has Been Doing Over Past Three Years

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 13^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – An issue that seemed to have lots of Niagara area residents up in arms in recent days over what is going on in regional government is being addressed.

Niagara regional chair Al Caslin

This past Thursday, April 12^th, following a protest rally engaged in by a couple dozen people in front of Niagara’s regional headquarters, The Region’s Chair Al Caslin remained at the helm while a majority on the regional council agreed to direct the ADR Chambers – the firm already on contract to investigate code of conduct complaints for the Caslin council – to investigate any and all allegation that 2016 process for hiring the Region’s current CAO, Carmen D’Angelo, may have been compromised or corrupted.

There was no request by anyone on the regional council that Caslin, whose office may have been the source of a confidential memo Angelo is alleged to have received about other candidates for the CAO position before he was hired, should step aside during the Thursday night discussion over how to address the allegation,

Caslin simply went on – totally uncontested – chairing the proceedings, while D’Angelo sat to his right, looking relative calm as if all of this was just another evening of regional council business. Continue reading →

One week only –  April 23rd to -27th

A News Release from Niagara’s regional government

Posted April 13^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Residents across Niagara are being asked to bring their batteries to the curb for a special one-week collection this spring.

Residents of single-family homes and apartments with up to six units will be able to place their used or unwanted batteries at the curb on their regular collection day the week of April 23 – 27.

This special, one-week only collection gives residents in all Niagara municipalities the opportunity to conveniently keep used and unwanted batteries out of our landfills. All batteries collected will be recycled. Continue reading →

Investigation In To Alleged Irregularities Around Hiring Of CAO Carmen D’Angelo Must Be As Independent As Possible

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

Posted April 11th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Okay, let me try to put what  I am about to say as bluntly as I can without restoring  any of the seven words George Carlin once warned against ever  using on television.

Niagara regional chair Al Caslin should keep his nose out of the CAO hiring contrsoversy

That’s my pledge to keep my language as clean as possible. So with that and three deep breaths, here I go –

There is no damn way in a fair and just world that Niagara regional chair Al Caslin or anyone else who had anything directly to do with the selection of candidates for the Region’s top staff position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO ) two years ago should have anything to do with an investigation into alleged irregularities or wrongdoing around the hiring of the Region’s current CAO, Carmen D’Angelo.

That means absolutely anything! In the interest of avoiding any perception of a conflict of interest, it means nothing at all! Continue reading →

This free one-day event features films from Jay Cheel and Edward Burtynsky

News from the FirstOntario Performing Arts in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted April 10^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – In celebration of the fifth annual National Canadian Film Day the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre will offer a free screening of two documentaries in The Film House on Wednesday 18 April at 7pm.

National Canadian Film Day’s mandate is to encourage all Canadians to celebrate the incredible achievements of the nation’s filmmakers.

 Last year, National Canadian Film Day 150 was an event of unprecedented size and scope, which reached an astonishing number of people across the country and around the world. This year The Film House is proud to present two documentaries made by local St. Catharines filmmakers. Continue reading →

“We are learning seemingly every week that there is truly ‘something rotten in Denmark’. …The citizens of Niagara deserve the best people and a government with the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Anything less is not acceptable.”

A Commentary by Dennis Edell, Niagara Chapter president for Trout Unlimited Canada

Posted April 10th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region’s CAO Carmen D’Angelo. Less than two years into his contract, is it time for him to say goodbye?

Niagara, Ontario  – The St. Catharines Standard last week (April 6th) reported that their dogged investigative journalists had uncovered a memo from Niagara regional chair Alan Caslin’s office that was sent to Carmen D’Angelo who was then one of several candidates for the regional Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) job.

This shocking memo – reportedly disclosed to Mr. D’Angelo – the names and bios of the other candidates for the position for which he was vying.

At that point the competition to find a suitable candidate for the highest non-elected municipal office in Niagara was hopelessly polluted.  Any chance of a fair competition to find the best person for the most important job in the Region was lost. Continue reading →

Motion Also Calls for Local Municipalities To Appoint Members With Proper “Skillset” for Conservation to NPCA Board

A News Commentary from Doug Draper

Posted April 10^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s current CAO Mark Brickell fails to convince Port Colborne’s city council enough to defeat motion calling for sweeping out current NPCA board.

Niagara, Ontario – Following efforts by the NPCA’s CAO Mark Brickell to defend the Niagara Peninsula Conservative for its “effectiveness” and its “openness and transparency,” Port Colborne’s city council voted to approve a motion to have the NPCA’s board replaced with individuals appointed by local municipalities rather than the regional government.

The motion, tabled by Port Colborne city councillor Barbara Butters, will be circulated to other local councils in Niagara for consideration and reads as follows –

WHEREAS Port Colborne City Council is aware of concerns in the community that the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has demonstrated an inability to operate as an effective, open and transparent Conservation Authority, that respects its mandate; Continue reading →

Province Partners with Local Business to Strengthen Economy and Create Jobs

Silversmith Brewing Company brings a wealth of character and charm to the region, and this partnership will contribute to our community’s continued prosperity.” — Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines

A News Release from the  Constituency Office of St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Posted April 10th, 2018 on Niagara At Large  

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Niagara, Ontario – Ontario is partnering with Silversmith Brewing Company to help create 10 jobs and retain 15 existing positions in Niagara.

Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines, made the announcement today at Silversmith Brewing Company on behalf of Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business.

Silversmith Brewing Company is an independent craft beer brewery known for its award-winning Black Lager — a first of its kind in Ontario. Continue reading →

Region Should Leave It To Local Municipalities To Appoint Board Members With Proper “Skillset” For Conservation To NPCA

Motion Is On The Table For Debate This Monday, April 9th When Port Colborne Council Meets At 6:30 P.M.

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 9^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Port Colborne city councilor Barbara Butters to table motion calling for total overhaul of NPCA board and the way board members are appointed.

Niagara, Ontario – This past November, Port Colborne’s city council was the first of a number of local councils across Niagara to call on the Ontario government to establish the powers to take control of a Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) a majority on that council argued has demonstrated a lack of will and ability to carry out a conservation mandate in an effective, open and transparent manner.

This Monday, April 9^th, the same Port Colborne council may be the first to call on Niagara’s regional government to turn to Niagara’s 12 local municipalities’ responsibilities for appointing members to the NPCA’s board of directors for the very same reason.

“Port Colborne City Council is aware of concerns in the community that the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has demonstrated an inability to operate as an effective, open and transparent Conservation Authority, that respects its mandate,” says the motion expected to be tabled at Port Colborne council meeting by City Councillor Barbara Butters. Continue reading →

 A Message from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission

Posted April 8^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Niagara Falls Illumination Board will illuminate Niagara Falls in the colours of green and gold this evening (Sunday, April 8^th), as a symbol of binational support for the residents of Humboldt, Saskatchewan as they deal with the pain and shock emanating from Friday’s terrible crash.

In honour of those who were killed or injured, both the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls will be illuminated from 9:00 p.m. to 9:15 pm. Continue reading →

A message from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 7th, 2018

At least these flowers have been in bloom inside our kitchen window.

Due to some gremlins on this side and more than a few sleepless nights over the past week, some news and commentary pieces have been sent out to our subscribers and other readers more than once.

That has certainly been the case with one of the latest commentaries, headlined – Niagara Regional Chair, CAO Have A Lot To Answer For.

If you shared a comment with Niagara At Large on any of the earlier versions of this on any other piece that popped up more than once, you would have to resend that comment in the comment area available under the latest posted version. We cannot post comments for other people.

Very sorry for any inconvenience or confusion this has caused.

We ask for your patience and some real spring weather would be nice too.

Stay Tune for more news and commentary on Niagara At Large in the days and weeks ahead.

NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space below the Bernie quote.

For more news and commentary from Niagara At Large – an independent, alternative voice for our greater binational 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

If St. Catharines Standard Story is Correct, both Al Caslin and Carmen D’Angelo should be fired out of their jobs – ASAP!

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 7th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

I do not often send Niagara At Large  readers off to other venues for news. I prefer to keep them here, but please listen up because this is different.

If you are reside in Niagara, Ontario – if you live, work and pay taxes in this region – then the front page story in the Friday, April 6th edition of The St. Catharines Standard is a MUST READ.

There are many good people who were opposed to the hiring of Carmen D’Angelo, who was CAO at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) to the position of Chief Administrative Officer of Niagara’s regional government right from the start. Continue reading →

Regional Chair’s ‘Shape Niagara’ Strategic Planning Pitch Carries  The Stench  Of An Election Year Stunt

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted updated to April 6th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Declaring he has his “hands on the wheel (and) eyes on the road,” Niagara regional chair Al Caslin delivers his ‘State of the Region’ address late this March to a Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce audience. Photo by Doug Draper

It was the last week of March – Wednesday, March 28^th, 2018, to be precise – and I was returning from the luncheon the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce hosts each year for the “State of the Region” address.

The address was delivered by Niagara’s regional chair Al Caslin and even by his standards, it was one of the most anaemic speeches I have heard from an elected leader in my more than 35 years of covering these things.

What may have been intended as applause lines from Caslin’s address, including one about how Niagara Region was going to “rise above local politics, media headlines and deliver what residents want” were still lumbering around my mind, when I opened up my computer to a news release from Niagara’s regional government with a headline on it that read – “Have Your Say On The Niagara Regional Council’s 2019 – 2022 Strategic Plan.” Continue reading →

A News Release from Niagara, Ontario’s Regional Government

Posted April 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Join Niagara Region in celebrating Earth Week 2018 by participating in the following activities, which are provided to residents free of charge. Finish off the week with Earth Day on April 22, 2018 and celebrate the largest environmental event in the world at home with your family and friends.

Recycling Centre Tour – Wednesday, April 18, 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
4935 Kent Ave., Niagara Falls

The sorting plant where our recycled waste goes

Join Niagara Region and Niagara Recycling for a 45-minute guided tour of Niagara Region’s Recycling Centre. Learn first-hand about the machines, processes and people that sort, bale and ship your recyclables. Continue reading →

Chamber  wants to have it Both Ways – Affordable Energy Bills and Costly Nuclear Power Plant too

A News Release from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a province-wide citizens group

Posted April 5th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has spent the last few years predicting that rising electricity prices would doom the province’s businesses and drive its economy into the ditch.

So it is a bit puzzling that the Chamber, in a piece of “research” sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), favours keeping a nuclear plant with the highest operating costs in North America running until 2024 instead of importing low-cost water power from Quebec.

The Chamber sees a potential business bonanza in the billions of dollars that OPG intends to spend on rebuilding old reactors. Which is great if you are a supplier of nuclear components. Continue reading →

A Brief Message from NAL reporter and publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 4^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Join the call for justice for former NPCA employee Jocelyn Baker

Since Niagara At Large posted a commentary this past April 3rd by a new group called Friends of Jocelyn Baker, many people have already emailed us or taken to Facebook and other social media venues to encourage even more people to join the call for justice for the former NPCA employee who has been sued by a Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority that has a record of using our tax dollars to sue, censure or throw out of work individuals who say and do things it doesn’t like.

The following Call-Out by Niagara, Ontario resident Emily Beth is an example of what has been happening since the commentary from Friends of Jocelyn Baker was posted on NAL this April 3rd, and her is some of it followed by Emily Beth’s Facebook link so that you can read the rest –

PLEASE HELP: Longtime former Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority employee Jocelyn Baker needs our support. WRITE OUR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE NPCA BOARD AND LET THEM KNOW YOU SUPPORT JOCELYN AND THE LAWSUIT MUST BE DROPPED. Continue reading →

MLK was cut down by the ill-winds of anger and hate on April 4th, 1968

A Comment from Gary Screaton Page, a Fort Erie resident and regular Niagara At Large reader

Posted April 4th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech still sends shivers up my spine.

Without question he was a gifted orator. The speech is truly one of the greatest ever delivered. I keep it mounted on my office wall: a continual reminder of how love can conquer hate.

What a contrast to the diatribes of Donald Trump as he Tweets his lies and venom: hateful writing far too often.
Continue reading →

‘The taxpayers of Niagara do not fund the NPCA with their tax dollars so that it can pursue lawsuits, under any circumstance, against private citizens. We expect the NPCA to spend our money on conservation efforts.’

A Message from Friends of Jocelyn Baker, a Niagara, Ontario-based citizen group organized in support of former NPCA employee Jocelyn Baker.

Posted April 3rd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Something significant may have happened at the board meeting of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) this past March 26th.

Former NPCA employee and respected watershed restoration expert Jocelyn Baker still facing NPCA lawsuit – a legal suit filed against a member of the public with public tax funded  dollars. When will the use of our tax money to go after citizens end?

Welland Mayor Frank Campion, one of the majority of politicians Niagara’s regional council appointed to the 15-member board, appeared to make a move towards common sense leadership that has rarely been demonstrated by this board.

The details are a little bit thin at the moment but it appears that Mayor Campion has started a motion that could result in the board reconsidering the NPCA decision to sue former employee Jocelyn Baker.

The NPCA launched legal action against Baker in response to an email she sent last year to Niagara area MPP Cindy Forster.  The email apparently described conditions of employment at the NPCA that included harassment of staff.

For reasons unknown, Baker – respected on both sides of the Niagara River for her dedicated efforts to restore and protect the watershed – was terminated from the NPCA more than a year ago after 23 years of service. Shortly thereafter she sent the email to her MPP. Continue reading →

“I have some very sad news for all of you, and, I think, sad news for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world; and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and was killed tonight in Memphis, Tennessee.” – from a brief statement by then Senator and U.S. presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy, in Indianapolis, Indiana on the evening of April 4th, 1968

A Brief Commentary and Remembrance by Doug Draper

Posted April 2^nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

He was, without a word of doubt from this commentator, one of the most passionate and courageous voices for brotherly and sisterly love, for peace from war and for social justice who walked the surface of this earth in the last hundred years.

Fifty years ago this April 4^th, 2018, Martin Luther King, the great civil rights leader who dared to dream of a day when his children and all children will live in a world where “they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character,” was cut by forces of anger and hate while in Memphis, Tennessee, supporting striking a group of grossly underpaid and exploited sanitation workers. Continue reading →

You are invited to a meeting in Niagara, Ontario on April 5th and in Hamilton, Ontario on April 23rd

More details on Ontario Health Coalition Upcoming Events and Meetings Below

A Call-Out from the Ontario Health Coalition

Posted April 2nd, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Local health care coalitions are working on fighting hospital cuts, protecting public health care for all, against privatization and 2-tier user fees for patients, improving home care and long-term care, stopping the privatization of primary care, improving quality and reducing wait times, protecting democratic decision-making and public access to information about our health care institutions and system.

Local coalitions are open to anyone who is interested and who supports the aims and values of the health coalition — to safeguard and improve public health care for all under the principles of equity and fairness that are embodied in the Canada Health Act. Continue reading →

Stealing  a Page from Trump Playbook, Long-time Friendly Neighbours Ramp Up For Cross-Border Trade War of their Own

Niagara At Large is posting the tit-for-tat statement from the Office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

April 2nd, 2018 (April Fool’s Day if over. The following statement really came from the Ontario Premier’s Office.)

Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement this April 2nd on the introduction of an Ontario regulation to level the playing field in response to New York State’s “Buy American” legislation:

Hey, New York State, want a cross-border trade war? It’s an election year in Ontario and province’s premier is vowing to fight back.

“I have consistently supported open and competitive procurement because it helps create good jobs on both sides of the border, but it has to be a two-way street. When Ontario workers and businesses are threatened by protectionist U.S. actions I have no choice but to respond. I will not let New York, or any other state, tilt the field in their favour without taking appropriate action.

Last month Ontario passed the Fairness in Procurement Act, 2018, so that the province would have the ability to respond to unfair “Buy American” practices by U.S. states, including those which took effect in New York State this April 1st. Continue reading →

Canadian, U.S. Leaders Discuss Swapping Tar-Stained Alberta for Democrat-Infested, West Coast States

Posted April 1^st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump have reportedly set aside trade talks between the two countries and Mexico to focus on what could be a milestone agreement to swap the Province of Alberta for three west coast states of California, Oregon and Washington.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump negotiating unprecedented land swap between two countries.

If the agreement goes through, Canada stands to benefit from the inclusion of three states that, in the case of California alone, represent an economic powerhouse rivalling the European Union and Great Britain combined.

And what does the United States have to gain from all this.

First and foremost, the U.S. would adopt a province that is very much like the coal-mining state of West Virginia in the sense that both are largely tied to sources of energy more relevant to economic growth the 19^th and 20^th centuries. In the case of Alberta, of course, that energy is oil derived from tar strip mined from the province’s once lush, forested northern regions. Continue reading →

“The (Hydro One) CEO’s $6.2-million paycheque is over eight times what the CEO made when Hydro One was owned by the people of Ontario.” – Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A Statement from Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted March 31st, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park, Toronto – Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath issued the following statement regarding pay raises at Hydro One:

 “Seeing the executives at Hydro One take massive raises is a slap in the face to the hard-working Ontario families being gouged on their hydro bills as a result of Kathleen Wynne’s disastrous sell-off of our public utilities. Continue reading →

“This investment by the Ontario government reaffirms its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions on university campuses. This will allow the province of Ontario and its post-secondary institutions to lead by example when it comes to being energy efficient.” – St. Catharines MPP and Ontario Liberal government member Jim Bradley

A News Release from Brock  University

Posted March 31, 2018 on Niagara At Large 

An aerial view of Brock University’s campus above the Niagara Escarpment in St. Catharines, Ontario

Niagara, Ontario  – The second phase of a massive project to upgrade Brock University’s co-generation power facility is moving forward after an Ontario government funding announcement made Tuesday, March 27 in Toronto.

The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) announced $85.2 million in funding for eight Ontario universities through its Greenhouse Gas Campus Retrofits Program (GGCRP) Innovation Grant Fund. The GGCRP is designed to help post-secondary institutions reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. Continue reading →

‘Peter Kormos was known around Ontario as a champion for working class people.’

A News Release from Sudbary, Ontario area MPP and NDP health critic France Gélinas

Posted March 30th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Peter Kormos, a long-time political representative in Niagara and champion for everyday people across Ontario, passed away five years ago this spring at age 60. His fighting spirit is sorely missed now.

Queen’s Park, Toronto — This March 29th, MPP France Gélinas introduced the Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Trillium Gift of Life Network Amendment) and An Act to amend the Labour Relations Act, 1995 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Kormos’ passing.

An ardent supporter of organ donation, Kormos made many speeches and introduced numerous pieces of legislation to expand organ collection in Ontario. The Peter Kormos Memorial Act (Trillium Gift of Life Network Amendment) would amend the Trillium Gift of Life Network Act to have people opt out of organ donation rather than opt in.

If a person, or their representative, objects to any organ donation, no donation will take place. Continue reading →

“We, your teachers in Buffalo and across the country, are very proud of you. You give us hope for the future.”

“Don’t give up hope. We are with you.”

Posted by Doug Draper this March 30th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

The March For Our Lives rally this March 2018 in Buffalo, New York. Photo by Doug Draper

While in Buffalo, New York visiting a loved one this past March 29th,  I opened the latest (March 28th) issue of a weekly Buffalo area paper called ‘The Public’ to a message that is very moving and worth sharing with everyone during these often troubled times.

The message came in the form of a full-page open letter from members of the Buffalo Teachers Association. It was a message  to their young students and to so many others who organized and participated in ‘March For Our Lives’ rallies across the United States and other countries, including Canada, around this world earlier this March.

As I read the teachers’ open letter, I remember thinking that when I was a high school student in late 1960s, going into the 1970s, I had a few great teachers who encouraged us to go out and rally for peace, environmental protection and other issues that we faced in our present and future lives. Continue reading →

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

“The good news—in a few short months we are going to bring in an NDP government that will end hallway medicine, make life more affordable for working families and seniors, help students address their student debt, and solve our long-term care crisis.” – Wayne Gates

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

Posted March 30th, 2018, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario — In the wake of  Ontario’s Wynne government tabling its 2018 budget this March 28th, NDP MPP for Niagara Falls Wayne Gates made the following statement regarding the 2018 provincial budget:

Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates in Ontario legislature. File photo

“The key highlights of this budget are truly a disappointment for working people in Niagara. There is nothing in this budget to help middle class families get ahead, nothing to end hallway medicine in Niagara and it surely does not solve our long-term care crisis.
No matter how the Liberals may want to spin this, the budget does not provide Ontarians with universal prescription drug coverage or dental care that they deserve. Their dental plan isn’t up to the job–$50 a year for dental for children wouldn’t even pay for a single check-up.

There is nothing in this budget to make housing more affordable for renters in Niagara. Continue reading →

But Chamber Also Urges Ontario Government to show Deficit Caution

A News Release from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Posted March 29th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Government of Ontario released its 2018 budget this past Wednesday, March 28th.

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) had previously offered comments from Niagara’s business community at a budget consultation on January 29th with MPP Yvan Baker, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, and MPP Jim Bradley, St. Catharines. The GNCC also submitted written comments directly to Finance Minister Charles Sousa.

We acknowledge the Government of Ontario’s openness and its collaborative attitude, and are pleased to see our suggestions reflected in some of the budgetary items announced today. Continue reading →

A News Release from Niagara College in Niagara, Ontario

Posted March 29th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara College President Dan Patterson

Niagara, Ontario – The Ontario government’s 2018 budget investments will ensure more students have access to college programs that open the door to rewarding and meaningful employment.

“The budget delivers some important investments in student success,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “Niagara College graduates are driving the growth of key industries in Niagara, and this will help us produce more grads who provide the skills and knowledge that is pivotal to success in today’s economy.” Continue reading →

Ontario Continuing to Invest in Health Care, Child Care and Transit

“Whether it’s providing free child care, making prescription drugs free for everyone 65 and over through OHIP+, or expanding GO rail transit to Niagara, our government understands the needs of our community and is willing to make investments that will help more families get ahead.” Jim Bradley, MPP, St. Catharines

St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

A News Release from the Constituency Office of St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley

Posted March 29^th, 2018 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This past Wednesday, March 28^th, the government released the 2018 Budget, which includes significant new investments in health care, child care, home care, and transit, along with new measures to create more job opportunities for people across the Niagara Region.

If passed, the 2018 Budget would expand OHIP+ with free prescription drugs for everyone 65 and over, improve mental health care and addictions services, and introduce free preschool child care for children aged two-and-a-half until eligible for kindergarten. Continue reading →