Niagara At Large

“With a 1.74 per cent increase that still addresses the concerns in our community … we’re showing the ability to be responsive to resident concerns.” – Mat Siscoe, Mayor of St. Catharines

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

Posted Thursday, November 20^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – With residents across Niagara now still facing the possibility of a property tax hike as high as 10 per cent on the Region’s portion of the tax bill and the Niagara Regional Police Service board recently approving a hike of 11.5 per cent for 2026 – both figures well above the rate of inflation – how, exactly, does the City of St. Catharines manage to keep its increase down to 1.74 per cent for the coming year?

Someone out there is going to have to have to help me explain that one.

Could it have anything to do with Niagara’s regional government baring a disproportionate burden of the services here, from public transit to waste management, policing and water & wastewater, with little or nothing in the way of financial relief from the provincial government?

And if so, why aren’t our regional councillors putting up more of a fight over that with the province’s premier, Doug Ford?

Enough of this; “Well regional government is a creature of the province and there is only so much we can do.” Get more aggressive on our behalf!

Now here is the City of St. Catharines news release on its budget for 2026 –

St. Catharines City Hall

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe waived the mayoral veto period for the 2026 multi-year budget on Thursday, finalizing the City of St. Catharines’ budget by accepting City Council amendments tabled Nov. 19.

This marks the conclusion of the budget process under the Strong Mayor legislation introduced by the Province of Ontario in 2023. Continue reading →

See City’s Public Notice and Details for Time and Location of This Meeting Immediately Below

Posted November 21^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Notice of Public Information Centre – 8 Carleton St. S. Parking Lot Extension

The City of Thorold is hosting a Public Information Centre (PIC) to gather feedback from residents on the proposed design for 8 Carleton St S. Parking Lot Extension.  At the November 18 Council meeting, staff presented a memorandum for the extension of the Parking Lot.  Council directed staff to hold a PIC to present alternative designs and obtain feedback from residents. Continue reading →

A Message from the Green Party of Ontario

Posted November 21^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Did you know that Ontario’s electricity rates went up by 29 per cent earlier this month?

At the same time, 700,000 Ontarians are out of work.

We have a solution for both, but (the province’s premier) Doug Ford is blocking it.

While the government is spending billions of your taxpayer dollars on temporary rebates to cover up this massive hike on your hydro bill, the real problem – expensive, unreliable energy – is getting worse. And you’re paying the cost. Continue reading →

“This is not a partisan issue. It is a matter of safety, justice, and moral responsibility. We cannot allow underfunding, bureaucracy, or political inaction to stand in the way of real justice and real protection for our children and families.”              – Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

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

Posted November 21^st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch in provincial legislature

​QUEEN’S PARK — Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch is renewing his call, urging the provincial government to take immediate, concrete steps within its jurisdiction to fix Ontario’s overwhelmed courts and justice system to strengthen community safety.

“Earlier this year, I wrote to this government offering to work together on improving community safety following a sexual assault in our community in Welland that left families, parents, and residents horrified.”

“Today (November 20^th, 2025), I am again calling for action to address the systemic failures that continue to put public safety at risk” Burch stated. Continue reading →

Niagara Region’s Council Should Not Pile The Cost Of More Development Charges On the Backs of Already Struggling Ratepayers

A  Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted November 20^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Tell our elected members of Niagara Regional Council to make developers pay their fair share of the costs of living and doing business in our region. Don’t let big-time, for profit developers run away with any more of our hard-earned money.

Tonight – at this Thursday, November 20^th meeting of Niagara Regional Council – we who live, work and pay property taxes in Niagara will find out who on our Regional Council is representing us, and who is representing the private interests of the big-time, for profit members of the development industry.

This Thursday evening a motion is coming forward from Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa asking our regional government to cover the development charges for an outfit called Two Sisters Resorts Corp. to help cover the costs of building an underground parking lot for a hotel it wants to build at the former Parliament Oak School in the town. Continue reading →

“When it comes to health care, in Fort Erie, Douglas Memorial Hospital’s urgent care centre is closed overnight, and has faced service cuts and daily closures over the summer, despite serving a growing community of nearly 40,000 residents. The Premier’s response over the summer was simply to shrug it off, and it is completely missing from this Economic Statement.”                              – Wayne Gates Niagara Falls NDP MPP whose riding includes Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

Posted November 20^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) says the Ford government’s Fall Economic Statement (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bSvGCITOu-61_jVHKGwYbOr3CE7xw__m/view) misses the mark for Niagara families who are struggling with rising costs and waiting on long-promised improvements to local services.

“People in Niagara feel abandoned by this government’s broken promises and lack of urgency,” said Gates. “We have an affordability crisis across Niagara and the province. Costs for rent, groceries, utilities and everyday needs for families have spiraled out of control after seven years of Doug Ford. And once again, the Ford government has failed to deliver for Niagara.” Continue reading →

“The lack of consultation with the community is a violation of public trust. We feel let down by our representatives, but there is still time to make this right.”                                                                   – Gloria Leahey, a resident living near Memorial Park and representative of Friends of Memorial Park

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 19^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Gloria Leahey (centre and behind podium), a Thorold resident and represetative of Friends of Memorial Park, addresses Thorold’s city council about concerns over plans to extend a parking lot into the park.

Thorold, Ontario – Facing down a gallery full of residents living around Thorold’s historic Memorial Park, the city’s council pushed the pause button this November 18^th on a controversial plan to extend a parking lot into the historic park.

“I would rather wait two or three months and do this right,” concluded Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini after agreeing to a request from the residents on a request from the residents for a public meeting they say should have taken place before any idea of extending parking into the park was placed before council.

“Astonishment, disbelieve, frustration. These words describe how many Thorold residents feel after having learned, just a few days ago, that the city plans to tear up greenspace in Memorial Park to, in the memorable words of the great musician Joni Mitchell; ‘put up a parking lot’,” said Gloria Leahey, who lives near the park and who spoke at the November 18^th council meeting on behalf of a recently formed residents group called Friends of Memorial Park. Continue reading →

“Despite the Premier’s promise to build an iron ring around long-term care, more seniors are making complaints about the system than at any other point in Ontario’s history – these are the same seniors that built our province and they deserve dignity, safety, and respect.” – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

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

Posted November 18^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) is sounding the alarm after the Patient Ombudsman’s newest annual report (https://patientombudsman.ca/Portals/0/documents/patient-ombudsman-annual-report-2024-25.pdf) revealed a record number of complaints about long-term care and healthcare, the highest in the office’s history.

Gates pressed the Premier (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bf39uYV6-QlssrMgi_rUHKow0Pf3_o3S/view) in Question Period this November 18th, 2025, demanding immediate action to fix a system that is “clearly breaking under this government’s push toward privatization. Continue reading →

Animal Alliance of Canada – “Hundreds of deer face slaughter if the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks proceeds to reduce the population in Short Hills Provincial Park from 400 to 48.”

“The belief that there are ‘too many’ deer reflects a Ministry value judgment”, said Barry MacKay, Wildlife Advisor to Animal Alliance of Canada.” The deer don’t damage the environment. They are part of it. – Barry MacKay, Wildlife Advisor to Animal Alliance of Canada

A Message from the Animal Alliance of Canada, a a federally incorporated non-profit organization committed to the protection of all animals and to the promotion of a harmonious relationship among humans, non-humans and the environment

Posted November 18^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks claims that despite the yearly six-day deer hunt, the population of deer remains too high at 400 animals and must be reduced to 48 to protect Short Hills Park (located on lands stretching across the municipal borders of St. Catharines, Thorold and Pelham). In order to achieve this goal the Ministry must kill over 350 deer.

“The Ministry has not said how the goal of 48 would be achieved since the park boundaries are contiguous with good deer habitat all around the park, allowing migrating deer to cross the boundaries”, said Liz White, Founding Director, Animal Alliance of Canada. Continue reading →

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

Posted November 17^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

QUEEN’S PARK, Ontario — (This November 17^th, 2025) Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch tabled thousands more petitions calling on the Ontario Government to restore urgent care services in Port Colborne and Fort Erie.

“It’s now been 866 days since Port Colborne and Fort Erie lost their after-hours services, and residents are still waiting for basic answers from this government, including when these essential services will be restored.

Additionally, the community is rapidly growing. This petition rightfully calls for access to diagnostic services, including laboratory testing and medical imaging, as well as the retention of complex care beds,” Burch said. Continue reading →

The cenotaph in Thorold’s historic Memorial Park, dedicated to those from the community who sacrificed their lives in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Even though the park has been designated a heritage site under the Ontario Heritage Act, the City of Thorold is now targeting some of its grounds for a parking lot expansion.

“Memorial Park is a three-acre, passive park that has been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. It is located behind the Ontario Paper Seniors’ Centre at the corner of Albert St. E. and Chapel St. S. This lovely park is filled with beautiful, mature trees and is the site of the City’s War Memorial.”                  – a few words from the City of Thorold’s own website about the significance of this park to the community and city’s heritage.

A Call-Out to everyone who cares about preserving public spaces to keep Memorial Park  green by Tami J. Friedman, who lives  in the neighbourhood surrounding park

‘Please join us at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m., at Thorold City Hall, 3540 Schmon Parkway.’

Posted November 17th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

A recent autumn day in Thorold’s Memorial Park where people have gathered for generations to honour those from the community who have fought and died in past wars. Now the City of Thorold is considering a plan to pave some of it over for parking. Photo courtesy of Friends of Memorial Park.

“They Paved Paradise …. “

Do you value greenspace in your community?

Do you believe municipal governments should consult local residents before putting it on the chopping block? If so, there is cause for alarm.

Memorial Park is a beautiful, inviting park in downtown Thorold that serves the entire community. It’s a place where people go to read and relax, where children play, where trees provide respite and calm, where the war memorial offers a site for quiet contemplation. It is a public space used and enjoyed by all of us.

It is a classic “public good.”

Continue reading →

This Coming Wednesday, November 19^th, 2025 at 7 P.M. (See Details Below)

Sponsored by the Niagara District Council of Women   

Posted November 16^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

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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 and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

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

‘At the awards, Anna Olson was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Chef Anna Olson is one of Canada’s most celebrated culinary figures: a classically trained pastry chef, bestselling author, and television host whose warmth and expertise have inspired home cooks and professionals alike.’

News from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and Women in Niagara

Mishka Balsom, CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC)

Posted November 16^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) and Women in Niagara (WIN) presented the 2025 Women in Business Awards, powered by RBC, in a ceremony held at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel in Niagara Falls, attended (this past

“We are proud to celebrate the remarkable women shaping Niagara,” said Mishka Balsom, CEO of the GNCC. “Their accomplishments remind us of what’s possible when talent and purpose come together. We hope their example will empower more women and girls to lead, create, and inspire.” Continue reading →

New hospital will protect Ontario’s health-care system and connect more people in West Niagara to high-quality care closer to home

Grimsby, Ontario Mayor jeff Jordan

“The opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby is more than the unveiling of a building — it is the realization of a shared dream. It stands as a symbol of hope, unity and perseverance, built by a community that refused to give up. It is not only a place where generations are born, healed and cared for, but where the community continues to grow stronger for the future. Together, we have not just built a hospital — we have strengthened the very heart of West Niagara.”                         – Jeff Jordan, Mayor, Town of Grimsby

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted November 14^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

GRIMSBY, in Niagara, Ontario — The Ontario government is celebrating the grand opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby, which delivers on a key government promise to connect more people in West Niagara to more convenient, high-quality hospital care, closer to home.

A computerized image of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the Niagara, Ontario Town of Grimsby

This project is one more way the government is delivering on its plan to protect the provincial health-care system by investing nearly $60 billion in more than 50 major hospital projects across the province over the next 10 years. The government announced its support for the new hospital in November 2018, with shovels in the ground in May 2022. Continue reading →

An Invite To All from the Niagara Parks Commission in Niagara, Ontario

Posted November 14^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

    – The 43rd Winter Festival of Lights will illuminate Niagara Falls beginning on November 15, 2025

    – The free, family-friendly event features 75+ light displays, 21 nights of fireworks and more than three million twinkling lights

    – Interactive displays and new experiences spark curiosity, connection and play

Niagara Falls, Ontario  – The Winter Festival of Lights, presented by Niagara Falls Tourism in partnership with the Niagara Falls Canada Hotel Association and Niagara Parks, is back for a 43rd year as Canada’s largest outdoor light festival.

Photos courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission

Beginning November 15, the free event will light up the destination, including an eight-kilometre stretch of the Niagara Parkway, with millions of twinkling lights, high-energy laser light shows, fireworks and more. Continue reading →

A Brief Birthday Tribute by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted November 13^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Going back to his earliest days in the 1960s as a member of the bands Buffalo Springfield, then  Crosby, Stills, Nation & Young in the late 60s and early 70s, and through all of his decades as a solo artist, Neil Young has never stopped raising his voice on every issue from war and peace to the use harmful chemicals in farming.

Even all these years later – and even as he turned 80-years-old this November 12^th, 2025 – he has not stopped. His voice remains as strong and as fearless as ever.

In that spirit, here is a song he recently composed and performed this past September at the Farm Aid Festival telecast to the world this past September. It is about the corruption in the Trump White House and it is called Big Crimes.

You can hear and watch his performance of it at the Farm Aid Festival by clicking on the screen immediately below –

Happy Birthday Neil and may there be many more.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

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

A Call-Out for Support from Shawn Watson, Niagara, Coordinator, The Shoebox Project for Women

Posted November 13th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Shoebox Project Niagara Launches Annual Holiday Donation Drive This year’s drive runs from November 1 to 29, with the goal of collecting 1,200 gift-filled shoeboxes.

It’s that time of year again when the Shoebox Project Niagara launches its annual holiday drive, collecting gift-filled shoeboxes for women in Niagara who are experiencing homelessness and accessing programs through supported shelters and agencies.

Over the next few weeks, our volunteers will be collecting, sorting, packing, and distributing gift-filled shoeboxes, with the intention of sharing a little bit of love and encouragement with women in shelters this holiday season.

The goal this year is to gift 1,200 boxes to women across the 18 agencies here in Niagara that the chapter supports. Our 2025 holiday campaign, “Secure Her Tomorrow In a Culture of Kindness,” focuses on empowering women to build confidence and find their path to achieving new beginnings. Continue reading →

Canadian-resident return trips from the United States by automobile declined by 30 Per Cent in October

A News Brief from from Statistics Canada

Posted November 12^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

In October, the number of Canadian-resident return trips by automobile from the United States totalled 1.4 million, a steep decline (-30.5%) from the same month in 2024.

A Footnote from Doug Draper in Niagara At Large – This continued drop of Canadians crossing the border to the United States has been consistent since U.S. President Donald Trump began his trade war and began making annexation (“51^st state”) threats against Canada shortly after he began his second term as president early this year.

Canadians have obviously decided to make the choice to fight back by not taking trips to the United States and by boycotting as many Made In The U.S.A. products in favour of buying Canadian as they can.

Good for us! Let’s show Trump our country is not for sale by continuing to stand strong Canada!

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

For more news on this issue, click on – U.S. tourism faces $5.7B US loss as Canadians continue to stay home | CBC News

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 and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

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

Annoucement Made This November 12^th, 2025 At Meeting of G7’s Foreign Affairs Leaders in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

A News release from Canada’s Liberal Government

Posted November 12^th/2025 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Ananda with U.S. Secrectary of State Marco Rubio at meeting of G7’s foreign affairs leaders in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.

Canada’s new measures further increase the economic costs on Russia for its unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by targeting its energy revenues and financial enablers, while also degrading its conventional and hybrid military capabilities.

The sanctions list 13 individuals and 11 entities, including several involved in the development and deployment of Russia’s drone program. Canada remains a leader in targeting the military technologies Russia is relying on in its efforts to gain a battlefield advantage against Ukraine. Continue reading →

See Details For This Free Event, Scheduled For Wednesday, November 26^th, 2025, Below

An Invite To All  from the Town of Fort Erie in Niagara, Ontario

Posted November 11^th, 2025

Fort Erie, Ontario – We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Brian Doucet – Professor of Planning at the University of Waterloo attending a screening of his documentary “Thinking Beyond the Market” here in Fort Erie.

The screening is Free and Dr. Doucet will be in attendance for Q&A after the film. Continue reading →

A Brief Comment by Doug Draper

Posted on Remembrance Day, November 11^th, 2025

It was heartening to go to the cenotaph located in a nice old park where I live in Thorold and see so many people gathered there on a chilly, snowy day for ceremonies to remember those who fought and lost their lives in past wars.

The many wreaths left by groups from all over Thorold and Niagara at a cenotaph following  Remebrance Day ceremonies in Thorod this November 11th, 2025. photo by Doug Draper

Hopefully these gatherings at cenotaphs all over Niagara and in regions across our country will inspire us to do everything we can to put an end to war and live in peace with all of our brothers and sisters around the world.

Here is a powerful song and video I am posting here with that dream of a more peaceful world in mind. To hear and watch it, click on following link and skip by the short Ads – Lest We Forget – A Tribute to Alec Penstone | A Powerful Remembrance Day Song Honouring Our Heroes”

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 and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

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

Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards, every one
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?”

• Lyrics from a song by the late folksinger and peace activist Pete Seeger

A Brief Remembrance Day commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 10^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

They are all gone now.

All of the Second World War veterans I was nonoured to know – those who were so rightfully described more than two and a half decades ago, in a best-selling book by journalist Tom Brokaw,  as members of “the greatest generation”– are gone to graveyards now.

They are no longer here during the week or so leading up to Remembrance Day – standing there with such majesty, in front of an LCBO or grocery store, pinning a poppy on our lapel  after we dropped a toonie or two in the box they were holding.

And they are no longer here to talk to who ever cared to listen about the horrors of war and how so much many of them felt that war could have been prevented if leaders on all sides showed the wisdom and passion to find ways of resolving differences that did not wipe out so many lives. Continue reading →

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

Posted November 9^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

QUEEN’S PARK — Shadow Solicitor General with responsibility for Veterans, Legions and Military Affairs, MPP Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines) has introduced legislation to ensure Remembrance Day is honoured with the dignity and respect it deserves across Ontario classrooms and workplaces.

The Remembrance Day Observance Act, 2025 requires all schools to hold a dedicated in-person service for students on November 11. It also mandates curriculum development that teaches the history and modern significance of Canadian military service, including younger veterans and Indigenous veterans. Continue reading →

Sign A Petition (Included Below) To Demand The Federal Government Enforce The Canada Health Act In Ontario

A Call-Out To All of Us from the Ontario Health Coalition, a not-for-profit citizens organization dedicated to protecting and preserving quality public health care across the province

Posted November 10^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

We have more than 5000 signatures now on our petition to the federal government, demanding that they enforce the Canada Health Act in Ontario where the Ford government is violating it with their private clinics. In the for-profit clinics, elderly patients are routinely charged thousands of dollars when they go in for cataract surgeries.

The Canada Health Act bans user fees and extra-billing, but it only works if we demand that the federal government enforces it so that provinces that violate the bans are shamed into coming back into compliance. Continue reading →

“Urban transportation makes up nearly a third of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing those emissions depends on shifting travel away from private cars. Safe, people-friendly streets are critical to that shift.”

A Statement from Tim Gray, Executive Director, Environmental Defence Canada

Posted November 10th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Toronto –  Premier Doug Ford’s plan to remove speed cameras is reckless, not only because it makes our streets more dangerous, but also because it is another way that he is prioritizing private cars over people and the planet.

Speed cameras save lives by slowing down traffic and protecting vulnerable road users like children and seniors.

Premier Ford claims municipalities should redesign streets to lower speeds naturally instead of relying on cameras. But at the same time, the Ontario government’s own Bill 212 prohibits the most effective tools for doing that: lane reductions, physical barriers and other proven traffic-calming measures. Continue reading →

The Folly Of Prime Minister Mark Carney Caving In Wake Of Trump’s Temper Tantrum Over Ontario’s Anti-Tariff Ad

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

Posted November 7th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

So late this past October, while millions of Canadian eyes were on the World Series standoff between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed reports that he apologized to pretend ‘strongman’ President Donald Trump over an ad Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government ran during the first couple of games of the series against Trump’s ongoing tariff war on us.

The ad, featuring a 1980s audio and video clip of then U.S. President Ronald Reagan saying that he preferred free trade over tariffs, was quite low key and tame by Doug Ford standards and even many business and political leaders across Canada either said they liked it or no serious problems with it. Continue reading →

A Comment from Fiona McMurran, a Welland resident and long-time community activist

Posted November 7^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Beware pf Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s planning grant for upgrading the Welland Hospital.

A planning grant for the Welland Hospital sounds great…but is it?

Does anybody remember the planning grant that Niagara Health (the amalgamated system overseeing the operation of Niagara’s hospital services) got as the first step toward building the South Niagara Hospital, that isn’t IN South Niagara (but the southwest end of Niagara Falls)?

Does anybody recall whether Niagara Health told residents how that planning grant money was used? Continue reading →

A News Release from the Town of Lincoln in Niagara, Ontario

Posted November 7th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton speaking at the park opening

The Town of Lincoln is proud to announce the opening of Sho’aríshon Park, a Neutral Nation Legacy Site in Jordan.

The new park was celebrated on November 1st, 2025, with a community gathering that brought together Indigenous partners, artists, educators, funders, community members, and elected officials.

Sho’aríshon Park was created in close collaboration with Indigenous partners to honour and reflect the history, culture, and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land, with a particular focus on the Neutral Nation, the first known inhabitants of the land now called Lincoln. The park provides space for cultural learning, gathering, ceremony, reflection, and relationship building. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Ontario NDP Opposition Leader Marit Stiles

Posted November 7^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles; and Shadow Minister for Finance and Treasury Board, MPP Jessica Bell are calling out Ford’s lacklustre Fall Economic Statement for failing to deliver a real plan that families across Ontario urgently need as the cost of living rises, the job crisis worsens, and the housing crisis deepens.

“Families want stability and a fair shot at getting ahead,” said Stiles. “Today’s (November 6th, 2025)  announcement did not move Ontario any closer to that.”

“Doug Ford is a jobs disaster, and this Fall Economic Statement fails to deliver for working people. Ontario’s unemployment is highest in a decade, and our housing starts are at their lowest in a decade. By every measure, this government is failing.”

“Today, the Ford government had the opportunity to deliver real hope: with a real jobs plan, lower costs, and investments to strengthen Ontario. Instead, it only leaves them with more fear and uncertainty. With these cuts to health care and education, this is a recipe for longer wait times, more crowded classrooms, and higher costs for Ontarians.”

“Ford’s Fall Economic Statement lacks ambition,” said Bell. “No jobs plan to address the 7.8 per cent unemployment rate and the 1 in 5 young people without a job, and they have thrown in the towel on building homes.”

“Their only jobs plan is their scandal-ridden skills fund and tax cuts for big businesses. At a time when Ontarians are facing severe economic uncertainty, the Ford government has done nothing to make it easier for Ontarians to afford a home, keep their jobs, or afford groceries.”

The Ontario NDP is urging the Ford government to prioritize:

• * Protecting and creating good jobs by expanding supports for local manufacturing, small businesses, and Ontario’s critical resource sectors.
• * Investing in social infrastructure such as housing, health care, education, and childcare, to attract and retain workers.
• * Building economic security by increasing social assistance rates, expanding public pharmacare and mental health care, and investing in municipalities to prevent job loss and homelessness.

To view a post on the Ford government’s Economic Statement, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2025/11/06/ford-government-unveils-a-plan-to-protect-ontario/

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 and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

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

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

Posted November 6^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch

WELLAND – Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch released the following statement regarding the Ontario government’s approval of a planning grant for the Welland Hospital:

“After months of pressure, the Ontario government has finally approved a planning grant for the Welland Hospital. This is a positive step forward for our community, but it’s only the beginning.

I will continue to push to ensure that the hospital’s renovations result in a full-service facility including after hour emergency surgical services. Welland residents deserve nothing less than full access to the healthcare services they need, close to home, in our growing and aging community.”

To read another recent post on this issue, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2025/11/05/niagara-centre-mpp-jeff-burch-blasts-ford-government-for-ignoring-welland-hospital/

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 and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

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

Ontario’s 2025 Fall Economic Statement delivering on the province’s plan to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy

News from the Conservative Government of Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Posted November 6^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – Niagara At Large will have more news and commentary, including reaction from opposition parties and citizens groups, soon. Stay Tuned.

Now here is the Ford Government’s News Release on its Economic Statement – 

TORONTO — Today, Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2025 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: A Plan to Protect Ontario, which supports the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy by cutting red tape, investing in infrastructure, supporting workers, improving services and making life more affordable.

“With tariffs taking direct aim at Ontario workers and communities, it has never been more important for the government to deliver on its plan to protect Ontario. We continue to make historic investments in highways, transit, health care and all the other services our communities rely on, so we can build for our growing province. We are doing this all while keeping costs down for families and helping to unleash Ontario’s full economic potential,” said Minister Bethlenfalvy. Continue reading →

A Letter from Ontario Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Todd McCarthy, Shared By St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted November 6^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy

In response to a recent letter sent by St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens to Ontario Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Todd McCarthy, urging his ministry to be more open with and act on concerns by residents living near the abandoned General Motors site off Ontario Street in St. Catharines about toxic contamination at the site, the Minister has written her back in a November 3^rd letter saying all the recent information the ministry has indicates that toxic subtances on the  site are  contained.

“The ministry previously ensured that the property owner completed their plan to plug the storm sewer and install a sewage works that collects, stores and treats the storm water prior to discharging to the sanitary sewer. Further monitoring has confirmed that PCBs are no longer an issue in the storm sewer. The ministry routinely conducts perimeter checks and has not identified any further off-site issues,” the Environment Minister’s letter to Stevens says in part

Here is a copy of the Ontario Environment Minister’s full letter –

A Footnote by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper – Residents living in the vicinity and downstream from the abandoned General Motors site off Ontario Street in St. Catharines have repeatedly pressed the Ontario Environment Ministry for information about PCBs and other toxic subtances possibly migrating off the site and threatening their properties and health.

It is unacceptable, to say the least, that it took an open letter from their local provincial member of parlament – St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens – to Ontario’s Environment Minister to get some answers.

For a another recent post on this issue, click on – Urgent Action Required At The Former GM Site In St. Catharines To Protect Public Health And The Environment | Niagara At Large

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.

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

Here’s To Doug Ford For Cheaper, Easier-To-Get Beer, And For More Roads and Highways For Ever Cars And Trucks, Driving At Higher Rates Of Speed On Them

A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper

Posted November 5^th, 2025 on Niagara At Larger

One of many speed cameras and elsewhere in Ontario broken down by vandals.

Unless I’ve missed something, I have never heard one word from Ontario Premier Doug Ford about the vandalism of speed cameras in Niagara and other regions of the province in all of the many months these cameras have been in use.

That’s rather interesting for a Premier who makes a habit of portraying himself as a law and order, get-tough-on-crime guy.

I’m sure that if I or anyone else tried  to block machinery about to saw down trees or pave over wetlands to make way for more urban sprawl, or physically stand in the pathway of way of  another pipeline being built to transport gas or oil, Ford would have the police out faster than you could say; “Where are the cops when vandals are taking a hack saw or can of spray paint to speed camera near an elementary school?” Continue reading →

“Burd, who is 110 years young, is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, having served our country during the Second World War. He is the oldest living Canadian veteran of the war and is believed to be the sixth oldest living veteran in the world.” – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

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

Posted November 5^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Fort Erie resident Burdett (Burd) Sisler

QUEENS PARK — Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) rose in the Ontario Legislature today (this November 5th, 2025) to commemorate and honour the Niagara Region and Fort Erie resident Burdett (Burd) Sisler, who has become the oldest living person in Canada at 110 years old:

“I wanted to share a special congratulations today. Recently, after the sad news of the passing of Margaret Romans, one of my constituents, Mr. Burdett Sisler of Fort Erie, became the oldest living person in Canada. But Burdett — or Burd, as we call him — is a truly incredible and special person. Continue reading →

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

Posted November 5^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The aging Welland Hospital has been serving people in Niagara’s south end for more than six decades.

QUEEN’S PARK – Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch is again calling out Premier Doug Ford and the Minister of Health for their ongoing delay in approving a planning grant needed to kick-start the process of rebuilding the outdated Welland Hospital.

“Last week, I spoke about the urgent need for rebuilding and modernizing the outdated Welland Hospital. After repeated attempts to get a clear answer, the Minister of Health still refused to say either yes or no to providing the grant” Burch stated.

Each time, the Minister deflected, speaking instead about hospitals in Lincoln and Niagara Falls, ignoring Welland, Port Colborne and Fort Erie entirely. Perhaps the Minister needs a map of Niagara. Continue reading →

“Environmental Defence is concerned by the Ontario government’s continued attempts to cast development in farms, forests, wetlands, and floodplains as a path to improving housing supply. … We can meet housing needs by building homes inside existing neighbourhoods.” – Phil Pothen, Council for the  Canada-wide citizens organization Environmental Defence

A Statement By Phil Pothen, Counsel and Ontario Environment Program Manager for the citizens group Environmental Defence

Posted November 5^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Toronto – The Ontario government’s announcement today of a proposed “Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency” is short on details. However, when released, the Bill must have a clear statutory obligation to prioritize public safety and environmental conservation over the convenience of sprawl developers.  

While Environment Minister McCarthy paid lip service to protecting the public from “floods and natural hazards”, this morning’s announcement strongly suggested that the chief task of the Agency, and of its new head, Hassan Bassit, will be to standardize Conservation Authority policies and standards to “get shovels in the ground sooner” for wasteful, McMansion-style sprawl development. Continue reading →

Join us for a free evening with Dr. Tarek Loubani at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, November 5^th from 7 to 9 P.M. at the at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on St.  Paul Street in downtown St. Catharines Ontario

By PACHRED and SJRI, Brock University

Posted November 4^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Palestinian Canadian physician Dr. Tarek Loubani

Join us in Recital Hall at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on November 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM (Eastern Time) for Medicine on the Frontlines: Healthcare and Palestinian Statehood, an evening with Dr. Tarek Loubani.

Dr. Loubani is a Palestinian Canadian physician, an associate professor at the Schulich School of Medicine at Western University, and co-founder of GLIA, a global innovator of high-quality medical equipment operating on the principle that quality healthcare should be accessible to all. Continue reading →

Tuesday, November 4th  from 7:00-8:30 PM Eastern Time (See Details and link for registering for the event below)

An Invite To All from  Animal Justice, a citizens organization dedicated to making sure animals have a legal voice across Canada

Posted November 4th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Lives of 30 surviving beluga whales now in limbo at shuttered Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Marineland (the recently shuttered amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario) recently threatened to kill the 30 beluga whales still in its care unless it receives government funding. This came after Ottawa rejected the park’s shocking plan to export them to a subpar aquarium in China.

Understandably, many Canadians are asking: What can we do now to help these whales?

At this special online event on November 4 from 7:00-8:30 PM ET, you’ll hear directly from the people working with government and key stakeholders on a concrete plan for Marineland’s remaining whales and dolphins.

Join Animal Justice, Whale Sanctuary Project, and World Animal Protection Canada for a powerful discussion about what’s next, and how you can help shape a compassionate future for these animals.

November 4, 2025 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET. Click on here to Register Now

We’ll cover:

Continue reading →

“Niagara families need opportunity, good jobs, and a government that keeps our money right here in Ontario. Niagara’s ready to build Ontario’s biggest projects, it just needs a government with the procurement policies in place to make that happen.” – Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates

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

Posted November 4^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and her party, including Niagara’s NDP MPPs Wayne Gates, Jennie Stevens and Jeff Burch, are pressing the province’s Ford government to spend every penny of our tax money on products and workers here in Ontario..

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario — NDP MPP Wayne Gates is challenging the Ford government (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mMTb8eXUxdYfcnlQg3V_22X3VVu1nxeV/view)  to adopt Ontario First procurement rules at Queens Park, making sure public tax dollars create good local Niagara jobs and support Ontario businesses – not American companies.

“When we say Buy Ontario, Buy Local, we don’t mean sometimes. We mean every single time public dollars are spent,” said Gates.

“The province spends more than $30 billion a year on goods and projects – That money should be creating local Niagara jobs, supporting Ontario workers, and investing in Ontario businesses, not going to foreign-owned firms while our people get left behind.” Continue reading →

“This Guns For Hire, Even If We’re Just Dancing In The Dark”

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted November 3rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

It’s bad enough that ‘the boys of summer’ have played their last game of the year and that our team lost – I’m talkin’ about the Blue Jays losing the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, of course – but just to add to the misery, this November 2^nd we had to turn our clocks back an hour and it starts getting dark out there at 5 p.m.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t much care for living like a mushroom. And man, as we approach the first day of winter a few weeks for now, it is just going to keep getting darker.

It’s time our politicians across this country of Canada and others put an end to this business of changing the clocks back and forth every sixth months, especially given the mounting research that shows it isn’t good for our mental and physical health.

With that, I will leave you with a song by one of my favourite artists about the trials and tribulations of “dancing in the dark.” To hear and watch it, click on the screen immediately below-

To read a A recent CBC news report on the effects of changing the clock back and forth on our health, click on  – https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/here-s-why-sleep-experts-think-we-should-abolish-daylight-saving-time-9.6960740#:~:text=Both%20B.C.%20and%20Ontario%20have,agreeing%20to%20do%20the%20same.

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

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

The contaminated mess that once was a General Motors plant off Ontario Street in St. Catharines. file photo by Doug Draper

“Our community needs transparency to remain a priority. The legacy of contamination at this site is severe and residents deserve to know that their government is actively working to keep them safe.”                                                    from a letter that St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens sent this past October 27^th to Ontario’s Ford Government’s Minister for Environment, Conservation and Parks, Todd McCarthy

A Letter to the Ford Government from St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens

Posted November 3^rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

A Brief Introductory Comment on the  sending of  the Letter by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – It is a disgrace that midway through the third decade of the 21^st Century and 55 years after the first Earth Day, that a letter like this one, from a provincial MPP, has to be sent to a ministry responsible for environmental protection in Ontario.

The contaminated site is located next to neighbourhoods in St. Catharines.

It is totally unacceptable that, in so many words, an elected representative has to remind this ministry what its mandate is and who it is working for and paying its salaries. Continue reading →

Agency Will Oversee Key Improvement Projects, Including A Proposed Regional Consolidation

“In the coming weeks the government plans to introduce legislation to establish the proposed agency. As part of that work, the government will soon begin consultations with the public, municipalities, stakeholders, Indigenous communities and other partners on a watershed-based consolidation of conservation authorities, including the proposed regional boundaries of each conservation authority (including the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority).”

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted November 3^rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

The Wainfleet Bog in Niagara South is one of the many natural treasures our Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority works to protect and preserve for future generations in our Niagara region

Toronto — The Ontario government will soon introduce legislation to create the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) with the aim of improving the  province’s conservation authority system to help get shovels in the ground faster on homes and other local infrastructure projects, while strengthening the vital role conservation authorities play in managing watersheds and protecting communities from floods and natural hazards. Continue reading →

“The new Foyer Richelieu home is a milestone achievement for Welland and Francophones across Niagara. Made possible through the vision, dedication and support of many, this home will deliver quality care for generations to come.”                              – Frank Campion, Mayor of Welland

News from the Government of Ontario

Posted November 3^rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Computerized rendition of new Foyer
Richelieu Welland

WELLAND — The Ontario government is celebrating the opening of the new Foyer Richelieu Welland, a Francophone long-term care home which will add 128 modern long-term care beds to the community.

This project is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by creating good jobs and building for the future, while ensuring long-term care residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve. Continue reading →

Could It Portend A Bad Omen For Our Country’s Future?  Or Should It Inspire More Will To Fight & Survive & More Unity?

A Brief Comment from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted & UPDATED this November 2^nd, 2025

My mother, cheering the Blue Jays to their big win in the 1992 World Series

Of all the Toronto Blue Jays fans I ever met, few were more passionate than my mother.

As the 1992 World Series approached between the Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves, there were Blue Jays logos everywhere in my childhood home back on Willson Road in Welland. There were Blue Jay flags, coffee cups, fridge magnets, shirts, jackets and even pajamas.

And – no matter that most of the players were American – all the conversation inour old house turned to “our team.”

It seemed like every time the team scored another run, the phone would ring and it would be my mother on the other end saying; “Doug, did you see that.”

The same scenario was repeated the following year when they played in and won their second world series in a row against the Philadelphia Phillies.

So this time around, as the Blue Jays prepared to play their first World Series since then against the Los Angeles Dodgers, I could not help but think of my late mother up there somewhere in those upper bleachers in the sky, dressed in her Jays garb and cheering “our team” garb on every inning along the way.

Canadian pride on full display during World Series

And this time, even more than in the series of 1992 and 1993, the Blue Jays truly were “our team” for millions of Canadians from coast to coast as we saw this contest against an American-based rival as one more way to show our national pride, and our strength and ability to win in the wake of a punishing tariff war and threats of annexation from a U.S. president who clearly sees Canada as an enemy. Continue reading →

“It’s as much fun to scare as to be scared.”                                                     — Vincent Price, a legendary actor, well known for playing spooky characters

A Remembrance of Halloweens Past by Doug Draper

Posted on Niagara At Large on the Eve of this Halloween, October 31^st, 2025

Howells Pumpkin Farm, a Halloween favourite in the Short Hills of Thorold in Niagara. photo by Doug Draper

I imagine that like me, many of you e have childhood memories of places and people that gave you the creeps on Halloween.

I’m talking about places and people like an old abandoned house or a dark, deserted road or a grizzly old guy down the street whose front door always creaked like the lid of an unearthed coffin when he opened it or one of your grade school teachers who gave you a detention for nothing more than cheating on a math test or firing spitballs into classmates’ hair. Continue reading →

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

“Substance use affects communities in many ways, and addressing it requires a collaborative, compassionate and proactive approach. Through Niagara’s Community Substance Use Strategy, community partners across the region are coming together to turn evidence-informed guidance into meaningful action. Through shared commitment and coordinated action, we can strengthen prevention efforts, improve community health, and support the well-being of residents across Niagara.”                                              – Dr. Azim Kasmani, Niagara Region’s Medical Officer of Health

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted October 31st, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara has developed a new Community Substance Use Strategy designed to prevent and reduce the harms caused by substance use across the region.

Niagara’s Community  Substance Use Strategy [https://www.niagararegion.ca/projects/substance-use-strategy/default.aspx], shared with Regional Council at its Oct. 23 meeting, is based on provincial and national best practices and focuses on Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment, and Community Safety. Continue reading →

Ontario Government Rebating Provincial Portion of HST for First-Time Home Buyers of Most New Homes

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

Posted October 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara West Ford government MPP Sam Oosterhoff

BEAMSVILLE in the Niagara Town of Lincoln, Ontario– As part of its plan to protect Ontario, lower costs and help more families realize the dream of homeownership, the provincial government is proposing to rebate the full eight percent provincial portion of the HST for first-time home buyers on new homes valued up to $1 million.

The province’s proposal – which will be included in the 2025 Fall Economic Statement – would save first-time home buyers up to $80,000 off the cost of a new home when combined with existing provincial relief, helping lower costs for first-time home buyers and spurring the construction of more homes. 

When combined with the federal government’s proposed removal of its five percent portion of the HST – which would save up to $50,000 off the cost of a new home – total savings for first-time home buyers would equal up to $130,000. Continue reading →

Increased Reliance On Nuclear Energy Contributes To An Upcoming Surge In Cost Of Residential Electricity Generation Rates Of  29%’

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

Posted October 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

There’s a spooky surprise for Ontario electricity customers coming right on the heels of Halloween. On November 1st, electricity generation costs for residential consumers in the province will surge by 29%.

According to the Ontario Energy Board, which just approved this increase, a major cause of this eye watering cost jump is a result of an increasing reliance on expensive nuclear generation.

Premier Ford knows a bad news story when it sees it. So he is going to bury much of this increase on your electricity bill by increasing the taxpayer-financed Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) from 13.1% to 23.5%. Continue reading →

One of countless signs like this, displayed in windows and front lawns in Niagara’s south end.

“It has been 840 days since the Port Colborne and Fort Erie Urgent Care Centres lost their after-hours services, and we have yet to hear a response from this government to the community’s pleas for assistance.”  – Jeff Burch, NDP MPP for Niagara Centre

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

Posted October 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch

QUEEN’S PARK, Ontario – Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch highlighted a recent report from the Port Colborne Health Coalition, emphasizing the urgent need to restore 24/7 urgent care services in Port Colborne.

“It has been 840 days since the Port Colborne and Fort Erie Urgent Care Centres lost their after-hours services, and we have yet to hear a response from this government to the community’s pleas for assistance. Over the summer, the situation worsened with rotating closures between the two sites during peak tourist season.” Continue reading →

“On behalf of the Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada, our Board of Directors, and our Medical and Scientific Councils, we are proud to endorse this important motion calling for OHIP coverage of PSA testing. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men, and early detection through PSA testing can make the difference between life and death.”                                                                                                            – Mark Mahl, Executive Director of the Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada

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

Posted October 30th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates

QUEEN’S PARK, Ontario —NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) is leading the call to make PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing free under OHIP, a measure that could save lives through early detection of prostate cancer.

At this morning’s press conference at Queen’s Park, Gates was joined by Independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, representatives from the Canadian Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada, and Dave Flus, President of the Niagara Prostate Group, in urging the Ford government to eliminate cost barriers to this simple, potentially lifesaving test. Continue reading →

“The clothing worn by Indigenous cultures can be called regalia, but when worn by non-Indigenous people who are ‘dressing up,’ Indigenous culture is being discounted.” – Sarena Johnson (Caldwell First Nation) and Lecturer in Brock University’s Indigenous Educational Studies programs

News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted October 30^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

As Halloween approaches, Sarena Johnson (Caldwell First Nation) is encouraging those planning on dressing up to apply a culturally sensitive perspective before donning their costumes.

Traditional Indigenous clothing is not a “costume,” says Johnson, a Lecturer in Brock University’s Indigenous Educational Studies programs.

“The clothing worn by Indigenous cultures can be called regalia, but when worn by non-Indigenous people who are ‘dressing up,’ Indigenous culture is being discounted,” she says. Continue reading →

A Message from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large

Posted October 28^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

It has been a frustrating ten or so days since the computer systems that deliver you this independent news and commentary site suspiciously crashed just minutes after I posted a piece in support of the ‘No Kings’ rally that the New York State Civil Liberties Union was hosting as part of an October 18^th, American-wide protest against Trump’s efforts to destroy all of the pillars of freedom and democracy necessary to firm up his place as dictator.

A piece of America’s heritage destroyed to make way for garish, fake-gold ballroom for entertaining Trump’s billionaire friends.

Since then- even as Trump was tearing the whole East Wing of the White House (what used to be “the people’s house”)  down –  I have slowly but surely been working to bring the Niagara At Large site back and I think we are almost there.

So here I go with my first attempt to turn back the hands of time to the minutes before everything my hard drive and software came crashing down.

As part of sending you this test piece to see if we are finally there, here is a recent performance by Bruce Springsteen, singing a 1970 soul classic by Tyrone Davis called ‘Turn Back The Hands Of Time.’

To hear and watch Springsteen’s performance, click on the screen immediately below and crank it up –

By the way, Bruce Springsteen is about the only ‘Boss’ of America that I care to show any deference to.

• Doug Draper, Niagara At Large

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

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

A Message To All Our Readers From Doug Draper

Sorry for the interruption, but it may take days to deal with what seems to be a serious breakdown on my side of the screens.

Catch you all later, I hope. Doug Draper

‘The power of the people is stronger than the people in power.’

Millions of People Are Expected to Join this No Kings Day of Action For Freedom and Democracy Across America

A Call-Out from the New York Civil Liberties Union

Posted on Niagara At Large on October 17^th, 2025 as a Show of Support for Our American Friends & Neighbours in Western New York and beyond

Join the NYCLU and other partner organizations as we rally together for “No Kings” national day of action to protest the Trump administration’s abuse of power to fast-tracked deportations of immigrant families without due process, to students and faculty detained for their speech.

Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger.

“NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country.

Meet the NYCLU contingent on October 18th at 11am at the fountain in Niagara Square (in front of City Hall in downtown Buffalo, New York) as we stand together to send a clear message: the power of the people is stronger than the people in power.

To read the NYCLU’s online information on this rally, click on – https://www.nyclu.org/event/no-kings-day-of-action-buffalo

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

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

The Rainbow Bridge, crossing the Canada/U.S border in Niagara Falls

 “The world is increasingly dangerous and divided, and as Canadians, we must look out for ourselves. That is why Canada’s new government is relentlessly focused on protecting our border, our country, and our way of life. We’re securing our sovereignty, combatting crime, and building safer communities. Together, we are building Canada strong.”                 –  Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

News from Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney

Posted October 17^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney

Niagara Ontario – In a rapidly changing and more dangerous world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are building our economy with major projects and millions more homes, we are empowering Canadians with lower costs and new opportunities to help you get ahead, and we are protecting our communities and our country.

We cannot control what other nations do, but we can control what we build – and we are building Canada strong.

To build a stronger country, we must protect our sovereignty and secure our border. 

To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today announced new measures from the upcoming Budget. To secure our border and keep our communities safe, Canada’s new government will:

Continue reading →

“The housing crisis means increases in the cost of housing, especially for renters. This means there is less money for food, which has increased considerably since the pandemic. … The housing crisis and food insecurity disproportionately affect Niagara’s vulnerable populations.”                                                        – Brock U. Adjunct Professor of Political Science Joanne Heritz

A Report from Brock University in St. Catharines, Niagara

Posted October 17^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – There are more people experiencing food insecurity in Niagara than previously thought, according to a new Niagara Community Observatory (NCO) policy brief.

The brief’s author, Brock University Adjunct Professor of Political Science Joanne Heritz, says “hunger in Niagara is more pervasive than most of us realize,” because some programs supporting those who are food insecure have previously been overlooked when collecting data.

Currently, Heritz says estimates of people requiring food assistance are mainly derived from the numbers of families and individuals accessing food banks. Continue reading →

An Invite to City of St. Catharines residents from the City

Posted October 17^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Should the park space be named after the late St. Catharines Councillor, Port Dalhousie resident and long-time community activist Carlos Garcia? The city is asking residents to vote in favour of one of three finalist names.

The City of St. Catharines is asking residents to vote for their preferred name from a list of finalists for an outdoor public space in Port Dalhousie.

Today (this October 17^th), the “Vote for your preferred name” survey opened on the City’s “Name This Space!” page for 45 Lakeport Rd., on its EngageSTC public engagement platform at engagestca.ca/name-this-space <https://www.engagestc.ca/name-this-space>.

City  esidents can vote for their preferred name in a short, one-question survey until Friday, Nov. 7 at 4:30 p.m.

The three finalist names are:

•   * Lakeside Commons
•   * Old Lock One Commons
•   * N. Carlos Garcia Commons

Continue reading →

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney

“In Canada, you should be able to wake up, get in your car, drive to work, come home, and sleep soundly at night. When laws repeatedly fail to protect those basic rights, we need new laws. Canada’s new government is taking decisive action to combat crime and build stronger communities – where Canadians can feel secure in their homes, safe in their neighbourhoods, and in control of their future.”          – Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

News Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

Posted October 16^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Military troops working the streets of communities in Trump’s America. Let’s hope Canada never gets to that.

(A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – If our communities here in Canada are as crime-ridden as Prime Minister Mark Carney suggests they are in the above quote, then why not just do what Trump is doing south of the border and send armed troops out into the streets, I ask while hoping that our Prime Minister never does anything as totalitarian as that.

I am not saying that we don’t have any crime, and that includes big-money tax cheaters, phone scammers and other white collar crime, that we have to deal with here.

But I find it more than a bit disturbing to see how many more political leaders in our country are joining political leaders in the United States and other countries around the world in stoking up public fear about crime as a way, I suspect, of distracting public attention away from other issues like climate change, unemployed and the frowing wage gap, and the soaring cost of food and housing that  they should spend more time addressing.

With that, here is Prime Minister Carney’s news release.)

Canada Strong!!!

In a rapidly changing and more dangerous world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are building our economy with major projects and millions more homes, we are empowering Canadians with lower costs and new opportunities to help you get ahead, and we are protecting our communities and our country.

We cannot control what other nations do, but we can control what we choose to build – and we are building Canada strong.

Safe, resilient communities are the backbone of a strong Canada. They attract people, families, businesses, and investment, and enable greater certainty and prosperity. Continue reading →

‘Providing a safe child-friendly space to support young victims through the judicial process.’

News from the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre

Posted October 16^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – This past Wednesday, October 15^th, 2025  marked a significant milestone for children and youth in Niagara as dignitaries and community partners gathered to officially open the Kristen French Court Support Centre.

Left  to Right at opening ceremonies – Kim Rossi (KFCACN), Pat Chiocchio (Acting Regional Chair), Deputy Crown Attorney Todd Morris, Crown Attorney Michal Sokolski, MPP Wayne Gates, Mat Siscoe (Mayor of St. Catharines), Brian Bratt KFCACN, Joanne Macri KFCACN, MPP Jennie Stevens, MP Tony Baldinelli, MP Chris Bittle. All photos courtesy of Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre

Located just steps from the St. Catharines courthouse, this new space offers a safe, supportive environment for children involved in the judicial process. Continue reading →

‘The Region of Niagara is forging ahead with its plan to expand and extend Merritt Road between Pelham and Thorold, destroying some of Niagara region’s best wetlands and woodlands.’

An Action Alert from Liz Benneian at Biodiversity and Climate Action  Niagara (BCAN), a coalition of citizen groups and individual citizens across the Niagara region

Posted October 16^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – As part of its budgeting process, the Region of Niagara is forging ahead with its plan to expand and extend Merritt Road between Pelham and Thorold, destroying some of Niagara region’s best wetlands and woodlands.

To make matters worse, the estimated cost of this project has increased from approximately $35M in the Master Plan to $53M now.

The costs, of course, do not take into account the green infrastructure, climate mitigation, human health benefits and biodiversity preservation value of the natural capital that they are destroying.

Continue reading →

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

Posted October 16^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch questioning Ford government in Ontario legislature. file photo

QUEEN’S PARK – With the Ontario Legislature set to reconvene October 20th, Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch is laser focused on fighting for what matters most to Niagara Residents.

After a busy summer meeting with constituents across Niagara, Burch is bringing their concerns directly to Premier Ford.

From rising unemployment and job insecurity to the future of the Welland Hospital and Port Colborne Urgent Care, low ODSP and OW rates, and the crisis in Ontario’s backlogged courts and under-resourced corrections system impacting community safety, Burch is calling on the Premier to take immediate action.

“This will be an intense session focused on creating good jobs through strong Buy Ontario initiatives that support workers and families, fighting to restore healthcare services at the Welland Hospital and Port Colborne Urgent Care Centre, and addressing community safety with critical reforms to Ontario’s courts and corrections facilities.”

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

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

“Marineland’s threat to kill these beluga whales is horrifying, and killing this many belugas at once, in close proximity to each other, could constitute unlawful animal cruelty,”                               –  Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice

A News Release from Animal Justice Canada, a citizens organization advocating for the protection of animals

Posted October 15th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Lives of 30 surviving beluga whales now in limbo at shuttered Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario —Animal Justice has filed an urgent complaint with the Niagara Regional Police Service, calling on officers to investigate and take action to prevent Marineland from carrying out a threat to mass-kill all 30 surviving beluga whales.

After the federal government refused to issue export permits to send the whales to a subpar aquarium in China where they would face further exploitation, Marineland threatened to “euthanize” the belugas unless the Minister of Fisheries reversed that decision or gave the defunct facility money.

The police complaint is accompanied by a letter sent this past October 9th to Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner by numerous leading global scientists and experts in marine mammal welfare. The scientists warn that killing belugas en masse would inflict significant distress on the whales, given their intelligence, strong social bonds, and sensitivity to disturbance within their pods. Continue reading →

350.Org Calls For Urgent Action As Scientists Warn World Crosses First Climate Tipping Point, Weeks Ahead Of COP30 (United Nation Climate Change) Summit

“Future generations will inherit empty seas where magical kaleidoscopes of life once thrived. This irreversible collapse is a preview of what we’re about to lose next: rainforests, glaciers, entire species. COP30 must be the moment leaders choose to stop fossil fuels and protect what can still be saved.” – 350.Org report

News from by 360.Org, a global people’s movement pressing for action on climate change

Posted October 15th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

350.org calls for urgent action as scientists warn world crosses first climate tipping point, weeks ahead of COP30 summit

The world has officially crossed its first climate tipping point due to unchecked greenhouse gas emissions, scientists warned on Monday.

The 2025 Global Tipping Point Report produced by 160 researchers across 23 countries warns that coral reefs, vital ecosystems that support a quarter of all marine life and protect hundreds of millions of people, are now in irreversible decline due to ocean warming and acidification. It also indicates other tipping points, including the Amazon rainforest, are at severe risk. Continue reading →

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

Posted October 15^th, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The City of St. Catharines is proud to announce the installation of two new commemorative crosswalks honouring Canada’s veterans. The symbolic crossings serve as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have defended our nation.

New Military Veterans Crosswalk in St. Catharines community of Port Dalhousie. Photo courtesy of City of St. Catharines

The crosswalks are located at:

• Church St and James St, downtown
• Main St and Ann St, Port Dalhousie

Continue reading →

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted October, 14, 2025 on Niagara At Large

Catherine Ens, a founding member of Niagara Action For Animals (NAFA) at one of many demonstrations she has helped organize over the years outside the gates of the Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. file photo by Doug Draper

(A Brief Note from Niagara At Large – This post has been updated to include an October 13th, 2025 report that was aired on Buffalo, New York’s Channel 2 TV station, which features comments from Niagara, Ontario animal activist Catherine Ens on this issue. You can watch it by clicking on a screen at the bottom of this post.)

This past Thanksgiving weekend, on Saturday, October 11th, more than two dozen animal justice advocates rallied outsidethe gates of the shuttered Marineland amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario in opposition to the possibility that the park’s owners may soon euthanize 30 surviving beluga whales inside.

Passing motorists honk their horns in support as animal justice advocates rally in front of the close Marineland park in Niagara Falls, Ontario this past October 11th to save surviving beluga whales inside the gates

The current park owners and operators have raised the possibility of euthanizing the whales in the wake of Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Joanne Thompson’s recent decision to block the sale of the belugas to an aquarium in China. Continue reading →