Niagara At Large

We’ve got a Niagara Regional Councillor who’s a Champion for Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. …                                And let’s Thank God for that!

A Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 21^st, 2017 in Niagara At Large

There is a quote I read in a newspaper earlier April 21^st that left me so breathless I almost hate to share it with you. But I don’t like gasping for air alone, so I am going to anyway.

Port Colborne regional councilor and corporate services committee chair standing strong for Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. . File photo

It is quote published in the St. Catharines Standard that has Port Colborne regional councillor David Barrick responding to concerns some people have raised about his decision this past April 19^th, as the regional government’s corporate services committee chair, to unilaterally move forward with a request made by St. Catharines regional councillor Andy Petrowski at the end of the committee meeting.

What Petrowski requested was to hold any and all code of conduct complaints the Region’s integrity commissioner is now reviewing in abeyance while regional staff determine if the Region’s current Code of Conduct complies with Canada’s Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Asked about a concern raised by at least one other member of the regional council – Pelham Mayor Dave Agustyn – that Barrick gave his blessing to a request that (if approved by a majority of regional councillors at their next general council meeting this April 27^th, effectively freezes the integrity commissioner’s review of complaints against any councillors and others until a review of the Code now on the books is completely, Barrick reportedly had this to say – “Maybe some people don’t respect our Constitution and our Charter of Rights and Freedoms; I, for one, do.” Continue reading →

Niagara Regional Budget Chair slams Pelham’s fiscal status. Now Hear the Town’s side of the story

An Invite to members of the public from the Town of Pelham

Posted April 20th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword from NAL publisher Doug Draper –

This Town of Pelham meeting has been called by the  town’s mayor, Dave Augustyn, and his council, at least in part, to respond to a motion tabled at a Niagara regional council meeting late this March by Port Colborne regional councillor and budget chair David Barrick, raising alarm bells  about Pelham’s financial status and the negative impact Barrick claims it could have on residents and businesses across Niagara.

Niagara At Large urges you to attend this April 24^th meeting to get Pelham’s side of the story from its town councillors and senior staff. Do not let Barrick’s charges stand for themselves. Come to this meeting, get the town’s side of the story and judge for yourselves.)

Evening with the Experts

As part of the Town of Pelham’s commitment to providing residents updates and information on all matters relating to the Town, we invite you to ask your questions to our panel of experts as they pertain to the financing of the Pelham Community Centre. All are welcome to attend, however, our goal is to provide first opportunity to Town of Pelham residents to ask questions. Continue reading →

A Brief One for You

Doug Draper, publisher, NAL

Posted April 20th, 2o17 on Niagara At Large

If I had the time and resources I once did as a reporter, I would certainly be interested in doing a story on this.

Those of you who are interested in Second World War stories and the involvement of Canadians in that history, may want to attend the following event if you can.

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 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

An Invite and a Call-Out to You for support from Niagara Action for Animals (NAFA)

Posted April 19^h, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Dear friends of animals

Join us this coming weekend – April 22^nd and 23^rd – for our Spring Adoption Event and Bake Sale Fundraiser!! We will have lots of furry friends looking for their fur-ever homes, and of course some yummy vegan treats for sale.

 Come visit us Saturday April 22nd and Sunday April 23rd at Pet Valu on Fitch Street in Welland.

Anyone willing to help us out by donating freshly baked vegan goodies for our bake sale, please contact Jami at jamicoughler@gmail.com .

Niagara Action for Animals is a non-profit, all volunteer charity devoted to ending all forms of animal cruelty through education, direct action and legitimate protest.

For more information on NAFA and its ongoing work for the animal we human are fortunate enough to share this world with, click on – http://www.niagaraactionforanimals.org/ .

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 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

A Call-Out from the Niagara Health Coalition and its umbrella group, the Ontario Health Coalition

• This Event has now been rescheduled to a date at the end of this coming May , so scratch the April 24th date posted below. More on this later.

Posted April 20^th, 017 on Niagara At Large

The Welland Hospital site in Welland, Ontario is the largest remaining hospital facility of its kind still operating in south Niagara. How long will that last? File photo by Doug Draper

Welland, Ontario – This coming MONDAY, APRIL 24, join us by getting on the bus from Welland for the Save Our Hospitals! Niagara Day of Action at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto.

Bus departs 6:30am from Welland Market 70 Young Street (between Young and Division Streets) Day at Queen’s Park . Meet MPPs, Go to Question Period, Watch Legislature Debate the Issues, Join a Media event, Pressure the Ontario Legislature to Stop the Closure of the Niagara hospitals. Bus returns, arriving back in Welland 4:00pm. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 19^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Barely more than a week after the Niagara regional government’s recently re-hired integrity commissioner attended a meeting to receive public input on what changes, if any, should be made to the Region’s Code of Conduct, a stack of conduct complaints the commissioner apparently already has sitting on his desk may be held in abeyance for who knows how long.

Port Colborne regional councilor and corporate services committee chair David Barrick. File photo

How has this happened?

The answer can be found at the end of this April 19^th’s meeting of Niagara Region’s corporate services committee when St. Catharines regional councillor Andy Petrowski received committee chair David Barrick’s to speak under a final section of the meeting titled “other business.”

After clicking on his microphone for all in the regional council chambers to hear, Petrowski, who has recently acknowledged that he is the target of at least a few code of conduct complaints he insists are unwarranted attacks on the rights every Canadian citizen has to free expression, asked if the complaints now under review could be held in abeyance until the Region’s CAO, Carmen D’Angelo, and legal counsel on staff have an opportunity to determine whether the Code in Conduct now in play follows or complies with Canada’s Charter of Rights and Constitution. Continue reading →

A Brief One from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper

Posted April 18^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario citizen activist Ed Smith

Ed Smith, a Niagara, Ontario community activist and retired Canadian Armed Force officer who is facing a lawsuit in his pursuit of answers to questions and concerns many area residents, municipal councillors and MPPs are raising about the way the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) does business with our tax money, is scheduled to be a quest on CKTB’s Tim Denis Show this Wednesday, April 19th for a segment to air sometime between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

Smith has described the defamation suit, filed against him earlier this year by the NPCA and its former CAO (now the CAO for Niagara’s regional government) Carmen D’Angelo, an assault against him and to all citizens who dare to exercise their democratic right to question the way government does business.

He vows to win the case against him and has more recently filed a counter suit against the NPCA and its former board chair, St. Catharines regional councillor Bruce Timms, for allegedly damaging his character.

You can find CKTB’s Tim Denis Show on the AM band of your radio at 610 on your dial.

Niagara At Large plans to have a link to pod cast of the radio segment featuring Ed Smith posted later in the day.

If you wish to contribute to a legal defense fund for Ed Smith and want some more information on it, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2017/03/17/a-tremendous-show-of-support-at-legal-defence-fundraiser-for-niagara-citizen-ed-smith/ .

Catch more on the NPCA and other issues and events of interest and concern to residents in our greater Niagara region, spanning both sides of the Niagara River, on Niagara At Large in the days and weeks ahead. Become part of our online community of people seeking an alternative voice for news.

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 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

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 18th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

“Niagara, for me, it’s like a paradise, and I would like to make it better,” Benny Marotta, a person described as a “GTA (short for ‘Greater Toronto Area’) developer” by the Toronto Star in a story featured on the front page of that newspaper this April 17th.

Benny Marotta, as at least some of you may know, is not the only person staking claim to a desire to make Niagara better.

So is Niagara’s regional chair Al Caslin.

A four-page ad, wrapped around the front of every edition of Niagara This Week (published as ‘The Crier” in Niagara-on-the-Lake, “The Leader” in Port Colborne and by various other names in other parts of the Niagara region, features the blown-up headline; “Regional Chair Alan Caslin Delivers,” and goes on to showcase some of the ways Caslin and the regional council are “fostering an environment of economic prosperity.”

As Caslin would say to gin up the audience during his ‘State of the Region’ address this past March; ‘Now there is something to cheer about!”

Another person seemingly working to make Niagara better is Port Colborne regional councillor and the regional council’s budget chair David Barrick by calling out what he recently characterized as serious financial mismanagement by one of Niagara’s 12 local municipalities – the Town of Pelham – that could, according to Barrick,

Also working hard to secure a place in the ‘make Niagara better’ department is Fort Erie regional councillor Sandy Annunziata who sits on the board of directors of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and who this past January followed up his new post as the NPCA board’s chair with a statement that while he’s at the helm, the Conservation Authority will “strive to achieve balance by listening to all voices,” including “carpenters and trades people employed in the home building industry, skilled workers in manufacturing whose plant can’t expand, and farmers looking to maximize yields through expanding their land use.” Continue reading →

Has Ontario’s Premier Ever Read The Document?

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Posted April 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms –

 “For the past 35 years, the Charter has helped build a country where people from all over the world can come together as equals and create opportunities for one another.

The late Prime Minster Pierre Trudeau – father of now PM Justin Trudeau and Queen Elizabeth II, sign Canada’s Charter 35 years ago this April

“The Charter protects the rights and freedoms that are essential to our identity as Canadians. It allows us to express ourselves as individuals and to celebrate our differences, while bringing us closer as a country.

“This year, we also mark the 35th anniversary of Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and treaty rights. There is no relationship more important to our government than the one with Indigenous Peoples. We are committed to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown, and government-to-government relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. Continue reading →

 Beach cleanup season begins around the Great Lakes; Volunteers removed over 40,000 lbs of trash in 2016

A Call-Out from the U.S.-based Alliance for the Great Lakes

Posted April 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Working together as communities to keep our Great Lakes beaches clean.

As spring finally begins to appear around the Great Lakes, volunteers are heading out to beaches for a spring cleaning. The Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach program mobilizes thousands of volunteers who give back to their local beaches each year. April, especially Earth Day, marks the unofficial beginning of the beach season around the Great Lakes as many groups hold their first Adopt-a-Beach events of the year. Continue reading →

Join a Public Meeting – this Tuesday, April 18 – on Plans for Metro Rail Extension to Amherst

Posted April 17th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, NY – On Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., Citizens for Regional Transit (CRT) hosts a public meeting featuring speakers from the NFTA (Rachel Maloney Joyner), the Town of Tonawanda (Supervisor Joseph Emminger), and the Town of Amherst (Eric W. (Rick) Gillert) to address plans for Metro Rail to extend to Amherst.

Light rail gliding through heart of downtown Buffalo, New York

Free and Open to All Tuesday, April 18, 2017 5:30 p.m. to         7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m

When will it be done? Where will it go? How much will it cost? How will it be funded? What are the benefits to the surrounding communities, including Buffalo? These and other questions will be addressed by a panel, followed by questions from the audience.   Continue reading →

It might have something to do with ‘Authenticity’ and staying true to ideas that resonate with everyday people

“No poll conducted changed Bernie’s position on anything. Bernie Sanders is a true champion of the people.”

By Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News

Posted April 14th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

He is a self-described Democratic Socialist who is 75 years old.

He is not supposed to be the most popular politician in America, but he is.

He is not just loved by his natural base, the old left. He is the most popular politician with young people.

Bernie Sanders on the campaign trail in the spring of 2016

Establishment Democrats dismissed him as too radical. They ignored the voters and the polls that showed he was more popular than Hillary Clinton and would have beaten Donald Trump by more than she was expected to. Continue reading →

Join in the Earth Day activities this coming Saturday, April 22nd

An Invite from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario

Posted April 14^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario  – Celebrate Earth Day in St. Catharines with a number of activities focused on conservation and the environment.

Pitch-In Day

Help make St. Catharines a more beautiful place by taking part in the Pitch-In Day Clean City Clean Up Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

This year’s designated sites include: QEW off ramp at Lake Street (meet at the Best Western Plus parking lot at 2 North Service Rd., no children under 12 years old); Malcolmson Eco-Park (325 Lakeshore Rd.); Pic Leeson Park (meet at main entrance off of Bloomfield Street); Participark Trail (meet at trail parking lot on Old Glendale Road near Pelham Road and Glendale Avenue). Continue reading →

A Call-Out from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Posted April 13th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The former Ontario Power Generation coal-fired plant along the shores of Lake Erie in Nanticoke, was once the target of air pollution complaints from the New York State government.

(A Brief Foreword from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – As an environment writer, I have followed the work of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance for years and have no problem running this piece which includes an appeal for financial donations to continue their efforts to protect air quality and promote greener alternatives to carbon and nuclear-based sources of energy – even more so since this citizens organization often finds itself fighting interests with countless millions of lobby dollars at their disposal.

Whether you can or wish to give a financial donation is entirely your call, and if you can’t give money but want to help anyway, you can certainly do that by following the group’s efforts and supporting them from time to time, with calls to your provincial and federal members of parliament, or your congress and senate members across the border.)

Now here is the Ontario Clean Air Allaiance’s message –

Smell that?

Saturday marks the 3^rd anniversary of a coal-free Ontario. Take a deep breath and enjoy. Continue reading →

Supporting Clean Tech and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

“Global competitions such as this one play a key role in developing clean technologies that will help Ontario businesses and industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Working together to develop innovative solutions will help us fight climate change while preparing industries to thrive in a competitive, low-carbon economy.”
— Glen R. Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

A News Release from the Government of Ontario

Posted April 13th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario is challenging local and international companies to develop the next generation of transformative clean technologies to help fight climate change.

The Solutions 2030 Challenge encourages companies to develop breakthrough technologies that will help Ontario’s industrial plants reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, meet the targets set in Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan, and increase innovation and entrepreneurship in the province. Continue reading →

 An Invite to All from the Niagara Parks Commission

Posted April 13^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks

Niagara Falls, Ontario  – Make a visit to Niagara Parks part of your Easter long weekend plans and check out the fantastic lineup of springtime activities and events from April 14 through to April 17. Continue reading →

A Heads Up from the City of St. Catharines

Posted April 13th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Forward to this release from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – Please give the following a read and consider that if this is going on in St. Catharines, it may also be going on in other municipalities across Niagara.

Over my years as an environment reporter, I was all too frequently contacted by people who felt they were being pressed by questionable parties to purchase home water treatment systems.

Some of these sales people  could be quite convincing in their delivery of sales pitches layered over with fear-mongering and falsehoods about the quality of our tap water

So please be weary and as Mark Twain, would say, have your B.S. detector working.)

Now here is the City of St. Catharines advisory –

St. Catharines/Niagara, Ontario – Residents should be on alert for door-to-door salespeople claiming to be authorized by the City to install water filters. Continue reading →

“Our government understands how important it is to conserve and restore our natural ecosystems and biodiversity.”                     – Ontario’s Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

Province Investing in 105 Projects to Help At-Risk Plants and Animals

A News Release from the Ontario Government of Premier Kathleen Wynne

Posted April 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Sandy Annunziata, a Niagara regional councillor for Fort Erie and now chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, with Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry in this file photo. The NPCA has approached the Ontario government to try a scheme called “biodiversity offsetting” to replace wetlands by growing new ones to make way for urban development in areas where wetlands exist.

Ontario is protecting species at risk and promoting their recovery by investing to create and rehabilitate habitats, conduct research on recovery efforts and threats and educate youth about at-risk plants and animals in their area.

Now in its eleventh year, the Species at Risk Stewardship Program helps find solutions to problems such as reversing the decline of pollinators in Ontario, preventing the spread of White Nose Syndrome among bat populations and determining what kind of artificial habitats can be installed to host barn swallow. Continue reading →

Jeffs one of 11 Niagara regional councilllors sitting on  board of Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

From the Office of Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown

Posted April 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The following is a statement from Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown on the nomination of April Jeffs as the Ontario PC candidate for Niagara Centre:

 “I congratulate April on her nomination as the Ontario PC candidate for Niagara Centre.

Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs to run as Tory candidate in Niagara Centre Riding in 2018 Ontario election. The seat is currently held by NDP Cindy Forster

  “April brings a breadth of experience to our Ontario PC team. She is a two-term Mayor and Regional Councillor for the Township of Wainfleet, and a small business owner of 16 years. April knows firsthand the challenges the Liberal government’s policies have had on rural Ontario and her constituents. 

 “A lifelong resident of Niagara Region, April is passionate about her community and is active in organizations such as the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Niagara Children’s Centre. I am confident that April will be a strong voice for the residents of Niagara Centre at Queen’s Park.

 “After 14 years in power, life is harder with the Liberals. Ontario families are working hard, paying more, and getting less. Ontario deserves better.  

 “In Niagara Centre and across the province, the Ontario PC Party will continue to work hard for a better future. I look forward to working with April as part of our Ontario PC team as we share our positive message of change.”

In October 2016, April Jeffs was one of 10 Niagara regional councillors on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s board to vote ‘Yes’ for hiring former NPCA CAO Carmen D’Angelo as Niagara Region’s CAO. The only regional councillor sitting on the NPCA board who did not vote in favour of D’Angelo’s hiring was Linclon’s Bil Hodgson.

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 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

By Linda McKellar

Posted April 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper– The recent horrendous lethal gas attack on men, women and children in Syria and Trump’s reflexive response to it with missile strikes has raised concerns among people of all walks of life, on both sides of the Canada/U.S. border, over what is going on and where this is taking the world next.

The horror of Syrian chemical gas attacks

I am posting the following commentary because it embodies much of what I heard in recent days from people on both sides of the Niagara/Buffalo border, and from people from coast to coast who called CBC Radio’s open-line program, ‘Cross Country Check-up’ this past April 9th with their views on the humanitarian disaster now engulfing Syria and related areas of the world, and because I hope this commentary contributes to and stimulates further public dialogue on an issue that, if not handled properly, could trigger war on a more global scale.

– Now here is Linda McKellar’s commentary.)

The key phrase in the statement Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued following this past April 6th American missle strikes against a Syrian airfield, is “Canada will continue to support diplomatic efforts”.

We should BUT, while that sounds wonderful in an ideal world, the problem is that despots don’t use diplomacy. Continue reading →

A Statement from U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted April 10th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Buffalo, New York – “As I have stated in the past, the fight in Syria is not a fight for freedom and democracy; it is a fight for raw power and control between a murderous dictator and violent extremists.”

“Reports of the use of sarin to brutalize the Syrian people by their government is barbaric and inhumane and rightly calls out for condemnation on the world stage.”

“While this targeted strike on the airfield which purportedly administered the chemical attack may be considered proportional, my previous stance on America’s role in Syria has not changed. I oppose wholesale American intervention in Syria, and the Congress must debate an authorization of the use of military force.”

“It should be noted that the Trump administration’s about-face on Syrian intervention demonstrates how ill-advised its policy of halting entry of helpless refugees from this war-torn country is.”

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 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

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The First World War memorial in Welland, Ontario’s Chippawa Park. File photo by Doug Draper

When I was a young boy growing up in the late 1950s and early 60s in the Niagara, Ontario community of Welland, I would do what other boys sometimes did back in those days – we would grab our toy guns and play war games in nearby Chippawa Park, in the shadow of one of the region’s most moving memorials to those who fought for Canada during the First World War.

None of us probably knew it at the time – certainly I didn’t – but among the names on that memorial, so rightfully designated by the province as a site of historical significance, were those of two brothers from Welland, who fought in the fields of Vimy in France, 100 years ago this April. Continue reading →

“Many of the soldiers wearing the Canadian uniform that day were immigrants to this country. People of many languages and backgrounds, representing every region in Canada.”

From the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Posted April 9^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

This April 9^th, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau issued the following statement for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge:

Canadians in the First World War trenches of Vimy Ridge – more than 10,000 were wiped out and wounded in the battle fought 100 years ago this April 2017

“One hundred years ago, on a gentle slope in France, the four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought for the first time as one. They were ordinary – yet extraordinary – men, from all corners of the country: Francophone, Anglophone, new Canadians, Indigenous Peoples.

“On Easter Monday, April 1917, battling through snow, sleet, and constant machine gun fire, they broke through an impregnable fortress and achieved a historic victory. They succeeded where other armies had failed – but at a great cost. Nearly 3,600 Canadians lost their lives. Over 7,000 more were wounded. The Battle of Vimy Ridge remains one of the bloodiest battles in Canada’s history. Continue reading →

Niagara regional councilor for St. Catharines, Brian Heit

“In summary, … the councillor did not contravene the Code as alleged in the Complaint. The Complaint is lacking in merit. There is no contravention of any of the provisions of the Code, including the provisions relating to “Release of Confidential Information Prohibited”, “Respect, Truth, Honesty and Integrity” or “Pursuit of Excellence” … In view of the findings that no Code provisions have been contravened, there is no sanction or penalty recommended.” – Niagara Region’s Integrity Commission, John Mascarin on a complaint filed last November 14^th against St. Catharines regional councillor       Brian Heit

Niagara regional councillor for St. Catharines, Kelly Edgar

“In summary, there is no evidence to indicate that the councillor breached the Code with respect to the provisions related to Release of Confidential Information Prohibited, Respect, Truth, Honesty and Integrity and the Pursuit of Excellence as alleged in the Complaint. The provisions of the Code have not been found to have been contravened by the councillor. The Complaint is dismissed. …. In view of the findings that no Code provisions have been contravened, there is no sanction or penalty recommended.” – Niagara Region’s Integrity Commission, John Mascarin on a complaint filed last November 20^th, 2016 against St. Catharines regional councillor Kelly Edgar

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 7^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Documents dating back to this past February, outlining a review of allegations filed by an individual or group identified only as “a complainant” against St. Catharines regional councillors Brian Heit and Kelly Edgar, have recently found their way to Niagara Region’s website.

The two documents, prepared by Niagara Region’s Integrity Commission, John Mascarin, end with Mascarin concluding that complaints made against the councilors, allgeging  that they had broken the Region’s ‘Code of Conduct’ rules, “have no merit” and are therefore “dismissed.” Continue reading →

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on U.S. strikes in Syria

Posted April 7th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on U.S. strikes in Syria:

One of score of victims of chemical gas attacks in Syria

“Canada fully supports the United States’ limited and focused action to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to launch chemical weapons attacks against innocent civilians, including many children.”

“President Assad’s use of chemical weapons and the crimes the Syrian regime has committed against its own people cannot be ignored. These gruesome attacks cannot be permitted to continue with impunity.”

Missle fired at Syrian air base this April 6th from U.S. destroyer

“This week’s attack in southern Idlib and the suffering of Syrians is a war crime and is unacceptable. Canada condemns all uses of chemical weapons.”

“Canada will continue to support diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Syria.”

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 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

From the Office of Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates

Posted April 06, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park – Wayne Gates, MPP for Niagara Falls, continued to press the Liberal government this April 6th to provide a comprehensive dementia strategy for the province of Ontario.

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates. File photo

“I would like to talk about an issue that is deeply affecting my riding, and that’s the need for a dementia strategy that the province has promised,” stated Gates.  “In Niagara, 9,460 people have been identified as living with dementia; in Ontario, over 200,000 people. I wrote to the Minister of Finance about this issue of funding, but this issue is very important and I wanted to raise it in this House.”

“Without proper funding for dementia services and front-line care, a strategy means nothing. It’s heartbreaking when you go to a care facility and you see people who need these services, and they are alone and they can’t get them.” Continue reading →

Buy Local, Boost the Economy and Enjoy the Good Things Grown in Ontario

A News Release from the Ontario Government

Posted April 6th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

For 40 years, Foodland Ontario has been making it easier for families and consumers to identify and enjoy Ontario’s locally-grown and harvested foods. By buying local, you are helping boost the economy, create good jobs and strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, was at Longo’s grocery store today to mark Foodland Ontario’s 40th anniversary and encourage customers to explore Ontario’s 200 diverse, locally-grown foods.

Foodland Ontario helps connect Ontarians to local food while offering a range of nutritious recipes that make it easier to cook delicious meals using local ingredients. Over the years, Foodland Ontario has also partnered with thousands of Ontario producers, processors and retailers across the province to help consumers better identify Ontario foods in the marketplace. Continue reading →

A Call-Out from Niagara Action for Animals

Posted April 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Dear Friends of Animals – Babes the cat (formally named Toothpick) was adopted through NAfA approximately four years ago. You might remember this special kitty and her miraculous recovery that was featured in the local news.

Babes is looking for a loving home.

Babes was found near death in a completely emaciated state. The vets believed she had suffered an injury to her leg and being unable to walk she took shelter under a BBQ eating whatever she could find to survive.

Despite her critically thin and anemic condition the vet opted to perform emergency surgery as she exhibited signs of an intestinal obstruction. In surgery, the vet discovered that her stomach was heavily impacted with wood chips, wax paper and BBQ charcoal; things only a truly starving cat would eat. Continue reading →

A Column by John Bacher

Posted April 5th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Waverly Forest, Niagara Falls, Ontario – Photo courtesy of Nate Torenvliet

Following failed attempts to trigger urban sprawl through a court appeal and numerous amendments to Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment Plan, some of Niagara’s politicians have taken a new course.

This comes in the form of a request this past March from the Niagara’s regional council to the Ontario government to amend its Growth Plan as part of the ongoing Coordinated Review of four provincial land use plans.

The proposed changes to the Growth Plan would permit what are in effect urban boundary changes through the creation of “Special Policy Areas”. Continue reading →

“Young people in this province are struggling with exorbitant hydro rates, rising rents, and unstable work, all while the province’s top executives receive millions in compensation.”

A Message from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted April 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park – Catherine Fife, the Ontario NDP’s  employment critic, blasted Premier Kathleen Wynne this April 5^th for her callous decision to allow multi-million dollar salaries for some of the province’s executives, when a new report shows that earnings have gone down for young people in Ontario who are facing the second worst economy in the country. 

  “The CEO of OPG earned more than $2 million in total compensation last year – not the $1.2-million that was stated in the Sunshine List,” Fife said.  “This government allowed the CEO to walk away with over $2 million in salary, bonuses, pension money, and $40,000 of ‘other pay’.

 “$40,000 a year is what many young people in this province hope to earn.” Continue reading →

–         Saturday, April 8th, 10 a.m. –

News from the City of St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted April 5^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Canda’s Vimy Ridge Monument on the former World War 1 killing grounds of France.

Niagara, Ontario – Join veterans and members from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 as they recognize the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge during a wreath-laying ceremony at City Hall on Saturday, April 8.

April 9 marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a key battle during the First World War considered to be a Canadian triumph for the allies. Everyone is welcome to attend the service at the front lawn of City Hall. Veterans will lay wreaths at the Honour Rolls, the Watson Memorial and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 Cenotaph, and the Last Post will sound. The wreath laying begins at 10:15 a.m. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 4th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Yet another municipal council in the region is urging the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to accept an offer from the Ontario Auditor General’s Office to do an independent probe of its financial operations.

Thorold Regional Councillor Henry D’Angela once again joins members of council in his own municipality on a call-out for an independent audit of the NPCA

This April 4th, Thorold’s city council joined St. Catharines’ council and others in pressing the NPCA’s board of directors to accept an offer made by Ontario Auditor General Bonnie  Lysyk this past January to perform the full and independent audit so many Niagara and Hamilton area citizens and municipal councillors have been wanting now for months.

The offer by Lysik is “a fabulous opportunity” to have a “third party audit” done on the NPCA, Thorold regional councillor Henry D’Angela said during a presentation he made to Thorold city councillors at their weekly council meeting this April 4th. It is an offer for an audit that will not pose a cost to Niagara area ratepayers directly through their property taxes, he added, and “it will go a long way to re-establishing confidence” in the Conservation Authority. Continue reading →

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted April 4^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – It was “a slander and attack” on the Town of Pelham’s “credibility” by some Niagara regional councillors, said Pelham council member Gary Accursi who tabled a toughly worded motion this past Monday, April 3rd in defence of how well he believes Pelham’s council and staff manage the town’s finances.

Pelham town councilor tables motions, leading counter-attack against Port Colborne regional councilor David Barrick’s charges that Pelham has mismanaged its financial operations.

“Let’s call a spade a spade,” added Accursi of a lengthy and of a motion David Barrick, a Port Colborne regional councillor who is also chair of the Region’s budget and corporate services committees and senior manager at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), aimed at Pelham – charging that the town’s finances are in such bad shape, they could cause Niagara’s regional government to end up with a negative credit rating that ultimately hurts every taxpayer in the region.

Barrick’s motion, seconded by Niagara Falls regional councillor Bob Gale at a March 30^th meeting of the Region’s council and verbally supported by Grimsby regional councillor Tony Quirk (a member of the NPCA’s board of directors), meeting, had at least something to do with earlier motions passed by Pelham’s council, calling (as a number of other local municipalities have) for an independent audit and full investigation of the NPCA’s financial operations, and for a change in the way NPCA board members (11 of which now sit on Niagara regional council) are appointed, Accursi charged. Continue reading →

Niagara MPP Cindy Forster’s Bill Includes Card Check Certification And First Contract Arbitration

News from Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster and Ontario’s New Democratic Party

Posted April 4^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen`s Park– This April 4^th, Welland Riding MPP and Ontario NDP Labour Critic Cindy Forster, will table legislation that would give Ontario workers access to better jobs, better wages and the ability to secure benefits.

Forster’s bill, Fairness in First Contracts and the Right to Representation Act 2017, would make it easier for workers to achieve union representation in a workplace, and to quickly and fairly attain a first contract.

Niagara, Ontario area MPP Cindy Forster, second from left, at jobs press conference twith young Ontario workers Erin Warman, Suleman Basharat, and Samia Hashi

Forster’s approach has the support of workers like Erin Warman, Suleman Basharat, and Samia Hashi, all young workers who shared their experiences of difficulties accessing union representation and reaching a first contract. They shared personal accounts of how these measures would significantly improve the quality of work for hard working Ontarians.

 “The nature of work is changing at a significant pace and people – including so many young people and racialized women – are finding their work less and less stable,” said Forster. Continue reading →

The people of Canada are leading the world in their response to the refugee crisis. I am honoured by Parliament’s invitation and look forward to visiting this great nation of heroes.”                      — Malala Yousafzai

News from the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Posted April 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s  Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced this April 3rd that Malala Yousafzai will visit Canada on April 12, 2017, to address Parliament and to officially receive the honorary Canadian citizenship bestowed upon her in 2014.

At 15 years old, Ms. Yousafzai was the target of Taliban assassins after she became an outspoken advocate for the right of girls to learn and to attend school. She has since become an international spokesperson for girls’ education and the rights of women and girls. In recognition of this work, she was named a co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. Continue reading →

“Ending the hunt helps to give snapping turtles a fighting chance and frees us up to focus attention on dealing with other threats such as wetland loss and road kills.” – Ontario Nature conservation and education director Anne Bell.

A Message from Ontario Nature, an advocacy organization for nature in Ontario

Posted April 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Toronto –  Ontario’s decision to end hunting of snapping turtles is a welcome move, according to the David Suzuki Foundation, Canadian Herpetological Society and Ontario Nature.

SnappingTurtle,Photo courtesy of Scott Gillingwater, Ontario Nature

Ontario lists the snapping turtle as a species of “special concern,” which means that although it is not yet endangered or threatened, a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats could endanger or threaten it. Continue reading →

An Invite from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted April 3rd, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Making money is good, but making money while remaining socially responsible is even better.

The topic of corporate social responsibility will be the focus of this year’s Business Matters panel discussion, being held Tuesday, April 4 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

Making Business Matter is the third in a series of panel talks organized by Brock University’s Goodman School of Business. Previous Business Matters discussions have focused on the music industry and innovation in business. Continue reading →

Breaking News on Niagara At Large

Posted April 1st, 2017

During their ongoing  probe for links between members of Donald Trump’s campaign and presidential team and Russians, FBI director James Comey and his bureau investigators made a startling discovery.

One of Trump’s former campaign managers and his right-hand man in the White House, Steven Bannon, is really Roie O’Donnell. The discover ends months of the comedian’s friends wondering why they haven’t seen her making her usual round of visit to Yuk Yuk clubs in the Manhattan area.

Sources say the real Steve Bannon, fearful that the feds are closing in on the Russian scandal and may soon serve arrest warrants, is now be hiding out in the same Moscow apartment where U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden has been living in exile

The matter has been turned over to the Senates Intelligence and Ethics Committees for a full hearing.

Enjoy your first day of April and the weekend. And Happy April Fools, Doug Draper, NAL publisher.

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 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

And we in Niagara, Ontario certainly deserve better than what we have now!

A Brief Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 31st, 2017 on Niagara at Large

Niagara, Ontario – Never doubt it when someone wisely says that we get the government we deserve and that election make a difference.

If you don’t believe it, just look at what is happening in the United States right now. But you don’t even have to look that big or that far.

Look at what we’ve got at Niagara’s regional government level where – I will say it now, and you will find me saying it again and again if you continue visiting Niagara At Large for an alternatives news and commentary voice in the weeks a months ahead – we only have about a dozen elected people on the current regional council that deserve re-election.

Niagara, Ontario’s regional council in session, with the Region’ chair, Al Calin, at top left. File photo by Doug Draper

The rest have got to go! Continue reading →

Who to blame for all of that ‘Fake News’

A Brief One on Niagara At Large

Posted March 31t, 2017NIAGARA 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 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

New from the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

Posted March 31t, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Queen’s Park ,Ontario  – The number of well-heeled people being highly paid by Hydro One is a mystery – a black hole in Friday’s sunshine list, according the NDP.

“How many names, and how much money would be added to this sunshine list if Premier Wynne didn’t give her partially-privatized company permission to hide that information?” asked NDP MPP Peter Tabuns, the NDP’s energy critic.

“How many names? How much money?” Continue reading →

Is Niagara Regional Government’s intervention needed to     Make Pelham Great Again?

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 31st, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Thank God we have David Barrick on Niagara’s regional council. What a profile in courage! What a crusader for Niagara’s taxpayer!

Port Colborne regional council and Niagara corporate services committee Chair David Barrick sees possible financial trouble in Pelham town.

The Port Colborne regional councillor took time out from representing his own municipality on the Region’s council and from his full-time job as director of corporate services at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to drill down in to the Town of Pelham’s financial books and what he claims he found is not a pretty picture.

To wade through all of the ‘Whereas’s’ in a motion Barrick tabled at the regional council meeting this past Thursday (March 30th night) – a motion that, at the bottom of it, calls on Pelham’s mayor and council to pull of their fiscal socks, exercise more public disclosure when it comes to their financial statements and restore public trust in the way they operate their affairs, and that seemed to take Barrick longer to read than the time it takes to hard boil a dozen eggs – one would conclude that Pelham’s budget is about to explode in ways that triggers an economic earthquake across the entire region. Continue reading →

 New laws would increase organ donations and would protect workers’ rights

News from the Ontario New Democratic Party

Posted March 30^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

The late Niagara, Ontario poltical maverick Peter Kormos, former Welland Riding MPP, Welland city councilor and Niagara regional councilor.

QUEEN’S PARK – This March 30th,  NDP MPP France Gélinas re-introduced two private member’s bills in honour of her former colleague, Peter Kormos, to mark the fourth anniversary of his death.

 “Peter made an enormous contribution to public life as the MPP for Welland for 23 years – both because he was a tremendous advocate for his constituents and because of the skill he displayed in respectfully using the parliamentary process to enhance debate and improve legislation,” said Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt. 

 “To me, Peter was a friend who provided sound advice, and I am proud to bring forward these two pieces of legislation that I believe are good for the people of Ontario, and that honour Peter’s memory,” she noted. Continue reading →

“The Games will not only significantly benefit restaurants, hotels and other businesses in my riding, they’ll also allow people in Ontario to cheer on our amateur athletes on our home turf and showcase the province to visitors from across the country.”  — Jim Bradley, MPP St. Catharines

News from the Ontario government,  Niagara’s regional government and Brock University

Posted March 30th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Ontario is pleased to announce that the Canada Games Council has selected Niagara Region to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games.

In August 2021, Niagara Region will welcome approximately 4,600 athletes from across Canada to compete in 17 sports over the course of two weeks.

The province is supporting Niagara Region to help plan and deliver the Games through the Games Ontario program. Continue reading →

 News from the Ontario Government

Posted March 30th, 2017  on Niagara At Large

St. Catharines, Ontario   – Anchor Shoring & Caissons Ltd., a  company that designs and installs soil retention systems and caisson foundations, pleaded guilty and has been fined $50,000 after two workers were injured when a reinforcing cage collapsed with the workers in it.  

The company had been retained to undertake construction of a foundation for a new hydro tower at 88 Niagara Boulevard in Fort Erie and on November 13, 2015, two workers were working inside a cylindrical cage made of reinforcement bars (rebars). Earlier, workers had used a crane to remove the cage from a flatbed truck. Continue reading →

 A Call-Out for Public Accontability from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Posted March 29th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is calling on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) to accept the Auditor General’s offer to conduct a free and comprehensive audit on the organization instead of paying up to $150,000 to a private firm for an “operational review.”

Niagara citizens demonstrate outside an NPCA board of directors meeting this March 29thy. Photo by Doug Draper

“Last month, the NPCA laid off a highly skilled worker, supposedly due to fiscal constraints,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Why is the NPCA spending $150,000 on consultants when they can get a full audit from the Auditor General’s team of experts for free?” Continue reading →

 News from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario

Posted March 29th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Brock University Student Life and Community Experience marketing assistant Nicole Henderson (pictured immediately below) takes her turn at the Charity Car Smash held in front of Schmon Tower at Brock on Wednesday, March 29.

Proceeds from the fundraising event support MADD Canada. Continue reading →

MPPs urge NPCA to withdraw itsr controversial bid to seek an auditor

An Open Letter, dated March 27^th, 2017,  from St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley, Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates and Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Paul Miller

Posted March 28^th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Here is the letter in full –

On behalf of the communities we represent in the Region, we urge the NPCA to withdraw the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued at last week’s board meeting and instead reconsider the Ontario Auditor General’s offer to conduct a financial audit of the board, a course of action that we believe would go a long way in restoring our respective communities’ faith in their local public conservation authority.

As you know, the Auditor General is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly who is responsible for ensuring that public dollars are used appropriately by the province’s ministries and agencies. Continue reading →

By Doug Draper

Posted March 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Ed Smith – a Niagara, Ontario community activist who faces a defamation suit from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and its former CAO Carmen D’Angelo in the wake of questions and concerns he raised about their management practices – has fired back with a lawsuit of his own.

Niagara, Ontario resident and community activist Ed Smith. File photo by Doug Draper

According to documents obtained by Niagara At Large and filed on behalf of Smith,  a 54-year-old retired Canadian Armed Forces officer,  in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Welland, Smith is suing the NPCA, as a body, and its former board of directors chair Bruce Timms, a St. Catharines regional councillor and one of 10 municipal politicians in Niagara sitting on the board, for a total of $60,000.

The penalty being sought by Smith’s lawyers include $50,000 from both the NPCA and Timms for alleged “defamation and/or malicious falsehoods,” and $10,000 for alleged “aggravated and/or punitive damages” – all focusing on what was headlined: “A Special statement from NPCA Chair Bruce Timms,” which was posted on the NPCA’s website this past January and published as a paid ad in a weekly newspaper, Niagara This Week, circulated to homes and businesses throughout the Niagara region.

Niagara At Large obtained the court documents outlining Smith’s lawsuit against the parties late last Friday, March 24th, and made calls that late Friday to both the NPCA and Timms, seeking comment. Continue reading →

Many asked; “What took so long?” and “What’s going to change?” – Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

A Column by Town of Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn

Posted March 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Before I write about the long road toward inter-municipal transit in Niagara, I have a question for you…

Photo courtesy of Niagara.s regonal government.

How excited would you get when friends who own a house and have been living together for five-and-a-half years announce engagement and complete wedding three-months-hence? Are you delighted for the couple, but wonder “what took you so long?” and “what’s going to change in your relationship?” Continue reading →

“My ministry has confirmed the presence of Provincially Significant Wetlands on the Thundering Waters property (and) we have also acknowledged the potential presence of species at risk which could require authorizations under the province’s Endangered Species Act, 2007.” – Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry

A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry responds to Niagara Falls Nature Club’s concerns over proposed urban development in Thundering Waters Forest

Niagara, Ontario – Concerned about the fate of the Thundering Waters Forest given plans by a China-based developer to construct residential and commercial buildings on a portion of the roughly 500-acre site, the Niagara Falls Nature Club’s conservation director, Joyce Sankey wrote a letter to the province’s Premier, Kathleen Wynne, this past February, urging her not to see policies that would protect its wetlands, forests and grasslands weakened in any way.

“The Niagara area has lost 90 per cent of its pre-settlement wetlands making it vital to preserve what remains,” said Sankey in the Nature Club’s February 16th letter to the premier, a copy of which was shared with Niagara At Large. “Recently, the MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) mapped additional wetlands in the Thundering Waters area. This is a beautiful natural complex with forested swamps, old growth trees and a meadow area which, with so much diversity, provides habitat for a wide range of species.” Continue reading →

News from the Niagara Centre Constituency Office of Vance Badawey

Posted March 28th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, will be holding a Smart Cities Consultation in partnership with the Department of Geography and Tourism at Brock University, to discuss how to help municipalities in Niagara become smart cities. This event is open to the public.

 “Budget 2017 provides a great opportunity for Niagara municipalities to leverage the mechanism of Community Improvement Plans to promote and encourage economically, environmentally, and technologically sounds growth in a responsible and sustainable way. 

I am looking forward to speaking with students, stakeholders, and the residents of Niagara, hearing their thoughts on smart cities and the future of Niagara.”

Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament, Niagara Centre

• DATE:           Wednesday, March 29, 2017
• TIME:            Consultation Begins 2:00 p.m.
• PLACE:    Brock University, Pond Inlet, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1            

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 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

 A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Lincoln regional councillor Bill Hodgson said he was having a pretty enjoyable Sunday this past weekend until he went to his computer and opened up the following email the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s communications specialist Michael Reles sent him that March 26th day on behalf of the NPCA’s board chair Sandy Annunziata.

NPCA chair and Fort Erie regional councilor Sandy Annunziata at March 8th special meeting of board to address audit issue.

“Dear Member Hodgson,” began the email to Hodgson who sits on the NPCA’s board. “I  hope you are enjoying your weekend.”

“In response to your Regional Councillors report at the Monday, March 20, Town of Lincoln Council Meeting,” added Reles of a report on regional affairs that he shared with the town council he once sat on as the town’s mayor, “the Chair has asked me to contact you for your written submissions to support a claim you made.”

“Specifically, he (Annunziata) is requesting you address the claim that “They say they’re following the resolution, but, really, a grade 2 student would understand, you’re not following the resolution,” the email continued. “He is also requesting that this is done in advance of our Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday. Best Regards, … Michael Reles, Communications Specialist.” Continue reading →

Speak Up for the Great Lakes you Love

A Call-Out from the Canada-U.S. International Joint Commission

Posted March 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Residents of the Buffalo and Niagara region are invited to share their views about the Great Lakes at public meetings hosted by the Canada-U.S. International Joint Commission (IJC).

Lake Erie at bottom and Lake Ontario at top, with the Niagara River in right half of photo in between. Image shot from Earth’s orbit

On March 28th, 2017, a public roundtable on topics specific to Buffalo will be held from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the WNED/WBFO studios at 140 Lower Terrace in downtown Buffalo, NY.

A general public meeting will be held at the same location from 6 – 9 p.m. 

On Wednesday, March 29,  the public is invited to a roundtable discussion from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the St. Catharines Rowing Club at Alumni Hall on Henley Island Drive in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Canada and the United States released their progress report last fall on accomplishing the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement’s goals, and the International Joint Commission released their draft assessment report on January 18. Continue reading →

David Barrick To Introduce Motion To Regional Council Urging Pelham to Disclose its “2015 annual audited financial statement,” among other things

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Of all the motions listed on the agenda for Niagara Region’s upcoming Thursday, March 30th, the one I am positing here struck me the most.

The motion, according to the agenda, is being brought forward by David Barrick, a Niagara regional councillor for Port Colborne who is chair of the regional government’s Corporate Services Committee and who also holds a senior management position at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

Port Colborne regional council and Niagara corporate services committee Chair David Barrick.

The motion, posted in its entirety below, highlights what are characterized as a number of concerns around the financial health of the Town of Pelham that could, as the motion reads on, contribute to a potential for Niagara’s regional government “to receive a negative credit rating” which, as this reporter of municipal news understands, is not a good position for any government to be in.

Therefore, the motion – if approved by a majority of regional councillors at its March 30th meeting – would see the regional government asking the Town of Pelham to publicly disclose its 2015 annual audited financial statement along with the corresponding management letter with staff responses as well as the same documents for fiscal years 2016 and 2017.” Continue reading →

Brian Higgins Calls This Past Friday, March 24th’s Defeat a Victory for Hard-Working Americans but Says We Will Continue to Fight to Protect Affordable Care

From the Buffalo, New York Office of U,S, Congressman Brian Higgins

Posted March 27th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins of Buffalo/Western New York

Buffalo/Western New York – Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) released the following statement after learning that the American Health Care Act (Trumpcare) was pulled from consideration in the House of Representatives:

“Since the introduction of the Republican healthcare bill, less than three short weeks ago, people across our district and the country have expressed deep concern for the legislation which was better suited to protect wealthy insurance companies’ profit margins than hard-working Americans.  Continue reading →

A Statement from Mishka Balsom, CAO for the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Delivered to Niagara’s regional council this past Thursday, March 23rd, just before the council voted to move forward with more consolidated transit services for the Niagara region.

Posted March 24rth, 2017 on Niagara At Large

(A Brief Foreword Note from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper –

While Niagara’s regional chair Al Caslin and other elected officials in the region were busy applauding themselves this March 23rd after finally voting to take another step toward the seamless, accessible and affordable transit system many people in this region have been longing and lobbying for for years, I could not help but think of so many people, living and in some cases now dead, and groups that have been pushing for transit systems like the ones that have been operating for years in other Ontario regions like Waterloo, Halton, and Peel.

I could not help but thing of the many articulate students from Brock University and Niagara College who have gone before regional councillors year after year, pressing for better transit services, and of other young people like Jennifer Sinclair and others from that great transit advocacy group ‘Meet on the Bus’. Continue reading →

 Niagara Region’s Council Approves Recommendations Towards Consolidated Transit Service

News from Niagara’s Regional Government

Posted March 24th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

One of the Region’s inter-municipal transit buses makes a stop in Welland. File photo by Doug Draper

Niagara, Ontario – Niagara Region Council has signaled strong support (at a March 23rd special meeting of council) for the future of inter-municipal transit in Niagara by endorsing in principle the creation of a consolidated transit system along with the municipalities of Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland.

This follows recent unanimous approvals from St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland city councils to also approve in principle the consolidation of their transit services into one entity with Niagara Region. Continue reading →

“The current board of directors of the NPCA has lost the public’s confidence. … Their actions have demonstrated governance issues that speak to poor use of public funds, poor management of Niagara’s natural heritage and poor treatment of valued employees.” – from an open letter tabled this past Thursday, March 23rd by Albert Garofalo, a respected  naturalist and member of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Community Liaison Advisory Committee.

A News Commentary by Doug Draper

Posted March 24rth, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara resident and well-known naturalist Albert Garofalo.

Albert Garofalo – a Niagara resident and professional biologist representing environmental clubs and groups in the region on the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Community Liaison Advisory Committee – tabled a toughly worded letter at the end of one of the committee’s meetings this March 23rd.

The letter, tabled by Garofalo as the committee’s chair, Sandy Annunciata, opened the floor to “other business,” calls on the councils of all municipalities within the Niagara watershed the NPCA has a mandate to care for, including Niagara’s 12 municipalities, the City of Hamilton and Haldimand County, to “withdraw their municipally appointed representatives to the Conservation Authority board and direct Premiere Kathleen Wynne to appoint a third party manager to immediately oversee day to day operations of the NPCA.” Continue reading →

A Statement from Ontario NDP Labour Critic and Welland Riding MPP Cindy Forster

Posted March 24rth, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – Cindy Forster, Ontario NDP Labour Critic and MPP for Welland,  issued the following statement in response to the announcement made today by the Minister of Labour:

 “Ontarians deserve nothing less than a $15 minimum wage, because someone who goes to work 40 hours each week shouldn’t be struggling below the poverty line. Too many people are working two or more low wage, part-time jobs just to pay their hydro bills and to put food on the table.

Premier Wynne doesn’t get that families can’t survive on the current minimum wage. Unstable employment is having‎ a devastating impact on women, racialized people and immigrants. Now is the time for a ‎$15 minimum wage for Ontario.”

A liveable wage has been an ongoing push for Niagara area MPP Cindy Forster and Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath,, pictured here.

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 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

News from Brock University in St. Catharines/Niagara

Posted March 24th, 2017 on Niagara At Large

Niagara, Ontario – The new federal budget could help more families if the parental leave program were expanded to benefit more lower-income households, says a Brock University researcher.

Lindsey McKay, adjunct professor and researcher in Brock University’s Department of Sociology

In the 2017 budget unveiled Wednesday (March 22nd), the government announced that working parents will now have the option of extending their paid parental leave to 18 months, from the present 12 months. But to do so they must live off less money – 33 per cent of their income rather than 55 per cent for a 12-month leave.

Lindsey McKay, an adjunct professor in Brock University’s Department of Sociology, says this is good news for parents with higher incomes, but doesn’t help parents with lower incomes. Continue reading →