As we move further into 2025, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake reflects on 2024 as a year of planning, collaboration, and progress.
“I’m proud of what we accomplished in 2024 and excited about the opportunities ahead in 2025,” stated Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa. “These achievements reflect the commitment of Council, the dedication of Town Staff, and the support of our residents and businesses, all working together to make a positive impact on the community.”
Council's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan continues to guide the Town’s efforts, ensuring that long-term goals are met while addressing the evolving needs of community members. The progress made in 2024 demonstrates a strong commitment to enriching and protecting our heritage, agriculture and natural beauty while creating a resilient, vibrant and welcoming community for all. In addition to Strategic Plan advancements, the Town’s everyday service delivery plays a vital role in achieving the Town’s vision. These efforts build trust, enhance the quality of life, and create a strong foundation for a vibrant community.
“Staff are eager to carry the momentum of 2024 into 2025, continuing their hard work to serve and support our community,” stated CAO Bruce Zvaniga. “I want to extend my thanks to our team for their dedication, effort, and optimism as we look forward to another successful year.”
Some notable achievements from 2024 include:
Vibrant & Complete Community
- Heritage Preservation: The Town surpassed its target by designating 11 properties for heritage protection, with work underway on four more, demonstrating a commitment to preserving Niagara-on-the-Lake’s rich history.
- Recreation Success: The 2024 Summer Camp and Aquatics Programs exceeded expectations, with group swimming lessons increasing by 126% and Aqua Fitness boosting adult and senior memberships by 156%. Revenue grew from $45,000 in 2023 to $74,000 in 2024.
- Parks and Recreation Master Plan Engagement: Over 500 residents participated in a survey as part of the public engagement process for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, marking an important step toward enhancing parks, facilities, and recreation programs for future generations. More engagement opportunities will be coming in 2025.
- Community Awareness: Sixteen local organizations joined the Town in raising their flags alongside the Lord Mayor, Councillors, and Staff to support important causes and commemorate significant events.
- Celebrating Gratitude: The Town’s Thanksgiving Giveaway invited residents to share what they love most about NOTL, generating over 450 heartfelt interactions and showcasing the community’s appreciation for our beautiful town.
- Engaging Events: The Town’s Senior Citizen Strawberry Social event was a great success, with approximately 300 attendees and 200 baked goods delivered to local long-term care homes. Additionally, for the holiday season, the Town launched "Tommy's Holiday Gift Drive", collecting hundreds of new, unwrapped children's toys, which were distributed to the community through Newark Neighbours and the Niagara Regional Native Centre.
Good Governance
- Award-Winning Reporting: For the eleventh consecutive year, the Town’s annual financial report received the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association, reaffirming the Town’s commitment to financial transparency and sustainability.
- Strategic Staffing: The Town welcomed a Manager of Policy and Heritage Planning to lead the adoption of a new Official Plan and an Economic Development Officer to attract new businesses and address the needs of local enterprises. A successful example of attracting a new business in 2024 was welcoming Koppert Canada, whose focus is on sustainable agriculture.
- Improved Communication: The launch of NOTL News, the Town’s e-newsletter, marked a new chapter in keeping residents informed. With nearly 500 subscribers already, this initiative has proven to be a successful addition to Town communications.
Enrich Community Assets, Environment, & Infrastructure
- Environmental Leadership: Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Council passed an Idling Reduction By-law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Effective June 1, 2024, this step supports the Town’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan and promotes a greener community.
- Heritage Trail Rehabilitation: Phase 2 of the Heritage Trail Rehabilitation Project was completed from Line 1 Road to Line 2 Road. Additionally, Council approved funding to extend the Heritage Trail to Line 3 Road.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: The Town completed multiple infrastructure projects, with highlights including the Line 3 Road reconstruction between Four Mile Creek Road and Concession 6 Road, as well as the Hunter Road water main replacement.
- Heritage District Enhancements: The Queen & Mississagua Entranceway Project was completed, reflecting Town values and supporting downtown growth with a design that evolves beautifully through the seasons. Additionally, the Cenotaph restoration project was successful, supporting and enhancing the Cenotaph's structural and historical integrity.
- Enhanced Museum Programming: Council helped the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum acquire the historic home of its founder, Janet Carnochan, to expand its facilities and enhance programming. The house, located next to the museum, will host the research room and library, spotlighting Carnochan’s legacy.
Optimize Organizational Excellence
- Efficient Operations: The Building Division introduced an online inspection booking tool, streamlining processes and enhancing accessibility for residents and contractors.
- Enhanced Service Delivery: The Town launched a revised Service Delivery Database early in 2024, improving the tracking and management of resident requests and inquiries. Additionally, new online payment options and digital forms were introduced, making it easier and more convenient for residents to access services.
- Volunteer Engagement: Fire & Emergency Services completed recruitment for the new Volunteer Public Education Team, set to roll out in early 2025, enhancing community awareness and preparedness.
The Town thanks residents, businesses, and community partners for their contributions to making 2024 a remarkable year and looks forward to serving and working with the community in 2025.
To view the Town’s Strategic Plan Dashboard to check in on the status of action items and goals, please visit https://notl.clearpointstrategy.com/
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Media Contact:
Marah Minor, Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com