Community Initiatives & Events

Happening Now

Sports Wall of Fame

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Sports Wall of Fame honours and recognizes residents who have made a significant contribution to the sporting community or have attained a significant athletic achievement.

For those individuals and groups wishing to submit a nomination for this year’s Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Sports Wall of Fame, the deadline is May 5, 2023. Nomination forms can be found below!

Donations

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is accepting donations for the following projects:

Old Town Cenotaph Improvements
Heritage Trail Improvements
Negro Burial Ground
New St. Davids Pool

For more information on these projects, please see the descriptions of the initiatives listed below.

Donate

Check out the various community events and initiatives below:

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This program will allow service groups to assist in maintaining parks. A trailer will be assembled to include all of the tools required to clean a park and loaned out to groups on an as-needed basis. There is a sponsorship opportunity for the trailer, and anyone interested in this prospect should contact Kevin Turcotte.
View the Brochure
Parks Location Map
Volunteer Manual
Application - (click to submit an electronic application)
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Image courtesy of Tony Chisholm.
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124, hosted a 100-year celebration of the Cenotaph.
Donations can be made at Town Hall located at 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil, or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 located at 410 King Street, via cash or cheque (made payable to the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake) or online using the "Donate" button below (credit cards are accepted via PayPal). Tax receipts will be provided for all donations above $25.00.
Donate
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This Community Centre Open House was made possible by a grant received from ParticipACTION!
Thank you to the vendor booths who promoted their programs and activities and to the residents who came to enjoy the bouncy castle for children, free lawn bowling lessons, door prizes, community goodie bags, free use of the Community Centre fitness gym, and special programming at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Library.
A Community vegetable garden was initiated in 2019 by the Communities in Bloom committee in partnership with the local Library. Local businesses provided funding and plant products. Local volunteers planted, watered and weeded the garden throughout the season and then harvested the crops as they were ready. The vegetables and herbs were distributed to the local community as well as the many migrant farm workers who come each year to work in our farming industry.
View the poster
The Heritage Trail is the only unimproved multi-use trail in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Official Plan. It dissects the epicentre of the Wine Route in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a key destination for cycling, eco-tourism and agri-tourism.
As the automobile was responsible for the decline of the railway, it seems fitting that a shift from the automobile to a renewed priority on active transportation has the potential to breathe new life back into the Heritage Trail.
The 66-foot-wide corridor is visibly broken and even unknown to many residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Utilization of the trail has been compromised in the last few years by erosion and washout between Line 9 and York Road and in other sections.
The overall integrity of the corridor is eroding due to the inability of people to use it. Vegetation and grass are growing where people used to walk, run, cycle and ride horses. The trail is losing its “visibility” in both a physical sense and in the overall consciousness of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada Sesquicentennial Committee, created in 2017 to support and execute events to commemorate Canada’s 150 years of Confederation, chose the rehabilitation of the Heritage Trail as its Legacy project to connect communities and preserve a piece of Canadian history for new generations.
A committee of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, The Heritage Trail, was initiated in 2019 and will be directed by a group of volunteers from the community.
Stay tuned for informaton regarding the 2023 National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.
In collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, the federal government was called upon to establish a statutory holiday to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Each year, September 30 marks National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day).
On August 30, 2021, Town Council approved that the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake commits to recognizing September 30, 2021, as the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation by sharing the stories of residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and engage in meaningful education related to Truth and Reconciliation.
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is committed to reconciliation and ensuring that residential schools' tragic history and ongoing legacy are never forgotten.
Historical Indigenous Figures of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Joseph Brant
Joseph Brant, or Thayendanegea (“two sticks bound together for strength”), Kanyen'kehà:ka (Mohawk) war chief, Loyalist, interpreter, statesman (born circa March 1742/43 at Cuyahoga (near Akron, Ohio); died 24 November 1807 at Burlington Bay, ON); brother of Mohawk leader Mary (Molly) Brant. Loyal to Great Britain during and after the American Revolution, he was an influential military captain. Like his sister Mary, he was a powerful diplomat who encouraged Indigenous tribes to share his political loyalties. A Six Nations (See Haudenosaunee) leader, he met significant political figures such as George Washington and King George III on behalf of his people.
This information was sourced from The Canadian Encyclopedia.
John Brant
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Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks.
John Brant (Ahyouwa’ehs) was the son of Joseph Brant. Along with John Norton, he led warriors at the Battle of Queenston Heights along with other engagements. He was a strong advocate for building schools, he was appointed resident superintendent for the Six Nations of the Grand River, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada for Haldimand and his mother appointed him as a traditional chief, Tekarihoga.
John Norton
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Photo courtesy of Niagara Parks.
Major John Norton (Teyoninhokarawen) was adopted into the Mohawk Nation by Joseph Brant. He led fighters from Six Nations of the Grand River into battles at Queenston Heights, Stoney Creek and Chippawa. His journal chronicles his 1,000 mile journey from Upper Canada to the homelands of his Cherokee father, stories of Haudenosaunee culture and history, and Haudenosaunee involvement in the War of 1812.
Captain Alexander George E. Smith
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Photo courtesy of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum.
Alexander, son of Cayuga chief Alexander George E. Smith Sr., lived on the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario. He enlisted in the Canadian Militia and became an officer in the 37th (Haldimand Rifles) Regiment which, in the pre-war years, made their journey to Niagara for the annual summer camp. When the First World War began, Alex went overseas with the Second Contingent and fought as a commissioned officer in France with the 20th Battalion. He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery on the Somme, and was promoted to Caption, but was sent home in April of 1917. When the Polish Camp opened, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, he was appointed adjutant. Smith was admired by many of the Poles at the camp and for his services, he was named an Officer of the Order of the Black Star. As such, he was one of the most highly decorated Natives officers of the Great War.
Mary Brant
Mary Brant, Kanyen'kehà:ka (Mohawk), Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) leader, Loyalist, diplomat, political activist (generally known as Molly Brant and as Konwatsi'tsiaiénni in the Mohawk language, meaning “someone lends her a flower”) (born circa 1736; died 16 April 1796 in Kingston, ON). Brant was one of the most important Indigenous women in Canadian history. From her influential position as head of a society of Six Nations matrons, she enjoyed a much greater status within the Mohawk nation than her more colourful, younger brother, Mohawk leader Joseph Brant. Consulted by Indigenous people on matters of importance, she was a powerful ally to the British forces and served as their highly effective intermediary with the Iroquois in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783).
This information was sourced from The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Tom Longboat
Thomas Charles Longboat, distance runner (born 4 July 1886 in Ohsweken, Six Nations Grand River reserve; died 9 January 1949). Tom Longboat (Haudenosaunee name Cogwagee) was an Onondaga distance runner from the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation reserve near Brantford, Ontario. Largely because of his ability to dominate any race and his spectacular finishing sprints, he was one of the most celebrated athletes before the First World War.
This information was sourced from The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Indigenous Resources
- Celebration Of Nations: Niagara’s annual Indigenous arts gathering that celebrates creativity, diversity and resilience
- Indigenous Perspectives: A three-part docuseries by the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre intended to help educate about the Indigenous people's history. Topics included are the Indigenous involvement in the War of 1812, Residential Schools and healing as a community.
- Landscape of Nations 360
- National Centre
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum Indigenous History Page
- Regional Centre
- Woodland Cultural Centre
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)
- NCTR - National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Municipal - Indigenous Relations | AMO
- Famous Aboriginal sportspeople - Creative Spirits
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is accepting donations to transform the Negro Burial Ground. This first phase of funding will support archeological studies to recognize and respectfully honour those residents of all races who are buried there. There will be future phases that can be funded through this project page. Please follow this page for future updates.
Donations can be made at Town Hall located at 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil, via cash or cheque (made payable to the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake), or online using the "Donate" button below (credit cards are accepted via PayPal). Tax receipts will be provided for all donations above $25.00.
Newark Park Community Garden
The Newark Park Community Garden opened in 2022 to allow residents to grow their own vegetables, herbs and flowers. 32 ground level beds and 2 accessible plots are available. The garden is located in Newark Park on Niven Road near Lakeshore Road.
For more information, or to be added to the waiting list for next year, please send a note to: newarkparkcommunitygarden@gmail.com
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The Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Classic Tournament was a success!
All proceeds from the tournament will go toward the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre Track and Fitness Area enhancements to replace various cardio equipment, make repairs to the walking track, and apply a new coat of paint.
Thank you to PenFinancial for being the Major Sponsor, and to the Town’s Golf Committee Members for working hard to put this event together!
In honour of Random Act of Kindness Week on February 13 -19, 2023, the Town launched its third annual Shine Light, Spread Kindness Campaign. This campaign was a one-week initiative dedicated to promoting a culture of kindness in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The campaign provided daily suggestions on ways individuals can shine light and spread kindness through words, creativity, giving, stewardship, action, self-care, and gratitude.
Stay tuned for information regarding the 2024 campaign.
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NOTL Sports Wall of Fame Constitution
NOTL Sports Wall of Fame Nomination Form 2023
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Sports Wall of Fame was established in 2003 to honour and recognize men and women who have made a significant contribution to sports in the Niagara-on-the-Lake community. Be they an athlete or builder in nature, their leadership and accomplishments have enriched us all. It is with great pride and satisfaction that we are again able to share in their achievements. With this recognition, we ensure their efforts are not forgotten and will remain an inspiration to all.
The recipient must be an individual who, through his/her energy, enthusiasm, and talent, has made a significant contribution to the Niagara-on-the-Lake sporting community or has attained a significant athletic achievement. The individual must have been a resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake while initiating his/her athletic endeavor. Nominations can be submitted in two categories:
- Athlete - Athletes to be considered for admission must be or have been outstanding in their athletic field of endeavour.
- Builder - Builders are trainers, coaches, officials, or executive members whose volunteer work for Niagara-on-the-Lake sport over an extended period has been outstanding.
For those individuals and groups wishing to submit a nomination for this year’s Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Sports Wall of Fame, the deadline is May 5, 2023. Nomination forms are available on the Town’s website www.notl.com, at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, or at the Main Administration Building.
Each year a committee selects a maximum of two individuals to be honoured on the Wall of Fame at the Meridian Credit Union Arena located in Virgil. Recipients of the award remain on the wall permanently, and a ceremony takes place in August of every year.
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The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is accepting donations to construct a new St. Davids pool. This pool was built in 1969. It sits in a 4-acre park (St. Davids Lions Park) in the village of St. Davids in Niagara on-the-lake. This pool has served the community for 54 years and it is due to be replaced. The pool is classified as Class A - 25 metre – 6 lane pool. The change house is 1900 square feet and hosts a male and female changerooms, mechanical room and guard room. Due to the age of the pool there have been major mechanical problems over the past 20 years.
Donations can be made at Town Hall located at 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil, via cash or cheque (made payable to the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake), or online using the "Donate" button below (credit cards are accepted via PayPal). Tax receipts will be provided for all donations above $25.00.

Community Initiatives & Events

Happening Now

Sports Wall of Fame

Donations

Check out the various community events and initiatives below:

Santa Claus Parade

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