The Town’s unique Cenotaph, dedicated to community members lost in war, was unveiled on June 24, 1922, by a previous Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Henry Cockshutt.

Located in the center of Old Town, the Cenotaph was initially utilized to signal the time to residents during the 1920s and 1930s. Now, the Cenotaph is one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s most recognized and beloved historical features.

The Town is continuing to accept donations to perform important maintenance to the structure. 

Donate

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.

Donate

The Burial Ground, located on Mississagua Street between John and Mary Street, is the final resting place of Niagara Baptist Church parishioners. Many of these people were part of Niagara-on-the-Lake's historic Black community, which included enslaved people, freedom seekers from the United States, Black Loyalists, free people, and their descendants.

The Town is committed to honouring those buried at the cemetery and preserving heritage in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

Council has committed to a partnership with the community group known as the Friends of the Forgotten (FOTF) to restore and preserve this burial ground long term. Staff is working with the FOTF concerning next steps and is currently conducting a Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment through funding raised by the FOTF community group. This process is being done in consultation with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) and Stage 1 should be completed near the end of April. Once completed, the results will be shared with Town Council, and next steps will be determined.

Services to undertake this archaeological investigation must be done in accordance with the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries' (MHSTCI's) current Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists and the Funeral, Burials and Cremation Services Act. Any work plans must be approved by the BAO and MHSTCI prior to project initiation.  

The Town will work cooperatively with these parties as it respectfully investigates and restores this important burial site and resting place of those buried there.    

For more information on the Friends of the Forgotten group, their efforts, and how to contribute, please see the Friends of the Forgotten website at https://friendsoftheforgotten.ca

Learn More

Make a Donation

Council and Staff have partnered with the Friends of the Forgotten to help lead the burial ground's long-term restoration and preservation process. The Town is accepting donations to help cover the costs associated with the work required, including but not limited to studies and other administration fees. 

Donate

To learn more about the Negro Burial Ground / Niagara Baptist Church, please click here.

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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.

Donate

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The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

At the July 25, 2022, Council Meeting, Town Council approved the locations of one rainbow crosswalk and five rainbow benches in Niagara-on-the-Lake. A public engagement survey, open from June 1 to June 15, 2022, allowed for community feedback about the proposed locations and informed Council’s decision.

As of June 2023, a rainbow crosswalk has been installed at the intersection of Niagara Stone Road and Anderson Lane, and one rainbow bench has been installed at the Centennial Sports Park. 

The Town is looking to install additional rainbow benches throughout the community at the following four locations:

• Mary and King Street (Old Town)
• Niagara on the Green Park (Glendale)
• Queenston Firehall (Queenston)
• Sparky’s Park (St. Davis)

Community members are invited to donate to offset the costs of these initiatives.

Donate

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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)

Christmas Parade

The Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The parade will start at the intersection of King and Center Street in Old Town and travel throughout its traditional route down Castlereagh, Wellington, Byron/Prideaux, Simcoe and Queen Streets.

Parade Entry

Those wishing to be a part of the Christmas Parade must complete the entry form before November 24, 2024.

Parade Entry Form 

Parking

Those wishing to attend the parade are reminded that parking is very limited on parade day. Streets will be closed, and parking will fill up quickly. Please plan ahead when preparing to enjoy the day with your family and friends.

Parade Map

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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

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

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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• Date: Thursday, September 14, 2023
• Start Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Location: Royal Niagara Golf Club

Registration for this tournament is required. Please register below for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Classic Tournament by Thursday, August 24, 2023.

Registered participants will receive 18 holes of golf with a free sponsored cart, a free sponsored lunch and a prime rib dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Centre (14 Anderson Lane) after the tournament. The Community Centre doors opens at 4:00 p.m.

A gift for each participating golfer is also provided by our Major Sponsor: Niagara Motors. The past twenty (20) tournaments have been tremendously successful, with the 2022 tournament being completely sold out. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. 

The driving range will be open and free for golfers. Please come early to the driving range to register.
This year’s major sponsor is Niagara Motors who will be providing a gift to every golfer.

• Free sponsored lunch
• Meridian Putting Contest
• Raffle Ticket at Dinner
• Hole in One chances
• Closest to the Keg
• Longest Drive Prizes
• Closest to the Pin Cash Prize
• Mulligan
• Survivor Ball
• Free Sponsored Golf Cart
• Dinner

Register Now

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The Niagara Canada Summer Games 13 for 13 Cultural Festival Event and Torch relay in Niagara-on-the-Lake were incredibly unique events for the Town. 

Thank you to all of those involved in making this a memorable occasion.

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NOTL Gives Back was a great success in 2022! Thank you to the Town's partners, Niagara-on-the-Lake Minor Hockey Association, Revel Realty and Team MAC Inc, for teaming up with the Town to collect donations for various vital support programs within our municipality and beyond.

Stay tuned for information about 2023's NOTL Gives Back!

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The 2022 Park Hop has closed. Congratulations to the winner of Park Hop 2022, the Chow family! 
Thank you to every participant that made Park Hop 2022 such a memorable adventure. Great job hoppers!

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The NOTL Poppy Project displayed of thousands of volunteer-crafted poppies at the Court House and NOTL Museum for 2022's Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day services, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124, were held at the Queen Street Cenoteaph and the Queenston Cenotaph.

Stay tuned for information regarding 2023's Remembrance Day services.

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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Niagara-on-the-Lake has been the proud host of the Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony for many years, honouring individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the Town's sports community or achieved significant athletic accomplishments.

This year's inductees were Monty Slingerland and Paul French!

Monty Slingerland

Monty Slingerland is quite simply the ‘rock’ of solid, unassuming and dignified management of a sports franchise. His unrequited, stalwart efforts always exemplified the very best of our community’s residents. Following his playing days, for many years in the 1970’s, Monty operated as co-owner, general manager and coach of the NOTL Warriors Jr. B Lacrosse Team. Under his leadership, they won Gold at the Ontario Games, Gold at the Canada Games as well as the Ontario Lacrosse Championship. Among numerous accolades, Monty has previously been recognized with a special award from Bill Davis, the Premier of Ontario and more recently was selected as a 2023 Lacrosse Legend from the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation. We are all, now so proud to be able to equally honour this hard-working, humble and most-honourable man with an inclusion on this Wall of Fame.

Paul French

Growing up in Niagara, the battling French brothers were a truly, unstoppable force to be reckoned with. While winning championships in football and basketball, it was through lacrosse that Paul finally found his calling. After winning the Canadian Jr. B Championship with the NOTL Warriors, Paul received an athletic scholarship to the University of Virginia. During his tenure, his team won two Atlantic Coast Conference titles and made 2 national semi-final appearances. Individually, Paul earned “All Conference” and “All American” status and was the team’s leading goal scorer in 1983. Naturally this led to a professional career with the Philadelphia Wings which culminated with the Wings first championship in 1989. Injuries curtailed Paul professional career in 1990. Paul was also a member of the Canadian National Field Lacrosse Team and competed in the 1982 and 1986 World Championships, earning a bronze and silver medal along the way. His perseverance, dedication and overall excellence has always rendered Paul a great role model and consummate gentleman. Paul is forever grateful to NOTL and all his youth coaches who mentored him throughout his athletic journey.

The 2023 Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony was a success on Friday, August 18, 2023. The Town looks forward to the 2024 celebration. Stay tuned for details. 

Click here to view all past inductees for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Sports Wall of Fame!

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The 2022 Step Challenge has closed. Stay tuned for details about the 2023 Step Challenge. 

 Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors!

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The 2023 Strawberry Social was a great success! Thank you to all those who attended and community partners for their collaboration.

Stay tuned for details regarding the 2024 Strawberry Social.