Community Initiatives & Events

Community Events Calendar

Niagara-on-the-Lake offers many enjoyable initiatives and events catering to residents, families, and guests alike. Learn about upcoming events below and ensure you're part of the excitement because community spirit is always alive in our town, and the fun never stops! Don't forget to check out information on how you can contribute to community projects and help support the ongoing initiatives that make our town thrive. See the "Donate" section below for details.

Happening Now

Christmas Parade

The Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The parade will start at the intersection of King and Centre Street in Old Town and will travel throughout its traditional route down Castlereagh, Wellington, Byron/Prideaux, Simcoe, and Queen Streets.

For information, including how to participate, a parking map, how to support the parade and more, please visit https://www.notl.com/recreation-community/community-events/christmas-parade

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Tractor Parade

The annual Tractor Parade, a beloved holiday tradition, will light up the streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake on Thursday, December 12, 2024. The parade will begin and end at the Meridian Credit Union and Centennial Arenas (1565 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil), running from 6:00 p.m. to approximately 8:00 p.m.

ROAD CLOSURES IN EFFECT: To ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, road closures will be in effect starting at 5:30 p.m. on December 12. Roads will reopen as soon as the parade ends. A full list of FAQs can be found below.

View the Public Notice.

Tractor Parade FAQs

Please view the full closure map.
Full Road Closures (Emergency Access Only)
The area within the following roads will be closed to general traffic during the parade. These roads themselves will remain open and serve as detour routes:
- Concession 2 Road: From East and West Line to Line 3 Road
- East and West Line: From Concession 6 Road to Concession 2 Road
- Concession 6 Road: From East and West Line to Line 3 Road
- Line 3 Road: From Concession 6 Road to Concession 2 Road
Please use these roads to navigate around the closure area and plan your travel accordingly.
Soft Road Closures (Emergency and Local Traffic Access Only) 
- Intersection of East and West Line and Four Mile Creek Road
- Intersection of Line 1 Road and Concession 6 Road
- Intersection of Niagara Stone Road and Walker Road
- Intersection of Niagara Stone Road and Concession 4 Road
The Town is implementing the following measures:
- Town employees staff barricades to support access.
- Detour routes for traffic.
- Advance notices to residents and businesses via social media, the Town website, and digital signs around the Town.
Staff are actively reaching out to local businesses, churches, schools, and other stakeholders within the closure area to ensure they are informed and to seek their assistance in sharing the information. To further raise awareness, large digital signs will be placed throughout town to notify residents of the event and road closures. Additionally, details will be shared through local media outlets, posted on the Town’s social media platforms, and published on the Town’s website.

Donations

When making a donation, tax receipts will be issued for donations above $25. Donations can be made online using the button below or in person at the Town Administration Building (1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil) via cash, debit or cheque (payable to the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake).

To donate to any of the following initiatives, please click the button below.

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
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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

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)
The 2025 Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The parade will start at the intersection of King and Centre Street in Old Town and will travel throughout its traditional route down Castlereagh, Wellington, Byron/Prideaux, Simcoe, and Queen Streets.
For information, including how to participate, a parking map, how to support the parade and more, please visit https://www.notl.com/recreation-community/community-events/christmas-parade.

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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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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.