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Hanging basket program revived

Hanging baskets are being planted and should be ready for hanging in June. (Town of NOTL photo) The Town is reviving the hanging basket program, reversing a decision made last month.
Hanging baskets are being planted and should be ready for hanging in June. (Town of NOTL photo)

The Town is reviving the hanging basket program, reversing a decision made last month.

The program will “further stimulate Niagara-on-the-Lake’s economy as it gradually begins to reopen,” a Town news release says.

“While we are not yet back to business as usual, I’m hopeful that the installation of these baskets will be another way to bring back some semblance of normalcy and hope to the Town streets,” said Lord Mayor Betty Disero in the release.

It was cancelled due to inadequate staffing and budget issues caused by COVID-19, and was estimated to save the Town about $50,000.

With the reopening of businesses, and the planting program, contract staff are being called back, interim CAO Sheldon Randall told councillors Monday.

With the Province releasing restrictions, “we need to bring back contract staff and get them ready to do the jobs they were hired to do.”

The Town has also had to hire more contract staff to assist with safety measures, he said.

Savings in the budget will help pay for the hanging basket program, Randall said.

“Staff feels that the revival of this program will not only support the recovery of the Town’s local economy, but it will also positively contribute to the mental well-being of residents and visitors,” the news release reported.

Town staff are busy planting the baskets and intend to begin hanging them early to mid June, depending on weather and staff resources.




About the Author: Penny Coles

Penny Coles is editor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
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