Icewine Village cancelled for health and safety reasons

Eduardo Lafforgue, the president of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce, says he was disappointed to have to cancel the January Icewine Village, but knows it had to be done.

It was a difficult decision, but the right one to make, he added.

The decision came after discussion between Chamber representatives, town staff, and event stakeholders, and was ultimately made in the best interest of the community’s health and safety.

“Health and safety is paramount,” says Lafforgue.

“When we realized we couldn’t guarantee that for our guests, we had no choice but to cancel it.”

He says although they initially felt they could control the number of visitors, as COVID cases rose in the GTA, they realized even if they hadn’t advertised the event, they would likely have people from Toronto attending, and they had no control over that.

“We hoped to make a safe version of the event, but it was decided to look for other options.”

The Icewine Trail at local wineries will be held throughout the month of January, providing a great icewine experience in 2021, he says.

The Icewine Village is expected to return to downtown in 2022.

“I would like to thank the Chamber for coming to the decision,” says Lord Mayor Betty Disero. “While Niagara-on-the-Lake is a proud host of the Icewine Village, we know this is the best decision in light of ongoing restrictions within the second wave. The health and safety of our residents is of the utmost importance.”