Every Sunday in this space we compile the most widely read stories from the past week.

Ford visits Niagara District Airport, earns endorsement from Deputy Mayor Wiens

The Provincial election campaign brings Doug Ford to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a stop at the Niagara District Airport. There, he outlines his promise to beef up border security while standing in front of a helicopter the likes of which will be deployed in that plan. He also references that he has promised $35 million coming to NOTL "for a theatre", which was news to everyone at the event, including Shaw CEO Tim Jennings. Read the story HERE. 

Shafoli Kapur to run for Liberals in Niagara Falls riding

After much speculation the Ontario Liberal Party named Toronto immigration consultant Shafoli Kapur their candidate for the Niagara Falls riding for the Feb. 27 election. The announcement came late Friday evening with just 20 days left for Kapur to campaign against Wayne Gates (NDP), Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg (PC) and Celia Taylor (GPO). More about Kapur can be learned HERE and HERE. 

Land Tribunal upholds its 2024 decision on Rand Estate

In October the Ontario Land Tribunal concluded its hearings on Solmar Developments' proposed plans for the Randwood Estate on John Street, making several demands for revisions. Solmar appealed the decision and this week the OLT released a statement concluding that the request does not raise a compelling and convincing case. Solmar will now have two months to make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with the development with the revisions requested by the tribunal. Kris Dube's story can be read HERE. 

JOY TRIES IT: Tossing pizzas with BarrelHead chief pizzaiolo Michael Zappitelli

In our latest edition of Joy Tries It, our intrepid reporter takes a tutorial from Michael Zappitelli in the Barrelhead kitchen, getting a chance to learn how to toss a pizza. How did she do? Find out HERE. 

Goldberger's new book and CD a reflection on a long life in music

That's Steve Goldberger in caricature form in the centre of that illustration, taken from his new memoir In A Life. In the book the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter tells his life story, taking the reader through a 1970s travelogue with his bluegrass band Black Creek and to present day, living in NOTL and bringing the entire Niagara music community together under his Shed Studio roof. He will be doing a special reading from the book at the NOTL Public Library in April, and playing a couple of songs from the new album, also called In A Life. Find out the details HERE. 

Three NOTL projects recognized at 2024 Niagara Biennial Design Awards

Every two years the Niagara Region holds its Biennial Design Awards to recognize  excellence in public art, architecture and design. At this year's awards Vineyard Square in St. Davids (above) and two other NOTL-based projects earned recognition. Learn more HERE.