SUNDAY SUMMARY: NOTL'S top stories from this week

Editor's Note: Each week in this space we compile the most widely read stories from the past week.

Gallery: Candlelight Stroll might have seen biggest turnout ever

The Chamber of Commerce sold 2,500 candles, an increase from past years, and the crowd in the photo taken from the Court House steps certainly looks like the largest yet. See the photo gallery here.

25th Holiday House Tour 'a smashing success'

Reporter Joy Sanguedolce volunteers for her first Holiday House Tour, a 25-year tradition organized by the Rotary Club of NOTL, and loves it. Read about her experience and check out the photos.

Welland Canal to close Dec. 26 and be cleared early in New Year

The process to shut down the canal has started with the expectation that all ships will be through early in the new year. No more raised bridges for drivers to worry about, although according to the news release, it could be as late as Jan. 10. It closed last year on Jan. 7.  Read the details here.

Stitching group donates quilts to Newark Neighbours

Members of the In-Stitches quilt club dropped off 26 quilts, which they started making in October, for Newark Neighbours to distribute to families at Christmas. This is the fifth year the women have made quilts for Newark Neighbours. Learn about the quilting club here.

If provincial election is called early, Gates will be ready

The MPP for the Niagara Falls riding says he's expecting Doug Ford to announce a March election, and if that happens, Gates is getting his ducks in a row to start campaigning. Read why.

Town turns down request for icewine funding

Councillors don't want taxpayers to fund an event aimed at attracting tourists to town — instead the funding should come from Tourism NOTL's municipal accomodation tax. Read why here.

JOY TRIES IT: Benchmark Restaurant at Niagara College

The NOTL Local's Joy Sanguedolce discovers a hidden gem and foodie's dream in Niagara College's Benchmark Restaurant at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Click here to learn more about the teaching restaurant.

Town looking at limiting short-term rentals

There are currently 400 active short-term rentals in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and that number will stay the same for the next few months while town staff and council get a better understanding of what should be considered the optimum amount. Click here to read more details.