The Community
One of 12 municipalities in the Niagara Region, the Town of Niagara– on-the-Lake spans 134 square kilometres of prime agricultural, residential and commercial land and is home to 15,400 people residing in the communities of Historic Old Town, Queenston, St. Davids, Virgil, Glendale and the surrounding rural areas. As the First Capital of Upper Canada, the town is a close community of hard-working families who take pride in their agricultural and ancestral heritage
Rural Treasure
Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River, Niagara-on- the-Lake is home to one of Canada’s most scenic and majestic playgrounds. Each year, millions of people travel from around the world to experience the town’s unique charm, including Historic Old Town with its quaint shops and boutiques, premiere inns, hotels and bed and breakfasts, the refurbished Fort George and Brock’s Monument heritage sites, top-flight golf courses, breath-taking parks and gardens, and of course, the renowned Shaw Festival Theatre and world-class wineries.
The Opportunities
In 2011, the Town embarked on a comprehensive Strategic Plan, with focus on 6 key areas, including fair taxation, improved customer service, working to strengthen the already robust agricultural and tourism sectors, diversification of commercial, light industrial and residential development, and balancing service needs with affordability to their residents.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s proximity to the United States (just across the Niagara River from Lewiston and Youngstown, New York), the cities of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, major transportation networks, including a recently- upgraded regional airport, and nearby Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology and Brock University, makes the Town a prime location for light industrial and commercial investment.
The Glendale Area (located at a prime gateway along the Queen Elizabeth Highway corridor) has available 315 acres of prime, serviced land for light industrial and commercial development. In addition to the Niagara College campus, Niagara-on-the-Green residential complex and the deluxe White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa, a major high-end retail outlet is now being planned for the area. Other tertiary industries include distribution facilities, a road maintenance yard and truck service centres.
Building starts in Niagara-on-the-Lake as a whole increased 9% in 2011 over the previous year. A total of 471 building permits for commercial, industrial and residential classifications were issued, up from 433 the year before. Some of the approved developments coming on stream for 2012 include the Settlement in St. Davids, Queenston Banks, Apricot Glen (Phase 2 & 3), Niagara-on-the-Green (Phase 3) Vineyard Creek Estates, Courtland Valley and the Cannery Residential Development.
Their Amenities
New Local Transit Service – On April 2, 2012, Niagara-on-the-Lake Transit was introduced, providing convenient transportation services to residents and visitors. Hourly transit service will be provided between Historic Old Town and Niagara College in Glendale, 6 days a week (except Statutory Holidays). During the peak tourism season, a Visitor Shuttle operates between Fort George and Old Town.
Wineries
Niagara is the birthplace of the nation’s modern wine industry, accounting for 84 per cent of Canada’s wine production. The town’s vineyards and close to 30 wineries are the source of many internationally-acclaimed vintages, including their world-famous ice wine.
Hospitality
Niagara-on-the-Lake has some of the finest hotels, country inns and bed & breakfasts in the country. Their premier and many award-winning hotels include the Pillar & Post, the Prince of Wales, Queens Landing, Charles Inn, Moffat Inn, Harbour House, Shaw Club Hotel and White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa.
Historic Old Town
Historic Old TownTravel back in time while shopping at the quaint shops and boutiques. The town invites you to experience their delicious restaurants, ranging from casual pub fare to five-star dining.
Municipal Sites
The town boasts 15 public parks and playgrounds, six golf courses, two arenas and the recently-built library adjoined to their new, state-of-the-art Community Centre. In September, construction begins on a revamped Virgil Sports Park, which includes an environmentally-innovative splash pad, family pavilion and fully-accessible change-rooms.
Cultural Attractions
Heritage and culture embodies Niagara-on-the-Lake. In addition to the Shaw Festival Theatres, Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to four museums, including the Laura Secord House, McFarland House and McKenzie Heritage Printery & Newspaper Museum– as well as six art galleries and the Willowbank School for the Restoration Arts. They are also part of a National District Heritage Designated area, translating into over 400 properties that are designated or on the registry to be designated as heritage conservation homes.
