Everything about Niagara-on-the-lake Ontario totally explained
Niagara-on-the-Lake (
2001 population 13,839) is a Canadian
town located near where the
Niagara River meets
Lake Ontario in the
Niagara Region of southern
Ontario. It is located across the Niagara river from
Youngstown, New York.
History
The original site was a
Neutral Nation village known as
Onghiara. In
1781 the British government established
Butlersburg which later became known as
West Niagara. Many of the first inhabitants were
Loyalists who fled the
United States during and immediately after the
American Revolution.
In
1792 the village was incorporated as the Town of
Newark and was named the capital of the Province of
Upper Canada. The town lost that distinction to
York (now
Toronto) in
1797, as Newark's proximity to the United States presented a danger. The town was renamed
Niagara in
1798. During the
War of 1812, American forces captured and later destroyed the town before they withdrew. The British rebuilt, however, and today it has retained much of its historical charm. The present name was adopted around 1880 as a Postal Address to distinguish the town from
Niagara Falls. The name wasn't officially adopted until 1970, when an act of Parliament joined the Town of Niagara, and the Township of Niagara as one.
Historic sites
Most of the former military sites, such as
Fort George,
Navy Hall, and
Butler's Barracks, have been restored. Fort George's restoration was done as a "Make Work Project", guided by plans from the Royal Engineers, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, an early example of historic preservation. Fort George National Historic Site is a focal point in a collection of War of 1812 sites which, collectively, are managed by
Parks Canada under the name Niagara National Historic Sites. That administrative name includes several national historic sites:
Fort Mississauga, Mississauga Point Lighthouse (
1804, the first on the
Great Lakes),
Navy Hall,
Butler's Barracks, and
Queenston Heights.
Niagara-on-the-Lake ("N-O-T-L" in local shorthand) teems with historical plaques, many national and provincial, reflecting its significance in the establishment of many of the province's institutions. Among these were its first newspaper, lending library, parliament, historical museum, and governing body for the legal profession. Critical battles in the defence of Upper Canada took place here, at Queenston, including one in which heroine
Laura Secord gained her fame. The town gave many black Americans their first taste of freedom, both as a stop on the
Underground Railroad for those travelling further into Upper Canada, and as a refuge in its own right. Its stock of Regency and Classical Revival buildings, considered the best in the country from the post–War of 1812 period, led the
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada to designate parts of the town centre a National Historic District in
2004, the only one in Ontario. And, although it didn't make the final list, the Historic District was considered for nomination as a
World Heritage Site.
Other significant sites in NOTL:
Tourism
The town is home to the
Shaw Festival, a months–long series of theatrical productions featuring the works of
George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. The festival operates three theatres in the centre of town: the Festival, Royal George, and Court House theaters, and features one of a repertory acting company, scenic staff, and collection of resident and guest directors considered some of the best in the English-speaking world.
The surrounding region enjoys a comparatively mild climate thanks to the adjoining lakes, and excellent soil for fruit production, for which it has become one of Canada's centres. In particular, NOTL has grown into a major viticultural region. Visitors flock to dozens of nearby wineries, including those making the world's largest volumes of
ice wine. The town is also known for its gardens, art galleries, antique shops, and golf courses.
There are many
hotels,
inns,
B&Bs, and
spas in the area.
The town accentuates its British heritage, and features the only
Lord Mayor in Canada. Prior to 1970, the town was simply the Town of Niagara, and the title was Mayor. In 1970, the Town of Niagara, and the Township of Niagara were merged to create the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The title of "Lord Mayor" was to be given to all Mayors from that time forward. Many people incorrectly refer to the Mayor of Niagara prior to that time as having the title of "Lord". The First Lord Mayor was
Frederick S. Goring, and other former Lord Mayors include Jake Frose, Wilbert Dick, Jim Marino, Stan Ignatczyk, Art Viola, and
Mike Dietsch. The current Lord Mayor is
Gary Burroughs.
Demographics
Only 15% of the population is under 14 years of age. Those over 65 years of age number 22.6% and constitute a fast-growing population. The town has seen growth of almost 1% yearly, partially due to a large number of
retirees moving to the town.
Awards and recognition
The Town of Niagara was the site of the
8th World Scout Jamboree in
1955. Over 11,000 Scouts from 71 countries attended the Jamboree. It was the first to be held outside Europe and had the theme "Jamboree of New Horizons."
Niagara-on-the-Lake was named the Prettiest Town in Canada in 1996 by
Communities in Bloom, a nationwide beautification program . The town is now a tourist magnet, located at the northern terminus of the
Niagara Parkway, a scenic drive and biking/walking path.
Communities
Glendale
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Queenston
St. David's
Virgil
Further Information
Get more info on 'Niagara-on-the-lake Ontario'.
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