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.
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 was not 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.
The federal plaque marking a National Historic District (English portion)
A map of the National Historic District.
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 center a National Historic District in 2004, the only one in Ontario.
And, although it did not make the final list, the Historic District was considered for nomination as a World Heritage Site.[1]
Dinner and a Show
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 theaters in the center 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 centers. 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.
There are many 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.
Niagara-on-the-Lake on Stamps
Stamp issued in 1955 for the World Scout Jamboree, held at Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Bicentennial of Niagara-on-the-Lake stamp, 1981, featuring Fort George.
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Court House on a 2001 stamp.
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Brock's Monument at Queenston on a stamp from 1969.
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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."
The town's main street in bloom.
Niagara-on-the-Lake was named the Prettiest Town in Canada in 1996 by Communities in
Bloom, a nationwide beautification program [1]. The
town is now a tourist magnet, located at the northern terminus of the Niagara Parkway, a
scenic drive and biking/walking path.
Communities
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References
- ^ Washington Times, 23 July
2004 [1]
External links
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