Ne#ra-O"lLe,fu,ke

FACT SHEET

History

Niagara-on-the-Lakewas originally referredto as Butlersburg, in honour of Colonel John Butler, commander of Butler's Rangers,the Corps that serveduntil the generalreduction of the British army in North America in 1784. Niagara-on-the-Lakewas the original capital of Upper (). It was the site of numerous Canadianfirsts, including: o The First Capital of Upper Canada o The first censusin Canadawas held at Niagara-on-the-Lakern 1782; o The first grist mill, built at Niagara-on-the-Lakein 1783;and, o The first legislature of Upper Canada,which convenedat Niagara-on-the-Lakein 1792. o The first anti-slavery legislation in the British Empire (1793) o The first library o First Masonic Lodge o The first agricultural society o The first settlementin Ontario by United Empire Loyalists o Law Society of Upper Canadaformed in Niagara

introductionof regionalgovernment to Niagaraon JanuaryI,1970.

The Town

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lakeis comprisedof the former Town of Niagara and the former Township of Niagara, including the district heritage communities of Virgil, St. David's, ,Homer and McNab. Niagara-on-the-Lakeis one of the twelve municipalities in the Regional Municipality of Niasara. is bounded by the , , the City of St. Catharines,and the City of NiagaraFalls.

populationof approximately1 4,000.

along the south shore of Lake Ontario from Stoney Creek to Niagara Falls.

in 1996, Prettiest Town in Canadain its respectivepopulation categories.

Agriculture and Wine

cottagewineries have produced vintagesthat have won gold medals from prestigious intemational competitions.

provide ideal conditions for the Town's thriving horticultural and fruit-growing industries.

in the world is a result of the unique microclimate in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

PopularLocal Attractions

Festival Theatre, four museums, 15 public parks and playgrounds,a library that houses the largestresearch collection on English Canada'sorigins, a community college,six golf courses,two driving ranges,two sports arerta,a community centre, and 16 churches.

Historical Museum, and the Historic Old Town's picturesquemain street(Queen Street) have been meticulously restoredand maintained.

significant part of our history. Niagara-on-the-Lakeis the place where Upper Canada began.

Heritage

Municipal Heritage Committee) was establishedby Town Council in 1978 to advise and assistCouncil on matters relating to the conservationof heritage buildings and areas, including: o Technical developments,policy and legislation, and public education; o The Designation and administration of the Ontario Heritage Act; o Identification and evaluation of significant buildings and areasto provide an accuraterecord of what existed; and o Acquisition and retention of sites, documentsand artifacts.

For additional information, pleasevisit the NOTL web sites at www.notl.org and www. ni agaraonthelake.com \lit#ra-O"trfuLt" BACKGROUNDER

Situatedat the mouth of the mighty Niagara River where it meets Lake Ontario, historic Niagara- "one on-the-Lakewas named of the prettiest towns in Canada" at the 1996 Communitiesin Bloom competition.

Twenty minutes from Niagara Falls along the scenicNiagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake attractsover three million visitors eachyear, who are drawn to its legendarycharm, ambience and history.

Niagara-on-the-Lakehas retained its earlyl9th century character,offering much to explore through its historic forts, grand mansions,colourful gardens,parks, as well as its abundanceof local wineries, vineyards, and restoredmilitary sites. The renowned Shaw Festival Theatreis also a popular site visited by thousandseach year.

Niagara-on-the-Lakewas originally referred to as Butlersburg, in honour of Colonel John Butler, commanderof Butler's Rangers,the Corps that serveduntil the generalreduction of the British army in North America in 1784. The Rangerswere headquarteredat Fort Niagara to servethe British in the United StatesWar of Independence.The Rangersfirst lived in garrison,and then in barrackson what is now the U.S. side of the Niagara River.

The Town received official statusin 1781, when it becameknown as Newark. It later changed 'Niagara'. its name to In the 1880s,the community was renamedas Niagara-on-the-Laketo avoid confusion with Niagara Falls. The central part of the town is referred to as Old Town or Historic Old Niagara.

Niagara-on-the-Lakeplayed a centralrole in the .The Town was takenover by American forces after atwo-day bombardmentby cannonsfrom Fort Niagara and the American fleet, followed by a bloody battle. Later in the war the Town was razed and burned to the ground by American soldiers as they withdrew back acrossthe Niagara River to Fort Niagara. Residents,undaunted by the setback,rebuilt the community with the residential quarteraround Queen Streetand toward King Street,where the new courthousewas rebuilt out of firing range of the cannonsof Fort Niagara.

Niagara-on-the-Lakeis widely regardedas a great place to visit and stay. Many bed and breakfastaccommodations, boasting historical attributes,as well as four and five star Hotels and Inns, are available throughout the town. As well, Niagara-on-the-Lakehas fully furnished cottages,homes, and apartmentsfor rent.

Niagaraon-the-Lake is also home to The ShawFestival. The ShawFestival - startedin l962by Niagara-arealawyer and playvrright Brian Doherty - is an art theatrewhich operatesas a non- profit and charitable organization. Each season,the Shaw Festival produces l0-I2 plays, totaling over 800 performancesin front of 100,000people. Playsare performed in the Shaw'sthree theatres: The Court House; The Royal GeorgeTheatre; and the largest of the three, The Royal GeorgeTheatre.

The Festival Theatre Box Office and Retail Shop is located at l0 Queen's Parade,Niagara-on the-Lake, Ontario. From January 15 to April 15, Box Office hours are Monday to Saturday,g am to 5 pm. Beginning April 16, the Box Office is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Tickets are also available at Bernard's, the Shaw Festival shop, adjacentto the Royal George Theatreat79 QueenStreet - now open Monday to Saturdayfrom 10:30am to 5:30 pm. For additional information, you can visit the Shaw's web site at www.shawfest.comor contact the box office toll-free at 1-800-51 1-SHAW (7 429).

Backgrounder Page 2 Niesftirh-O"tE",E.

TowN or NIAGARA-oN-THEL.qxE FnneunNTly Asrnn QunsuoNs

General

Where is Niagara-on-the-Lake located?

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lakeis situatedon the south shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River and is in close proximity to major highways, including the (QEW) running betweenToronto and Niagara. Hwy 405 connectsQueenston, Canada with Lewiston, USA via the Queenston/Lewistonbridge which crossesthe Niagara River.

What is the population of Niagara-on-the-Lake?

As of January1,2003, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake'sestimated population was 13,800.

Does the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake have a Town Council?

Yes. Niagara-on-the-LakeTown Council includes the Lord Mayor along with eight councillors, and residentselect the nine officials for a three-yearterm. The town has the only "Lord Mayor" in Canada, as a result of the town's special statusas the first capital of Upper Canadain 1792.

Does the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake have a Chamber of Commerce?

Yes. The Niagara-on-the-LakeChamber of Commerceis located at 26 Queen Streetin the lower level of the old Court House Building. The Chamberof Commerceunofficially acts as the Town's Economic Development and Tourism office. For hours of operation or up-to-the-minute information call (905)468-1950.

Does the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake have a Heritage District?

Yes. The Heritage District is located in the Historic Old Town. The local Municipal Heritage Committee is active in promoting heritage conservationwithin the community and advising property owners on appropriateconservation and maintenancepractices. Is there an American community acrossthe Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-Lake?

The villages of Youngstown and Lewiston, New York are located acrossthe river from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

What is the weather like in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

The averageseasonal temperatures for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lakeare as follows: Spring- High l2"C (54"F),Low 2"C (36'F); Summer- High 26'C (79"F),Low 15"C(59"F); Fall - High 15'C (59"F),Low 6oC(43"F); Winter- High 1'C (34"F),Low -7"C (17"F).

What is the Niagara-on the-Lake Historic SitesAlliance?

The Niagara-on-the-LakeHistoric Sites Alliance is a local organizationthat was formed to promote the public stewardshipprograms of the historic propertieslocated within the Municipality. Members of the Alliance include the Niagara Historical Society & Museum; The Court House, Chamberof Commerce; The Niagara Apothecary; St. Mark's Church, Niagara PumphouseVisual Arts Centre;Fort GeorgeNational Historic Site, Lincoln and Welland Regiment Museum; William StewardHomestead; McFarland House; Willowbank Heritage Estate;RiverBrink, Home of the Weir Collection; Laura SecordHomestead; Mackenzie Heritage Printery and the Brock Monument.

How many people visit the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake eachyear?

Over 3 million peoplevisit Niagara-on-the-Lakeeach year.

Are there accommodationsin Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Niagara-on-the-Lakeis home to many spectacularInns, hotels and conferencefacilities. As well, Niagara-on-the-lakehas over 300 Bed and Breakfastsfor visitors who are looking for somethinga little more intimate.

Is parking available in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Yes. There are designatedareas throughout the Town where tourists can park. Some parking areasare "pay controlled by parking meters and and display" machines.

Are there attractions to seewhile in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Yes. Visitors to Niagara-on-the-Lakewill want to visit the Shaw Festival Theatre,Queenston Heights, Fort George,the Niagara River Parkway, art galleries,gift and antique shopsin the historic Queen Streetdistrict, fine restaurants,and excellent estatewineries

How many wineries are located in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

More than twenty wineries call the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lakehome, which is part of one of the best vineyard and wine producing regions of the world. Best of all, tours and tasting are offered at all Niagara-on-the-Lakewineries.

Frequently Asked Questions Page 2 Are there local wine tour operators?

Yes. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lakeis home to severalwine tour operators. Additional information regarding tours can be obtained by visiting the Niagara on the Lake Chamberof Commerce's websiteat www.niaqaraonthelake. com.

Is there theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

The Shaw Festival is a renowned art theatrewhich operatesas a non-profit and charitableorganization. It was establishedto celebrateand produce the plays of GeorgeBernard Shaw and his contemporaries.

What year did the Shaw Festival start?

The Shaw Festival was startedin 1962 by Niagara-arealawyer and playvwight Brian Doherty.

How many plays are performed at the Shaw Festival eachyear?

The Shawproduces 10-12 plays eachseason, totalling over 800 performancesin front of 100,000 people. The company works in three theatres: The Court House Theatre; The Royal GeorgeTheatre; and the largest of the three, The Festival Theatre.

How and when can I purchase tickets for a performance at the Shaw Festival?

You may purchasetickets directly from The Festival TheatreBox Office and Retail Shop locatedat l0 Queen'sParade, Niagara-on the-Lake, Ontario. From January15 to April 15, Box Office hoursare Monday to Saturday,9am to 5 pm. BeginningApril 16,the Box Office is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Tickets are also availableat Bernard's,the ShawFestival shop, adjacent to the Royal George Theatreat 79 QueenStreet - now open Monday to Saturdayfrom 10:30am to 5:30 pm.

Where can I obtain additional information about the Shaw Festival?

You can visit the Shaw's web site at www.shawfest.comor contactthe box office toll-free at 1-800- 51I-SHAW (7429).

Where can I go to receive additional information on the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake?

For additional information on the Town of Niaeara-on-the-Lakelos on to www.notl.oru or www.niaqaraonthelake.com.

Frequently Asked Questions Page 3