Civil Municipal - May 2024

welcomed by a representative providing information about local attractions and directing them to a shuttle service that transports them to the town. The presence of Niagara College and its Niagara- on-the-Lake campus is another tremendous asset to the community, attracting interest and investment from businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors. “We are just so blessed to have that type of post- secondary institution in our community,” Zalepa claims. “They focus on the strong points of Niagara, like the viticulture industry, their chef program, their agricultural and horticulture programs, all leaning on strengths that Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer.” CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Businesses such as White Oaks Resort and Spa have long been contributing to the vibrancy and success of the Glendale area of Niagara-on-the-Lake. “The family that owns White Oaks, they’ve been in our community since the 70s, and they’ve been the pioneers of believing that the Glendale area was going to be the place to invest. We’re seeing that happening now,” says Zalepa. In partnership with the Niagara Regional Planning department, he adds that an initiative is underway to facilitate the mapping of future development and integration with key transportation infrastructure including rail, highways, airports, and the seaway. “We’re ensuring that we put the long-term plan in place to properly identify where different uses can fit into that significant piece of land, which is several hundred acres around the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) corridor,” he reports. Other efforts include upgrading road infrastructure in the community, such as the recent enhancements to Niagara Stone Road, a main artery connecting the town to the QEW. “We completed the rehabilitation of that roadway, all through our Village of Virgil. We basically took all the old wires, and we put everything underground,”Zalepa depicts. In addition, vintage-hotels.com | 1.888.669.5566 | salesinquiry@vintage-hotels.com Looking for an unforgettable location for your next event, conference, or meeting? Choose from three luxurious properties in the heart of Wine Country with: Delicious Chef-Curated Menus | Modern Amenities Spas, Pools & Lounges | Unique Team Building Activities Over 35,000 sq. ft. of Flexible Meeting Space | Exceptional Service Contact us today to book a tour. Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Make Your Next Meeting a Retreat Photo credit: Afterglow Photography WINERIES Visit Our wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com @WineriesofNOTL 137 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 NIAGARA ON THE LAKE, ON