Democracy

Support shifts for Conservatives in Niagara Falls riding

Seven candidates fragment the share of votes in the Niagara Falls riding in the Oct. 21 federal election. About 14% of votes cast went to four candidates outside the three main parties. The Conservatives dropped to 35.6% of the votes cast.

The cost of reaching voters

Based on analysis of the financial disclosure reports of 29 candidates (three failed to file), spending totalled more than $182,181 for the positions of Lord Mayor, Regional Councillor and eight Town Councillor seats in the 2018 Niagara on the Lake election.

Lessons from a failure to communicate about libraries

As Ontario cuts total spending to tackle the deficit, it appears that libraries did a poor job briefing the new government. Ironically, the library budget cuts  undermine the efficiency objectives of the Ford government.
NOTL balancing act: 3.5 million tourists and 17,511 residents.

We need to talk about overtourism

With an estimated 3.5 million tourists to NOTL, the 17,511 residents are out-numbered by visitors about 200 to 1. The phrase “overtourism” is being used to describe the consequences of having too many visitors to a popular destination.
2018 NOTL voter turnout by poll

Old Town voter turnout hits 70%

The number of voters in 2018 increased in all five polls in Niagara on the Lake, but the Old Town turnout hit an impressive 70%.
One Mile Creek in March 2004

Tale of a creek

One Mile Creek, which runs through Old Town in Niagara on the Lake, is back online with a new website. I’m inspired by the civic engagement of a group of NOTL volunteers, starting in 2003, known as Friends of One Mile Creek.
Votes for Lord Mayor by poll 2018

Old Town voters determined who got elected in 2018

In 2018, voters in Old Town tipped the scales for who won the races for Lord Mayor, Regional Council and for seven of the eight Town Council seats in NOTL.
Lord Mayor chart votes

Stunning wins in NOTL with 58% turnout in 2018 election

Voters in Niagara-on-the-Lake clearly want a fresh approach to local governance with an incredible 58% turnout.
Town Council 2014 spending pie chart

What it costs to get elected in NOTL

Looking at the campaign financial data reported after the 2014 election, spending by successful candidates ran as high as $5 for the Lord Mayor position and averaged over $2 for each vote received by new candidates for Town Council.
Candidates listed by letter of their last name. Checkmark indicates winner.

Voting strategies to consider

If there’s a candidate who you want to see elected, or someone else you don’t want to see win, what’s the best way to make your list for voting day? Our friend Jim thinks that some voters simply pick off the top names or bottom names on the ballot – voting in alphabetical order.