Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Encyclopedia : N : NI : NIA : Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

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Niagara-on-the-Lake (2001 population 13,839) is a town where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario in the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada. It is located across the river from Youngstown, New York.

First known as Butlersburg, Niagara-on-the-Lake was incorporated in 1781 as the Town of Newark when Loyalists fled the United States during the American Revolution.

In 1792 the newly renamed Niagara was named the capital of Upper Canada, but lost that distinction to York (now Toronto), as Niagara-on-the-Lake's proximity to the United States presented a danger. 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 to distinguish the town from Niagara Falls.

Niagara-on-the-Lake was the site of the 8th World Scout Jamboree held in 1955. Over 11,000 Scouts from 71 countires attended the Jamboree. It was the first Jamboree to be held outside of 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 [link]. The town is now a tourist magnet. Most of the former military sites, such as Fort George and Butler's Barracks, have been restored. There are also many wineries, inns, B&Bs, and spas in the area. It is the home of the Shaw Festival.

The city has the only Lord Mayor in Canada. The current Lord Mayor is Gary Burroughs; former Lord Mayors include Art Viola, Chris Malone, Troy Cleveland, Mike Dietsch and Wilbert Dick.

Demographics

Racial make-up

• White: 97.8%
• All others: 2.2%

Religious make-up

• Protestant (predominantely Mennonite: 57.2%
• Roman Catholic: 24.8%
• Other Christian: 3.1%
• No religion: 13.0%

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 pensioners moving to the town.

Communities