Thursday, 10 February 2022
The many sides of Niagara Why do we love Niagara?
February is the month of love! We usually take the 14th of this month to express our love for our significant others and those close to us. We buy them a nice gift, or cook their favourite meal to show them how much they mean to us. Maybe we give ‘em a back rub, or doing their least favourite chore for them?
I wanted to express why I freaking love the Niagara Region! I have lived here most of my life, short of an 8 year stint that my family lived in Northern Ontario between the ages of 6-13. Even during that period, we were back twice a year, Summer and Christmas, to visit family. I consider Niagara Falls my hometown. I know every inch of this city and have been all over the region a million times. There is soooo much more to do here than take in the majestic wonder of the Falls itself, which never gets old...or hang with friends at one of our dozens of wineries or breweries. We represent so many cultures here it’s amazing.
One word: History. We have oodles of history in this region. The underground railroad, our Indigenous history, The War of 1812, migration and so on...Google it.
Our agriculture: second to none for wine, of course but also for horticulture. The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture located on the Niagara Parkway has been around since 1936. It is an absolute wonder. I always enjoy visiting the grounds there. It’s like magic.
As far as food and drink: my goodness, you have a range anywhere from casual cafes to upper scale dining experiences. If you like to shop, we have everything here. Our local artisans can make you just about anything from fabric creations, to wood, metal, plastics...we have some quite talented people here.
Speaking of talent, we also have a plethora of some of the most creative people I’ve met. Actors, singers, songwriters, writers, comedians, etc... We are home to the world famous Shaw Festival Theatre. We have hugely talented people creating original plays and works that can be seen at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, among other theatres. We also have a number of sports clubs to join from curling to bocce ball including hockey, of course. Go Niagara Ice Dogs!!
We’re even perfect for outdoorsy people. I’m telling you, the Niagara Glen, Shorthills recreation and biking trails, we have a TON of outdoor fun for all!
The best for last
What I love most over all of the food, culture and creative ventures that make up our region are the people. Like I said, this is my hometown. I did all of my schooling here from JK to college, I’ve worked half a dozen jobs in different industries from restaurants, hospitality, customer service, nursing...and one thing that I never have to worry about is my community coming together when it counts.
Even before the covid pandemic came into our lives, I knew that if there was a group or organization in Niagara that reached out to the community to help, the community always stood up and gave all they could to contribute to help their neighbours. During covid, I was even fortunate to help create events and contribute to those who needed help. No one I volunteered with ever complained or backed out. If they were in, they were in to the end.
I checked our population: As of 2021, the Niagara Region holds 477, 941 people. That’s up about 30,000 people since 2016! Now, I know this area is more affordable than say Hamilton and the GTA which brings people here, but they stay because it’s a great place to live. I never get tired of clients I’ve helped move here from across the continent tell me they came because of affordability, but stayed because of the people and the variety of things to do and experience here.
When I help someone sell their home, they’re usually staying here. Often they’re moving to another end of town, or another municipality. It doesn’t matter where sometimes because we use the whole region. I love that we as Niagara residents do that! We usually don’t just stay in our town where we bought the house. I live in Niagara Falls, but often go to Welland or St. Catharines to see friends or for shopping as well. My husband works in Virgil, and we also have friends in Fort Erie and Port Colborne. I love that about being here. It’s very regional. All we have in each town or city we share with everyone else.
Are you looking to be someone’s new neighbour? Looking for a referral in the region for a trade or a good spot for a nice dinner? Give me a call at 289-686-5004. I’m here to help. Maybe I’ll see you around J
