CITY HALL NEWS : February 2026

Stay updated on current news, City Council highlights and ongoing events in our #ThoroldON community

IN THIS ISSUE

Council Corner
Recognitions and Ribbon Cuttings
Community Engagement
Community Partners
Community Events

COUNCIL CORNER

February 24 Council Meeting Highlights

📌 Walter Ostanek, resident, three-time Grammy Award winner and member of the Order of Canada, received a Civic Recognition Award

📌A Civic Recognition Award was presented to Jean D'Amelio-Swyer, in her capacity as Chair of the Age Friendly Committee

📌Council received a presentation from Tami Lyons, President, Thorold Garden Club

📌The Zoning By-Law Amendment for 2751 Thorold Townline Road was approved

COUNCIL MEETING

February 10 Special Council Meeting Highlight

📌 City Council approved the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets

COUNCIL MEETING

February 3 Council Meeting Highlights

📌 Start Me Up Niagara presented information on the Coldest Night of the Year event

📌A motion was passed to support a provincial declaration of emergency on homelessness, mental health, and addiction in the Region of Niagara

📌A motion was passed regarding intimate partner violence, and expanding recognition

of licensed private investigators and security professionals

COUNCIL MEETING

Property Taxes are due on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

Just a friendly reminder to residents that your property taxes are due on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Tax notices were mailed out on February 5, 2026. The City of Thorold offers several payment options. Please ensure payments reach the City by the due date or penalty and interest charges will apply. Click below to view all the payment options available.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

RECOGNITIONS & RIBBON CUTTINGS

Walter Ostanek receives Civic Recognition Award from Council

On February 24, Council recognized former Thorold resident Walter Ostanek, widely known as “The Polka King,” with a Civic Recognition Award.

Rising from humble beginnings, Ostanek gained notoriety in the late 1950s and went on to record more than 50 polka albums, earning his enduring nickname. Since 1986, he has received 21 Grammy Award nominations, winning three between 1992 and 1994. In 1999, he was appointed to the Order of Canada.

He was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2001 and received the Queen’s Award in 2012 and the King’s Award in 2024, further recognizing his outstanding contributions to music and Canadian culture. Read the full story below.

Recognition of Ontario Age-Friendly Community Award

On February 24, Council presented Civic Recognition Awards to the Age-Friendly Committee which includes: City Councillor Tim O'Hare, Chair Jean D'Amelio Swyer, Muhammad Anees, Mary Anne Bessey, Barb Daly, Leslie Daniels for receiving the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Award in January. Read the full story below.

Not present: Brenda Bator (Thorold Seniors Centre Representative), Mark Falovo, Marilyn Fraser, and Joey Hewitt (JAAC Representative)

ECCDC partner with the Kiwanis Clubs

On February 4, Mayor Ugulini was pleased to attend a special cheque presentation at The Early Childhood Community Development Centre to show appreciation to the St. Catharines, Stamford and Welland Kiwanis Clubs for a generous donation. Through this contribution, licensed child care programs in Niagara will receive a fully subsidized story telling literacy kit and an opportunity to attend professional learning for supporting literacy skills in the early years. Learn more about ECCDC programming below.

LEARN MORE

Family Literacy Day recognized by YMCA EarlyON at Pope Francis Centre

On January 29, Councillor Nella Dekker visited the YMCA EarlyON Centre at the Pope Francis Centre alongside representatives from the YMCA of Niagara and the Region of Niagara, as part of, the week long activities in partnership with Niagara Region Children Services, to recognize Family Literacy Day. Families in attendance enjoyed circle time, and received free books. Learn more about Family Literacy Day and YMCA EarlyON below.

LEARN MORE

Condolences to Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

We express our deepest condolences to Tumbler Ridge, B.C., and all those affected by the recent tragic event. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and community during this difficult time. Out of respect, our flags were lowered to half-mast.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Thorold Fire & Emergency Services (TFES) complete

Ice Rescue Training

This February, TFES career and volunteer firefighters were on the ice completing life saving skills and rescue techniques. The TFES Technical Rescue Team (TRT) helps enhance our service delivery to residents and visitors. To view more photos of their progress, follow their social media below.

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Battle of Beaverdams Park Splash Pad

Date: Friday, March 6, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: City Hall Lobby at 3540 Schmon Parkway, Thorold

The purpose of this Public Information Centre is to present the preliminary splashpad concept, including the proposed layout, features, and amenities, and to provide residents, park users, and interested parties with an opportunity to review the plans and share their feedback. Public input is an essential part of the design process and will help ensure that the final splashpad reflects the needs and preferences of the community. Learn more about this exciting project on Let's Talk Thorold below.

LET'S TALK THOROLD

Vendors and Speakers Needed for Earth Day 2026

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Canada Games Park, 2021 Canada Games Way, Thorold

Building on the success of last year’s Earth Day, the City has decided to move this growing event from the Thorold Community Arena to Canada Games Park at 2021 Canada Games Way, Thorold. This year’s theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," focuses on the positive impact we can create when we work together for change. Learn more details below.

LEARN MORE

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Thorold Public Library is a hub of activity

The library offers a variety of programs, like Therapy Tails and Mad Science, for all ages at low or no cost. Program guides are released every three months on their website and contain all the information you need with program descriptions, registration details, and a full three month calendar of events. Click below to download your program guide today and join in on the fun!

PROGRAM GUIDE

OPG and TFES team up for Ice Safety

On February 16, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), in partnership with Thorold Fire and Emergency Services (TFES), welcomed residents with free giveaways and valuable safety information. Attendees learned about the dangers of winter sports on OPG-controlled waters, helping raise awareness about ice safety in our community.

Thank you to Ontario Power Generation for generously sponsoring all three skates over the Family Day weekend and supporting this meaningful community event.

Free March Break Skates sponsored by First Ontario Credit Union

During March Break, First Ontario Credit Union is sponsoring Monday, March 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Thorold Community Arena. If your business would also like to sponsor a Public Skate please contact Brooke at community.services@thorold.ca

Click below to view the full March Break skating schedule.

LEARN MORE

Thorold Minor Baseball (TMB) offers a Play Ball Fund

Thorold Minor Baseball operates seven house league teams who play teams from other municipalities, as a part of Niagara Interlock Baseball, and four Thorold A’s rep teams with the hopes of adding an 18U team this year. Registration is open for the season and there is financial help available to families who need it. Click below to learn more about the Play Ball Fund.

PLAY BALL FUND