St. Catharines News Briefs – Local Skim St. Catharines

Niagara Region Chair in Hospital – Niagara Region Chair Jim Bradley was admitted to hospital this weekend to seek medical advice and treatment after experiencing some flu-like symptoms. It is anticipated that the chair will soon return to his duties in the coming days. (St. Catharines Standard)
Outdoor Skating Rink Opens – The outdoor ice rink at the Pillar and Post in Niagara-on-the-Lake opened for another season on Dec. 14. The rink will be open (weather permitting) from Monday to Thursday noon to 8 p.m., then noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. (St. Catharines Standard)
Thorold Apartment Building Approved – The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has ruled that the proposed six-storey apartment building on Ormond St. S. can move forward as planned despite opposition from the City of Thorold and surrounding neighbours. The developer said the entire process was a waste of taxpayers’ money. (Thorold Today)
Lack of Protection for Escarpment – Ontario’s auditor general says the province isn’t providing enough funding to allow proper protection of the Niagara Escarpment. The auditor general said there are significant areas of the Escarpment not covered by the official plan and that the plan allows for development that harms endangered species’ habitats. (CKTB)