Local News Briefs – Local Skim St. Catharines

Patio Program Concerns – Niagara-on-the-Lake councillors were hesitant to approve a proposal to make the outdoor patio program permanent due to lost parking spaces, concerns regarding the application process and a lack of specifics that need to be addressed. In the end, councillors voted to support the program in principle and to have staff return with an additional report. (Niagara on the Lake Local)
Explosion At Border – All Niagara border bridges have been closed after reports that a vehicle approached the U.S. side of the Rainbow Bridge at a high rate of speed, crashing into an abutment and exploding. The OPP is closing highway 405 and is asking people who are hoping to cross the border to delay travel until those highways and closures have reopened. (Niagara this Week)
Pelham Reaches Agreement – Union members at Pelham’s public works department have agreed to a new four year agreement with the town. The staff do work such as cemetery and park maintenance, road and facility repair, winter plowing, water operations, construction administration, and development engineering and plans review. (St. Catharines Standard)