Local News Briefs
- Homes Not Affordable In Niagara – According to a recent study, the Niagara housing market did not rank well on affordability. The study found the median home price in Niagara was $627,500, which would require a household income of $97,013 to purchase. However, Niagara’s annual median household income is $87,510, well below the amount needed to purchase a $627,000 home. (InNiagara Region)
- Fire In Thorold – A fire broke out just before 3 p.m. yesterday at a recycling plant on Allanport Road in Thorold. The plant contained household waste and there were no hazardous materials. A shelter in place for Thorold near the Allanburg Bridge remains in effect and residents are asked to remain in their home with the windows shut. (Giant FM)
- Hospital Marks 10 Year Anniversary – Ten years ago this week, the St. Catharines General Hospital was closed and the new hospital on Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines opened. The new hosptial has offered new treatments for Niagara residents, allowed for other services to be integrated and enhanced, provided access to advanced technology and improved staff recruitment and retention. (St. Catharines Standard)
- Influx Of Refugees Stretches Niagara Agencies – The Federal Government said that they are committed to working with communities such as Niagara Falls, where almost 5,000 refugees have been placed in rented hotel rooms since last June. Asylum seekers are being housed in 1,500 rooms at several Niagara Falls hotels as the resources of Niagara’s agencies are being stretched beyond capacity, forcing Niagara Region to request nearly $6 million in emergency provincial funding. (Niagara Falls Review)