Ambassador Team

Interested in joining the Leadership Team?

The Leadership Team is expanding and is seeking an Operations Lead - someone who is comfortable with technology (we will provide training on how to use MAP Administration tools) and can monitor and manage shifts.  If you are interested in donating additional time to the organization, please review the Role Description and send a note to info@notl-ambassadors.ca, with the subject "Operations Lead".  

NEW Digital Green Book

A new resource document has been created for the Ambassadors, to help answer some of the questions you may hear from visitors.    Looking for a dog friendly restaurant or want to know where the antique stores are?  You can quickly search the Digital Green Book for the answers. 

Kudos to Shelley and her Tourism staff  for creating the original paper resource manual.  We’ve taken it and adapted the format for our use on the street.  Download the document to your device so that you always have access.  When you open it with Adobe Acrobat, you will be able to use all the hyperlinks to access websites and you will be able to click on phone numbers, if you want to give one of the local businesses a call. 

Click here to access the Digital Green Book.  This is a new tool for your use, and it will be updated quarterly as new information becomes available. It is also posted in MAP files GENERAL INFO-Digital Green Book-NOTL Resource and a QR code is posted in the Ambassador Lounge that you can "capture with your device's camera" to access the file. 

If you have any comments or suggestions about the Green Book, please send a note to kathryn@notl-ambassadors.ca . 

Peter Blanchet in the News

Check out our very own Peter Blanchet, Training Lead, being interviewed about the Ambassador program.  Click here to view YouTube video.

Town Parking Passes

There has been some confusion around the parking passes we request from the Town for Ambassadors who don’t live in NOTL and aren’t able to purchase a parking sticker.  We’ve checked with the Town and here’s what Lauren Kruitbosch, Associate Director, Office of the CAO has confirmed:

“Ambassador parking permits are, in fact, valid in the Market Street lot (behind the Court House), on-street parking in Old Town (where public parking is permitted), and the lot behind the Prince of Wales. I've followed up with the parking team to reconfirm these guidelines, and they’ve been reminded to ensure enforcement aligns with this direction. Ambassadors parked legally in these areas with their permit displayed should not receive further warnings.”

#exploreNOTL

Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake has launched a new monthly newsletter, #exploreNOTL.  It’s a great resource for Ambassadors  - a place to view a summary of all upcoming events.  You can sign-up to receive the newsletter by joining the Mailing List at bottom of the Tourism Home Page .

Experience NOTL

Ambassadors continued their experiential learning with fascinating visits to Queenston Heights and to Shiny Apple and Pillitteri wineries.

Queenston Heights: Brock’s Monument & Landscape of Nations:  June 3rd

NOTL Ambassadors were enthralled and delighted by Queenston Heights history and stories shared with them by master guides Amanda Gamble and Jim Hill. First, it was to learn about Brock’s Monument, how General Brock died on the battlefield on the fateful October 13th 1812. The statue to him stands 185 feet high (56 metres) and its centrepiece, a 235-step narrow spiral staircase winds up to a small indoor platform underneath Brock's statue. Several enterprising Ambassadors challenged themselves and had memorable porthole views of the countryside and the mighty Niagara River. The current monument was constructed in 1856, which replaced an earlier Monument destroyed by an explosive charge in 1840.

Without the formidable help of the indigenous forces, Iroquois & Six Nations of the Grand River, who had an alliance with the British Forces, the Battle of Queenston Heights would have surely been lost and the history of Canada changed for ever. To mark the importance of that alliance, the ‘Landscape of Nations’ was created. It is ‘a living memorial dedicated to the contributions and sacrifices made by Six Nations and Native Allies on Queenston Heights and throughout the War of 1812’. This alliance also helped restore peace among Native nations who, for years prior, had fought on opposing sides. What is more, this ‘Landscape of Nations’ memorial was a very important part of the reconciliation between native peoples and a testament to their survival on their native land.

Today, Queenston Heights park remains a must-visit for everyone, not only for its history, its open spaces and magnificent views, but to feel the carefully preserved honour and trust of those times that today’s world desperately needs.

Yet, modern times do prevail. Among the history its on-site amenities include a bandshell, a restaurant (Brunch on Sundays) , and newly installed tennis & pickleball courts.

Winery Visits to Shiny Apple Cider and Pillitteri: June 18th 

Launched in 2014, Shiny Apple Cider is now under the management of Diamond Wines, who took over its 27 acres and committed to its mission of being the ‘Home of Fresh Wines’ using local Niagara grapes and Ontario fruits for its unique array of ciders.

Chrissie, the Retail & Hospitality Manager, and Natalia, Cider & Wine maker, explained they try hard to show off a young, fresh & welcoming atmosphere, which indeed they did for the Ambassadors. Award-winning white, rose, sparkling & red wines, described as bright, refreshing & expressive are value priced with the most expensive being $22, made from small batch production of about 100 cases in total. The wines are perfect to drink young and paired for brunch, appetizers and a fun, relaxed occasion. Tastings for visitors are always available with a preference for advance reservations in high season:  the Shiny Apple membership club is creatively titled ‘In-Cider Club’.

The array of hard ciders offers a cornucopia of flavours including the traditional Apple Cider, together with a wide choice of other flavours including Ginger Lime, Pineapple Mango, Peach Basil, Cherry Lime, Gingerbread, Salted Caramel and many others.  3 new flavours are introduced every 3 months, and there is even a Guest Book where visitors can give their ideas for new flavours. How’s that for ‘listening to the customer’! Real cool!

The surprising, tucked-away, unpretentious atmosphere contributes to Shiny Apple as a child-friendly location with board games and fun activities for all. Snacks, and light nibbles are available as ‘Grab & Go’, and their bright coloured and eclectic lounge is a perfect place to relax anytime.

Dogs are welcome, too.

Shiny Apple…well worth the ride out to Irvine Road

Pillitteri Estates Winery is one of the long-standing quality wineries in NOTL, producing its wines since 1993. It absolutely prides itself on being a family-oriented organization. The owners Gary & Lina Pillitteri have owned the property since 1965 when it was a cherry farm and they are still active today.   ½ acre of Cherry trees is still cultivated.

Ambassadors were hosted to a not-to-be-forgotten in-depth visit. Welcomed by son, Charlie Pillitteri and then guided by Connor, the Retail Manager, who meticulously explained about the vineyards which comprise 180 acres, and produce 160,000 cases/year . High production for sure, but great quality throughout for whites, reds, sparkling and Icewines. Pillitteri is also proudly the Official Wine Partner of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Ambassadors saw the production facility and their Awards ‘Grotto’, where many of the over 800 local & international wine awards are displayed. Then it was down to the incredible 7000 sq feet concrete-lined cellar replete with barrels of French & American Oak, and a 46’ long banquet table, also lined with concrete and supported on 5 sturdy legs. The most surprising element was the 23 steel chairs hung on the wall, and positioned for special dinner events. Why 23? It’s Gary Pillitteri’s lucky number! Already wow, but more was to come.

Ambassadors were hosted to the exclusive ‘Wine & Waygu Pairing Experience’ normally for just 1-6 guests. It’s hands-on fun, seasoning experimentation, and wine pairing by enjoying sizzling Wagyu beef and swirling wines on the outdoor Tank Farm patio. Yet, that was not all, its was true Italian hospitality with lunch at the award winning BarrelHead Patio  for wood oven pizza with fresh local ingredients, a gourmet salad….. and for some, even a draft Icewine cocktail.

Pillitteri and Barrelhead have become a must-go-to local establishment where there is live music virtually every evening. Encouraging visitors to experience this amazing location will add to their lasting memories of NOTL.

Two more super wineries for Ambassadors to recommend to visitors.

Upcoming Community Site Visits

Don’t miss these amazing opportunities to learn more about our incredible Niagara.

Sign up NOW in MAP

Did you Know

Mid-Season Checkpoint - Virtual Checkpoint for All Ambassadors - July 14th

All Ambassadors are invited you to join the Leadership Team, for a virtual meeting on Monday July 14, 10 – 11 am. 
To register and access the login details, sign-up in MAP .

Post Shift Report

There is now an online version of the Post Shift feedback form, that will help you complete your shift.
Click here to access the form, and then save it to your device for easy access, following any of your shifts.  Remember that only 1 person per shift needs to complete the online form, but you will need to enter everyone’s name that worked during that shift.

You can also access the Shift Form, using the QR code that is posted in the Lounge.  If you have any questions about the form, please send a note to elenamb@notl-ambassadors.ca .

Emergency Call List

When last minute shift cancellations occur, we reach out to Ambassadors on our Emergency Call list first, to see if they can fill a shift gap.  If you would like to be placed on the Emergency Call List, please send a note to info@notl-ambassadors.ca . 

MAP Files

Among the many resources posted in MAP, you can always access the most recent version of the Ambassador Handbook in MAP Files TRAINING-Ambassador Handbook.

Training Resources

The Ambassador Handbook is a key resource for you, however if you feel that you require assistance in your role or have any questions, please reach out to Training Lead, Peter Blanchet at jmpblanchet@gmail.com .

Contact Us

If you have any comments or questions about the Communications you receive, please send an email to kathryn@notl-ambassadors.ca